  We present the design, implementation and experimental validation of a
supervisory predictive control approach for an electrical heating system
featuring a phase change slurry as heat storage and transfer medium. The
controller optimizes the energy flows that are used as set points for the heat
generation and energy distribution components. The optimization handles the
thermal and electrical subsystems simultaneously and is able to switch between
different objectives. We show the control can be implemented on low-cost
embedded hardware and validate it with an experimental test bed comprising an
installation of the complete heating system, including all hydraulic and all
electrical components. Experimental results demonstrate the feasibility of
both, a heat pump heating system with a phase change slurry, and the optimal
control approach. The main control objectives, i.e., thermal comfort and
maximum self-consumption of solar energy, can be met. In addition, the system
and its controller provide a load shifting potential.
