Remote control‐based energy management for energy savings in a central heating system

In this study, to enhance the performance of a central heating system, the following tasks were performed on the system via Radio Frequency modems: collection of data, evaluation of the system, real time monitoring, remote control, and management processes. A central heating system testing apparatus and related software and hardware were developed. Both short‐time and long‐time experiments were conducted. In the experiments, Case 1, in which the system operated under ambient conditions for an hour without remote control, was compared with Case 2, in which the space temperature was kept constant at 21°C. The experimental results indicated that Case 2, in which remote control‐based energy management was conducted, resulted in 20 L of fuel savings compared to Case 1, and a 57–60% thermal efficiency was measured. As a result, a central heating system using remote control‐based energy management is more efficient, economical, and less harmful to the environment. © 2016 American Institute of Chemical Engineers Environ Prog, 36: 600–609, 2017