GB2563310A - Satellite or interface unit for centralised or remote heating - Google Patents

Abstract

A heating satellite or interface unit for monitoring the water temperature in a buildings hot water system, the unit being connected to a water heating system, such as a boiler, and having a first 4 and second 5 delivery conduit for supplying water to a central heating system 2 and a domestic hot water system such as taps 3 respectively. Return conduits 6, 7 feature adjustment valves 9, 25 to control the circulation of water through the pipes returning water to the heating system, whilst the secondary conduit also features a flow meter 22 that measures the rate of fluid flow returning from the domestic hot water system. Temperature sensors 13, 21 are used to detect the temperature of the water as it flows to the central heating or domestic hot water systems whilst sensor 27 measures the temperature of the returning water. Control unit 30 is connected to the valves, sensors and the flow meter and is configured to adjust the temperature of the circulating water in response to the requirements of the domestic hot water or central heating systems.

Description

SATELLITE OR INTERFACE UNIT FOR

CENTRALISED OR REMOTE HEATING

This invention relates to a satellite or interface unit for centralised heating or remote heating.

Satellite units or interfacing units for heating of the plumbing type for space heating equipment or for the generation of domestic hot water in which generation of the heating fluid (water) takes place a long way from the environment heated or where the domestic hot water is used are known. This procedure, which is also known by the name of remote heating, provides that generation of the heating fluid takes place remotely by means of various techniques such as for example heat recovery from plants for the disposal of wastes, or through the direct heating of water in tanks at a distance from the environments in which such hot water is used, or the like .

Heating satellite units or interface units are normally located in an environment which has to be heated through hot water generated remotely (by means of normal heat transfer agents) or to which domestic hot water has to be delivered. Normally such systems comprise a structure containing functional elements which enable the flow of water originating from and heated by the remote unit to flow within suitable pipes or conduits which connect such interface unit to the usual heaters or taps from which hot water for domestic purposes can flow.

Such a heating interface unit provides one or both of the following services: provision of hot water for heating on request or generation of hot water for instantaneous domestic use. This is usually achieved through a corresponding heat exchanger with which the interface unit is provided, the said exchanger being connected by means of piping to a distribution network originating from the remote zone where the hot water is generated.

The heating satellite unit or interface unit is a plumbing device which depending upon the configuration and the services which it provides has a variable number of connections to domestic hot water systems in the environment in which it is installed. Typically all the components of the interface unit or satellite unit (or merely simply "satellite") are provided and arranged within a single body such that the interface unit is provided as a single component when installed.

Different embodiments of such units are however known: in one configuration only one heat exchanger is provided corresponding to the part of the satellite connected to the circuit or the conduits for domestic hot water for the environment, while the hot water originating from the remote source is directly provided to the space heaters in that environment. In another embodiment there is instead also provided a heat exchanger which connects the circuit part of the satellite unit to the space heaters.

More particularly, in the known plumbing systems of the type mentioned above there are various components such as flow controllers and electrically-operated valves. There are also connections with thermostats located in the environment which can operate such devices electrically. These systems or satellites are constructed by including within a box structure piping which makes it possible to receive the remotely heated fluid and return it to the remote plant generating such heating fluid, a pump, one or more safety valves and the necessary control components for delivering water to the space heaters or the taps in the environment. These components are assembled inside the box structure according to need.

The object of this invention is to provide a heating satellite unit or interface unit which is capable of offering a rapid response to requirements for hot water for space heating and hot water for use as domestic hot water.

Another object is that of providing a heating satellite unit or interface unit which makes it possible to maintain the temperature of the heating water at a value such as to be able to satisfy the requirements from normal temperature control systems present in the environment in which the aforesaid space heaters are located. A further object is to provide a heating satellite unit or entire interface unit which can be remotely controlled by means of specific commands transmitted by a user in such a way as to be able to have the environmental heating characteristics desired by the latter .

Some of these or other objects which will be apparent to those skilled in the art are accomplished or accomplished in part through a heating satellite unit or interface unit according to the appended claims.

For a better understanding of this invention there are attached, purely by way of non-limiting indication the following drawings in which:

Figure 1 shows the piping configuration of a first embodiment of a satellite unit according to the invention;

Figure 2 shows a piping configuration of a second embodiment of a satellite unit according to the invention; and

Figure 3 shows a piping configuration of a third embodiment of a satellite unit according to the invention.

With reference to the figures mentioned, and in particular Figure 1, this shows a heating satellite unit or interface unit 1, the said satellite unit being shown diagrammatically with reference to only its internal plumbing components. Satellite unit 1 is connected to space heaters 2 and taps 3 for domestic hot water in an environment through delivery pipes 4 and 5 and return pipes 6 and 7. A delivery pipe 8 for the hot water generated remotely (in a manner which is in itself known) reaches satellite unit 1 and a pipe 9 which returns water at a lower temperature than that of the inlet to the remote position where this fluid will be heated again leaves such satellite unit 1. These pipes 8 and 9 are connected to inlet conduits 10 and outlet conduits 11 of satellite unit 1.

Satellite unit 1 is connected to delivery pipe 8 and return pipe 9 in a manner which is in itself known.

More particularly, satellite unit 1 comprises internally, arranged in pipe 4, a heat exchanger 12 and a sensor for the temperature of the flow of hot water 13. Optionally provision may also be made for a safety thermostat 14 capable of detecting the temperature of the hot water present in pipe 4 and directed towards space heaters 2. Pipe 6 in which a pump 18 is located leaves space heaters 2; this pipe passes through heat exchanger 12 before leaving satellite unit 1; in pipe 5 there is a valve 19 for controlling the flow downstream of the heat exchanger, together with a temperature sensor 27 (located in pipe 11).

It will be noted that safety thermostat 14 is connected to valve 19 and temperature sensor 27. Thus the said thermostat is capable of interrupting the return of fluid after it has been used to heat the abovementioned environment whenever safety reasons require such interruption. All this in a manner which is in itself known.

In parallel, pipe 5 diverges from conduit or pipe 4 before that pipe 4 enters heat exchanger 12; said pipe 5 passes through heat exchanger 20 before reaching taps 3. A temperature sensor for hot water 21 is connected to pipe 5.

As mentioned, pipe 7, in which is provided a flow controller or flow meter 22, leads from taps 3. Pipe 7 passes through heat exchanger 20 and downstream from this a valve 25 for controlling the flow of water downstream of the heat exchanger towards pipe 9 is located in conduit 11.

Satellite unit or interface unit 1 comprises in an innovative way an electronic controller or control unit, preferably using a microprocessor, 30; this unit is connected to the various electrical components of said unit 1. In particular control unit 30 is connected to temperature sensor 13, and a pressure sensor 15 present in pipe 4 downstream of sensor 13, to pump 18, to a temperature sensor 21 for the hot water circulating in pipe 5, to valve 19 located in conduit 11 and valve 25 which is intended to control the flow of fluid downstream from exchanger 20.

Control unit 30 controls both the space heating function for the environment and the function of generating instantaneous domestic hot water. This is through the input signals collected from the components to which it is connected.

In addition to the abovementioned components, microprocessor unit 30 is also connected to the usual thermostat 37 capable of controlling the temperature of the environment which has to be heated; this thermostat may be external or part of the devices present within satellite unit or interface unit 1.

Control unit 30 acts on adjustment valves 19 and 25 to control the primary flow feeding the interface unit or satellite unit. This flow control may be provided separately, through valve 25 and through valve 19. As an alternative, the flow feeding interface unit or satellite unit 1 may be controlled by adjusting a single valve located on the inlet side of such unit which controls the flow to the entire interface unit with the addition of a diversion valve which subdivides the flow of fluid to one of the two heat exchangers 12 and 20. These valves are not shown in the figure but both their character and their use in an interface unit such as that which is the object of the present invention are in themselves known.

When room thermostat 37 requires heat, control unit 30 present in interface unit 1 switches on pump 18 and partly opens adjustment valve 19 to obtain a desired temperature for the fluid, measured by sensor 13, such as to be able to satisfy the request from thermostat 37.

After activating abovementioned components 18 and 19 control unit 30 controls the temperature status detected by thermostat 37 and the pressure detected by pressure sensor 15. If one of these components should detect a problem, pump 18 is switched off and adjustment valve 19 is closed.

Similarly, when there is a request for hot water from the user present in the environment where satellite unit 1 is located, that is when flow meter or flow switch 22 detects a flow of water (opening of a hot water tap), control unit 30 of the satellite unit partly opens adjustment valve 25 to obtain the desired water temperature, measured by temperature sensor 21.

Reference is now made to Figure 2. In this, parts corresponding to those already described in claim 1 are indicated using the same reference numbers.

In the diagrammatical configuration illustrated in

Figure 2, space heating for the environment is provided without there being any heat exchanger between the circuit or hot water inlet piping 8 and piping 4 of satellite unit or interface unit 1. There is therefore a direct fluid connection between the distribution network for the hot water generated remotely and the heating system for the environment through satellite unit or interface unit 1.

In the case in Figure 2, when thermostat 37 requires space heaters 2 to be switched on, control unit 30 present in satellite or interface unit 1 switches on pump 8. It then acts on a mixing valve 40 provided in return piping 6 downstream from pump 8 (with reference to the direction of flow of fluid in pipe or conduit 6).

This is in order to obtain the desired temperature for the flow measured by temperature sensor 13.

When those components are operational, control unit 30 monitors the status of safety thermostat 14. If that thermostat detects a problem pump 8 is switched off and mixing valve 40 is closed. A further safety valve may also be provided to stop the flow of water originating from the remote source to the space heaters when safety thermostat 14 detects a problem (typically when the temperature of the water is above its predetermined reference point).

Similarly, when there is a request for hot water from the user present in the environment where satellite unit 1 is located, that is when flow meter or flow switch 22 detects a flow of water (opening of a hot water tap), control unit 30 inserted within interface 1 partly opens adjustment valve 25 to obtain the desired temperature of the flow measured by temperature sensor 21.

Figure 3 shows a third variant of the invention.

In this figure parts corresponding to those in the figures already described are indicated using the same reference numbers.

In the configuration in question space heating is provided without there being any heat exchanger between hot water conduit 8 entering unit 1 and the heating circuit or space heaters 2, with a direct connection between the system for distribution of water originating from the remote source and the system for heating the environment.

Again in this case, when environmental thermostat 37 requires heat, controller or control unit 30 located in interface unit or satellite unit 1 acts on adjustment valve 19 in order to open it to a given point, determined by algorithms present within control unit 30.

These algorithms correspond to the quantity of hot water which has to be provided to the heating plant in order to be able to achieve particular set temperatures. The correlation between the flow of water and temperature is tabulated in a memory (not shown) of control unit 30.

Similarly, when there is a request for hot water from a user present in the environment in which satellite unit 1 is located, that is when flow meter or flow switch 22 detects a flow of water (opening of a hot water tap 3), controller or control unit 30 partly opens adjustment valve 25 to obtain the desired temperature for the flow measured by temperature sensor 21.

In the case of the configuration in Figures 1 and 2, when a specific control function is activated control unit 30 calculates the temperature which the flow circulating in the heating circuit and in the domestic hot water circuit must reach as a function of the temperature detected by temperature sensor 27 located in return pipe 6.

In the case of the configuration in Figure 3, control unit 30 calculates the position of adjustment valve 19 on the basis of the temperature detected by temperature sensor 27 located in conduit 6 when the heating interface unit is providing environmental space heating. When the interface unit is operating to provide domestic hot water control unit 30 calculates a final temperature for the domestic hot water on the basis of the temperature detected by temperature sensor 27 again located in return pipe 6.

In all the configurations it is possible to set a maximum opening for each valve present. In addition to this, in all the configurations, when the control function is active, the heating interface unit or satellite unit 1 provides a "temperature maintenance" function in order to maintain heat exchanger 20 intended for the generation of domestic hot water at a temperature compatible with a rapid response time when domestic hot water is required after a waiting period or stand-by time. The cycle for maintaining temperature starts when control unit 30 partly opens adjustment valve 25 and when the temperature detected by temperature sensor 21 falls below a given threshold. The temperature maintenance cycle stops when the temperature detected by temperature sensor 27 reaches or exceeds a given predetermined value.

The temperature maintenance function may be disabled, enabled twenty-four hours a day or enabled only during predetermined hours of the day.

Control unit 30 of the satellite unit may be provided with an auxiliary contact in order that it may be programmed.

Heating interface unit or satellite unit 1 may be provided with a control unit which can be attached to external devices through cable or radio connections.

Through this connectivity the interface unit or satellite unit may be controlled and set at a distance in such a way that at least all of the settings which can be made using the interface by acting directly upon it may also be made remotely.

Finally, by means of specific commands from users transmitted to the control unit of interface unit or satellite unit 1, the behaviour of the interface unit can be altered and an input signal which the interface unit is receiving from one of the components connected to it can be cancelled.

This invention therefore relates to an interface unit or satellite unit provided with a programmable and controllable control unit which is capable of acting in order to alter the temperature of the flow of water both within the normal space heating circuit and within the domestic hot water circuit of an environment. This is in order to limit the temperature of the water or fluid entering the interface unit or satellite unit and the water leaving that satellite unit for return to a remote station where the water will be heated again.

The invention makes it possible to identify temperature limits beyond which the control unit will act for the purposes of safety. Through the invention, it is also possible to provide a temperature maintenance function for the water for domestic use which makes it possible to maintain such temperature at a predetermined value .

Claims (10)

1. Heating satellite unit or interface unit for centralised heating or remote heating of the type comprising a first delivery conduit connected to a heating system for an environment, the first return conduit from the said heating system, a second delivery conduit connected to a domestic hot water system, a second return conduit from the said domestic hot water system, the said first delivery conduit being directly connected to a conduit feeding hot water originating from a remote system for the generation of hot water, distant from the aforesaid environment, the said return conduit being connected to a conduit for return of the water to the said remote hot water generating system, adjustment valves, each capable of controlling the flow circulating in the said return pipes being present in each of the said return pipes, with provision being made for a temperature sensor located in the second delivery conduit and provision also being made for a flow meter in the second return conduit, a temperature sensor detecting the temperature of the water leaving the said heating satellite unit or interface unit, wherein provision is made for an electronic control unit connected to at least the said sensor for the temperature of the water leaving the said satellite unit, to the said flow control valves located in the return conduits, to the said temperature sensor located in the second delivery conduit and to the said flow meter, the said control unit adjusting the temperature of the flow of water in order to obtain an appropriate temperature in the water circulating in the heating system and/or the water for domestic use.

2. Satellite unit according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is a microprocessor unit provided with a memory.

3. Satellite unit according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the control unit is connected to an ambient temperature thermostat.

4. Satellite unit according to claim 2, wherein the memory of the control unit contains predetermined data for the values of the temperature in the space heating circuit and minimum values for the temperature of the domestic hot water.

5. Satellite unit according to claim 4, wherein the control unit is capable of activating circulation of the hot water for domestic use in order to maintain a minimum accepted temperature for the domestic hot water.

6. Satellite unit according to any one of the preceding claims, of the type comprising a pump located in the first return conduit, wherein the said control unit controls the said pump. Ί. Satellite unit according to any one of the preceding claims, of the type comprising a pump and a mixing valve located in the first return conduit, wherein the said pump and the said mixing valve are connected to the said control unit.

8. Satellite unit according to any one of the preceding claims, of the type comprising a temperature sensor capable of detecting the temperature of the water present in the first delivery conduit and a safety thermostat connected to the said first delivery conduit, wherein the said control unit is connected to the said temperature sensor and the said safety thermostat.

9. Satellite unit according to any one of the preceding claims, of the type comprising a pressure sensor or pressure switch located in the first delivery conduit, wherein the control unit is connected to the said pressure sensor.

10. Satellite unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said control unit can be programmed remotely.

11. Satellite unit according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the said control unit has connection zones capable of enabling it to be programmed directly.