WO2023110782A1

WO2023110782A1 - Building and heating system and method of operating heating

Info

Publication number: WO2023110782A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/085459
Authority: WO
Inventors: Patrick BRANTS
Original assignee: Brants Patrick
Priority date: 2021-12-13
Filing date: 2022-12-12
Publication date: 2023-06-22
Also published as: BE1030011A1; BE1030011B1

Abstract

Heating system (1) for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients (20) within a building (100). The system comprises a source (2) and a main heat storage (3) that are in thermal heat exchange with a primary circulation circuit (10) circulating a first heat carrier (C1), and a plurality of heat buffers (4-1, 4-2), each in thermal heat exchange with one of a plurality of heat extraction circuits (15) configured to distribute heat among a subset of the plurality of recipients. Each heat buffer is arranged along a respective one of a plurality of interconnected sections (11) of the primary circulation circuit (10) between two connection members (12, 13). The system comprises a control system (30) configured to dynamically distribute the flow (F) of the first heat carrier (C1) over the in parallel interconnected sections (11) of the primary circulation circuit (10).

Description

Title: Building and heating system and method of operating heating

TECHNICAL FIELD AND BACKGROUND

The present disclosure relates to a heating system, in particular a residential heating system, and a building comprising a residential heating system. The present invention further relates to a method of operating the residential heating system.

Conventional residential heating systems comprise a single centralized heat buffer from which heat is supplied to a number of recipients within the building. These systems are relatively low in efficiency due to significant losses introduced by transporting heat over a large distance through the building whenever a recipient initiates a heat request.

More recently, environmental aspects have become an essential consideration in residential heating system applications. This results in a shift towards using green energy sources, minimizing gas consumption and reducing emission of harmful substances, such as CO2. In general, decreasing energy use and more importantly energy losses, has taken a central role in heating system design. Heating designs that implement the use of green energy sources are known. For example, a residential heating system deriving heat from green energy sources as well as non-green energy sources is known. Such a system is based on a central loop with a connection to each residential unit. Each residential unit comprises its own heating installation for complementary local heating. Accordingly there remains a need for heating systems with improved thermodynamic efficiency and/or systems that can be less reliant on non-green energy sources.

US543580 relates to a heat storage apparatus for bulk heat storage in a heating and cooling system for at least one building. The apparatus comprises a central heat storage tank in which bodies of heat storage medium at respective high and low temperatures are held in vertical separation due to their different density. Heat exchanged between the tank on one side and heat sources and consumer devices on the other is realized by respective circuits that open into the central storage tank at specific vertical positions.

SUMMARY

Aspects of the present disclosure relate to a system that mitigates one or more disadvantages of known heating systems and that addresses a general trend to provide ‘greener’ heating systems by improving thermodynamic efficient in distributing heat from renewable sources to a plurality of recipients within a building. Advantageously the disclosed system at least contributes to provision of a heating system that is self- sustaining using only green sources of energy.

As will be clear from the below the present disclosure provides a system providing heat transport with increased efficiency, in particular in a context of multi-storey building. In a preferred embodiment to system is applied to a building having > six floors, preferably > nine floors. The system can advantageously provide a central heat loop, circulation system, that extends vertically across the building to provide heat between a plurality of decentralized heat buffers , e.g. one per floor, from which is distributed in a separate loop, e.g. horizontally to recipients in a more localized and directed manner, reducing heat losses as compared to systems using a centralized storage .

As shown throughout heat from a generator or heat source can be transferred, e.g. via a heat exchanger, onto the central loop, preferably at an interconnection member located at a top portion of the building. From the loop heat can be transported via one of a plurality of vertical interconnects to a decentralized buffer from which heat can be extracted by a separate, local, extraction loop. A second interconnection member, preferably at a bottom portion of the building, can be provided from which heat can be transferred, e.g. via heat exchangers, to a heat storage for storing and releasing excess heat. Advantageously the vertical components of the central loop can serve as a convection column.

According to a first aspect there is provided a system for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients within a building. The system comprises at least one heat source and at least one main heat storage. The at least one heat source can advantageously comprise one or more of: at least one solar collector and at least one thermal wind turbine and means for recovering residual heat from compressor and/or grey water. The at least one heat source can advantageously comprise a geothermal heat source, e.g. a heat pump drawing heat from a geothermal heat source.

The heat sources and storages are each in thermal heat exchange with a primary circulation circuit to exchange heat with a first heat carrier within the circuit. Generally heat is exchanged by a heat pump or heat exchanger. Alternatively or in addition the source(s) and/or the storage(s) may be part of, in direct fluid connection, with the primary circuit. The circuit is configured, via a network of interconnected piping, to in use, circulate a flow of the first heat carrier along a trajectory past the heat source and the main heat storage. Advantageously an excess of heat generated by the sources can thus be stored in the buffer and vice versa. Inventively, the system comprises a plurality of heat buffers, decentralized buffers, that are each in thermal heat exchange with one of a plurality of primary circulation loops comprised in the primary circulation circuit. Each buffer is additionally in thermal heat exchange with one of a plurality of heat extraction circuits that are configured to distribute heat among a subset of the plurality of recipients. The use of a plurality of decentralized heat buffers to distribute heat advantageously allows maintaining an optimized amount of heat at a desired temperature in close proximity of a set of recipients. Inventors find energy losses can thus be minimized, already because the localized heat buffers allow minimizing a maximum temperature requirement of the carrier within the system. Accordingly, the system realizes a thermodynamic advantage, e.g. over systems without a buffer or with a centralized buffer. Distributing heat from each heat buffer to a corresponding subset of the plurality of recipients optimizes thermodynamic efficiency of the system even further by enabling selective heating of individual heat buffers that supply heat to a subset of the plurality of recipients, i.e. in dependence of a detected peak in heat demand from within a specific subset. To realize efficient circulation of the first heat carrier each one of the plurality of heat buffers is arranged along a respective one of a corresponding plurality of interconnected sections of the primary circulation circuit, which are generally each arranged in parallel between a first interconnection member and a second interconnection member whereby each of the interconnected sections, e.g. parallel sections, defines a section of one of the plurality of primary circulation loops. The configuration of the interconnected sections in parallel between two members allows for a symmetric piping design and a balanced distribution of flow, facilitating ease of operation and/or installation, and reduced thermodynamic losses.

The heat buffers typically include a tank containing a volume of a further or similar heat transfer medium, whereby said heat transfer medium is in thermal heat exchange with the corresponding heat extraction circuit and with the corresponding interconnected section. Providing the heat exchange with the extraction circuit at a top section of the tank and providing heat exchange with the corresponding interconnected section at a bottom section within the tank advantageously allows for formation of a temperature gradient due to natural convection between top and bottom sections, optimizing heat uptake at the relatively cooler bottom section and heat release at the comparatively warmer top section. Generally the tank has a vertical dimension in excess of 1 meter up to a height of the storey of the building. Typically in a range of 2-3 meters. In a preferred embodiment the storage tank containing a volume in accordance with a maximally expected daily heat demand of the corresponding subset of the plurality of recipients.

To facilitate a balanced distribution of heat, the system also comprises a control system configured to dynamically distribute the flow of the first heat carrier over the in parallel interconnected sections of the primary circulation circuit in dependence of a set of control parameters, the set comprising at least a predetermined and/or actual heat demand of the subset of the plurality of recipients. The control system enables an automated operation as well as the possibility to incorporate internal and external data into the operation conditions of the system. As will be clear from the below the set of control parameters can additionally or alternatively comprise one or more of: weather parameters, such as average daily temperature, average daily number of hours of daylight, average daily amount of precipitation and average daily wind speeds; data relating to a real-time supply of heat from the heat sources and/or buffer; a difference between an actual heat demand of the plurality of recipients and the actual heat supply; pre-set conditions concerning heat demand, such as an imposed restriction (e.g. a maximum room-temperature restriction) limiting heat supply towards recipients conditions of heat shortage; failure and/or operability information of system components; and legionella heat cycle parameters.

Each interconnected section can be substantially vertically arranged within the building, and each heat extraction circuit can be arranged in a loop configuration, circulating a flow of a second heat carrier between the corresponding heat buffer and the corresponding subset of the plurality of recipients. Advantageously the heat extraction circuit can be substantially horizontally arranged within the building, e.g. within a storey of the building. By providing the interconnected sections in a mostly vertical arrangement and by providing the heat extraction circuits in a mostly horizontal arrangement, the systems takes a matrix-like configuration, wherein heating transfer in two stages. The first stage heat is predominantly vertically conveyed in the relevant interconnected section to the relevant heat buffer. In a second stage, heat is distributed from there along a predominantly horizontal direction from the relevant heat buffer to the corresponding subset of the plurality of recipients. This configuration allows the system to take up a regular arrangement with minimized length of piping (and accompanied heat losses) and that also results in a reduced standard deviation of response times from a heat request of the recipients.

Practically, it is advantageous to arrange the at least one heat source at a top portion of the building (e.g. the top floor, attic, or on the roof) and the at least one main heat storages substantially at or below a bottom of portion the building (e.g. a basement). Green energy sources, such as solar thermal collectors and thermal wind turbines are ideally mounted on the roof and/or wall sections of the building. Connections to storages, e.g. cold water buffers and other storages such a geothermal unit, but also heat exchangers from compressors and/or greywater resources, can be most easily kept in a cellar or another room at or below the bottom of the building.

It will be appreciated that the system can be applied with particular benefit in multi-story buildings, e.g. a multi apartment high-rise, whereby each recipient (e.g. apartment of communal space) generally has insufficient access (e.g. wall or ceiling space) to hold energy sources capable of sustaining an individual heating circuit. In a particularly preferred embodiment, the system is comprised in a multi-storey building, wherein each storey comprises a heat buffer of the plurality of heat buffers. By arranging at least one heat buffer per storey, the thermodynamical advantages of the system are optimally exploited, because the heat distribution towards the different parts of the building becomes more even. Note that the primary circulation circuit (e.g. vertical loop) mitigates a need for a central large heat buffer/storage tank in which all heat collected and distributed. Instead, the configuration allows more efficient decentralized heat distribution in combination with having the interconnections to the heat sources at top (e.g. roof) and/or lower portions (e.g. ground level or basement) of the building.

The system further advantageously allows efficient in-coupling of heat from a plurality of sources including, but not limited to, heat obtained from waste-water (grey water) energy recovery systems, heat from compressed air energy storage, waste energy from data storage centers, heat from heat pumps (air, water, and/or geothermal), batteries, and heat from renewable sources such as from a solar thermal collector, etc.

The heat storage is realized as much as possible in small, decentralized, buffer tanks, which can be positioned in close proximity to an end-user/recipient. Inventors find that the system thus benefits from, so- called, mass-spring principles, providing optimized efficiency by decentralized storage of heat in close proximity to and at a temperature relevant for the recipient as opposed to distribution proving from a centralized storage. During a daily operation provision of decentralized buffers advantageously reduces a coupling of variations, e.g. daily, peaks, in a heat usage at the end user level from heat generation. In addition, inventors find that, for multi storey buildings, systems with vertically distributed decentralized energy storage can be more efficient than comparative systems based on a central tank and/or horizontally distributed tanks, provided that seperate conduits are provided for the central distribution loop and local extraction loops. In addition, especially for high rises the fragmentation of heat storage in decentralized buffers which can be each be kept at a different temperature can reduced losses for transportation of heat as the tanks can be interpreted providing a comparatively low resistance (easy) series of steps as compared to transporting heat from a large central tank. As such inventors found that energy efficiency can increase with increasing height of a building, e.g. a building with 18 floors can be comparatively more energy efficient (per user) than buildings with 9 floors. This is in contrast with conventional systems e.g. having a central storage tank, from which energy efficiency tends to decrease with increasing number of floors.

Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, there is provided a system for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients within a multi storey building, the system comprising: at least one heat source; at least one main heat storage; and a primary circulation circuit extending between a top and bottom section of the building and configured to, in use, circulate a flow of a first heat carrier, wherein the at least one heat source and the at least one main heat storage are in thermal heat exchange with the primary circulation circuit, the system further comprising: a plurality of decentralized heat buffers that are each in thermal heat exchange with the primary circulation circuit and with one of a plurality of heat extraction circuits configured to distribute heat among a subset of the plurality of recipients; wherein each one of the plurality of decentralized heat buffers is arranged along a respective one of a plurality of sections of the primary circulation circuit, which each form an interconnect between a first interconnection member of the primary circulation circuit and a second interconnection member of the primary circulation circuit, and wherein the system comprises a control system configured to dynamically distribute the flow of the first heat carrier over the interconnected sections of the primary circulation circuit in dependence of a set of control parameters, the set comprising at least a predetermined and/or actual heat demand of the subset of the plurality of recipients.

Alternatively, or in addition, there is provided a system for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients within a building, the system comprising at least one heat source and at least one main heat storage that are in thermal heat exchange with a primary circulation circuit configured to, in use, circulate a flow of a first heat carrier; and a plurality of heat buffers that are each in thermal heat exchange with the primary circulation circuit and with one of a plurality of heat extraction circuits configured to distribute heat among a subset of the plurality of recipients; wherein each one of the plurality of heat buffers is arranged along a respective one of a plurality of interconnected sections of the primary circulation circuit, which are each arranged in parallel between a first interconnection member and a second interconnection member, and wherein the system comprises a control system configured to dynamically distribute the flow of the first heat carrier over the in parallel interconnected sections of the primary circulation circuit in dependence of a set of control parameters, the set comprising at least a predetermined and/or actual heat demand of the subset of the plurality of recipients.

In a strongly preferred embodiment, the system comprises a bypass circuit including a by-pass conduit, between the first interconnection member and the second interconnection member. The bypass being configured to allow the first heat carrier to circumvent (by-pass) the e.g. parallelly, interconnected sections of the primary circulation circuit. Therein, the control system is further configured to dynamically divert at least a portion of the flow of the first heat carrier through the by-pass conduit by controlling a by-pass pump, in dependence of the set of control parameters. The by-pass advantageously improves efficient storage of an excess thermal energy by enabling a flow of the first heat carrier between source and storage without passing the buffer tanks. As will be explained in more detail herein below the by-pass circuit further advantageously enables operating a heating routine to heat part of the system above a minimum operation temperature, e.g. enabling defrosting of thermal solar collectors. Aspects of the present disclosure further relate to a building comprising the system as disclosed herein and to a method of operating the system or building.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

These and other features, aspects, and advantages of the apparatus, systems and methods of the present disclosure will become better understood from the following description, appended claims, and accompanying drawing wherein:

FIG 1 schematically depicts an embodiment system for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients within a building

FIG 2 schematically depicts aspects relating to a distribution loop;

FIG 3 illustrates aspects related system for distributing heat in a building; and

FIG 4 and 4B, illustrate aspects related system for distributing heat in a building; and

FIG 5 schematically illustrates a method of operating the system.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Terminology used for describing particular embodiments is not intended to be limiting of the invention. As used herein, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term "and/or" includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items. It will be understood that the terms "comprises" and/or "comprising" specify the presence of stated features but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features. It will be further understood that when a particular step of a method is referred to as subsequent to another step, it can directly follow said other step or one or more intermediate steps may be carried out before carrying out the particular step, unless specified otherwise. Likewise it will be understood that when a connection between structures or components is described, this connection may be established directly or through intermediate structures or components unless specified otherwise.

As used herein the term ‘green energy’ generally reflects energy obtained from renewable sources directly available to the building such as solar radiation, wind and geothermal energy. The system can advantageously reduce or even eliminate a use of non-renewable sources such as coal, gas, oil, wood, etc. for heating. Electric power used by the system is preferably also supplied from green sources, preferably from sources such as photovoltaic panels and/or batteries provided onto the building. Accordingly, the system can be configured as a stand-alone system which is intendent/decoupled from the grid. Optionally, the system can be connected to the grid, e.g. a city heat grid or power grid, in order to load surpluses into the grid. Optionally, residual heat can first be converted to electrical energy.

The invention is described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which embodiments of the invention are shown. In the drawings, the absolute and relative sizes of systems, components, layers, and regions may be exaggerated for clarity. Embodiments may be described with reference to schematic and/or crosssection illustrations of possibly idealized embodiments and intermediate structures of the invention. In the description and drawings, like numbers refer to like elements throughout. Relative terms as well as derivatives thereof should be construed to refer to the orientation as then described or as shown in the drawing under discussion. These relative terms are for convenience of description and do not require that the system be constructed or operated in a particular orientation unless stated otherwise.

The system and its operation will now be described in more detail with reference to FIGs 1-5, wherein FIGs 1 and 2 depict an exemplary embodiment of a system 1 for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients 20. Figs 3 and 4 illustrate aspects of a building 100 comprising a system for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients within the building; and FIG 5 illustrates several aspects relating to a method of operating the system or a building comprising the system as disclosed herein.

In general the system comprises at least one heat source 2 and at least one main heat storage 3 that are in thermal heat exchange with a primary circulation circuit 10 configured to, in use, circulate a flow F of a first heat carrier Cl along a trajectory past the main heat source and the main heat storage. As shown the system comprises a plurality of heat buffers 4, of which only 4- 1 is shown in detail. Heat buffer 4- 1 is in thermal heat exchange with one LI of a plurality of primary circulation loops L1,L2,L3 comprised in the primary circulation circuit 10. The buffer is also in thermal heat exchange with one of a plurality of heat extraction circuits 15 that are configured to distribute heat among a subset of the plurality of recipients.

As shown each one of the plurality of heat buffers is arranged along a respective one of a corresponding plurality of interconnected sections 11-1 of the primary circulation circuit, which are each arranged in parallel between a first interconnection member 12 and a second interconnection member 13. As shown, each of the parallel interconnected sections 11 defines a section of one of the plurality of primary circulation loops in combination with the interconnection members 12,13 and a return section 8. In one embodiment, e.g. as shown, the return section 8 is formed by single conduit having a capacity (cross sectional diameter) at least equal to a combined capacity of the parallel interconnected sections. Optionally the return circuit may be formed of a plurality of return sections. Provided along the circuit is a plurality of flow-regulation members for controlling a flow F of the first heat carrier Cl within specific sections of the circuit. Generally the members include one or more pumps 7 or valves 7v. In some embodiments, e.g. as shown in FIG 3, the plurality of heat buffers are arranged above one another inside a ventilation shaft extending vertically through the building.

The system further comprises a control system 30 configured to dynamically distribute the flow F of the first heat carrier Cl over the in parallel interconnected sections 11 of the primary circulation circuit 10 in dependence of a set of control parameters, the set comprising at least a predetermined and/or actual heat demand of the subset of the plurality of recipients. Note that for clarity reasons the embodiments as shown depicts only three of the interconnections (represented dash-dot lines) between the control system and the flow regulation members.

The heat source typically includes one or more thermal solar collectors 2-1 and/or thermal wind turbines 2-2. These sources are preferably provided along a top portion of the building (typically along the roof, see e.g. FIG 3). Preferably, the building also includes a standalone electrical power supply including one or more electrical power generators such as photovoltaic panels generators and/or wind-turbines, and an electrical power storage module such as a battery. Preferably, the electrical power supply is dimensioned to power the electrical components of the system (controller, pump, heat-pumps, etc.) so that the system can be self- sufficient and even disconnected from a power-grid. The heat sources and electrical power generators are typically provided along a roof portion of the building. Optionally a portion can be provided along a fagade of the building and/or in communal spaces (e.g. garden) surrounding the building. Preferably the heat sources and/or PV panels are oriented in a configuration, e.g. as shown in FIG 4A, or orientable (e.g. rotatably and/or pivotably mounted) so as to optimize utilization of solar radiation.

The at least one main heat storage 3 can advantageously comprise one or more of: a geothermal storage 3-1 and a water buffer 3-2, e.g. a cold water buffer 3-2, and a heat-exchange compressor 3-3. The cold water buffer can comprise a buffer containing ice water or grey water. Preferably, the main heat storage includes a connection with a heat exchanger from a compressor (heat-exchange compressor 3-3). A heat-exchange compressor 3- 3, e.g. a compressed air energy storage (CAES), can advantageously convert thermal energy by direct compression/decompression of air, to drive a heat pump. Advantageously a CAES can thus store an excess of thermal energy for later release without an electrical conversion step as in a conventional heat pump. Conversion of electrical energy to compression as in regular heat pumps, causes significant thermal losses of up to about 90%. Heat losses of compressors can be easily recuperated until up to about 85%. Such a recuperation can advantageously be fed back into the heating system. The system allows for highly efficient buffering of residual heat from compressors.

The heat sources and the main heat storages are in thermal heat exchange with the circuit. Heat can be exchanged either directly e.g. by circulation of the first heat carrier and/or indirectly e.g. via a heat exchange surface such as a radiator. In preferred embodiments, heat exchange with at least part of the main heat storages is provided by a heat pump, e.g. an electrically powered heat pump which can be powered by the standalone electrical power supply.

In a preferred embodiment, the heat buffers 4- 1,4-2 are essentially contained within a storey 101 of the building. The plurality of interconnected sections 11 is preferably essentially vertically oriented across storeys as illustrated in FIG 3 and FIG 4B.

In a preferred embodiment, the first interconnection member is located substantially near the at least one heat source. The second interconnection member is preferably located substantially near the at least one main heat storage. In this way, the interconnected sections each connect the heat sources and the heat storages. This is favorable because heat can flow past the heat sources and storages through each of the different interconnected sections, exploiting the matrix-like configuration to enable minimal and equal travel distance between sources and storages for each of the interconnected sections.

Preferably, the system is provided with one or more equilibrium elements that homogenize a temperature distribution of the first heat carrier within a section of the circuit prior to entering and/or after traversing a vertical loop section. The equilibrium element can be located, or even formed by, at the respective first interconnection and/or second equilibrium element 12,13. The equilibrium elements 12e, 13e can advantageously be configured to reduce temperature variations, e.g. from spatially distributed contributions of heat from the heat sources. In a preferred embodiment, temperature equilibration is provided by a reducing a flow speed of the first heat carrier. In the equilibrium elements, turbulence is reduced and temperature is leveled, both effects which contribute to a reduction of energy losses throughout the system. In a preferred embodiment, equilibrium element comprises a flow volume, e.g. a tank, with a series of entries and exits that are respectively connected to the heat sources/ storages and (vertical) loop sections. The flow volume generally has a cross section area of at least twice, preferably at least 3x, a cross section in communal (non-branched) sections of the circuit to reduce flow speed. Equilibrium elements can additionally implement other technical measures for reducing flow speed, such as flow-reducing conduit material and flow-reducing parts introduced in its flow volume of the equilibrium element. Alternatively, or in addition, the equilibrium element may contain active mixing elements, e.g. stirrers.

In a particularly preferred embodiment the system comprises a by-pass circuit 18 including a by-pass conduit 19, between the first interconnection member 12 and the second interconnection member 13. The bypass preferably includes at least one operable flow regulation member 7 as disclosed herein to allow diverting at least a portion of the flow around the heat buffers 4- 1,4-2.

The heat extraction circuits 15 are configured to distribute heat among a subset of the plurality of recipients. Each heat extraction circuit 15 of the plurality of heat extraction circuits generally comprises a principal circuit part 15p-l that is in thermal heat exchange with the corresponding heat buffer 4-1, and a plurality of distribution loops 16,16-1,16-2 that are fluidly connected to the principal circuit part and that are configured to supply heat to a respective one of the plurality of recipients 20. The number of distribution loops generally corresponds on the number of recipients that are to be serviced. Preferably, the distribution loops are connected to the principal circuit part by a central (communal) connection member 17 having entries/exists for the principal circuit part and each of the distribution loops. Connecting the distribution loops via a communal connection member 17 advantageously allows drawing heat from the buffer tank using a single set heat extraction piping (principal circuit part).

Now with reference to FIG 2, each distribution loop 16-1 is in thermal heat exchange with a space heating installation 21 at the recipient and a recipient buffer 22. Generally a distribution loop 16-1, 16-2, 16-n is provided for each recipient, e.g. an apartment or communal space such as a laundry room or hall ways, at a certain storey of the building. The space heating installation 21 provides for space heating, generally underfloor heating. The buffer 22 (storage tank 22) confines a volume of a further heat transfer medium 04 and is in thermal heat exchange with a hot-water distribution circuit 23 (e.g. a tap-water circuit having an inlet and outlet 23- 1,23-1 for hot/cold water. The heat transfer medium C4 and the distribution loop 16-1 are in thermal heat exchange, preferably at a bottom section of the tank. The buffer tank is in thermal heat exchange with a tap water circuit, preferably at a top section of the tank. Similar as for the heat buffers 4 arranging the heat supply at a bottom section of the tank 22 and the heat extraction at a bottom section optimizes energy transfer.

In a preferred embodiment, the recipient buffer 22 comprises a supplemental heating element 24. The supplemental heating element can be controlled, by the control system 30, to provide additional heat in case an instant heat supply from the heat extraction circuits 15 is insufficient to meet a local demand, e.g. a sudden surge in a hot water demand from an end user. Advantageously the supplemental heating element 24 can be configured to, at least temporarily heat the tank above a sanitation temperature, typically > 60°C (e.g.60 or 70°C for lhour) to avoid buildup of potential hazardous microorganisms (e.g. legionella). This additional heating can be electrically powered, e.g. from the PV panels and/or battery. Preferably, the supplemental heating element 24 is supplied by a waste energy from within the building. Accordingly, in a preferred embodiment, the distribution loop is in thermal heat exchange with a recuperation circuit 25. The recuperation circuit 25 can be configured to recuperate waste heat from external energy streams, i.e. not directly originating from the heating system, within the building. Preferably, the recuperation circuit is configured to recover waste heat from one or more of electrically operated appliances such as washing machines or dryers (e.g. in a communal laundry room); and an air ventilation circuit. Appliances releasing hot water, such as laundry machines, could advantageously be directly connected to the system at the hot-water distribution circuit 23-1 to recuperate waste heat from waste water. In some embodiments, e.g. as shown, a heat pump 26, pumps heat from a comparatively warm indoor air ventilation flow 27-1 to the recuperation circuit 25 leaving a comparatively cooler air flow which is expelled from the building.

In addition, the laundry room can also be configured to directly connect washing machines therein present to the heating system so as to recuperate waste heat. The system may comprise a rain water collection circuit (not shown), comprising a rain water buffer that is pre-heated with greywater heat, and can be further heated by thermal heat exchange with the primary circulation circuit. By redirecting greywater for recuperation purposes of rain water, a risk of contamination of a main hot-water circuit of the building in case of leakage is mitigated.

Aspects concerning the building comprising the system for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients within the building and to the method of operation will now be explained with further reference to Figs 3- 5, wherein FIGs 3-4 illustrate aspects related system for distributing heat in a building; and FIG 5 schematically illustrates a method of operating the system. provides a cross-section side view of a building including a system for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients within a building;

FIG 3-4 illustrate certain aspects of a building 100 comprising a system 1 as disclosed herein. As shown, in cross section side view, the building comprises a total of ten stories (four indicated: 101-1,101-2,101- 3,104-4) of which one basement 101-4. Thermal solar collectors 2-1, PV panels 2-3, and thermal wind collectors 2-2 are provided along the roof. A geothermal storage 3-1 is provided below the building and cold water buffers 3-2 are provided at the basement level. A heat-exchanger compressor (CAES) 3-3 and a grey water heat exchanger 3-4 are provided in the basement. The solar heat collectors 2-1 are configured long three principal directions, west, south, east to optimize intake of solar radiation. (FIG 4A). Each storey with living spaces is provided with a heat buffer (4- 1,4-2, 4-3). The heat buffers 4- 1,4-2, 4-3 are mounted vertically above each other and between first and second interconnection members are respectively the basement level and roof level (connection members 12,13 and piping shown in FIG 1). Each buffer is in thermal heat exchange with a number of distribution loops 16 (one indicated) via respective heat extraction circuits at the storey. The heat buffers are vertically oriented and have a height of 2- 3 m. As indicated by the gradient shading (Fig 4B) a thermal gradient AT exists between top and bottom sections of the tanks 4- 1,4-2, 4-3.

FIG 5 schematically illustrates a method of operating the system The method comprising generally comprises at least: operating a load 202 routine when a determined or estimated actual heat supply from the source to the carrier exceeds a determined or estimated actual heat demand from the distribution loops or in the building; and operating 202 a discharge routine when determined or estimated actual heat demand from the distribution loops exceeds a determined or estimated actual heat supply from the source. The combination of above conditions optimizes a use of heat under varying condictiones such as variations in availability of green energy, e.g. due seasonal and/or weather variations. For example, storing an excess of heat during a sunny period and releasing stored heat when actual supply is insufficient to meet a demand. Operating the load cycle comprises: extracting heat from the first heat carrier and supplying extracted heat to at least one main storage. Operating the discharge routine comprises extracting heat from the main storage and supplying the extracted heat to the first heat carrier. The load routine can advantageously comprises increasing a flow rate of the carrier in the by-pass circuit relative to the parallel sections, and operating the discharge routine comprises decreasing a flow rate, even down to zero, in the by-pass circuit relative to the parallel sections during the discharge routine.

In relation thereto the control system 30 is additionally configured to determine 201 whether an actual heat supply from the sources to the carrier exceeds an actual heat demand from the distribution loops. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises determining whether an actual heat supply from the source to the carrier exceeds an actual heat demand from the distribution loops. Measures for determining an supply and demand can be conveniently measured, due to the configuration of the system in separated distribution and extraction circuits which allow accurate determination of temperatures within the system using a limited number of temperature sensors, e.g. by a measured temperature difference a first sensor provided in one of the interconnection members and second sensors provided in the heat buffer tanks and/or along the heat extraction circuits. Alternatively, or in addition, the heat supply and/or demands can be at least in part based by modeling. For example, by modelling heat losses at various recipients and heat supplies for under specific weather and/or seasonal conditions.

To improve the distribution of heat towards sub-sets of the recipients, the method comprises dynamically distributing a flow of the first heat carrier over the in parallel interconnected sections of the primary circulation circuit in dependence of a set of control parameters. Said set typically comprises at least a predetermined (e.g. modeled) and/or actual heat demand of the subset of the plurality of recipients by controlling the plurality of pumps.

The method can advantageously further comprises increasing a flow rate of the carrier in the by-pass relative to the parallel sections during the load routine, and decreasing a flow rate down to zero in the by-pass relative to the parallel sections during the discharge routine.

Advantageously, the method can further comprise a heating routine. The heating routine advantageously allows bringing components of the system to a working temperature, e.g. defrosting thermal solar collectors after a cold night. The heating routing is generally preceded by a step of determining whether an actual temperature at a specific portion of the system (e.g. a thermal solar collector) is below a lower temperature limit. If so, the heating routine is performed whereby the heating routing comprises drawing heat from the at least one main heat storage to heat the first heat carrier to a temperature above the lower limit using; and drawing heat from the heated first heat carrier to heat the portion of system (e.g. the thermal solar collector) to a temperature above the lower limit. In a preferred embodiment, the heating routine includes diverting at least a portion, preferably all, of the flow of the heated first heat carrier past the parallel sections via the by-pass conduit. Thusly the heated carrier reaches the cold section (e.g. during night) in a thermodynamically optimized efficient route (minimizing or even avoiding heat transfer to the buffers.

For the purpose of clarity and a concise description, features are described herein as part of the same or separate embodiments, however, it will be appreciated that the scope of the invention may include embodiments having combinations of all or some of the features described. Of course, it is to be appreciated that any one of the above embodiments or processes may be combined with one or more other embodiments or processes to provide even further improvements in finding and matching designs and advantages.

In interpreting the appended claims, it should be understood that the word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of other elements or acts than those listed in a given claim; the word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements; any reference signs in the claims do not limit their scope; several "means" may be represented by the same or different item(s) or implemented structure or function; any of the disclosed devices or portions thereof may be combined together or separated into further portions unless specifically stated otherwise. Where one claim refers to another claim, this may indicate synergetic advantage achieved by the combination of their respective features. But the mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot also be used to advantage. The present embodiments may thus include all working combinations of the claims wherein each claim can in principle refer to any preceding claim unless clearly excluded by context.

Claims

22 Claims

1. A system (1) for distributing heat to a plurality of recipients (20) within a multi storey building (100), the system comprising: at least one heat source (2); at least one main heat storage (3); and a primary circulation circuit (10) extending between a top and bottom section of the building and configured to, in use, circulate a flow (F) of a first heat carrier (Cl), wherein the at least one heat source (2) and the at least one main heat storage (3) are in thermal heat exchange with the primary circulation circuit (10), the system further comprising: a plurality of decentralized heat buffers (4- 1,4-2) that are each in thermal heat exchange with the primary circulation circuit (10) and with one of a plurality of heat extraction circuits (15) configured to distribute heat among a subset of the plurality of recipients; wherein each one of the plurality of decentralized heat buffers is arranged along a respective one of a plurality of interconnecting sections (11) of the primary circulation circuit (10), which each form an interconnect arranged in parallel between a first interconnection member (12) of the primary circulation circuit (10) and a second interconnection member (13) of the primary circulation circuit (10), and wherein the system comprises a control system (30) configured to dynamically distribute the flow (F) of the first heat carrier (Cl) over the interconnected sections (11) of the primary circulation circuit (10) in dependence of a set of control parameters, the set comprising at least a predetermined and/or actual heat demand of the subset of the plurality of recipients (20).

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the interconnected sections (11) is substantially vertically arranged within the building, and wherein each heat extraction circuit is arranged in a loop configuration, circulating a flow of a second heat carrier (C2) between the corresponding decentralized heat buffer and the corresponding subset of the plurality of recipients, and wherein each heat extraction circuit is substantially horizontally arranged within the building.

3. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein a first equilibrium element (12e) is located at the first interconnection member (12) and wherein a second equilibrium element (13e) is located at the second interconnection member (13), the equilibrium elements being configured to reduce temperature variations therein by reducing a flow speed of the first heat carrier (Cl).

4. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the first interconnection member (12) is located substantially at a top section of the building near the at one heat source and wherein the second interconnection member is located substantially at or below a bottom section of the building near the at least one main heat storage.

5. The system according to claim 4, wherein the building is a multistorey building having > 6 storeys, and wherein each storey (101) comprises at least one of the plurality of decentralized heat buffers (4- 1,4-2).

6. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each heat extraction circuit (15) of the plurality of heat extraction circuits comprises a principal circuit part (15p) in thermal heat exchange with the corresponding decentralized heat buffer, and a plurality of distribution loops (16-1,16-2) fluidly connected to the principal circuit part at a connection member (17), each distribution loop configured to supply heat to a respective one of the plurality of recipients.

7. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each heat extraction circuit (15) further comprises an equilibrium element (17e) at the corresponding connection member, the equilibrium element being configured to reduce temperature variations therein by reducing a flow speed of the second heat carrier (C2).

8. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system further comprises a by-pass circuit (18) including a by-pass conduit (19), said by-pass extending between the first interconnection member (12) and the second interconnection member (13) for providing a flow path circumventing the interconnected sections (11) of the primary circulation circuit (10), and wherein the control system (30) is further configured to dynamically divert at least a portion of the flow of the first heat carrier (Cl) through the by-pass conduit in dependence of the set of control parameters.

9. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one heat source (2) comprises one or more of: at least one solar heat collector (2-1) and at least one thermal wind turbine (2-2).

10. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the at least one main heat storage (3) comprises one or more of: a geothermal storage (3-1) and a water buffer (3-2).

11. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein at least each one of the plurality of interconnected sections (11), each principal circuit part (15p) of the plurality of heat extraction circuits, and each distribution loop of the heat extraction circuits (15-1,15-2), is associated to at least one of a plurality of pumps (7)which are controlled by the control system to regulate the heat flow in the system.

12. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the system comprises one or more photovoltaic panel (2-3), and preferably a battery, to supply at least part of the power for operating one or more electrically powered components of the system. 25

13. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein each distribution loop (16) is in thermal heat exchange with a space heating installation (21) at the recipient and a recipient buffer (22), containing a volume of a heat transfer medium (C4), wherein the heat transfer medium and the distribution loop are in thermal heat exchange at a bottom section of the tank, and wherein the buffer tank is in thermal heat exchange with a tap water circuit (23) at a top section of the tank. 23

14. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the recipient buffer (22) comprises a supplemental heating element (24) to heat the heat transfer medium (C4) above a minimum temperature.

15. The system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the distribution loop is in thermal heat exchange with a recuperation circuit (25) configured to recuperate waste heat from an external energy stream within the building.

16. A building (100) comprising the system (1) according to any of the preceding claims.

17. A method (200) of operating the system according to any of claims 1-15, the method comprising: determining (201) whether an actual heat supply from the source exceeds an actual heat demand from the distribution loops operating a load routine (202) when an actual heat supply from the source exceeds an actual heat demand from the distribution loops; and operating a discharge routine (203) when an actual heat demand from the distribution loops exceeds an actual heat supply from the source wherein operating the load cycle comprises: extracting heat from the first heat carrier (Cl) and supplying extracted heat to at least one main storage, and 26 wherein operating the discharge routine comprises extracting heat from the main storage and supplying the extracted heat to the first heat carrier (Cl).

18. The method according to claim 17, wherein the method comprises dynamically distributing the flow of the first heat carrier over the in parallel interconnected sections (11) of the primary circulation circuit in dependence of the set of control parameters, the set comprising at least a predetermined and/or actual heat demand of the subset of the plurality of recipients.

19. The method according to any of the preceding claims 17-18, wherein operating the load routine comprises increasing a flow rate in the by-pass circuit (18) relative to a combined flow in the parallel sections (11), and operating the discharge routine comprises decreasing a flow rate in the by-pass circuit (18) relative to the combined flow in the parallel sections during the discharge routine.

20. The method according to any of the preceding claims 17-19, further comprising determining (204) whether an actual heat supply from the source exceeds an actual heat demand from the distribution loops; and operating a heating routine (205) when a measured temperature at the at least one heat source, preferably a solar thermal collector, is below a lower limit, the heating routine comprising:

- drawing heat from the at least one main heat storage to heat the first heat carrier to a temperature above the lower limit using; and

- diverting at least a portion of the flow of the heated first heat carrier through the by-pass conduit;

- and drawing heat from the heated first heat carrier (Cl) to heat the at least one heat source (2).