BE1030935B1 - A heating and/or cooling system for collective residential housing units, a control device therefor and a method for controlling it - Google Patents

Abstract

A heating and cooling system for collective residential housing units. The system comprises: a collective heat pump, a plurality of residential living units, one closed circuit for circulating a fluid between the collective heat pump and the residential living units, and a control device for controlling the collective heat pump. The control device controls the temperature of the collective water pump and/or the maximum flow of the closed circuit to each of the residential units and/or the flow through a diversion on the closed circuit in function of the current needs of the residential living units.

Description

Ee pes BE2022/5792

Technical field

The present invention relates to a control device for a heating and/or cooling system for collective residential living units. The present invention also relates to a heating and/or cooling system for collective residential living units comprising such a control device. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling a heating and/or cooling system for collective residential living units.

State of the art

Heating and/or cooling systems for collective residential housing units are known. Classic examples are central heating in an apartment building, a heating network (or cooling network) in a residential neighborhood. In general, these systems include one or more sources of thermal energy that is distributed by means of a single medium (e.g., steam, hot liquid or cold liquid) from a central location to multiple locations for heating and/or cooling of spaces and /or processes. There are many sources of thermal energy known, such as the combustion of fossil fuels (e.g. a central heating boiler), the use of electricity to generate heat (e.g. an electric heater), or by means of a heat pump (e.g. a cen laughing-water heat pump). A heat pump is also often used in combination or as part of a BEO (Borehole Energy Storage) field or

KWO (Cold Heat Storage) field.

The present invention specifically relates to systems that use a collective heat pump to provide thermal energy to a collection of residential living units. This collection may consist of several apartments in one or more apartment buildings and/or several separate residential buildings. Each of the residential units has its own separate heating and/or cooling system. Many such systems are known, such as classic radiators, underfloor heating, underfloor cooling, convectors, etc. Which system is used locally is of secondary importance in the context of the present invention. .

In a classic setup, two separate loops are typically used between the collective heat pump and the residential living units, namely a first loop for the circulation of a warm medium and a second loop for the circulation of a cold medium. The medium is typically a liquid, such as water, but other media are possible. Each residential unit is connected to both loops and can draw both heat and cold depending on needs. The use of two loops makes it possible to meet the possibly different needs of the individual residential units. In particular, there are often situations where a number of

3 BE2022/5792 residential units require heating, while another group of residential units does not require heating or even cooling. Examples are: a sunny spring day where south-facing residential units heat up sufficiently due to the incident sunlight, but north-facing residential units do not; or the circumstance that certain residential units are not occupied during the day (e.g. the residents are at work) and therefore require less or no thermal energy, while this is not the case for other residential units; etc. Examples of such two-loop systems are described in EP 3 165 831, EP 3 184 914 and EP 3 372 903.

The main disadvantage of such systems is the need to lay two completely separate loops. First of all, this requires a lot of raw materials (both in pipe material and in insulation), as well as more time for installation. In addition, due to the doubling, there is also approximately twice as much chance that a leak or other defect will occur. Many more couplings, taps, sensors, etc. are also required. If the system is designed only for heating or only for cooling, there is typically only one loop through which a warm or cold medium circulates. A known problem when circulating a medium, especially a liquid, in a loop is related to pressure differences. On the one hand, pressure differences arise as a result of pressure loss as a result of transport over the loop. On the other hand {and/or incidentally), height differences across the loop can also play a role. In general, the further a residential housing unit is on the loop, the lower the incoming pressure. These pressure differences in turn give rise to differences in flow rate per residential housing unit, which flow rate is directly related to the maximum energy transfer to the residential unit. To illustrate, in an apartment building with 10 different apartments, this may result in inadequate heating or cooling in the apartment furthest away from the thermal energy source.

In practice, such problems are solved by manually adjusting the maximum flow available for each residential unit. In concrete terms, a flow limiter is provided on each supply branch of the loop to a residential unit. A technician controls each of these limiters in such a way that each residential unit can receive the same (or the necessary) flow rate to meet the theoretical maximum energy requirements.

A disadvantage to this solution is the time required to have a technician carry out this adjustment. In addition, this is also a static solution that cannot take into account any changes later. Examples of such changes are: a change in local heating or cooling in a residential unit that requires more or less flow or a defect in the thermal energy source resulting in insufficient flow.

In addition, in a combined heating and cooling system, control of the limiters is also required on the branch with both loops, which further increases the workload for the technician.

3 BE2022/5792 increases.

Furthermore, in the context of a collective heat pump, in particular an air-water heat pump, there are also operational requirements. In particular, conditions on the flow through the heat pump and specifically the requirement that a predetermined minimum flow is necessary for operation must be taken into account. However, in certain situations, for example if a significant number of residential units shut off (or drastically limit) their supply, there is a risk that the flow rate through the heat pump is too low and in particular lower than the predetermined minimum flow rate. In such a case, the heat pump stops automatically and there is no longer any option for heating and/or cooling.

A known solution is to provide a diversion in the loop that bypasses the residential units with a closable valve on it. Opening this valve increases the flow rate in the loop so that it remains higher than the predetermined minimum flow rate. However, the inventors have determined that this solution can be disadvantageous. For example, it is possible that due to the flow over the diversion, there is insufficient flow available for the necessary energy transfer to the residential units.

Description of the invention

The aim of the present invention is to reduce and/or remedy one or more of the disadvantages described above.

In a first aspect, the present invention concerns a control device for controlling a collective heat pump in a heating and cooling system for collective residential residential units, which heating and cooling system is provided with: the collective heat pump, a plurality of residential residential units, and one closed circuit for circulating a fluid between the collective heat pump and the residential living units, wherein the control device is provided with: an interface configured to obtain current temperature data and desired temperature data from each residential living unit; a decision module configured to determine a desired temperature of said fluid on an output side of the collective heat pump, based on the current temperature data and the desired temperature control data; and a control module configured to generate control signals for controlling the collective heat pump, based on said desired temperature.

In this aspect, the invention provides a control device that allows to provide both heating and cooling by using a collective heat pump and this with only one closed king for circulating the fluid between the collective heat pump and the residential living units. interface that is current and desired

4 BE2022/5792 temperature data is obtained, the control device, 1.h.b. the decision module, able to determine the general need of the collective residential housing units, Le. overall, there is a need for heating or cooling. The control device then determines the desired temperature of said fluid on an output side of the collective heat pump depending on the specific general need, e.g. a relatively warm fluid (e.g. 35°C or 45°C) for heating or a relatively cold fluid (e.g. . 10°C) for cooling. Based on the desired temperature, the control device then generates the necessary control signals. The same closed circuit can therefore serve for both heating and cooling for the residential living units.

In a first embodiment, the control device is further provided with: a database configured to store the current temperature data and the desired temperature data, which database further contains energy loss data (the energy loss data is, for example, an indication of the temperature evolution in a residential living unit in time in the absence of energy inflow) of each residential dwelling unit; and an analysis module configured to determine, based on the actual temperature data, the desired temperature data and the energy loss data, energy requirement data for each residential dwelling unit, the decision module being configured to determine, based on the energy loss data, a temperature - to generate a time profile of the desired temperature of said fluid on the output side of the collective heat pump as a function of time during a future time interval.

The use of energy loss data in combination with the temperature data (both actual and desired) allows to calculate an estimate of the energy that will be required by each residential unit during a future time interval (e.g. for the next hour or the next two or three o'clock). Such an estimate could, for example, include that a first group of residential units require additional energy to heat the residential unit for 1 hour and then need energy to compensate for their energy loss, while a second group of residential units only require energy to compensate for their energy loss, and a third group of residential units just want to emit energy to cool the residential unit for two hours. Based on this estimate, the decision module generates a temperature-time profile of the fluid on the output side of the collective heat pump to meet the different needs. This first embodiment therefore provides control (or regulation) during a future time interval.

In a preferred embodiment, the control device is further provided with a communication module configured to send the calculated temperature-time profile to each residential dwelling unit. In this way, each residential unit is aware of the temperature of the liquid in the closed circuit during the future time interval.

The residential units (in particular the control device provided for this) can then control the local heating and cooling system instead of the temperature of the incoming liquid.

In a preferred embodiment, the database further comprises historical data from each residential housing unit, which historical data at least includes data about: the desired temperature, the actual temperature, and energy consumption data, which historical data preferably includes data about: the season, the weather conditions. , and/or an occupancy in the residential home, whereby the said energy loss data has been obtained based on the historical data stored in the database. More preferably, the control device is further provided with a machine learning module trained on the historical data and configured to generate said energy loss data. First, it is possible to search the historical data set to find an identical (or similar) set of conditions and thus find accurate energy loss data for the current situation. However, because energy loss is the result of a multitude of different factors, it is preferable to use machine learning techniques (e.g. a neural network) trained on the historical data to make a prediction of the energy loss data for the current situation.

In a second embodiment, the control device is further provided with an analysis module configured to determine a temperature difference value between the actual temperature data and the desired temperature data, wherein the decision module is configured to determine said desired temperature on the basis of the temperature difference value.

The main advantage of this second embodiment is that there is no need to determine energy consumption data for each residential dwelling unit. The control is carried out on the basis of the current and desired temperature data, which allows, e.g. via the temperature difference value, to determine a current global demand/need in the whole of the collective housing units. The desired temperature is then determined based on the global demand, in a preferred embodiment the analysis module is further configured to determine whether the collective heat pump has been switched between a heating mode and a cooling mode in a predetermined elapsed time interval, and the decision module is configured is to determine the desired temperature, if the mode of the collective heat pump has been adjusted in the predetermined time interval, so that no mode change occurs. Changing the mode of the collective heat pump costs a lot of energy, because the temperature on the output side has to be drastically reduced

6 BE2022/5792, namely from heating (e.g. 35°C) to cooling (e.g. 10°C) or vice versa. It is therefore not desirable to undergo such a mode change frequently. A check to determine whether or not a mode change has occurred in a predetermined time interval (e.g. the past two hours) prevents too frequent switching.

In one embodiment, the control device is further provided with a machine learning module trained on historical setpoint temperature data of a residential dwelling unit and configured to generate said setpoint temperature data. This avoids the need for a user (e.g. a resident of the living unit) to manually enter a schedule or manually provide desired temperature data.

The advantages of the above-described embodiments and/or the first aspect are also achieved with a heating and cooling system for collective residential living units, which heating and cooling system is provided with: a collective heat pump, a multitude of residential living units, each of which is provided with a heating and cooling system and a local control device for controlling it, one closed circuit for circulating a fluid between the collective heat pump and the heating and cooling systems of the residential living units, a central control device as described above for controlling the collective heat pump.

In one embodiment, the collective heat pump comprises a multitude of air-water (generally air-liquid) heat pumps, in particular a monoblock heat pump, which are preferably arranged in parallel. Air-water heat pumps have many advantages, for example they can be placed anywhere and be used without additional systems (such as a

BEO field). The use of multiple air-water heat pumps also provides the necessary redundancy, e.g. if one heat pump is defective, this can be absorbed by the remaining ones.

Placing the heat pumps in parallel is further advantageous because one or more of the heat pumps can easily be switched on or off depending on the current needs. A defective heat pump can also easily be accommodated by the remaining one and can be repaired or replaced without impact on the rest of the system. Finally, the use of a monoblock heat pump increases safety and reduces the cost price. The refrigerant (or heat agent) is only in one component, which is completely separated from the liquid in the closed loop, where water, for example, can circulate. The installation of the system can therefore largely be done without the intervention of a specialized technician.

The advantages of the embodiments described above and/or the first aspect are also achieved with a method for controlling a collective heat pump in a heating and cooling system for collective residential living units (particularly the heating and cooling system as described above), which method is next

7 BE2022/5792 steps include: obtaining current temperature data and desired temperature data for each residential living unit; determining a desired temperature of a fluid on an output side of a collective heat pump based on the data obtained; and generating control signals for controlling the collective heat pump to achieve the desired temperature.

In a first embodiment, determining the desired temperature comprises: obtaining energy loss data for each residential housing unit; and, on the basis of the energy loss data, generating a temperature-time profile of the desired temperature of said fluid on the output side of the collective heat pump as a function of time during a future time interval. Preferably, obtaining energy loss data includes machine learning thereof by means of training on historical data of each residential living unit, which historical data at least includes data regarding: the desired temperature, the actual temperature, and energy consumption data, which historical data preferably includes data includes: the season, weather conditions, and/or occupancy in the residential housing unit. The advantages of using energy loss data in determining a temperature-time profile have already been described above.

In a second embodiment, determining the desired temperature comprises: determining a temperature difference value between the actual temperature data and the desired temperature data; and determining whether the collective heat pump was switched between a heating mode and a cooling mode in a predetermined past time interval. The advantages of using the temperature difference value have already been described above.

In a second aspect, the present invention concerns a control device for controlling a heating and/or cooling system for collective residential residential units, which heating and cooling system is provided with: a collective heat pump, a plurality of residential residential units, one closed circuit for circulating a fluid between the collective heat pump and the residential residential units, and for each residential residential unit, a supply branch from the closed circuit to the residential residential unit, wherein each supply branch is provided with an adjustable valve for regulating the flow rate on the supply branch, wherein the control device is provided with: an interface configured to obtain a current flow rate in the closed circuit and maximum flow data of each supply branch, which maximum flow data is based on an energy requirement of the corresponding residential unit; a decision module configured to determine, based on the data obtained, a maximum flow rate for each residential unit; and a communication module configured to transmit maximum flow data to a

8 BE2022/5792 respective residential housing unit.

In this aspect, the invention provides a control device that allows automatic flow control. More specifically, by knowing the data regarding the maximum required flow and the current flow in the closed circuit (e.g. on the output side of the collective heat pump), the control device can accurately distribute the current flow to each of the residential units without the need to a technician who will arrange everything manually.

In addition, the control device can also adjust the permitted flow rate per residential unit depending on the available flow rate in the closed circuit, which is advantageous, especially in situations where the collective heat pump is not able to deliver a sufficiently high flow rate (e.g. in extreme weather conditions or in case of cen defect). In this way, a situation is avoided where one or more residential units at the back connected to the closed circuit (or more generally connected to an area in the closed circuit with low pressure) have too little flow. in one embodiment, the decision module is configured to: determine the total maximum flow rate by taking the sum of all maximum flow data; if the total maximum flow is smaller than the current flow, the maximum flow of each residential housing unit to be determined as its maximum flow data; and if the total maximum flow rate is greater than the current flow rate, to determine the maximum flow rate of each residential dwelling unit as a fraction of its maximum flow rate data, whereby the fraction corresponds to a ratio between the current flow rate and the total maximum flow rate. The decision module therefore checks whether the current flow rate in the closed circuit is greater or smaller than the sum of the theoretical maximum flow rate that may be required by each residential unit. If this is the case, then each residential unit can consume its maximum flow rate. However, if this is not the case, the maximum flow is fractionally limited everywhere so that each residential unit receives at least part of the flow.

In one embodiment, the communications module is further configured to receive data from the residential dwelling units, and wherein, upon receipt of an activation signal from one of the residential dwelling units, said activation signal includes a request for a greater flow rate than the maximum flow data of said one of said one of the residential dwelling units. the residential living units, the decision module is configured to: determine the total maximum flow rate by taking the sum of all maximum flow data for all residential living units except the aforementioned one of the residential living units with the aforementioned larger flow rate; if the total maximum flow rate is less than the current flow rate, the maximum flow rate of each residential residential unit is to be determined as maximum flow data for all residential residential units except the said one of the residential residential units and the maximum flow rate of the said one of the residential residential units is to be determined as named

9 BE2022/5792 larger flow; and if the total maximum flow is greater than the current flow, to determine the maximum flow of each residential unit as a fraction of its maximum flow data, whereby the fraction corresponds to a ratio between the current flow and the total maximum flow. In the event that one residential unit requires a higher flow rate than its theoretical upper limit (e.g. after a long period of non-occupancy), this embodiment allows to check whether there is a flow rate surplus on the closed circuit. If there is such a surplus, the maximum flow of the one residential housing unit will be further increased.

In one embodiment, the control device is configured to control a heating and cooling system for collective residential living units. As already described, one joint system has advantages over two separate systems, namely one for heating and one for cooling.

In a preferred embodiment, the interface is further configured to obtain actual temperature data and desired temperature data from each residential living unit and temperature data from the fluid on an output side of the collective heat pump, wherein the control device is further provided with an analysis module configured to: based on the current temperature data and the desired temperature data to determine a status of each residential unit, where the status is one of the following: heating and coking, and to determine a status of a collective heat pump based on the temperature data of the fluid on the output side of the collective heat pump. where the status is one of the following: heating and cooling, where the decision module is configured to exclude, based on the status data, any residential living unit that has a different status than the collective heat pump from determining the maximum flow. Preferably, the decision module is configured to: determine the total maximum flow by taking the sum of all maximum flow data for the non-excluded residential dwelling units; if the total maximum flow is smaller than the current flow, to determine the maximum flow of each non-excluded residential unit as its maximum flow data; and if the total maximum flow is greater than the current flow, to determine the maximum flow of each non-excluded residential dwelling unit as a fraction of its maximum flow data, whereby the fraction corresponds to a ratio between the current flow and the total maximum flow. (Given that the energy requirements (and therefore the maximum flow rates) of a residential unit are typically different for heating and cooling, it is advantageous, before calculating the maximum flow rates, to first check which residential units have the same status as the collective heat pump. Residential units with another status typically takes no or very little flow from the closed circuit, as there is no need for hot water from the closed circuit if the residential unit is in cooling status.

10 BE2022/5792

It is therefore better not to take residential units with a different status than the collective heat pump into account when determining the maximum flow rates.

In one embodiment, if the total maximum flow rate is greater than the actual flow rate, the decision module is configured to increase the flow rate in the closed loop. This is an alternative solution for providing a sufficient flow in every residential area, which avoids the need to fractionally limit the maximum flow.

However, this solution is not always applicable as not every collective heat pump can deliver a variable flow rate.

In one embodiment, the control device is provided with a control module configured to generate control signals for controlling the collective heat pump and for controlling each adjustable valve.

The advantages of the embodiments described above and/or the second aspect are also achieved with a heating and cooling system for collective residential living units, which heating and cooling system is provided with: a collective heat pump, a multitude of residential living units, each of which is provided with a heating and cooling system and a local fault device for controlling it, the closed circuit for circulating a fluid between the collective heat pump and the heating and purchasing systems of the residential living units, a central control device for controlling the collective heat pump, for clke residential dwelling unit, a supply branch from the closed circuit to the residential dwelling unit, each supply branch being provided with an adjustable valve for regulating a flow rate on the supply branch, the local control device being further configured to control of the controllable valve, wherein the central control device and each of the local control devices together form a control device as described above.

In one embodiment, the collective heat pump comprises a plurality of air-water (generally air-liquid) heat pumps, in particular a monoblock heat pump, which are preferably arranged in parallel. Air-water heat pumps have many advantages, for example they can be placed and used anywhere without additional systems (such as cen

BEO field). The use of multiple air-water heat pumps also provides the necessary redundancy, e.g. if one heat pump is defective, this can be absorbed by the remaining ones.

Placing the heat pumps in parallel is further advantageous because one or more of the heat pumps can easily be switched on or off depending on the current needs. A defective heat pump can also easily be absorbed by the remaining one and can be repaired or replaced without impact on the rest of the system. Finally, the use of a monoblock heat pump increases safety and reduces the cost price. The refrigerant {or ti BE2022/5792 heat agent) is only in one component that is completely separated from the fluid in the closed loop, where, for example, water can circulate. The installation of the system can therefore largely be done without the intervention of a specialized technician.

In one embodiment, the heating and cooling system is further provided with: one or more flow meters for determining the current flow rate on the closed circuit on the output side of the collective heat pump, wherein the central monitoring device is further configured to receive measurements from the one or more flow meters, and a local flow meter on each supply branch for measuring the flow thereon, the local control device being further configured to receive measurements from the local flow meter and transmit them to the central control device. By linking the central flow meter(s) with the central control device and each local flow meter with a corresponding local control device, the flow meters can use energy-efficient local communication technology. Preferably, a central flow meter is provided for each heat pump and the total flow rate on the output side of the collective heat pump is determined as the sum of all individual measurements.

The advantages of the embodiments described above and/or the second aspect are achieved in real life with a method for controlling a heating and/or cooling system for collective residential living units, which method comprises the following steps: obtaining a current flow rate in a closed circuit in which fluid circulates between a collective heat pump and the residential housing units, whereby each residential housing unit is connected to the closed circuit via a supply branch; obtaining maximum flow data on each supply branch, which maximum flow data are based on an energy requirement of the corresponding residential unit; determining a maximum flow rate for each residential housing unit based on the data obtained; and generating control signals for limiting the flow on each supply branch in accordance with the determined maximum flow.

In one embodiment, determining the maximum flow rate comprises: determining the total maximum flow rate by taking the sum of all maximum flow data; if the total maximum flow is smaller than the current flow, the maximum flow of each residential housing unit to be determined as its maximum flow data; and if the total maximum flow rate is greater than the current flow rate, to determine the maximum flow rate of each residential dwelling unit as a fraction of its maximum flow rate data, whereby the fraction corresponds to a ratio between the current flow rate and the total maximum flow rate. Preferably, the method further comprises: obtaining current temperature data and desired temperature data for each residential living unit and temperature data for the

12 BE2022/5792 liquid on the output side of the collective heat pump; determining the status of each residential unit based on the current temperature data and the desired temperature data, where the status is one of the following: heating and cooling, and determining the status of a collective heat pump based on the temperature data of the fluid the output side of the collective heat pump, where the status is one of the following: heating and cooling, where the total maximum flow is determined by considering only residential living units that have the same status as the collective heat pump. Preferably, the method further comprises: receiving an activation signal from one of the residential living units, which activation signal comprises a request for a greater flow rate than the maximum flow data of said one of the residential living units, wherein the total maximum flow rate is determined by said one of the residential residential units will have a larger flow rate, and where, if the total maximum flow rate is smaller than the current flow rate, the maximum flow rate of said one of the residential residential units will be determined as the larger flow rate mentioned. The advantages of this have already been described above.

In a third aspect, the present invention concerns a control device for controlling a heating and/or cooling system for collective residential residential units, which heating and/or cooling system is provided with: a collective heat pump, a plurality of residential residential units, one closed circuit for circulating a fluid between the collective heat pump and the residential dwelling units, said closed circuit comprising a supply section and a discharge section, a bypass between the supply section and the discharge section for diverting part of the liquid around the plurality of residential dwelling units, and an adjustable valve for regulating a flow rate over the diversion, wherein the control device is provided with: an interface configured to obtain current flow data in the closed circuit; a database configured to store the current flow rate data and one or more flow threshold values on the closed loop; an analysis module configured to determine, based on the stored flow data, the evolution of the flow during a past time interval; a decision module configured to determine a flow rate over the diversion, based on the evolution and the flow threshold values; and a control module configured to generate control signals for controlling the adjustable valve, based on said flow rate.

Providing an adjustable valve for regulating a flow rate over the diversion is an improvement on the conventional diversion in which an ON/OFF valve is present.

First, the adjustable valve allows multiple flow rates between the OFF position (no flow) or the

ON position (maximum flow). Secondly, the control device is able to control the flow rate in the

13 BE2022/5792 closed circuit over time and thus adjust the adjustable valve on the diversion graducel according to the cvolution. For example, the adjustable valve can be opened gradually when the flow rate decreases, instead of immediately being fully opened as with the known valve, which full open position may remove too much flow, resulting in insufficient heating and/or cooling for the residential living units.

In one embodiment, a corresponding flow rate over the diversion is stored in the database for each threshold flow value. The decision module can easily and quickly consult this information, e.g. in the form of a query table, to determine the necessary flow over the diversion.

In one embodiment, said evolution is one of: decreasing, stable and increasing, and wherein the database is configured to store a different set of flow threshold values for each evolution. The decision module is preferably configured to: increase the flow over the diversion in the event of a downward trend; in the event of an increasing trend, to reduce the flow over the diversion; and with a stable evolution, leaving the flow through the diversion virtually unchanged.

The use of different sets of flow threshold values allows the flow over the diversion to be adjusted based on current conditions. To illustrate, although a low flow rate in the closed circuit (e.g. below a general flow threshold value) may pose a risk to the operation of the collective heat pump, the status of the evolution may indicate that no flow rate should be sent over the diversion. In particular, if the evolution is increasing, the low flow threshold value may be higher than with a decreasing evolution, since the risk for the collective heat pump is lower with the increasing evolution.

In one embodiment, the heating and/or cooling system is further provided with, for each residential living unit, a supply branch from the closed circuit to the residential living unit, wherein each supply branch is provided with an adjustable valve for controlling the flow rate on the supply branch, wherein the interface is further configured to obtain current flow data from each supply branch, wherein the decision module is further configured to take into account the current flow rate data from each supply branch when determining the flow rate over the diversion supply branch tc. The use of the current flow data on the supply branches allows the decision module to anticipate a decreasing or increasing flow rate on the closed circuit. Particularly in the case of drastic adjustments in many residential living units, analyzing the evolution may not detect the shock effect of the drastic adjustments in time, resulting in a risk to the operation of the collective heat pump.

In one embodiment the controllable valve can be adjusted almost continuously between an open position and a closed position. This increases control over the flow control.

{4 BE2022/5792

In one embodiment, the control device is configured to control a heating and cooling system for collective residential living units. As already described, one joint system has advantages over two separate systems, namely one for heating and one for cooling.

In one embodiment, the database is configured to store a different set of flow threshold values for each status of the collective heat pump, where the status is one of the following: heating and cooling. This also allows the specificity of a collective heat pump for heating or cooling to be taken into account when determining the flow rate over the diversion.

The advantages of the embodiments described above and/or the second aspect are also achieved with a heating and cooling system for collective residential living units, which heating and cooling system is provided with: a collective heat pump, a multitude of residential living units, each of which is provided with a heating and cooling system and a local control device for controlling it, one closed circuit for circulating a fluid between the collective heat pump and the heating and cooling systems of the residential living units, which closed circuit comprises a supply section and a discharge section, and an adjustable valve for regulating a flow rate over the omicide, and a control device as described above for controlling the adjustable valve.

In one embodiment, the collective heat pump comprises a plurality of air-water (generally air-liquid) heat pumps, in particular a monoblock heat pump, which are preferably arranged in parallel. Air-water heat pumps have many advantages, for example they can be placed and used anywhere without additional systems (such as cen

BEO field). The use of multiple air-water heat pumps further provides the necessary redundancy, for example, if one heat pump is defective, this can be absorbed by the remaining ones.

Placing the heat pumps in parallel is further advantageous because one or more of the heat pumps can easily be switched on or off depending on the current needs. A defective heat pump can also easily be replaced by the remaining ones and can be repaired or replaced without impact on the rest of the system. Finally, the use of a monoblock heat pump increases safety and reduces the cost price. The refrigerant (or heat agent) is only in one component, which is completely separated from the liquid in the closed loop, where water, for example, can circulate. The installation of the system can therefore largely be done without the intervention of a specialized technician.

In one embodiment, the heating and cooling system is further provided with: one or more flow meters for determining the current flow rate on the closed circuit at the

15 BE2022/5792 output side of the collective heat pump, where the control device is further configured to receive measurements from the gene or multiple debit meters. Preferably, a flow meter is provided for each heat pump and the total flow rate on the output side of the collective heat pump is determined as the sum of all individual measurements. By connecting the flow meter(s) to the control device, it can use energy-efficient local communication technology.

In one embodiment, the heating and cooling system is further provided with: for each residential dwelling unit, a local flow meter for measuring a flow rate from the closed circuit to the residential dwelling unit, whereby the local control device is further configured to receive measurements from the local flow meter and forward it to the control device. As already described, this allows the control device to anticipate a decreasing or increasing flow rate on the closed circuit.

The advantages of the embodiments described above and/or the second aspect are also achieved with a method for controlling a heating and/or cooling system for collective residential living units, which method comprises the following steps: obtaining flow data in a closed circuit that fluid circulates between a collective heat pump and the residential living units and one or more flow threshold values on the closed circuit; determining an evolution of the flow over a past time interval on the basis of the flow data; and determining a flow rate over a diversion in the closed circuit on the basis of the evolution and the flow threshold values for diverting part of the fluid around the plurality of residential living units.

In one embodiment, the evolution is one of: decreasing, stable and increasing and wherein determining the flow rate over the diversion includes: in the event of a decreasing evolution, increasing the flow rate over the diversion; in the event of an increasing trend, to reduce the flow over the diversion; and with a stable evolution, to leave the flow through the diversion virtually unchanged. The advantages of this have already been described.

In an embodiment, the method further comprises: obtaining current flow data from the closed circuit to each residential housing unit, whereby these current flow data are also used in determining the flow rate over the diversion. The advantages of this have already been described.

It should be clear that, as will also become apparent from the further description below, the above-identified aspects of the invention and the various embodiments (including any optional features indicated) are not separate elements, but, on the contrary, that these different elements can be mutually combined to obtain other embodiments than those already described, which

16 BE2022/5792 embodiments also form part of the present invention.

Brief description of the drawings

The invention will hereinafter be explained in further detail on the basis of the following description and the accompanying drawings.

Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a heating and cooling system for collective residential housing units according to the present invention.

Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a first method for controlling the temperature in the closed loop in a heating and cooling system for collective residential housing units according to the present invention.

Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a second method for controlling the temperature in the closed loop in a heating and cooling system for collective residential housing units according to the present invention.

Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method for regulating the maximum flow rates on the branches of the closed circuit in a heating and cooling system for collective residential housing units according to the present invention.

Figure 5 shows a flowchart of a method for regulating a flow rate on a closed loop bypass in a heating and cooling system for collective residential housing units according to the present invention.

Figure 6 shows a schematic overview of the functional components in a control device for controlling a heating and cooling system for collective residential living units according to the present invention.

Embodiments of the invention

The present invention will hereinafter be described with reference to specific embodiments and with reference to certain drawings, but the invention is not limited thereto and is defined only by the claims. The drawings shown here are only schematic representations and are not restrictive. In the drawings, the dimensions of certain parts may be shown enlarged, which means that the parts in question are not shown to scale, and this is for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual practical embodiments of the invention.

In addition, terms such as "first", "second", "third", and the like are used in the description and in the claims to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to indicate a seguential or chronological order.

17 BE2022/5792. The terms herein are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, and embodiments of the invention may operate in different sequences than those described or illustrated herein.

In addition, terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “top,” “bottom,” and the like are used in the description and in the claims for descriptive purposes. The terms so used are interchangeable in appropriate circumstances, and the embodiments of the invention may operate in other orientations than those described or illustrated herein.

The term “comprising” and derivative terms, as used in the claims, should not or should not be interpreted as being limited to the means mentioned in each case: the term does not exclude other elements or steps. The term shall be interpreted as a specification of the stated properties, integers, steps, or components referred to, without excluding the presence or addition of one or more additional properties, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. The scope of an expression such as “a device comprising means A and B” is therefore not limited solely to devices consisting purely of components A and B. What is meant, on the other hand, is that, as far as the present invention is concerned, the only relevant components are A and B.

The term “substantially” includes variations of +/- 10% or less, preferably +/-5% or less, more preferably +/-1% or less, and more preferably +/-0.1% or less, of the specified condition, to the extent that the variations are applicable to function in the present invention. It should be understood that the term “substantially A” is intended to include “A”.

Figure I shows a schematic overview of a heating and cooling system 100 for collective residential living units according to the present invention. It is to be understood that although the description below refers to a combined heating and cooling system, certain aspects of the present invention may also be applied to a system solely for heating or cooling. In particular, the methods described below with reference to Figures 3 and 4 are suitable for application to a system that serves exclusively for heating or cooling, while the method described below with reference to Figure 2 is only suitable for application to a combined heating and cooling system. cooling system.

The system 100 comprises a collection of residential living units 1201, 1202, ..., 120, hereinafter jointly referred to as reference number 120, where N is a natural event greater than 1.

This collection 120 can be formed by several apartments in one or more

18 BE2022/5792 apartment buildings and/or multiple separate residential buildings. Each of the residential units 120 is provided with a separate heating and cooking system 124.

Examples include classic radiators, underfloor heating, underfloor cooling, convectors, etc. Preferably, the heating and cooling system 124 uses vice circulation, e.g. floor and/or wall circulation, so that both heating and cooling are possible via the same system.

The different residential units 120 can be identical to each other or different from each other. For example, it is possible that one or more of the residential units 120 have an additional separate system 125 for heating water, e.g. a boiler, which is in energetic connection with the heating and cooling system 124. This allows, for example, to store water can be heated to 60°C, 70°C or 80°C for use as a shower, while the heating and cooling system 124 uses water at 35°C for heating.

The system 100 also comprises a central collective component 110 comprising a collective heat pump 114 that is connected to each of the residential living units 120 via a network of pipes indicated with reference numbers 130 et seq. The network of pipes together forms a closed circuit 130 for circulation. of a fluid rod between the collective heat pump 114 and each of the local heating and cooling systems 124. The closed circuit 130 comprises a supply section 130A for supplying liquid to the residential units 120 and a discharge section 130B for removing liquid from the residential units 120. A plurality of supply branches 1321, 1322, ..., 132N are provided on the supply section 130A (hereinafter collectively referred to as reference numeral 132), each of which connects one residential unit to the supply section 130A of the closed circuit 130. The discharge section 130B also has a plurality of supply branches 1341, 1342, ..., 134w are provided (hereinafter collectively referred to as reference numeral 134) each of which connects one residential unit to the discharge section 130B of the closed circuit 130. In the embodiment shown there is furthermore a diversion 136 from the supply portion 13DA to the discharge portion 130B. The function of this bypass 136 is further described and it should be understood that, in other embodiments, this bypass may be absent.

The pipes 130, 132, 134, 136 can be made from different materials, including plastic, composite, cement and/or metal. The pipes can be single- or multi-walled. If necessary, insulation can also be provided around (part of) the pipes. The pipes are preferably laid underground as often as possible, 0.m. because this is advantageous in terms of insulation and is aesthetically desirable.

The pipes are preferably suitable for transporting both a hot and cold liquid. In one embodiment the liquid is water, but other liquids are also possible.

19 BE2022/5792

Preferably these are liquids that do not freeze at room temperature, such as ammonia, oil, alcohol or glycol. In one embodiment the warm liquid has a temperature between 5 and 50°C, which temperature is in particular at least 15°C, more in particular at least 20°C and most particularly at least 25°C and which temperature in the in particular a maximum of 45°C and more particularly a maximum of 40°C. An example of a temperature of a warm medium is 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C or 35°C. In one embodiment, the cold liquid has a temperature between 0 and 35°C, which temperature is in particular 3°C, more in particular at least 5°C and most in particular at least 8°C and which temperature in particular not more than 20°C, more specifically not more than 15°C and most particularly not more than 10°C. An example of the temperature of a cold medium is 9°C.

Each residential unit 120 is further provided with a multitude of sensors 1261, ..., 1261, hereinafter collectively referred to as reference number 126, where J is a natural number greater than 1. Which and/or the number of sensors 126 may differ per residential unit 120, such as in the embodiment shown in figure I, where L sensors are provided in housing unit 1201, J sensors are provided in housing unit 120x and K sensors are provided in housing unit 120%, where J, K and L are each a natural number greater than 1 and different or may be equal to each other. Each of the sensors described below directly or indirectly (e.g. through the use of a mathematical formula or a correlation) determines a numerical value for a physical quantity. In what follows, the output of the one or more sensors is referred to as sensor data.

In the context of the present invention, the following sensors 126 may be relevant. With reference to Figures 2 to 5, it will become clear which of the sensors 126 mentioned below are important. One or more sensors for measuring the temperature in one or more rooms inside the residential unit and/or outside the residential unit.

One or more sensors for measuring the humidity in one or more rooms inside the living unit and/or outside the living unit. One or more sensors for measuring the CO2 content in one or more rooms inside the residential unit and/or outside the residential unit. One or more sensors for measuring the particulate matter content in one or more rooms inside the residential unit and/or outside the residential unit. One or more sensors for measuring a flow rate in one or more pipes, in particular on the supply branch 132 to the residential unit. One or more sensors for measuring pressure in one or more pipes, in particular on the supply connection 132 to the residential unit. One or more sensors for detecting a presence in one or more rooms within the residential unit, e.g. an infrared detector, a camera, a heat detector, the presence of a smartphone, etc.

20 BE2022/5792

One or more sensors for detecting light incidence and/or light intensity in one or more rooms within the living unit,

Each residential unit 120 is further provided with a multitude of actors 12581, ..., 128r, hereinafter collectively referred to as reference number 128, where P is a natural number greater than 1. Which and/or the number of actors 128 may differ per residential unit 120, such as in the embodiment shown in figure | where R actors are provided in housing unit 120, P actors are provided in housing unit 1208 and © actors are provided in housing unit 1202, where P, Q and R are each a natural number greater than | and can be different or equal to each other. Each actor 128 directly or indirectly controls one or more devices (or a part thereof) that are related to and/or may have an influence on the heating and cooling system 124. In what follows, the setting of one or more actors referred to as operating data. in the context of the present invention, the following devices may be relevant to the operation of the heating and cooling system 124. First, the heating and cooling system 124 itself, e.g. the floor circulation or an HVAC. In addition, the following devices may also be relevant: a ventilation system, a sun protection system and an air conditioning system, or a combination thereof. Which actors are present naturally depends on the equipment present in the residential unit. Examples of actors are flow controllers, in particular a flow controller on the supply branch 132 to the residential unit, valves, fan motor, a drive for the sun blinds, rotating slats, ventilation grilles, etc. Examples of the operating data are: the flow rate, the position of the valves or the rotating slats, the position of a sun blind, the power of the fan motor, the position of a ventilation grille, etc.

In addition to sensor data and operating data, there are also external data that are related to or may influence the operation of the heating and cooling system 124. Examples include: = outside temperature, air pressure, ambient air quality (e.g. particulate matter content), weather forecast, current or expected energy prices, input from sensors external to the residential unit, feedback from residents and/or other users, etc.

Another type of data in the context of the present invention is user data. In particular, they represent the conditions desired by the user within the residential unit or within a specific space therein.

Typically the desired condition relates to the temperature, e.g. the resident of a residential unit desires a temperature of 21°C in the period between 6430 and 8030 and between 4pm and 2am, while at other times the temperature may be lower or higher, e.g. . 18°C or 25°C.

21 BE2022/5792

Another example is the desire for a constant temperature between 20°C and 23°C during the day, e.g. between 7am and 8pm.

The data, in particular the sensor data and operating data, are typically obtained sequentially or represented as a series of values over time. The values may be obtained periodically, e.g. one value per minute, although a regular interval is not crucial.

In each residential unit 120, a local control device 122 is further provided for controlling the heating and cooling system 124. Figure 6 schematically illustrates which functional components are present in the local control device 122.

The local control device 122 is generally a computer system comprising a bus 602, a processor 604, a local memory 606, one or more input/output (VO) interfaces 608, and a communications interface 610. The bus 602 includes one or more conductors. and allows communication between the different components of the computer system.

Processor 604 includes any type of conventional processor or microprocessor that reads and executes computer program instructions. Local memory 606 is intended to include any form of computer-readable computing medium, such as working memory (e.g.

Random Access Memory — RAM), a static memory (e.g. a Read-Only Memory — ROM), a hard drive, or removable storage media (e.g. a DVD, CD, USB storage, SSD, etc.), etc.

The local memory 606 typically serves to store information and instructions that need to be processed by the processor. The YO interface 608 may include one or more conventional systems that enable communication between the local control device 122 and a user 160. Examples include a keyboard, a mouse, speech recognition, biometrics, a (touch) screen, a printer, a speaker, etc. The communication interface 610 is typically a transceiver system that allows communication with external systems.

Examples are a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet, a Low Power Wide Arca

Network (LPWAN) such as Sigfox, LoRa, NarrowBand IoT, etc, and a Personal Area Network (PAN), such as Bluctooth, or a Local Area Network (LAN).

In the embodiment shown, the local control device 122 further comprises a number of interfaces together indicated with reference number 620. More specifically, there is a first interface 612 for obtaining the sensor data from the one or more sensors 126, a second interface 614 for obtaining the operating data from the one or more actors 128, a third interface 616 for obtaining the external data from one or more external sources 150, and a fourth interface 618 for obtaining the user data from a user 160. Each of the interfaces described above can collect data wirelessly or via a cable or even via a combination of both where data from

29 BE2022/5792 certain sensors/actors/sources are collected wirelessly and from other sensors/actors/sources via one or more cables. Each of these interfaces may use the YO interface 608 and/or the communications interface 610.

The local memory 606 can serve for the (temporary) storage of the data collected via the interfaces 620. For example, the collected data can be stored for a predetermined period (e.g. one hour, one day or one week) before being sent to an external database. How long collected data is stored and/or how frequently collected data is sent to an external database depends, among other things, on the desire to store as little data as possible locally and/or to limit external communication. It is also possible to continuously forward certain collected data in (nagenocg) to the external database.

The processor 604 further includes a control module 622 that is configured to generate control signals for one or more of the actors 125. If necessary, the processor 604 can use the communication interface 610 to send these control signals to the actors 128.

As already described above, the system 100 comprises a collective heat pump 114 for bringing the fluid in the closed circuit 130 to the desired temperature. In the context of the invention, this can be a heat pump that is used in combination with or as part of a BEO (Boorhole Energy Storage) field or a KWO (Cold Heat Storage) field. However, the invention is mainly aimed at the situation in which the collective heat pump 114 is formed by an air-water heat pump. In the embodiment shown, the collective heat pump 114 comprises several separate air-water heat pumps 1141, 1142, 1143, ..., 114m, where M is a natural number greater than 1. These are preferably arranged in parallel. Furthermore, each air-water heat pump is a monoblock heat pump.

The central collective component 110 further comprises a plurality of sensors 1161, ... 116s, hereinafter collectively referred to as reference numeral 116, where S is a natural number greater than 1. Each of the sensors described below determines directly or indirectly (e.g. via use of a mathematical formula or a corrclatic) a numerical value for a physical quantity. In what follows, the output of the one or more sensors is referred to as sensor data. in the context of the present invention the following sensors 116 may be relevant. With reference to Figures 2 to 5, it will become clear which of the sensors 116 mentioned below are important. One or more sensors for measuring the temperature of the liquid in the closed circuit 130, 1h.b. on the input and/or output side of the collective heat pump 114, and optionally also for measuring the fluid temperature between successive heat pumps. One or more sensors

23 BE2022/5792 for measuring one flow rate in the closed circuit 130, in particular. on the output side of the collective heat pump 114 and/or on the bypass 136.

The central collective component 110 further comprises a plurality of actors 1181, ... 1187, hereinafter collectively referred to as reference numeral 118, where T is a natural number greater than 1. Each actor 118 directly or indirectly controls one or more elements related to and/ or may have an influence on the collective heat pump 114 and/or the flow on the bypass 136, examples are flow controllers on the closed circuit 130 and/or the bypass 136, power settings of the collective heat pump 114 or of the individual heat pumps that are part of these, etc. In what follows, the setting of one or more actors is referred to as operating data.

The central collective component 110 also includes a central control device 112 for controlling the collective heat pump 114. Figure 6 schematically illustrates which functional components are present in the central control device 112.

The central control device 112 is generally a computer system comprising a bus 652, a processor 654, a central memory 656, one or more input/output (1/0) interfaces 658, and a communications interface 660. The bus 652 includes one or more multiple conductors and allows communication between the different components of the computer system.

Processor 654 includes any type of conventional processor or microprocessor that reads and executes computer program instructions. Local memory 656 is intended to include any form of computer-readable information storage medium, such as working memory (e.g.

Random Access Memory — RAM), a static memory (e.g. a Read-Only Memory - ROM), a hard drive, or removable storage media (e.g. a DVD, CD, USB storage, SSD, etc.), etc.

The local memory 656 is typically used to store information and instructions that need to be processed by the processor. The I/O interface 658 may include one or more conventional systems that enable communication between the central controller 112 and an administrator 170. Examples include a keyboard, a mouse, speech recognition, biometrics, a (touch) screen, a printer, a speaker, etc. The communications interface 660 is typically a transceiver system that allows communication with external systems.

Examples are a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet, a Low Power Wide Arca

Network (LPWAN) such as Sigfox, LoRa, NarrowBand IoT, etc, and a Personal Area Network (PAN), such as Bluetooth, or a Local Area Network (LAN).

In the embodiment shown, the central control device 112 further comprises a number of interfaces together indicated with reference number 670. More specifically, there is a first interface 672 for obtaining data from the various local control devices 122, a second interface 674 for obtaining sensor data from the one or more sensors 116, and a

4 BE2022/5792 third interface 676 for obtaining the operating data of one or more actors 118. Each of the interfaces described above can collect data wirelessly or via a cable or even via a combination of both. Each of these interfaces may use the l/O interface 658 and/or the communications interface 660.

The central memory 656 can serve for the (temporary) storage of the data collected via the interfaces 670. In the embodiment shown, the central memory 656 comprises the following modules: a long-term storage 662, a residential unit-specific data storage 664, a user preferences storage 666, and collective heat pump operating conditions storage 668.

The long-term storage 662 serves to store historical data (e.g. sensor data, operating data, external data and/or user data), which data is then stored as a time series and can cover a period of days, weeks, months or even years. The residential unit-specific data storage 664 serves to store data that is unique to a residential unit, e.g. its orientation, maximum or average energy requirements for heating, maximum or average energy requirements for cooling, energy retention of the residential unit, etc. In other words, the residential unit specific data storage 664 includes a set of data per residential unit. The user preference storage 666 serves to store preferences of residents/users of a residential unit, e.g. a schedule of the desired temperature per day of the week. In other words, the user preference storage 666 contains at least one set of data per residential unit and may, if necessary, contain multiple sets per residential unit, namely a first set for a first resident and a second (possibly different set} for a second resident of the same residential unit. collective heat pump operating conditions storage 668 contains data regarding the operating conditions for the collective heat pump 114, e.g. minimum and/or maximum flow rates, optimal incoming/outgoing fluid temperature, desired power, etc. The function of these specific modules is described below with reference to Figures 2 Lem .5.

The processor 654 further includes a control module 682 that is configured to generate control signals for one or more of the actors 118. If necessary, the processor 654 can use the communication interface 660 to send these control signals to the actors 118. The processor 654 in the embodiment shown also includes an analysis module 684, a machine learning module 686, and a decision module 688. The analysis module 684 typically serves to analyze certain parameters of the system 160 to determine a trend therein or an emergency. The machine learning module 686 typically includes some form of artificial intelligence (e.g., a neural network) that can recognize patterns and/or make predictions based on the historical data available in long-term storage 662 about user preferences, properties of a housing unit,

25 BE2022/5792 etc, The decision module 688 serves to make a decision about one or more settings of actors based on a set of parameters or values, The decision module 688 can be rule-based, but can also use artificial intelligence, e.g. a neural network. The function of these specific modules is described below with reference to figures 2 to 5.

Figure 2 shows a flowchart of a first method 200 for controlling the fluid temperature in the closed circuit 130 in the heating and cooling system 100. The method 200 is control-based and serves to control the collective heat pump 114 on the basis of current temperature data and user data regarding the temperature in the residential units 120 in combination with current and historical temperature data of the fluid in the closed circuit 130, 1.h.b, on the output side of the collective heat pump 114.

In a first step of the method 200, the central control device 112 collects (202) data regarding the current temperature in the residential units 120 or in certain rooms thereof.

This can be done, for example, via the thermometers 126 present in the residential units 120, whose data are sent by the local control devices 122 to the central control device 112.

In step 202, data is also collected regarding the temperature desired by an occupant (or user) of the residential units. This data can be obtained in various ways. Classically, the resident has entered a schedule in advance into the local control device 122, which schedule includes an overview of the desired temperature at any time of the day for each day of the week. This schedule is preferably also stored in the user preferences storage module 666 in the central memory 656. The resident can adjust this schedule via the VO module 608, after which an update can be made in the user preferences storage module 666. Via the I/O module 608 the resident can also temporarily deviate from the schedule, after which the local control device 122 forwards this deviation to the central control device 112. It is also possible that the machine learning module 686, based on the historically stored desired temperature data in the long-term storage 662 , a prediction of the temperature desired by a resident at the current time or that the machine learning module 686 proposes its own weekly schedule. This schedule can then, for example after validation by the resident, replace the current schedule.

In step 204, the processor 654 calculates 1.h.b. the analysis module 684, the difference value is tossed between the actual temperature in the residential units and the desired temperature to determine the general need. In one embodiment, both the sum of the actual temperature in each residential unit and the sum of the desired temperature in each residential unit are calculated. The sum of the actual temperatures is then subtracted from the sum of the desired temperatures

26 BE2022/5792 to obtain the temperature difference value. If the temperature difference value is positive, this means that there is a general need for heating, while a negative temperature difference value corresponds to a general need for cooling. Of course, the difference can also be taken the other way around.

In step 206 the processor 654, 1h.b. the decision module 688, whether the temperature difference value is positive or negative. In one embodiment (indicated by the dotted lines in Figure 2), the method 200 proceeds immediately to step 214. More specifically, if the temperature difference value is positive, then the decision module 688 decides that warm fluid should circulate in the closed circuit 130, option 214A. In step 214A, the necessary control signals are thus generated by the control module 682 and sent to the actors 118 of the collective heat pump 114 so that a warm liquid circulates in the supply section 130A of the closed circuit 130. However, if the temperature difference value is negative, then the decision module 688 decides that cold fluid should circulate in the closed loop 130, option 214B. In step 21485, the necessary control signals are thus generated by the control module 682 and sent to the actors 118 of the collective heat pump 114 so that a cold liquid circulates in the supply section 130A of the closed circuit 130.

In the embodiment shown (solid lines in Figure 2), the method continues from step 206 to step 208. Step 208 is a further data collection step where the central control device 112 collects data regarding the current temperature of the liquid in the closed circuit 130. in particular, in its supply section 130A. This can be done via a thermometer 116 present on the output side of the collective heat pump 114 or by checking the current settings of the relevant actors 118.

In step 210 the processor 654, in particular: the decision module 688, after which of four possible situations is currently present. More specifically, in situation 210A the temperature difference value is positive and warm fluid is circulating; in situation 210B the temperature difference value is positive and cold fluid is circulating; in situation 210C the temperature difference value is negative and warm fluid is circulating, and in situation 210D the temperature difference value is negative and cold fluid is circulating. In situations 210A and 210D, no global adjustment is necessary, i.e. there is a need for heating/cooling and the fluid circulates as warm/cold. The method then proceeds to step 214 for generating the necessary control signals as already described.

In situations 210B and 210C, a global adjustment is required, i.e. there is a need for heating but cold fluid is circulating (situation 210B) or vice versa (situation 210C). In this situation, the processor 654 performs an additional analysis on the historical data of the collective heat pump 114. More specifically, it is checked (step 212) whether any recent (e.g. in the

57 BE2022/5792 the past hour or the past 2 or 3 hours) there has already been a changeover from warm fluid to cold fluid (or vice versa). If there has been a recent change, it is not advisable to perform a changeover again. A lot of energy is required to change the temperature of the liquid in the closed circuit 130. The decision module 688 thus decides, if there has been a recent change (212A), to keep the current setting (hot/cold), and if there has been no recent change (212B), to adjust the setting. The method then proceeds to step 214 for generating the necessary control signals as already described.

In an advantageous embodiment, the central control device 112 can forward information about this decision to the local control devices 122 (step 216), e.g. via the communication interface 660. In this way, each of the local control devices 122 obtains information about which energy flow in the future. will arrive, i.e. hot or cold liquid.

In this way, each local control device 122 can anticipate and, depending on the desired temperature to be achieved, whether or not to circulate liquid from the closed circuit 130 to the residential unit 120. For example, if the resident wants a temperature of 21°C, while the current temperature is 23°C (Le. there is a need for cooling), and the corresponding local control device 122 is informed about the circulation of warm fluid in the closed circuit 130 , a local decision can be made to reduce the flow rate on the supply branch 134 or even stop it completely. Alternatively, step 216 can be omitted and each local control device 122 must determine the temperature of the liquid on the supply branch 134 in order to make a decision regarding the flow rate through that branch.

It may also be advantageous to use the absolute value of the temperature difference value calculated in step 204 to control the collective heat pump 114. More specifically, the higher this absolute value (or the absolute value divided by the number of residential units}, the more there is a need for heating or cooling. This can be taken into account by the decision module 688 to determine the exact temperature of the hot or cold liquid, for example by increasing or decreasing it by a number of °C. This information is then taken into account in step 214 to generate the necessary control signals.

Figure 3 shows a flowchart of a second method 300 for controlling the fluid temperature in the closed loop 130 in the heating and cooling system 100. The method 300 serves to control the collective heat pump 114 by generating a temperature-time profile of the desired temperature of the liquid in the closed circuit 130,

Lb.b. on the output side of the collective heat pump 114, as a function of time during a future time interval. In other words, while the method 200 serves to perform one control (or regulation) at the current time, the method 300 performs one step

28 BE2022/5792 further and provides for control (or regulation) during a future time interval (e.g. for the next hour or the next two or three hours).

In a first step of the method 300, the central control device 112 collects (302) data regarding the current temperature in the residential units 120 or in certain rooms thereof.

This can be done, for example, via the thermometers 126 present in the residential units 120, whose data are sent by the local control devices 122 to the central control device 112.

In step 302, data is also collected regarding the temperature desired by an occupant (or user) of the residential units. This data can be obtained in various ways. Classically, the resident has entered a schedule in advance into the local control device 122, which schedule includes an overview of the desired temperature at each time of the day for each day of the week. This schedule is preferably also stored in the user preferences storage module 666 in the central memory 656. The resident can adjust this schedule via the VO module 608, after which an update can be made in the user preferences storage module 666. The VO module 608 can be used to resident also temporarily deviates from the schedule, after which the local fault device 122 forwards this deviation to the central control device 112. It is also possible that the machine learning module 686, based on the historically stored desired temperature data in the long-term storage 662, can makes a prediction of the temperature desired by a resident at the current time or that the machine learning module 686 proposes their own weekly schedule. This schedule can then replace the current schedule, for example after validation by the resident.

In step 302, data is preferably also collected regarding the temperature desired by an occupant (or user) of the residential units during a future time interval, in particular. the same time interval as for which a temperature-time profile is to be generated,

Step 302 is followed by a further step for collecting data (step 304), namely data regarding energy loss properties of each residential unit. Energy loss refers to numerical data regarding the heat loss and/or cold loss of a residential unit.

For example, energy loss can be described as a curve that shows the evolution of temperature in a residential unit (or space therein) as a function of time without input of additional energy in a specific circumstance (e.g. presence of people, status of sun blinds, climate , the current weather, the insulation of the home, time of day, etc).

Such data regarding energy loss of each residential unit can be predetermined, e.g. depending on the type of residential unit (new home, detached home, apartment, etc.), depending on the location, depending on the season, depending on the insulation of the home,

26 BE2022/5792 etc. For example, a technician can enter a number of parameters of the home in the local control device 122 and the central control device 112 has a large database from which the most appropriate energy loss data is assigned to the residential unit based on the entered parameters. The selected energy loss data is then stored in the residential unit specific data storage 664.

However, preferably, the machine learning module 686 plays a role in obtaining the energy recovery data. Here, the machine learning module 686 uses the historical data in the long-term storage 662 to estimate the energy loss of each residential unit over a future time interval, 1.h.b. the same time interval as for which a temperature-time profile must be generated. The advantage of this is that the energy loss data is not static and can take into account the current situation in each residential unit, e.g. is someone currently present, are the sun blinds open or closed , what are the residents' strict margins on temperature (e.g. 1°C or 4°C tolerance), etc.

There are several possible ways to use the machine learning module 686 to estimate the energy loss data. One way is to analyze the historical data looking for a point in time with identical (or at least very similar) conditions (i.e. weather conditions, season, presence, current indoor temperature, desired temperature, etc.). If a sufficiently similar set of conditions is identified in the historical data, the machine learning module 686 can determine how much energy was used by the housing unit (or a similar housing unit) in the time interval following the similar set of conditions.

This amount of energy is then an indication of the energy loss. Another way is to train the machine learning module 686 on the historical data with long-term storage 662 to generate a predictive model per residential unit that is based on a number of input parameters (e.g. weather conditions, season, occupancy, current indoor temperature, desired temperature, etc.) generates a value of the energy loss of the housing unit during a future time interval.

In step 306 the processor 654 calculates, in particular: the analysis module 684, the required energy per residential unit during a future time interval by using the current temperature, the desired temperature and the energy loss data. In this step, information regarding the separate heating and cooling system 124 present in the residential unit 122 can also be taken into account. Certain types of systems 124 require more/less energy to get from the current temperature to the desired temperature. In particular, the efficiency of the heating and cooling system 124 is a relevant parameter and is preferably also available in the residential unit specific data storage 664.

In step 308, the processor 654 determines, in particular: the decision module 688, and temperature

30 BE2022/5792 time profile of the required temperature of the liquid in the closed circuit 130, in particular on an output side of the collective heat pump 114, as a function of time during the future time interval based on the calculated necessary energy. There are a number of relatively simple situations, namely where all residential units want heating or cooling (e.g. in winter or summer). In such a situation, the decision module 688 can determine a constant temperature-time profile where the specific value of the liquid temperature is directly proportional to the energy required. More complex situations often occur in spring or autumn where some of the residential units want heating, some of the residential units want cooling, and some of the residential units want to maintain the status quo. The decision module 688 will then generate a varying temperature control-time profile, wherein warm liquid or cold liquid circulates in the closed circuit 130 in different sequential phases. In an advantageous embodiment, the decision module 688 also keeps track of the temperature-time profile during the generation of the temperature-time profile. take into account the energy loss in the residential units. By way of illustration, if it has been determined for a residential unit that in a period of 1 hour the temperature drops from 22°C to 19°C (i.e. to the lower limit of permitted temperature limits), then the length of a cooling phase is preferably not longer than 1 hour.

In step 310, the necessary control signals are generated by the control module 682 and sent to the actors 118 of the collective heat pump 114 so that the temperature of the liquid in the supply section 130A of the closed circuit 130 follows the calculated temperature-time profile.

In step 312, the central control device 112 sends information about the calculated temperature-time profile to the local control devices 122, e.g. via the communication interface 660. In this way, each of the local control devices 122 obtains information about which energy flow will arrive in the future, Le. warm or cold liquid. In this way, each local control device 122 can anticipate and, depending on the desired temperature to be achieved, whether or not to circulate liquid from the closed circuit 130 to the living unit 120. For example, if the resident wants a temperature of 21°C, while the current temperature is 23°C (Le. there is a need for cooling), and the corresponding local control device 122 is informed about the circulation of warm fluid in the closed circuit 130 , a local decision can be made to reduce the flow rate on the supply branch 134 or even to stop it completely. In this step, the central control device 112 can also send recommendations or instructions to the local control devices 122 about the extent to which the residential unit 122 should be heated/cooled. For example, the recommendation may be to heat the residential unit 122 to its maximum (e.g. to 23°C) towards the end of the heating phase so that there is sufficient heat to complete the subsequent cooling phase.

31 BE2022/5792 with an acceptable temperature drop.

Figure 4 shows a flowchart of a method 400 for controlling the maximum flow rates on the branches 134 of the closed circuit 130 in the heating and cooling system 100. This method 400 generally has the objective of achieving a proportional distribution of the flow rate in the closed circuit. 130 available across the various residential units 122 so that there is sufficient capacity for heating and/or cooling everywhere.

In a first step of the method 400, the central control device 112 collects (402) data regarding a maximum energy requirement of each residential unit. Typically this is a set of static data stored in the dwelling unit specific data store 664, with two numerical values stored for each dwelling unit 122, namely maximum energy requirement in heating and maximum energy requirement in cooling. These values are normally determined theoretically based on the separate heating and cooling system 124 and properties of the housing unit (e.g. the degree of insulation} at a specific ambient temperature (e.g. 35°C for cooling or -10°C for heating).

In step 402, data is also collected regarding the current flow rate in the closed circuit 130.

This can be done, for example, via a flow meter present in the closed circuit 130, for example, on the output side of the collective heat pump 114.

In step 402, the central control device 112 also collects data regarding the current temperature in the residential units 120 or in certain rooms thereof. This can be done, for example, via the thermometers 126 present in the residential units 120, whose data are sent by the local control devices 122 to the central control device 112.

In step 402, data is also collected regarding the temperature desired by an occupant (or user) of the residential units. This data can be obtained in various ways. Classically, the resident has entered a schedule in advance into the local control device 122, which schedule includes an overview of the desired temperature at any time of the day for each day of the week. This schedule is preferably also stored in the user preferences storage module 666 in the central memory 656. The resident can adjust this schedule via the VO module 608, after which an update can be made in the user preferences storage module 666. The VO module 608 can be used to resident also temporarily deviates from the schedule, after which the local control device 122 forwards this deviation to the central control device 112. It is also possible that the machine learning module 686, based on the historically stored desired temperature data in the long-term storage 662, makes a makes a prediction of the temperature desired by a resident at the current time or whether the machine learning module 686 proposes its own weekly schedule. This schedule can then replace the current schedule, for example after validation by the resident.

39 BE2022/5792

In step 402, the central control device 112 also collects data regarding the current temperature of the liquid in the closed circuit 130, 1.h.b, in its supply section 130A. This can be done via a thermometer 116 present on the output side of the collective heat pump 114 or by checking the current settings of the relevant actors 118.

In step 404, the processor 654 calculates, Lh.b. the analysis module 684, which residential unit needs heating or cooling. This can be done, for example, by comparing the actual and desired temperatures in the living unit. After the status of the residential units has been determined (Le. heating or cooling), the analysis module 684 checks whether collective heat pump 114 is currently in heating or cooling mode (Le. is there warm or cold fluid circulating in the closed circuit 130). The analysis module 684 also calculates, based on the maximum energy requirement, the maximum debit required per residential unit. These two quantities are directly proportional to each other.

In step 406, the decision module 658 in the processor 654 uses the status of the residential units 122 and the mode of the collective heat pump 114 to exclude a number of residential units. More specifically, all residential units whose status does not correspond to the mode of the collective heat pump 114 are excluded (e.g. by setting their desired flow rate). This leaves only residential units that require heating (in case the collective heat pump 11d4 is in heating mode) or residential units that require cooling (in case the collective heat pump 114 is in cooling mode). In the case of a system 100 that is exclusively responsible for heating or cooling, step 406 is unnecessary and the method goes from step 404 directly to step 408.

In step 408, the processor 654 calculates 1.h.b. the analysis module 634, the total maximum flow of the non-excluded residential units, e.g. by summing the maximum flow of each residential unit. This total maximum flow rate is then compared with the current flow rate in the closed circuit 130. This gives rise to two situations, namely situation 410A where the current flow rate is greater than the total maximum flow rate and situation 410B where the current flow rate is smaller than the total maximum flow.

This information is then available to the decision module 688, which makes a decision in step 412 about the specific value of the maximum flow in each of the supply lines 134. In situation 410A the decision is relatively simple. There is sufficient flow in the closed circuit 130 so that each residential unit can receive the necessary maximum flow. The decision can also be made here to reduce the flow rate in the closed circuit 130.

However, this is not always practically possible, e.g. in the case of an air-water heat pump, the flow rate is typically a fixed value. In the context of a BEO or KWO field, however, a variable flow heat pump is often in use. In situation 4 10B, however, cr is insufficient flow. A

33 BE2022/5792 possible decision is to increase the flow rate in the closed circuit 130. However, if this is not technically feasible (e.g., with an air-water heat pump), the decision module 688 makes the decision to distribute the available flow proportionally among the residential units. More specifically, this can be done by dividing the necessary maximum flow value of each residential unit by the total maximum flow and multiplying by the available flow.

In step 414, the necessary control signals are generated by the control module 682 and sent to the actors 118 of the collective heat pump 114 so that, if possible, the volume in the closed circuit 130 is adjusted.

In step 416, the central control device 112 sends information about the calculated maximum flow rates to the local control devices 122 so that a flow limiter present on the corresponding supply line 134 can be set to the calculated flow rate. Information can also be sent to the excluded residential units so that they can completely shut off their supply.

The method 400 can also be used to deal with exceptional local situations, in particular: in the event that one (or only a few) residential units unexpectedly have a greater energy need than the theoretical maximum energy requirement. Such a situation can occur after a holiday period when the residential unit has cooled down or warmed up significantly and the residents wish to quickly bring the residential unit to the desired temperature. In such a case, the local control device 122 can signal to the central control device 122 that the maximum flow rate for that residential unit is fully used. The central control device 122 can check (e.g. in step 410A) how much flow is currently surplus in the system 190 and, if necessary, allocate this flow (partly) to the residential unit, e.g. via the signaling in step 416.

It is furthermore possible to apply methods 300 and 400 simultaneously.

For example, when determining the maximum flow rate per residential unit, use information about the temperature-time profile during the future time interval to regulate the maximum flow rate per residential unit in this future time interval.

Figure 5 shows a flow diagram of a method 500 for controlling a flow rate on a bypass 136 of the closed circuit 130 in the heating and cooling system 100.

The general aim of this method 500 is to avoid flow rates that are too low across the collective heat pump 114, which, especially in the case of air-water heat pumps, can lead to defects and/or failure of a heat pump.

In step 502, data is collected regarding the current flow rate in the closed circuit 130. This can be done, for example, via a flow meter present in the closed circuit 130, e.g. on the output side of the collective heat pump 114. Although an air-water heat pump 114

34 BE2022/5792 typically provides a fixed flow rate, the influence of varying pressure on the closed circuit 130 can still lead to a reduced flow rate over the collective heat pump 114. At the same time, historical data about the flow rate in the closed circuit 130 are also collected, e.g. . from long-term storage 662. Typically this is data over a recent historical period, e.g. one hour or several hours. The one or more flow threshold values of the collective heat pump 114 (or of the individual heat pumps that are part thereof) are also retrieved from the collective heat pump operating conditions storage 668.

In step 504, the processor 654 calculates, Lh.b. the analysis module 684, whether there is a trend in the historical flow data. More specifically, the analysis module 684 checks whether the flow rate in the closed circuit 130 is currently decreasing or whether there has been a decreasing trend in the recent historical period. In the case of a current decreasing trend, the method goes to step 506 and in case Once there has been a downward trend (which is no longer downward trend), the method goes to step 508.

In step 506 the processor 654 compares, in particular the decision module 688, the current flow value in the closed circuit 130 with one or more threshold values to make a decision based on which flow should flow over the diversion 136. More concretely, the lower the flow in the closed circuit 130 , the higher the flow rate over diversion 136 should be. In other words, the decision module 688 checks between which of the different flow values the flow falls and decides on that basis what flow is required over the diversion 136.

In step 508 the processor 654, in particular: the decision module 688, whether the flow rate in the closed loop is currently stable or increasing. With a stable flow rate, the decision module 688 then decides not to make any adjustment to the flow rate over the diversion 136 and the method possibly returns to step 502. With an increasing flow rate, the decision module compares the current flow rate value in the closed circuit 130 with the one or several threshold values on the basis of which a decision can be made about which flow rate should flow over the diversion 136. More specifically, the lower the flow rate in the closed circuit 130, the higher the flow rate over the diversion 136 must be. In other words, the decision module 688 checks between which of the different flow values the flow falls and decides on that basis what flow is required over the diversion 136.

In step 510, the control module 682 generates the necessary control signals and sends them to the actors 118, 1.h.b. the flow controller 135 of the collective heat pump 114 so that the flow rate over the bypass 136 in the closed circuit 130 is adjusted.

The method 500 can be further improved by, as an alternative to the trend analysis, using input from the local control devices 122 to check whether the flow rate on the closed

35 BE2022/5792 will reduce circuit 130, for example, if many residential units indicate that they do not need heating/cooling. It is also possible to apply methods 300 and 500 simultaneously.

For example, when determining the flow rate over the diversion, use information about the temperature-time profile during the future time interval to regulate the flow rate over the diversion in this future time interval. Furthermore, input from method 400 can also be used in method 500 (or vice versa) by taking into account any flow through diversion 136 when calculating the maximum flow on the supply diversions.

The methods described above can be implemented as computer program instructions. These or parts thereof could be stored locally in the memory 606 of one or more local control devices 122 as well as in the memory 656 of the central control device 112. Alternatively, the computer program instructions or parts thereof can be stored externally and accessible to the central control device. 112 and/or one or more local control devices 122 via a respective communication interface.

Although certain aspects of the present invention have been described with respect to specific embodiments, it is apparent that these aspects may be implemented in other forms within the scope of the claims.

Claims (15)

36 BE2022/5792 Conclusions 1. A control device (112, 122) for controlling a heating and/or cooling system (100) for collective residential living units, which heating and/or cooling system is provided with: - a collective heat pump (114), - a plurality of residential residential units (1201, ..., 1209), - no closed circuit (130) for circulating a fluid between the collective heat pump and the residential residential units, and - for each residential residential unit, a supply branch (1341, ... 134y) from the closed circuit to the residential living unit, each supply branch being provided with an adjustable valve for regulating a flow rate on the supply branch, the control device being provided with: - an interface (670) configured to obtain current flow rate in the closed circuit and maximum flow data of each supply branch, which maximum flow data are based on an energy requirement of the corresponding residential unit; - a decision module (688) configured to determine, based on the data obtained, a maximum flow for each residential housing unit; and - a communication module (660) configured to send maximum flow data to a respective residential dwelling unit. The control device according to claim 1, wherein the decision module is configured to: - determine the total maximum flow rate tc by taking the sum of all maximum flow data; - if the total maximum flow is smaller than the current flow, to determine the maximum flow of each residential housing unit as its maximum flow data; and - if the total maximum flow rate is greater than the current flow rate, to determine the maximum flow rate of each residential housing unit as a fraction of its maximum flow rate data, where the {fraction corresponds to a ratio between the current flow rate and the total maximum flow rate. 3. The control device of claim 1, wherein the communications module is further configured to receive data from the residential dwelling units, and wherein, upon receipt of an activation signal from one of the residential dwelling units, which 37 BE2022/5792 activatic signal If a request includes a flow rate greater than the maximum flow data of said one of the residential residential units, the decision module is configured to: - determine the total maximum flow rate by taking the sum of all maximum flow data for all residential residential units in addition to the aforementioned one of the residential living units with the aforementioned larger flow rate; - if the total maximum flow rate is smaller than the current flow rate, determine the maximum flow rate of each residential residential unit as its maximum flow data for all residential residential units except the aforementioned one of the residential residential units and determine the maximum flow rate of said one of the residential residential units as mentioned larger flow rate; and - if the total maximum flow rate is greater than the current flow rate, to determine the maximum flow rate of each residential housing unit as a fraction of its maximum flow rate data, whereby the fraction corresponds to a ratio between the current flow rate and the total maximum flow rate. 4. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device is configured for controlling a heating and cooling system for collective residential living units. 5. The control device according to claim 4, wherein the interface is further configured to obtain actual temperature data and desired temperature data of each residential living unit and temperature data of the fluid on an output side of the collective heat pump, wherein the control device is further provided with an analysis module (684 ) configured to: - determine the status of each residential unit based on the current temperature data and the desired temperature data, where the status is one of the following: heating and cooling, and - based on the temperature data of the fluid on the output side of the collective heat pump to determine a status of collective heat pump, where the status is one of the following: heating and cooling, where the decision module is configured so that, based on the status data, each residential housing unit has a slightly different status than the collective heat pump in determining the maximum flow rate. The control device according to claim 5, wherein the decision module is configured 38 BE2022/5792 to: - determine the total maximum flow by taking the sum of all maximum flow data for the non-excluded residential units; - if the total maximum flow is smaller than the current flow, to determine the maximum flow of each non-excluded residential dwelling unit as its maximum flow data; and - if the total maximum flow rate is greater than the current flow rate, to determine the maximum flow rate of each non-excluded residential housing unit as a fraction of its maximum flow rate data, whereby the fraction corresponds to a ratio between the current flow rate and the total maximum flow rate . 7. The control device according to claim 3 or 6, wherein, if the total maximum flow rate is greater than the actual flow rate, the decision module is configured to increase the flow rate in the closed circuit. The control device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the control device is provided with a control module (622, 682) configured to generate control signals for controlling the collective heat pump and for controlling each adjustable valve. 9. A heating and cooling system (100) for collective residential living units, which heating and cooling system is provided with: - a collective heat pump (114), - a plurality of residential living units (1201, ..., 1208), each of which is provided with a heating and cooling system (124) and a local control device (122) for controlling it, - one closed circuit (130) for circulating a fluid to the collective heat pump and the heating and cooling systems of the residential living units, - gen central control device (112) for controlling the collective heat pump, - for each residential living unit, a supply branch (1341, ..., 1349) from the closed circuit to the residential living unit, whereby each supply branch is equipped with an adjustable valve for regulating a flow rate on the supply branch, wherein the local control device is further configured for controlling the adjustable valve, 39 BE2022/5792 wherein the central control device and each of the local control devices together form a control device according to one of the preceding claims. 10. The heating and cooling system according to claim 9, wherein the collective heat pump comprises a plurality of air-water heat pumps, in particular a monoblock heat pump, which are preferably arranged in parallel. li. The heating and cooling system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the heating and cooling system is further provided with: - one or more flow meters for determining the current flow rate on the closed circuit on the output side of the collective heat pump, wherein the central control device further configured to receive measurements from the one or more flow meters, and - a local flow meter on each supply branch for measuring the flow thereon, the local control device being further configured to receive measurements from the local flow meter and forwarding this to the central control device. 12. A method (400) for controlling a heating and/or cooling system (100) for collective residential housing units (1201, ..., 120), which method comprises the following steps: - obtaining (402) a current flow rate in a closed circuit in which fluid circulates between a collective heat pump and the residential housing units, whereby each residential housing unit is connected to the closed circuit via a supply branch; - obtaining (402) maximum flow data on each supply branch, which maximum flow data is based on an energy requirement of the corresponding residential unit; - determining a maximum flow rate for each residential housing unit on the basis (408) of the data obtained: and - generating control signals (414) for limiting the flow rate on each supply branch in accordance with the determined maximum flow rate. The method according to claim 12, wherein determining the maximum flow rate comprises: - determining the total maximum flow rate by taking the sum of all maximum flow rate data; - if the total maximum flow is smaller than the current flow (410A), determine the maximum flow of each residential housing unit as its maximum flow data; and 40 BE2022/5792 - if the total maximum flow rate is greater than the current flow rate (410B), the maximum flow rate of each residential dwelling unit to be determined as a fraction of its maximum flow rate data, whereby the fraction corresponds to a ratio of the current dc flow rate and the total maximum flow. The method according to claim 13, wherein the method further comprises: - obtaining (402) actual temperature data and desired temperature data from each residential area and temperature data from the fluid on an output side of the collective heat pump; - determining (404) a status of each residential unit based on the current temperature data and the desired temperature data, wherein the status is one of the following: heating and cooling; and - determining (404) a collective heat pump status on the basis of the temperature data of the fluid on the output side of the collective heat pump, wherein the status is one of the following: heating and cooling, wherein the total maximum flow rate is determined by only residential living units that have the same status as the collective heat pump should be considered. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the method further comprises: receiving an activation signal from one of the residential living units, which activation signal comprises a request for a greater flow rate than the maximum flow data of said one of the residential living units, wherein the total maximum flow is determined by taking the larger flow for said one of the residential residential units, and whereby, if the total maximum flow is smaller than the current flow, the maximum flow of said one of the residential living units is determined as said larger flow.