Säätökäyrä

Säätökäyrä, often translated as control curve or regulation curve, is a concept primarily used in the context of heating and cooling systems, particularly in buildings. It represents a predefined relationship between the outdoor temperature and the desired supply temperature of the heating or cooling medium, typically water. The purpose of a säätökäyrä is to automatically adjust the system's output based on external environmental conditions, thereby maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature while optimizing energy efficiency.

The curve is usually determined by a set of points or a mathematical function that dictates how the supply temperature should change as the outdoor temperature fluctuates. For instance, on a very cold day, the säätökäyrä might specify a high supply temperature to compensate for heat loss. Conversely, on a milder day, a lower supply temperature is sufficient, leading to reduced energy consumption. Different types of buildings, insulation levels, and heating system designs will have different säätökäyrät tailored to their specific needs.

The implementation of a säätökäyrä is typically managed by a building automation system or a dedicated heating controller. Users can often adjust the parameters of the säätökäyrä, such as its slope and offset, to fine-tune the system's performance and achieve desired comfort levels. This dynamic adjustment is crucial for preventing overheating or underheating, which can occur with static temperature settings. It is an essential tool for energy management and maintaining occupant comfort in modern building services.