EP4379266A1 - Hybrid air conditioning and sanitary water heating system - Google Patents

Hybrid air conditioning and sanitary water heating system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4379266A1
EP4379266A1 EP23208016.8A EP23208016A EP4379266A1 EP 4379266 A1 EP4379266 A1 EP 4379266A1 EP 23208016 A EP23208016 A EP 23208016A EP 4379266 A1 EP4379266 A1 EP 4379266A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
external unit
duct
heat pump
heater
installation
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.)
Pending
Application number
EP23208016.8A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Inventor
Lorenzo Marra
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.)
Ariston SpA
Original Assignee
Ariston SpA
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Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Ariston SpA filed Critical Ariston SpA
Publication of EP4379266A1 publication Critical patent/EP4379266A1/en
Pending 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
    • F24D3/00—Hot-water central heating systems
    • F24D3/18—Hot-water central heating systems using heat pumps
    • 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
    • F24D3/00—Hot-water central heating systems
    • F24D3/08—Hot-water central heating systems in combination with systems for domestic hot-water supply
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H1/00—Water heaters, e.g. boilers, continuous-flow heaters or water-storage heaters
    • F24H1/10—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium
    • F24H1/107—Continuous-flow heaters, i.e. heaters in which heat is generated only while the water is flowing, e.g. with direct contact of the water with the heating medium using fluid fuel
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/254—Room temperature
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H4/00—Fluid heaters characterised by the use of heat pumps
    • F24H4/02—Water heaters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H4/00—Fluid heaters characterised by the use of heat pumps
    • F24H4/02—Water heaters
    • F24H4/04—Storage heaters
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H9/00—Details
    • F24H9/14—Arrangements for connecting different sections, e.g. in water heaters 
    • F24H9/148—Arrangements of boiler components on a frame or within a casing to build the fluid heater, e.g. boiler
    • 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
    • F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
    • F24D2200/04—Gas or oil fired boiler
    • 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
    • F24D2200/00—Heat sources or energy sources
    • F24D2200/12—Heat pump
    • F24D2200/123—Compression type heat pumps
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/212—Temperature of the water
    • F24H15/223—Temperature of the water in the water storage tank
    • F—MECHANICAL ENGINEERING; LIGHTING; HEATING; WEAPONS; BLASTING
    • F24—HEATING; RANGES; VENTILATING
    • F24H—FLUID HEATERS, e.g. WATER OR AIR HEATERS, HAVING HEAT-GENERATING MEANS, e.g. HEAT PUMPS, IN GENERAL
    • F24H15/00—Control of fluid heaters
    • F24H15/20—Control of fluid heaters characterised by control inputs
    • F24H15/258—Outdoor temperature

Definitions

  • the invention is directed to combined systems for heating and/or cooling spaces (Heat/Cool air conditioning) and providing sanitary hot water (or domestic hot water, DHW) using both an electric heat pump (HP) and a gas boiler (or wall hanging boiler, WHB).
  • Heat/Cool air conditioning Heating and/or cooling spaces
  • HP electric heat pump
  • WHB wall hanging boiler
  • hybrid due to the use of both fuel and electricity, are used to replace traditional gas boilers (used for both heating the indoor space of a house and heating sanitary water) in order to reduce CO 2 emissions, save energy, and reduce energy costs for users.
  • a first hybrid system known to the inventors ( figure 1 ) comprises:
  • the electronic control system can ensure automatic alternative operation of the heat pump and the gas boiler, for example depending on a predefined alternation temperature value, below which the gas boiler is activated and above which the heat pump is activated (in winter heating mode).
  • the production of sanitary hot water necessarily occurs instantaneously via a second gas boiler or via a separate sanitary hot water circuit to be heated by the same gas boiler of the hybrid heating system.
  • a second hybrid system known to the inventors ( figure 2 ) allows a hybrid and alternative use of the electric heat pump and the gas boiler for both heating the indoor space of the building and producing sanitary hot water.
  • the second hybrid system comprises, in addition to the components described with reference to the first hybrid system:
  • the electronic control system is further in signal connection with a thermostat of the heater-accumulator and with the further diversion valve system, and controls the further diversion valve system, the heat pump and the gas boiler depending on a boiler temperature signal provided by the boiler thermostat.
  • the additional diversion valve system diverts a delivery flow from the heating system towards the heater heat exchanger and the electronic control system actuates, alternatively, the heat pump or the gas boiler for heating the delivery flow.
  • the heating of the sanitary water contained in the heater-accumulator takes place via the heater heat exchanger which provides for heat exchange between the diverted delivery flow and the sanitary water.
  • the strategy for using hybrid heating systems is to produce the heat required by the applications as a function of the required heat generation time (for example an instantaneous request for sanitary hot water or a plannable, non-immediate request for heating a space), as well as based on the cost of the energy source (electricity or fuel gas) at the time of its use, and finally based on criteria for reducing the environmental impact, in particular the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
  • the required heat generation time for example an instantaneous request for sanitary hot water or a plannable, non-immediate request for heating a space
  • the cost of the energy source electricity or fuel gas
  • the cost of operating the heat pump depends on the external temperature, the temperature of the delivery water, the frequency of the compressor and the cost of electricity.
  • the new gas boiler for example a condensing boiler
  • the heater-accumulator, the diversion valve system and electronic control system require additional installation spaces which are often not available in existing buildings.
  • the diversion valve systems and the control of the several components of hybrid heating systems are complex and require a high number of hydraulic and electrical connections and, thus, a high risk of installation error.
  • a hybrid heating system 100 comprises:
  • the suggested hybrid heating system facilitates the replacement of existing boiler systems with the more efficient hybrid system.
  • the placement of the gas boiler in the outdoor unit allows positioning the heater-accumulator in place of the old gas boiler inside the building without requiring any further additional space.
  • the suggested system frees up spaces inside the building to be allocated to other uses.
  • the suggested system facilitates maintenance and repair interventions, to be carried out mainly on the external unit only without excessively interfering with living spaces inside the building.
  • the suggested system also reduces installation time on site and the risk of errors when making hydraulic and electrical connections.
  • the suggested system will facilitate the larger use of hybrid heating systems to the benefit of the environment, as well as more efficient use of energy resources.
  • a hybrid heating system 100 comprises:
  • the system 100 comprises an external unit 65 positionable outside the building 60 and comprising an external unit housing 66 which accommodates the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 and figures 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ).
  • the system 100 further comprises an external temperature sensor 61 for detecting an ambient temperature outside the building 60, and the electronic control system 64 is in signal connection with the external temperature sensor 61 and configured to actuate and control the individual and/or combined operation of the heat pump 1 and of the gas boiler 20 also depending on an external temperature signal provided by the external temperature sensor 61.
  • the system 100 further comprises:
  • the gas boiler can be connected to a direct sanitary water inlet duct 25 connectable to the water mains and to a direct sanitary water outlet duct 26, and actuatable to instantaneously heat a sanitary water flow transiting from the direct sanitary water inlet duct 25 through the gas boiler 20 into the direct sanitary water outlet duct 26, where the electronic control system 64 is configured to control the operation of the gas boiler 20 depending on the detection of a hot sanitary water demand.
  • the system 100 can be devoid of a heater-accumulator.
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects the installation return duct 42 and the heater return duct 35 in communication with the heat pump return duct 10 and the boiler return duct 21, and comprises a diversion valve system 40 configured and actuatable to:
  • the electronic control system 64 is in signal connection with the diversion valve system 40 and configured to control the diversion valve system 40 depending on the external temperature signal and the heater temperature signal.
  • the electronic control system 64 is in signal connection with the diversion valve system 40 and configured to control the diversion valve system 40 depending on the external temperature signal and the heater temperature signal.
  • the heater-accumulator 30, the diversion valve system 40 and the electronic control system 64 are outside the external unit 65 and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit 65 inside the building 60.
  • the heater-accumulator 30 can be fixed to a wall at a height distant from an underlying floor and the diversion valve system 40 and the electronic control system 64 can be positioned and fixed below the heater-accumulator 30, so as to jointly occupy for example a space previously occupied by a traditional boiler which has been replaced by the hybrid heating system 100.
  • the external unit 65 can comprise:
  • the external unit housing 66 accommodates the heat pump 1, the gas boiler 2 and the diversion valve system 40 ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 , 16 - 21 ) .
  • the heater-accumulator 30 and the electronic control system 64 are outside the external unit 65 and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit 65 inside the building 60.
  • the heater-accumulator 30 can be fixed to a wall at a height distant from an underlying floor and the electronic control system 64 can be positioned and fixed below the heater-accumulator 30, so as to jointly occupy for example a space previously occupied by a traditional boiler which has been replaced by the hybrid heating system 100.
  • the electronic control system 64 is also accommodated in the external unit housing 66, whereas the heater-accumulator 30 is outside the external unit 65 and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit 65 inside the building 60.
  • the heater-accumulator 30 can be fixed to a wall, so as to occupy for example at least in part a space previously occupied by a traditional boiler which has been replaced by the hybrid heating system 100.
  • the external unit 65 can comprise:
  • the external unit 65 comprises one or more signal connectors 67 or transceiver(s) 68 for a connection (preferably physically separable, for example a plug) for the transmission of control and command signals between the electronic control system 64 and the heat pump 1 and between the electronic control system 64 and the gas boiler 20, as well as between the electronic control system 64 and the diversion valve system 40.
  • the external unit housing 66 also accommodates the heater-accumulator, reducing to a minimum the installation space inside the building, the hydraulic and electrical connections to be carried out on site and the installation time.
  • the external unit housing 66 accommodates the heat pump 1, the gas boiler 2, the diversion valve system 40 and the heater-accumulator 30 ( figures 3 , 4 , figures 20 , 21 ) .
  • the electronic control system 64 is outside the external unit 65 and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit 65 inside the building 60.
  • the electronic control system 64 is also accommodated in the external unit housing 66, whereas the user interface 63 could however be positionable at a distance from the external unit 65.
  • the external unit 65 can comprise:
  • the external unit 65 comprises one or more signal connectors 67 or transceiver(s) 68 for a connection (preferably physically separable, for example a plug) for the transmission of control and command signals between the electronic control system 64 and the heat pump 1 and between the electronic control system 64 and the gas boiler 20, as well as between the electronic control system 64 and the diversion valve system 40.
  • the external unit housing is thermally insulated, e.g., via an external wall comprising a thermal insulation layer, e.g., made of fibrous or expanded, preferably flame retardant, material.
  • a thermal insulation layer e.g., made of fibrous or expanded, preferably flame retardant, material.
  • the external wall of the external unit housing 65 can be single-layer or multi-layer, for example with a waterproof outer layer, a thermal insulation layer and a flame retardant layer.
  • the external unit housing 66 forms ventilation openings 14 at a heat exchanger (a first heat exchanger 3 which will be described below) of the heat pump 1 to ensure the passage of an ambient air flow.
  • the external unit 65 with all the components thereof accommodated inside the external unit housing 66 is preferably a self-supporting unit, provided with a support base 69, being transportable by lorry or van and positionable by resting of the support base 69, and possibly fixing, for example via anchoring bolts, to a foundation or slab made of construction material.
  • the heat pump 1 is a reversible cycle heat pump, also actuatable to cool the water flow transiting from the heat pump return duct 10 through the heat pump into the heat pump delivery duct 11.
  • the heating installation 50 can be suitable for both heating and cooling, according to the temperature of the water flow in the primary water circuit 5.
  • the heating installation can comprise one or more fan coil units 52 or radiators connected in the primary water circuit 51.
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a further comprises a cooling return duct 43 and a cooling delivery duct 44 connectable to a cooling water circuit 71 of a cooling installation 70 of the building 60, where the hydraulic circuit system 40a operatively connects the heat pump 1 to the cooling return duct 43 and the cooling delivery duct 44, where the electronic control system 64 is also configured to actuate the heat pump 1 in cooling mode and to control the diversion valve system 40 to direct a cooled water flow into the cooling delivery duct 44, in response to a user command insertable by the user interface 63 and/or depending on the internal temperature target value.
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects the cooling return duct 43 in communication with the heat pump return duct 10 and the diversion valve system 40 is configured and actuatable to connect and disconnect, selectively, the heat pump delivery duct 11 in communication with the cooling delivery duct 44.
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects the cooling return duct 43 in communication with the heat pump return duct 10 and the diversion valve system 40 is configured and actuatable to connect and disconnect, selectively, the heat pump delivery duct 11 (i.e., upstream of the gas boiler 20) in communication with the cooling delivery duct 44.
  • the electronic control system 64 is configured to control the diversion valve system 40 for switching the hybrid heating system 100 between:
  • This switching takes place in response to a user commend which can be entered via the user interface 63 and/or depending on the internal temperature target value.
  • the external unit 65 can also comprise:
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects in permanent communication the installation return duct 41, the heat pump return duct 10, the boiler return duct 21 and the heater return duct 35 to one another, and the diversion valve system 40:
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects the installation return duct 41 in permanent communication with the cooling return duct 43, and the diversion valve system 40 can be actuated by the electronic control system 64 to selectively open and close a further passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 and to selectively close and open a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the cooling delivery duct 44.
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a comprises:
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a comprises:
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects in permanent communication the installation return duct 41, the heat pump return duct 10 and the heater return duct 35 to one another, and the diversion valve system 40 can be actuated by the electronic control system 64 to selectively open and close a passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 and to selectively close and open a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the heater delivery duct 34.
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects in permanent communication the installation return duct 41 with the cooling return duct 43, and the diversion valve system 40 can be actuated by the electronic control system 64 to selectively open and close a passageway in the heat pump delivery duct 11 (upstream of the gas boiler 20) and to selectively close and open a diversion route from the heat pump delivery duct 11 into the cooling delivery duct 44.
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a comprises a first tubular connection 46a, e.g., T-shaped, which connects the installation return duct 41 in permanent communication with the heater return duct 35
  • the diversion valve system 40 comprises a diverter valve 49a, e.g., three-way, actuatable by the electronic control system 64, which opens and closes, selectively, a passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 (for opening and closing the power supply of the heating installation) and simultaneously closes and opens, selectively, a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the heater delivery duct 34 (for closing and opening the transmission of heat to the heater-accumulator).
  • the hydraulic circuit system 40a comprises a second tubular connection 47a, e.g., T-shaped, which connects the installation return duct 41 in permanent communication with the cooling return duct 43
  • the diversion valve system 40 further comprises a further diverter valve 49b, e.g., three-way, actuatable by the electronic control system 64, which opens and closes, selectively, a passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 (for opening and closing the power supply of the heating installation) and simultaneously closes and opens, selectively, a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the cooling delivery duct 44 (for closing and opening the transmission of frigories to the cooling installation).
  • an additional heating chamber 27, e.g., elongated and tubular, can be associated with or pertain to the gas boiler 20, having:
  • the electronic control system 64 comprises a microcomputer with processor, memory and control software and, possibly, a display and a data transmission interface.
  • the user interface 63 comprises a display and selection keys. More than one user interface 63 can be provided, for example a permanently installable user interface 63 and a user interface 63 implemented via software (an app) in a portable electronic device, for example a smartphone or a tablet computer.
  • the display shows for example the target internal temperature selected by the user, the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature probe 62, possibly the external temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 61, as well as an external alternation temperature settable by the user.
  • the electronic control system 64 is configured to:
  • the electronic control system 64 :
  • the external temperature sensor 61 provides an electrical signal corresponding to a detected external temperature value.
  • the internal temperature sensor 62 provides an electrical signal corresponding to a detected internal temperature value.
  • the water heater temperature sensor 36 can comprise a temperature sensor which provides an electrical signal corresponding to a detected sanitary hot water temperature value, or a thermostat switch which switches (and therefore provides an electrical switching signal) to a target heater temperature settable by the user.
  • the heat pump 1 comprises:
  • the first heat exchanger 3 is in a heat exchange relationship with the water transiting from the heat pump return duct 10 into the heat pump delivery duct 11, while the second heat exchanger 6 is in a heat exchange relationship with the external air.
  • the compressor 5 can be connected in the circuit 2 by the interposition of a switching/reversing valve 12 which allows inverting the compression and circulation direction of the refrigerant fluid and thus switching the first heat exchanger 3 from evaporator 4 to condenser 7 and of the second heat exchanger 6 from condenser 7 to evaporator 4, allowing both cooling and heating the water in a heat exchange relationship with the first heat exchanger 3.
  • a switching/reversing valve 12 which allows inverting the compression and circulation direction of the refrigerant fluid and thus switching the first heat exchanger 3 from evaporator 4 to condenser 7 and of the second heat exchanger 6 from condenser 7 to evaporator 4, allowing both cooling and heating the water in a heat exchange relationship with the first heat exchanger 3.
  • the gas boiler 20 comprises a gas burner 23 to be supplied with fuel gas and a boiler heat exchanger 24, for example a coil, which provides for heat exchange between the combustion heat generated by the gas burner 23 and the air flow transiting from the boiler return duct 21 into the boiler delivery duct 22.
  • the gas boiler 20 is a condensing boiler.
  • the gas boiler 20 is individually heat-insulated to reduce any undesired dispersion of the combustion heat inside the external unit 65.
  • the heater-accumulator 30 comprises a storage compartment 37 which receives and stores the sanitary cold water entering the heater-accumulator 30.
  • the boiler heat exchanger 33 is in a heat exchange relationship with the inside of the storage compartment 37, e.g., a coil extending into the storage compartment 37 and a plate heat exchanger with a water circulator which heats the sanitary water and sends the heated sanitary water into an upper region of the storage compartment 37 in which upper region the sanitary hot water is also withdrawn.
  • the heater-accumulator 30 is individually heat insulated to reduce any undesired dispersion of heat into the external unit 65 or into the installation space inside the building 60.

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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)
  • Water Supply & Treatment (AREA)
  • Heat-Pump Type And Storage Water Heaters (AREA)

Abstract

A hybrid heating system (100) comprising a heat pump (1), a gas boiler (20), a hydraulic circuit system (40a) with an installation return duct (41) and an installation delivery duct (42) connectable to a primary water circuit (51) of a heating installation (50) of a building (60), an internal temperature probe (62), a user interface (63), an electronic control system (64) wherein the hydraulic circuit system (40a) operatively connects the heat pump (1) and the gas boiler (20) to the installation return duct (41) and the installation delivery duct (42),wherein the electronic control system (64) actuates and controls the individual and/or combined operation of the heat pump (1) and the gas boiler (20) depending on the internal temperature target value and the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature probe (62),wherein the system (100) comprises an external unit (65) positionable outside the building (60) and comprising an external unit housing (66) which accommodates the heat pump (1) and the gas boiler (20).

Description

  • The invention is directed to combined systems for heating and/or cooling spaces (Heat/Cool air conditioning) and providing sanitary hot water (or domestic hot water, DHW) using both an electric heat pump (HP) and a gas boiler (or wall hanging boiler, WHB).
  • These combined systems, known as "hybrid" due to the use of both fuel and electricity, are used to replace traditional gas boilers (used for both heating the indoor space of a house and heating sanitary water) in order to reduce CO2 emissions, save energy, and reduce energy costs for users.
    • Background Art
  • A first hybrid system known to the inventors ( figure 1 ) comprises:
    • a monobloc heat pump arranged in an external unit outside a building and connected to a heat pump return duct and to a heat pump delivery duct, and actuatable to heat and/or cool a flow of water transiting from the heat pump return duct through the heat pump in the heat pump delivery duct,
    • a gas boiler arranged inside the building and connected to a boiler return duct and a boiler delivery duct, and actuatable to heat a water flow transiting from the boiler return duct through the boiler into the boiler delivery duct,
    • a diversion valve system connected to the heat pump return duct, the heat pump delivery duct, the boiler return duct, the boiler delivery duct, as well as to a system return duct and a system delivery duct of a building heating system,
      where the diversion valve system connects the system delivery duct in selective communication to the heat pump delivery duct and to the boiler delivery duct,
    • an electronic control system in signal connection with the heat pump, the gas boiler, the diversion valve system, as well as with an external temperature sensor (at the building), with an internal temperature probe (at the building) and with a user interface for adjusting a target internal temperature value, where the electronic control system is configured to
    • control the heat pump depending on the internal temperature target value and an external temperature signal provided by the external temperature sensor,
    • control the boiler depending on the internal temperature target value and the external temperature signal,
    • control the diversion valve system depending on the external temperature signal.
  • The electronic control system can ensure automatic alternative operation of the heat pump and the gas boiler, for example depending on a predefined alternation temperature value, below which the gas boiler is activated and above which the heat pump is activated (in winter heating mode).
  • With the first hybrid system described, the production of sanitary hot water necessarily occurs instantaneously via a second gas boiler or via a separate sanitary hot water circuit to be heated by the same gas boiler of the hybrid heating system. However, it is not possible to provide sanitary hot water instantaneously via the electric heat pump.
  • A second hybrid system known to the inventors ( figure 2 ) allows a hybrid and alternative use of the electric heat pump and the gas boiler for both heating the indoor space of the building and producing sanitary hot water. For this purpose, the second hybrid system comprises, in addition to the components described with reference to the first hybrid system:
    • a heater-accumulator having a sanitary water inlet duct connectable to the water mains and a sanitary water outlet duct, as well as a heater heat exchanger with a heater delivery duct and a heater return duct,
    • a further diversion valve system which connects the heater delivery duct in selective communication with the heat pump delivery duct and with the boiler delivery duct.
  • In this case, the electronic control system is further in signal connection with a thermostat of the heater-accumulator and with the further diversion valve system, and controls the further diversion valve system, the heat pump and the gas boiler depending on a boiler temperature signal provided by the boiler thermostat.
  • When the boiler thermostat signals a temperature of the sanitary hot water stored in the heater-accumulator being lower than a target heater temperature, the additional diversion valve system diverts a delivery flow from the heating system towards the heater heat exchanger and the electronic control system actuates, alternatively, the heat pump or the gas boiler for heating the delivery flow. The heating of the sanitary water contained in the heater-accumulator takes place via the heater heat exchanger which provides for heat exchange between the diverted delivery flow and the sanitary water.
  • The strategy for using hybrid heating systems is to produce the heat required by the applications as a function of the required heat generation time (for example an instantaneous request for sanitary hot water or a plannable, non-immediate request for heating a space), as well as based on the cost of the energy source (electricity or fuel gas) at the time of its use, and finally based on criteria for reducing the environmental impact, in particular the reduction of carbon dioxide emissions.
  • In order to also use the heat pump for heating sanitary water (the demand for which is typically instantaneous and for short periods of use), it is necessary to provide a sanitary hot water heater-accumulator to previously accumulate thermal energy produced by the heat pump, when its operation is less expensive and/or more ecological than the operation of the gas boiler, and to have instantaneous access to sanitary hot water when required.
  • The cost of operating the heat pump depends on the external temperature, the temperature of the delivery water, the frequency of the compressor and the cost of electricity.
  • Moreover, some national legislation requires that a certain percentage of sanitary hot water be heated by the heat pump. Also for this reason it is necessary to provide a sanitary hot water heater-accumulator.
  • In prior art embodiments, only the heat pump is arranged in a so-called outdoor unit (ODU) outside the building, whereas all the other components of the system are arranged inside the building.
  • This does not pose particular technical problems in the case of installations in new buildings the design of which takes into account all the spaces required for the hybrid heating system. However, the space occupied by the hybrid system in a new building reduces the remaining usable space and increases the purchase cost of the property and the cost of installing the heating system.
  • Considering instead the case of replacing an existing boiler with a hybrid heating system, the new gas boiler, for example a condensing boiler, could be installed in the space previously occupied by the old gas boiler, whereas the heater-accumulator, the diversion valve system and electronic control system require additional installation spaces which are often not available in existing buildings.
  • This significantly hinders the large use of hybrid systems in existing buildings and prevents the replacement of inefficient traditional boilers with more efficient hybrid systems which, due to the heat pump, can use electricity from renewable sources, both self-produced and supplied by the distribution network.
  • Moreover, the diversion valve systems and the control of the several components of hybrid heating systems are complex and require a high number of hydraulic and electrical connections and, thus, a high risk of installation error.
    • Object of the invention
  • Therefore, it is the object of the present invention to provide a hybrid heating system having features such as to obviate at least some of the drawbacks of the prior art.
  • Within the scope of the general object, it is a particular object of the invention to provide a hybrid heating system having features such as to reduce the installation space inside the building.
  • It is a further particular object to suggest a hybrid heating system having features such as to reduce the amount of electrical and hydraulic connections during the installation of the system on site, and thus to reduce the installation time and the risk of installation error on site.
  • It is an even further object of the invention to suggest a hybrid heating system having features such as to facilitate maintenance and repair interventions without excessively interfering with living spaces inside a building.
    • Summary of the invention
  • At least some of the objectives mentioned are achieved by a heating system according to claim 1. Advantageous and preferred embodiments are the subject of the dependent claims.
  • According to an aspect of the invention, a hybrid heating system 100 comprises:
    • a hydraulic circuit system 40a with an installation return duct 41 and an installation
      delivery duct 42 connectable (in the sense of being provided for connection) to a primary water circuit 51 of a heating installation 50 of a building 60,
    • a heat pump 1 connected to a heat pump return duct 10 and to a heat pump delivery duct 11 of the hydraulic circuit system 40a, and actuatable to heat a flow of water transiting from the heat pump return duct 10 through the heat pump into the heat pump delivery duct 11,
    • a gas boiler connected to a boiler return duct 21 and a boiler delivery duct 22 of the hydraulic circuit system 40a, and actuatable to heat a water flow transiting from the boiler return duct 21 through the gas boiler 20 into the boiler delivery duct 22,
    • where the hydraulic circuit system 40a operatively connects the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 to the installation return duct 41 and the installation delivery duct 42,
      • an internal temperature probe 62 for detecting a temperature inside the building,
      • a user interface 63 for selecting an internal temperature target value,
      • an electronic control system 64 in signal connection with the heat pump 1, the gas boiler 20, the internal temperature probe 62 and the user interface 63,
    • where the electronic control system 64 is configured to actuate and control the individual and/or combined operation of the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 depending on the internal temperature target value and the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature probe 62.
    • where the system 100 comprises an external unit 65 positionable outside the building 60 and comprising an external unit housing 66 which accommodates the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20.
  • This allows a reduction in the components of the hybrid heating system inside the building, allows prefabricating the entire outdoor unit, together with a large number of electrical and hydraulic connections in the factory under well-controllable industrial manufacturing conditions, and reducing the number of electrical and hydraulic connections on site.
  • As a result, the suggested hybrid heating system facilitates the replacement of existing boiler systems with the more efficient hybrid system. In particular, the placement of the gas boiler in the outdoor unit allows positioning the heater-accumulator in place of the old gas boiler inside the building without requiring any further additional space.
  • The suggested system frees up spaces inside the building to be allocated to other uses.
  • The suggested system facilitates maintenance and repair interventions, to be carried out mainly on the external unit only without excessively interfering with living spaces inside the building.
  • The suggested system also reduces installation time on site and the risk of errors when making hydraulic and electrical connections.
  • Therefore, the suggested system will facilitate the larger use of hybrid heating systems to the benefit of the environment, as well as more efficient use of energy resources.
    • Brief description of the drawings
  • In order to better understand the invention and appreciate the advantages thereof, some non-limiting exemplary embodiments will be described below with reference to the drawings, in which:
    • figure 1 shows a first hybrid heating system known to the inventors,
    • figure 2 shows a second hybrid heating system known to the inventors,
    • figure 3 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a first embodiment of the invention,
    • figure 4 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a second embodiment,
    • figure 5 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a third embodiment,
    • figure 6 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a fourth embodiment,
    • figure 7 shows a functional block diagram of a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to an embodiment,
    • figure 8 shows a functional block diagram of a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a further embodiment,
    • figures 9 and 10 are diagrammatic illustrations of a heat pump of the heating and/or cooling system in heating mode (figure 9) and cooling mode (figure 10), according to an embodiment of the heating and/or cooling system,
    • figures 11 to 15 are diagrammatic block depictions showing the selective activation of the heat pump and the gas boiler (generator ON in continuous box, generator OFF in dotted box), as well as the selective power supply of a heating system, a cooling system and a heater-accumulator for sanitary hot water (powered system in continuous box, unpowered system in dotted box), according to operating configurations of the hybrid heating and/or cooling systems according to the invention, for example illustrated in figures 3 to 8.
    • figure 16 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a fifth embodiment of the invention,
    • figure 17 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a sixth embodiment,
    • figure 18 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a seventh embodiment,
    • figure 19 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to an eighth embodiment,
    • figure 20 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a ninth embodiment,
    • figure 21 shows a hybrid heating and/or cooling system according to a tenth embodiment,
    • figures 22 to 29 are diagrammatic block depictions showing the selective individual and/or combined activation of the heat pump and the gas boiler (generator ON in continuous box, generator OFF in dotted box), as well as the selective power supply of a sanitary hot water circuit without a heater-accumulator (figure 22), of a heating system, a cooling system and a heater-accumulator for sanitary hot water (powered system in continuous box, unpowered system in dotted box), according to example operating configurations of the hybrid heating and/or cooling systems according to the invention, for example shown in figures 16 to 21. The system and operating configurations in figures 23 to 29, with or without a heater-accumulator, are also to be understood as a possible operating combinations, i.e., with individual or combined selective activation, and system with instantaneous sanitary water heating, depicted in figure 22.
    Description of embodiments - heating
  • With reference to figures 3 to 8 and 16 to 21, a hybrid heating system 100 comprises:
    • a hydraulic circuit system 40a with an installation return duct 41 and an installation delivery duct 42 connectable (in the sense of being provided for connection) to a primary water circuit 51 of a heating installation 50 of a building 60,
    • a heat pump 1 connected to a heat pump return duct 10 and to a heat pump delivery duct 11 of the hydraulic circuit system 40a, and actuatable to heat a flow of water transiting from the heat pump return duct 10 through the heat pump into the heat pump delivery duct 11,
    • a gas boiler connected to a boiler return duct 21 and to a boiler delivery duct 22 of the hydraulic circuit system 40a, and actuatable to heat a water flow transiting from the boiler return duct 21 through the gas boiler 20 into the boiler delivery duct 22,
    • where the hydraulic circuit system 40a operatively connects the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 to the installation return duct 41 and the installation delivery duct 42,
      • an internal temperature probe 62 for detecting a temperature inside the building,
      • a user interface 63 for selecting an internal temperature target value,
      • an electronic control system 64 in signal connection with the heat pump 1, the gas boiler 20, the internal temperature probe 62 and the user interface 63,
    • where the electronic control system 64 is configured to actuate and control the individual and/or combined operation of the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 depending on the internal temperature target value and the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature probe 62.
  • According to an aspect of the invention, the system 100 comprises an external unit 65 positionable outside the building 60 and comprising an external unit housing 66 which accommodates the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 and figures 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ).
  • According to an embodiment ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 and figures 16 , 17 , 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ), the system 100 further comprises an external temperature sensor 61 for detecting an ambient temperature outside the building 60, and the electronic control system 64 is in signal connection with the external temperature sensor 61 and configured to actuate and control the individual and/or combined operation of the heat pump 1 and of the gas boiler 20 also depending on an external temperature signal provided by the external temperature sensor 61.
  • According to an embodiment ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 and figures 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ), the system 100 further comprises:
    • a heater-accumulator 30 connected to a sanitary water inlet duct 31 connectable to the water mains and to a sanitary water outlet duct 32, the heater-accumulator 30 having a heater heat exchanger 33 connected to a heater delivery duct 34 and to a heater return duct 35 of the hydraulic circuit system 40a, where the hydraulic circuit system 40a operatively connects the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 with the heater delivery duct 34 and with the heater return duct 35,
    • a heater temperature sensor 36 responsive to the temperature of the sanitary water in the heater-accumulator 30,
    where the electronic control system 64 is in signal connection with the heater temperature sensor 36 and configured to actuate and control the individual and/or combined operation of the heat pump 1 and of the gas boiler 20 also depending on a heater temperature signal of the heater temperature sensor 36.
  • According to an alternative or additional embodiment ( figures 16 , 17 , 22 ), the gas boiler can be connected to a direct sanitary water inlet duct 25 connectable to the water mains and to a direct sanitary water outlet duct 26, and actuatable to instantaneously heat a sanitary water flow transiting from the direct sanitary water inlet duct 25 through the gas boiler 20 into the direct sanitary water outlet duct 26, where the electronic control system 64 is configured to control the operation of the gas boiler 20 depending on the detection of a hot sanitary water demand.
  • In this embodiment, the system 100 can be devoid of a heater-accumulator.
  • According to an embodiment ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 ) the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects the installation return duct 42 and the heater return duct 35 in communication with the heat pump return duct 10 and the boiler return duct 21, and comprises a diversion valve system 40 configured and actuatable to:
    • connect and disconnect, selectively, the heat pump delivery duct 11 or the boiler delivery duct 22 in communication with the installation delivery duct 41,
    • connect and disconnect, selectively, the heat pump delivery duct 11 or the boiler delivery duct 22 in communication with the heater delivery duct 34,
  • The electronic control system 64 is in signal connection with the diversion valve system 40 and configured to control the diversion valve system 40 depending on the external temperature signal and the heater temperature signal.
  • According to an alternative embodiment ( figures 18 , 19 , 20 , 21 ) the hydraulic system 40a:
    • connects the heat pump delivery duct 11 to the boiler return duct 21 (i.e., the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 in series) and
    • connects the installation return duct 42 and the heater return duct 35 in communication with the heat pump return duct 10, and
    • comprises a diversion valve system 40 configured and actuatable to connect and disconnect, selectively, the boiler delivery duct 22 (i.e. the assembly of heat pump 1 and gas boiler 20 in series) in communication with the installation delivery duct 41 or in communication with the heater delivery duct 34.
  • The electronic control system 64 is in signal connection with the diversion valve system 40 and configured to control the diversion valve system 40 depending on the external temperature signal and the heater temperature signal.
    • Description of the external unit 65
  • According to an embodiment ( figure 6 ) the heater-accumulator 30, the diversion valve system 40 and the electronic control system 64 are outside the external unit 65 and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit 65 inside the building 60.
  • For example, the heater-accumulator 30 can be fixed to a wall at a height distant from an underlying floor and the diversion valve system 40 and the electronic control system 64 can be positioned and fixed below the heater-accumulator 30, so as to jointly occupy for example a space previously occupied by a traditional boiler which has been replaced by the hybrid heating system 100.
  • With the heater-accumulator 30 arranged inside the building 60 any risks of heat dispersion from the sanitary hot water storage towards the air outside the building 60 are eliminated, which can be considerable especially during the cold winter seasons.
  • The external unit 65 can comprise:
    • a heat pump return connector 10a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first heat pump return section 10' of the heat pump return duct 10 inside the external unit 65 with a second heat pump return section 10" of the heat pump return duct 10 outside the external unit 65.
    • a heat pump delivery connector 11a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first heat pump delivery section 11' of the heat pump delivery duct 11 inside the external unit 65 with a second heat pump delivery section 11" of the heat pump delivery duct 11 outside the external unit 65,
    • a boiler return connector 21a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first boiler return section 21' of the boiler return duct 21 inside the external unit 65 with a second boiler return section 21" of the boiler return duct 21 outside the external unit 65.
    • a boiler delivery connector 22a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first boiler delivery section 22' of the boiler delivery duct 22 inside the external unit 65 with a second boiler delivery section 22" of the boiler delivery duct 22 outside the external unit 65,
    • possibly one or more signal connectors 67 or transceiver(s) 68 on board the external unit 65 for a connection (preferably physically separable, for example a plug) for the transmission of control and command signals between the electronic control system 64 and the heat pump 1 and between the electronic control system 64 and the gas boiler 20.
  • This allows prefabricating the external unit 65 and easily and quickly hydraulically and electrically connecting it with a low risk of installation errors.
  • According to a further aspect of the invention, the external unit housing 66 accommodates the heat pump 1, the gas boiler 2 and the diversion valve system 40 ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 , 16 - 21 ).
  • According to an embodiment (not illustrated) the heater-accumulator 30 and the electronic control system 64 are outside the external unit 65 and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit 65 inside the building 60.
  • For example, the heater-accumulator 30 can be fixed to a wall at a height distant from an underlying floor and the electronic control system 64 can be positioned and fixed below the heater-accumulator 30, so as to jointly occupy for example a space previously occupied by a traditional boiler which has been replaced by the hybrid heating system 100.
  • According to an embodiment ( figures 5 , 18 , 19 ) the electronic control system 64 is also accommodated in the external unit housing 66, whereas the heater-accumulator 30 is outside the external unit 65 and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit 65 inside the building 60.
  • For example, the heater-accumulator 30 can be fixed to a wall, so as to occupy for example at least in part a space previously occupied by a traditional boiler which has been replaced by the hybrid heating system 100.
  • The external unit 65 can comprise:
    • an installation return connector 41a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first installation return section 41' of the installation return duct 41 inside the external unit 65 with a second installation return section 41" of the installation return duct 41 outside the external unit 65.
    • an installation delivery connector 42a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first installation delivery section 42' of the installation delivery duct 42 inside the external unit 65 with a second installation delivery section 42" of the installation delivery duct 42 outside the external unit 65,
    • a heater delivery connector 34a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first heater delivery section 34' of the heater delivery duct 34 inside the external unit 65 with a second heater delivery section 34" of the heater delivery duct 34 outside the external unit 65,
    • a heater return connector 35a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first heater return section 35' of the heater return duct 35 inside the external unit 65 with a second heater return section 35" of the heater return duct 35 outside the external unit 65.
    • possibly one or more signal connectors 76 or transceiver(s) 68 on board the external unit 65 for a connection (preferably physically separable, for example a plug) for the transmission of signals between the heater temperature sensor 36, the internal temperature probe 62 and the user interface 63 (outside the external unit 65) and the electronic control system 64 (on board the external unit 65).
  • Alternatively, with the electronic control system 64 outside the external unit 65, the external unit 65 comprises one or more signal connectors 67 or transceiver(s) 68 for a connection (preferably physically separable, for example a plug) for the transmission of control and command signals between the electronic control system 64 and the heat pump 1 and between the electronic control system 64 and the gas boiler 20, as well as between the electronic control system 64 and the diversion valve system 40.
  • In the embodiment in figures 5 , 16 - 21 the heat pump return duct 10, heat pump delivery duct 11, boiler return duct 21 and boiler delivery duct 22 are completely inside the external unit 65 and, therefore, prefabricated/able in the factory.
  • This allows prefabricating a large part of the hybrid heating system 100 in a compact manner in the external unit 65, which is in turn installable using fewer hydraulic and electrical connections and with greater space saving inside the building 60.
  • According to a further aspect of the invention, the external unit housing 66 also accommodates the heater-accumulator, reducing to a minimum the installation space inside the building, the hydraulic and electrical connections to be carried out on site and the installation time.
  • According to a further aspect of the invention, the external unit housing 66 accommodates the heat pump 1, the gas boiler 2, the diversion valve system 40 and the heater-accumulator 30 ( figures 3 , 4 , figures 20 , 21 ).
  • According to an embodiment (not illustrated) the electronic control system 64 is outside the external unit 65 and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit 65 inside the building 60.
  • According to a preferred embodiment ( figures 3 , 4 , figures 20 , 21 ) the electronic control system 64 is also accommodated in the external unit housing 66, whereas the user interface 63 could however be positionable at a distance from the external unit 65.
  • The external unit 65 can comprise:
    • an installation return connector 41a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first installation return section 41' of the installation return duct 41 inside the external unit 65 with a second installation return section 41" of the installation return duct 41 outside the external unit 65.
    • an installation delivery connector 42a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first installation delivery section 42' of the installation delivery duct 42 inside the external unit 65 with a second installation delivery section 42" of the installation delivery duct 42 outside the external unit 65,
    • a sanitary water inlet connector 31a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first sanitary water inlet section 31' of the sanitary water inlet duct 31 inside the external unit 65 with a second sanitary water inlet section 31" of the sanitary water inlet duct 31 outside the external unit 65,
    • a sanitary water outlet connector 32a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first sanitary water outlet section 32' of the sanitary water outlet duct 32 inside the external unit 65 with a second sanitary water outlet section 32" of the sanitary water outlet duct 32 outside the external unit 65.
    • possibly one or more signal connectors 67 or transceiver(s) 68 on board the external unit 65 for a connection (preferably physically separable, for example a plug) for the transmission of signals between the internal temperature probe 62 and the user interface 63 (outside the external unit 65) and the electronic control system 64 (on board the external unit 65).
  • Alternatively, with the electronic control system 64 outside the external unit 65, the external unit 65 comprises one or more signal connectors 67 or transceiver(s) 68 for a connection (preferably physically separable, for example a plug) for the transmission of control and command signals between the electronic control system 64 and the heat pump 1 and between the electronic control system 64 and the gas boiler 20, as well as between the electronic control system 64 and the diversion valve system 40.
  • In the embodiment in figures 3 , 4 and figures 20 , 21 the heat pump return duct 10, heat pump delivery duct 11, boiler return duct 21, boiler delivery duct 22, heater return duct 35 and heater delivery duct 34 are completely inside the external unit 65 and, therefore, prefabricated in the factory.
  • This allows prefabricating practically all of the macroscopic and bulky components of the hybrid heating system 100 in a compact manner in the external unit 65, which is in turn installable using fewer hydraulic and electrical connections and with greater space saving inside the building 60.
  • According to an advantageous embodiment, the external unit housing is thermally insulated, e.g., via an external wall comprising a thermal insulation layer, e.g., made of fibrous or expanded, preferably flame retardant, material. The thermal insulation of the external unit 65 significantly reduces the risk of unwanted heat dispersion from the internal components of the external unit housing 66 towards the external environment.
  • The external wall of the external unit housing 65 can be single-layer or multi-layer, for example with a waterproof outer layer, a thermal insulation layer and a flame retardant layer.
  • The external unit housing 66 forms ventilation openings 14 at a heat exchanger (a first heat exchanger 3 which will be described below) of the heat pump 1 to ensure the passage of an ambient air flow.
  • The external unit 65 with all the components thereof accommodated inside the external unit housing 66 is preferably a self-supporting unit, provided with a support base 69, being transportable by lorry or van and positionable by resting of the support base 69, and possibly fixing, for example via anchoring bolts, to a foundation or slab made of construction material.
    • Description of embodiments - heating and cooling
  • According to an embodiment, the heat pump 1 is a reversible cycle heat pump, also actuatable to cool the water flow transiting from the heat pump return duct 10 through the heat pump into the heat pump delivery duct 11.
  • The heating installation 50 can be suitable for both heating and cooling, according to the temperature of the water flow in the primary water circuit 5. For example, the heating installation can comprise one or more fan coil units 52 or radiators connected in the primary water circuit 51.
  • According to a separate cooling mode ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 , figures 16 - 21 ), the hydraulic circuit system 40a further comprises a cooling return duct 43 and a cooling delivery duct 44 connectable to a cooling water circuit 71 of a cooling installation 70 of the building 60, where the hydraulic circuit system 40a operatively connects the heat pump 1 to the cooling return duct 43 and the cooling delivery duct 44,
    where the electronic control system 64 is also configured to actuate the heat pump 1 in cooling mode and to control the diversion valve system 40 to direct a cooled water flow into the cooling delivery duct 44, in response to a user command insertable by the user interface 63 and/or depending on the internal temperature target value.
  • According to an embodiment ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 , 6 , 8 ) the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects the cooling return duct 43 in communication with the heat pump return duct 10 and the diversion valve system 40 is configured and actuatable to connect and disconnect, selectively, the heat pump delivery duct 11 in communication with the cooling delivery duct 44.
  • According to an embodiment ( figures 16 - 21 ) the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects the cooling return duct 43 in communication with the heat pump return duct 10 and the diversion valve system 40 is configured and actuatable to connect and disconnect, selectively, the heat pump delivery duct 11 (i.e., upstream of the gas boiler 20) in communication with the cooling delivery duct 44.
  • In both cases, the electronic control system 64 is configured to control the diversion valve system 40 for switching the hybrid heating system 100 between:
    • a (winter) heating operation, sending heated water through the installation delivery duct 42, and
    • a (summer) cooling operation, sending cooled water through the cooling delivery duct 44.
  • This switching takes place in response to a user commend which can be entered via the user interface 63 and/or depending on the internal temperature target value.
  • In the embodiments in which the diversion valve system 40 is accommodated in the external unit housing 66, the external unit 65 can also comprise:
    • a cooling return connector 43a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first cooling return section 43' of the cooling return duct 43 inside the external unit 65 with a second cooling return section 43" of the cooling return duct 43 outside the external unit 65.
    • a cooling delivery connector 44a (for example threaded) for a (hydraulic, removable, screwed, installation) connection of a first cooling delivery section 44' of the cooling delivery duct 44 inside the external unit 65 with a second cooling delivery section 44" of the cooling delivery duct 44 outside the external unit 65 ( figures 3 , 4 , 5 ).
    Description of the hydraulic circuit system 40a and the diversion valve system 40
  • According to an embodiment ( figure 7 ) the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects in permanent communication the installation return duct 41, the heat pump return duct 10, the boiler return duct 21 and the heater return duct 35 to one another, and the diversion valve system 40:
    • is actuatable by the electronic control system 64 to selectively connect the installation delivery duct 42 with the heat pump delivery duct 11 or with the boiler delivery duct 22,
    • is actuatable by the electronic control system 64, to selectively open and close a passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 and to selectively close and open a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the heater delivery duct 34.
  • According to an embodiment ( figure 8 ), the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects the installation return duct 41 in permanent communication with the cooling return duct 43, and the diversion valve system 40 can be actuated by the electronic control system 64 to selectively open and close a further passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 and to selectively close and open a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the cooling delivery duct 44.
  • According to an embodiment ( figure 7 ) the hydraulic circuit system 40a comprises:
    • a first tubular junction 45, e.g., T-shaped, which connects the installation return duct 41 in permanent communication with the heat pump return duct 10 and with the boiler return duct 21,
    • a second tubular junction 46, e.g., T-shaped, e.g., upstream of the first tubular junction 45 in the water flow direction in the installation return duct 41, which connects the installation return duct 41 in permanent communication with the heater return duct 35,
      and the diversion valve system 40 comprises:
      • a first diverter valve 48, e.g., three-way, actuatable by the electronic control system 64, which connects the installation delivery duct 42 in selective communication with the heat pump delivery duct 11 or with the boiler delivery duct 22,
      • a second diverter valve 49, e.g., three-way, placed for example downstream of the first diverter valve 48 in the water flow direction in the installation delivery duct 42, and actuatable by the electronic control system 64, which opens and closes, selectively, a passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 (for opening and closing the power supply of the heating installation) and simultaneously closes and opens, selectively, a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the heater delivery duct 34 (for closing and opening the transmission of heat to the heater-accumulator).
  • According to a further embodiment ( figure 8 ), the hydraulic circuit system 40a comprises:
    • a third tubular junction 47, e.g., T-shaped, e.g., upstream of the first and second tubular junctions 45, 46 in the water flow direction in the installation return duct 41, which connects the installation return duct 41 in permanent communication with the cooling return duct 43,
      and the diversion valve system 40 further comprises:
      • a third diverter valve 49', e.g., three-way, placed for example downstream of the first and second diverter valves 48, 49 in the water flow direction in the installation delivery duct 42, and actuatable by the electronic control system 64, which opens and closes, selectively, a passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 (for opening and closing the power supply of the heating installation) and simultaneously closes and opens, selectively, a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the cooling delivery duct 44 (for closing and opening the transmission of frigories to the cooling installation).
  • According to a further embodiment ( figures 18 -21 ), the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects in permanent communication the installation return duct 41, the heat pump return duct 10 and the heater return duct 35 to one another, and the diversion valve system 40 can be actuated by the electronic control system 64 to selectively open and close a passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 and to selectively close and open a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the heater delivery duct 34.
  • According to an embodiment ( figures 18 - 21 ), the hydraulic circuit system 40a connects in permanent communication the installation return duct 41 with the cooling return duct 43, and the diversion valve system 40 can be actuated by the electronic control system 64 to selectively open and close a passageway in the heat pump delivery duct 11 (upstream of the gas boiler 20) and to selectively close and open a diversion route from the heat pump delivery duct 11 into the cooling delivery duct 44.
  • According to an embodiment ( figures 18- 21 ), the hydraulic circuit system 40a comprises a first tubular connection 46a, e.g., T-shaped, which connects the installation return duct 41 in permanent communication with the heater return duct 35,
    and the diversion valve system 40 comprises a diverter valve 49a, e.g., three-way, actuatable by the electronic control system 64, which opens and closes, selectively, a passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 (for opening and closing the power supply of the heating installation) and simultaneously closes and opens, selectively, a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the heater delivery duct 34 (for closing and opening the transmission of heat to the heater-accumulator).
  • According to a further embodiment ( figures 16- 21 ), the hydraulic circuit system 40a comprises a second tubular connection 47a, e.g., T-shaped, which connects the installation return duct 41 in permanent communication with the cooling return duct 43,
    and the diversion valve system 40 further comprises a further diverter valve 49b, e.g., three-way, actuatable by the electronic control system 64, which opens and closes, selectively, a passageway in the installation delivery duct 42 (for opening and closing the power supply of the heating installation) and simultaneously closes and opens, selectively, a diversion route from the installation delivery duct 42 into the cooling delivery duct 44 (for closing and opening the transmission of frigories to the cooling installation).
  • In the embodiments in figures 16 - 21 , an additional heating chamber 27, e.g., elongated and tubular, can be associated with or pertain to the gas boiler 20, having:
    • a return opening 27r connected to the boiler return duct 21 and a delivery opening 27m connected to the boiler delivery duct 22 to define a flow bypass which bypasses a heat exchanger of the gas boiler 20, and
    • an outlet opening 27out and an inlet opening 27in connected in an internal heating circuit 28 which passes through a heat exchanger of the gas boiler 20, to withdraw, (further) heat and re-introduce (at least part of) the (not yet pre-heated or already pre-heated) flow of water from the heat pump 1.
  • This allows using the heat pump 1 and/or the gas boiler 20 selectively, individually or in combination as a heat source/sources.
    • Description of the electronic control system 64 and the sensors
  • The electronic control system 64 comprises a microcomputer with processor, memory and control software and, possibly, a display and a data transmission interface. The user interface 63 comprises a display and selection keys. More than one user interface 63 can be provided, for example a permanently installable user interface 63 and a user interface 63 implemented via software (an app) in a portable electronic device, for example a smartphone or a tablet computer.
  • The display shows for example the target internal temperature selected by the user, the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature probe 62, possibly the external temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 61, as well as an external alternation temperature settable by the user.
  • According to an embodiment (for example figures 11, 13 , 14, 15 ) the electronic control system 64 is configured to:
    • actuate the gas boiler 20 as the heat source of the hybrid heating system 100 and deactivate the heat pump 1, when the external temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 61 drops below a so-called alternation temperature settable by the user,
    • actuate the heat pump 1 as the heat source of the hybrid heating system 100 and deactivate the gas boiler 20, when the external temperature detected by the external temperature sensor 61 rises above the alternation temperature.
  • According to a further embodiment (for example figures 22 - 29 ) the electronic control system 64:
    • estimates a heat generation efficiency COP ("coefficient of performance") of the heat pump 1 as a function of the external temperature value, and, possibly, of the temperature of the heat pump delivery water (detected by a heat pump delivery water temperature sensor) and the compressor frequency (detected by the electronic control system), an estimated value of heat generation efficiency of the gas boiler (entered and recorded in the electronic control system),
    • activates and deactivates the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 selectively depending on an electricity cost and a gas cost recorded in the electronic control system 64, for example entered by the user, and on the estimated COP heat generation efficiency and, possibly, the estimated heat generation efficiency value of the gas boiler, and/or
    • activates and deactivates the heat pump 1 and the gas boiler 20 also selectively depending on a CO2 - gas emission value of the gas boiler and an equivalent CO2 - electricity emission value, calculated depending on the electricity consumed by the heat pump 20 and, possibly, the estimated COP heat generation efficiency of the heat pump and the estimated heat generation efficiency value of the gas boiler,
      for example by regulating the operation of the system to minimize the operating cost or to minimize the sum of the emission values of CO2 - gas and CO2 - electricity.
  • The external temperature sensor 61 provides an electrical signal corresponding to a detected external temperature value.
  • The internal temperature sensor 62 provides an electrical signal corresponding to a detected internal temperature value.
  • The water heater temperature sensor 36 can comprise a temperature sensor which provides an electrical signal corresponding to a detected sanitary hot water temperature value, or a thermostat switch which switches (and therefore provides an electrical switching signal) to a target heater temperature settable by the user.
    • Description of the heat pump 1
  • According to an embodiment, the heat pump 1 comprises:
    • a circuit 2 for circulating a refrigerant fluid,
    • a first heat exchanger 3 placed in the circuit 2 and forming an evaporator 4,
    • a compressor 5 placed in the circuit 2 downstream of the first heat exchanger 3,
    • a second heat exchanger 6 placed in the circuit 2 downstream of the compressor 5 and forming a condenser 7,
    • an expansion device 8 placed in the circuit 2 downstream of the second heat exchanger 6,
    • a local electronic control system 9 which controls the compressor 5 and the expansion device 8,
      where:
      • the compressor 5 is actuatable to suck the refrigerant fluid in the gaseous phase and at low pressure from the evaporator 4, compress the refrigerant fluid, and push it into the condenser 7,
      • in the condenser 7, the compressed refrigerant fluid releases heat and condensation at high pressure,
      • after leaving the condenser 7, the refrigerant fluid passes through the expansion device 8 which depressurizes it,
      • the refrigerant fluid depressurized by the expansion device 8 enters into the evaporator 4 where it absorbs heat and evaporates at low pressure, before being taken in and compressed again by the compressor 5.
  • The first heat exchanger 3 is in a heat exchange relationship with the water transiting from the heat pump return duct 10 into the heat pump delivery duct 11, while the second heat exchanger 6 is in a heat exchange relationship with the external air.
  • The compressor 5 can be connected in the circuit 2 by the interposition of a switching/reversing valve 12 which allows inverting the compression and circulation direction of the refrigerant fluid and thus switching the first heat exchanger 3 from evaporator 4 to condenser 7 and of the second heat exchanger 6 from condenser 7 to evaporator 4, allowing both cooling and heating the water in a heat exchange relationship with the first heat exchanger 3.
    • Description of the gas boiler 20
  • According to an embodiment, the gas boiler 20 comprises a gas burner 23 to be supplied with fuel gas and a boiler heat exchanger 24, for example a coil, which provides for heat exchange between the combustion heat generated by the gas burner 23 and the air flow transiting from the boiler return duct 21 into the boiler delivery duct 22. Advantageously, the gas boiler 20 is a condensing boiler.
  • Advantageously, the gas boiler 20 is individually heat-insulated to reduce any undesired dispersion of the combustion heat inside the external unit 65.
    • Description of the heater-accumulator 30
  • According to an embodiment, the heater-accumulator 30 comprises a storage compartment 37 which receives and stores the sanitary cold water entering the heater-accumulator 30. The boiler heat exchanger 33 is in a heat exchange relationship with the inside of the storage compartment 37, e.g., a coil extending into the storage compartment 37 and a plate heat exchanger with a water circulator which heats the sanitary water and sends the heated sanitary water into an upper region of the storage compartment 37 in which upper region the sanitary hot water is also withdrawn.
  • Advantageously, the heater-accumulator 30 is individually heat insulated to reduce any undesired dispersion of heat into the external unit 65 or into the installation space inside the building 60.
  • The invention also achieves the following advantages with respect to the prior art:
    • ease of discharging the condensate of the gas boiler to condensation directly outside, together with the condensate discharge of the heat pump,
    • possibility to prevent the replacement or new construction of the flues of the building 60, suitable for withstanding the corrosion of the combustion fume condensate, due to the capability to discharge the combustion fumes directly outside of the building.
    List of reference numerals in the figures
    • heat pump 1
    • circuit 2
    • first heat exchanger 3
    • evaporator 4
    • a compressor 5
    • second heat exchanger 6
    • condenser 7,
    • expansion device 8
    • local electronic control system 9
    • heat pump return duct 10
    • heat pump return connector 10a
    • first heat pump return section 10'
    • second heat pump return section 10"
    • heat pump return connector 10a
    • heat pump delivery duct 11
    • heat pump delivery connector 11a
    • first heat pump delivery section 11'
    • second heat pump delivery section 11"
    • switching/reversing valve 12
    • ventilation opening 14
    • gas boiler 20
    • boiler return duct 21
    • boiler return connector 21a
    • first boiler return section 21'
    • second boiler return section 21"
    • boiler delivery duct 22
    • boiler delivery connector 22a
    • first boiler delivery section 22'
    • second boiler delivery section 22"
    • gas burner 23
    • boiler heat exchanger 24
    • direct sanitary water inlet duct 25
    • direct sanitary water outlet duct 26
    • additional heating chamber 27
    • return opening 27r
    • delivery opening 27m
    • outlet opening 27out
    • inlet opening 27in
    • internal heating circuit 28
    • return opening 27r
    • delivery opening 27m
    • internal flow circuit 28
    • heater-accumulator 30
    • sanitary water inlet duct 31
    • sanitary water inlet connector 31a
    • first sanitary water inlet section 31'
    • second sanitary water inlet section 31"
    • sanitary water outlet duct 32
    • sanitary water outlet connector 32a
    • first sanitary water outlet section 32'
    • second sanitary water outlet section 32"
    • heater heat exchanger 33
    • heater delivery duct 34
    • heater delivery connector 34a
    • first heater delivery section 34'
    • second heater delivery section 34"
    • heater return duct 35
    • heater return connector 35a
    • first heater return section 35'
    • second heater return section 35"
    • heater temperature sensor 36
    • storage compartment 37
    • diversion valve system 40
    • hydraulic circuit system 40a
    • installation return duct 41
    • installation return connector 41a
    • first installation return section 41'
    • second installation return section 41"
    • installation delivery duct 42
    • installation delivery connector 42a
    • first installation delivery section 42'
    • second installation delivery section 42"
    • cooling return duct 43
    • cooling return connector 43a
    • first cooling return section 43'
    • second cooling return section 43"
    • cooling delivery duct 44
    • cooling delivery connector 44a
    • first cooling delivery section 44'
    • second cooling delivery section 44"
    • first T-shaped tubular junction 45
    • second T-shaped tubular junction 46
    • third T-shaped tubular junction 47
    • first T-shaped tubular connection 46a
    • second T-shaped tubular connection 47a
    • first three-way diverter valve 48
    • second three-way diverter valve 49
    • third three-way diverter valve 49'
    • diverter valve 49a
    • further diverter valve 49b
    • heating installation 50
    • primary water circuit 51
    • fan coil units 52
    • building 60
    • external temperature sensor 61
    • internal temperature probe 62
    • user interface 63
    • electronic control system 64
    • external unit 65
    • external unit housing 66
    • signal connector 67
    • transceiver(s) 68
    • support base 69
    • cooling installation 70
    • cooling water circuit 71
    • system 100

Claims (19)

  1. A hybrid heating system (100) comprising:
    - a hydraulic circuit system (40a) with an installation return duct (41) and an installation delivery duct (42) connectable to a primary water circuit (51) of a heating installation (50) of a building (60),
    - a heat pump (1) connected to a heat pump return duct (10) and a heat pump delivery duct (11) of the hydraulic circuit system (40a), and actuatable to heat a water flow transiting from the heat pump return duct (10) through the heat pump into the heat pump delivery duct (11),
    - a gas boiler (20) connected to a boiler return duct (21) and to a boiler delivery duct (22) of the hydraulic circuit system (40a), and actuatable to heat a water flow transiting from the boiler return duct (21) through the gas boiler (20) into the boiler delivery duct (22),
    wherein the hydraulic circuit system (40a) operatively connects the heat pump (1) and the gas boiler (20) to the installation return duct (41) and to the installation delivery duct (42),
    - an internal temperature probe (62) for detecting a temperature inside the building,
    - a user interface (63) for selecting an internal temperature target value,
    - an electronic control system (64) in signal connection with the heat pump (1), the gas boiler (20), the internal temperature probe (62) and the user interface (63),
    wherein the electronic control system (64) is configured to actuate and control the individual and/or combined operation of the heat pump (1) and of the gas boiler (20) depending on the internal temperature target value and the internal temperature detected by the internal temperature probe (62),
    wherein the system (100) comprises an external unit (65) positionable outside the building (60) and comprising an external unit housing (66) which accommodates the heat pump (1) and the gas boiler (20).
  2. A system (100) according to claim 1, comprising an external temperature sensor (61) for detecting an ambient temperature outside the building (60), and the electronic control system (64) is in signal connection with the external temperature sensor (61) and configured to actuate and control the individual and/or combined operation of the heat pump (1) and of the gas boiler (20) also depending on an external temperature signal provided by the external temperature sensor (61).
  3. A system (100) according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:
    - a heater-accumulator (30) connected to a sanitary water inlet duct (31) connectable to the water mains and to a sanitary water outlet duct (32), the heater-accumulator (30) having a heater heat exchanger (33) connected to a heater delivery duct (34) and to a heater return duct (35) of the hydraulic circuit system (40a),
    wherein the hydraulic circuit system (40a) operatively connects the heat pump (1) and the gas boiler (20) to the heater delivery duct (34) and to the heater return duct (35),
    - a heater temperature sensor (36) responsive to the temperature of the sanitary water in the heater-accumulator (30),
    wherein the electronic control system (64) is in signal connection with the heater temperature sensor (36) and configured to actuate and control the individual and/or combined operation of the heat pump (1) and of the gas boiler (20) also depending on a heater temperature signal of the heater temperature sensor (36).
  4. A system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the hydraulic circuit system (40a) connects the installation return duct (42) and the heater return duct (35) in communication with the heat pump return duct (10) and with the boiler return duct (21), and comprises a diversion valve system (40) configured and actuatable to:
    - connect and disconnect, selectively, the heat pump delivery duct (11) or the boiler delivery duct (22) in communication with the installation delivery duct (41),
    - connect and disconnect, selectively, the heat pump delivery duct (11) or the boiler delivery duct (22) in communication with the heater delivery duct (34),
    wherein the electronic control system (64) is in signal connection with the diversion valve system (40) and configured to control the diversion valve system (40) depending on the external temperature signal and the heater temperature signal.
  5. A system (100) according to claim 3, wherein the hydraulic circuit system (40a):
    - connects the heat pump delivery duct (11) to the boiler return duct (21) and
    - connects the installation return duct (42) and the heater return duct (35) in communication with the heat pump return duct (10), and
    - comprises a diversion valve system (40) configured and actuatable to connect and disconnect, selectively, the boiler delivery duct (22) in communication with the installation delivery duct (41) or in communication with the heater delivery duct (34),
    wherein the electronic control system (64) is in signal connection with the diversion valve system (40) and configured to control the diversion valve system (40) depending on the external temperature signal and on the heater temperature signal.
  6. A system (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the heater-accumulator (30), the diversion valve system (40) and the electronic control system (64) are outside the external unit (65) and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit (65) inside the building (60).
  7. A system (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the external unit housing (66) accommodates the heat pump (1), the gas boiler (2) and the diversion valve system (40), while the heater-accumulator (30) and the electronic control system (64) are outside the external unit (65) and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit (65) inside the building (60).
  8. A system (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the external unit housing (66) accommodates the heat pump (1), the gas boiler (2), the diversion valve system (40) and the electronic control system (64),
    wherein the heater-accumulator (30) is outside the external unit (65) and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit (65) inside the building (60).
  9. A system (100) according to one of claims 3 to 5, wherein the external unit housing (66) accommodates the heat pump (1), the gas boiler (2), the diversion valve system (40) and the heater-accumulator (30).
  10. A system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the electronic control system (64) is outside the external unit (65) and positionable, as desired, at a distance from the external unit (65) inside the building (60).
  11. A system (100) according to claim 9, wherein the electronic control system (64) is accommodated in the external unit housing (66).
  12. A system (100) according to claim 7 or 8, wherein the external unit (65) comprises:
    - a threaded installation return connector (41a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first installation return section (41') of the installation return duct (41) inside the external unit (65) with a second installation return section (41") of the installation return duct (41) outside the external unit (65),
    - a threaded installation delivery connector (42a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first installation delivery section (42') of the installation delivery duct (42) inside the external unit (65) with a second installation delivery section (42") of the installation delivery duct (42) outside the external unit (65),
    - a threaded heater delivery connector (34a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first heater delivery section (34') of the heater delivery duct (34) inside the external unit (65) with a second heater delivery section (34") of the heater delivery duct (34) outside the external unit (65),
    - a threaded heater return connector (35a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first heater return section (35') of the heater return duct (35) inside the external unit (65) with a second heater return section (35") of the heater return duct (35) outside the external unit (65).
  13. A system (100) according to claims 8 and 12, wherein the external unit (65) comprises one or more signal connectors (67) or transceiver(s) (68) on board the external unit (65) for a signal transmission connection between:
    - the heater temperature sensor (36), the internal temperature probe (62) and the user interface (63) outside the external unit (65) and
    - the electronic control system (64) on board the external unit (65).
  14. A system (100) according to claims 7 and 12, wherein the external unit (65) comprises one or more signal connectors (67) or transceiver(s) (68) for a signal transmission connection between:
    - the electronic control system (64) outside the external unit (65), and
    - the heat pump (1), the gas boiler (20) and the diversion valve system (40) on board the external unit (65).
  15. A system (100) according to claim 10 or 11, wherein the external unit (65) comprises:
    - a threaded installation return connector (41a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first installation return section (41') of the installation return duct (41) inside the external unit (65) with a second installation return section (41") of the installation return duct (41) outside the external unit (65),
    - a threaded installation delivery connector (42a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first installation delivery section (42') of the installation delivery duct (42) inside the external unit (65) with a second installation delivery section (42") of the installation delivery duct (42) outside the external unit (65),
    - a threaded sanitary water inlet connector (31a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first sanitary water inlet section (31') of the sanitary water inlet duct (31) inside the external unit (65) with a second sanitary water inlet section (31") of the sanitary water inlet duct (31) outside the external unit (65),
    - a threaded sanitary water outlet connector (32a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first sanitary water outlet section (32') of the sanitary water outlet duct (32) inside the external unit (65) with a second sanitary water outlet section (32") of the sanitary water outlet duct (32) outside the external unit (65).
  16. A system (100) according to claims 11 and 15, wherein the external unit (65) comprises one or more signal connectors (67) or transceiver(s) (68) on board the external unit (65) for a signal transmission connection between:
    - the internal temperature probe (62) and the user interface (63) outside the external unit (65), and
    - the electronic control system (64) on board the external unit (65).
  17. A system (100) according to claims 10 and 15, wherein the external unit (65) comprises one or more signal connectors (67) or transceiver(s) (68) on board the external unit (65) for a signal transmission connection between:
    - the electronic control system (64) outside the external unit (65), and
    - the heat pump (1), the gas boiler (20) and the diversion valve system (40) on board the external unit (65).
  18. A system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat pump (1) is a reversible cycle heat pump, also actuatable to cool the water flow transiting from the heat pump return duct (10) into the heat pump delivery duct (11),
    wherein the hydraulic circuit system (40a) further comprises a cooling return duct (43) and a cooling delivery duct (44) connectable to a cooling water circuit (71) of a cooling installation (70) of the building (60),
    wherein the hydraulic circuit system (40a) operatively connects the heat pump (1) to the cooling return duct (43) and to the cooling delivery duct (44),
    wherein the electronic control system (64) is configured to actuate the heat pump (1) also in cooling mode and to control the diversion valve system (40) to direct a cooled water flow into the cooling delivery duct (44), in response to a user command insertable by the user interface (63) and/or depending on the internal temperature target value,
    wherein the hydraulic circuit system (40a) connects the cooling return duct (43) in communication with the heat pump return duct (10) and the diversion valve system (40) is configured and actuatable to connect and disconnect, selectively, the heat pump delivery duct (11) in communication with the cooling delivery duct (44),
    wherein the external unit (65) comprises:
    - a threaded cooling delivery connector (44a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first cooling delivery section (44') of the cooling delivery duct (44) inside the external unit (65) with a second cooling delivery section (44") of the cooling delivery duct (44) outside the external unit (65),
    - optionally, a threaded cooling return connector (43a) for a hydraulic, removable, screwed connection of a first cooling return section (43') of the cooling return duct (43) inside the external unit (65) with a second cooling return section (43") of the cooling return duct (43) outside the external unit (65).
  19. A system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the external unit housing (66) is thermally insulated or comprises an external wall with a waterproof outer layer, a thermal insulation layer, and a flame retardant material,
    and/or
    wherein the external unit (65) with all the components thereof accommodated inside the external unit housing (66) forms a self-supporting unit with a support base (69), to be transported by a lorry and positioned by resting of the support base (69), and fixed to a foundation or slab made of construction material.
EP23208016.8A 2022-11-29 2023-11-06 Hybrid air conditioning and sanitary water heating system Pending EP4379266A1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
IT202200024591 2022-11-29

Publications (1)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP4379266A1 true EP4379266A1 (en) 2024-06-05

Family

ID=85172770

Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP23208016.8A Pending EP4379266A1 (en) 2022-11-29 2023-11-06 Hybrid air conditioning and sanitary water heating system

Country Status (1)

Country Link
EP (1) EP4379266A1 (en)

Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2133629A1 (en) * 2008-06-12 2009-12-16 Yves Surrel Coupling device between a heat pump and an oil or gas boiler.
ITMI20112252A1 (en) * 2011-12-13 2013-06-14 Caleffi Spa HYBRID SYSTEM OF HEATING AND / OR COOLING
WO2014002133A1 (en) * 2012-06-26 2014-01-03 三菱電機株式会社 Heat-pump type hot water supply/heating system
EP2700883B1 (en) * 2012-08-22 2017-12-13 BDR Thermea Group Hybrid system for producing domestic hot water with a heat pump and a boiler
US20210262708A1 (en) * 2020-02-25 2021-08-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Heat pump and method of operating heat pump

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
EP2133629A1 (en) * 2008-06-12 2009-12-16 Yves Surrel Coupling device between a heat pump and an oil or gas boiler.
ITMI20112252A1 (en) * 2011-12-13 2013-06-14 Caleffi Spa HYBRID SYSTEM OF HEATING AND / OR COOLING
WO2014002133A1 (en) * 2012-06-26 2014-01-03 三菱電機株式会社 Heat-pump type hot water supply/heating system
EP2700883B1 (en) * 2012-08-22 2017-12-13 BDR Thermea Group Hybrid system for producing domestic hot water with a heat pump and a boiler
US20210262708A1 (en) * 2020-02-25 2021-08-26 Lg Electronics Inc. Heat pump and method of operating heat pump

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