WO2023079109A1

WO2023079109A1 - Thermal module and method for heating an apartment and providing hot tap water

Info

Publication number: WO2023079109A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/080869
Authority: WO
Inventors: Jan Henk Cnossen; Ronny Dudziak; Axel Hilscher
Original assignee: Flamco B.V.
Priority date: 2021-11-05
Filing date: 2022-11-04
Publication date: 2023-05-11
Also published as: NL2029655B1

Abstract

The invention relates to a thermal module (10) for use in a heating system, the thermal module being configured: a) to supply a heat carrier for heating an indoor space, and b) to heat incoming cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier,the thermal module comprising on a secondary side thereof:- a cold tap water channel (52) extending from the cold water entry (16) to the secondary entry (36),- a hot tap water channel (38) extending from the secondary exit to the hot tap water exit (18),- a bypass channel (55) which bifurcates from the cold tap water channel (52) at a bifurcation location (54) and merges with the hot tap water channel at amerge location (57) and which bypasses the heat exchanger.

Description

Title: Thermal module and method for heating an apartment and providing hot tap water

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a thermal module and to a method for heating an apartment and providing hot tap water to the apartment.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

In modern apartment buildings and office buildings, often a single, central heating device is provided for providing hot water which can be used for heating the indoor living space and for providing hot tap water. The single, central heating device is often positioned in a basement or lower floor. The hot water is then the heat carrier which is transported to the different floors via a single standpipe. Individual apartments or other units within a building each have a heat exchanger unit. The heat exchanger unit comprises a heat exchanger and control equipment. With the heat exchanger unit, the hot water supplied from a central heating device can be used for 1) heating the indoor living space of the apartment or other unit, and 2) providing hot tap water. The hot tap water is created by passing the heat carrier through a primary channel of the heat exchanger. Cold tap water is passed through a secondary channel of the heat exchanger and is heated with the from the heat carrier.

An example of such a heat exchanger unit is disclosed in EP2908058A1 . The heat exchanger is controlled with two valves 3, 5. A first valve 3 is placed in the heat carrier supply channel. This valve is controlled with a first temporary sensor 4 which is placed in the hot tap water channel 4. The second valve 5 is placed in the carrier return channel and controlled with a second temperature sensor 6 which is placed in the cold tap water channel, close to the heat exchanger. With these two temperature sensors, the heat exchanger can be controlled to have the following characteristics:

1) It provides a relatively fast response to a demand for hot tap water. When a demand for hot that water occurs, the cold tap water starts flowing through the secondary channel. The second temperature sensor 6 measures are dropping temperature, and on this basis, the second valve 5 is opened, creating a flow of the heat carrier liquid through the primary channel. Also, if after a period of idleness the temperature of the heat exchanger becomes too low, the second temperature sensor 6 will sense this and the second the 5 is opened. Heat carrier liquid will pass through the primary channel of the heat exchanger, thereby keeping the heat exchanger at a certain minimal temperature. When a demand for hot tap water occurs, the temperature of the heat exchanger will already be elevated and there is no need for first warming the heat exchanger itself. Therefore, as soon as the heat carrier liquid starts flowing through the primary channel, the (then) cold water running through the secondary channel will be heated.

2) It provides a relatively constant temperature of the hot tap water, without risk of scalding. If the hot tap water which exits the secondary outlet of the heat exchanger becomes too hot, the first temperature sensor senses that the temperature is too high. On this basis the first valve 3 is closed as a result of which no more heat carrier liquid passes through the heat exchanger. In this way, a too high temperature of the hot tap water is avoided.

The heat exchanger according to EP2908058A1 has an additional advantage in that the construction can be relatively simple and straightforward. Standard thermostat components can be used in which one temperature sensor is linked to one valve via a capillary channel. Two of such standard thermostat components are used, one component for the first temperature sensor 4 and the first valve 3 and one component for the second temperature sensor 6 and the second valve 5. The unit does not require any electricity for operation and is therefore relatively robust.

However, it was recognised in the present invention that the temperature of the hot tap water may still become too high with a risk of scalding as a consequence. This is because the control of the hot tap water is rather indirect. When the flow of carrier liquid through the primary channel is stopped because the temperature of the outgoing hot tap water becomes too high, the temperature of the heat exchanger itself may already have risen to an unacceptably high level. Because the heat exchanger itself functions as a buffer, it will continue to heat the tap water for some time after the flow through the primary channel has been stopped.

Furthermore, it was recognised in the present invention that the heat exchanger according to EP2908058A1 is not specifically configured for heating systems having a carrier with relatively low temperature of between 35° C and 55° C. Heating systems having a heat carrier with a relatively low temperature are gradually becoming more popular. For such heating systems, there essentially is no risk of scalding because the heat exchanger cannot become so hot that the tap water becomes dangerously hot. However, it was recognized in the present invention that situations may occur in which the hot tap water is not hot enough. The device of EP2908058A1 is ill-suited for such conditions.

WO2012/120455A1 discloses a thermal module having a separate control unit 46. The thermal module has a flow switch which controls the partition valve 44 which controls the flow of the heat carrier. The thermal module has a bypass channel and a mixer 32 which mixes cold water into the hot tap water to prevent scalding. The mixer 32 mixes the hot and cold water according to a certain ratio.

EP3139101A1 discloses a thermal module with a main heat exchanger and an auxiliary heat exchanger. This system is quite complex.

OBJECT OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a thermal module with which both heating of indoor living space and heating of tap water of an apartment or other unit within a building can be effectively controlled.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a thermal module which can effectively heat the living space of an apartment or other unit within a building and provide hot tap water relatively quickly and without risk of scalding.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide a thermal module with which both heating of indoor living space and heating of tap water of an apartment or other unit within a building can be effectively controlled when the heat carrier has a relatively low temperature of between 35° C and 55° C.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In order to achieve at least one of the objectives, a thermal module according to claim 1 is provided. With the first temperature sensor and three-way valve, the amount of heat sent to the indoor spacing for the heating thereof can be effectively controlled. The single thermal module effectively carries out both heating functions based on a single incoming heat carrier. Due to the bypass channel and the bypass valve, the temperature of the outgoing hot tap water can be effectively controlled. In particular, a risk of scalding can be mitigated. The bypass valve can respond relatively fast to any excessive temperature. The thermal module is safer and faster than the thermal module according to EP2908058A1 , because the bypass channel responds faster and provides a more direct control of the temperature of the hot tap water.

Because of the thermostatic control valves and the capillary channels, the thermal module can do without electricity as opposed to the thermal module of WO2012/120455A1 .

The primary side is associated with the parts relating to the heat carrier. The secondary side is associated with the parts relating to the tap water. The heat exchanger forms the boundary between the primary side and the secondary side.

In the same or an alternative embodiment, the bypass valve is a three-way valve positioned at the merge location, or wherein the bypass valve is a three-way valve positioned at the bifurcation location, or wherein the bypass valve is a two-way valve positioned in the bypass channel between the bifurcation location and the merge location.

In the same or an alternative embodiment, the bypass valve is a mixing valve, configured to gradually vary the flow of cold water through the bypass channel based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor.

In the same or an alternative embodiment, the return heat carrier control valve is a three-way mixing valve, configured to gradually vary the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor.

In the same or an alternative embodiment, all components are fitted in a single housing which can be installed as a single unit. This makes the degassing device simple to install.

The present invention further relates to a heating system comprising:

- a heating device and a heat carrier transport pipe which carries the heat carrier from the heating device,

- a plurality of thermal modules according to any of claims 1-6, connected to the same heat carrier transport pipe.

It was found that this heating system is very effective in heating apartments or other units in an apartment building or other building, while at the same time providing hot tap water to these apartment or other units. The present invention further relates to a method of supplying a heat carrier for heating an indoor space and heating incoming cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the method comprising:

- supplying the thermal module of any of claims 1-6 with a heat carrier via the heat carrier entry,

- heating cold tap water with the heat carrier in the heat exchanger,

- supplying the heat carrier to heat an indoor space, and

- returning the used heat carrier via the heat carrier return.

Further embodiment for low temperature heating systems

In a further aspect, the present invention relates to a thermal module configured for receiving a single incoming heat carrier and:

I. providing the heat carrier to an apartment or other indoor space, and

II. providing hot tap water for the apartment or other indoor space, the thermal module comprising: a heat carrier entry via which the heat carrier enters the thermal module, a heat carrier return via which after use the heat carrier exits the thermal module, a cold tap water entry via which cold tap water enters the thermal module, a hot tap water exit via which the hot tap water which is heated in the thermal module exits the thermal module, at least one room heating exit via which the heat carrier exits the thermal module for heating the apartment, at least one room heating return entry via which after use the heat carrier returns to the thermal module from the apartment, a heat exchanger for heating the cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the heat exchanger having a primary channel for the heat carrier and a secondary channel for the tap water, the primary channel having a primary entry and a primary exit, the secondary channel having a secondary entry and a secondary exit, the thermal module further comprising on a primary side thereof: a heat carrier supply channel connected to the heat carrier entry and extending to the primary entry of the heat exchanger, a room heating supply channel which branches off from the heat carrier supply channel at a heat carrier branch point and extends to the room heating exit, a heat exchanger return channel which extends from the primary exit to a heat carrier return merge point, a room heating return channel which extends from the room heating return entry to the heat carrier return merge point, wherein the heat exchanger return channel and the room heating return channel merge at the heat carrier return merge point, a heat carrier return channel which extends from the heat carrier return merge point to the heat carrier exit, a return heat carrier control valve which is positioned: o at the heat carrier return merge point or in the heat exchanger return channel upstream from the heat carrier return merge point, or o at the heat carrier branch point or in the heat carrier supply channel downstream from the heat carrier branch point, and a first temperature sensor, the first temperature sensor being positioned at the secondary entry of the heat exchanger, wherein the return heat carrier control valve is connected to the first temperature sensor and configured to control a portion of the heat carrier supply which is directed through the heat exchanger based on a tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the heating unit further comprising on a secondary side thereof: a cold tap water channel extending from the cold water entry to the secondary entry, a hot tap water channel extending from the secondary exit to the hot tap water exit, a flow limiter for limiting the flow of tap water through the heat exchanger., wherein the thermal module further comprises a top-up heating device positioned in the hot tap water channel for providing additional heat to the hot tap water flowing through the hot tap water channel, and apart from the return heat carrier control valve no further control means for reducing the maximum temperature of tap water is present with the result that in operation the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger (26) is stopped only when the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (50) rises above the threshold temperature.

The top-up heating device ensures that the hot tap water which is delivered to the apartment has a temperature which is equal to or greater than a minimum acceptable temperature in case the incoming heat carrier has a temperature which is below that minimum acceptable temperature. The omitting of any further control means for reducing the maximum temperature of tap water makes the device well suited for heating systems with a low temperature heat carrier.

In an embodiment, the top-up heating device comprises an electric connector configured to be coupled to a source of electric power and an electric resistor element which is connected to the electric connector and which is in direct or indirect thermal contact with the hot tap water channel. It was found that this is a simple and robust system.

In the same or an alternative embodiment the top-up heating device further comprises a PCM buffer containing a phase changing (PCM) material, wherein the electric resistor element is positioned in the PCM buffer, wherein the hot tap water channel extends through the PCM buffer. It was found that this is a robust and cost-effective embodiment. The PCM buffer can be heated at times where the electricity price is low, and can stores this heat for use at any time, including at times wherein the electricity price is high. Also, because there is a buffer of heat, an outage in the central heating device of the apartment building or other building will not result in a loss of hot tap water. An electricity outage will also not result in a loss of hot tap water. Obviously the PCM buffer has a limited heat storage.

In the same or an alternative embodiment the top-up heating device comprises a heat pump, the heat pump comprising: a compressor, an evaporator which is in thermal contact with the room heating supply channel, an expansion valve, and a condenser which is in thermal contact with the hot tap water channel.

This was found to be a very energy efficient system. The heat for the top-up device is drawn from the heat carrier. As a result the heat carrier which is provided for room heating will have a temporary drop in temperature as long as hot tap water is required. The drop in temperature is limited. The heating of the indoor space will be affected to some degree , but only for a limited time period and to a limited degree, which is unnoticeable or virtually unnoticeable to a user. For instance the heat carrier which is supplied for indoor heating may drop from 35° C to 25° C for a limited period of time, e.g. five minutes for an average shower. This will not be noticed in the apartment itself.

In the same or an alternative embodiment, the top-up heating device comprises a third temperature sensor positioned at the hot tap water channel and a control unit configured to turn the top-up heating device on when the third temperature sensor measures a hot tap water temperature which lies below a third threshold temperature. In this way the hot tap water is automatically further heated when the temperature falls below a minimum acceptable hot water temperature.

In the same or an alternative embodiment, the return heat carrier control valve is a two-way valve placed in the heat exchanger return channel upstream of the heat carrier return merge point where the room heating return channel meets the heat exchanger return channel. It was found that this is a simple way of controlling the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger.

Another embodiment for low temperature heating systems

In another aspect the present invention relates to a thermal module configured for receiving a single incoming heat carrier and:

I. providing the heat carrier to an apartment or other indoor space, and

II. providing hot tap water for the apartment or other indoor space, the thermal module comprising: a heat carrier entry via which the heat carrier enters the thermal module, a heat carrier return via which after use the heat carrier exits the thermal module, a cold tap water entry via which cold tap water enters the thermal module, a hot tap water exit via which the hot tap water which is heated in the thermal module exits the thermal module, at least one room heating exit via which the heat carrier exits the thermal module for heating the apartment, at least one room heating return entry via which after use the heat carrier returns to the thermal module from the apartment, a heat exchanger for heating the cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the heat exchanger having a primary channel for the heat carrier and a secondary channel for the tap water, the primary channel having a primary entry and a primary exit, the secondary channel having a secondary entry and a secondary exit, the thermal module further comprising on a primary side thereof: a heat carrier supply channel connected to the heat carrier entry and extending to the primary entry of the heat exchanger, a room heating supply channel which branches off from the heat carrier supply channel at a heat carrier branch point and extends to the room heating exit, a heat exchanger return channel which extends from the primary exit to a heat carrier return merge point, a room heating return channel which extends from the room heating return entry to the heat carrier return merge point, wherein the heat exchanger return channel and the room heating return channel merge at the heat carrier return merge point, a heat carrier return channel which extends from the heat carrier return merge point to the heat carrier exit, a return heat carrier control valve which is positioned: o at the heat carrier return merge point or in the heat exchanger return channel upstream from the heat carrier return merge point, or o at the heat carrier branch point or in the heat carrier supply channel downstream from the heat carrier branch point, and a first temperature sensor , the first temperature sensor being positioned at the secondary entry of the heat exchanger, wherein the return heat carrier control valve is connected to the first temperature sensor and configured to control a portion of the heat carrier supply which is directed through the heat exchanger based on a tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the heating unit further comprising on a secondary side thereof: a cold tap water channel extending from the cold water entry to the secondary entry, a hot tap water channel extending from the secondary exit to the hot tap water exit, a flow limiter for limiting the flow of tap water through the heat exchanger, wherein apart from the return heat carrier control valve no further control means for controlling the maximum temperature of tap water is present with the result that in operation the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger is stopped only when the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor rises above the threshold temperature.

It was found that this thermal module provides a simple and effective control in low temperature heating systems.

In an embodiment, no water temperature sensor or flow sensor is present in the hot tap water channel for measuring the temperature respectively the flow of the hot tap water. This results in a simple and cost-effective thermal module. In an embodiment, no control valve is present on the primary side to limit a flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger. This results in a simple and cost-effective thermal module.

The present invention further relates to a heating system comprising: a heating device and a heat carrier transport pipe which carries the heat carrier from the heating device, a plurality of thermal modules according to any of claims 8-15, connected to the same heat carrier transport pipe.

The present invention further relates to a method of supplying a heat carrier for heating an indoor space and heating incoming cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the method comprising: supplying the thermal module of any of claims 8-15 with a heat carrier via the heat carrier entry, wherein the heat carrier has a temperature of 35-55 °C. heating cold tap water with the heat carrier in the heat exchanger, supplying the heat carrier to heat an indoor space, and returning the used heat carrier via the heat carrier return.

In an embodiment of the method, the hot tap water is further heated with the top-up heating device.

In an embodiment of the method, the hot tap water is further heated with the top-up heating device comprising a heat-pump, wherein the heat pump uses the heat carrier, in particular a portion of the heat carrier which is used for heating the indoor space, as a source of heat to raise the temperature of the hot tap water. The hot tap water can very efficiently be raised to a required temperature with heat from the heat carrier. The heating of the indoor space will temporarily be reduced, but this effect will be small and will generally be unnoticeable for persons inside the indoor space.

These and other aspects of the invention will be more readily appreciated as the same becomes better understood by reference to the following detailed description and considered in connection with the accompanying drawings in which like reference symbols designate like parts.

SHORT DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES Fig. 1 shows a configuration of a thermal module according to the present invention for an unmixed heating system.

Fig. 2 shows a configuration of a thermal module according to the present invention for a mixed heating system.

Figs. 3 and 4 show embodiments of a thermal module according to the present invention comprising a top-up heating device for an unmixed heating system respectively a mixed heating system.

Figs. 5 and 6 show embodiments of a thermal module according to the present invention comprising a top-up heating device comprising a heat pump for an unmixed heating system respectively a mixed heating system.

Figs. 7 and 8 show embodiments of a thermal module according to the present invention comprising a top-up heating device comprising a PCM buffer for an unmixed heating system respectively a mixed heating system.

Fig. 9 shows a configuration of a thermal module according to the present invention for an unmixed heating system with a low temperature heat carrier.

Fig. 10 shows a configuration of a thermal module according to the present invention for a mixed heating system with a low temperature heat carrier.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

With reference to figure 1, a thermal module 10 for use in a heating system is shown. The thermal is configured for receiving a single incoming heat carrier and:

I. providing the heat carrier to an apartment or other indoor space, and

II. providing hot tap water for the apartment or other indoor space,

The thermal module comprises a heat carrier entry 12 via which the heat carrier enters the thermal module 10 and a heat carrier return 14 via which after use the used heat carrier exits the thermal module and to be returned to a heating device. Used in this context means that a considerable portion of the heat in the heat carrier has been extracted from the heat carrier and. The heat is used for heating the indoor space and/or for heating the cold tap water. The returning heat carrier will therefore be colder than the incoming heat carrier.

The heat carrier will generally be water, but other liquids may also be used.

The thermal module 10 can be used in a heating system comprising a heating device and a heat carrier transport pipe which carries the heat carrier liquid from the heating device. The heating device may be a central heating device for instance located in the cellar of an apartment building. Obviously, the thermal module may also be used in other buildings and with a different position of the heating device. Each apartment may be fitted with a thermal module 10 according to the present invention. A single heat carrier standpipe may carrier heat towards the different floors of the apartment building.

The thermal module 10 further comprises a cold tap water entry 16 via which cold tap water enters the thermal module and a hot tap water exit 18 via which hot tap water exits the thermal module.

The thermal module 10 may also comprise a cold water exit 20 to provide cold water to an apartment or other indoor space. The thermal module 10 comprises at least one room heating exit 22 via which the heat carrier exits the thermal module 10 in order to be conveyed to the indoor space, and a room heating return entry 24 via which the used heat carrier which returns from the indoor space to the thermal module.

It is noted that the thermal module 10 of figure 1 relates to a so-called unmixed circuit (UC) in which the indoor space is heated with a single type of heating principle, being either heating radiators or floor heating.

The thermal module 10 further comprises a heat exchanger 26 for heating cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier. The heat exchanger has a primary channel 28 for the heat carrier and a secondary channel 30 for the tap water. The primary channel 28 has a primary entry 32 and a primary exit 34. The secondary channel 30 has a secondary entry 36 and a secondary exit 38.

The thermal module 10 as a whole has a primary side 40 and a secondary side 41. The primary side 41 is associated with the heat carrier and the heating of the indoor space. The secondary side 41 is associated with the hot and cold tap water. The heat exchanger forms the boundary between the primary side 40 and the secondary side 41.

The thermal module further comprises on the primary side 40 thereof: a heat carrier supply channel 42 connected to the heat carrier entry 12 and extending to the primary entry 32 of the heat exchanger, a room heating supply channel 44 which branches off from the heat carrier supply channel at a heat carrier branch point 45 and extends to the room heating exit 22, a heat exchanger return channel 43 which extends from the primary exit 34 to a heat carrier return merge point 143, a room heating return channel 46 which extends from the room heating return entry 24 to the heat carrier return merge point 143, wherein the heat exchanger return channel 43 and the room heating return channel 46 merge at the heat carrier return merge point 143, a heat carrier return channel 243 which extends from the heat carrier return merge point 143 to the heat carrier exit 14, a return heat carrier control valve 48; 481 which is positioned: o at the heat carrier return merge point or in the heat exchanger return channel 43 upstream from the heat carrier return merge point, or o at the heat carrier branch point 45 or in the heat carrier supply channel 42 downstream from the heat carrier branch point 45, and a first temperature sensor 50, the first temperature sensor being positioned at the secondary entry 36 of the heat exchanger, wherein the return heat carrier control valve is connected to the first temperature sensor 50 and configured to control a portion of the heat carrier supply which is directed through the heat exchanger based on a tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor,

The return heat carrier control valve 48 is configured to close when the tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 50 rises above a threshold temperature.

The return heat carrier control valve 48 forms the heat carrier return merge point 143. In this embodiment the return heat carrier control valve 48 is positioned at the heat carrier return merge point and for this reason it is a three way mixing valve. It is also possible to position the return heat carrier control valve 48 in the heat exchanger return channel 43, and in that case it can be a two way control valve 481.

The thermal module 10 further comprises on a secondary side thereof: a cold tap water channel 52 extending from the cold water entry 16 to the secondary entry 36, a hot tap water channel 54 extending from the secondary exit 38 to the hot tap water exit 18, a bypass channel 55 which bifurcates from the cold tap water channel 52 at a bifurcation location 56 and merges with the hot tap water channel at a merge location 57 and which bypasses the heat exchanger.

The first temperature sensor 50 is positioned at the secondary entry 36 of the heat exchanger. This may be in the cold tap water channel 52 or in the heat exchanger itself but at least in a position where the first temperature sensor 50 is under the influence of the heat exchanger itself.

The thermal module 10 further comprises: a second temperature sensor 58 positioned in the hot tap water channel 54 and configured to measure the temperature of the hot tap water, a bypass valve 60 connected to the second temperature sensor, wherein the bypass valve is configured to control the flow of cold tap water through the bypass channel into the hot tap water channel based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor in order to prevent the temperature of the hot tap water from rising above a maximum hot tap water temperature.

The bypass valve 60 is a three-way valve positioned at the merge location 57. Alternatively, the bypass valve may be a three-way valve positioned at the bifurcation location 56. Alternatively, the bypass valve may be a two-way valve positioned in the bypass channel 55 between the bifurcation location and the merge location.

In fig. 1 , the bypass valve 60 is a mixing valve, configured to gradually vary the flow of cold water through the bypass channel based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor 58.

In the embodiment of figure 1 the return heat carrier control valve 48 is a three way mixing valve, configured to gradually vary the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger 26 based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 50.

The first temperature sensor 50 and the return heat carrier control valve 48 may be a thermostat with a capillary channel. The bypass valve 60 and the second temperature sensor 58 may also be a thermostat with a capillary channel. In this way the apartment module can operate without any electricity.

The heat exchanger return channel 43 and the room heating return channel 46 merge at the return heat carrier control valve 48 and continue as heat carrier return channel 243 from this point onward.

On the secondary side 41 , a flow limiter 49 is provided to limit the flow of tap water through the heat exchanger 26. The flow limiter is arranged in the cold tap water channel 52. The flow limiter may also be arranged in the hot tap water channel 54 or in the heat exchanger 26.

The thermal module 10 of figure 1 further comprises a tap water meter 70 for measuring the tap water consumption. A further hot tap water meter 71 may optionally be present for measuring the hot tap water consumption. A cold tap water channel 72 will generally be present.

Valves 80, 81 , 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 are provided on each entry and exit of the thermal module in order to allow the thermal module 10 to be uncoupled and removed for maintenance, repair or replacement without having to empty the entire system. The valves 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 may be provided inside the housing 75 in order to place the valves out of sight. Alternatively, the valves 80, 81 , 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 may be present outside the housing 75.

The thermal module 10 may comprise a second bypass channel 88 and a second bypass valve 89 for maintaining a temperature of the returning heat carrier.

A heat consumption meter 90 may be provided which measures the amount of heat which is consumed by the indoor heating system. The heat consumption meter measures a temperature of the outgoing heat carrier used for heating the indoor space with a third temperature sensor 64 and measures a temperature of the used heat carrier for heating the indoor space with a fourth temperature sensor 65 and measures the flow of the heat carrier with a flow sensor 66. The heat consumption is then calculated based on the temperature difference between the third and fourth temperature sensor and the flow of heat carrier.

Vents 91 A, 91 B may be provided on the primary side 40 in the heat carrier supply channel 42 and the room heating return channel 46. The thermal module may further comprise a primary strainer restrainer 79 with an option for draining , on the primary side 40.

A differential pressure control valve 59 is further provided.

Optionally, a return temperature limiter 92 may be provided in the room heating return channel 46 which may be adjustable between 35° C and 65° C. Further, optionally a zone valve 93 may be provided in the room heating return channel 46 for the indoor heating circuit. A secondary strainer 94 with an option for draining may further be provided in the room heating return channel 46.

All the components mentioned above are fitted in a single housing 75 which can be installed as a single unit. The valves 80, 81 , 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87 are a possible exception because they stay behind when the thermal module is removed and/or replaced. However they may also be fitted inside the housing for aesthetical and safety purposes.

Turning to figure 2, another embodiment is shown which is configured for a mixed circuit. The thermal module is constructed to supply two separate heating circuits on the primary side for heating an indoor space with heat carrier. On the secondary side 41 , the embodiment of figure 2 is the same as the embodiment of figure 1.

On the primary side 40, the embodiment of figure 2 has a pump 61 for pumping the heat carrier through a floor heating circuit via floor heating exit 22A. The pump 61 is thermostatically controlled. A floor heating bypass channel 63 with a check valve 62 extends between floor heating return channel 46A and floor heating supply channel 44A.

Typically, the first and second heating circuit will involve a first heating circuit having floor heating and a second heating circuit based on floor heating, but other configurations are also possible. The first, floor heating circuit is supplied with heat carrier via a first, floor heating exit 22A and the second, radiator heating circuit is supplied with heat carrier via a second room heating exit 22B. First, floor heating return 24A and second, room heating returns 24B are further present for returning the used heat carrier form the first (floor) and second (radiator) heating circuits.

Operation The operation of the embodiments of figures 1 and 2 involves supplying a heat carrier via the heat carrier entry 12 for heating an indoor space and for heating incoming cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier. The operation (method) further comprises: heating cold tap water with the heat carrier in the heat exchanger 26, supplying the heat carrier to heat an indoor space via room heating exit 22 and returning the used heat carrier to the thermal module 10 via the room heating return entry 24, and returning the used heat carrier to a heating device via the heat carrier return 14.

The bypass valve 60 and the bypass channel 55 ensure that the temperature of the hot tap water will not rise above a predetermined threshold and in this way scalding risks for a user who takes a shower or otherwise uses hot tap water are mitigated.

Further embodiments for low temperature heating systems

Turning to figures 3 and 4, a further embodiment is shown with a top-up heating device 200. This embodiment is specifically configured for low temperature heating systems in which the heat carrier is heated to a temperature of between 35° C and 55° C. Figure 3 shows an unmixed system and figure 4 shows a mixed system.

The top-up heating device 200 is positioned in the hot tap water channel 54 for providing additional heat to the hot tap water flowing through the hot tap water channel 54. This advantageously prevents that the temperature of the hot tap water is below an acceptable temperature in case the temperature of the heat carrier is too low. This is in particular advantageous for low temperature heating systems having a carrier with relatively low temperature of between 35° C and 55° C.

The top-up heating device 200 comprises a heat pump 202, the heat pump comprising: a compressor 204, an evaporator 206 which is in thermal contact with the room heating supply channel (44), an expansion valve 208, and a condenser 210 which is in thermal contact with the hot tap water channel (54).

A closed circuit 212 comprising working fluid interconnects these four components. The top-up heating device 200 comprises a third temperature sensor 220 positioned at the hot tap water channel 54 and a control unit 222 configured to turn the top-up heating device on when the third temperature sensor measures a hot tap water temperature which lies below a third threshold temperature. In this way it can be ensured that the hot tap water is hot enough.

Apart from the return heat carrier control valve no further control means for controlling the maximum temperature of tap water is present. The result is that in operation the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger 26 is stopped only when the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor 50 drops below the threshold temperature.

On the secondary side 41 the embodiment of figure 4 is the same as the embodiment of figure 3. On the primary side 40, the embodiment of figure 4 is the same as the embodiment of figure 2, except that the control valve 481 in the heat exchanger return channel 43 is a two-way valve instead of a three way valve, similar to the embodiment of figure 3.

Turning to figures 5 and 6, further embodiments of the thermal module having a top-up heating device 200 are shown. Figure 5 shows an unmixed system and figure 6 shows a mixed system. In this embodiment, the top-up heating device comprises an electric connector 240 configured to be coupled to a source of electric power and an electric resistor element 242 which is connected to the electric connector and which is in direct or indirect thermal contact with the hot tap water channel 54. This is a simple yet effective way of ensuring a minimum acceptable hot water temperature.

Turning to figures 7 and 8, further embodiments of the thermal module having a top-up heating device 200 are shown. Figure 7 shows an unmixed system and figure 8 shows a mixed system.

The top-up heating device 200 further comprises a PCM buffer 250 containing a phase changing (PCM) material, wherein the electric resistor element 242 is positioned in the PCM buffer. The hot tap water channel 54 extends through the PCM buffer. This allows a cost-effective way of providing a top-up heating for the hot tap water. The PCM buffer can be heated to a target temperature at times wherein the price of electricity is low, for instance during the night. When hot tap water is required, the heat stored in the PCM buffer is used to provide the top-up heating. Further embodiments for low temperature heating systems (2)

Turning to figure 9, a further embodiment is disclosed. This embodiment is specifically configured for low temperature heating systems in which the heat carrier is heated to a temperature of between 35° C and 55° C.

On the primary side 40 this embodiment is the same as the embodiment of figure 1, except that the return heat carrier control valve 481 is positioned in the heat exchanger return channel 43 and is a two-way valve instead of a three way valve. The heat exchanger return channel 43 and the room heating return channel 46 merge at a heat carrier return merge point 143 and continue as heat carrier return channel 243 from this point onward.

On the secondary side 41 , no bypass channel and bypass valve is provided. Also, no further control measure to prevent an excessively high temperature of the hot tap water is provided. In particular no hot water temperature sensor is present in the hot tap water channel 54 for measuring the temperature of the hot tap water respectively the flow of the hot tap water and no control valve in the heat carrier supply channel 42 or the heat exchanger return channel 43 is present which is coupled to such a sensor to stop the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger when the temperature of the hot water exceeds a threshold temperature. Because the heat carrier has a low temperature, the heat exchanger cannot become warmer than this low temperature, e.g. 35 - 55° C. Therefore, the risk of scalding is limited, and an additional safety control measure is not necessary.

In operation, the heat carrier will start to flow through the heat exchanger 26 as soon as the first temperature sensor 50 senses the temperature drop due to incoming cold water. This opens the return heat carrier control valve 481 which allows the heat carrier to flow through the primary channel 28. The flow through the primary channel 28 continues as long as the temperature of the first temperature sensor 50 is below the set point. When the demand for hot tap water ceases, the temperature of the first temperature sensor 50 will rise again under influence of the temperature of the heat exchanger 26 which is higher than the temperature of the incoming cold tap water. As soon as the temperature of the first temperature sensor 50 rises to above the set point, the return heat carrier control valve 481 will be closed, thereby stopping the flow through the primary channel 28.

Turning to figure 10, this embodiment is the mixed circuit version of the embodiment of figure 9. On the secondary side 41 the embodiment of figure 10 is the same as the embodiment of figure 9. On the primary side 40, the embodiment of figure 10 is the same as the embodiment of figure 2, except that the control valve 481 in the heat exchanger return channel 43 is a two-way valve instead of a three way valve, similar to the embodiment of figure 3.

The term “hot tap water” which is used herein is intended to be interpreted broadly and covers warm tap water.

The terms "a" or "an", as used herein, are defined as one or more than one. The term plurality, as used herein, is defined as two or more than two. The term another, as used herein, is defined as at least a second or more. The terms including and/or having, as used herein, are defined as comprising i.e., open language, not excluding other elements or steps.

Any reference signs in the claims should not be construed as limiting the scope of the claims or the invention. It will be recognized that a specific embodiment as claimed may not achieve all the stated objects.

The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

White lines between text paragraphs in the text above indicate that the technical features presented in the paragraph may be considered independent from technical features discussed in a preceding paragraph or in a subsequent paragraph.

The present disclosure relates to the following numbered clauses:

1. Thermal module (10) configured for receiving a single incoming heat carrier and:

I. providing the heat carrier to an apartment or other indoor space, and

II. providing hot tap water for the apartment or other indoor space, the thermal module comprising: a heat carrier entry (12) via which the heat carrier enters the thermal module, a heat carrier return (14) via which after use the heat carrier exits the thermal module, a cold tap water entry (16) via which cold tap water enters the thermal module, a hot tap water exit (18) via which the hot tap water which is heated in the thermal module exits the thermal module, at least one room heating exit (22) via which the heat carrier exits the thermal module for heating the apartment, at least one room heating return entry (24) via which after use the heat carrier returns to the thermal module from the apartment, a heat exchanger (26) for heating the cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the heat exchanger having a primary channel (28) for the heat carrier and a secondary channel (30) for the tap water, the primary channel having a primary entry (32) and a primary exit (34), the secondary channel having a secondary entry (36) and a secondary exit (38), the thermal module further comprising on a primary side (40) thereof: a heat carrier supply channel (42) connected to the heat carrier entry (12) and extending to the primary entry (32) of the heat exchanger, a room heating supply channel (44) which branches off from the heat carrier supply channel at a heat carrier branch point (45) and extends to the room heating exit (22), a heat exchanger return channel (43) which extends from the primary exit (34) to a heat carrier return merge point (143), a room heating return channel (46) which extends from the room heating return entry (24) to the heat carrier return merge point (143), wherein the heat exchanger return channel (43) and the room heating return channel (46) merge at the heat carrier return merge point (143), a heat carrier return channel (243) which extends from the heat carrier return merge point (143) to the heat carrier exit (14), a return heat carrier control valve (48; 481) which is positioned: o at the heat carrier return merge point or in the heat exchanger return channel (43) upstream from the heat carrier return merge point, or o at the heat carrier branch point (45) or in the heat carrier supply channel (42) downstream from the heat carrier branch point (45), and a first temperature sensor (50), the first temperature sensor being positioned at the secondary entry (36) of the heat exchanger, wherein the return heat carrier control valve is connected to the first temperature sensor (50) and configured to control a portion of the heat carrier supply which is directed through the heat exchanger based on a tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the thermal module further comprising on a secondary side (41) thereof: a cold tap water channel (52) extending from the cold water entry (16) to the secondary entry (36), a hot tap water channel (54) extending from the secondary exit to the hot tap water exit (18), a bypass channel (55) which bifurcates from the cold tap water channel (52) at a bifurcation location (56) and merges with the hot tap water channel at a merge location (57) and which bypasses the heat exchanger. a second temperature sensor (58) positioned at the hot tap water channel and configured to measure a hot tap water temperature of the hot tap water, a bypass valve (60) connected to the second temperature sensor, wherein the bypass valve is configured to control the flow of cold tap water through the bypass channel into the hot tap water channel based on the hot tap water temperature measured by the second temperature sensor in order to prevent the temperature of the hot tap water from rising above a predetermined maximum hot tap water temperature. Thermal module according to clause 1 , wherein the bypass valve is: a three-way valve positioned at the merge location, or a three-way valve positioned at the bifurcation location, or a two-way valve positioned in the bypass channel between the bifurcation location and the merge location. Thermal module according to clause 2, wherein the bypass valve (60) is a mixing valve, configured to gradually vary the flow of cold water through the bypass channel based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor. Thermal module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the return heat carrier control valve (48) is a three-way mixing valve positioned at the heat carrier return merge point (143) or at the heat carrier branch point (45) and configured to gradually vary the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor. Thermal module according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein all components are fitted in a single housing (75) which can be installed as a single unit. Heating system comprising: a heating device and a heat carrier transport pipe which carries the heat carrier from the heating device, a plurality of thermal modules (10) according to any of clauses 1-5, connected to the same heat carrier transport pipe. Method of supplying heat to an apartment or other indoor space with a heating system according to clause 6, the method comprising: supplying the thermal module of any of clauses 1-6 with a heat carrier via the heat carrier entry, heating cold tap water in the heat exchanger with the heat carrier, supplying the heat carrier to heat an indoor space, and returning the used heat carrier via the heat carrier return, wherein the bypass valve (60) opens and cold tap water flows into the hot tap water channel (54) when the second temperature sensor (58) measures a hot tap water temperature in the hot tap water channel (54) which exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. Thermal module (10) configured for receiving a single incoming heat carrier and:

I. providing the heat carrier to an apartment or other indoor space, and

II. providing hot tap water for the apartment or other indoor space, the thermal module comprising: a heat carrier entry (12) via which the heat carrier enters the thermal module, a heat carrier return (14) via which after use the heat carrier exits the thermal module, a cold tap water entry (16) via which cold tap water enters the thermal module, a hot tap water exit (18) via which the hot tap water which is heated in the thermal module exits the thermal module, at least one room heating exit (22) via which the heat carrier exits the thermal module for heating the apartment, at least one room heating return entry (24) via which after use the heat carrier returns to the thermal module from the apartment, a heat exchanger (26) for heating the cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the heat exchanger having a primary channel (28) for the heat carrier and a secondary channel (30) for the tap water, the primary channel having a primary entry (32) and a primary exit (34), the secondary channel having a secondary entry (36) and a secondary exit (38), the thermal module further comprising on a primary side (40) thereof: a heat carrier supply channel (42) connected to the heat carrier entry (12) and extending to the primary entry (32) of the heat exchanger, a room heating supply channel (44) which branches off from the heat carrier supply channel at a heat carrier branch point (45) and extends to the room heating exit (22), a heat exchanger return channel (43) which extends from the primary exit (34) to a heat carrier return merge point (143), a room heating return channel (46) which extends from the room heating return entry (24) to the heat carrier return merge point (143), wherein the heat exchanger return channel (43) and the room heating return channel (46) merge at the heat carrier return merge point (143), a heat carrier return channel (243) which extends from the heat carrier return merge point (143) to the heat carrier exit (14), a return heat carrier control valve (48; 481) which is positioned: o at the heat carrier return merge point or in the heat exchanger return channel (43) upstream from the heat carrier return merge point, or o at the heat carrier branch point (45) or in the heat carrier supply channel (42) downstream from the heat carrier branch point (45), and a first temperature sensor (50), the first temperature sensor being positioned at the secondary entry (36) of the heat exchanger, wherein the return heat carrier control valve is connected to the first temperature sensor (50) and configured to control a portion of the heat carrier supply which is directed through the heat exchanger based on a tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the heating unit further comprising on a secondary side thereof: a cold tap water channel (52) extending from the cold water entry (16) to the secondary entry (36), a hot tap water channel (54) extending from the secondary exit (38) to the hot tap water exit (18), a flow limiter (49) for limiting the flow of tap water through the heat exchanger., wherein the thermal module further comprises a top-up heating device (200) positioned in the hot tap water channel (54) for providing additional heat to the hot tap water flowing through the hot tap water channel (54).

9. Thermal module according to clause 8, wherein the top-up heating device comprises an electric connector configured to be coupled to a source of electric power and an electric resistor element which is connected to the electric connector and which is in direct or indirect thermal contact with the hot tap water channel (54).

10. Thermal module according to clause 8 or 9, wherein the top-up heating device further comprises a PCM buffer containing a phase changing (PCM) material, wherein the electric resistor element is positioned in the PCM buffer, wherein the hot tap water channel (54) extends through the PCM buffer. 11. Thermal module according to any of clauses 8-10, wherein the top-up heating device comprises a heat pump, the heat pump comprising: a compressor, an evaporator which is in thermal contact with the room heating supply channel (44), an expansion valve, and a condenser which is in thermal contact with the hot tap water channel (54).

12. Thermal module according to any of clauses 8-11 , wherein the top-up heating device comprises a third temperature sensor positioned at the hot tap water channel (54) and a control unit configured to turn the top-up heating device on when the third temperature sensor measures a hot tap water temperature which lies below a third threshold temperature.

13. Thermal module according to any of clauses 8-12, wherein the return heat carrier control valve (481) is a two-way valve placed in the heat exchanger return channel (43) upstream of the heat carrier return merge point (143) where the room heating return channel (46) meets the heat exchanger return channel (43).

14. Thermal module according to any of clauses 8-13, wherein apart from the return heat carrier control valve no further control means for controlling the maximum temperature of tap water is present with the result that in operation the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger (26) is stopped only when the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (50) rises above the threshold temperature.

15. Thermal module (10) configured for receiving a single incoming heat carrier and:

I. providing the heat carrier to an apartment or other indoor space, and

II. providing hot tap water for the apartment or other indoor space, the thermal module comprising: a heat carrier entry (12) via which the heat carrier enters the thermal module, a heat carrier return (14) via which after use the heat carrier exits the thermal module, a cold tap water entry (16) via which cold tap water enters the thermal module, a hot tap water exit (18) via which the hot tap water which is heated in the thermal module exits the thermal module, at least one room heating exit (22) via which the heat carrier exits the thermal module for heating the apartment, at least one room heating return entry (24) via which after use the heat carrier returns to the thermal module from the apartment, a heat exchanger (26) for heating the cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the heat exchanger having a primary channel (28) for the heat carrier and a secondary channel (30) for the tap water, the primary channel having a primary entry (32) and a primary exit (34), the secondary channel having a secondary entry (36) and a secondary exit (38), the thermal module further comprising on a primary side (40) thereof: a heat carrier supply channel (42) connected to the heat carrier entry (12) and extending to the primary entry (32) of the heat exchanger, a room heating supply channel (44) which branches off from the heat carrier supply channel at a heat carrier branch point (45) and extends to the room heating exit (22), a heat exchanger return channel (43) which extends from the primary exit (34) to a heat carrier return merge point (143), a room heating return channel (46) which extends from the room heating return entry (24) to the heat carrier return merge point (143), wherein the heat exchanger return channel (43) and the room heating return channel (46) merge at the heat carrier return merge point (143), a heat carrier return channel (243) which extends from the heat carrier return merge point (143) to the heat carrier exit (14), a return heat carrier control valve (48; 481) which is positioned: o at the heat carrier return merge point or in the heat exchanger return channel (43) upstream from the heat carrier return merge point, or o at the heat carrier branch point (45) or in the heat carrier supply channel (42) downstream from the heat carrier branch point (45), and a first temperature sensor (50), the first temperature sensor being positioned at the secondary entry (36) of the heat exchanger, wherein the return heat carrier control valve is connected to the first temperature sensor (50) and configured to control a portion of the heat carrier supply which is directed through the heat exchanger based on a tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the heating unit further comprising on a secondary side thereof: a cold tap water channel (52) extending from the cold water entry (16) to the secondary entry (36), a hot tap water channel (54) extending from the secondary exit (38) to the hot tap water exit (18), a flow limiter (49) for limiting the flow of tap water through the heat exchanger, wherein apart from the return heat carrier control valve no further control means for controlling the maximum temperature of tap water is present with the result that in operation the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger (26) is stopped only when the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (50) raises above the threshold temperature.

16. Heating system comprising: a heating device and a heat carrier transport pipe which carries the heat carrier from the heating device, a plurality of thermal modules (10) according to any of clauses 8-15, connected to the same heat carrier transport pipe.

17. Method of supplying a heat carrier for heating an indoor space and heating incoming cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the method comprising: supplying the thermal module (10) of any of clauses 8-15 with a heat carrier via the heat carrier entry (12), wherein the heat carrier has a temperature of 35-55 °C. heating cold tap water with the heat carrier in the heat exchanger, supplying the heat carrier to heat an indoor space, and returning the used heat carrier via the heat carrier return (14).

18. Method according to the preceding clause, wherein the hot tap water is further heated with the top-up heating device.

19. Method according to the preceding clause, wherein the hot tap water is further heated with the top-up heating device comprising a heat-pump, wherein the heat pump uses the heat carrier, in particular a portion of the heat carrier which is used for heating the indoor space, as a source of heat to raise the temperature of the hot tap water.

Claims

CLAIMS Thermal module (10) configured for receiving a single incoming heat carrier and:

I. providing the heat carrier to an apartment or other indoor space, and

II. providing hot tap water for the apartment or other indoor space, the thermal module comprising: a heat carrier entry (12) via which the heat carrier enters the thermal module, a heat carrier return (14) via which after use the heat carrier exits the thermal module, a cold tap water entry (16) via which cold tap water enters the thermal module, a hot tap water exit (18) via which the hot tap water which is heated in the thermal module exits the thermal module, at least one room heating exit (22) via which the heat carrier exits the thermal module for heating the apartment, at least one room heating return entry (24) via which after use the heat carrier returns to the thermal module from the apartment, a heat exchanger (26) for heating the cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the heat exchanger having a primary channel (28) for the heat carrier and a secondary channel (30) for the tap water, the primary channel having a primary entry (32) and a primary exit (34), the secondary channel having a secondary entry (36) and a secondary exit (38), the thermal module further comprising on a primary side (40) thereof: a heat carrier supply channel (42) connected to the heat carrier entry (12) and extending to the primary entry (32) of the heat exchanger, a room heating supply channel (44) which branches off from the heat carrier supply channel at a heat carrier branch point (45) and extends to the room heating exit (22), a heat exchanger return channel (43) which extends from the primary exit (34) to a heat carrier return merge point (143), a room heating return channel (46) which extends from the room heating return entry (24) to the heat carrier return merge point (143), wherein the heat exchanger return channel (43) and the room heating return channel (46) merge at the heat carrier return merge point (143), a heat carrier return channel (243) which extends from the heat carrier return merge point (143) to the heat carrier exit (14), a thermostatic return heat carrier control valve (48; 481) which is positioned: o at the heat carrier return merge point or in the heat exchanger return channel (43) upstream from the heat carrier return merge point, or o at the heat carrier branch point (45) or in the heat carrier supply channel (42) downstream from the heat carrier branch point (45), and a first temperature sensor (50), the first temperature sensor being positioned at the secondary entry (36) of the heat exchanger, wherein the thermostatic return heat carrier control valve is connected to the first temperature sensor (50) by a capillary channel and configured to control a portion of the heat carrier supply which is directed through the heat exchanger based on a tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the thermal module further comprising on a secondary side (41) thereof: a cold tap water channel (52) extending from the cold water entry (16) to the secondary entry (36), a hot tap water channel (54) extending from the secondary exit to the hot tap water exit (18), a bypass channel (55) which bifurcates from the cold tap water channel (52) at a bifurcation location (56) and merges with the hot tap water channel at a merge location (57) and which bypasses the heat exchanger. a second temperature sensor (58) positioned at the hot tap water channel and configured to measure a hot tap water temperature of the hot tap water, a thermostatic bypass valve (60) connected to the second temperature sensor by a capillary channel, wherein the bypass valve is configured to control the flow of cold tap water through the bypass channel into the hot tap water channel based on the hot tap water temperature measured by the second temperature sensor in order to prevent the temperature of the hot tap water from rising above a predetermined maximum hot tap water temperature.

2. Thermal module according to claim 1 , wherein the bypass valve is: a three-way valve positioned at the merge location, or a three-way valve positioned at the bifurcation location, or a two-way valve positioned in the bypass channel between the bifurcation location and the merge location.

3. Thermal module according to claim 2, wherein the bypass valve (60) is a mixing valve, configured to gradually vary the flow of cold water through the bypass channel based on the temperature measured by the second temperature sensor. Thermal module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the return heat carrier control valve (48) is a three-way mixing valve positioned at the heat carrier return merge point (143) or at the heat carrier branch point (45) and configured to gradually vary the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger based on the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor. Thermal module according to any of the preceding claims, wherein all components are fitted in a single housing (75) which can be installed as a single unit. Heating system comprising: a heating device and a heat carrier transport pipe which carries the heat carrier from the heating device, a plurality of thermal modules (10) according to any of claims 1-5, connected to the same heat carrier transport pipe. Method of supplying heat to an apartment or other indoor space with a heating system according to claim 6, the method comprising: supplying the thermal module of any of claims 1-6 with a heat carrier via the heat carrier entry, heating cold tap water in the heat exchanger with the heat carrier, supplying the heat carrier to heat an indoor space, and returning the used heat carrier via the heat carrier return, wherein the bypass valve (60) opens and cold tap water flows into the hot tap water channel (54) when the second temperature sensor (58) measures a hot tap water temperature in the hot tap water channel (54) which exceeds a predetermined threshold temperature. Thermal module (10) configured for receiving a single incoming heat carrier and:

I. providing the heat carrier to an apartment or other indoor space, and

II. providing hot tap water for the apartment or other indoor space, the thermal module comprising: a heat carrier entry (12) via which the heat carrier enters the thermal module, a heat carrier return (14) via which after use the heat carrier exits the thermal module, a cold tap water entry (16) via which cold tap water enters the thermal module, a hot tap water exit (18) via which the hot tap water which is heated in the thermal module exits the thermal module, at least one room heating exit (22) via which the heat carrier exits the thermal module for heating the apartment, at least one room heating return entry (24) via which after use the heat carrier returns to the thermal module from the apartment, a heat exchanger (26) for heating the cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the heat exchanger having a primary channel (28) for the heat carrier and a secondary channel (30) for the tap water, the primary channel having a primary entry (32) and a primary exit (34), the secondary channel having a secondary entry (36) and a secondary exit (38), the thermal module further comprising on a primary side (40) thereof: a heat carrier supply channel (42) connected to the heat carrier entry (12) and extending to the primary entry (32) of the heat exchanger, a room heating supply channel (44) which branches off from the heat carrier supply channel at a heat carrier branch point (45) and extends to the room heating exit (22), a heat exchanger return channel (43) which extends from the primary exit (34) to a heat carrier return merge point (143), a room heating return channel (46) which extends from the room heating return entry (24) to the heat carrier return merge point (143), wherein the heat exchanger return channel (43) and the room heating return channel (46) merge at the heat carrier return merge point (143), a heat carrier return channel (243) which extends from the heat carrier return merge point (143) to the heat carrier exit (14), a return heat carrier control valve (48; 481) which is positioned: o at the heat carrier return merge point or in the heat exchanger return channel (43) upstream from the heat carrier return merge point, or o at the heat carrier branch point (45) or in the heat carrier supply channel (42) downstream from the heat carrier branch point (45), and a first temperature sensor (50), the first temperature sensor being positioned at the secondary entry (36) of the heat exchanger, wherein the return heat carrier control valve is connected to the first temperature sensor (50) and configured to control a portion of the heat carrier supply which is directed through the heat exchanger based on a tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the heating unit further comprising on a secondary side thereof: a cold tap water channel (52) extending from the cold water entry (16) to the secondary entry (36), - 32 - a hot tap water channel (54) extending from the secondary exit (38) to the hot tap water exit (18), a flow limiter (49) for limiting the flow of tap water through the heat exchanger., wherein the thermal module further comprises a top-up heating device (200) positioned in the hot tap water channel (54) for providing additional heat to the hot tap water flowing through the hot tap water channel (54), and apart from the return heat carrier control valve no further control means for reducing the maximum temperature of tap water is present with the result that in operation the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger (26) is stopped only when the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (50) rises above the threshold temperature. Thermal module according to claim 8, wherein the top-up heating device comprises an electric connector configured to be coupled to a source of electric power and an electric resistor element which is connected to the electric connector and which is in direct or indirect thermal contact with the hot tap water channel (54). Thermal module according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the top-up heating device further comprises a PCM buffer containing a phase changing (PCM) material, wherein a electric resistor element is positioned in the PCM buffer, wherein the hot tap water channel (54) extends through the PCM buffer. Thermal module according to any of claims 8-10, wherein the top-up heating device comprises a heat pump, the heat pump comprising: a compressor, an evaporator which is in thermal contact with the room heating supply channel (44), an expansion valve, and a condenser which is in thermal contact with the hot tap water channel (54). Thermal module according to any of claims 8-11 , wherein the top-up heating device comprises a third temperature sensor positioned at the hot tap water channel (54) and a control unit configured to turn the top-up heating device on when the third temperature sensor measures a hot tap water temperature which lies below a third threshold temperature. Thermal module according to any of claims 8-12, wherein the return heat carrier control valve (481) is a two-way valve placed in the heat exchanger return channel (43) - 33 - upstream of the heat carrier return merge point (143) where the room heating return channel (46) meets the heat exchanger return channel (43). Thermal module (10) configured for receiving a single incoming heat carrier and:

I. providing the heat carrier to an apartment or other indoor space, and

II. providing hot tap water for the apartment or other indoor space, the thermal module comprising: a heat carrier entry (12) via which the heat carrier enters the thermal module, a heat carrier return (14) via which after use the heat carrier exits the thermal module, a cold tap water entry (16) via which cold tap water enters the thermal module, a hot tap water exit (18) via which the hot tap water which is heated in the thermal module exits the thermal module, at least one room heating exit (22) via which the heat carrier exits the thermal module for heating the apartment, at least one room heating return entry (24) via which after use the heat carrier returns to the thermal module from the apartment, a heat exchanger (26) for heating the cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the heat exchanger having a primary channel (28) for the heat carrier and a secondary channel (30) for the tap water, the primary channel having a primary entry (32) and a primary exit (34), the secondary channel having a secondary entry (36) and a secondary exit (38), the thermal module further comprising on a primary side (40) thereof: a heat carrier supply channel (42) connected to the heat carrier entry (12) and extending to the primary entry (32) of the heat exchanger, a room heating supply channel (44) which branches off from the heat carrier supply channel at a heat carrier branch point (45) and extends to the room heating exit (22), a heat exchanger return channel (43) which extends from the primary exit (34) to a heat carrier return merge point (143), a room heating return channel (46) which extends from the room heating return entry (24) to the heat carrier return merge point (143), wherein the heat exchanger return channel (43) and the room heating return channel (46) merge at the heat carrier return merge point (143), a heat carrier return channel (243) which extends from the heat carrier return merge point (143) to the heat carrier exit (14), a return heat carrier control valve (48; 481) which is positioned: - 34 - o at the heat carrier return merge point or in the heat exchanger return channel (43) upstream from the heat carrier return merge point, or o at the heat carrier branch point (45) or in the heat carrier supply channel (42) downstream from the heat carrier branch point (45), and a first temperature sensor (50), the first temperature sensor being positioned at the secondary entry (36) of the heat exchanger, wherein the return heat carrier control valve is connected to the first temperature sensor (50) and configured to control a portion of the heat carrier supply which is directed through the heat exchanger based on a tap water entry temperature measured by the first temperature sensor, the heating unit further comprising on a secondary side thereof: a cold tap water channel (52) extending from the cold water entry (16) to the secondary entry (36), a hot tap water channel (54) extending from the secondary exit (38) to the hot tap water exit (18), a flow limiter (49) for limiting the flow of tap water through the heat exchanger, wherein apart from the return heat carrier control valve no further control means for controlling the maximum temperature of tap water is present with the result that in operation the flow of heat carrier through the heat exchanger (26) is stopped only when the temperature measured by the first temperature sensor (50) rises above the threshold temperature. Heating system comprising: a heating device and a heat carrier transport pipe which carries the heat carrier from the heating device, a plurality of thermal modules (10) according to any of claims 8-14, connected to the same heat carrier transport pipe. Method of supplying a heat carrier for heating an indoor space and heating incoming cold tap water with heat from the heat carrier, the method comprising: supplying the thermal module (10) of any of claims 8-14 with a heat carrier via the heat carrier entry (12), wherein the heat carrier has a temperature of 35-55 °C. heating cold tap water with the heat carrier in the heat exchanger, supplying the heat carrier to heat an indoor space, and returning the used heat carrier via the heat carrier return (14). Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the hot tap water is further heated with the top-up heating device. - 35 - Method according to the preceding claim, wherein the hot tap water is further heated with the top-up heating device comprising a heat-pump, wherein the heat pump uses the heat carrier, in particular a portion of the heat carrier which is used for heating the indoor space, as a source of heat to raise the temperature of the hot tap water.