Smart Heating Project
FAQs
Some terms
‘Setback’ Temperature: The base temperature of the heating system. This will be around 18-19oC
Target Temperature: The temperature you set your room to be at
Dashboard: The control screen on the tablet interface
Tablet Interface
What is it?
This dashboard enables you to control the temperature in the room. It displays information about the current
temperature, the current target temperature (the temperature you set), if your window is open or closed, and
displays historic data of the rooms heating performance. Of all the new equipment in the room this is the only device
you need to interact with.
How does it work?
The dashboard is a touchscreen display. The target temperature section has the current target temperature that
your room is trying to achieve. To change this you must use the ‘+’ and ‘-‘ and then click confirm. You can also swipe
the screen to view other information and statistics (the tablet will return to the ‘target temperature’ page after a
period of inactivity).
This looks like a tablet; can I access any other programmes?
We’re afraid not. The tablet is locked down so that you can only access the Heating Dashboard.
(The network that the Heating Dashboard uses is limited to only access the page displaying the Heating Dashboard,
all other web pages will not be able to load).
So this is saving energy? Should I turn off the Dashboard when I go home?
No. Please do not turn off the dashboard or switch off the socket that the dashboard and Movement Sensor are
plugged into. The energy used to power the devices is minimal and we are able to reduce this further during times of
inactivity.
There’s a message about lost network connection…
Your ability to change the current target temperature is dependent on the Wi-Fi internet connection within the
building. Should this drop out the dashboard will display a notification about the network and disable the heating
controls. As soon as the Wi-Fi is back up and running the dashboard will resume the controls. During the drop out
period the heating will continue as before, the only aspect which is lost is your ability to change the target
temperature at that moment. All the devices have the last schedule stored on them and will carry on regardless.
Handheld Remote Control
What does this do?
You operate your heating via this remote control. Of all the new equipment in the room this is the only device you
need to interact with.
What are the controls?
There are 4 buttons:
 Power – This toggles between the ‘Target’ and ‘Setback’ level of heat. The ‘target’ temperature is the
temperature you set the temperature of the room when it is occupied. The ‘setback’ temperature is a lower,
more energy efficient temperature set for when the room is unoccupied.
 Boost – This will increase the target room temperature for 1 hour.
 ‘Up’ arrow – This will increase the temperature by 1.5oC.
 ‘Down’ arrow – This will decrease the temperature by 1.5oC.
So I don’t have a tablet control for my room?
We’re afraid not. The remote will serve the same function as a tablet interface. The only difference being that the
operation in your room is based on how you feel rather than an actual temperature reading. All the devices and the
processes are the same in either type of room. This provides us with a control condition to compare which control is
most effective.
Window Switch
What is it?
The Window Switch is located on the window(s) in the room; it consists of two small units that sit side-by-side on the
frame of the window. When a window is opened the heating in the room is ‘setback’ so that you’re saving energy
and the radiator isn’t heating the outside world! When the window is closed the heating is returned to the original
target temperature.
There are a lot of windows in here; do I have to check everyone is closed just to put the heating on?
No. The Heating Dashboard will indicate if a window is open by locking down your ability to control the heating.
You’ll know if all the windows are shut as the Heating Dashboard will allow you to change the target temperature.
I’ve shut the window but the dashboard still says there’s one open.
This would be a rare occurrence, but is possible. The dashboard will offer you an opportunity to override the control
lockdown should the status be incorrect. Doing this will enable you to return your heating control as well as alert
maintenance to the problem with the window message. It maybe that the command from the Window Switch device
did not transmit or that there is an issue with the window itself not shutting correctly.
Movement Sensor
What is it?
The movement sensor picks up any movement in the room. If it doesn’t detect any movement for a long period of
time it will set the target temperature to the ‘setback’ temperature to save energy. When it detects movement in
the room again it will return the temperature to the target temperature.
So do I have to move around a lot to make sure the heating stays on?
No. The Movement Sensor is very sensitive and so should pick up the slightest of movement. It will only act if it has
not detected any movement after an extended period of time. Therefore, there is little concern about your heating
going to the ‘setback’ temperature whilst the room is occupied.
Does that mean the room will be cold when I arrive in the morning?
No. There will be a base heating schedule for the room that will make sure it is at a comfortable temperature when
you normally come in. The Movement Sensor will help us to save energy by switching to ‘setback’ temperature if you
leave early.
Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV)
What is it?
This is the device that is fixed to the radiator. Based on information from the devices in the rooms and the
Universities Building Management System, the TRV controls the flow of water into the radiator. This is what allows
your radiator to heat or cool.
Does it work like the old one did?
In terms of the mechanics yes, but you won’t need to physically adjust this one. If you want to change the
temperature in your room please use either the tablet interface or the remote depending on which you have. The
TRV will maintain the target temperature using its temperature reference points and adjusting itself accordingly.
It makes a noise every now and then, why?
The TRV has a motor inside which adjusts the pin position on the valve (i.e. how open/closed the radiator valve is).
This will make a noise whilst active. This should only be for a brief moment when a new target temperature has been
set. The TRV will soon settle on a position most suitable to achieve and maintain the target temperature.
Thermostat
There’s a device on my wall that looks like a thermostat, do I need to use it now?
No. This is a thermostat, but it’s only purpose is as a temperature reference point for the project team. Please do not
interact with the device by pressing any of the buttons; it does not affect your heating control.
I don’t think the thermostat is in a position that reflects the actual temperature of the room, is my heating going
to work properly?
All the thermostats have been strategically placed and should provide the information that is required to heat your
room accurately. The thermostat is only one reference point for measuring the temperature. The TRV, Window
Switch and tablet all have the capability to measure temperature. We’re also using the Universities external
temperature monitoring system to counteract any extreme weather conditions to maintain the target temperature
of rooms.
Miscellaneous
Some of these devices look like they’re battery powered, does that mean I have to maintain them?
No. The TRV, Window Switch, and Thermostat are indeed battery powered, but each device is designed to alert the
Estates department when they’re running low, at which point the maintenance will change the batteries.