Automatic Regulator Research Articles

A Biomolecular Circuit for Automatic Gene Regulation in Mammalian Cells with CRISPR Technology.

We introduce a biomolecular circuit for precise control of gene expression in mammalian cells. The circuit leverages the stochiometric interaction between the artificial transcription factor VPR-dCas9 and the anti-CRISPR protein AcrIIA4, enhanced with synthetic coiled-coil domains to boost their interaction, to maintain the expression of a reporter protein constant across diverse experimental conditions, including fluctuations in protein degradation rates and plasmid concentrations, by automatically adjusting its mRNA level. This capability, known as robust perfect adaptation (RPA), is crucial for the stable functioning of biological systems and has wide-ranging implications for biotechnological applications. This system belongs to a class of biomolecular circuits named antithetic integral controllers, and it can be easily adapted to regulate any endogenous transcription factor thanks to the versatility of the CRISPR-Cas system. Finally, we show that RPA also holds in cells genomically integrated with the circuit, thus paving the way for practical applications in biotechnology that require stable cell lines.

Optimization modeling of automatic crowd regulation at bottlenecks of subway system: A model predictive control approach

Optimization modeling of automatic crowd regulation at bottlenecks of subway system: A model predictive control approach

Automatic volumetric temperature regulation during in vivo MRI-guided laser-induced thermotherapy (MRg-LITT) with multiple laser probes

BackgroundClinical Laser-Induced Thermotherapy (LITT) currently lacks precise control of tissue temperature increase during the procedure. This study presents a new method to automatically regulate the maximum temperature increase in vivo at different positions by adjusting LITT power delivered by multiple laser probes using real-time volumetric MR-thermometry. MethodsThe regulation algorithm was evaluated in vivo on a pig leg muscle. Temperature regulation was performed in volumes surrounding each laser probe tip. The power delivered to each laser probe was automatically adjusted every second using a feedback control algorithm by processing on-the-fly MR-thermometry images (10 slices/second) on a 1.5 T clinical scanner (1.56 mm × 1.56 mm x 3 mm resolution), using the proton-resonance frequency (PRF) shift technique. Several experimental conditions were tested with predefined temperature-time profiles corresponding to conditions of thermal ablation (+30 °C above body temperature) or moderate hyperthermia (+10 and + 15 °C). Control images were acquired after injection of Gadolinium at the end of experiment and were compared with the thermal dose images calculated from the thermometry images. ResultsThe mean difference and root mean squared error between target temperatures and measured ones remained below 0.5 °C and 2 °C respectively, for 5 min duration. Lesion sizes observed on thermal dose and on images acquired after gadolinium injection were in good agreement. ConclusionAutomatic regulation of in vivo temperature increase during LITT procedures with multiple laser emitters control is feasible. The method provides an adaptative solution to improve the safety and efficacity of such clinical procedures.

OpenPrep: Sensor Event-driven Open Column Chromatographic Sample Preparation System.

We propose a sensor event-driven, open-column chromatographic sample preparation system─OpenPrep. This system replaces the problematic flow selector valve with a noncontact built-in sensor, eliminating carryover and clogging issues, which are commonly encountered in pump-driven chromatographic systems. The innovative valveless column-flow design, combined with a compact gantry dispenser and motion stage-based fraction collector, reduces the sample flow path to a disposable component with a postcolumn dead volume of only 0.5 mL. This configuration is superior to conventional dynamic flow systems owing to its ability to minimize sample consumption, eluent loss, and cleaning waste generation. Thus, OpenPrep can be ideal for preventing cross-contamination. Owing to the rapid flow-transfer and stop approach, OpenPrep achieves higher reagent delivery accuracy and precision compared to ISO 8655-2 piston-operated pipettes, by minimizing liquid residue on the dispensing tip. Sensor-driven flow control ensures precise eluent collection and automatic regulation of the mobile-phase flow rate through an online calibration algorithm, meeting all the requirements for accurate and reproducible column flow control. OpenPrep features an open architecture for both hardware and software, offering high flexibility for analyzing samples with considerable variations in radioactivity and matrix compositions, such as radioactive waste. The proof-of-concept implementation of a multistage sequential separation strategy, using five resin columns to separate Re, Sr, Fe, and Ni from a single sample, demonstrates that OpenPrep provides enhanced flexibility and reconfigurability, improved operational efficiency, and cost-effective customization. Excellent chemical yields were obtained for Re, Sr, and Ni in the range of 83-97%, with less than 2.6% relative standard deviation at a flow rate three times faster than the gravity method. Additionally, improved recovery performance of Fe was achieved by applying a slower flow rate compared to gravity flow.

Innovative Solar Water Pump with Automatic Water Level Regulator for Efficiency Rice Field Irrigation

Nowadays, most of human activities are related to the use of technology. The invention of various innovative ideas that simplify human life is essential. One of the uses advancement technologies can applied in agricultural field, especially for irrigation processes since it becomes the critical step in agricultural activity since it ensures that plants receive an adequate water. Due to the importance of irrigation, this community service activity aimed to provide information on how to build a solar pump for irrigation purposes and implement an innovative solar water pump with automatic water level control to improve the efficiency of irrigation of rice fields in Bekiung Village. The system is designed using solar panels as the main energy source, minimizing dependence on conventional electricity and fossil fuels. With the integration of water level sensor and automatic control system, the pump is able to adjust the water supply in real-time based on the actual needs of rice plants. Field tests show that the system is able to provide water consistently and efficiently, reducing water and energy wastage. The implementation of this technology not only improves irrigation efficiency, but also supports environmentally friendly sustainable agriculture. The results of this study are expected to serve as a model for other villages facing similar challenges in irrigation water management.

Resilience-oriented scheduling of DC microgrid considering participation in the automatic frequency regulation reserves market

Maintaining uninterrupted supply to critical loads within a DC microgrid (DCμG) with minimal curtailment of flexible and moderate loads after an extreme event is challenging. In this context, this paper proposes a resilience-oriented energy management scheme (EMS) for an electricity-Hydrogen (H2) DCμG considering participation of the DCμG in the automatic frequency restoration reserve (aFRR) market. The DCμG works in grid-connected mode during normal operation and switches to island operation after an extreme event to minimize damage propagation. DCμG network and equipment-level operating constraints are formulated incorporating the effect of aFRR market participation and coordinated with the EMS scheme. The problem is formulated in the convex model predictive control (MPC) framework using a receding horizon, in which three operating periods, normal, proactive preparation, and emergency, are considered. Economical operation is achieved during normal operation, while during proactive preparation, the DCμG operator (DCμGO) economically prepares for the imminent extreme event to meet the criticality criterion of resilient operation. The emergency period starts after the extreme event, and the objective is to supply all critical loads with minimal curtailment of moderate and flexible demands. We have used a Copula-embedded Monte Carlo Simulation (MCS) framework for modelling the uncertainty of input random variable (RV)s and their correlations. Simulation studies validate the veracity of the proposed approach on a six-bus test DCμG system. Simulation results indicate that participation in the aFRR market increases the profit by ∼30.5%, and resilience-oriented scheduling reduces curtailment costs by ∼16.72% during emergency periods.

Revenue assessment of damage aware wind farm control for secondary frequency regulation provision

Abstract In this paper, a case study of a wind power plant participating in the balancing market is presented and any potential revenue benefits are estimated. To make a representative performance assessment, an existing case for the frequency regulation market is selected, based on the pay-for-performance scheme of the US regional transmission operator Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Maryland (PJM). In this implementation, the wind power plant is being rewarded or penalized based on its signal-tracking capabilities, which are quantified by proper performance metrics. The fast response characteristics of the wind turbines allow for tracking even the faster automatic regulation signal (RegD from PJM). However, one of the significant challenges associated with providing such type of active power reference tracking on the wind farm scale is that different turbines have different responses and structural damage accumulation due to the local environmental conditions and the coupling due to wakes. The in-house developed, numerically efficient, wind farm simulation model “regfarm” is employed, allowing for a thorough analysis and revenue assessment under various operating regimes and weather conditions. Numerous time-domain simulations and historical pricing time series are used to quantify the expected revenue from market participation. Under the regulation market pay-for-performance compensation scheme, the simulated wind farm earned a lower revenue when compared to maximizing energy production. Depending on the configuration, the wind farm experiences between a 2.14% and a 2.38% decrease in revenue when providing 10% of the estimated available power to the regulation market. The wind farm is operated as both damage-ignorant and damage-aware, with no significant comparative loss in revenue when the damage distribution is considered.

Study on the Process of Soil Clod Removal and Potato Damage in the Front Harvesting Device of Potato Combine Harvester

To improve soil clod removal and reduce potato damage in potato combine harvesters, this study investigates the processes involved in soil clod removal and potato collisions within the bar-lift chain separation device of the harvester. It outlines the structure and working principles of the machine, theoretically analyzes the key dimensions of the digging device and potato–soil separation components, and derives specific structural parameters. A dynamic mathematical model of the bar-lift chain is established, from which the dynamic equations are formulated. The analysis identifies factors that influence the dynamic characteristics of the bar-lift chain. This study examines the working principles and separation performance of the potato–soil separation device, with a focus on the collision characteristics between potatoes and both the screen surface and the bars. Key factors such as the separation screen’s line speed, the harvester’s forward speed, and the tilt angle of the separation screen are considered. Simulations are performed using a coupling method based on the Discrete Element Method (DEM) and Multi-Body Dynamics (MBD). Through simulation experiments, the optimal parameter combinations for the potato–soil separation device are determined. The optimal working parameters are identified as a separation screen line speed of 1.25 m/s, a forward speed of 0.83 m/s, and a tilt angle of 25°. Field harvesting experiments indicate a potato loss rate of 1.8%, a damage rate of 1.2%, an impurity rate of 1.9%, a skin breakage rate of 2.1%, and a yield of 0.15–0.21 ha/h. All results meet national and industry standards. The findings of this research provide valuable theoretical references for simulating potato–soil separation in combine harvesters and optimizing the parameters of these devices. Future potential research will consider the automatic regulation of the excavation volume of the potato–soil mixture, aiming to achieve intelligent control of the potato–soil separation operation.

Teleoperation with automatic posture regulation and broad learning control for assembly tasks

Teleoperation with automatic posture regulation and broad learning control for assembly tasks

ENERGY AUTOMATION SUPPORTS ENERGY CONSUMPTION INTENSITY IN CLASSROOMS

Automation of energy use to control energy consumption intensity (IKE) in classrooms is carried out using an Arduino Nano-based system. This system utilizes an IR transmitter to send signals to the air conditioning unit, a servo motor to position the IR transmitter to the appropriate air conditioning unit, a relay to control the lights, and a Real-Time Clock (RTC) module for scheduling based on a specified schedule. The main goal is to prevent energy waste and ensure comfort by turning on and off the air conditioning unit and lights according to a preset schedule. This automatic scheduling includes time setting, transmitter IR control, servo motor, relay control, and LCD. Programmed scheduling ensures that the air conditioner and lights only turn on when needed, while the LCD provides real-time information about the status of the air conditioner and lights. With this automation, the system helps reduce excessive energy consumption, drives significant energy savings, and creates a comfortable and energy-efficient learning environment. The automatic monitoring and regulation system also allows users to focus more on teaching and learning activities without having to worry about manual settings for air conditioning and lights.

Detection of rice panicle density for unmanned harvesters via RP-YOLO

Rice panicle density is one of the essential bases for the automatic speed regulation of unmanned harvesters, making density detection crucial for intelligent upgrades. Currently, existing methods for detecting rice panicle density do not meet actual harvesting scenarios and struggle to meet real-time requirements. To address this, we developed a real-time rice panicle density detection method for unmanned harvesters. This method includes a panicle detection model based on YOLOv5n (RP-YOLO) and a rice panicle density calculation based on coordinate transformations. RP-YOLO was optimized through various techniques, such as enhancing the target detection head, reconfiguring the backbone network and downsampling module, introducing an attention mechanism, and refining the loss function. Based on coordinate conversion, we converted the world coordinates of the detection frame vertex to image coordinates and calculated the panicle density. We established the RP-1668 dataset for japonica rice and trained and tested the model. Compared to the original YOLOv5n model, our modifications reduced floating-point operations per second (FLOPs) by 33.33 %, decreased model size by 31.90 %, increased detection speed by 12.63 %, and improved accuracy (AP0.5) by 3.82 % (AP0.5:0.95, 6.96 %). RP-YOLO achieved superior accuracy and detection speed compared to both conventional lightweight and non-lightweight models. In field applications, the error in density detection was less than 10 % compared to manual counting, and the results clearly reflected changes in rice panicle density. For a 1.4 m × 1.0 m rice field imaging area (with a resolution of 2560 × 1280), the method detects at 15 fps on an on-board industrial computer, providing reliable data support for adjusting the operating speed of driverless harvesters.

Design and Testing of a 2-DOF Adaptive Profiling Header for Forage Harvesters

The existing forage harvester header cannot automatically adjust the height and inclination during operation, resulting in uneven stubble height of forage, which, in turn, affects the efficiency of harvesting and the quality of forage regeneration. To address this issue, this study conducted the design and experimentation of a 2-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) profiling header. Firstly, this study designed an adaptive profiling header with 2-DOF adjustment, which was realized by the height adjustment mechanism and the tilt angle adjustment mechanism. The relationship model between the profiling device and the attitude of the header was established so that the header can acquire ground undulation in real time through the angle sensor of the profiling device. In order to verify the rationality of the header design, a co-simulation model of ADAMS and MATLAB/Simulink was built, and the header attitude control system was designed based on the fuzzy PID algorithm. The co-simulation results show that the header height (H) is always kept around 150 mm during the forwarding process of the harvester, with a maximum error of 5.8 mm, and the average relative error (REH) and root mean square error (RMSEH) were 1.4% and 2.6 mm, respectively, and the maximum error of the tilt angle (γ) of the header is 0.53° and the RMSEγ is 0.22°, which indicates that the header profiling mechanism can accurately reflect the undulation of the terrain and the header attitude control system has good robustness. Finally, the test platform was built and tested in a grassland. The test results show that the average height of the header is 149.8 mm, the maximum error is 7.5 mm, and the REH and RMSEH are 3.4% and 5.3 mm, respectively. The average error of the header inclination is 0.34°, and the maximum error is 0.57°. The test results indicate that the header can realize the adaptive adjustment of height and inclination, and the control system has high precision, stability and reliability, meeting the demand of automatic regulation of header attitude of a forage harvester.

Enhancing coal seam gas pressure measurement accuracy and preventing leakage through dual chamber pressure balancing in borehole

Accurate measurement of coal seam gas pressure (CSGP) is critical to the evaluation of coal mine gas hazards and the potential of coal seam gas extraction. In this study, we investigate gas leakage from chambers and its influences on CSGP measurement results (MR) through numerical simulations. Furthermore, we propose, analyze and validate a novel method that balances gas pressure between two chambers, i.e. the measurement and regulation chambers, in a borehole. The results demonstrate that: (1) Traditional CSGP measurement method utilizing boreholes with a single chamber exhibit a gradual expansion of the gas pressure dropping region around the borehole, accompanied by an initial increase in chamber gas pressure followed by stabilization. The gas leakage process within the chamber undergoes three typical stages. (2) The increase of gas leakage lowers the MR value and raises the CSGP measurement error ratio (R). The relationship between MR, R and the stable value of gas leakage is nearly linear. (3) The proposed novel CSGP measurement method involves continuous gas injection into the regulation chamber to establish a dynamic gas pressure balance region between the two chambers. This approach minimizes gas leakage in the measurement chamber and accelerates gas pressure recovery. Maintaining dynamic pressure equality between the dual chambers is essential for minimizing R. (4) An automatic regulation unit is developed to achieve dynamic gas pressure balancing between the two chambers. With the novel method, R values remain below 3%, yielding higher CSGP measurement accuracy compared to alternative approaches.

Design and production of an automatic temperature regulation system for a biodigester (Republic of Guinea)

Automatic temperature regulation system is crucial to optimize the anaerobic fermentation process and maximize biogas production. In this study, we implemented an automatic system integrating GSM technology to enable remote temperature control and regulation. For this, we installed a temperature sensor inside the biodigester in order to monitor these thermal variations, the data collected by this sensor is transmitted to the central control system via an Arduino Uno module. The latter compares the received data with predefined thresholds and accordingly sends adjustment commands to the heating system. Operators can monitor and adjust temperature parameters remotely via SMS messages through the SIM800 GSM module. Through this system, the temperature of the biodigester can be maintained at optimal levels, thereby promoting efficient digestion of organic materials and continuous production of biogas, while providing convenient and responsive remote management.

Сравнение характеристик линий высокого и сверхвысокого напряжений при выборе параметров управляемого устройства продольной компенсации

The use of series compensation devices leads to an increase of the transmission line capacity. However, it also increases the risk of an oscillatory violation of the stability of the electric power system. Cumulative hunting and self-excitation of the system is observed in the systems with controlled series compensation devices with a high degree of capacitive compensation. It is known that automatic excitation control of generators partially eliminates the negative effect of series capacitive compensation on oscillatory stability. Therefore, when choosing the tuning parameters of controlled devices, it is necessary to consider their combined effect on the system modes. The developed methods to study steady-state stability make it possible to analyze the modes of power systems with controlled power transmission of various voltage levels. Thus, it is advisable to conduct a comparative analysis of the influence of the adjustable parameters of the series compensation device on the steady-state stability of systems of various voltage levels, considering synchronous generators automatic excitation control. Methods of mathematical modeling of the electric power system, the theory of long-distance power lines and electromechanical transients, methods of analyzing the stability of electric power systems are used. The original software in the C ++ programming language has been used as a modeling tool. The choice of controlled series compensation device and the automatic excitation control regulation laws parameters is made, provided that steady-state stability is maintained. The stability regions of the studied electric power-engineering system are constructed depending on the tuning parameters of the considered devices of various voltage levels. A comparative analysis of the characteristics of the modes of high and extra-high voltage lines has been carried out. The regulation coefficients values of controlled series compensation device and automatic excitation of generators have been determined, under which there is no violation of oscillatory stability for different voltage levels. The conducted comparative analysis of the characteristics of high and extra-high voltage power lines demonstrates the need to consider the power transmission rated voltage when comprehensively selecting the tuning parameters of the controlled series compensation device and the automatic excitation control regulator.

SELECTION OF THE OPTIMAL MACHINERY COMPLEX FOR CONSTRUCTING IRRIGATION CANALS WITH A PARABOLIC PROFILE

An analysis of the experience of dredger operation in various industries allows us to identify the following main problems that need to be addressed to improve their efficiency: improvement of papillonation schemes and structural enhancement of the main equipment from a hydraulic perspective. The current soil intake devices, suction lines, and soil pumps do not always fully meet the specific requirements of soil development conditions. The objectives of the present research were to propose ways to enhance the performance of systems for automatic control of dredger work movements and automatic regulation of the soil intake process. These proposals aim to create a parabolic cross-sectional shape of the canal during development, ensure the highest productivity and lowest energy consumption, as well as low work costs, using modern control devices. The effect of the proposed technology for canal development using dredgers with automated papillonation consists of the following: providing the developed canals with a stable cross-sectional shape; automating the papillonation of the dredger and optimizing the operation of the soil pump; Implementing shift-based production accounting; using soil meters in the automated system. Giving the developed canal a cross-sectional shape that is stable in both hydraulic and static aspects has allowed for the following benefits: increased sediment transport capacity of the flow, while simultaneously reducing the cross-sectional area, growth of vegetation, water level fluctuations, water losses, and the right-of-way strip; reduced the volume of cleaning work by up to 20%; increased the period between cleanings by ensuring uniform flow movement; enhanced the productivity of dredgers by concentrating sediment on the canal slopes without changing the overall volume of cleaning.

MTIR-SCP nuclear safety concept

The MTIR-SCP reactor is a research reactor with a light-water coolant having a fast neutron spectrum in nominal operation. None of the existing or projected reactors has a set of these features, therefore, special attention should be paid to the choice of the design of control rods and their location. The article considers various designs of control rods characteristic of the VVER-SCP power reactor currently under development, as well as existing research reactors with a liquid metal coolant having a fast neutron spectrum, taking into account the features of the MTIR-SCP: a seven-element control rod assembly design, as well as a ring-type absorbing element. Efficiency calculations are carried out for each of the structures under consideration and it was determined that the design of a control rod with an annular type of absorbing element has the highest specific efficiency. This design is chosen as the main one for the MTIR- SCP reactor. Criteria are proposed and optimization of the placement of control rods in the reactor core is carried out in order to reduce the uncertainty of obtaining neutron-physical characteristics in the central autonomous loop channel and increase the flow density in it. When optimizing the placement of control rods in the research reactor, their influence on the main neutron-physical characteristics, and especially on their distribution during operation under nominal conditions, is taken into account. Emergency protection and compensating rods that compensate for temperature and density effects when the reactor reaches the nominal power level have been removed, therefore their effect on the neutron-physical characteristics of the reactor and the loop channel during operation at power is not significant, and the compensating rods are located in the core and are removed as the fuel burns out, therefore their effect on the spatial The distribution of neutron-physical characteristics will be significant. To reduce this effect, burnout compensators and automatic regulators are proposed to be moved outside the core into the reflector. For various reactor conditions, the efficiency of the control and protection system was evaluated. It is shown that in various states, the control rods transfer the reactor to the required level of subcriticality, in accordance with NP-009-17.

Layered laser-engraved wood-based composite capable of photothermal conversion and energy storage for indoor thermal management in buildings

Wood is used more and more in building. Phase change materials (PCM) with automatic temperature regulation and heat storage function have been widely concerned in the field of building energy conservation. However, phase-change materials have poor light induction and cannot absorb sunlight during the day in time, resulting in limited heat storage effect. For the purpose of achieving efficient energy collection and utilization, a laser-engraved method was employed in this study to directly generate a three-dimensional grid structure on the surface of wood. Then, the eutectic mixture of capric acid (CA) and stearic acid (SA) and nano-SiO2 composite PCM (CPCM) was impregnated into the supporting substrate with photothermal conversion capability. The obtained laser-engraved wood (LEW) loaded with CA-SA/Nano-SiO2 showed a latent heat of 64.706 J/g, a thermal conductivity of 0.732 W/(m⋅K) and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 64.46 %. Additionally, the three-dimensional porous structure of wood and the addition of nano-silica set up a double barrier for the leakage of PCM. Therefore, CPCM have prospective applications as indoor thermal insulation materials. In this research, a simple laser engraving method was adopted to endow the wooden substrate with photothermal conversion ability, which provides an idea to expand the application of photothermal conversion materials in the field of phase-change energy storage. In addition, the building simulation software validated the potential of CPCM in stabilizing indoor temperatures and reducing building energy consumption.

Pupillometry indexes ocular dominance plasticity

Short-term monocular deprivation in normally sighted adult humans produces a transient shift of ocular dominance, boosting the deprived eye. This effect has been documented with both perceptual tests and through physiological recordings, but no previous study simultaneously measured physiological responses and the perceptual effects of deprivation. Here we propose an integrated experimental paradigm that combines binocular rivalry with pupillometry, to introduce an objective physiological index of ocular dominance plasticity, acquired concurrently with perceptual testing. Ten participants reported the perceptual dynamics of binocular rivalry, while we measured pupil diameter. Stimuli were a white and a black disk, each presented monocularly. Rivalry dynamics and pupil-size traces were compared before and after 2 h of monocular deprivation, achieved by applying a translucent patch over the dominant eye. Consistent with prior research, we observed that monocular deprivation boosts the deprived-eye signal and consequently increases ocular dominance. In line with previous studies, we also observed subtle but systematic modulations of pupil size that tracked alternations between exclusive dominance phases of the black or white disk. Following monocular deprivation, the amplitude of these pupil-size modulations increased, which is consistent with the post-deprivation boost of the deprived eye and the increase of ocular dominance. This provides evidence that deprivation impacts the effective strength of monocular visual stimuli, coherently affecting perceptual reports and the automatic and unconscious regulation of pupil diameter. Our results show that a combined paradigm of binocular rivalry and pupillometry gives new insights into the physiological mechanisms underlying deprivation effects.

Parametric analysis of system performance and cost of heating systems with heat pump and latent thermal energy storage

This paper presents a parametric analysis examining the impact of phase change material (PCM) melting temperature, latent thermal energy storage (LTES) volume, and solar collectors’ surface area on the performance and costs of heating systems integrating a heat pump and LTES by using dynamic system simulations. The computational models, implemented in TRNSYS software, and the numerical procedure were validated by comparing the numerical results with experimental measurements. The computational models represent the entire heating systems and thus consider the mutual interaction of heat production, distribution and automatic regulation system as well as a building which represent the heat load, in transient boundary conditions. Two main system designs with different LTES roles were considered – a system in which the role of the LTES is to provide more favorable operating conditions and a system in which the LTES role is to store the heat on a sufficiently high temperature to be used directly for heating. System performance was analyzed in terms of the share of renewable energy in total delivered energy, power consumption, stored energy in LTES, seasonal performance factor, average solar collector efficiency and total annual costs. The results showed that, regarding the system in which LTES was used as a heat source for the heat pump, a better overall performance and lower costs were observed in systems with PCMs with melting temperatures in range between 19 and 29 °C, compared to systems with PCMs with melting temperatures outside this range. For system in which the heat from the LTES was used directly for heating, the highest values of system performance criteria and the lowest cost were achieved with the PCM of 54 °C melting temperature. Almost all of the considered system performance criteria and total costs were higher when the LTES volume and solar collector surface area were larger as well.