A heating system comprises a vessel for containing a fluid for receiving or delivering heat, a heat pump arranged to provide heat to fluid of the vessel, an array of temperature sensors arranged to sense temperatures at different heights of the vessel, and a controller configured to determine a thermal energy in the vessel in dependence on inputs from the array of temperature sensors, determine a transient response in the vessel in dependence on inputs from the array of temperature sensors, determine a predicted heat demand, and control operation of the heat pump in dependence on the thermal energy in the vessel, the transient response in the vessel and the predicted heat demand. The heating system is therefore arranged to increase the efficiency of heat transfer from a heating device to a user device. Also described are a method and a controller for a heating system.
A modular heat pump water tank is provided. The modular heat pump water tank comprises a tank unit including a tank for containing heated water; a heat pump unit including a heat pump for providing heat to the tank; and a heat exchanger arranged externally to the tank for transferring heat from the heat pump to water from the tank. The tank unit and the heat pump unit are adapted for mounting to one another to form an integrated heat pump water tank.
A thermal storage vessel for containing a heat store fluid for receiving or delivering heat and at least one heat exchanger arranged inside the vessel are provided.
A heating system comprises a heat pump for providing heat to a tank for containing heated water, a tank for containing heated water, a first heat exchanger arranged externally to the tank for transferring heat from the heat pump to water from the tank, and a second heat exchanger for transferring heat from water from the tank to an air flow or to a space heating system. Conduits may provide one or more flow paths from the first heat exchanger to the tank. The heating system is arranged to transfer heat to and from air being ventilated from a building, thereby recovering heat energy that would otherwise be exhausted.
A system for heating water is provided. The system includes a tank for holding hot water. The system includes an external heating device to provide heat to water of the tank with a circuit of heat transfer fluid to transfer heat to or from the external heating device. The system may include a heat exchange coil in the circuit of heat transfer fluid, the heat exchange coil arranged to provide heat to water in the tank. The system includes a plate heat exchanger arranged external to the tank for transferring heat from the circuit of heat transfer fluid to water of the tank. The system includes a flow path from the tank to the heat exchanger and back to the tank, and a pump arranged to pump water in the flow path. The system may include a flow selector for routing the circuit of heat transfer fluid to or from the heat exchange coil or the plate heat exchanger. The system may include a controller for controlling the flow selector in dependence on a demand for immediate hot water from the tank.
A control system for flexible demand-side energy control is provided. The control system comprises a first local DSR controller at a first premises. The first local DSR controller is configured to adjust a flexible load and/or a flexible supply at the first premises in dependence on a momentary local electric power grid measurement at the first premises. The control system comprises a second local DSR controller at a second premises. The second local DSR controller is configured to adjust a flexible load and/or a flexible supply at the second premises in dependence on a momentary local electric power grid measurement at the second premises. The control system comprises a group controller configured to adjust the first and/or second local DSR controller such that power drawn by the flexible load is adjusted and/or or power provided by the flexible supply is adjusted. The first and second premises are connected to an electric power grid by way of a shared local distribution cable.
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
H02J 3/38 - Arrangements for parallelly feeding a single network by two or more generators, converters or transformers
A heating system is provided. The heating system includes a heat pump to provide heat. The heating system includes a circuit of heat transfer fluid to transfer heat to or from the heat pump. The heating system includes a space heating system configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to an environment. The heating system includes a water heating system comprising a water tank for storing hot water to be provided to a user, a cold water inlet, a hot water outlet for drawing off hot water for supply to a user, and a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer fluid and water from the cold water inlet. The heating system includes a means of sensing a tank status, the tank status being indicative of a quantity of thermal energy stored in the tank. The heating system includes a controller adapted to control the transfer of heat to and from the tank in dependence on the tank status.
A water heating tank comprises a reservoir having a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet; a can disposed in a lower portion of the tank enclosing at least a part of a heater; a chimney extending from the top of the can to an upper portion of the tank. A chimney valve is arranged between the can and the chimney. The chimney valve is configured to prevent water flowing from the can into the chimney when a temperature of water in the can exceeds a first chimney threshold temperature.
Systems, kits of parts and methods for heating water are provided. A tank is provided for holding water and a heat pump provides heat to water of the tank via a heat exchanger. A variable speed pump pumps water from the tank to the heat exchanger and back to the tank and a three port valve is arranged to provide a flow path from the heat exchanger either to the top of the tank or to the bottom of the tank depending on a flow rate. A controller controls the variable speed pump depending on a hot water demand.
A heating system is provided. The heating system includes: a heat pump; a circuit of heat transfer fluid to transfer heat to or from the heat pump; a water tank for storing hot water; an upper heat transfer means configured to transfer heat from the heat pump to an upper portion of the water tank; a lower heat transfer means configured to transfer heat from the heat pump to a lower portion of the water tank; a selector arrangement configured to route heat from or to the heat pump to or from: the upper heat transfer means; the lower heat transfer means; or both; and a controller. The controller is configured to control the selector arrangement for heat transfer to or from the upper portion of the water tank or the lower portion of the water tank or both in dependence on a temperature distribution in the water tank.
A heating system is provided. The heating system comprises a tank for holding fluid; a photovoltaic system; a heat pump arranged to provide heat to the tank; and a controller. The controller is configured to determine a quantity of heat stored in the tank relative to a target maximum quantity of heat that the heating system is adapted to store in the tank. The controller is configured to determine a level of solar power surplus electricity generated by the photovoltaic system. The controller is configured to change a power state of the heat pump on the basis of the quantity of heat stored in the tank relative to the target maximum quantity of heat that the heating system is able to store in the tank and the level of solar power surplus electricity.
F24D 17/02 - Domestic hot-water supply systems using heat pumps
F24D 18/00 - Small-scale combined heat and power [CHP] generation systems specially adapted for domestic heating, space heating or domestic hot-water supply
F24D 19/10 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
A water heating system is described. The water heating system comprises a vessel for holding water and for receiving heat from one or more heat sources for heating water in the vessel. The water heating system comprises a sensor comprising a plurality of temperature sensing elements for sensing a distribution of temperatures in the vessel. The water heating system comprises a connector for connecting the sensor to a retrofittable tank controller. The water heating system is configured to provide one or more characteristics of the water heating system to a retrofittable tank controller such that a retrofittable tank controller connected to the sensor and in receipt of the characteristics of the water heating system can determine from the distribution of temperatures in the vessel a quantity of useable heat stored in the vessel. A retrofittable tank controller for controlling a water heating system is also described. A sensor for measuring a temperature distribution of fluid within a vessel is also described.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Containers of metal; metal containers for liquid, metal
containers for water; metal containers for hot water; metal
hot water tanks; metal containers for hot water arranged to
achieve higher energy storage density and components
thereof; metal hot water tank paired to an electrochemical
battery system; quilted jackets (metal -) for insulating hot
water tanks; parts and fittings for all of the aforesaid. Apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching,
transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling
electricity; boiler control instruments; electro-dynamic
apparatus for the remote control of signals; batteries,
electric; batteries, electrochemical; electrochemical
battery for heating water tanks; sensors; sensors for
sensing a state of charge; sensors paired to containers for
liquid; software, downloadable; software application
downloadable to a mobile device; software application
downloadable to a mobile device for identifying,
manipulating and relating a state of charge of a hot water
tank and/or batteries of a home energy storage system;
controllers; intelligent controllers; controllers with
mobile connectivity; controllers with an output unit and an
ability to relay data; software and hardware simulation
tools for energy efficiency based on user profiles, capable
of predicting the energy costs for a given installation of
hot water tank and local generation system; controller
capable of controlling the operation of the heating element;
controller capable of controlling the operation of the
heating element including proportional heating; programmable
control apparatus; remote control apparatus; remote control
apparatus for use with heating apparatus; temperature
controllers; temperature controlling apparatus; thermostats;
energy control devices; thermostat control apparatus;
electric thermostats; thermal controls; software and
hardware for remotely controlling and monitoring heating
systems; apparatus, equipment and instruments for measuring
the efficiency, performance and consumption of heating
systems; mobile application software; parts and fittings for
all of the aforesaid; none of the aforesaid relating to
software for use in relation to wearable devices, for use in
fitness, health and workout monitoring or for receiving,
displaying, processing, and uploading health and fitness
data to the Internet. Apparatus for lighting, heating; apparatus for water supply;
heating apparatus for liquid; water heaters; water heaters
[apparatus]; heating installations [water] / hot water
heating installations; pressure water tanks; level
controlling valves in tanks; electrically heated hot water
tanks; parts and fittings for all of the aforesaid. Consultancy in the field of energy-saving; consultancy in
the field of energy-efficiency; consulting services in the
field of energy efficiency in installation of water tanks,
heating apparatus, space heating and/or lighting;
engineering consultancy to manufacturers of water tanks;
material testing services; engineering testing services;
material and engineering testing services to manufacturers
of water tanks; technological services relating to the
manufacture of water tanks.
14.
CONTROLLER INTERFACE AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A HEATING SYSTEM
A controller interface (B12) between a hot water tank controller (B13) and a heat pump controller (B2) in a heating system is provided. The controller interface (B12) comprises a response module configured to receive, from the hot water tank controller (B13), a first signal indicative of a temperature. The response module provides a response signal based on the first signal and a temperature response characteristic and communicates the response signal to the heat pump controller (B2). The controller interface (B12) enables interoperability of a heat pump controller (B2) and a legacy hot water tank system and hot water tank controller (B13).
A heating system (100), a controller (110) for a heating system and a method of controlling a heating system (100) suitable for responding to grid stress events are disclosed. A heating system (100) comprises a tank (104) for holding water; a heat pump (102) arranged to provide heat to the tank (104); an electric heating element (108) disposed in the tank for heating water; and, a controller (110) configured to: control electric power from an electric power grid to the heat pump (102) and the electric heating element (108); detect a grid stress event; determine a heat pump energy penalty for providing heat in response to the grid stress event under a present operating condition; and, vary, in dependence on the determined heat pump energy penalty, a power provided to the electric heating element (108).
A modular heat pump water tank is provided. The modular heat pump water tank comprises a tank unit including a tank for containing heated water; a heat pump unit including a heat pump for providing heat to the tank; and a heat exchanger arranged externally to the tank for transferring heat from the heat pump to water from the tank. The tank unit and the heat pump unit are adapted for mounting to one another to form an integrated heat pump water tank.
A thermal storage vessel for containing a heat store fluid for receiving or delivering heat and at least one heat exchanger arranged inside the vessel are provided.
A heating system is provided. The heating system includes a heat pump to provide heat. The heating system includes a circuit of heat transfer fluid to transfer heat to or from the heat pump. The heating system includes a space heating system configured to transfer heat from the heat transfer fluid to an environment. The heating system includes a water heating system comprising a water tank for storing hot water to be provided to a user, a cold water inlet, a hot water outlet for drawing off hot water for supply to a user, and a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat between the heat transfer fluid and water from the cold water inlet. The heating system includes a means of sensing a tank status, the tank status being indicative of a quantity of thermal energy stored in the tank. The heating system includes a controller adapted to control the transfer of heat to and from the tank in dependence on the tank status.
A water heating tank is provided comprising a reservoir with a cold water inlet into the reservoir and a hot water outlet from the reservoir. The water heating tank further comprises a heater enclosure located within the reservoir. The heater enclosure encloses at least part of a heater. The heater enclosure has an inlet, a vent and an outlet. The water heating tank further comprises a duct connected to the outlet of the heater enclosure. The duct has an exit located in an upper portion of the reservoir.
Systems, kits of parts and methods for heating water are provided. A tank is provided for holding water and a heat pump provides heat to water of the tank via a heat exchanger. A variable speed pump pumps water from the tank to the heat exchanger and back to the tank and a three port valve is arranged to provide a flow path from the heat exchanger either to the top of the tank or to the bottom of the tank depending on a flow rate. A controller controls the variable speed pump depending on a hot water demand.
A water heating tank comprises a reservoir having a cold water inlet and a hot water outlet; a can disposed in a lower portion of the tank enclosing at least a part of a heater; a chimney extending from the top of the can to an upper portion of the tank. A chimney valve is arranged between the can and the chimney. The chimney valve is configured to prevent water flowing from the can into the chimney when a temperature of water in the can exceeds a first chimney threshold temperature.
A water heating system is described. The water heating system comprises a vessel for holding water and for receiving heat from one or more heat sources for heating water in the vessel. The water heating system comprises a sensor comprising a plurality of temperature sensing elements for sensing a distribution of temperatures in the vessel. The water heating system comprises a connector for connecting the sensor to a retrofittable tank controller. The water heating system is configured to provide one or more characteristics of the water heating system to a retrofittable tank controller such that a retrofittable tank controller connected to the sensor and in receipt of the characteristics of the water heating system can determine from the distribution of temperatures in the vessel a quantity of useable heat stored in the vessel. A retrofittable tank controller for controlling a water heating system is also described. A sensor for measuring a temperature distribution of fluid within a vessel is also described.
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
Goods & Services
Containers of metal; metal containers for liquid, metal
containers for water; metal containers for hot water; metal
hot water tanks; metal containers for hot water arranged to
achieve higher energy storage density and components
thereof; metal hot water tank paired to an electrochemical
battery system; quilted jackets (metal -) for insulating hot
water tanks; parts and fittings for all of the aforesaid. Apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching,
transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling
electricity; boiler control instruments; electro-dynamic
apparatus for the remote control of signals; batteries,
electric; batteries, electrochemical; electrochemical
battery for heating water tanks; sensors; sensors for
sensing a state of charge; sensors paired to containers for
liquid; software, downloadable; software application
downloadable to a mobile device; software application
downloadable to a mobile device for identifying,
manipulating and relating a state of charge of a hot water
tank and/or batteries of a home energy storage system;
controllers; intelligent controllers; controllers with
mobile connectivity; controllers with an output unit and an
ability to relay data; software and hardware simulation
tools for energy efficiency based on user profiles, capable
of predicting the energy costs for a given installation of
hot water tank and local generation system; controller
capable of controlling the operation of the heating element;
controller capable of controlling the operation of the
heating element including proportional heating; programmable
control apparatus; remote control apparatus; remote control
apparatus for use with heating apparatus; temperature
controllers; temperature controlling apparatus; thermostats;
energy control devices; thermostat control apparatus;
electric thermostats; thermal controls; software and
hardware for remotely controlling and monitoring heating
systems; apparatus, equipment and instruments for measuring
the efficiency, performance and consumption of heating
systems; mobile application software; parts and fittings for
all of the aforesaid. Apparatus for lighting, heating; apparatus for water supply;
heating apparatus for liquid; water heaters; water heaters
[apparatus]; heating installations [water] / hot water
heating installations; pressure water tanks; level
controlling valves in tanks; electrically heated hot water
tanks; parts and fittings for all of the aforesaid.
24.
CONTROLLER INTERFACE AND SYSTEM FOR CONTROLLING A HEATING SYSTEM
A controller interface (B12) between a hot water tank controller (B13) and a heat pump controller (B2) in a heating system is provided. The controller interface (B12) comprises a response module configured to receive, from the hot water tank controller (B13), a first signal indicative of a temperature. The response module provides a response signal based on the first signal and a temperature response characteristic and communicates the response signal to the heat pump controller (B2). The controller interface (B12) enables interoperability of a heat pump controller (B2) and a legacy hot water tank system and hot water tank controller (B13).
A heating system (100), a controller (110) for a heating system and a method of controlling a heating system (100) suitable for responding to grid stress events are disclosed. A heating system (100) comprises a tank (104) for holding water; a heat pump (102) arranged to provide heat to the tank (104); an electric heating element (108) disposed in the tank for heating water; and, a controller (110) configured to: control electric power from an electric power grid to the heat pump (102) and the electric heating element (108); detect a grid stress event; determine a heat pump energy penalty for providing heat in response to the grid stress event under a present operating condition; and, vary, in dependence on the determined heat pump energy penalty, a power provided to the electric heating element (108).
F24H 7/00 - Storage heaters, i.e. heaters in which the energy is stored as heat in masses for subsequent release
F24H 9/20 - Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
H02J 3/24 - Arrangements for preventing or reducing oscillations of power in networks
A water heating tank is provided comprising a reservoir with a cold water inlet into the reservoir and a hot water outlet from the reservoir. The water heating tank further comprises a heater enclosure located within the reservoir. The heater enclosure encloses at least part of a heater. The heater enclosure has an inlet, a vent and an outlet. The water heating tank further comprises a duct connected to the outlet of the heater enclosure. The duct has an exit located in an upper portion of the reservoir.
A contact temperature sensor arrangement comprises, along an axis X-X, a wired contact temperature sensor at a proximal end. An insert is provided at a distal end. An abutment surface is provided on the wired contact temperature sensor. The insert has a resiliently deformable anchor that, during a fitting step, reduces in length along axis X-X and reduces in width in a direction perpendicular to axis X-X. The reduction in width takes place along at least a portion of its length. The fitting step entails the application of a fitment force along the direction of axis X-X in a proximal direction and a constraint of movement of the insert along the direction of axis X-X caused by the abutment.
The present invention relates to a hot water storage tank (202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702), defining a primly storage volume (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704), with at least one heat source (212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) positioned in and operable to directly heat water in the upper portion (207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707) of the primary storage volume (204, 304, 404, 04, 604, 704), and a pump or other means (237, 337, 437, 537, 637) that draws water, from the lower portion (209, 309, 409, 509, 609, 709) of the tank into a heat transfer device (216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716), situated in said upper portion (207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707). The heat transfer device (216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716) is configured to enable the transfer of heat from heated water in the upper portion (207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707) to the drawn water prior to discharge into the water in the upper portion (207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707).
F28D 20/00 - Heat storage plants or apparatus in generalRegenerative heat-exchange apparatus not covered by groups or
F24D 17/02 - Domestic hot-water supply systems using heat pumps
F24H 1/20 - Water-storage heaters with immersed heating elements, e.g. electric elements or furnace tubes
F28D 7/02 - Heat-exchange apparatus having stationary tubular conduit assemblies for both heat-exchange media, the media being in contact with different sides of a conduit wall the conduits being helically coiled
The present invention provides a water heating system (10) comprising: a tank (12) for holding a quantity of water and having a cold-water inlet (14) and a hot water outlet (16) and having a first upper zone (Z1) and a second lower zone (Z2); a heat exchanger (18) having a first side (20) for receiving heat (H) from a heat source (A) and a second side (22) for transmitting heat (H) to water to be stored within the tank (12); wherein said heat exchanger (18) includes an inlet (18a) into said second side (22) of said heat exchanger (18) and an outlet therefrom (18b); and wherein said system (10) further includes a water draw pipe (90) having an inlet (92) within said second zone (Z2) and an outlet (94) connected to said inlet (18a) to the second side (22) of the heat exchanger (18) for supplying water from zone Z2 to the heat exchanger (18) for heating therein; and wherein said heat exchanger (18) is external to the tank (12) and wherein said system (10) further includes a flow director (11) for directing flow of water from said outlet (18b) of second side (22) of said heat exchanger (18) to said second lower zone Z2.
The present invention provides an energy management system (10) for managing the supply of electrical current to or from one or more electrical devices (12) from a mains electrical supply (14) or a non-mains electrical supply (16) connected to feed the mains supply (14) comprising: a consumer unit (18) connected to each of the one or more electrical devices (12) and the mains electrical supply (14); a current monitor (20) for monitoring the direction of current flow into or out of said mains electrical supply (14); one or more activation switches (22) for causing the selective electrical connection or disconnection of said one or more electrical devices (12) to said consumer unit (18) and a master controller (24) connected to receive current flow information from said current monitor (20) and connected to each of said one or more activation switches (22) for selectively operating said one or more activation switches (22) such as to cause the selective connection of said one or more electrical devices (12) to said consumer unit (18).
H02J 3/32 - Arrangements for balancing the load in a network by storage of energy using batteries with converting means
H02J 7/34 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering
H02J 7/35 - Parallel operation in networks using both storage and other DC sources, e.g. providing buffering with light sensitive cells
H02J 3/14 - Circuit arrangements for ac mains or ac distribution networks for adjusting voltage in ac networks by changing a characteristic of the network load by switching loads on to, or off from, network, e.g. progressively balanced loading
G01R 15/18 - Adaptations providing voltage or current isolation, e.g. for high-voltage or high-current networks using inductive devices, e.g. transformers
The present invention relates to a hot water storage tank (202, 302, 402, 502, 602, 702), defining a primary storage volume (204, 304, 404, 504, 604, 704), with at least one heat source (212, 312, 412, 512, 612, 712) positioned in and operable to directly heat water in the upper portion (207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707) of the primary storage volume (204, 304, 404, 04, 604, 704), and a pump or other means(237, 337, 437, 537, 637) that draws water, from the lower portion (209, 309, 409, 509, 609, 709) of the tank into a heat transfer device (216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716), situated in said upper portion (207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707). The heat transfer device (216, 316, 416, 516, 616, 716) is configured to enable the transfer of heat from heated water in the upper portion (207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707) to the drawn water prior to discharge into the water in the upper portion (207, 307, 407, 507, 607, 707).
06 - Common metals and ores; objects made of metal
09 - Scientific and electric apparatus and instruments
11 - Environmental control apparatus
42 - Scientific, technological and industrial services, research and design
Goods & Services
Containers of metal; metal containers for liquid, metal containers for water; metal containers for hot water; metal hot water tanks; metal containers for hot water arranged to achieve higher energy storage density and components thereof; metal hot water tank paired to an electrochemical battery system. apparatus and instruments for conducting, switching, transforming, accumulating, regulating or controlling electricity; boiler control instruments; electro-dynamic apparatus for the remote control of signals; batteries, electric; batteries, electrochemical; Electrochemical battery for heating water tanks; Sensors; sensors for sensing a state of charge; sensors paired to containers for liquid; Software, downloadable; software application downloadable to a mobile device; software application downloadable to a mobile device for identifying, manipulating and relating a state of charge of a hot water tank and/or batteries of a home energy storage system; Controllers; intelligent controllers; controllers with mobile connectivity; controllers with an output unit and an ability to relay data; Software and hardware simulation tools for energy efficiency based on user profiles, capable of predicting the energy costs for a given installation of hot water tank and local generation system; controller capable of controlling the operation of the heating element; controller capable of controlling the operation of the heating element including proportional heating. Apparatus for lighting, heating; apparatus for water supply; heating apparatus for liquid; water heaters; water heaters [apparatus]; heating installations [water] / hot water heating installations; pressure water tanks; level controlling valves in tanks. Consultancy in the field of energy-saving; consultancy in the field of energy-efficiency; Consulting services in the field of energy efficiency in installation of water tanks, space heating and/or lighting; Technical consultancy services to manufacturers of water tanks; testing services; testing services to manufacturers of water tanks; technical support services for water tanks.
