WO1994019650A1 - Appareil de chauffage - Google Patents

Appareil de chauffage Download PDF

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Publication number
WO1994019650A1
WO1994019650A1 PCT/IE1994/000009 IE9400009W WO9419650A1 WO 1994019650 A1 WO1994019650 A1 WO 1994019650A1 IE 9400009 W IE9400009 W IE 9400009W WO 9419650 A1 WO9419650 A1 WO 9419650A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
heat
space heating
heating apparatus
heat exchange
transfer medium
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Ceased
Application number
PCT/IE1994/000009
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
James Gerard Tangney
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
CASSOWARY Ltd
Original Assignee
CASSOWARY Ltd
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by CASSOWARY Ltd filed Critical CASSOWARY Ltd
Priority to AU60432/94A priority Critical patent/AU6043294A/en
Priority to GB9517407A priority patent/GB2291702B/en
Publication of WO1994019650A1 publication Critical patent/WO1994019650A1/fr
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Ceased legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D19/00—Details
    • F24D19/10—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices
    • F24D19/1006—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems
    • F24D19/1066—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for the combination of central heating and domestic hot water
    • F24D19/1072—Arrangement or mounting of control or safety devices for water heating systems for the combination of central heating and domestic hot water the system uses a heat pump
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24D—DOMESTIC- OR SPACE-HEATING SYSTEMS, e.g. CENTRAL HEATING SYSTEMS; DOMESTIC HOT-WATER SUPPLY SYSTEMS; ELEMENTS OR COMPONENTS THEREFOR
    • F24D11/00—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses
    • F24D11/02—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps
    • F24D11/0214—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps water heating system
    • F24D11/0228—Central heating systems using heat accumulated in storage masses using heat pumps water heating system combined with conventional heater
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B10/00—Integration of renewable energy sources in buildings
    • Y02B10/70—Hybrid systems, e.g. uninterruptible or back-up power supplies integrating renewable energies
    • Y—GENERAL TAGGING OF NEW TECHNOLOGICAL DEVELOPMENTS; GENERAL TAGGING OF CROSS-SECTIONAL TECHNOLOGIES SPANNING OVER SEVERAL SECTIONS OF THE IPC; TECHNICAL SUBJECTS COVERED BY FORMER USPC CROSS-REFERENCE ART COLLECTIONS [XRACs] AND DIGESTS
    • Y02—TECHNOLOGIES OR APPLICATIONS FOR MITIGATION OR ADAPTATION AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
    • Y02B—CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION TECHNOLOGIES RELATED TO BUILDINGS, e.g. HOUSING, HOUSE APPLIANCES OR RELATED END-USER APPLICATIONS
    • Y02B30/00—Energy efficient heating, ventilation or air conditioning [HVAC]
    • Y02B30/12—Hot water central heating systems using heat pumps

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to space heating apparatus, and in particular though not limited to space heating apparatus for heating a domestic dwelling.
  • the invention relates to space heating apparatus of the type which comprises at least one secondary heat exchange means for space heating, a main heat exchange means for transferring heat to and from a heat transfer medium, a heat transfer medium circuit for communicating the main heat exchange means with each secondary heat exchange means for transferring heat between the main heat exchange means and the respective secondary heat exchange means by the heat transfer medium, a heat pump means for transferring heat to or from the main heat exchange means, a storage means in the heat transfer medium circuit for storing the heat transfer medium for storing heat for subsequent transfer to the secondary heat exchange means, a make-up heat source in the storage means for heating the heat transfer medium, a circulating means in the_ heat transfer medium circuit for circulating the heat transfer medium through the main heat exchange means, the secondary heat exchange means and the storage means, a cycle timing means for timing a cycle of the apparatus and for timing a heat storage period during which the apparatus is operated for storing heat in the heat transfer medium,
  • PCT Specification No. WO 86/00976 discloses space heating apparatus in which the apparatus can be operated so that the power requirement of the space heating apparatus during onpeak periods of the electricity supply utilities is maintained relatively low.
  • this is only achieved by the provision of a relatively complex apparatus and also with relatively complex controls. Indeed, even with the relative complexity of the apparatus the power requirement during onpeak periods is relatively high. Furthermore, while this apparatus stores heat during offpeak periods the apparatus is relatively inefficient when operating to store heat and the power requirement of the apparatus when storing heat is relatively high.
  • space heating apparatus which overcomes the problems of known space heating apparatus. It is an object of the invention to provide such space heating apparatus in which the apparatus can be operated to store heat during offpeak periods and to operate with minimum power requirements during onpeak periods of an electricity supply utility. It is a particular object of the invention to provide such space heating apparatus which operates efficiently and in particular, which operates efficiently when storing heat, and also which operates efficiently when it is operating with minimum power demand. It is a further object of the invention to provide such space heating apparatus in which the control system of the apparatus is relatively simple to provide, install and operate.
  • space heating apparatus comprising at least one secondary heat exchange means for space heating, a main heat exchange means for transferring heat to and from a heat transfer medium, a heat transfer medium circuit for communicating the main heat exchange means with each secondary heat exchange means for transferring heat between the main heat exchange means and the respective secondary heat exchange means by the heat transfer medium, a heat pump means for transferring heat to the main heat exchange means, a storage means in the heat transfer medium circuit for storing the heat transfer medium for storing heat for subsequent transfer to the secondary heat exchange means, a make-up heat source in the storage means for heating the heat transfer medium, a circulating means in the heat transfer medium circuit for circulating the heat transfer medium through the main heat exchange means, each secondary heat exchange means and the storage means, a cycle timing means for timing a cycle of the apparatus and for timing a heat storage period during which the apparatus is operated for storing heat in the heat transfer medium, and a minimum demand period during which the apparatus is operated for minimising power consumption of the apparatus, the minimum demand period being after the heat storage period, and
  • the operation of the space heating apparatus is particularly efficient during the heat storage period.
  • the main control means is responsive to the cycle timing means for disabling the heat pump means during the minimum demand period for reducing the power requirements of the space heating apparatus to a minimum during the minimum demand period.
  • the predetermined intermediate temperature of the heat transfer medium is at least 40°C, and preferably, at least 45°C.
  • the predetermined intermediate temperature of the heat transfer medium is at least 50°C, and preferably, at least 55°C, and in a preferred aspect of the invention, the predetermined intermediate temperature of the heat transfer medium is approximately 60°C. The nearer the predetermined intermediate temperature can be raised to 60°C by the heat pump means, it has been found the more efficient the space heating apparatus operates during the heat storage period.
  • the predetermined final temperature of the heat transfer medium is in the range of 75°C to 95°C, preferably, the predetermined final temperature of the heat transfer medium is in the range of 80°C to 90°C, and advantageously, the predetermined final temperature of the heat transfer medium is approximately 85°C. It has been found that the nearer the predetermined final temperature is maintained to 85°C, the more efficiently the space heating apparatus operates during the heat storage period and also during the minimum demand period.
  • each secondary heat exchange means is provided with an associated fan for transferring heat between the secondary heat exchange means and its associated environment.
  • the main control means is responsive to the cycle timing means for disabling the associated fan of each secondary heat exchange means during the heat storage period, for improving the efficiency of operation of the space heating apparatus during the heat storage period.
  • each secondary heat exchange means is provided with an associated isolating means for isolating the secondary heat exchange means from the heat transfer medium circuit.
  • the control means is responsive to the cycle timing means for disabling each isolating means during the heat storage period for further improving the efficiency of operation of the space heating apparatus during the heat storage period.
  • each secondary heat exchange means is provided with an associated secondary heat source, operable independently of the secondary heat exchange means, for heating the environment associated with the secondary heat exchange means during the heat storage period.
  • each secondary heat source comprises an electrically powered heat source.
  • the control means is responsive to the cycle timing means for disabling each secondary heat source during the minimum demand period, for minimising the power demand of the space heating apparatus during the minimum demand period.
  • the heat pump means is reversible and is operable in a heating cycle and a cooling cycle for providing both heating and cooling to the secondary heat exchange means.
  • the cycle timing means times a twenty-four hour cycle, and the cycle timing means may time a seven day cycle.
  • the space heating apparatus is operated under the control of the main control means with one heat storage period and one minimum demand period during each twenty-four hour cycle.
  • the minimum demand period of the space heating apparatus is of substantially similar length to the onpeak demand period of a mains electricity supply utility which powers the space heating apparatus, and the minimum demand period of the space heating apparatus co-incides with the onpeak demand period.
  • a secondary temperature sensing means is provided associated with each secondary heat exchange means for monitoring the air temperature of the environment in which the respective secondary heat exchange means are located, and advantageously, each secondary temperature sensing means is located in the path of the return air being returned to the associated secondary heat exchange means.
  • the secondary heat source and the fan associated with each secondary heat exchange means is responsive to the associated secondary temperature sensing means.
  • each secondary heat exchange means is provided with a secondary control means for controlling the secondary heat exchange means, the associated fan, secondary heat source and the isolating means, and preferably, a communicating means communicates each secondary control means with the main control means.
  • the communicating means communicates each secondary control means with the other secondary control means.
  • the communicating means comprises at least two wires, namely, a first wire and a second wire extending between the main control means and the secondary control means for enabling each secondary control means to communicate with the main control means and the other secondary control means, each of the two wires being operable in two states so that on a secondary heat exchange means requiring heating or cooling, the secondary control means of that secondary heat exchange means changes the state of the appropriate wire indicating the relevant demand to the main control means.
  • a change in state of either of the first and second wires caused by a secondary control means causes the secondary control means of the other secondary heat exchange means to operate the isolating means for isolating the secondary heat exchange means from the heat transfer medium circuit of those secondary heat exchange means which are not making the same demand as that being made by the secondary control circuit which changed the state of the wire.
  • This arrangement provides a particularly simple form of control of the space heating apparatus.
  • the first wire communicates a demand for heating and the second wire communicates demand for cooling.
  • the communicating means comprises a third wire which is operable in three states, namely, a first state, a second state and a third state, the state of the third wire being determined by the main control means such that in the first state the secondary heat exchange means are allowed to operate under the control of their associated secondary control means, in the second state the secondary heat source associated with each secondary control means is disabled, and in the third state the isolating means associated with each secondary heat exchange means is closed.
  • the third wire is operable in a fourth state, and in the fourth state some of the secondary heat exchange means are subject to the control of the main control means.
  • Operating the third wire in a fourth state enables independent control of secondary heat exchange means through their respective secondary control means in different zones.
  • the fan and secondary heat source associated with each secondary heat exchange means may be disabled.
  • a continuous high signal is applied to the third wire
  • a continuous low signal is applied to the third wire
  • a pulsed signal of relatively low frequency is applied to the third wire
  • a pulsed signal of relatively high frequency is applied to the third wire.
  • the communicating means comprises a fourth wire and a fifth wire for addressing the respective secondary control means in three respective zone, each of the fourth and fifth wires being operable in two states so that the secondary control means in the three different zones are addressed by different combinations of signals on the fourth and fifth wires.
  • the communicating means comprises a sixth wire which acts as a ground wire.
  • the storage means comprises an enclosed storage tank, and the storage tank is an elongated storage tank comprising a base and a side wall extending upwardly from the base and terminating in an upper wall closing the storage tank.
  • the upper wall is dome shaped.
  • the upper wall is convex when viewed from above.
  • the side wall is of cylindrical construction.
  • a domestic hot water supply tank is located on top of the storage tank for facilitating heat transfer from the storage tank to the domestic hot water supply tank.
  • the upper wall of the storage tank forms a base of the domestic hot water supply tank for facilitating heat transfer from the storage tank to the domestic hot water supply tank.
  • the invention provides space heating apparatus comprising at least one secondary heat exchange means for space heating, a main heat exchange means for transferring heat to and from a heat transfer medium, a heat transfer medium circuit for communicating the main heat exchange means with each secondary heat exchange means for transferring heat between the main heat exchange means and the respective secondary heat exchange means by the heat transfer medium, a heat pump means for transferring heat to the main heat exchange means, a storage means in the heat transfer medium circuit for storing the heat transfer medium for storing heat for subsequent transfer to the secondary heat exchange means, a make-up heat source in the storage means for heating the heat transfer medium, a circulating means in the heat transfer medium circuit for circulating the heat transfer medium through the main heat exchange means, each secondary heat exchange means and the storage means, a cycle timing means for timing a cycle of the apparatus and for timing a heat storage period during which the apparatus is operated for storing heat in the heat transfer medium, and a minimum demand period during which the apparatus is operated for minimising power consumption of the apparatus, the minimum demand period being after the heat storage period, and a main heat
  • Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of space heating apparatus according to the invention
  • Fig. 2 is a circuit diagram of the space heating apparatus of Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 4 is a flow chart of a subroutine of the computer programme of Fig. 3,
  • Fig. 5 is a flow chart of another subroutine of the computer programme of Fig. 3, and
  • the apparatus 1 is particularly suitable for space heating a domestic dwelling house.
  • the space heating apparatus 1 comprises a central unit 2 for providing heating and cooling to the apparatus 1 and a plurality of remote units 3, in this case seven remote units 3 which are located remotely from the central unit 2, and typically, one in each room of the domestic dwelling for heating or cooling the respective room of the dwelling. Only one of the remote units 3 is illustrated in detail in Fig. 2.
  • the domestic dwelling is divided into three zones, namely, zone 1, zone 2 and zone 3.
  • Zone 1 includes the bedrooms of the dwelling house, and the remote units 3a, 3b and 3c are located in zone 1.
  • Zone 2 includes the living rooms, typically, a sitting room and dining room.
  • the remote units 3d and 3e are located in these two rooms respectively.
  • Zone 3 includes the kitchen, bathroom and toilet areas of the dwelling, and remote units 3f and 3g " are located in these areas.
  • the central unit 2 comprises a heat pump means, namely, a heat pump circuit 4 which is illustrated in block representation.
  • the heat pump circuit 4 is reversible so that it can be operated in a heating cycle or a cooling cycle. In a heating cycle, the heat pump circuit 4 supplies heat from the central unit 2 to the remote units 3 and in the cooling or refrigeration cycle the heat pump circuit 4 removes heat from the remote units 3, in other words cools the remote units 3 for cooling the rooms in which they are located.
  • a main control means namely, a main control circuit 5 controls the operation of the heat pump circuit 4 as well as the apparatus 1 as will be described in more detail below.
  • the main control circuit 5 is illustrated in block representation in Fig. 2.
  • Each remote unit 3 comprises a housing 15 having an air inlet 16 and an air outlet 17.
  • a secondary heat exchange means namely, a fan coil heat exchanger 18 is located within each housing 15.
  • the fan coil heat exchangers 18 each comprise a heat exchange coil 19 and a fan 20 driven by an electrical motor 21 for circulating air from the room over the heat exchange coil 19 from the air inlet 16 to the air outlet 17 for transferring heat between the heat exchange coil 19 and the air in the room.
  • the heat exchange coil 19 of each remote unit 3 is connected to the flow and return lines 9 and 10 for receiving heat exchange medium from the heat transfer medium circuit 8.
  • An isolating means namely, a solenoid operated isolating valve 23 connects each heat exchange coil 19 to the flow line 9 for enabling the hea exchange coil 19 to be isolated from the heat transfer medium circuit 8 under certain conditions as will be described below.
  • a secondary heat source comprising a secondary electrical resistive heater 25 is located in the housing 15 of each remote unit 3 for providing additional heat to the room should the heat exchange coil 19 be unable to supply the heat demand of the room, or during periods where the heat pump circuit 4 is disabled or is operating in a cooling cycle to satisfy a demand for cooling from another room or rooms, as will be described below.
  • the fan 20 is arranged in the housing 15 to circulate air over the heater 25 for transferring heat therefrom to the room.
  • a secondary control means namely, a secondary control circuit 26 which is illustrated in block representation in Fig. 2 is located in the housing 15 of each remote unit 3 and controls the operation of the fan 20, the isolating valve 23 and the heater 25 of that remote unit 3 under the partial control of the main control circuit 5, as will be described below.
  • a secondary temperature sensing means namely, a secondary temperature sensor 28 is located in the housing 15 of each remote unit 3 adjacent the air inlet 16 for monitoring the temperature of air from the room being returned to the remote unit 3. The secondary temperature sensor 28 is read by the secondary control circuit 26 for controlling the operation of the remote unit 3. This is described in more detail below.
  • the motor 21, the isolating valve 23 and the heater 25 are controlled by the secondary control circuit 26 of each remote unit 3 through drivers 30 to 32, respectively.
  • An analog to digital converter 33 converts the analog signal of the temperature monitored by the secondary temperature sensor 28 of each remote unit 3 to digital form for delivery to the secondary control circuit 26.
  • a keypad 35 is connected to the secondary control circuit 26 of each remote unit 3 to enable a user to input desired upper and lower set point temperatures within which the room is to be maintained.
  • a liquid crystal display 36 connected to the secondary control circuit of each remote unit 3 displays temperature.
  • a circulating means namely, a circulating pump 52 in the return line 10 circulates heat transfer water in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 through the main heat exchanger 6, the secondary heat exchange coils 19 of the remote unit 3 and the storage tank 38.
  • a make-up heat source comprising an immersion heater 55 is located in the storage tank 38 for raising the temperature of the heat transfer water to a predetermined final temperature, in this case approximately 85°C while the apparatus 1 is operating in a heat storage mode during the heat storage period which is described below, for use when the apparatus 1 is operating in a minimum demand mode during the minimum demand period.
  • a main temperature sensing means namely, a main temperature sensor 56 is located on the storage tank 38 for monitoring the temperature of the heat transfer water in the storage tank 38.
  • the circulating pump 52 is driven by an electrically powered motor (not shown) which is controlled by the main control circuit 5 through a motor driver 57.
  • the main control circuit 5 controls the immersion heater 55 through a driver 58, and the heat pump circuit 4 through a driver 59.
  • An analog to digital converter 60 converts the analog signal of the temperature monitored by the main temperature sensor 56 into digital signals for delivery to the main control circuit 5.
  • a keypad 61 connected to the main control circuit 5 enables inputting to the main control circuit 5 of upper and lower set point temperatures and times at which the air temperature in the rooms in the respective zones is to be controlled at various times during a twenty-four hour or seven day cycle of the apparatus 1 and also the times at which the selected set point temperatures inputted through the respective keypads 35 into the secondary control circuits 26 of the remote units 3 are to be overridden by the main control circuit 5 as will be described below.
  • the keypad 61 also enables inputting to the main control circuit 5 of the start and stop times of the heat storage period and the minimum demand period during which the apparatus is to be operated in the heat storage mode and the minimum demand mode, respectively. Times and temperatures are displayed on a liquid crystal display 62 which is connected to the main control circuit 5.
  • the main control circuit 5 and the secondary control circuit 26 are provided with respective microprocessors.
  • the heat pump circuit 4, the heat exchanger 6, the expansion tank 53, the circulating pump 52, the main control circuit 5 and its associated circuitry are all housed in a housing (not shown) which essentially forms the central unit 2.
  • the apparatus 1 cycles through three modes, namely, a normal mode, the heat storage mode and the minimum demand mode.
  • Each remote unit 3 operates under the control of its secondary control circuit 26 which is subject to the control of the main control circuit 5 depending on the mode in which the apparatus 1 is operating. Additionally, the main control circuit 5 controls the remote units 3 to operate in set back mode. In set back mode, the main control circuit 5 overrides the set point temperatures at which the remote units 3 in the respective zones 1 to 3 operate based on the set point temperatures entered through the keypads 35, and forces the remote units 3 to operate at upper and lower set back set point temperatures which are entered into the main control circuit 5 through the keypad 61.
  • each remote unit 3 When the apparatus 1 is operating in normal mode each remote unit 3 operates under the control of its secondary control circuit 26.
  • the secondary control circuit 26 reads the air temperature from the secondary temperature sensor 28 which is compared with the upper and lower set points inputted into the secondary control circuit 26 through the keypad 35, and on the air temperature sensed by the secondary temperature sensor 28 lying within the two set points, the remote unit continues to operate as it has been. However, on the air temperature falling below the lower set point value, if the fan 20 is not operating, the fan 20 is activated to pass air over the heat exchange coil 19, assuming that the heat pump circuit 4 is operating in a heating cycle, and that the temperature of the heat transfer water exceeds 30°C. Otherwise, the heater 25 of the remote unit 3 is activated and the fan 20 delivers air over the heater 25.
  • the heater 25 is activated and the fan 20 continues to operate.
  • the heat pump circuit 4 is operating in a cooling cycle when the air temperature drops below the lower set point, then the heater 25 is activated, and if the fan is not already operating, the fan 20 is also activated.
  • a requirement for heat by the remote unit 3 is continuously communicated through the six wire link 65 as will be described below in more detail to the main control circuit 5 until the requirement for heat no longer applies. Accordingly, on the heat pump circuit 4 finishing operating in a cooling cycle, the heat pump circuit 4 can immediately be activated to operate in a heating cycle for supplying heat to the heat exchange coil 19 of the remote unit 3 should the demand for heat still exist.
  • the air temperature exceeds the upper set point temperature of a remote unit 3
  • the fan 20 is switched off. If the temperature continues to rise above the upper set point temperature, the heater 25 of the remote unit is switched off. Should the air temperature continue to rise above the upper set point temperature, cooling is required by the remote unit 3.
  • a cooling demand by any remote unit 3 takes priority over a demand for heating, and on a remote unit 3 making a demand for cooling, provided the apparatus is not operating in the heat storage mode or the minimum demand mode, the heat pump circuit 4 is operated under the control of the main control circuit 5 in a cooling cycle. The heat pump circuit 4 continues to operate in a cooling cycle until all demands for cooling by remote units 3 have been satisfied. At that stage, the heat pump circuit 4 is deactivated, unless a remote unit is demanding heating, in which case the heat pump circuit 4 is operated in a heating cycle.
  • the apparatus 1 operates in the minimum demand mode for one minimum demand period in each twenty-four hours.
  • the minimum demand period is a two hour period from 16.30 to 18.30 hours.
  • the two hour minimum demand period from 16.30 to 18.30 hours is selected to co-incide with the onpeak demand period of an electricity supply utility.
  • the apparatus is operated for a thirty minute heat storage period immediately before the minimum demand period - " n a heat storage mode for storing heat for subsequent use during the minimum demand period. In other words, the apparatus 1 is operated in a heat storage mode from 16.00 to 16.30 hours.
  • the temperature of the heat transfer water in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 is raised to a final predetermined temperature, in this case, 85 ⁇ C.
  • a final predetermined temperature in this case 85 ⁇ C.
  • the isolating valves 23 of each remote unit 3 are closed, thereby preventing loss of heat from the heat exchange coils 19 in the remote units 3.
  • the heat pump circuit 4 is activated to operate in a heating cycle for heating the heat transfer water.
  • the temperature of the heat transfer water is monitored by the main temperature sensor 56, and on the temperature of the heat transfer water reaching a predetermined intermediate temperature, namely, 60°C, the heat pump circuit 4 is immediately deactivated and the immersion heater 55 is activated for raising the temperature of the heat transfer water from 60°C to the final temperature of 85°C.
  • the temperature is maintained at 85°C by the immersion heater 55 until the heat storage period terminates, at which stage the immersion heater 55 is deactivated.
  • the heaters 25 and fans 20 of the remote units 3 are enabled by the main control circuit 5 and operate under the control of the secondary circuits 26 of the remote units 3 for heating the rooms.
  • the main control circuit 5 determines that the remote units 3 in any of the zones 1 to 3 should be operated in set back mode, the main control circuit 5 transmits a signal as will be described below through the six wire link 65 to the remote units 3 of the relevant zone or zones which then operate in set back mode. In other words, the remote units 3 operate between the upper and lower set back set point temperatures of the set back mode.
  • the main control circuit 5 controls the heat pump circuit 4 during operation of the apparatus 1 in normal mode so that on the temperature of the water in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 reaching 45°C, the heat pump circuit 4 is deactivated for maximising the efficiency of operation of the apparatus 1 in normal mode. Additionally, at start-up of the apparatus 1 or on changeover of the heat pump circuit 4 from a cooling cycle to a heating cycle, the isolating valves 23 of those remote units 3 which are calling for heating are closed until the temperature of the water in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 reaches 30°C for efficient running of the apparatus 1.
  • the six wire control link comprises six wires, namely, first to six wires 71 to 76.
  • the first and second wires 71 and 72 permit the remote units 3 to communicate to the central unit 2 a demand for heating and cooling, respectively.
  • the first and second wires 71 and 72 are operable in two states, namely, continuously high or continuously low state. When no demand for heating or cooling exists at any of the remote units 3, each wire 71 and 72 is held high by the main control circuit 5. On any of the remote units requiring heating, the secondary control circuit 26 of that remote unit 3 pulls the first wire 71 low.
  • the main control circuit 5 on seeing a low in the first wire 71, if the heat pump circuit 4 is not operating in a cooling cycle, then the main control circuit 5 activates the heat pump circuit 4.
  • the wires 71 and 72 are also monitored by the secondary control circuits 26 of the remote units 3, and on a remote unit 3 which does not require heat determining that the line 71 has been pulled low, the secondary control circuit 26 of that remote unit 3 closes the isolating valve 23 of the remote unit 3.
  • the wire 72 On a remote unit 3 requiring cooling, the wire 72 is pulled low by the secondary control circuit 26 of that unit 3.
  • the main control circuit 5 On the main control circuit 5 determining that a demand for cooling exists, irrespective of the operating state of the heat pump circuit 4, the main control circuit 5 operates the heat pump circuit 4 in a cooling cycle.
  • the remote units 3 which do not require cooling, on their respective secondary control circuits 26 determining that the wire 72 has been pulled low close their respective isolating valves 23. In either case, when a remote unit 3 is calling for heating or cooling, the secondary control circuit 26 of the relevant remote units 3 continues to pull the relevant wire 71 or 72 low until the demand for heating or cooling as the case may be has been fully satisfied. On a demand for cooling having been satisfied, should a demand for heating still be indicated by the first wire 71 being pulled low, the main control circuit 5 operates the heat pump circuit 4 in a heating cycle after the second wire 72 goes high, and until the first wire 71 also goes high again.
  • Two wires 74 and 75 are provided for addressing the remote units 3 in the respective zones 1, 2 and 3.
  • the fourth and fifth wires 74 and 75 are each operated in two states, namely, a continuously high state or a continuously low state.
  • a high on the two wires 74 and 75 addresses the remote units 3 of zone 1.
  • a high and a low on the wires 74 and 75 respectively, addresses the remote units 3 of zone 2 and reversing the high and low on the wires 74 and 75 addresses the remote units 3 in zone 3.
  • the secondary control circuit 26 of the relevant remote units 3 read the third wire 73 for determining the mode in which they are to operate.
  • the sixth wire 76 is a common earth wire.
  • FIG. 3 a flow chart illustrating the main features of the computer programme which controls the main control circuit 5 will now be described.
  • Block 100 reads a cycle timing means, namely, a real time clock in the microprocessor of the main control circuit 5, and the computer programme moves to block 101.
  • Block 101 checks if the time read by block 100 indicates that the remote units in any of the zones should be put into set back mode. If block 101 determines that a zone or zones is to operate in set back mode the computer programme moves to block 102 which checks if the relevant zones are in set back mode. If not, the computer programme moves to block 103 which calls up the set back mode subroutine which puts the remote units 3 of the relevant zone or zones in set back mode. This subroutine is described below with reference to Fig. 4. The computer programme moves on to block 104.
  • the computer programme moves to block 104.
  • block 101 determines that the time read by block 100 is not a start time for a set back mode
  • the computer programme moves to block 105 which checks if the time read by block 100 indicates that a set back mode in any of the zones should be terminated. If so, the computer programme moves to block 106 which calls up the set back mode subroutine which ends the set back mode in the remote units 3 of the relevant zone or zones. The computer programme then moves to block 104. Should block 105 determine that the time read by the block 100 is not an end time for the set back mode in any of the zones the computer programme moves to block 104.
  • Block 104 checks if the time read by block 100 is the start time for the heat storage period. If so, the computer programme moves to block 107. Block 107 calls up the heat storage subroutine which puts the apparatus 1 in the heat storage mode. This subroutine is described below with reference to Fig. 5. The computer programme then moves to block 108. Should block 104 determine that it is not time to commence a heat storage period, the computer programme moves to block 109 which checks if it is time to commence a minimum demand period. If so, the computer programmes moves to block 110 which calls up the minimum demand subroutine, which puts the apparatus in the minimum demand mode. This subroutine is described below with reference to Fig. 6. The computer programme then moves to block 108.
  • the computer programme operating the main control circuit 5 carries out other tasks and functions to enable the apparatus 1 to operate as described, these will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and it is not intended to describe them in this specification.
  • the computer programme will switch on and off the heat pump circuit 4 and the relevant units of the remote units 3 when no heating and cooling is required, for example, during nighttime periods, for example, from 23.00 hours to 7.00 hours the next day.
  • the main control circuit 26 of each remote unit is also provided with a computer programme for facilitating communicating with the main control circuit 5 and receiving instructions therefrom.
  • the computer programme of the secondary control circuit 26 will also operate the components of the remote units, and will apply relevant signals to the first and second wires 71 and 72, and will also read the signals on the first and second wires 71 and 72. This will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art.
  • Fig. 4 there is illustrated a flow chart of a subroutine for placing the remote units 3 of one or more zones into set back mode or taking the remote unit 3 of the relevant zones out of set back mode. Should the remote units of the relevant zones not be in set back mode, the subroutine of Fig. 4 places the relevant remote units 3 in set back mode, and vice versa.
  • Block 130 starts the subroutine.
  • Block 131 applies the slow pulsed signal at the rate of ten pulses per second on the third wire 73 and the subroutine moves to block 132.
  • Block 132 checks if the remote units of zone 1 are to be placed in or removed from set back mode. If so, the subroutine moves to block 133 which places a high on the fourth and fifth wires 74 and 75 for a period of one second for addressing the remote units 3 of zone 1 for one second during which they read the signal on the third line 73 and the subroutine moves to block 134.
  • the subroutine moves to block 134 which determines if the remote units 3 of zone 2 are to be placed in or removed from set back mode. If so, the subroutine moves to block 135 which places a high on the fourth wire 74 and a low on the fifth wire 75 for a period of one second for addressing the remote units 3 in zone 2. The subroutine then moves to block 136. Should block 134 have determined that the remote units 3 of zone 2 are not to be placed in set back mode or removed therefrom the subroutine moves to block 136. Block 136 determined if the remote units 3 of zone 3 are to be placed in or removed from set back mode.
  • the subroutine moves to block 137 which places a high on the wire 75 and a low on the wire 74 for a period of one second, thereby addressing the remote units 3 of zone 3.
  • the subroutine then moves to block 138 which returns control of the main control circuit 4 to the main computer programme of Fig. 3.
  • the computer programme moves to block 138.
  • the subroutine then moves to block 144 which reads the main temperature sensor 56 to determine the temperature of the water in the storage tank 38 and moves to block 145.
  • Block 145 checks if the temperature read by block 144 is greater than or equal to the intermediate temperature of 60°C. If not, the subroutine returns to block 144. Should block 145 determine that the temperature of the water is greater than or equal to 60°C, the computer programme moves to block 146 which activates the immersion heater 55.
  • the subroutine then moves to block 147 which reads the main temperature sensor 56 to determine the temperature of the water in the storage tank 38, and moves to block 148.
  • Block 148 checks if the temperature read by block 147 is greater than or equal to the final temperature of 85°C. If not, the subroutine returns to block 147.
  • Block 150 checks if the heat storage period has terminated, and if so, the subroutine moves to block 151 which returns control of the main control circuit 5 to the computer programme of Fig. 3. On block 150 determining that the heat storage period is not yet terminated, the subroutine moves to block 152 which again reads the main temperature sensor 56 and moves to block 153. Block 153 checks if the temperature read by block 152 is greater than or equal to 85°C. If so, the subroutine returns to block 152. If not, the subroutine returns to block 146 which again activates the immersion heater 55 and the subroutine then continues to block 147 and so on.
  • Block 160 starts the subroutine.
  • Block 161 places a low on the third wire 73 to indicate to the remote units 3 of all the zones that the heaters 25 of the remote units 3 are to be disabled and the subroutine moves to block 162.
  • Block 162 sequentially addresses the remote units of the three zones 1 to 3 while the low is still on the wire 73 thereby disabling the heaters 25 of the remote units 3.
  • the subroutine then moves to block 163 which checks if the minimum demand period has terminated. If not, the computer programme moves to block 164 which causes the subroutine to wait and in due course return to block 163. Should block 163 determine that the minimum demand period has terminated the subroutine moves to block 165 which returns control of the main control circuit 5 to the computer programme of Fig. 3.
  • air circulating means for circulating air through the dwelling house for providing for air changes comprises an air inlet duct 80 which terminates in an outlet grille 81 through which air is delivered into the domestic dwelling.
  • the outlet grille 81 is mounted in the ceiling of an upstairs landing, and the inlet duct 80 extends through the attic.
  • An outlet duct 82 terminating in an inlet grille 83 which would typically be mounted in a ground floor room of the domestic dwelling draws air from the dwelling for exhaust to atmosphere.
  • An air heat exchanger 85 in this case, a honeycomb structure heat exchanger of aluminium with alternate passages is mounted in a suitable location, for example, the attic for exchanging heat between the exhaust air being expelled from the building and fresh air being drawn into the building.
  • Air through the inlet duct 80 is drawn by one of the fans through the heat exchanger 85 through one lot of passages in the heat exchanger 85, while air through the outlet duct 82 is delivered by the other fan through the heat exchanger 85 through the other passages of the heat exchanger 85 for exchanging heat with the inlet air.
  • Air is drawn into the heat exchanger 85 through an air inlet 86.
  • Expelled air is delivered from the heat exchanger 85 through an air outlet 87. It has been found that once the temperature difference between the inlet and the outlet air exceeds 4°C, heat transfer of approximately 70% of the available heat is achievable between the outlet air and the inlet air.
  • the upper and lower set point temperatures within which each remote unit 3 is to operate are entered through the keypads 35.
  • the time during which the apparatus 1 is to operate in heat storage mode and the time during which the apparatus 1 is to operate in the minimum demand mode are entered through the keypad 61 into the main control circuit 5.
  • the times during which the remote units 3 are to operate are entered through the keypad 61 to the main control circuit 5.
  • the time during which the remote units 3 of the various zones 1 to 3 are to be operated in set back mode are entered through the keypad 61, and the upper and lower set point temperatures for the set back periods are also entered through the keypad 61.
  • Periods during which the apparatus is not to operate typically during the nighttime period from 23.00 to 7.00 hours are also entered through the keypad 61. During such periods, the main control circuit 5 controls the apparatus 1 and the remote units 3 in a deactivated mode.
  • the apparatus 1 When the apparatus 1 is activated initially in the morning, a demand for heating by any of the remote units 3 is satisfied by their respective secondary heaters 25 until the water temperature in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 reaches 30°C. Initially, the temperature of the water in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 is monitored by the main control circuit 5 reading the main temperature sensor 56, and a fast pulsed signal is applied to the third wire 73 for closing the isolating valves 23 of the remote units 3 of all the zones 1 to 3 which are addressed sequentially using the fourth and fifth address wires 74 and 75, thereby preventing heat transfer water from circulating through the heat exchange coils 19. This condition is maintained, in other words, the valves 23 of the remote units 3 are held closed until the temperature of the water in the heat transfer medium circuit 8 exceeds 30°C. Thereafter, the apparatus 1 operates as already described depending on the time of the day.
  • the fans associated with the respective secondary heat exchange coils could be disabled.
  • the fan may be switched off instead of closing of the isolating means.
  • the third wire of the six wire control link may be operated in more than four states, for example, it may be operated in five, six or any number of states, thereby providing further control of the remote units by the main control circuit 5.
  • the third wire may be operated in a fifth state, which would indicate to the remote units, or some of the remote units, that they were to be switched off completely.
  • the fifth and further states could be provided by providing pulsed signals of different frequencies than the fast and slow pulsed signals, or alternatively, by mark space ratio of the pulsed signal.
  • the third wire may be operated in less than four states, for example, in three states only, and indeed, in certain cases, only two states.
  • all the components of the remote units may be disabled, in other words, the isolating valves would be closed, and the fan and secondary heater would be disabled.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Thermal Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Combustion & Propulsion (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • General Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Central Heating Systems (AREA)

Abstract

Appareil de chauffage (1) comportant une unité centrale (2) munie d'un circuit de thermopompe réversible (4) assurant le chauffage et le refroidissement d'un circuit (8) à milieu caloporteur par l'intermédiaire d'un échangeur thermique principal (6). L'eau chauffée dans le circuit (8) traverse, sous l'action d'une pompe de circulation (52), des ventilo-convecteurs (18) situés dans des unités éloignées (3). L'eau présente dans le circuit (8) est stockée et chauffée dans un réservoir de stockage (38) au cours d'une période de stockage thermique utilisée lorsque l'appareil (1) fonctionne à la puissance minimal requise. Pendant la période de stockage thermique, l'eau présente dans le réservoir de stockage (38) est d'abord chauffée jusqu'à 60 °C par la thermopompe, puis est portée à 85 °C par un thermo-plongeur (55) situé dans le réservoir de stockage (38).
PCT/IE1994/000009 1993-02-24 1994-02-23 Appareil de chauffage Ceased WO1994019650A1 (fr)

Priority Applications (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AU60432/94A AU6043294A (en) 1993-02-24 1994-02-23 Space heating apparatus
GB9517407A GB2291702B (en) 1993-02-24 1994-02-23 Space heating apparatus

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IE930135 1993-02-24
IES930135 1993-02-24

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
WO1994019650A1 true WO1994019650A1 (fr) 1994-09-01

Family

ID=11039888

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
PCT/IE1994/000009 Ceased WO1994019650A1 (fr) 1993-02-24 1994-02-23 Appareil de chauffage

Country Status (3)

Country Link
AU (1) AU6043294A (fr)
GB (1) GB2291702B (fr)
WO (1) WO1994019650A1 (fr)

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2175206A3 (fr) * 2008-10-10 2014-01-01 Möhlenhoff Wärmetechnik GmbH Procédé d'équilibrage des températures de pièces d'un bâtiment

Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2517610A1 (de) * 1975-04-21 1976-11-04 Stiebel Eltron Gmbh & Co Kg Zentralheizung
DE3407453A1 (de) * 1984-02-29 1985-09-12 Hans-Jürgen 8391 Tittling Dietrich Waermepumpe mit mehrfachausnuetzung

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE2517610A1 (de) * 1975-04-21 1976-11-04 Stiebel Eltron Gmbh & Co Kg Zentralheizung
DE3407453A1 (de) * 1984-02-29 1985-09-12 Hans-Jürgen 8391 Tittling Dietrich Waermepumpe mit mehrfachausnuetzung

Cited By (1)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2175206A3 (fr) * 2008-10-10 2014-01-01 Möhlenhoff Wärmetechnik GmbH Procédé d'équilibrage des températures de pièces d'un bâtiment

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
AU6043294A (en) 1994-09-14
GB9517407D0 (en) 1995-10-25
GB2291702A (en) 1996-01-31
GB2291702B (en) 1996-12-18

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