A zone controller works with a modulating unit comprising memory storing an instruction set and data related to thermostats, a plurality of duty cycles for a plurality of zones, a plurality of time periods for the plurality of zones, and a maximum zone load. A processor is operative to provide a modulating signal to the modulating unit based on the maximum zone load. The modulating signal determines operation of the modulating boiler and the maximum zone load based on the plurality of duty cycles, time periods, and data related to thermostats. The zone controller may be further operative to: calculate a first duty cycle for the first zone based on a first time period; calculate a second duty cycle for the second zone based on a second time period; and determine a maximum zone load, which is a greater of the first duty cycle and the second duty cycle.

A controller configured to selectively set a reversible heat pump assembly (100) in either a heating mode or in a cooling mode is presented. The controller comprising a control circuit (44) configured to: for a time period, determine, using a demand determining function (50), a heating demand for heat from one or more local heating circuits (140) connected to the reversible heat pump assembly (100) and a cooling demand for cold from one or more local cooling circuits (140) connected to the reversible heat pump assembly (100); generate, using a control function (52), a control signal indicative of if the reversible heat pump assembly (100) is to be set in either the heating mode or in the cooling mode, wherein the control function is configured to use the heating demand and the cooling demand as input data; and send, using a transmission function (54), the control signal to a heat pump (110) of the reversible heat pump assembly (100). Also a method for controlling the reversible heat pump assembly (100) is presented.

A heat pump system is disclosed comprising a heat-exchanger extracting latent heat from liquid stored in a reservoir, thereby forming an ice slurry. The heat pump also includes a device for delivering the heat to a heat consumer. The heat pump system includes a random input of extrinsic liquid into the reservoir and a device for removing ice slurry stored in the reservoir outward the system.

A heat pump system is disclosed comprising a heat-exchanger extracting latent heat from liquid stored in a reservoir, thereby forming an ice slurry. The heat pump also includes a device for delivering the heat to a heat consumer. The heat pump system includes a random input of extrinsic liquid into the reservoir and a device for removing ice slurry stored in the reservoir outward the system.

A method and system for optimizing the operation of a geo-exchange system, by generating predictive models pertaining to energy demand and energy capacity for a particular building or district, based on data from sensors associated with components of a district geo-exchange system, historical and real-time operational data associated with district modules, including weather forecast data and current weather conditions.

A method and system for optimizing the operation of a geo-exchange system, by generating predictive models pertaining to energy demand and energy capacity for a particular building or district, based on data from sensors associated with components of a district geo-exchange system, historical and real-time operational data associated with district modules, including weather forecast data and current weather conditions.

A district energy distributing system comprising a geothermal power plant comprising a first and a second circuit. The first circuit comprises a feed conduit for an incoming flow of geothermally heated water from a geothermal heat source; a boiler comprising a heat exchanger configured to exchange heat from the incoming flow of geothermally heated water to superheat a working medium of a second circuit of the geothermal power plant; and a return conduit for a return flow of cooled water from the boiler to the geothermal heat source. The second circuit comprises the boiler configured to superheat the working medium of the second circuit; an expander configured to allow the superheated working medium to expand and to transform the expansion to mechanical work; and a condenser configured to transform the expanded working medium to liquid phase and to heat a heat transfer fluid of a district thermal energy circuit.

[OBJECT] To provide an evaporator which can improve heat exchange performance.

[SOLVING MEANS] An evaporator including a metal wall and a porous metal film directly connected to the metal wall, wherein the porous metal film has communication holes having an average pore size of 8 m or less, and the porous metal film has a porosity of 50% or more.

Thermal energy systems for managing, distribution and recovery of thermal energy. A single-pipe loop circulating a two-phase refrigerant is provided. The single-pipe loop is spread through the entire system and interconnects a plurality of local heat exchange stations, each having different thermal energy loads. A central circulation mechanism (CCM) is also provided for circulating the refrigerant for distribution of thermal energy within the system.

The present disclosure relates to combined heat and power plants. The teachings thereof may be embodied in methods for operating such a plant to provide electrical and thermal energy to a consumer unit, comprising: simultaneously generating electrical energy and heat in a process flow based on a demand for electricity; storing heat generated in excess of a demand for heat; and increasing a heat output when a difference between an actual provided heat output and the demand for heat is exceeded.