TRVZB Upgrade: Smart Temperature Control for More Stable Room Temperature

1. What is "Smart Temperature Control"? 

• If the room temperature is below the target temperature, the valve fully opens to heat.
• Once the target temperature is reached, the valve fully closes, stopping the heating.

• When the current temperature is far from the target, the valve opens wider to heat the room faster.
• When the current temperature is close to the target, the valve gradually reduces the opening to prevent overshooting.
• Once the target temperature is reached, the valve doesn't shut completely right away—it keeps fine-tuning the valve to maintain a stable room temperature control.

In simple terms, the Smart Temperature Control feature allows valves to "adjust gradually and continuously". By using a PID algorithm to fine-tune temperature, ensuring your space is always at a stable and precise temperature control.

To understand the real impact of Smart Temperature Control, we tested it with multiple users, comparing the room temperature data before and after enabling Smart Temperature Control and collecting user feedback. The results confirmed that the upgrade met our expectations.  

2.1 Before the Upgrade (Smart Temperature Control OFF)

• TRV temperature often deviated significantly from the target.
• Temperature swings were noticeable, causing sudden hot and cold fluctuations.

2.2. After the Upgrade (Smart Temperature Control ON)

• TRV temperature stabilizes and stays closer to the target.
• Temperature swings are much smaller, creating a noticeably more comfortable environment.
  

For a clearer view, the chart below highlights scenarios with the most noticeable fluctuations, illustrating the difference before and after the upgrade.

 

 

3. What Benefits of Enabling Smart Temperature Control?

Enabling Smart Temperature Control on your radiator control valve helps keep your room temperature more comfortable. It also helps the valve adjust more stably and precisely, while saving energy. Here are the benefits you get when turning on this feature: 

3.1. Enjoy a more comfortable room temperature

Smart Temperature Control smooths out temperature fluctuations, reducing frequent heating and cooling cycles, and keeps your room closer to the ideal room set temperature.

3.2. More precise temperature control, smarter device operation

The valve automatically adjusts its opening based on temperature changes, instead of simply turning fully on or off repeatedly, providing finer and more precise temperature control.

3.3. Saving energy and efficiency

By avoiding overheating and frequent full-on/off cycles, Smart Temperature Control maintains comfort while reducing unnecessary energy consumption, achieving the perfect balance of comfort and efficiency.

3.4 Easy to set up 

• The feature is off by default and can be turned on as needed in the eWeLink app under "Adaptive Mode".
• Simply upgrade your TRVZB firmware to version 1.4.4 (released Jan 31) or later to experience it.

*Note: When "Adaptive Mode" is enabled, "Valve Opening Percentage" and "Temp. Accuracy" features will be disabled.

 

 

4. Upgrade and Platform Support Information

To experience TRVZB's Smart Temperature Control feature, please note the following upgrade and support details:

4.1. eWeLink app version: 5.22.1

4.2. Device firmware requirement

• TRVZB firmware version 1.4.4 (Jan 31 release) or later

4.3. Gateway and Platform support timeline

• Jan 31: ZBBridge-P / ZBBridge-U / HA (ZHA)
• Feb 15: NSPanel Pro
• Mar 31: HA (Z2M) / iHost

*Using Smart Temperature Control with ZHA requires downloading the ZHA script. Click here to download the instructions and files: TRVZB_ZHA_Script

We welcome any feedback or suggestions, as they help us keep improving our products.

To learn more about TRV thermostatic radiator valve, please check out this article: https://sonoff.tech/blogs/news/master-your-sonoff-thermostatic-radiator-valve-user-guide-faq

 

 

FAQs 

The PID (Proportional-Integral-Derivative) algorithm is a control loop mechanism widely used in engineering and automation. It continuously calculates the error between a desired setpoint and the actual system output, then adjusts the system input to minimize this error. PID control ensures stable, accurate, and responsive system performance in applications like robotics, drones, and temperature control. 

PID temperature control allows a TRV to adjust the valve opening gradually and continuously instead of simply turning fully on or off. It monitors the temperature difference, how long the difference lasts, and how fast the temperature is changing, then fine-tunes heating in real time. This helps keep the room temperature more stable, accurate, and comfortable, with fewer sudden hot or cold swings.