GB2516127A

GB2516127A - Heat pump apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2516127A
Application number: GB1321882.1A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Peter Mintoft
Original assignee: Charlton and Jenrick Ltd
Current assignee: Charlton and Jenrick Ltd
Priority date: 2013-12-11
Filing date: 2013-12-11
Publication date: 2015-01-14
Anticipated expiration: 2033-12-11
Also published as: GB2516127B; GB201321882D0

Abstract

The heat pump apparatus 10 comprises a housing 12 having a first 14 and second 24 chamber. The first chamber has a first air inlet 16 and outlet 18, a first heat exchanger 20 and a first fan (22, figure 3) to drive air over the first exchanger. The second chamber has a second air inlet (26, figure 1) and outlet 28, a second heat exchanger and a second fan 32 to drive air over the second exchanger. The second air inlet is an elongate aperture (38, figure 1) in the housing that leads to the second chamber via an inlet passage (40, figure 3) that extends adjacent a side of the housing. A fluid circuit 31 including a compressor 34 and a metering device 33 is provided between the heat exchangers. Ideally, the first air inlet and outlet are connected to a source of outdoor air and the second air inlet and outlet are fluidly communicated with the air of a room to be heated by the apparatus. Noise attenuation material such as open-cell acoustic foam may be provided in the first chamber and in other internal passages. A flame effect panel (58, figure 1) may be included.

Description

HEAT PUMP APPARATUS

The present invention relates to heat pump apparatus, and particularly but not exclusively to heat pump apparatus for use as domestic heating appliances.

Gas fires, electric fires and solid fuel tires are perhaps the most common single source heating appliances used in domestic environments.

They provide convenient, selective heating of spaces such as living rooms, sitting rooms and the like within domestic dwellings and are the typical focal point heat sources used today.

Heat pumps as a means of heating are known. They function generally by transferring heat energy from a heat source to a heat sink against a temperature gradient. Heat pumps are generally considered to be an efficient way of generating heat, because although they require external high-grade energy for their operation, such as an electricity source, most of the energy for heating comes from the external environment.

In certain electrically powered heat pumps, the heat generated can be several times greater than the electrical power consumed.

However, heat pumps are notoriously industrial in design and noisy in operation, particularly when used for heating. A significant contribution to the noise generated is the flow of air required through heat pumps for their effective working as a heat source. The flow of air is often driven by fans, which themselves can generate significant noise levels.

The noise that is typically generated by current heat pumps is generally considered too intrusive for them to be satisfactorily employed as heat sources in domestic environments.

In accordance with aspects of the present invention there is provided heat pump apparatus comprising a housing having a first chamber with a first air inlet and a first air outlet, a first heat exchanger located within the first chamber and configured to receive air driven by first air drive means through the first chamber from the first air inlet to the first air outlet, a second chamber having a second air inlet and a second air outlet, a second heat exchanger located within the second chamber and configured to receive air driven by second air drive means through the second chamber from the second air inlet to the second air outlet, the first and second heat exchangers being interconnected by a fluid-containing conduit circuit through which fluid can circulate between the heat exchangers, a compressor and a metering device being provided within the circuit to provide a heat pump, the second air inlet defining an elongate inlet opening which opens into an inlet passage extending over or adjacent a side of the housing.

The elongate inlet opening may open on or near a front side of the housing and the inlet passage may extend rearward thereof.

The inlet passage may extend over or adjacent a lateral side of the housing.

Alternatively or in addition the inlet passage may extend over or adjacent a front, rear, top and/or bottom side of the housing.

The inlet passage may generally reduce in cross section in the direction from the elongate inlet opening to the second heat exchanger.

This configuration results in the noise generated by air entering the second air inlet being lowest at the elongate inlet opening and gradually increasing in the rearward direction, generally towards the heat exchanger.

This has the advantage that the noise generated externally of the front of the apparatus by the air entering the inlet passage is relatively quiet, and only increases as the air is driven rearward towards the second heat exchanger, away from the front of the apparatus.

Preferably the cross sectional area reduces generally gradually, such that the air inlet passage tapers at least in part from the elongate inlet opening generally towards the second heat exchanger.

This gradual reduction in cross sectional area results in a gradual change in noise level and prevents any noise being generated by air flow obstructions within the passage.

The external noise generated is relatively low compared to conventional heat pumps that do not have inlets and inlet passages configured in this way.

The elongate inlet opening extends along a majority of the or at least one side, and may extend from a position generally at or near the bottom of the housing to a position generally at or near the top of the housing.

Alternatively or in addition the elongate inlet opening extends laterally across a front, rear, bottom and/or top side of the housing.

A plurality of second air inlets may be provided.

In certain embodiments a pair of second air inlet may be provided, one on each of two sides of the housing, such as two opposite, generally upright lateral sides of the housing.

Alternatively or in addition a second air inlet may be provided on two or more of a lateral, front, rear, bottom and top side of the housing.

A plenum arrangement may be provided to join the plurality of air inlet passages to collect and direct air driven through the air inlet passages to the second heat exchanger.

S

The second heat exchanger may be elongate and may be configured to extend in the general direction of the passage of air driven from the second air inlet(s) to the second air outlet.

This configuration provides for prolonged interaction of the driven air with the second heat exchanger, providing for effective heat transfer between the air and the second heat exchanger.

The second heat exchanger may extend around, at least in part, the second air drive means. The second heat exchanger may comprise a plurality of interconnected heat exchange panels, which together may extend in series around the second air drive means.

The second air drive means may comprise a fan or any other suitable means to draw air in through the second air inlet(s), to flow through the second inlet passage(s), over the second heat exchanger and out through the second air outlet.

This configuration again helps to enhance efficient and effective heat transfer between the second heat exchanger and the air flowing through the second chamber.

The second air outlet may comprise a second air outlet passage that extends through the second chamber to a second air outlet opening through which heated air is expelled from the apparatus. The second air outlet passage may have an elongate cross section, and may extend over or adjacent to a substantial part, and may be substantially all of a side of the housing, which side may be the front side of the housing and in certain embodiments may be one or more of the front, rear, lateral, top or bottom side of the housing.

The second air outlet opening may be elongate and may extend generally laterally across the side(s) of the housing and may be across a substantial part and in certain embodiments substantially the whole of the width of the side. The second air outlet opening may be located at or near the top of the housing. Alternatively or in addition the second air outlet opening may be located at or near one of the front, bottom, lateral side or rear of the housing.

The second air outlet passage may extend behind a flame effect panel provided on or towards the front of the housing, which flame effect panel provides a visual image of flickering flames.

In alternative embodiments a plurality of second air outlet passages may be provided to enable air to be expelled through a plurality of second air outlets, which outlets may be located over an adjacent one or more of a front, rear, lateral, top and/or bottom sides of the housing.

The first chamber may house the compressor and the metering device.

Alternatively, the second chamber may house the metering device.

The first heat exchanger may be located between the first air inlet and the first air outlet and may be generally elongate, extending in a direction generally transverse to the direction of air driven therethrough by the first drive means.

The first drive means may be a fan and may be the same as or similar to the said second drive means.

The first air inlet may be configured to receive air from a first air source, which first air source is separate from a second air source from which air enters the second air inlet. The first air source may be located externally of a space, such as a room, in which the apparatus is located, and the second air source may be within such a space so that the apparatus provides for selective heating of the air within the space through heat pump thermal exchanges within the apparatus.

The first chamber may be located in or toward the rear of the housing and may be located behind the second air outlet passage.

The first chamber may be located above the second chamber.

The first and second chambers may be mutually isolated or substantially isolated to prevent or restrict any air flow between the chambers.

The heat pump apparatus may comprise a domestic heating appliance and may be an alternative or a replacement for a domestic gas fire, electric fire or multi-fuel stove fire.

The flame effect panel may comprise an LED, video or other electronic display panel.

The housing may have an overall width of approximately 500 mm, a height of approximately 610 mm and depth of approximately 350 mm. The apparatus may be suitable to fit within a pre-existing recess of a size generally considered an average or typical size for a domestic heating appliance such as a gas or electric fire.

The apparatus may comprise a surround that extends around at least part of the front of the housing. The surround may extend up the sides and maybe also across the top and may be generally in the form of a fire surround or mantel. The surround may define in part the second air inlet. The second air inlet may be defined in part by the surround and in part by the second air inlet passage.

Noise attenuation materials may be provided in the air inlet passage.

Noise attenuation materials may be provided in the air outlet passage.

Anti-drumming materials may be provided in one or both of the air inlet and air outlet passages. Panel construction and/or bracing within the apparatus may be designed to minimise structural resonance and structure borne noise.

Noise attenuation materials may comprise open cell acoustic foams of appropriate density and thickness selected to maximise effectiveness of noise reduction whilst keeping overall size within the limited space available.

Anti-drumming materials in the form of dense self-adhesive damping pads or similar may be affixed where appropriate within the housing to assist the overall objective of reducing structure and airborne noise.

Noise attenuation materials and/or anti-drumming materials may be provided within the first chamber.

Aspects of the present invention will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Fig 1 is a diagrammatic perspective view of heat pump apparatus in accordance with aspects of the present invention; Fig 2 is a diagrammatic perspective cutaway section of the heat pump apparatus of Fig 1, along the line Il-Il of Fig 1; and Fig 3 is a diagrammatic rear perspective view of the apparatus of Fig 1, with the heat pump circuitry removed for clarity of illustration.

The present invention provides heat pump apparatus 10 comprising a housing 12 having a first chamber 14 with a first air inlet 16 and a first air outlet 18, a first heat exchanger 20 located within the first chamber 14 and configured to receive air driven by first air drive means 22 through the first chamber 14 from the first air inlet 16 to the first air outlet 18, a second chamber 24 having a second air inlet 26 and a second air outlet 28, a second heat exchanger 30 located within the second chamber 24 and configured to receive air driven by second air drive means 32 through the second chamber 24 from the second air inlet 26 to the second air outlet 28, the first and second heat exchangers 20, 30 being interconnected by a fluid-containing conduit circuit 31 through which fluid can circulate between the heat exchangers 20, 30, a compressor 34 and a metering device 33 being provided within the circuit to provide a heat pump, the second air inlet 26 defining an elongate inlet opening 38 which opens into an inlet passage 40 extending over or adjacent the side 36 of the housing 12.

Heat pump apparatus 10 of the present invention find particular application as heating appliances for domestic dwellings. The overall configuration and dimensions of the housing 12 is such that it is the same or substantially similar to the overall size and configuration of typical conventional domestic heating appliances, such as electric, gas and multi-fuel stoves, and as such can generally be accommodated within the same, often confined spaces that such conventional domestic heating appliances are sited. This enables apparatus 10 to be used as an efficient alternative to such conventional heating appliances.

It is envisaged for example that heat pump apparatus 10 of the present application will fit into existing conventionally sized recesses or apertures in which conventional gas fires, open fires and electric fires are typically provided, either as an alternative to or as a replacement for such conventional heating appliances.

In general the apparatus 10 will generate a heat output in the order of 2 kW, which is equivalent to a typical domestic electric fire.

The present application therefore enables the relatively energy efficient heat production capabilities of heat pump technology to be employed and enjoyed in domestic environments.

Typically, the housing 12 would have an overall width of approximately 500 mm, a height of approximately 610 mm and a depth of approximately 350 mm.

The housing 12 would generally be fabricated of metal or other suitable material. The chambers 14, 24 are defined in party by the housing 12 and internal partitions using conventional, typically metallic, materials.

The housing 12 generally has a front side 42 and a rear side 44, two lateral sides 36 which extend between the front side 42 and the rear side 44, a base 46 and a top side 48.

The first chamber 14 is located generally above the second chamber 24 at a location towards the rear side 44 of the housing 12. The chambers 14, 24 are mutually isolated so that air does not flow from one chamber to the other.

The first air inlet 16 extends through the top side 48 at a location towards the rear thereof. The air outlet 16 similarly extends through the top side 48 towards the rear thereof. The first air inlet 16 and the first air outlet 16 are generally configured in side-by-side, spaced relation.

The compressor 34 is located within the first chamber 14, to one side of the first heat exchanger 20, which is located generally between the first air inlet 16 and the first air outlet 18. The first heat exchanger 20 extends generally upward within the first chamber 14 and may extend across all or substantially all of the cross section of the first chamber 14 so that air drawn in through the first air inlet 16 by the first air drive means 22 flows through the chamber, through the first heat exchanger 20 and out through the first air outlet 18.

The first air drive means 22 is also located within the first chamber 14 and is located on the other side of the first heat exchanger 20 to that where the compressor is located. The first air drive means 22 is an electrically driven fan or similar such device to drive air to flow through the first chamber 14 from the first air inlet 16 through the first heat exchanger 20 and out through the first air outlet 18.

The second chamber 24 is located in part beneath and in part to the front of the first chamber 14, as will be explained.

The second air inlet 26 opens on or near the front side 42 of the housing 12 through the elongate inlet opening 38.

In the illustrated embodiment, two elongate inlet openings 26 are provided, one on either side 36 of the housing 12, each of which extends from a location at or towards the bottom of the front side 42 up to or near to the top side 48. Each elongate inlet opening 26 is relatively narrow, so as to provide a visually relatively discreet opening that has little or no visual impact on the aesthetics of the front of the apparatus 10, yet provides for good and efficient air entry into the second chamber 24 during operation of the apparatus 10.

An inlet passage 40 extends from each elongate inlet opening 38 rearward along the respective side 36 of the housing 12. Each passage 40 is defined by partitions in the respective side 36 and reduces in cross section in the direction towards the rear of the housing 12.

The cross section of each inlet passage 40 reduces, as an upper side profile 50 defining each elongate passage 40 slopes downward towards the base of the housing 12.

A plenum arrangement 52 extends across a rear portion of the second chamber 24 joining the two inlet passages 40 to collect and guide the air drawn through these inlet passages 40 to the second heat exchanger 30.

The second heat exchanger 30 is located generally beneath the first chamber 14. The second heat exchanger 30 is overall generally elongate and is configured to extend in the general direction of the passage of air driven from the second air inlet(s) 26b to the second air outlet 28.

The second heat exchanger 30 is made up of a plurabty of heat exchange panels 30a, 30b, 30c, 30d which together extend in series around the second air drive means 32.

The first heat exchanger 20 and the second heat exchanger 30 are interconnected by the aforesaid fluid-containing conduit circuitry 31 in which are also operably connected the compressor 34 and the metering device 33.

These sections of the apparatus 10 provide for a heat pump arrangement within the housing 12.

The second air drive means 32 is in the form of an electrically driven fan which rotates about its axis (as illustrated diagrammatically by the arrows R) to drive the movement of air through the second chamber 24, as will be described.

The second air outlet 26 has a second air outlet passage 54 which extends through the second chamber 24, generally from the second heat exchanger 30, to a second air outlet opening 56 which is located across the front side 42 at an upper region thereof. The second air outlet passage 54 is generally elongate and extends laterally across substantially the full width of the front side 42 to provide for air to be expelled from and across the width of the housing 12.

S The second air outlet passage 54 extends up behind the front side 42 of the housing 12 and generally in front of the first chamber 14 to have a generally elongate, slot-like" transverse cross section and an elongate dimension in the direction of air flow therethrough from the heat exchanger 30 to the second air outlet opening 56.

A flame effect panel 58 is located on the front side 42 of the housing 12, and the second air outlet passage 14 extends up behind the flame effect panel 58.

The flame effect panel 58 extends over the majority of the front side 42 of the housing 12 to provide a visual simulation of real or living flames.

The flame effect panel 58 is in the form of an LCD, video or other electronic device or known electromechanical means that generates suitable virtual images of flickering flames, so that an observer of the apparatus 10 would have the benefit of the visualisation of simulated flickering flames.

The flame effect panel is sized and designed in a manner to make it work in cosmetic harmony with the apparatus and any fireplace components used in the domestic installation. In particular, this might require the depth of the flame effect panel to be slim in comparison with more generally available flame effect panels. In certain embodiments the flame effect pane! has a width of 560 mm, a depth of 75 mm and a height of 560 mm, As indicated previously, the apparatus 10 of the present invention finds particular application as a domestic heat source, and is suitable to replace or as an alternative to conventional single heat source appliances such as gas fires, electric fires, multi-fuel stoves and open fires.

The apparatus has been carefully configured to be suitable for siting in spacial confines that conventional gas fires, electric fires, multi-fuel stoves and open fires are typically found and the configuration of the various components of the apparatus have been carefully engineered by the inventor(s) to attenuate the noise generated by the heat pump and the air drive means to give the apparatus 10 sufficiently low operating noise levels to be acceptable within a domestic situation. An explanation and description of the operation of the apparatus 10 of the present invention will now be provided.

When installed for use the apparatus 10 would typically be located within a room or similar such space of a domestic dwelling. The first air inlet 16 is connected via pipework or otherwise (not shown) to an external air source. The air source is external of the space that is being heated by the apparatus. Typically, the air source would be external of the dwelling and would generally be ambient, atmospheric air drawn in from the exterior of the dwelling.

The first air outlet 18 is similarly connected to the first air source. The second air inlet 26 receives air from within the room to be heated, which has been referred elsewhere herein as a second air source. The second air outlet 28 expels air back into the room to be heated.

In operation, the electrical compressor 34 and the first and second air drive means 22, 32 are activated.

Such activation can be provided by a switch mechanism (not shown) on the housing 12, which may be actuated manually or remotely.

The first air drive means 22 draws air in from the external air source through the first air inlet 16 into the first chamber 14. It continues to draw the air (the general movement of which is illustrated diagrammatically by the arrows Al), through the first heat exchanger 20 and eventually driving it out through the first air outlet 18.

The first heat exchanger 20 functions as an evaporator within the apparatus 10. The fluid contained within the conduit circuitry 31 connecting the two heat exchangers 20, 30 can be gas, but is typically liquid, and generally a common refrigerant combined within appropriate compressor lubricant. The fluid cycles from the heat exchanger to the compressor 34, as illustrated diagrammatically with arrows 31 a, which acts to pressurise the fluid. As the fluid, often referred to as the working fluid, is discharged from the compressor 34, ft is relatively hot and highly pressurised. As this hot and pressurised liquid passes through the second heat exchanger 30, which acts as a condenser, the air being driven through the second heat exchanger 30 is heated. The condensed fluid, having passed through the second heat exchanger 30, or condenser, then passes through the metering device 33 (pressure-lowering device) from which the working fluid re-enters the first heat exchanger 20 in a cooled state. As the cooled liquid passes through the first heat exchanger 20 it absorbs heat from the air circulating through the first chamber 12. The cooled air is expelled through the front air outlet 18. The warmed fluid then circulates to the compressor, for the above described cycle to be repeated.

This is the basic heat pump mode of operation within the apparatus 10.

The second air drive means 32 draws air from the room to be heated, in through the elongate inlet openings 38 on either side of the housing 12.

The air is drawn rearwardly and generally downwardly through the inlet passages 40, to be collected by the plenum arrangement 52, which directs the air to the second heat exchanger 30. The configuration of the second heat exchanger 30, extending around at least in part the second air drive means 32 to present a generally elongate heat exchange matrix along which air is driven by the second air drive means 32 helps to ensure efficient heat flow exchange and thus heating of the air flowing through the second chamber 24.

The second air drive means 32 continues to drive the heated air, shown diagrammatically by arrows Hi, up through the second air outlet passage 54 and out through the second air outlet opening 56, to be expelled into the room, to heat the room.

An important characteristic of the apparatus of the present invention is the configuration and arrangement of the second air inlets 26 and the second air outlets 28.

Airborne noise resulting from the inflow and outflow of air to and from conventional heat pump apparatus that give satisfactory heat outputs for domestic applications is generally considered too obtrusive.

The inventor(s) have found this to be particularly problematic when trying to contain a heat pump within a housing that is dimensioned to fit within the spacial confines typically imposed by domestic applications, particularly where the housing is to be located within openings or recesses typically used for conventional domestic heating appliances such as gas tires, electric fires, stoves and open fire grates.

Careful development of the inlets and outlets in the present invention as described herein has resulted in surprisingly good attenuation of airborne noise levels.

The requirement for air drive means 22, 32 to provide requisite flows and volumes of circulating and heated air to provide satisfactory heat output introduces a source of noise generation. The careful design, configuration and siting of these means has again enabled satisfactory noise levels to be achieved.

The provision of the second air inlet(s) extending up at least one, and in the illustrated embodiment both sides of the housing to define an elongate inlet that opens into an inlet passage extending over the side of the housing has been shown to provide good air flow, heat exchange and heat generation properties, whilst satisfactorily attenuating the noise generated by the air flow requirement, particularly for domestic application.

Reducing the cross sectional area of the inlet passage(s) along which the air enters the apparatus 10 to the first heat exchanger 20 has shown to provide good air movement dynamics and air velocities, whilst again attenuating the noise that is emitted, particularly from the front aspect of the apparatus.

To further attenuate the noise levels, noise attenuation materials can be provided in certain embodiments within the air inlet passages. Noise attenuation materials may also be provided in the air outlet passage. Panel construction and bracing generally within the apparatus is designed to minimise structural resonance and structure borne noise. Noise attenuation materials generally comprise proprietary open cell acoustic foams of appropriate density and thickness chosen to maximise effectiveness of noise reduction whilst keeping overall size within the limited space available.

Anti-drumming materials in the form of proprietary dense self-adhesive damping pads or similar are affixed where most effective to assist the overall obiective of reducing structure and airborne noise.

Anti-drumming materials may be provided in one or both of the air inlet and air outlet passages.

Noise attenuation materials and/or drumming materials may be provided within the first chamber.

A further advantage of the present invention is that the apparatus houses all of the heat pump exchangers, circuitry, compressor and metering device, thus presenting a self-contained unit which does not require specialist refrigerant handling equipment or licence as the unit is preloaded with refrigerant.

Various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the present invention.

The apparatus has been illustrated with a pair of second air inlets 26, one provided on each lateral side of the housing 12. It wilt be appreciated that one such inlet could be provided up just one lateral side of the housing. It will be further appreciated that in certain embodiments of the invention a second air inlet 26 can be provided on or adjacent one or more of the front side 42, rear side 44, top side 48 or base 46 instead of or in addition to a second air inlet 26 being provided on one or both of the lateral sides 36. Also, in certain embodiments more than two air inlets may be provided, over or adjacent one or more of the lateral sides 36, top side 48, rear side 44, front side 42 and/or base 46 of the housing.

The second air outlet 26 has been generally described as having an outlet passage 54 which extends directly behind the front side 42 to a second outlet opening 56 at or near the top of the front side 42.

In certain embodiments of the invention the second air outlet 26 may extend over or adjacent one of the rear side 44, a lateral side 36, top side 48 or base 46 of the housing 12 and indeed in certain embodiments a second air outlet 26 may extend over one or more of the front side 42, rear side 44, top side 48, a lateral side 36 and/or the base 46 of the housing.

In certain embodiments a plurality of second air outlet openings 56 is provided, one or more of which is located on one or more of the front side 42, rear side 44, a lateral side 36, top side 48 and/or base 46 of the housing 12.

In a particular embodiment the operation of the second air drive means 32 could be reversed or be reversible to draw air in through the second air outlet, through the second chamber and out through the second air inlet. In other words, the mode of operation of the second chamber is reversed generally.

Whilst it is envisaged that such an arrangement could function within the scope of the present invention, it is not thought to be as advantageous as the embodiments specifically described above with reference to the accompanying drawings.

The apparatus 10 may comprise a surround, illustrated in part at 60 in Fig 2, which surround 60 extends around the front of the housing 12. The surround 60 extends up the sides and across the top and may be generally in the form of a fire surround or mantel. The surround 60 may be arranged to define in part the second air inlet(s). In such arrangements, the second air inlet(s) would typically be defined in part by the surround 60 and in part by the second air inlet passage.

The apparatus may be configured to provide cooling of a space such as a room, achieved generally by reversing the operation of the heat pump arrangement.

Features described in the present description may be used in combinations other than the combinations explicitly described. Although functions have been described with reference to certain features, those functions may be performable by other features, whether described or not.

Although features have been described with reference to certain embodiments, those embodiments may also be present in other embodiments, whether described or not.

Whilst endeavouring in the foregoing specification to draw attention to those features of the invention believed to be of particular importance it should be understood that the Applicant claims protection in respect of any patentable feature or combination of features hereinbefore referred to and/or shown in the drawings whether or not particular emphasis has been placed thereon.

Claims

Claims 1. Heat pump apparatus comprising a housing having a first chamber with a first air inlet and a first air outlet, a first heat exchanger located within the first chamber and configured to receive air driven by first air drive means through the first chamber from the first air inlet to the first air outlet, a second chamber having a second air inlet and a second air outlet, a second heat exchanger located within the second chamber and configured to receive air driven by second air drive means through the second chamber from the second air inlet to the second air outlet, the first and second heat exchangers being interconnected by a fluid-containing conduit circuit through which fluid can circulate between the heat exchangers, a compressor and a metering device being provided within the circuit to provide a heat pump, the second air inlet defining an elongate inlet opening which opens into an inlet passage extending over or adjacent a side of the housing.
2. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 1, in which the elongate inlet opening opens on or near a front side of the housing and the inlet passage extends rearward thereof.
3. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the inlet passage extends over or adjacent a lateral side of the housing.
4. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 1 or claim 2, in which the inlet passage extends over or adjacent a front, rear, top and/or bottom side of the housing.
5. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the inlet passage generally reduces in cross section in the direction from the elongate inlet opening to the second heat exchanger.
6. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 5, in which the cross sectional area reduces generally gradually, such that the air inlet passage tapers at least in part from the elongate inlet opening generally towards the second heat exchanger.
7. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the elongate inlet opening extends along a majority of the or at least one side.
8. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the elongate opening extends from a position generally at or near the bottom of the housing to a position generally at or near the top of the housing.
9. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the elongate inlet opening extends laterally across a front, rear, bottom and/or top side of the housing.
10. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which a plurality of second air inlets is provided.
11. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 10, in which a pair of second air inlets is provided, one on each of two sides of the housing.
12. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 11, in which a second air inlet is provided on each of two opposite, generally upright lateral sides of the housing.
13. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, in which a second air inlet is provided on two or more of a lateral, front, rear, bottom and top side of the housing.
14. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 13, in which a plenum arrangement is provided to join the plurality of air inlet passages to collect and direct air driven through the air inlet passages to the second heat exchanger.
15. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second heat exchanger is elongate.
16. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second heat exchanger is configured to extend in the general direction of the passage of air driven from the second air inlet(s) to the second air outlet.
17. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second heat exchanger extends around, at least in part, the second air drive means.
18. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second heat exchanger comprises a plurality of interconnected heat exchange panels.
19. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 1 B, in which the interconnected heat exchange panels extend in series around the second air drive means.
20. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second air drive means comprises a fan or any other suitable means to draw air in through the second air inlet(s), to flow through the second inlet passage(s), over the second heat exchanger and out through the second air outlet.
21. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second air outlet comprises a second air outlet passage that extends through the second chamber to a second air outlet opening through which heated air is expelled from the apparatus.
22. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 21, in which the second air outlet passage has an elongate cross section.
23. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 21 or claim 22, in which the second air outlet passage extends over or adjacent to a substantial part of a side of the housing.
24. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 23, in which the second air outlet passage extends over or adjacent substantially all of a side of the housing.
25. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 24, in which the second outlet passage extends over or adjacent the front side of the housing.
26. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 25, in which the second air outlet passage extends over or adjacent one or more of the front, rear, lateral, top or bottom side of the housing.
27. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 26,in which the second air outlet opening is elongate.
28. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 27, in which the second air outlet opening extends generally laterally across the side(s) of the housing.
29. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 28, in which the second air outlet opening extends across a substantial part of the width of a side.
30. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 26 or claim 29, in which the second air outlet opening extends across substantially the whole of the width of a side.
31. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 30, in which the second air outlet opening is located at or near the top of the housing.
32. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 30, in which the second air outlet opening is located at or near one of the front, bottom, lateral side or rear of the housing.
33. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 32, in which the second air outlet passage extends behind a flame effect panel provided on or towards the front of the housing, which flame effect panel provides a visual image of flickering flames.
34. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 33, in which a plurality of second air outlet passages is provided to enable air to be expelled through a plurality of second air outlets.
35. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 34, in which the second air outlets are located over an adjacent one or more of a front, rear, lateral, top and/or bottom sides of the housing.
36. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first chamber houses the compressor and the metering device.
37. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 35, in which the second chamber houses the metering device.
38. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first heat exchanger is located between the first air inlet and the first air outlet.
39. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first heat exchanger is generally elongate, extending in a direction generally transverse to the direction of air driven therethrough by the first drive means.
40. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first drive means is a fan.
41. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first drive means is the same as or similar to the said second drive means.
42. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first air inlet is configured to receive air from a first air source, which first air source is separate from a second air source from which air enters the second air inlet.
43. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 42, in which the first air source is located externally of a space, such as a room, in which the apparatus is located.
44. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 42 or claim 43, in which the second air source is within such a space so that the apparatus provides for selective heating of the air within the space through heat pump thermal exchanges within the apparatus.
45. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first chamber is located in or toward the rear of the housing.
46. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first chamber is located behind the second air outlet passage.
47. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first chamber is located above the second chamber.
48. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first and second chambers are mutually isolated or substantially isolated to prevent or restrict any air flow between the chambers.
49. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the heat pump apparatus comprises a domestic heating appliance.
50. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the heat pump apparatus is an alternative or a replacement for a domestic gas fire, electric fire or multi-fuel stove fire.
51. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 50, in which the flame effect panel comprises an LED, video or other electronic display panel.
52. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the housing has an overall width of approximately 500 mm, a height of approximately 610 mm and depth of approximately 350 mm: 53. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the apparatus comprises a surround that extends around at least part of the front of the housing.54. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 53, in which the surround extends up the sides and across the top of the housing.55. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 53, in which the surround defines in part the second air inlet.56. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 55, in which the second air inlet is defined in part by the surround and in part by the second air inlet passage.57. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which noise attenuation materials are provided in the air inlet passage.58. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which noise attenuation materials are provided in the air outlet passage.59. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which anti-drumming materials are provided in one or both of the air inlet and air outlet passages.60. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 57 to 59, in which the noise attenuation materials comprise open cell acoustic foams.61. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 59 or claim 60, in which anti-drumming materials in the form of dense self-adhesive damping pads or similar are affixed within the housing to assist the overall objective of reducing structure and airborne noise.62. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 57 to 61, in which noise attenuation materials and/or anti-drumming materials are provided within the first chamber.63. Heat pump apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to the accompanying drawings.64. Any novel sublect matter or combination including novel subject matter disclosed herein, whether or not within the scope of or relating to the same invention as any of the preceding claims.amendments to claims have been filed as follows Claims 1. Heat pump apparatus comprising a housing having a first chamber with a first air inlet and a first air outlet, a first heat exchanger located within the first chamber and configured to receive air driven by first air drive means through the first chamber from the first air inlet to the first air outlet, a second chamber having a second air inlet and a second air outlet, a second heat exchanger located within the second chamber and configured to receive air driven by second air drive means through the second chamber from the second air inlet to the second air outlet, the first and second heat exchangers being interconnected by a fluid-containing conduit circuit through which fluid can circulate between the heat exchangers, a compressor and a metering device being provided within the circuit to provide a heat pump, the second air inlet defining an elongate inlet opening which opens into an inlet passage extending over or adjacent a side of the housing and through which air is drawn to the second heat exchanger.2. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 1, in which the elongate inlet opening opens on or near a front side of the housing and the inlet passage extends rearward thereof.3. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the inlet passage extends over or adjacent a lateral side of the housing.4. Heat pump apparatus according to claim I or claim 2, in which the inlet passage extends over or adjacent a front, rear, top and/or bottom side of the housing.5. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the inlet passage generally reduces in cross section in the direction from the elongate inlet opening to the second heat exchanger.6. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 5, in which the cross sectional area reduces generally gradually, such that the air inlet passage tapers at least in part from the elongate inlet opening generally towards the second heat exchanger.7. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the elongate inlet opening extends along a majority of the or at least one side.8. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the elongate opening extends from a position generally at or near the bottom of the housing to a position generally at or near the top of the housing.9. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the elongate inlet opening extends laterally across a front, rear, bottom and/or top side of the housing.10. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which a plurality of second air inlets is provided.11. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 10, in which a pair of second air inlets is provided, one on each of two sides of the housing.12. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 11, in which a second air inlet is provided on each of two opposite, generally upright lateral sides of the :...: 25 housing.13. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 12, in which a second air inlet is provided on two or more of a lateral, front, rear, bottom and top side of the housing. no0 14. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 10 to 13, in which a plenum arrangement is provided to join the plurality of air inlet passages to -30 collect and direct air driven through the air inlet passages to the second heat exchanger.15. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second heat exchanger is elongate.16. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second heat exchanger is configured to extend in the general direction of the passage of air driven from the second air inlet(s) to the second air outlet.17. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second heat exchanger extends around, at least in part, the second air drive means.18. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second heat exchanger comprises a plurality of interconnected heat exchange panels.19. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 18. in which the interconnected heat exchange panels extend in series around the second air drive means.20. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the second air drive means comprises a fan or any other suitable means to draw r"! 25 air in through the second air inlet(s), to flow through the second inlet . : passage(s), over the second heat exchanger and out through the second air * . outlet. S **:*. 21. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the *:, 30 second air outlet comprises a second air outlet passage that extends through the second chamber to a second air outlet opening through which heated air is expelled from the apparatus.22. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 21, in which the second air outlet passage has an elongate cross section.23. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 21 or claim 22, in which the second air outlet passage extends over or adjacent to a substantial part of a side of the housing.24. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 23, in which the second air outlet passage extends over or adjacent substantially all of a side of the housing.25. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 24, in which the second outlet passage extends over or adjacent the front side of the housing.26. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 25, in which the second air outlet passage extends over or adjacent one or more of the front, rear, lateral, top or bottom side of the housing.27. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 26, in which the second air outlet opening is elongate.28. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 27, in which the second air outlet opening extends generally laterally across the side(s) of the housing. S. *29. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 28, in which the second air S. 55 * * outlet opening extends across a substantial part of the width of a side. U. * * U S30. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 28 or claim 29, in which the second air outlet opening extends across substantially the whole of the width of a side.31. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 30, in which the second air outlet opening is located at or near the top of the housing.32. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 30, in which the second air outlet opening is located at or near one of the front, bottom, lateral side or rear of the housing.33. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 32, in which the seóond air outlet passage extends behind a flame effect panel provided on or towards the front of the housing, which flame effect panel provides a visual image of flickering flames.34. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 21 to 33, in which a plurality of second air outlet passages is provided to enable air to be expelled through a plurality of second air outlets.35. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 34, in which the second air outlets are located over an adjacent one or more of a front, rear, lateral, top and/or bottom sides of the housing.36. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first chamber houses the compressor and the metering device. *0**:... 25 37. Neat pump apparatus according to any of claims I to 35, in which the second chamber houses the metering device.38. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first heat exchanger is located between the first air inlet and the first air outlet. * 3039. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first heat exchanger is generally elongate, extending in a direction generally transverse to the direction of air driven therethrough by the first drive means.40. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first drive means is a fan.41. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first drive means is the same as or similar to the said second drive means.42. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first air inlet is configured to receive air from a first air source, which first air source is separate from a second air source from which air enters the second air inlet.43. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 42, in which the first air source is located externally of a space, such as a room, in which the apparatus is located.44. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 42 or claim 43, in which the second air source is within such a space so that the apparatus provides for selective heating of the air within the space through heat pump thermal exchanges within the apparatus.-a...45. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the *:-. firstchamber is located in or toward the rear of the housing.46. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first chamber is located behind the second air outlet passage. * 3047. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first chamber is located above the second chamber.48. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the first and second chambers are mutually isolated or substantially isolated to prevent or restrict any air flow between the chambers.49. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the heat pump apparatus comprises a domestic heating appliance 50. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the heat pump apparatus is an alternative or a replacement for a domestic gas fire, electric fire or multi-fuel stove fire.51. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 33 to 50, in which the flame effect panel comprises an LED, video or other electronic display panel.52. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the housing has an overall width of approximately 500 mm, a height of approximately 610 mm and depth of approximately 350 mm.
53. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which the apparatus comprises a surround that extends around at least part of the front of the housing.
54. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 53, in which the surround *:**! 25 extends up the sides and across the top of the housing.* a
55. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 53, in which the surround * defines in part the second air inlet. ** C. * * ** *: 30
56. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 55, in which the second air inlet is defined in part by the surround and in part by the second air inlet passage.
57. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which noise attenuation materials are provided in the air inlet passage.
58. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which noise attenuation materials are provided in the air outlet passage.
59. Heat pump apparatus according to any preceding claim, in which anti-drumming materials are provided in one or both of the air inlet and air outlet passages.
60. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 57 to 59, in which the noise attenuation materials comprise open cell acoustic foams.
61. Heat pump apparatus according to claim 59 or claim 60, in which anti-drumming materials in the form of dense self-adhesive damping pads or similar are affixed within the housing to assist the overall objective of reducing structure and airborne noise.
62. Heat pump apparatus according to any of claims 57 to 61, in which noise attenuation materials and/or anti-drumming materials are provided within the first chamber.*
63. Heat pump apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with * reference to the accompanying drawings. * 25 * * * * .* **.**** * * ** * * * * ** * ***