Damon Hart-Davis

This model explores the interaction between wet/hydronic central heating systems typical of the UK, and that will generally have to be retrofitted from gas-fired to heat pump by 2050, and TRVs (Thermostatic Radiator Valves) in those systems to micro-zone for comfort and efficiency. Heat-pump designers/installers have been concerned that while TRVs and zoning can lower heat demand, they may raise electricity demand (and thus carbon footprint) for the heating system. This model looks at various plausible UK scenarios at up to 1h resolution over 10 years, and indicates that the problem can indeed exist with very 'tight' temperature regulation, eg using "load compensation". But this "bad setback effect" goes away with pure "weather compensation", at the cost of looser temperature regulation.

When do UK Twitter users (2017 to 2022) turn their central heating fully off, by month? This informal periodic survey on social media suggests that a substantial fraction of respondents (up to 10\%) leave their central heating on year-round, which may lead to unnecessary energy consumption and carbon emissions.

A system for controlling a radiator valve by using a sensor to obtain a current temperature measurement, and then operating a motor to change a valve position based on the temperature measured. If the temperature is within a first range of a target temperature, the valve is maintained in the current position and if the temperature is outside the first range but within a second range greater than the first then the valve position is adjusted by a first amount or at a first speed. The system may obtain measurements of light intensity in the environment or detect if the environment is occupied or not and change the first and second ranges based on these factors. A method where the system also can determine if the temperature is outside the first and second ranges but within a third, even greater range to adjust the valve position by a third amount or speed that is greater than the second amount or speed.