Virtual Test Bench for the Design of Control Strategies for Water Heaters

Abstract An innovative methodology and a virtual test bench (VTB) are proposed to support the design of water heaters’ control strategies. This platform allows speed up development evaluation systems even before existence prototypes or real environments. By simulating environmental conditions state different device components, it will be possible detect correct initial errors in system which can time consuming costly due subsequent modifications equipment components. The architecture establishes four operating modes: open-loop data acquisition, real-time simulation, hardware-in-the-loop complete system, incorporation these functionalities same is not reported literature for domestic heaters. was designed accommodate heaters including, but limited to, gas, electric, heat pumps, instantaneous hot production including storage. prototype described emphasizing methodologies embedded control. particular case study tankless gas heater (TGWH) presented implementing operation modes bench. models, strategies, experimental discussed.