GB2551192A

GB2551192A - Automatic heating-system filling apparatus

Info

Publication number: GB2551192A
Application number: GB1610148.7A
Authority: GB
Inventors: Cook Bernard
Original assignee: Individual
Current assignee: Individual
Priority date: 2016-06-10
Filing date: 2016-06-10
Publication date: 2017-12-13
Anticipated expiration: 2036-06-10
Also published as: GB201610148D0; WO2017212226A1; GB2551192B

Abstract

An automatic heating system filling apparatus 10, such as for a sealed central heating system, comprises: first 18 and second 20 automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves liquidly communicable with a heating system fluid supply 14 and a fluid-pressure sensor 22 downstream of the second fluid-flow valve which monitors the pressure in a heating system 16; and an electronic controller 28 which controls the first the second valves based on an output of the sensor. The controller increases the fluid pressure in the heating system to a predetermined level, replenishing fluid lost from the heating system, and includes a testing circuit which automatically tests whether the pressure measured by the sensor changes when one or the other of the first and second valves is closed. The system allows re-pressurising fluid flow from the fluid supply to the heating system by opening the first and second fluid-flow valves only if no change in pressure is measured by the testing circuit, indicating that both valves are closing correctly. This safety feature prevents overfilling of the system. A notification circuit is also included which outputs a notification when either valve is operated by the controller. Notifications may be sent to central server for diagnosis.

Description

Automatic Heating-System Filling Apparatus

The present invention relates to an automatic heating-system filling apparatus, and more particularly but not necessarily exclusively to automatic heating-system filling apparatus in combination with a heating system. A method of improving the safety of a heating system is provided, as is a method of automatically testing first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves of an automatic heating-system filling apparatus. The invention also relates to a method of managing an automatically replenishing heating system using an automatic heating-system filling apparatus.

It is known that loss of fluid may occur in heating systems and other similar heat transfer systems, including but not limited to central heating systems. Such loss of fluid may occur in response to normal operating conditions, evaporation, or due to the presence of leaks. In pressurised systems, such losses of fluid may result in a loss of system pressure, preventing the heating system from operating properly. With inadequate fluid pressure, air may also be sucked in and pass into the heating system. Additionally, excessive fluid pressure may lead to leaks and failure of the heating system. As such, water heaters in the system, typically a boiler, usually have a cut off device which shuts down the boiler should the pressure fall below a certain threshold.

So called open-vented systems normally use an elevated header tank, which is vertically above the remainder of the system, to try and maintain system pressure. These systems are topped up automatically with fluid from a secondary system, such as a header tank, whilst a simple float valve regulates the fluid level in the header tank, admitting fluid from the mains supply when necessary. The filling fluid entering the system falls under gravity from the valve outlet into the system. The level of the water in the system is such that the filling fluid falls through an air gap thereby eliminating any risk of back contamination from the system to the secondary system.

Sealed central heating systems do not use a header tank to maintain pressure. Such sealed systems are typically raised to their operating pressure by fluid being admitted to the system through a connection with the mains supply. The connection is then closed and an expansion vessel provides compliance in the system to maintain pressure.

Sealed central heating systems typically require occasional topping up with fluid to maintain system pressure due to a degree of fluid loss inevitably occurring. To remedy this, fluid from the mains supply needs to be introduced to raise the system pressure. Typically, this is a manual operation, with the operator being required to check the pressure of the system periodically. The known solution involves connecting a filling loop between a mains outlet and an inlet to the heating system. Opening valves on the inlet and outlet allows fluid to be supplied to the system with the operator monitoring a pressure gauge of the heating system as the pressure of the system rises. Once the pressure gauge indicates a required pressure, the valves are switched off and the filling loop removed. To prevent back contamination between the heating system and the secondary system, in this case, the mains supply, any connection needs to be made via check valves or non-return valves.

However, often, an operator will fail to correctly follow this procedure. This is a common cause of problems with sealed and pressurised heating systems. If inspection of system pressure is neglected, the boiler will automatically shut down, which can lead to on-site visits by maintenance engineers.

It is an object of the present invention to provide an automatic heating-system filling apparatus for automatically replenishing a heating system with fluid without input from an operator, and more particularly, to provide an automatic heating-system filling apparatus in combination with a heating system and/or a method of improving the safety of a heating system and/or a method of automatically testing first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves of an automatic heating-system filling apparatus which reduces or substantially obviates the above mentioned problems. In brief, it is the object of the invention to provide an automatic heating-system filling apparatus which meets the demands of a user for automatically maintaining the system pressure in a sealed and pressurised heating system.

According to a first aspect of the invention, there is provided an automatic heating-system filling apparatus comprising: a first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve liquidly communicable with a heating system fluid supply; a second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve which is downstream of and in liquid communication with the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve; a fluid-pressure sensor which is downstream of and in liquid communication with the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve for in use monitoring of a fluid pressure in a heating system; and an electronic controller which controls the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve and the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve based on an output of the fluid-pressure sensor, so as to increase said fluid pressure in the heating system to a predetermined level, the electronic controller including: a testing circuit which automatically tests an open and closed condition of the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve while the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve is closed and vice versa, based on a change in output of the fluid-pressure sensor; and a notification circuit which outputs a notification when said first and/or second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves is/are automatically operated by the electronic controller, wherein the automatic heating-system filling apparatus is in liquid communication with the heating system to allow fluid flow from the heating system fluid supply to the heating system, the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves positioned therebetween only being opened in the event of a positive result from the testing circuit.

The automatic heating-system filling apparatus is advantageous as, prior to the heating system being replenished, the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves, are tested. This may be beneficial in improving the safety of the heating system, and preventing the system from becoming over-pressurised. If the heating system is under pressure, it is common that a gas valve will lock, so as to prevent operation of the heating system. By ensuring that the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves are in a position to close fully when required, and that replenishment of the heating system only begins in the event of a positive result from the notification circuit, this should help prevent or limit the heating system from being overfilled.

The automatic heating-system filling apparatus may further comprise a filter upstream of the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve so as to filter fluid entering the heating system from the heating system fluid supply.

The filter may be beneficial in preventing or limiting undesirable fines, sediment or particles from entering the heating system and assist in reducing the build-up of sludge in the heating system.

Preferably, the automatic heating-system filling apparatus further comprises an anti- contamination means so as to prevent fluid from within the heating system flowing into or otherwise contaminate fluid within the heating system fluid supply. Furthermore, the anti-contamination means may be a non-return fluid-flow valve to prevent the back flow of fluid from the heating system to the heating system fluid supply. The non-return fluid-flow valve may be connected in series with and downstream of the first and/or second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves and be in liquid communication with the second automatically-controllable fluid flow valve and in unidirectional liquid communication with the heating system.

Having the anti-contamination means in such a form may assist in preventing or limiting back flow of fluid from the heating system to the heating system fluid supply. Water regulators insist that stringent precautions are taken to prevent contamination of secondary fluid supplies. By providing that the non-return fluid-flow valve is connected in series with and downstream of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves and in unidirectional liquid communication with the heating system may assist in limiting or preventing back flow of fluid from the heating system to the heating system fluid supply and ensure that the automatic heating-system filling apparatus is compliant with regulations put in place to prevent contamination of secondary fluid supplies.

The first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves may be operably driven between open and closed positions by the electronic controller. The first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves may be activated when the fluid-pressure sensor detects a replenishment requirement within the heating system and generate a signal read by the electronic controller. Further, the electronic controller may produce a drive signal in response to the fluid-pressure sensor so as to activate the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve. In addition, the electronic controller may produce a drive signal in response to the fluid-pressure sensor so as to activate the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve.

The drive signal is produced by the electronic controller in response to an output received from the fluid-pressure sensor that the fluid pressure of the heating system has fallen below a predetermined level. Proportional control of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves may be facilitated, wherein the drive signal will represent the degree to which the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow vaives "normafiy-closed" are to be opened. Optionally, or additionally, the drive signal may be timed so as to provide an estimate of the fluid flowing through the valve.

Preferably, the automatic heating-system filling apparatus may further comprise first and second solenoid actuators which are electronically activatable to control the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves between closed and open positions.

Solenoid actuators operate quickly, and are swiftly and easily installed and maintained. By using first and second solenoid actuators to operate the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves provides that the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves can be closed very quickly upon request from the electronic controller.

The electronic controller may include any or all of: a monitoring circuit, a recording circuit and/or a diagnostic circuit in order to provide monitoring, recording and/or diagnostic functions. Furthermore, the electronic controller may have a transmitter and/or a receiver so as to be remotely communicable with a central server. The monitoring circuit may monitor at least the operation of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves over a predetermined period, the recording circuit may record the operation of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves over a predetermined period, and the diagnostic circuit may diagnose if the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves have been operated above a predetermined threshold over the predetermined period, and may output a warning notification via the notification circuit to the central server if the predetermined threshold is exceeded.

Beneficially, the number of times the automatic heating-system filling apparatus operates may be recorded. The number of times the automatic heating-system filling apparatus is allowed to operate may also be controlled electronically. As such, in the event of excessive heating system replenishments due to a potential major fault, the central server receives a warning notification that a service call may be required. The automatic heating-system filling apparatus could also be linked to an external diagnostics system to indicate a deterioration in the performance of the heating system which could lead to planned maintenance. The potential to limit the number of times the heating system is allowed to replenish automatically could also help overcome potential objections from the water authorities about wastage of water.

The fluid-pressure sensor may have a flowrate monitoring element for monitoring the rate of change of fluid pressure in the heating system. Further, the automatic heating-system filling apparatus may comprise a logic circuit, with a predetermined flowrate parameter, the logic circuit being electronically communicable with the electronic controller so as to output an alert via the notification circuit to the central server if the rate of change of fluid pressure in the heating system is outside the predetermined flowrate parameter.

Having the flowrate monitoring element and logic circuit in such a form may be beneficial in ensuring an alert is sent to the central server if the pressure of the heating system falls quickly, indicating a potential burst or fractured pipe, or weeping joint.

Preferably, the automatic heating-system filling apparatus may comprise at least one secondary server, the warning notification and/or the alert being electronically communicable to both the central server and the at least one secondary server.

Having a secondary server, which may be located onsite, means that the owner or primary operator of the heating system and automatic heating-system filling apparatus may be notified of any alerts or warnings received by the central server. This may be beneficial in enabling the owner or primary operator to act swiftly to shut down the central heating system if required, or turn off the mains supply.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an automatic heating-system filling apparatus preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention in combination with a heating system. Preferably, the electronic controller may be in communication with the heating system. In addition, the electronic controller may include a control circuit to provide control functions, so that the electronic controller may also control the heating system. Furthermore, the heating system may be deactivatable by the electronic controller based on an output from the fluid-pressure sensor if the fluid pressure in the heating system has increased above a predetermined level.

This is useful in enabling the electronic controller of the automatic heating-system filling apparatus to control the heating system allowing control of the heating system in an expedient manner, without an operator needing to be onsite with the heating system. It also enables the heating system to be shut down automatically, based on an output from the fluid-pressure sensor if the pressure in the heating system has risen above a predetermined level, rather than requiring an operator to manually shut down the heating system upon receiving a warning via the central server.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of improving the safety of a heating system using an automatic heating-system filling apparatus in combination with a heating system preferably in accordance with the second aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] the fluid-pressure sensor outputting an output to the electronic controller if the fluid pressure of the heating system increases above a predetermined level; b] the electronic controller receiving the output from the fluid-pressure sensor; c] the electronic controller sending a deactivation signal to the heating system via the control circuit; and d] the heating system deactivating so as to prevent a build-up of pressure in the heating system.

According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of automatically testing first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves of an automatic heating-system filling apparatus preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, prior to replenishing a heating system on activation of the automatic heating-system filling apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: a] a drive signal being produced by the electronic controller when the fluid-pressure sensor detects a replenishment requirement of the heating system; b] the drive signal produced by the electronic controller activating the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve to move from a closed position to an open position; c] the electronic controller monitoring whether any increase in fluid pressure is detected by the fluid-pressure sensor; d] the electronic controller activating the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve from an open to a closed position; e] the electronic controller activating the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve to move from a closed to an open position; f] the electronic controller checking whether any increase in fluid pressure is detected by the fluid-pressure system; and g] the electronic controller activating the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve from an open to a closed position.

The method may further comprise a step h] of a notification being sent by the electronic controller to begin automatically replenishing the heating system to a predetermined level, provided that the fluid pressure detected by the fluid-pressure sensor is within a predetermined range.

Preferably, the method may further comprise a step prior to step e] and/or prior to automatically replenishing the heating system of a stop alert being sent to the electronic controller to prevent automatic replenishment of, the heating system, if the fluid pressure detected by the fluid-pressure sensor is outside a predetermined range.

This is beneficial in only allowing replenishment of the heating system if the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves are in a position to close fully when required by the electronic controller, so as to prevent overfilling of the heating system and/or to prevent the heating system from becoming over-pressurised

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention there is provided a method of managing an automatically replenishing heating system using an automatic heating-system filling apparatus preferably in accordance with the first aspect of the invention, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an automatic heating-system filling apparatus on a fluid pathway between a heating system fluid supply and a heating system; b] monitoring the automatic heating-system filling apparatus from a central server to determine if the heating system has been replenished; and c] analysing the notifications and/or alerts received from a notification circuit of the automatic heating-system filling apparatus to determine whether there are any potential issues with the automatic heating-system filling apparatus and/or the heating system.

Preferably, the method further comprises a step d] of arranging for an operator to attend to any potential issues identified by analysing the notifications and/or alerts received by the central server.

This aspect of the invention ensures that any potential issues or problems are attended to once identified.

The invention will now be more particularly described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic of an embodiment of an automatic heating-system filling apparatus, including a heating system fluid supply and a heating system, in accordance with the invention; and

Figures 2 to 4 show processes preferably utilising the apparatus of Figure 1, and in accordance with the present invention.

Referring to the drawings, there is shown in Figure 1, an automatic heating-system filling apparatus indicated generally at 10.

The automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 is located on a fluid pathway 12 between a heating system fluid supply 14, such as a water main, and a heating system 16.

The heating system 16 may typically include a boiler which generally receives fluid to be heated, such as water, via a return conduit, such as a return pipe. The heated fluid leaves the boiler and passes along a flow conduit, such as a flow pipe, which provides heated fluid, such as hot water, for heating domestic or commercial environments. Fluid then returns to the boiler by the return pipe so as to form a sealed system 16 through which the fluid is pumped.

The heating system fluid supply 14 to the heating system 16 provides fluid both to the mains supply of the domestic or commercial premises, as well as a means of filling the heating system. The fluid pathway 12, where the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 is located, which may be a conduit or pipe, provides fluid from the heating system fluid supply 14 to the heating system 16.

The automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 comprises a first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18 liquidly communicable with a heating system fluid supply 14, a second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20 which is downstream of and in liquid communication with the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18, a fluid-pressure sensor 22, which is downstream of and in liquid communication with the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20 for in use monitoring of a fluid pressure in the heating system 16, and an electronic controller which controls the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve and the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve based on an output of the fluid-pressure sensor, so as to increase said fluid pressure in the heating system to a predetermined level.

Here, downstream is intended to refer to a position between the heating system fluid supply 14 and the heating system 16, and an expected direction of flow therebetween.

The first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18 connects the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 to the heating system fluid supply 14 and is normally closed. The second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20 is connected downstream of and in series with the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18 and is also normally closed.

Preferably, the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 also comprises a filter 24 located upstream of the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18. The filter may be beneficial in filtering fluid entering the heating system 16 from the heating system fluid supply 14, so as to remove particulate matter, for instance. .

The automatic heating-system filling apparatus may also comprise an anti-contamination means so as to prevent fluid circulating within the heating system 16 from flowing into or otherwise contaminating fluid within the heating system fluid supply 14, by permitting fluid flow from the heating system fluid supply 14 to the heating system 16 but not from the heating system 16 to the heating system fluid supply 14. In this embodiment, the anticontamination means is a non-return fluid-flow valve 26. The non-retum fluid-flow valve 26 may be connected in series with and downstream of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 and is in liquid communication with the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20 and in unidirectional liquid communication with the heating system 16. Advantageously, the non-return fluid-flow valve 26 allows fluid to pass from the heating system fluid supply 14 to the heating system 16 whilst preventing back-flow, that is any flow from the heating system 16 to the heating system fluid supply 14. A plurality of such non-return fluid-flow valves 26 may be provided along the fluid pathway 12.

The fluid-pressure sensor 22 monitors the fluid pressure in the heating system 16. When the fluid pressure falls below a predetermined level, the fluid-pressure sensor 22, which is in communication with the electronic controller 28, activates the electronic controller 28 to drive the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 between open and closed positions.

Preferably, the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 are operated via a drive signal sent by the electronic controller 28 to an actuator associated with or integral to each of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20. In this embodiment each actuator associated with or integral to each of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 are first and second solenoid actuators, which are electronically activatable to control the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 between closed and open positions.

Whilst it is preferable, that the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves are activated from a closed position to an open position by first and second solenoid actuators, so as to enable the quick closure of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves if required, it will be appreciated that the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves may instead be operated by other types of actuator valves or automatic control valves vales, such as a motorised ball valve. It is feasible that if other types of valves are used, proportional control of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves may be facilitated, opening the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves fractionally or partially.

The electronic controller 28 includes a testing circuit, which automatically tests an open and closed condition of the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18 while the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20 is closed and vice versa.

The electronic controller 28 produces a drive signal to actuate or activate the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18, in response to the fluid-pressure sensor 22 outputting that the fluid pressure of the heating system 16 has fallen below a predetermined level. The drive signal opens the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18 whilst the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20 is closed and monitors whether there is an increase in the fluid pressure of the heating system 16 based on the output of the fluid-pressure sensor 22. The electronic controller then closes the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18. When the electronic controller 28 has closed the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18, which may be by termination of the drive signal, the electronic controller then produces a drive signal to activate the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20. The drive signal then opens the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20 and monitors whether there is an increase in the fluid-pressure sensor of the heating system 16 based on the output from the fluid-pressure sensor 22.

This is beneficial in confirming that both the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 are in a position to close fully when the electronic controller 28 outputs an appropriate signal.

Once the electronic controller 28 has determined that both the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 are in a position to fully close when required, the electronic controller 28 will open both the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 by sending a drive signal to both the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20. The drive signal may be terminated based on the output from the fluid-pressure sensor 22 indicating that the fluid pressure of the heating system 16 is within a predetermined level.

The electronic controller 28 also includes a notification circuit which outputs a notification when said first and/or second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves is/are automatically operated by the electronic controller 28.

Preferably, the electronic controller 28 includes any or all of a monitoring circuit, a recording circuit and/or a diagnostic circuit in order to provide monitoring, recording, and/or diagnostic functions.

It is envisaged that the electronic controller 28 has a transmitter 30 and/or a receiver 32 so as to be remotely communicable with a central server. Preferably, the central server comprises known suitably robust computer hardware capable of facilitating both a running instance of software that may be capable of accepting requests from at least the electronic controller 28, and which is capable of facilitating execution of such software by way of suitable processor or processors and memory storage.

Preferably, the monitoring circuit may monitor at least the operation of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 over a predetermined period, the recording circuit may record the operation of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 over a predetermined period, and the diagnostic circuit may diagnoses if the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 have been operated above a predetermined threshold over the predetermined period. If it is determined that the number of times the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 have been operated exceeds the predetermined threshold, the electronic controller 28 may output a warning notification via the notification circuit to the central server.

The location of the central server may be in a different or the same location as the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 and the heating system 16. The central server may be ‘cloud’ based and thus located in a centralised data centre remote from the location of the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 and the heating system 16, whereby the electronic controller 28 undertakes data transfer with the central server external of the location of the automatic heating-system filling apparatus and the heating system 16. The central server may be in data communication at one side to a distributed computer network, for example, the Internet, and at another side to at least the electronic controller 28. Furthermore, there may also be a secondary server, which may be located in the domestic or commercial premises in which the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 and heating system 16 are situated. As such, the warning notification may also be communicated to the secondary server. This is beneficial in allowing an on-site user to monitor the usage of automatic heating-system filling apparatus.

In the present embodiment, one electronic controller 28 per automatic heating-system filling apparatus is suggested, wherein each automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 serves one heating system 16. However multiple automatic heating-system filling apparatuses and electronic controllers may be utilised within each heating system. Similarly, there may be multiple central and/or secondary servers associated with each heating system, thereby enabling the warning notification to be transmitted to multiple geographical locations.

Additionally and/or alternatively, the fluid-pressure sensor 22 may have a flowrate monitoring element for monitoring the rate of change of fluid pressure in the heating system 16. This may be on or in the fluid pathway 12. The automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 may further comprise a logic circuit, with a predetermined flowrate parameter, in electronic communication with the electronic controller 28. The electronic controller may then output an alert via the notification circuit to the central server if the rate of change of fluid pressure is outside the predetermined flowrate parameter. The alert may also be outputted or electronically communicated to the or each secondary server associated with the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10. A further embodiment of the invention comprises the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 in combination with the heating system 16.

In this embodiment, the electronic controller 28 may include a control circuit to provide control functions, so that the electronic controller 28 may also control the heating system. The electronic controller 28 may control the heating system 16 by including a heating controller, which may be in the form of a printed circuit board. It will be appreciated that the printed circuit board may be located on the heating system, for example on the boiler, or elsewhere, provided that it can control the heating system 16, in which case the electronic controller 28 may be in wired communication with the heating controller. The electronic controller 28 may then deactivate the heating system 16 based on an output from the fluid-pressure sensor 22 if the fluid pressure in the heating system 16 has increased above a predetermined level.

It is envisaged that by combining control of the heating system 16, with the electronic controller 28 controlling the automatic heating-system filling apparatus, fluid losses in the heating system may be correlated with operational modes of the heating system 16 to indicate likely locations of leaks or other issues. For slow depletion, which remains sufficiently severe to cause fluid damage, a 24-hour heating cycle may be used, for example, to detect what type of fault is occurring. For fast depletion, where a sudden loss of fluid is replenished once and either requires replenishment beyond a predetermined level, or further replenishment is required within a predetermined time, the electronic controller 28 may disable the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10, and optionally disable the heating system. Reasons for the shutdown of the heating system 16 may then be displayed on a screen at the central and/or secondary server or transmitted to the central server.

The automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 may also be used to log all replenishment of fluid over the lifetime of the installation.

The automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 may be installed as an integral part of a new sealed central heating system or combination boiler. Equally, the system may be retrofitted to existing heating systems. A methodology or process of utilising the apparatus to improve the safety of a heating system can be summarised as per the flow diagram of Figure 2, indicated globally as 100.

The method 100 comprises the steps of providing, step S101, an automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 on a fluid pathway 12 between a heating system fluid supply 14 and a heating system 16. A fluid-pressure sensor 22 monitors a fluid pressure of the heating system 16, step S102, to determine if the fluid pressure of the heating system 16 has increased above a predetermined level, step SI03. If the fluid pressure of the heating system 16 increases above the predetermined level, then the fluid-pressure sensor 22 outputs an output to an electronic controller 28, step S104. The electronic controller 28 receives the output from the fluid-pressure sensor 22 and sends a deactivation signal to the heating system 16 via a control circuit, step S105. The heating system 16 then deactivates upon receiving the deactivation signal from the electronic controller 28, step S106.

The methodology is beneficial, as it reduces a hazard associated the heating system 16, by preventing a build-up of pressure in the heating system 16. A methodology or process of utilising the apparatus to automatically test the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves can be summarised as per the flow diagram of Figure 3, indicated globally as 200.

The method 200 comprises the steps of providing, step S201, an automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 on a fluid pathway 12 between a heating system fluid supply 14 and a heating system 16. A drive signal is produced by the electronic controller 28 when a fluid-pressure sensor 22 detects a replenishment requirement of the heating system 16, step S202. The drive signal produced by the electronic controller 28 activates a first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18, step S203, to move from a closed position to an open position.

The electronic controller 28 monitors whether any increase in fluid pressure is detected by the fluid-pressure sensor 22, step S204, before closing the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 18, step S205a; step S205b. If an increase in fluid pressure is detected, that is outside a predetermined range, then the electronic controller 28 may send a stop alert to prevent the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 from automatically replenishing the heating system 16, step S206b.

Provided there is no increase in fluid pressure, or any increase in fluid pressure is within a predetermined range, the electronic controller activates the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20 to move from a closed to an open position, step S206a. The electronic controller 28 monitors whether any increase in fluid pressure is detected by the fluid-pressure sensor 22, step S207, before closing the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve 20, step S208a; step S208b. If an increase in fluid pressure is detected, that is outside a predetermined range, then the electronic controller 28 may send a stop alert to prevent the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 from automatically replenishing the heating system 16, step S209b.

Provided there is no increase in fluid pressure, or any increase in fluid pressure is within a predetermined range, a notification is sent by the electronic controller 28 to the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves 18, 20 to open so as to begin automatically replenishing the fluid in the heating system 16 to a predetermined level, step S209a. A methodology or process of managing or controlling an automatically replenishing heating system using the apparatus as described above can be summarised as per the flow diagram of Figure 4, indicated globally as 300.

The method 300 comprises the steps of providing, step S301, an automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 on a fluid pathway 12 between a heating system fluid supply 14 and a heating system 16. The automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 is monitored, step S302, from a central server to determine if the heating system 16 has been replenished.

An operator will analyse any notifications and/or alerts received from a notification circuit of the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 to determine whether there are any potential issues with the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 and/or the heating system 16, step S303.

Provided that no potential issues are identified, the automatic heating-system filling apparatus continues to be monitored, step S304a.

Preferably, if a potential issue is identified, an operator will arrange for the potential issue to be attended to, step S304b, by analysing the notifications and/or alerts received by the central server and taking appropriate action, which may include arranging for an engineer to attend the location where the automatic heating-system filling apparatus 10 and heating system 16 are located.

It is therefore possible to provide an automatic heating-system fdling apparatus that automatically replenishes a heating system, and more particularly an automatic heating-system filling apparatus in combination with a heating system. A method of improving the safety of a heating system is provided, as is a method of automatically testing first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves of an automatic heating-system filling apparatus to prevent flooding of the heating system. The invention also relates to a method of managing an automatically replenishing heating system using an automatic heating-system filling apparatus, where remote operation of the automatic heating-system filling apparatus is possible, leading to more efficient management of such heating systems.

The words ‘comprises/comprising’ and the words ‘having/including’ when used herein with reference to the present invention are used to specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, components or groups thereof.

It is appreciated that certain features of the invention, which are, for clarity, described in the context of separate embodiments, may also be provided in combination in a single embodiment. Conversely, various features of the invention which are, for brevity, described in the context of a single embodiment, may also be provided separately or in any suitable sub-combination.

The embodiments described above are provided by way of examples only, and various other modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the field without departing from the scope of the invention herein described and defined.

Claims

1. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus comprising: a first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve liquidly communicable with a heating system fluid supply; a second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve which is downstream of and in liquid communication with the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve; a fluid-pressure sensor which is downstream of and in liquid communication with the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve for in use monitoring of a fluid pressure in a heating system; and an electronic controller which controls the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve and the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve based on an output of the fluid-pressure sensor, so as to increase said fluid pressure in the heating system to a predetermined level, the electronic controller including: a testing circuit which automatically tests an open and closed condition of the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve while the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve is closed and vice versa, based on a change in output of the fluid-pressure sensor; and a notification circuit which outputs a notification when said first and/or second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves is/are automatically operated by the electronic controller, wherein the automatic heating-system filling apparatus is in liquid communication with the heating system to allow fluid flow from the heating system fluid supply to the heating system, the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves positioned therebetween only being opened in the event of a positive result from the testing circuit.

2. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a filter upstream of the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve so as to filter fluid entering the heating system from the heating system fluid supply.

3. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an anti-contamination means so as to prevent fluid from within the heating system flowing into or otherwise contaminate fluid within the heating system fluid supply.

4. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 3, wherein the anti-contamination means is a non-retum fluid-flow valve to prevent the back flow of fluid from the heating system to the heating system fluid supply.

5. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 4, wherein the non-retum fluid-flow valve is connected in series with and downstream of the first and/or second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves and is in liquid communication with the second automatically-controllable fluid flow valve and in unidirectional liquid communication with the heating system.

6. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves are operably driven between open and closed positions by the electronic controller.

7. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves are activated when the fluid-pressure sensor detects a replenishment requirement within the heating system and generates a signal read by the electronic controller.

8. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 7, wherein the electronic controller produces a drive signal in response to the fluid-pressure sensor so as to activate the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve.

9. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein the electronic controller produces a drive signal in response to the fluid-pressure sensor so as to activate the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve.

10. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, further comprising first and second solenoid actuators which are electronically activatable to control the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves between closed and open positions.

11. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the electronic controller includes any or all of: a monitoring circuit, a recording circuit and/or a diagnostic circuit in order to provide monitoring, recording and/or diagnostic functions.

12. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 11, wherein the electronic controller has a transmitter and/or a receiver so as to be remotely communicable with a central server.

13. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 11 or claim 12, wherein the monitoring circuit monitors at least the operation of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves over a predetermined period, the recording circuit records the operation of the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves over a predetermined period, and the diagnostic circuit diagnoses if the first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves have been operated above a predetermined threshold over the predetermined period, and outputs a warning notification via the notification circuit to the central server if the predetermined threshold is exceeded.

14. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the fluid-pressure sensor has a flowrate monitoring element for monitoring the rate of change of fluid pressure in the heating system.

15. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 14 when dependent on claim 12, further comprising a logic circuit with a predetermined flowrate parameter, the logic circuit being electronically communicable with the electronic controller so as to output an alert via the notification circuit to the central server if the rate of change of fluid pressure in the heating system is outside the predetermined flowrate parameter.

16. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in claim 13 or claim 15, further comprising at least one secondary server, the warning notification and/or the alert being electronically communicable to both the central server and the at least one secondary server.

17. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus substantially as hereinbefore described with reference to Figure 1 of the accompanying drawings.

18. An automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, in combination with a heating system.

19. A combination as claimed in claim 18, wherein the electronic controller is in communication with the heating system.

20. A combination as claimed in claim 19, wherein the electronic controller includes a control circuit to provide control functions, so that the electronic controller may also control the heating system.

21. A combination as claimed in claim 20, wherein the heating system is deactivatable by the electronic controller based on an output from the fluid-pressure sensor if the fluid pressure in the heating system has increased above a predetermined level.

22. A method of improving the safety of a heating system using an automatic heating-system filling apparatus in combination with a heating system as claimed in any one of claims 19 to 21, the method comprising the steps of: a] the fluid-pressure sensor outputting an output to the electronic controller if the fluid pressure of the heating system increases above a predetermined level; b] the electronic controller receiving the output from the fluid-pressure sensor; c] the electronic controller sending a deactivation signal to the heating system via the control circuit; and d] the heating system deactivating so as to prevent a build-up of pressure in the heating system.

23. A method of automatically testing first and second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valves of an automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, prior to replenishing a heating system on activation of the automatic heating-system filling apparatus, the method comprising the steps of: a] a drive signal being produced by the electronic controller when the fluid-pressure sensor detects a replenishment requirement of the heating system; b] the drive signal produced by the electronic controller activating the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve to move from a closed position to an open position; c] the electronic controller monitoring whether any increase in fluid pressure is detected by the fluid-pressure sensor; d] the electronic controller activating the first automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve from an open to a closed position; e] the electronic controller activating the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve to move from a closed to an open position; f] the electronic controller checking whether any increase in fluid pressure is detected by the fluid-pressure system; and g] the electronic controller activating the second automatically-controllable fluid-flow valve from an open to a closed position.

24. A method, as claimed in claim 23, further comprising a step h] of a notification being sent by the electronic controller to begin automatically replenishing the heating system to a predetermined level, provided that the fluid pressure detected by the fluid-pressure sensor is within a predetermined range.

25. A method, as claimed in claim 23, further comprising a step prior to step e] and/or prior to automatically replenishing the heating system of a stop alert being sent by the electronic controller to prevent automatic replenishment of the heating system, if the fluid pressure detected by the fluid-pressure sensor is outside a predetermined range.

26. A method of managing an automatically replenishing heating system using an automatic heating-system filling apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 21, the method comprising the steps of: a] providing an automatic heating-system filling apparatus on a fluid pathway between a heating system fluid supply and a heating system; b] monitoring the automatic heating-system filling apparatus from a central server to determine if the heating system has been replenished; and c] analysing the notifications and/or alerts received from a notification circuit of the automatic heating-system filling apparatus to determine whether there are any potential issues with the automatic heating-system filling apparatus and/or the heating system.

27. A method of managing an automatically replenishing heating system further comprising step d] of arranging for an operator to attend to any potential issues identified by analysing the notifications and/or alerts received by the central server.