Heat Source Type is not saving in APP

[goodevil]

I'm running v6.1.1 on android. Trying to change `Heat Source Type` to be `oil boiler`.

Type appears as `oil boiler` and several seconds later it becomes blank again.

Tried doing same while connected directly to Hub via setup wi-fi - same issue.

Tried clearing app cache and restarted app multiple times.

[PhilHornby]

'Somebody' needs to formally report it to Schneider ...

It's been reported in here before - and I mentioned in my Playstore Review. Whoever responded to that couldn't bothered passing it on ☹️ (which is pretty lazy IMO). 

https://wiser.draytoncontrols.co.uk/contact-us 

[SAtewart]

I will pick this up and report it. Setting a "heat source type" (hst) function is clearly a bit rubbish and needs sorted. What I can report is that while getting the hst drop down (to actually blooming drop down) is really hit and miss, selecting a hst theater type does populate the setting even though there is no confirmation. I did a time lapse vid over a couple of hours and can confirm, if selecting oil or heat pump, the max number of "boiler on" commands does drop to 3/hr. 

As mentioned elsewhere, I would prefer to see a minimum "boiler on " time because the current logic allows such short "-on" times that the rads barely get any heat. I would rather sacrifice a flat setpoint trace for a boiler that may be doing (6*24) 124 on/off boiler cycles per day through the winter.

[chrisphysics]

I think you will find it has still worked though. At least, I had the same issue but my boiler now does 3 cycles per hour.

Edit: sorry I see you replied while I was typing. I agree with min burn time.

[goodevil]

Thank you for a suggestion - I've changed type and will check if boiler cycle less. Does anyone know how system would behave setting type to `heat pump`?

[PhilHornby]

In terms of "CPH", it's the same as Oil (3). I don't know if anything else changes though.

[SamJ]

What are the benefits of changing heat source type please? Is it purely so that the boiler fires less and therefore saves money?

Also, is there any potential harm/risks in changing it from what mine actually is (gas) to oil? 

[SAtewart]

Less wear on boiler. In my case when it was firing six times an hour the heat feed to the radiators was barely detectable. I had said elsewhere that I would happily trade a dead flat set point temperature trace for a minimum boiler on time. The compromise is selecting the number of firings per hour in the app. The app is a fiddle to select the oil or heat pump (heat source) type, but I'm down to a max of three firings per hour using the oil setting. So it is sort of what I was seeking

[goodevil]

OpenTherm and boilers employing other methods to dynamically control flow temperature were created to improve efficiency. The lower the flow temperature the more efficiently boiler is functioning. Other benefit of modulation - as room is reaching required temperature flow temperature is gradually reduced and room heating doesn't overshoot.

Most efficient system is one that runs minimum possible temperature and still keeps room warm - efficient houses in Europe have underfloor heating which runs 24/7 but at 25C. In poor insulation and radiators in UK when it gets really cold outside flow temperature needs to be higher otherwise it will run 24/7 and not reach required room temperature.

Unless Hub is connected via OpenTherm it only can do ON/OFF controls to achieve flat set point. So instead of allowing 3 rooms to drop below set point and heat all of them for 30min at the same time giving chance for boiler to condence it will fire boiler up to 6 times in an hour.

It's like turning off your engine when you reach 70mph, coast for a bit, when start engine again. It might tolerate the behaviour, but it was never intended to function like this.

[PhilHornby]

I'd never really thought about this "Cycles-per-hour" stuff (nor wear and tear on the boiler). What I had noticed, was that sometimes when chilly, I would nudge the temperature up 0.5°C ... and absolutely nothing would happen 🤔

I have an Oil Boiler - and so have the 3CPH setting - however, the boiler actually cycles far more often than that anyway! When it's called upon to heat a small room, it often triggers the flow 'stat' and powers down. The Hubᴿ is entirely oblivious to this.

(I'm not entirely convinced that the pump isn't powering down as well, which I need to investigate).

I'm tempted to set my "Oil" system to "Gas" and see if it improves responsiveness! 

[SAtewart]

Odd. I have done a couple of time lapse videos over a couple of hours that seemed to indicate only three boiler firings per hour (when set to oil or heat pump). 

I think the broader point is that the app user interface is not displaying device status accurately and this really should get attention by the development teams. I wouldn't want a similar experience with my banking apps. 

[goodevil]

Yes, setting is working, but confirming app setting via timelapse is not something which should be required.

Imagine if transfers in you banking app wouldn't be visible?!

[david101]

Several weeks on from reporting this issue to Schneider and its still not fixed.  I have emailed tech support for an update but heard nothing.