[Feature Request] - VTherm Turned Into 2-point For Infrared Heaters And Less Frequency Of Switching

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Feature Request: Enhancing VTherm for Infrared Heaters and Reducing Switching Frequency

Introduction

The Versatile Thermostat (VTherm) is a highly customizable and adaptable heating control system that has garnered significant attention for its flexibility and efficiency. However, as users continue to explore and optimize the system for their specific needs, certain limitations and potential improvements have come to light. This article discusses a feature request that aims to enhance the VTherm's performance for infrared heaters and reduce the frequency of switching.

Background

Infrared heaters are a popular choice for heating applications due to their energy efficiency and ability to provide targeted warmth. However, their operation can be affected by the control system used to regulate them. The VTherm's TPI (Thermal Proportional Integral) regulation method is designed to provide a smooth and continuous control of the heating process. However, for infrared heaters, a 2-point control setup (ON-Time + OFF-Time) may be more suitable to ensure efficient operation and reduce the frequency of switching.

Current Challenges

As mentioned by Wolfgang K. in the discussion thread, the current method of energy consumption calculation in the VTherm may not be accurate for 2-point control setups. Specifically, with a 60s cycle, the heater is either fully ON or fully OFF, resulting in a Mean Power of 0% or 100% for each cycle. This is in contrast to the continuous, gradual power calculations typical for TPI regulation.

Proposed Solution

To address this issue, we propose revisiting the energy consumption calculation method for 2-point control setups. This would involve recalculating the energy usage based on the actual ON and OFF times of the heater, rather than relying on the continuous power calculations. This change would provide a more accurate representation of the energy usage for setups like infrared heaters, which switch completely ON or OFF within each cycle.

Benefits of the Proposed Solution

The proposed solution would have several benefits, including:

  • Improved accuracy: The revised energy consumption calculation method would provide a more accurate representation of the energy usage for 2-point control setups.
  • Enhanced usability: The improved accuracy would make the VTherm more reliable and trustworthy for users who rely on it for their heating needs.
  • Increased flexibility: The revised method would allow users to configure the VTherm for a wider range of heating applications, including infrared heaters.

Implementation

To implement the proposed solution, the following changes would be required:

  • Recalculate energy consumption: The energy consumption calculation method would need to be revised to take into account the actual ON and OFF times of the heater.
  • Update user interface: The user interface would need to be updated to reflect the new energy consumption calculation method.
  • Test and validate: The revised method would need to be thoroughly tested and validated to ensure its accuracy and reliability.

Conclusion

The proposed solution would enhance the VTherm's performance for infrared heaters and reduce the frequency of switching. By revising the energy consumption calculation method, we can provide a more accurate representation of the energy usage for 2-point control setups. This change would improve the usability and reliability of the VTherm, making it a more attractive option for users who rely on it for their heating needs.

Future Development

proposed solution would be a significant step forward in enhancing the VTherm's performance for infrared heaters and reducing the frequency of switching. However, there are several potential areas for future development, including:

  • Further optimization: The revised energy consumption calculation method could be further optimized to improve its accuracy and reliability.
  • Additional features: The VTherm could be expanded to include additional features, such as support for multiple heating sources or advanced scheduling capabilities.
  • Integration with other systems: The VTherm could be integrated with other systems, such as smart home hubs or energy management systems, to provide a more comprehensive and connected heating solution.

Community Involvement

We invite the community to participate in the discussion and provide feedback on the proposed solution. Your input and suggestions are invaluable in helping us shape the future of the VTherm and ensure that it meets the needs of its users.

Call to Action

If you are interested in contributing to the development of the VTherm or would like to provide feedback on the proposed solution, please join the discussion thread on GitHub. Your participation and input will help us create a more accurate, reliable, and user-friendly heating control system.
Q&A: Enhancing VTherm for Infrared Heaters and Reducing Switching Frequency

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed a feature request to enhance the VTherm's performance for infrared heaters and reduce the frequency of switching. We proposed revising the energy consumption calculation method to provide a more accurate representation of the energy usage for 2-point control setups. In this article, we will address some of the frequently asked questions (FAQs) related to this feature request.

Q: What is the current issue with the VTherm's energy consumption calculation method?

A: The current method of energy consumption calculation in the VTherm may not be accurate for 2-point control setups, such as infrared heaters. With a 60s cycle, the heater is either fully ON or fully OFF, resulting in a Mean Power of 0% or 100% for each cycle. This is in contrast to the continuous, gradual power calculations typical for TPI regulation.

Q: Why is the current method not accurate for 2-point control setups?

A: The current method is designed to provide a smooth and continuous control of the heating process, which is not suitable for 2-point control setups. Infrared heaters, for example, switch completely ON or OFF within each cycle, making the continuous power calculations inaccurate.

Q: What are the benefits of revising the energy consumption calculation method?

A: The revised method would provide a more accurate representation of the energy usage for 2-point control setups, making the VTherm more reliable and trustworthy for users who rely on it for their heating needs. It would also increase the flexibility of the VTherm, allowing users to configure it for a wider range of heating applications.

Q: How would the revised method be implemented?

A: The revised method would involve recalculating the energy consumption based on the actual ON and OFF times of the heater, rather than relying on the continuous power calculations. The user interface would need to be updated to reflect the new energy consumption calculation method.

Q: Would the revised method affect the performance of the VTherm?

A: The revised method would not affect the performance of the VTherm in terms of heating control. However, it would provide a more accurate representation of the energy usage, which could be beneficial for users who want to optimize their energy consumption.

Q: Can the revised method be applied to other types of heating applications?

A: Yes, the revised method could be applied to other types of heating applications that use 2-point control setups, such as electric heaters or heat pumps.

Q: How can users provide feedback on the proposed solution?

A: Users can provide feedback on the proposed solution by joining the discussion thread on GitHub. Your input and suggestions are invaluable in helping us shape the future of the VTherm and ensure that it meets the needs of its users.

Q: What is the next step in implementing the revised method?

A: Once the revised method is agreed upon, we will begin implementing the changes to the VTherm's code. This will involve updating the energy consumption calculation method and testing the revised method to ensure its accuracy and reliability.

Q: When can users expect to see the revised method in the VTherm?

A: We anticipate that the revised method will be available in the VTh within the next few months, pending the completion of the implementation and testing phases.

Conclusion

We hope this Q&A article has provided a better understanding of the proposed solution to enhance the VTherm's performance for infrared heaters and reduce the frequency of switching. If you have any further questions or would like to provide feedback on the proposed solution, please join the discussion thread on GitHub.