WO2021260382A1

WO2021260382A1 - A central heating and hot water monitoring system

Info

Publication number: WO2021260382A1
Application number: PCT/GB2021/051604
Authority: WO
Inventors: Mark BROHAN
Original assignee: Ghrian Limited
Priority date: 2020-06-26
Filing date: 2021-06-24
Publication date: 2021-12-30
Also published as: GB2596340B; GB2596340A; GB202009758D0

Abstract

A central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system is described herein. The monitoring system comprises: a controller configured to receive an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time; and a communications interface for communicating with a remote system; wherein the controller is configured to communicate data relating to the functioning of the system based on the received at least one parameter to the remote system via the communications interface; and wherein the remote system is configured to: compare the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system; determine if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison; estimate what the likely fault or faults in the system may be; and in the event that the remote system determines that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of (i) an alert that there is a fault, and (ii) an alert that there is a fault and an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

Description

A CENTRAL HEATING AND HOT WATER MONITORING SYSTEM

Field of Invention The present disclosure relates to apparatuses and methods for monitoring central heating and hot water systems, in particular, to apparatuses and methods for monitoring fuel-fired central heating and hot water systems.

Background

Typical fuel-fired central heating and hot water systems comprise a boiler. The boiler provides heated water to a hot water cylinder and/or radiators connected to the boiler. A hydrocarbon is combusted in the boiler to release heat. The heat is used to produce the heated water.

Summary

Aspects of the invention are set out in the independent claims and optional features are set out in the dependent claims. Aspects of the disclosure may be provided in conjunction with each other, and features of one aspect may be applied to other aspects.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system, the monitoring system comprising: a controller configured to receive an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time; and a communications interface for communicating with a remote system; wherein the controller is configured to communicate data relating to the functioning of the system based on the received at least one parameter to the remote system via the communications interface; and wherein the remote system is configured to: compare the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system; determine if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison; estimate what the likely fault or faults in the system may be; and in the event that the remote system determines that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of (i) an alert that there is a fault, and (ii) an alert that there is a fault and an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

The present aspect provides a system for continuous monitoring of a central heating and hot water system. The remote system may provide an alert of a fault in real-time (e.g. a few seconds or minutes after a fault has occurred). Providing the alert in real-time may reduce the amount of time between a fault occurring and the fault being fixed. For example, a user of the system may contact an engineer to request the system be repaired. Furthermore, a user may be alerted to a fault before they may be harmed by the system. For example, if the alert indicates that water in a water cylinder is above a selected threshold temperature (e.g. a temperature which may scald a user) the user may avoid use of the system to provide hot water to avoid being scalded. An engineer may be alerted (either by the system or by the user) that there is a fault and an indication of the possible likely fault or faults. From the indication of possible likely faults the engineer may be able to determine a list of replacement components which may be required to repair the fault or faults. Advantageously, the engineer may require a single trip to a property to repair the central heating and hot water system.

In sum, the present aspect provides a monitoring system wherein users/engineers are alerted of faults in real-time which may prevent injury and reduce the amount of time between a fault occurring and the fault being fixed. The fuel-fired central heating and hot water system uses a fuel which is combusted to release heat. The heat is used in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system to heat water in the system. The fuel may be any of: gas (e.g. natural gas; methane); liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); or oil (e.g. gas oil; kerosene). Fuel-fired central heating and hot water systems may also use coal (e.g. combust coal to release heat).

In examples, the alert that there is a fault and an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system may comprise a list of replacement components which may be required to repair the fault or faults. Advantageously, the engineer may require a single trip to a property to repair the central heating and hot water system as opposed to (as may be the case in typical systems which do not comprise a monitoring system): a first trip to determine the likely fault or fault in the system and the list of components that may be required to fix the likely fault or faults in the system; and, a second trip to repair the central heating and hot water system.

In examples, the remote system may be a monitoring system as referred to herein. For example, the remote system may comprise a server. In examples, the remote system may comprise a machine learning model which is configured to: compare the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system; and/or determine if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison; and/or estimate what the likely fault or faults in the system may be.

The machine learning model may comprise a neural network as described herein.

Advantageously, using a machine learning model may reduce or eliminate the need for a human operate to monitor the remote system and/or for a human operator to perform analysis on this data. In the event that the remote system determines that there is a fault in the system, the remote system may be configured to provide at least one of (i) the alert that there is a fault, and (ii) the alert that there is a fault and an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system; to a user of the central heating and hot water system. In examples wherein a central heating and hot water system is installed in a property (e.g. a house; an apartment; an office), the user of the central heating and hot water system may be an occupant of the property and/or an owner of the property; and/or a caretaker of the property. In the event that the remote system determines that there is a fault in the system, the remote system may be configured to provide at least one of (i) the alert that there is a fault, and (ii) the alert that there is a fault and an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system; to an engineer.

The engineer may be any person who is competent to perform maintenance on central heating and hot water systems. The engineer may be nominated by the user of the central heating and hot water systems.

In the event that the remote system determines that there is a fault in the system, the remote system may be configured to provide at least both of (i) the alert that there is a fault, and (ii) the alert that there is a fault and an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system; to a user of the system and/or to an engineer.

Alerts may be provided to an individual (e.g. a user of the central heating and hot water system and/or an engineer), by telecommunication.

For example, alerts may be provided to a computing device (e.g. a smart phone; a tablet; a personal computer) used by the individual. For example, the computing device may comprise an application which is configured to receive alerts from the remote system via a communication channel between the remote system (e.g. a server) and a computing device used by the user (e.g. a client). For example, the individual may have access to an online portal which is configured to receive alerts from the remote system.

A state condition of the boiler may be an indication of the state of a boiler. For example, the state condition may be indicative of the "ON" state of the boiler or the "OFF " state of the boiler. The state condition may be provided to the controller of the monitoring system by the room thermostat. The state condition may be provided to the controller via a communication channel between a user's device and the controller. The indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system may comprise at least one: temperature of water flow into boiler; temperature of water flow out of boiler; hot water cylinder temperature; room thermostat temperature; presence of CO gas; presence of natural gas; hot water and heating schedule information; and system pressure.

In examples wherein indications of more than one parameter are used by the monitoring system, more information about the condition of the system may be obtained. Advantageously, the list of possible likely faults may be reduced. Therefore, the accuracy of the alert may be increased.

In examples, the machine learning model may be configured to determine an indication of heating schedule information based on indications receive by the remote system over a period of time. For example, indications received by the remote system over a day may be used by the machine learning model to determine an indication of heating schedule information. The indication of heating schedule information may comprise data indicative of time when the central heating and hot water system provides hot water to any of: the radiators; and, the hot water cylinder. The indication of heating schedule information may be provided to the monitoring system by a user.

In examples, the user may input an indication of heating schedule information to the system via the room thermostat. The room thermostat may provide the indication of heating schedule information to the controller of the monitoring system via a communication channel.

In examples, the user may input an indication of heating schedule information to the system via the user's device. The user's device may provide the indication of heating schedule information to the controller of the monitoring system via communication channels (e.g. the communication channels between: the user's device and a remote system; the remote system and a communication interface; the communication interface and the controller).

In examples, the user's device may communicate to the controller of the monitoring system via a communication channel between: the user's device and the communication interface; and, the communication interface and the controller. For example, the communication interface may be a router. The indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system may comprise a temperature of water flow into the boiler and temperature of water flow out of the boiler, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler.

The indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system may comprise a pressure of the central heating and hot water system, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the pressure of the central heating and hot water system with at least one of a minimum threshold pressure and a maximum threshold pressure.

The indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system may comprise a temperature of water flow out of the boiler, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler as a function of time with a selected threshold rate of change in temperature. The indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system may comprise a temperature of water flow into the boiler, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler and a temperature of a hot water cylinder, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler and with the temperature of the water in the hot water cylinder. The expected performance of the system is based on historic performance of the system over time.

In examples, the remote system may comprises a machine learning model configured to predict the behaviour of the system based on historic data used to train the machine learning model.

The remote system may be configured to determine the expected performance of the system based on a lookup operation in a database of known performances for a component or components of the central heating and hot water system.

For example, data indicative of the boiler type may be input or stored in the database of known performances. The remote system may be configured to perform a lookup operation in the database to obtain data indicative of typical operating conditions of the boiler. For example, the remote system may be configured to obtain a typical temperature and/or pressure profile for a pump of disposed in a particular boiler.

The monitoring system may be configured to determine the expected performance of the system based on a heating system schedule. The heating system schedule may be known (e.g. input into the monitoring system by a user of the system) or determined by a machine learning model.

In the event that the remote system determines that there is a fault in the system, the remote system may be configured to provide an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system and a list of components that may be required to fix the likely fault or faults in the system.

The alert may be provided to a user of the central heating and hot water system and/or an engineer in any of the ways described herein. Providing a list of components required to fix the likely fault or faults in the system may allow an engineer to obtain the components before visiting the central heating and hot water system to provide maintenance (e.g. replacement of parts). The engineer may acquire the components listed in the list of components that may be required to fix the likely fault or faults in the system. Advantageously, the engineer may require a single trip to the property to repair the central heating and hot water system as opposed to: a first trip to determine the likely fault or fault in the system and the list of components that may be required to fix the likely fault or faults in the system; and, a second trip to repair the central heating and hot water system.

Providing a list of components required to fix the likely fault or faults in the system may allow a user (e.g. an owner) of the central heating and hot water system to determine an approximate duration required by an engineer to repair the possible faults and/or the financial cost of the repair. Advantageously, the user may be made aware of the likely financial costs and/or expected amount of time required to fix the fault(s).

The indication of the parameter may comprise the presence of carbon monoxide in proximity to the central heating and hot water system; and in the event that carbon monoxide is detected in proximity to the central heating and hot water system, the controller is configured to send a signal to the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system to prevent combustion of fuel in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. An aspect of the disclosure provides a central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system, wherein the monitoring system is configured to: receive an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time; and compare the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system; determine if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison; estimate what the likely fault or faults in the system may be; and in the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of (i) an alert that there is a fault and (ii) an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system. The present aspect provides a system for continuous monitoring of a central heating and hot water system. The remote system may provide an alert of a fault in real-time (e.g. a few seconds or minutes after a fault has occurred). Providing the alert in real-time may reduce the amount of time between a fault occurring and the fault being fixed. For example, a user of the system may contact an engineer to request the system be repaired.

Furthermore, a user may be alerted to a fault before they may be harmed by the system. For example, if the alert indicates that water in a water cylinder is above a selected threshold temperature (e.g. a temperature which may scald a user) the user may avoid use of the system to provide hot water to avoid being scalded.

An engineer may be alerted (either by the system or by the user) that there is a fault and an indication of the possible likely fault or faults. From the indication of possible likely faults the engineer may be able to determine a list of replacement components which may be required to repair the fault or faults. Advantageously, the engineer may require a single trip to a property to repair the central heating and hot water system.

In sum, the present aspect provides a monitoring system wherein users/engineers are alerted of faults in real-time which may prevent injury and reduce the amount of time between a fault occurring and the fault being fixed.

The indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system may comprise at least one: temperature of water flow into boiler; temperature of water flow out of boiler; hot water cylinder temperature; room thermostat temperature; presence of CO gas; presence of natural gas; hot water and heating schedule information; and system pressure.

In examples wherein indications of more than one parameter are used by the monitoring system, more information about the condition of the system may be obtained. Advantageously, the list of possible likely faults may be reduced. Therefore, the accuracy of the alert may be increased. The indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system may comprise a temperature of water flow into the boiler and temperature of water flow out of the boiler, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler.

The indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system may comprise a temperature of water flow out of the boiler, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler as a function of time with a selected threshold rate of change in temperature. The indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system may comprise a temperature of water flow into the boiler, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler and a temperature of a hot water cylinder, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler and with the temperature of the water in the hot water cylinder.

The expected performance of the system may be based on historic performance of the system over time.

For example, the central heating and hot water monitoring system may comprise a machine learning model that predicts the behaviour of the system based on historic data used to train the machine learning model.

The monitoring system may be configured to determine the expected performance of the system based on a lookup operation in a database of known performances for a component or components of the central heating and hot water system. The monitoring system may be configured to determine the expected performance of the system based on a known or estimated heating and/or hot water schedule for the central heating and hot water system.

In the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, the monitoring system may be configured to provide an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system and a list of components that may be required to fix the likely fault or faults in the system.

The indication of the parameter may comprise the presence of carbon monoxide in proximity to the central heating and hot water system; and in the event that carbon monoxide is detected in proximity to the central heating and hot water system, the controller is configured to send a signal to the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system to prevent combustion of fuel in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a method of monitoring the performance of a fuel- fired central heating and hot water system, wherein the method comprises: receiving an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time; and comparing the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system; determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison; estimating what the likely fault or faults in the system may be; and in the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, providing at least one of (i) an alert that there is a fault and (ii) an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system. The present aspect provides a method for continuous monitoring of a central heating and hot water system. The method may provide an alert of a fault in real-time (e.g. a few seconds or minutes after a fault has occurred). Providing the alert in real-time may reduce the amount of time between a fault occurring and the fault being fixed. For example, a user of the system may contact an engineer to request the system be repaired.

In sum, the present aspect provides a method wherein users/engineers are alerted of faults in real-time which may prevent injury and reduce the amount of time between a fault occurring and the fault being fixed.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system, the monitoring system comprising a controller configured to: receive an indication of the presence of carbon monoxide in proximity to the central heating and hot water system; and in the event that carbon monoxide is detected in proximity to the central heating and hot water system, the controller is configured to send a signal to the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system to prevent combustion of fuel in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system.

The present aspect provides a system for continuous monitoring of a central heating and hot water system. The remote system may provide an alert of a fault in real-time (e.g. a few seconds or minutes after a fault has occurred). Providing the alert in real-time may reduce the amount of time between a fault occurring and the fault being fixed. For example, a user of the system may contact an engineer to request the system be repaired.

In sum, the present invention provides monitoring system wherein users/engineers are alerted of faults in real-time which may prevent injury and reduce the amount of time between a fault occurring and the fault being fixed.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a method of monitoring the performance of a fuel- fired central heating and hot water system, the method comprising: receiving an indication of the presence of carbon monoxide in proximity to the central heating and hot water system; and in the event that carbon monoxide is detected in proximity to the central heating and hot water system, sending a signal to the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system to prevent combustion of fuel in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. An aspect of the disclosure provides a central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system, the monitoring system comprising: a controller configured to receive an indication of the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide, in a boiler flue of the central heating and hot water system; and a communications interface for communicating with a remote system; wherein the controller is configured to communicate data relating to the functioning of the system based on the received indication to the remote system via the communications interface; and wherein the remote system is configured to: compare the received indication of the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide with an expected performance of the system; determine performance information of the system based on the comparison; provide the performance information of the system to an engineer of the system. In examples the monitoring system may further comprise a first flue sensor. The first flue sensor may be disposed within the boiler flue. The first flue sensor may be configured to provide an indication of the levels of any of: carbon monoxide (CO); and, carbon dioxide (CO₂); present in the boiler flue. The controller may be configured to provide performance information based on the indication. The performance information may be indicative of: the levels of each of both carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide present in the boiler flue; the ratio of carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide present in the boiler flue.

The monitoring system may be configured to provide any of the performance information to an engineer of the system. For example, if the performance information is indicative of a correctly functioning boiler, the engineer may not have to travel to the location of the boiler to perform an equivalent measurement of the amount (or relative amount) of carbon dioxide and carbon monoxide in the boiler flue. Advantageously, the monitoring system may reduce an engineer's workload and/or total travelling time during working hours. Advantageously, the user of the system may not need to organise an engineer to visit the boiler and, therefore, save time and costs (e.g. call-out charge).

The remote system may be configured to: estimate what the likely fault or faults in the system may be based on the comparison; and, in the event that the remote system determines that there is a fault in the system, the controller may be configured to send a signal to a boiler to prevent combustion of the fuel in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. For example, if the monitoring system determines that the boiler is operating in an unsafe manner the monitoring system may be configured to: alert a user of the central heating and hot water system that the boiler is unsafe; and/or, send a signal to a boiler to prevent combustion of the fuel in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system (e.g. toggle the central heating and hot water system from an "ON" state to an "OFF" state).

Advantageously, dangerous emission of carbon monoxide (which can poison people upon inhalation) or other hazardous gases (e.g. methane) may be prevented, therefore, increasing the safety of the system. The monitoring system may be configured to estimate based on the comparison whether: the boiler is performing economically (e.g. if complete combustion is taking place within the boiler); that the boiler requires servicing (e.g. maintenance; replacement of parts); that the boiler is operating in an unsafe manner. The indication may comprise the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide, in a boiler flue of the central heating and hot water system; and wherein the remote system is configured to: compare the received indication of the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide with an expected performance of the system; determine performance information of the system based on the comparison; provide the performance information of the system to an engineer of the system.

An aspect of the disclosure provides a method of monitoring the performance of a fuel- fired central heating and hot water system, the method comprising: receiving an indication of the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide, in a boiler flue of the central heating and hot water system; and comparing the received indication of the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide with an expected performance of the system; determining performance information of the system based on the comparison; providing the performance information of the system to an engineer of the system.

The controller of the monitoring system may comprise a smart gas meter. The controller of the monitoring system may be able to integrate with a smart gas meter. Smart gas meters may be configured to determine gas consumption of a central heating and hot water system.

In examples wherein the monitoring system comprises a smart gas meter, the controller may be configured to allow an engineer to perform a Gas Safety Inspection (e.g. a gas rating) remotely via the communication channels between an engineers device and the controller (e.g. communication channels between: the engineers device and a remote system; the remote system and a communication interface; the communication interface and the controller). For example the smart gas meter may provide an indication of gas consumption measure over a fixed period of time. The indication may be indicative of how the system is performing on a day-to-day basis. Advantageously, the Gas Safety Inspection may be performed remotely.

Figures

Embodiments of the disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 illustrates a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system and a central heating and hot water monitoring system;

Figure 2 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with three curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in a flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in a return pipe against time; a third curve representing the temperature of water in a cylinder against time; Figure 3 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with two curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in a flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in a return pipe against time; Figure 4 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against pressure (y-axis), with one curve plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the pressure of water in a system against time;

Figure 5 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against pressure (y-axis), with one curve plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the pressure of water in a system against time;

Figure 6 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with two curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in a flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in a return pipe against time; Figure 7 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with two curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in a flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in a return pipe against time;

Figure 8 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with one curve plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of air in a room;

Figure 9 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with three curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in a flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in a return pipe against time; a third curve representing the temperature of water in a cylinder against time;

Figure 10 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with two curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in a flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in a return pipe against time.

Specific description

Embodiments of the disclosure relate to a monitoring system for a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system.

Figure 1 illustrates a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system and a central heating and hot water monitoring system.

The fuel-fired central heating and hot water system comprises: a gas inlet pipe 101 ; a boiler 102; a flow pipe 103; a HW/CH valve 104; hot water cylinder 105; radiators 106; return pipe 107; a boiler flue 108; a room thermostat 109. The central heating and hot water monitoring system comprises: a controller 151 ; a communications interface 152; a remote system 153; a computing device owned by a user of the system 154 (referred to hereinafter as a user's device); a computing device owned by an engineer 155 (referred to hereinafter as an engineer's device; a first temperature sensor 161 ; a second temperature sensor 162; a third temperature sensor 163; a fourth temperature sensor 164; a first pressure sensor 171 ; a first gas detector 181 ; a first flue sensor 191 .

The gas inlet pipe 101 is connected to the boiler 102. The boiler 102 is connected to the flow pipe 103. The boiler 102 is connected to the return pipe 107. The boiler 102 is connected to the boiler flue 108. The flow pipe 103 is connected to the HW/CH valve 104. The HW/CH valve 104 is connected to the hot water cylinder 105. The HW/CH valve 104 is connected to each of the radiators 106. Each of the radiators 106 is connected to the return pipe 107. The first temperature sensor 161 is disposed in the flow pipe 103. The second temperature sensor 162 is disposed in the return pipe 107. The third temperature sensor 163 is disposed within the hot water cylinder 105. The room thermostat 109 comprises the fourth temperature sensor 164. The first pressure sensor 171 is disposed in the flow pipe 103. The first gas detector 181 is disposed proximal the boiler 102 (e.g. within a meter of the boiler - in some examples, the first gas detector may be disposed at a top side of the boiler). The first flue sensor 191 is disposed in the boiler flue 108.

The first temperature sensor 161 , the second temperature sensor 162, the third temperature sensor 163, the fourth temperature sensor 164, the first pressure sensor 171 and, the first gas detector 181 each communicate with the controller 151 via a respective communication channel. The controller 151 communicates with the communications interface 152 via a communication channel. The communications interface 152 communicates with the remote system 153 via a communication channel. The remote system 153 communicates with the user's device 154 via a communication channel. The remote system 153 communicates with the engineer's device 155 via a communication channel. Any of the communication channels may be a wired communication channel. Any of the communication channels may be a wireless communication channel. Wireless communication channels may comprise any of: a short range radio frequency network, such as via a Bluetooth® and/or a WiFi® network, and/or via a telecommunications network, such as via the internet.

The gas inlet pipe 101 is configured to provide a flow of gas to the boiler 102. For example the gas may be provided from a gas main.

In other examples, the central heating and hot water system may use another fuel which is combusted to release heat. The heat is used in the central heating and hot water system to heat water in the system. The fuel may be any of: coal; liquefied petroleum gas (LPG); or oil (e.g. gas oil; kerosene). The gas inlet pipe may be replaced with another fuel inlet suitable for use with a given fuel. The boiler 102 is configured to receive gas from the gas inlet pipe 101. The boiler 102 is configurable between an "ON" state and an "OFF" state. For example, in the "ON" state the boiler 102 may be configured to combust the gas to release heat. The boiler 102 is configured to heat water in a central heating and hot water system e.g. by using the heat released by combustion of the gas. In the "OFF" state the boiler 102 is be configured to prevent the combustion of gas.

In examples, the boiler may combust a fuel other than gas. In such examples, the boiler may be configurable between an "ON" state and an "OFF" state. For example, in the "ON" state the boiler may be configured to combust the fuel to release heat. The boiler 102 may be configured to heat water in a central heating and hot water system e.g. by using the heat released by combustion of the fuel. In the "OFF" state the boiler 102 may be configured to prevent the combustion of gas.

The boiler 102 is configured to provide water to the flow pipe 103. The boiler 102 is configured to receive water from the return pipe.

The boiler flue 108 is configured to receive combustion products from combustion of gas in the boiler 102.

The flow pipe 103 is configured to receive water from the boiler 102. The flow pipe 103 is configured to provide water to the HW/CH valve 104. The first temperature sensor 161 is configured to obtain an indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe 103. The first temperature sensor 161 is configured to provide the indication to the controller 151 via the communication channel between the first temperature sensor 161 and the controller 151. The first pressure sensor 171 is configured to obtain an indication of the pressure of water in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The first pressure sensor 171 is configured to provide the indication to the controller 151 via the communication channel between the first pressure sensor 171 and the controller 151.

In examples, water in the system may be in the range of 0.8 bar to 2.6 bar. In examples, water in the system may be in the range of 0.6 to 2.8 bar. The HW/CH valve 104 is configured to provide water to the hot water cylinder 105. The HW/CH valve 104 is configured to provide water to the radiators 106.

The hot water cylinder 105 is configured to provide hot water to outlets (e.g. taps; showerheads). The third temperature sensor 163 is configured to obtain an indication of the temperature of water in the hot water cylinder 105. The third temperature sensor 163 is configured to provide the indication to the controller 151 via the communication channel between the third temperature sensor 163 and the controller 151. The radiators 106 are configured to receive water from the HW/CH valve 104. The radiators 106 are configured to provide water to the return pipe 107. The radiators 106 are configured to exchange heat between water in the radiators and the environment (e.g. air in a room, in which room the radiator is disposed).

The return pipe 107 is configured to receive water from the radiators 106. The return pipe 107 is configured to provide water to the boiler 102. The second temperature sensor 162 is configured to obtain an indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe 107. The second temperature sensor 162 is configured to provide the indication to the controller 151 via the communication channel between the second temperature sensor 162 and the controller 151 .

The fourth temperature sensor 164 is configured to obtain an indication of air temperature in a room where the thermostat is disposed. The fourth temperature sensor 164 is configured to provide the indication to the controller 151 via the communication channel between the fourth temperature sensor 164 and the controller 151. The fourth temperature sensor 164 is configured to provide the indication to the room thermostat 109. The room thermostat 109 may be configured to toggle the boiler between the "ON" state and the "OFF" state based on the indication.

The room thermostat 109 may be configured to obtain schedule information. Schedule information may comprise data indicative of times at which the boiler is to be toggled between the "ON" state and the "OFF" state. Schedule information may comprise data indicative of times at which the boiler is to provide water to the hot water cylinder 105. Schedule information may comprise data indicative of time at which the boiler is to provide water to the radiators 106.

The controller 151 is configured to receive indications from any of: the first temperature sensor 161 ; the second temperature sensor 162; the third temperature sensor 163; the fourth temperature sensor 164; the first pressure sensor 171 ; and, the first gas detector 181 ; via respective communication channels.

The controller 151 is configured to provide, to the communications interface 152 via the communication channel between the controller 151 and the communications interface 152, the indications from any of: the first temperature sensor 161 ; the second temperature sensor 162; the third temperature sensor 163; the fourth temperature sensor 164; the first pressure sensor 171 ; and, the first gas detector 181 .

The communications interface 152 is configured to receive, from the monitoring system receiver 151 via the communication channel between the controller 151 and the communications interface 152, the indications from any of: the first temperature sensor 161 ; the second temperature sensor 162; the third temperature sensor 163; the fourth temperature sensor 164; the first pressure sensor 171 ; and, the first gas detector 181 .

The communications interface 152 is configured to provide, to the remote system 153 via the communication channel between the communications interface 152 and the remote system 153, the indications from any of: the first temperature sensor 161 ; the second temperature sensor 162; the third temperature sensor 163; the fourth temperature sensor 164; the first pressure sensor 171 ; and, the first gas detector 181 .

The remote system 153 is configured to receive, from the communications interface 152 via the communication channel between the communications interface 152 and the remote system 153, the indications from any of: the first temperature sensor 161 ; the second temperature sensor 162; the third temperature sensor 163; the fourth temperature sensor 164; the first pressure sensor 171 ; and, the first gas detector 181 .

The remote 153 is configured to compare the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system. The remote system 153 is configured to determine if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. The remote system 153 is configured to estimate what the likely fault or faults in the system may be. In examples, the remote system (e.g. a server) may comprise a machine learning model which is configured to: compare the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system; and/or determine if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison; and/or estimate what the likely fault or faults in the system may be.

In the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, the remote system is configured to provide at least one of (i) an alert that there is a fault and (ii) an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

The remote system 153 is configured to provide an alert based on one or more of the indications from any of: the first temperature sensor 161 ; the second temperature sensor 162; the third temperature sensor 163; the fourth temperature sensor 164; the first pressure sensor 171 ; and, the first gas sensor 181 .

Figures 2 to 10 illustrate graphs of indications of the arrangement described in Figure 1 , with respect to time. The arrangement illustrated in Figure 1 comprises seven sensors but it will be appreciated by a person skilled in the art that fewer sensors may be provided to achieve a similar arrangement.

Figure 2 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with three curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in the return pipe against time; a third curve representing the temperature of water in the cylinder against time.

The first, second and third curves shown in Figure 2 are based on indications received by the controller of the central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The indications are of: a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. water flow through a return pipe) provided by the second temperature sensor of the monitoring system, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. water flow through a flow pipe) provided by the first temperature sensor of the monitoring system; and, a temperature of a hot water in a cylinder provided by the third temperature sensor of the monitoring system.

The first curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the flow pipe with respect to time: during a first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe (e.g. leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) decreases from a first flow pipe temperature to a second flow pipe temperature wherein the first flow pipe temperature is an expected operational flow pipe temperature (e.g. expected operational temperature of water leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) and the second flow pipe temperature is below the expected operational flow pipe temperature; during a second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe periodically increases and decreases between the second flow pipe temperature and a third flow pipe temperature, wherein the third flow pipe temperature is greater than the second flow pipe temperature and less than the first flow pipe temperature; during a third period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe increases from the second flow pipe temperature to approximately the first flow pipe temperature.

The second curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the return pipe with respect to time: during the first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe (e.g. entering the boiler via the return pipe) decreases from a first return pipe temperature to a second return pipe temperature wherein the first return pipe temperature is an expected operational return pipe temperature (e.g. expected operational temperature of water entering the boiler via the return pipe) and the second return pipe temperature is below the expected operational return pipe temperature; during the second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe periodically increases and decreases between the second return pipe temperature and a third return pipe temperature, wherein the third return pipe temperature is less than the second return pipe temperature; during the third period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe increases from the second return pipe temperature to approximately the first return pipe temperature.

During the second period of time, the indication of the temperature of the water in the flow pipe increases at approximately the same time the indication of the temperature of the water in the return pipe decreases. During the second period of time, the indication of the temperature of the water in the flow pipe decreases at approximately the same time the indication of the temperature of the water in the return pipe increases.

The third curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the cylinder with respect to time: during the first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the cylinder decreases from a first temperature to a second temperature wherein the first temperature is an expected operational temperature and the second temperature is below a lower threshold temperature; during the second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the cylinder remains at the second temperature for a period of time; during the third period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the cylinder increases from the second temperature to approximately the first temperature.

The monitoring system performs the following method:

Receiving an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time.

In the example shown in Figure 2, the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the return pipe), a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the flow pipe), and a temperature of a hot water cylinder.

The first, second and third temperature sensors are configured to provide respective indications to the controller at a selected rate (e.g. each sensor is configured to provide an indication to the controller every 30 seconds).

The first, second and third temperature sensors of the monitoring system provide an indication of respective temperatures to the controller. The controller provides the indications to the remote system via the communication channel between the controller and the remote system (e.g. a communications interface - in examples the communications interface may be a router). Comparing the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system.

In the example shown in Figure 2, the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler and with the temperature of the water in the hot water cylinder.

In the example shown in Figure 2, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe is compared to the expected operational flow pipe temperature.

Determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison.

In the example shown in Figure 2, monitoring system determines that the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe is below the expected operational flow pipe temperature. The monitoring system determines that the cylinder temperature fails to recover after hot water is drawn off from the boiler e.g. the indication of the temperature of water in the cylinder decreases from the first temperature to the second temperature and the temperature of water in the cylinder does not increase from the second temperature back to the first temperature.

In examples, the monitoring system may monitor the temperature of the water in the cylinder for a selected period of time (e.g. a few minutes) until determining there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. Advantageously, false determination of faults in the system due to e.g. transitory changes in the temperature of water in the cylinder are prevented and/or reduced.

Estimating the likely fault or faults in the system. In the example shown in Figure 2, the likely faults in the system are:

• Defective motorised valve

• Defective cylinder thermostat · Defective timer control (e.g. on a printed circuit board of the controller)

• Ignition failure in the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of: (i) an alert that there is a fault and (ii) an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

The monitoring system sends an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system at the start of the second period of time. The fault/faults in the system are fixed at the end of the second period and the start of the third period of time. The third period of time depicts the indications as the system begins to operate with expected operational conditions.

Figure 3 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with two curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in the return pipe against time.

The first and second curves shown in Figure 3 are based on indications received by the controller of the central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The indications are of: a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. water flow through the return pipe) provided by the second temperature sensor of the system; and, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. water flow through the flow pipe) provided by the first temperature sensor of the system.

The first curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the flow pipe with respect to time: during a first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe (e.g. leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) decreases from a first flow pipe temperature to a second flow pipe temperature wherein the first flow pipe temperature is an expected operational flow pipe temperature (e.g. expected operational temperature of water leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) and the second flow pipe temperature is below the expected operational flow pipe temperature; during a second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe increases from the second flow pipe temperature to approximately the first flow pipe temperature.

The second curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the return pipe with respect to time: during the first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe (e.g. entering the boiler via the return pipe) decreases from a first return pipe temperature to a second return pipe temperature wherein the first return pipe temperature is an expected operational return pipe temperature (e.g. expected operational temperature of water entering the boiler via the return pipe) and the second return pipe temperature is below the expected operational return pipe temperature; during the second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe increases from the second return pipe temperature.

The monitoring system performs the following method:

Receiving the indications of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the return pipe), a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the flow pipe).

The first and second temperature sensors are configured to provide respective indications the controller at a selected rate (e.g. each sensor is configured to provide an indication to the controller every 30 seconds).

The first and second temperature sensors of the monitoring system provide an indication of respective temperatures to the controller. The controller provides the indications to the remote system via the communication channel between the controller and the remote system (e.g. a communications interface - in examples the communications interface may be a router).

Comparing the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler and also with heating schedule information.

Determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the monitoring system determines that boiler ignition failure has occurred based on the comparison. For example, the monitoring system may expect a rise in temperature of water in the flow pipe at a time after the boiler is expected (based on the heating schedule information) to be toggled from an "OFF" state to an "ON" state. The heating schedule information may be provided by any of the means provided herein (e.g. heating schedule information provided by the user to the system; determination by a machine learning model.

In examples, the monitoring system may monitor the temperature of the water in the cylinder for a selected period of time (e.g. a few minutes) until determining there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. Advantageously, false determination of faults in the system due to e.g. transitory changes in the temperature of water in the cylinder are prevented and/or reduced. Estimating the likely fault or faults in the system.

In the example shown in Figure 3, the likely faults in the system are: · Defective gas valve

• Gas supply failure

• Defective fan/air pressure switch

• Defective flow sensor

• Defective boiler electronics (e.g. a defective PCB of the boiler) · Boiler switched off

In the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of: (i) an alert that there is a fault and (ii) an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

The monitoring system sends an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system approximately midway through the first period of time. The fault/faults in the system are fixed at the end of the first period and the start of the second period of time. The second period of time depicts the indications as the system begins to operate with expected operational conditions.

Figure 4 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against pressure (y-axis), with one curve plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the pressure of water in the system against time.

The first curve shown in Figure 4 is based on indications received by the controller of the central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The indications are of: system pressure (e.g. the pressure of water in the central heating and hot water system) provided by the first pressure sensor of the monitoring system. Water in a central heating and hot water system may have an operational pressure. The operational pressure may be a pressure of water in the central heating and hot water system at which the central heating and hot water system is designed to operate. In some examples, a range of operational pressures may be provided. The range of operational pressures may be delimited by: a minimum threshold pressure; and, a maximum threshold pressure.

The first curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a pressure of water in the system with respect to time: during a first period of time, the indication of the pressure of water in the system is at a first system pressure wherein the first system pressure is an operational pressure of water in the system (e.g. a pressure between a minimum threshold pressure and a maximum threshold pressure); during a second period of time, the indication of the pressure of water in system decreases from the first system pressure to a second system pressure and remains at the second system pressure, wherein the second system pressure is less than the minimum threshold pressure; during a third period of time, the indication of the pressure of water in the system increases from the second system pressure to a third system pressure, wherein the third pressure is an operational pressure of water in the system (e.g. a pressure between a minimum threshold pressure and a maximum threshold pressure).

In the example shown in Figure 4, both the first pressure and the third pressure are operational pressures. In the example shown in Figure 4, the first pressure is different to the third pressure. In other examples the first pressure may be equal to the third pressure.

The monitoring system performs the following method:

Receiving an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time. In the example shown in Figure 4, the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a pressure of the central heating and hot water system. The first pressure sensor is configured to provide indications to the controller at a selected rate (e.g. each sensor is configured to provide an indication to the controller every 30 seconds).

The first pressure sensor of the monitoring system provide an indication of the water pressure in the central heating and hot water system to the controller. The controller provides the indications to the remote system via the communication channel between the controller and the remote system (e.g. a communications interface - in examples the communications interface may be a router). Comparing the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the pressure of the central heating and hot water system with at least one of a minimum threshold pressure and a maximum threshold pressure.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the received indication is compared to the minimum threshold pressure.

Determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the monitoring system determines that the pressure of the central heating and hot water system has fallen below a minimum threshold pressure. The minimum threshold pressure may be 0.8 bar.

In other examples, the monitoring system may determine that the pressure of the central heating and hot water system has risen above a maximum threshold pressure. In other examples, the monitoring system may compare the indication of pressure of the central heating and hot water system to both the minimum threshold pressure and the maximum pressure. If the monitoring system determines that the indication is less than the maximum threshold pressure and above the minimum threshold pressure the monitoring system may determine that the pressure of the central heating and hot water system to be at an operational pressure.

In examples, the monitoring system may monitor the pressure for a selected period of time (e.g. a few minutes) until determining there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. Advantageously, false determination of faults in the system due to e.g. transitory changes in the pressure may be prevented and/or reduced.

Estimating the likely fault or faults in the system.

In the example shown in Figure 4, the likely faults in the system are:

• Defective expansion vessel

• Slow water drip/weep in pipe network

• Defective pressure sensor · Major burst

The monitoring system sends an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system at the start of the second period of time.

The fault/faults in the system are fixed at the end of the second period and the start of the third period of time. The third period of time depicts the indications as the system begins to operate with expected operational conditions.

Figure 5 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against pressure (y-axis), with one curve plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the pressure of water in the system against time.

The first curve shown in Figure 5 is based on indications received by the controller of the central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The indications are of: system pressure (e.g. the pressure of water in the central heating and hot water system) provided by the first pressure sensor of the monitoring system. Water in the central heating and hot water system has an operational pressure e.g. the operational pressure may be a pressure of water in the central heating and hot water system at which the central heating and hot water system is designed to operate.

In some examples, a range of operational pressures may be provided. The range of operational pressures may be delimited by: a minimum threshold pressure; and, a maximum threshold pressure.

The first curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a pressure of water in the system with respect to time: during a first period of time, the indication of the pressure of water in the system increases from a first system pressure, wherein the first system pressure is an operational pressure of water in the system (e.g. a pressure between a minimum threshold pressure and a maximum threshold pressure) to a second system pressure, wherein the second system pressure is greater than the maximum threshold pressure; during a second period of time, the indication of the pressure of water in system decreases from the second system pressure to a third system pressure and remains at the third system pressure, wherein the third system pressure is less than the maximum threshold pressure. In the example shown in Figure 5, both the first pressure and the third pressure are operational pressures. In the example shown in Figure 5, the first pressure is different to the third pressure. In other examples the first pressure may be equal to the third pressure. The monitoring system performs the following method:

In the example shown in Figure 5, the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a pressure of the central heating and hot water system provided by the first pressure sensor of the monitoring system.

The first pressure sensor is configured to provide indications of the system pressure to the controller at a selected rate (e.g. each sensor is configured to provide an indication to the controller every 30 seconds). The first pressure sensor of the monitoring system provides indications of the system pressure to the controller. The controller provides the indications to the remote system via the communication channel between the controller and the remote system (e.g. a communications interface - in examples the communications interface may be a router). Comparing the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the pressure of the central heating and hot water system with at least one of a minimum threshold pressure and a maximum threshold pressure.

Determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. In the example shown in Figure 5, the monitoring system determines that the pressure of the central heating and hot water system has risen above a maximum threshold pressure. The maximum threshold pressure may be 2.6 bar. In examples, the monitoring system may monitor the pressure for a selected period of time (e.g. a few minutes) until determining there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. Advantageously, false determination of faults in the system due to e.g. transitory changes in the pressure may be prevented and/or reduced.

Estimating the likely fault or faults in the system.

In the example shown in Figure 5, the likely faults in the system are:

• Defective expansion vessel · Defective pump speed

• Defective filling loop

• Partial blockage in the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of: (i) an alert that there is a fault and (ii) an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

The monitoring system sends an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system approximately midway through the second period of time.

The fault/faults in the system are fixed at the start of the second period time. The second period of time depicts the indications as the system begins to operate with expected operational conditions.

Figure 6 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with two curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in the return pipe against time.

The first and second curves shown in Figure 6 are based on indications received by the controller of the central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The indications are of: a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. water flow through a return pipe) provided by the second temperature sensor of the monitoring system; and, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. water flow through a flow pipe) provided by the first temperature sensor of the monitoring system.

The first curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the flow pipe with respect to time: during a first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe is at a first flow pipe temperature; at the start of a second period of time a boiler is ignited; during the second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe (e.g. leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) increases from a first flow pipe temperature to a second flow pipe temperature wherein the second flow pipe temperature is below an expected operational flow pipe temperature; at the start of a third period of time the issue is resolved; during a third period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe decreases from the second flow pipe temperature to a third flow pipe temperature and then increases from the third flow pipe temperature to a fourth flow pipe temperature, wherein the third flow pipe temperature is less than the second flow pipe temperature and the fourth flow pipe temperature is greater than the second flow pipe temperature.

The second curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the return pipe with respect to time: during the first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe (e.g. entering the boiler via the return pipe) remains at a first return pipe temperature wherein the second return pipe temperature is below an expected operational return pipe temperature; during the second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe (e.g. entering the boiler via the return pipe) remains at the first return pipe temperature;

. during the third period of time and the fourth period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe (e.g. entering the boiler via the return pipe) rises towards an expected operation temperature of water in the return pipe.

The monitoring system performs the following method: Receiving an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time.

In the example shown in Figure 6, the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the return pipe) provided by the second temperature sensor of the monitoring system, and a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the flow pipe) provided by the first temperature sensor of the monitoring system. The first and second temperature sensors are configured to provide respective indications to the controller at a selected rate (e.g. each sensor is configured to provide an indication to the controller every 30 seconds).

The first and second temperature sensors of the monitoring system provide respective indications of the water pressure in the central heating and hot water system to the controller. The controller provides the indications to the remote system via the communication channel between the controller and the remote system (e.g. a communications interface - in examples the communications interface may be a router). Comparing the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system.

In the example shown in Figure 6, the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler.

Determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. In the example shown in Figure 6, the temperature of water in the flow pipe has increased above an expected performance temperature of water in the flow pipe. In examples, the monitoring system may monitor the temperature of the water in the cylinder for a selected period of time (e.g. a few minutes) until determining there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. Advantageously, false determination of faults in the system due to e.g. transitory changes in the temperature of water in the cylinder are prevented and/or reduced.

Estimating the likely fault or faults in the system.

In the example shown in Figure 6, the likely faults in the system are:

• Defective/failed pump · Blockage in the system in the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of: (i) an alert that there is a fault and (ii) an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

Figure 7 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with two curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in the return pipe against time.

The first and second curves shown in Figure 7 are based on indications received by the controller of the central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The indications are of: a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. water flow through a return pipe) provided by the second temperature sensor of the monitoring system; and, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. water flow through a flow pipe) provided by the first temperature sensor of the monitoring system.

The first curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the flow pipe with respect to time: during a first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe is at a first flow pipe temperature; during a second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe (e.g. leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) oscillates between the first flow pipe temperature and a second flow pipe temperature; during a third period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe settles to a third flow pipe temperature (e.g. the indication oscillates with reducing amplitude around the third flow pipe temperature).

The second curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the return pipe with respect to time: during the first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe (e.g. entering the boiler via the return pipe) remains at the first return pipe temperature; during the second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe (e.g. entering the boiler via the return pipe) remains at the first return pipe temperature; during a third period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe settles to a third return pipe temperature (e.g. the indication oscillates with reducing amplitude around the third return pipe temperature).

The monitoring system performs the following method:

In the example shown in Figure 7, the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the return pipe) provided by the second temperature sensor of the monitoring system, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the flow pipe) provided by the first temperature sensor of the monitoring system. Comparing the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler as a function of time with a selected threshold rate of change in temperature.

Determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. In the example shown in Figure 7, the temperature of water is determined to increase at a rate above the selected threshold rate of increase.

In other examples, the monitoring system may additionally compare the indication of the temperature of water at an instant in time with the indication of the temperature of water at a previous time. Using this data the system may determine that the temperature of water in the return pipe remains substantially constant with respect to time. This determination may allow some possible faults to be ruled out.

In the example shown in Figure 7, the likely faults in the system are: · Defective pump

• Partial or total blockage in the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of: (i) an alert that there is a fault and (ii) an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

The fault/faults in the system are fixed at the end of the second period and the start of the third period of time. The third period of time depicts the indications as the system begins to operate with expected operational conditions. Figure 8 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with one curve plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of air in the room.

The first curve shown in Figure 8 is based on indications received by the controller of the central heating and hot water monitoring system from the thermostat of the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The indications are of: room temperature (e.g. the temperature of air in the room measured by a thermostat) provided by the fourth temperature sensor. The user of the system may set a desired room temperature. In examples, the user of the system may set a range of desired room temperatures. The range of desired room temperatures may be delimited by a lower desired room temperature and an upper desired room temperature. The first curve indicates the following changes in an indication of room temperature of a room with respect to time: during a first period of time, the indication of room temperature is at a first room temperature, wherein the first room temperature is desired room temperature; during a second period of time, the indication of room decreases from the first room temperature to a second room temperature (wherein the second room temperature is less than the first room temperature) then increases from the second room temperature to the first room temperature and again decreases to the second room temperature wherein the indication remains for the remainder of the second period of time; during a third period of time, the indication of room temperature increases from the second room temperature to the first room temperature. The monitoring system performs the following method:

Receiving an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time. In the example shown in Figure 8, the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises an indication of the temperature of a room provided by a fourth temperature sensor wherein the fourth temperature sensor is disposed on a thermostat of the system. The fourth temperature sensor is configured to provide indications to the controller at a selected rate (e.g. each sensor is configured to provide an indication to the controller every 30 seconds).

The fourth temperature sensor of the monitoring system provide an indication of the temperature of air in a room (wherein the room thermostat is disposed in said room) to the central heating and hot water system to the controller. The controller provides the indications to the remote system via the communication channel between the controller and the remote system (e.g. a communications interface - in examples the communications interface may be a router).

In the example shown in Figure 8, the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the room thermostat temperature and a desired room temperature. Determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison.

In the example shown in Figure 8, the monitoring system determines that the room thermostat temperature is below a desired room temperature. In examples, the monitoring system may monitor the pressure for a selected period of time (e.g. a few minutes) until determining there is a fault in the system based on the comparison. Advantageously, false determination of faults in the system due to e.g. transitory changes in the pressure may be prevented and/or reduced. Estimating the likely fault or faults in the system.

In the example shown in Figure 8, the likely faults in the system are:

• Battery failure

• Defective connection to room thermostat · Complete failure of the room thermostat

The monitoring system sends an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system approximately during the second period of time. The fault/faults in the system are fixed at the end of the second period and the start of the third period of time. The third period of time depicts the indications as the system begins to operate with expected operational conditions.

Figure 9 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with three curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in the return pipe against time; a third curve representing the temperature of water in the cylinder against time.

The first, second and third curves shown in Figure 9 are based on indications received by the controller of the central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The indications are of: a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. water flow through a return pipe) provided by the second temperature sensor of the monitoring system, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. water flow through a flow pipe) provided by the first temperature sensor of the monitoring system; and, a temperature of the hot water in a cylinder provided by the third temperature sensor of the monitoring system.

The first curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the flow pipe with respect to time: during a first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe (e.g. leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) is at a first flow pipe temperature wherein the first flow pipe temperature is an expected operational flow pipe temperature (e.g. expected operational temperature of water leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) and subsequently the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe decreases at a first rate of change to a second flow pipe temperature during a second period of time, the indication decreases at a second rate of change to a third flow pipe temperature, wherein the second flow pipe temperature is less than the first flow pipe temperature and th third flow pipe temperature is less than the second flow pipe temperature and wherein the first rate of change is greater than the second rate of change; during a third period of time, the indication continues to decrease at the second rate of change.

The second curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the return pipe with respect to time: during the first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe (e.g. entering the boiler via the return pipe) decreases from a first return pipe temperature to a second return pipe temperature wherein the first return pipe temperature is an expected operational return pipe temperature (e.g. expected operational temperature of water entering the boiler via the return pipe) and the second return pipe temperature is below the expected operational return pipe temperature, subsequently, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe increases at a first rate of change to a third return pipe temperature during the second period of time, the indication decreases at a second rate of change to a fourth return pipe temperature, wherein the third return pipe temperature is less than the first return pipe temperature and the fourth return pipe temperature is less than the third flow pipe temperature and wherein the magnitude of the first rate of change is greater than the magnitude of the second rate of change; during the third period of time, the indication continues to decrease at the second rate of change.

The third curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the hot water cylinder (e.g. the cylinder) with respect to time: during the first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the cylinder is at a first cylinder temperature to a second cylinder temperature wherein the first temperature is an expected operational cylinder temperature; during the second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the cylinder decreases to a second cylinder temperature, wherein the second temperature of the cylinder is below an expected operating temperature of the cylinder; during the third period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the cylinder increases to the first cylinder temperature.

The monitoring system performs the following method: Receiving an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time. In the example shown in Figure 9, the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the return pipe), a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the flow pipe), a temperature of a hot water cylinder and a state condition of the boiler.

A state condition of the boiler is an indication of the state of a boiler. In the present example, the state condition is indicative of the "ON" state of the boiler or the "OFF" state of the boiler. In the present example, the state condition may be provided to the controller of the monitoring system by the room thermostat.

In examples, the state condition is provided to the controller via a communication channel between a user's device and the controller.

The first, second and third temperature sensors of the monitoring system provide an indication of respective temperatures to the controller. The room thermostat of the monitoring system provides the state condition to the boiler. The controller provides the indications to the remote system via the communication channel between the controller and the remote system (e.g. a communications interface - in examples the communications interface may be a router). Comparing the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system.

In the example shown in Figure 9, the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler and with the temperature of the water in the hot water cylinder.

In the example shown in Figure 9, the indication of the temperature of water in the hot water cylinder is compared to the expected operational hot water cylinder temperature.

Determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison.

In the example shown in Figure 9, monitoring system determines that the indication of the temperature of water in the hot water cylinder is below the expected operational hot water cylinder temperature. The monitoring system determines that the cylinder temperature fails to recover after hot water is drawn off from the boiler e.g. the indication of the temperature of water in the cylinder decreases from the first temperature to the second temperature and the temperature of water in the cylinder does not increase from the second temperature back to the first temperature.

In the example shown in Figure 9, the likely faults in the system are:

• Defective motorised valve

• Defective cylinder thermostat · Defective timer control (e.g. defective PCB)

The monitoring system sends an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system approximately during the second period of time.

Figure 10 illustrates a graph of time (x-axis) against temperature (y-axis), with two curves plotted on the graph: a first curve representing an indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe against time; a second curve representing the temperature of water in the return pipe against time.

The first and second curves shown in Figure 10 are based on indications received by the controller of the central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system. The indications are of: a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. water flow through a return pipe) provided by the second temperature sensor of the system; and, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. water flow through a flow pipe) provided by the first temperature sensor of the system. The first curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the flow pipe with respect to time: during a first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe (e.g. leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) decreases from a first flow pipe temperature to a second flow pipe temperature wherein the first flow pipe temperature is an expected operational flow pipe temperature (e.g. expected operational temperature of water leaving the boiler via the flow pipe) and the second flow pipe temperature is below the expected operational flow pipe temperature; during a second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the flow pipe increases from the second flow pipe temperature to approximately the first flow pipe temperature in a fluctuating manner.

The second curve indicates the following changes in an indication of a temperature of water in the return pipe with respect to time: during the first period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe decreases from a first return pipe temperature to a second return pipe temperature wherein the first return pipe temperature is an expected operational return pipe temperature and the second return pipe temperature is below the expected operational return pipe temperature; during a second period of time, the indication of the temperature of water in the return pipe increases from the second return pipe temperature to approximately the first return pipe temperature in a fluctuating manner. The monitoring system performs the following method:

Receiving the indications of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time. In the example shown in Figure 10, the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the return pipe), a temperature of water flow out of the boiler (e.g. the temperature of water in the flow pipe) and a state condition of the boiler. A state condition of the boiler may be indicative of the "ON" state of the boiler or the "OFF" state of the boiler. The state condition may be provided to the controller of the monitoring system by the room thermostat. The state condition may be provided to the controller via a communication channel between a user's device and the controller. The first and second temperature sensors are configured to provide respective indications the controller at a selected rate (e.g. each sensor is configured to provide an indication to the controller every 30 seconds). The first and second temperature sensors of the monitoring system provide an indication of respective temperatures to the controller. The controller provides the indications to the remote system via the communication channel between the controller and the remote system (e.g. a communications interface - in examples the communications interface may be a router).

Comparing the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system. In the example shown in Figure 10, the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler and also with a state condition of the boiler. Determining if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison.

In the example shown in Figure 10, the monitoring system determines that boiler ignition failure has occurred based on the comparison. For example, the monitoring system may expect a rise in temperature of water in the flow pipe at a time after the boiler is expected (based on the heating schedule information) to be toggled from an "OFF" state to an "ON" state.

The heating schedule information may be provided by any of the means provided herein (e.g. heating schedule information provided by the user to the system; determination by a machine learning model.

Estimating the likely fault or faults in the system. In the example shown in Figure 10, the likely faults in the system are:

• Defective gas valve

• Gas supply failure · Defective boiler PCB

• Boiler switched off

The monitoring system sends an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system approximately during the first period of time. The fault/faults in the system are fixed at the end of the first period and the start of the second period of time. The second period of time depicts the indications as the system begins to operate with expected operational conditions.

Certain features of the methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, and one or more functions of the apparatus may be implemented in method steps. It will also be appreciated in the context of the present disclosure that the methods described herein need not be performed in the order in which they are described, nor necessarily in the order in which they are depicted in the drawings. Accordingly, aspects of the disclosure which are described with reference to products or apparatus are also intended to be implemented as methods and vice versa. The methods described herein may be implemented in computer programs, or in hardware or in any combination thereof. Computer programs include software, middleware, firmware, and any combination thereof. Such programs may be provided as signals or network messages and may be recorded on computer readable media such as tangible computer readable media which may store the computer programs in non-transitory form. Hardware includes computers, handheld devices, programmable processors, general purpose processors, application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), and arrays of logic gates. Any processors used in the computer system (and any of the activities and apparatus outlined herein) may be implemented with fixed logic such as assemblies of logic gates or programmable logic such as software and/or computer program instructions executed by a processor. The computer system may comprise a central processing unit (CPU) and associated memory, connected to a graphics processing unit (GPU) and its associated memory. Other kinds of programmable logic include programmable processors, programmable digital logic (e.g., a field programmable gate array (FPGA), a tensor processing unit (TPU), an erasable programmable read only memory (EPROM), an electrically erasable programmable read only memory (EEPROM), an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or any other kind of digital logic, software, code, electronic instructions, flash memory, optical disks, CD-ROMs, DVD ROMs, magnetic or optical cards, other types of machine-readable mediums suitable for storing electronic instructions, or any suitable combination thereof. Such data storage media may also provide the data store of the computer system (and any of the apparatus outlined herein).

Other examples and variations of the disclosure will be apparent to the skilled addressee in the context of the present disclosure.

Machine learning model - neural network

The neural network may comprise at least one of a deep residual network and/or a highway network and/or a densely connected network and/or a capsule network.

For any such type of network, the network comprises a plurality of different neurons, which are organised into different layers. Each neuron is configured to receive input data, process this input data (e.g. one or more indications) and provide output data (an alert). Each neuron may be configured to perform a specific operation on its input, e.g. this may involve mathematically processing the input data. The input data for each neuron may comprise an output from a plurality of other preceding neurons. As part of a neuron's operation on input data, each stream of input data (e.g. one stream of input data for each preceding neuron which provides its output to the neuron) is assigned a weighting. That way, processing of input data by a neuron comprises applying weightings to the different streams of input data so that different items of input data will contribute more or less to the overall output of a neuron. Adjustments to the value of the inputs for a neuron, e.g. as a consequence of the input weightings changing, may result in a change to the value of the output for that neuron. The output data from each neuron may be sent to a plurality of subsequent neurons.

The neurons are organised in layers. Each layer comprises a plurality of neurons which operate on data provided to them from the output of neurons in preceding layers. Within each layer there may be a large number of different neurons, each of which applies a different weighting to its input data and performs a different operation on its input data. The input data for all of the neurons in a layer may be the same, and the output from the neurons will be passed to neurons in subsequent layers.

The exact routing between neurons in different layers forms a major difference between capsule networks and deep residual networks (including variants such as highway networks and densely connected networks). For a residual network, layers may be organised into blocks, such that the network comprises a plurality of blocks, each of which comprises at least one layer. For a residual network, output data from one layer of neurons may follow more than one different path. For conventional neural networks (e.g. convolutional neural networks), output data from one layer is passed into the next layer, and this continues until the end of the network so that each layer receives input from the layer immediately preceding it, and provides output to the layer immediately after it. However, for a residual network, a different routing between layers may occur. For example, the output from one layer may be passed on to multiple different subsequent layers, and the input for one layer may be received from multiple different preceding layers. In a residual network, layers of neurons may be organised into different blocks, wherein each block comprises at least one layer of neurons. Blocks may be arranged with layers stacked together so that the output of a preceding layer (or layers) feeds into the input of the next block of layers. The structure of the residual network may be such that the output from one block (or layer) is passed into both the block (or layer) immediately after it and at least one other later subsequent block (or layer). Shortcuts may be introduced into the neural network which pass data from one layer (or block) to another whilst bypassing other layers (or blocks) in between the two. This may enable more efficient training of the network, e.g. when dealing with very deep networks, as it may enable problems associated with degradation to be addressed when training the network (which is discussed in more detail below). The arrangement of a residual neural network may enable branches to occur such that the same input provided to one layer, or block of layers, is provided to at least one other layer, or block of layers (e.g. so that the other layer may operate on both the input data and the output data from the one layer, or block of layers). This arrangement may enable a deeper penetration into the network when using back propagation algorithms to train the network. For example, this is because during learning, layers, or blocks of layers, may be able to take as an input, the input of a previous layer/block and the output of the previous layer/block, and shortcuts may be used to provide deeper penetration when updating weightings for the network.

For a capsule network, layers may be nested inside of other layers to provide ‘capsules'. Different capsules may be adapted so that they are more proficient at performing different tasks than other capsules. A capsule network may provide dynamic routing between capsules so that for a given task, the task is allocated to the most competent capsule for processing that task. For example, a capsule network may avoid routing the output from every neuron in a layer to every neuron in the next layer. A lower level capsule is configured to send its input to a higher level (subsequent) capsule which is determined to be the most likely capsule to deal with that input. Capsules may predict the activity of higher layer capsules. For example, a capsule may output a vector, for which the orientation represents properties of an object in question. In response, each subsequent capsule may provide, as an output, a probability that the object that capsule is trained to identify is present in the input data. This information (e.g. the probabilities) can be fed back to the capsule, which can then dynamically determine routing weights, and forward the input data to the subsequent capsule most likely to be the relevant capsule for processing that data.

For either type of neural network, there may be included a plurality of different layers which have different functions. The neural network may include at least one convolutional layer configured to convolve input data across its height and width. The neural network may also have a plurality of filtering layers, each of which comprises a plurality of neurons configured to focus on and apply filters to different portions of the input data. Other layers may be included for processing the input data such as pooling layers (to introduce non-linearity) such as maximum pooling and global average pooling, Rectified Linear Units layer (ReLU) and loss layers, e.g. some of which may include regularization functions. The final block of layers may receive input from the last output layer (or more layers if there are branches present). The final block may comprise at least one fully connected layer.

The final output layer may comprise a classifier, such as a softmax, sigmoid or tanh classifier. Different classifiers may be suitable for different types of output; for example, a sigmoid classifier may be suitable where the output is a binary classifier. The neural network of the present disclosure may be configured to predict binding affinities between the target and test object. In which case, the output may be a prediction of the value for the equilibrium dissociation constant. The output of the neural network may provide an indication of a probability that the target and test object fit. It may provide as an output an indication of whether or not a more detailed analysis of the fit between the target and test object is warranted, such as in a binary form, wherein a first output indicates ‘yes' and a second output indicates ‘no'. In which case, the network may act as a screen for pulling out a smaller group of compounds for which a more detailed examination is required.

Claims

1 . A central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system, the monitoring system comprising: a controller configured to receive an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time; and a communications interface for communicating with a remote system; wherein the controller is configured to communicate data relating to the functioning of the system based on the received at least one parameter to the remote system via the communications interface; and wherein the remote system is configured to: compare the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system; determine if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison; estimate what the likely fault or faults in the system may be; and in the event that the remote system determines that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of (i) an alert that there is a fault, and (ii) an alert that there is a fault and an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

2. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of claim 1 , wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises at least one: temperature of water flow into boiler; temperature of water flow out of boiler; hot water cylinder temperature; room thermostat temperature; presence of CO gas; presence of natural gas; hot water and heating schedule information; and system pressure.

3. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of claim 1 or 2 wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler and temperature of water flow out of the boiler, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler.

4. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of the previous claims wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a pressure of the central heating and hot water system, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the pressure of the central heating and hot water system with at least one of a minimum threshold pressure and a maximum threshold pressure.

5. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of the previous claims wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow out of the boiler, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler as a function of time with a selected threshold rate of change in temperature.

6. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of the previous claims wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler and a temperature of a hot water cylinder, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler and with the temperature of the water in the hot water cylinder.

7. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of the previous claims wherein the expected performance of the system is based on historic performance of the system over time.

8. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of the previous claims wherein the remote system is configured to determine the expected performance of the system based on a lookup operation in a database of known performances for a component or components of the central heating and hot water system.

9. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of the previous claims wherein the monitoring system is configured to determine the expected performance of the system based on a known or estimated heating and/or hot water schedule for the central heating and hot water system.

10. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of the previous claims wherein in the event that the remote system determines that there is a fault in the system, the remote system is configured to provide an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system and a list of components that may be required to fix the likely fault or faults in the system.

11 . The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of the previous claims wherein the indication of the parameter comprises the presence of carbon monoxide in proximity to the central heating and hot water system; and in the event that carbon monoxide is detected in proximity to the central heating and hot water system, the controller is configured to send a signal to the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system to prevent combustion of fuel in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system.

12. A central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system, wherein the monitoring system is configured to: receive an indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system and how it varies as a function of time; and compare the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system; determine if there is a fault in the system based on the comparison; estimate what the likely fault or faults in the system may be; and in the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, to provide at least one of (i) an alert that there is a fault and (ii) an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system.

13. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of claim 12, wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises at least one: temperature of water flow into boiler; temperature of water flow out of boiler; hot water cylinder temperature; room thermostat temperature; presence of CO gas; presence of natural gas; hot water and heating schedule information; and system pressure.

14. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of claim 12 or 13 wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler and temperature of water flow out of the boiler, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler.

15. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of claims 12 to 14 wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a pressure of the central heating and hot water system, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the pressure of the central heating and hot water system with at least one of a minimum threshold pressure and a maximum threshold pressure.

16. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of claims 12 to 15 wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow out of the boiler, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler as a function of time with a selected threshold rate of change in temperature.

17. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of claims 12 to 16 wherein the indication of at least one parameter of the central heating and hot water system comprises a temperature of water flow into the boiler, a temperature of water flow out of the boiler and a temperature of a hot water cylinder, and wherein the comparison of the received indication of the at least one parameter with an expected performance of the system comprises a comparison of the temperature of the water flow into the boiler with the temperature of the water flow out of the boiler and with the temperature of the water in the hot water cylinder.

18. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of claims 12 to 17 wherein the expected performance of the system is based on historic performance of the system over time.

19. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of claims 12 to 18 wherein the monitoring system is configured to determine the expected performance of the system based on a lookup operation in a database of known performances for a component or components of the central heating and hot water system.

20. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of claims 12 to 19 wherein the monitoring system is configured to determine the expected performance of the system based on a known or estimated heating and/or hot water schedule for the central heating and hot water system.

21. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of claims 12 to 20 wherein in the event that a determination is made that there is a fault in the system, the monitoring system is configured to provide an alert that there is a fault with an indication of the possible likely fault or faults in the system and a list of components that may be required to fix the likely fault or faults in the system.

22. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of claims 12 to 21 wherein the indication of the parameter comprises the presence of carbon monoxide in proximity to the central heating and hot water system; and in the event that carbon monoxide is detected in proximity to the central heating and hot water system, the monitoring system is configured to send a signal to the fuel- fired central heating and hot water system to prevent combustion of fuel in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system.

23. A central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system, the monitoring system comprising a controller configured to: receive an indication of the presence of carbon monoxide in proximity to the central heating and hot water system; and in the event that carbon monoxide is detected in proximity to the central heating and hot water system, the controller is configured to send a signal to the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system to prevent combustion of fuel in the fuel-fired central heating and hot water system.

24. The central heating and hot water monitoring system of any of claims 12 to 22, wherein the indication of the parameter comprises the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide, in a boiler flue of the central heating and hot water system; and wherein the remote system is configured to: compare the received indication of the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide with an expected performance of the system; determine performance information of the system based on the comparison; provide the performance information of the system to an engineer of the system.

25. A central heating and hot water monitoring system for monitoring the performance of a fuel-fired central heating and hot water system, the monitoring system comprising: a controller configured to receive an indication of the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide, in a boiler flue of the central heating and hot water system; and a communications interface for communicating with a remote system; wherein the controller is configured to communicate data relating to the functioning of the system based on the received indication to the remote system via the communications interface; and wherein the remote system is configured to: compare the received indication of the presence of any of: carbon monoxide; and, carbon dioxide with an expected performance of the system; determine performance information of the system based on the comparison; provide the performance information of the system to an engineer of the system.