[Feature Request]: Configurable Activation Logic for Central Boiler: Power or Zone Threshold

[lukcz]

Feature Request: Configurable Central Boiler Activation: Power or Zone Threshold

Summary: This feature request proposes adding a configurable activation method for central boilers, allowing users to choose between a minimum power threshold or a minimum number of zones requesting heat.

Problem: Current central boiler activation relies solely on the number of requesting zones (boiler_activation_threshold). This does not account for varying radiator power outputs, leading to potential short cycling and inefficient operation when combined power demand is low.

Proposed Solution:

• New Parameter: Introduce activation_mode to central boiler configuration, allowing options power or zone.

• power Mode:

  • Activate boiler when total estimated_heating_power from requesting thermostats exceeds boiler_power_activation_threshold.
  • Ignore boiler_activation_threshold.

• zone Mode:

  • Activate boiler based on existing logic: when requesting zone count is equal or greater than boiler_activation_threshold.
  • Ignore boiler_power_activation_threshold.

• New Thermostat Parameter: Introduce optional estimated_heating_power (Watts) to thermostat configurations for power calculations. Default to 0 if not specified.

[jmcollin78]

Hello, I think I understand what you mean and I think it is interesting.

Just for precision, there is no zone mode but more a number of heating devices.
If a VTherm have 2 devices, it counts for 2 when it becomes active. And if the total of active device (and not the total of active Vtherm) is > threshold then the central boiler is activated.

If I understand well, your FR aims to activate the central boiler if the total power of active VTherm (power is at Vtherm level and not at device level) is > power threshold.

If you are interested too, please vote for this FR.

[jmcollin78]

If someone is interested to develop this, there is already the list of active devices in the sensor.nb_device_active_for_boiler. The field is named active_device_ids: [].

So you have all the logic to do the test easily in the class NbActiveDeviceForBoilerSensor (in the sensor.py file).

[lukcz]

Indeed by zone I meant number of heating devices.

[TTLucian]

Hi. I agree that this is needed. I am currently doing it via a helper sensor and simple automation. Helper is sum of all the valve_opening_degree and automation is to turn on boiler when helper sensor value exceeds certain value and turn it off otherwise.