How do Themo algorithms, optimisation and predictive control work?

Why does setting schedules matter?

With cold outside temperatures, buildings are constantly losing heat to their surroundings, requiring the heating system to provide heat continuously to maintain a set temperature. 

Heat losses in houses and apartments are driven by a temperature difference between the warm interior and the cold exterior. While the insulation of the building envelop has a significant effect on the heat loss, the temperature difference between the inside and outside is of similar importance.

A bigger difference results in higher losses. If the temperature is kept at an evenly high level, the losses are also consistently high.

If the temperature is lowered in the absence of the residents with the help of a preset Schedule, then the losses to the surroundings can be minimised. 

Themo is using unique cost based optimisation.

When Themo is operating on Schedule then it calculates through thousands of variations of how to apply heat to your floor in order to reach your set schedule. Themo finds the most optimal solution based on the total electricity cost.

Total cost of electricity includes:

• realtime electricity prices (Nord Pool Spot)
• day/night network tariffs
• taxes for the electricity

This means that with Themo Smart Schedule function your cost of heating is kept as low as possible. All you have to do is set a preferred temperature when you are at home.

If you have time of use electricity price and/or spot electricity, then Themo's algorithm optimises the power supply based on electricity price for each hour by taking into an account floor and room characteristics. In this case, heat is sometimes stored in the floor so that energy consumption can be minimised during more expensive hours. For example, if a bathroom is set to 24 degrees from 17.00 in the evening, your floor will be preheated slightly above 24 degrees 1 hour before to avoid power consumption during the more expensive hours.

Similarly, when the scheduled temperature is constant and you have time of use electricity price and / or spot electricity, Themo may preheat the floor before “peak hours” if floor is capable of storing enough heat. This means that the temperature can vary between few degrees, while maintaining at least the set minimum temperature. 

By using the Smart Schedule function, you will also support the environmentally friendly use of the electricity network, as during peak hours the demand for electricity has to be met.

If you have fully fixed pricing, the algorithm minimises energy consumption by ensuring the set minimum temperature in the desired hours.

The basic principle always is to enable the most economical means of heating.