METHOD FOR RENEWING A BUILDING HEATING SYSTEM OF A BUILDING, AND RENEWED BUILDING HEATING SYSTEM

Abstract

A method for renewing a building heating system of a building, including for heating water, such as tap water and/or utility water, of a building water system. Embodiments also relate to renewed building heating system obtained by applying the method. The embodiments further relate to a kit of parts for renewing a building heating system by applying the method.

Claims

1. A method for renewing a building heating system of a building, comprising steps of: a) disconnecting an existing boiler of the building heating system: from an existing fuel source, from an existing fluid line for conducting fluid to be heated by the boiler, and from an existing air inlet pipe connected to an existing air inlet opening, to allow air to be led through the boiler, and from an existing flue gas discharge pipe connected to an existing flue gas outlet opening for discharging boiler generated flue gas, b) removing said boiler, and c) connecting an air source heat pump: to the existing fluid line, to the existing air inlet pipe and/or the existing air inlet opening, and to the existing flue gas discharge pipe and/or the existing flue gas outlet opening, connecting at least one heating tube, directly or indirectly, to the heat pump to provide additional heat energy to the fluid to be heated, and d) connecting said heat pump to an intermediate working fluid line for heating a working fluid conducted through said working fluid line, wherein said working fluid line comprises at least one water heat exchanger for transferring heat from said working fluid to water conducted through at least one water line of a building water system of said building, and wherein said at least one heating tube makes part of the working fluid line, and wherein the at least one heating tube is configured for flow-through of the working fluid, such that during flow-through of the working fluid the working fluid can be heated by the heating tubes.

2. The method according to claim 1, further comprising step f): connecting said heat pump to a control unit for controlling said heat pump.

3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising step g): connecting said control unit to at least one fluid temperature sensor and/or at least one fluid pressure sensor of the building heating system.

4. The method according to claim 1, further comprising step h): connecting at least one new fluid temperature sensor and/or at least one new fluid pressure sensor, to at least one fluid line of the building heating system.

5. The method according to claim 1, further comprising step i): connecting at least one alternative auxiliary heat source, directly or indirectly, to the heat pump to provide additional heat energy to the fluid to be heated.

6. The method according to claim 1, further comprising step j): connecting a control unit to the at least one heating tube, for controlling the at least one heating tube dependent on one or more temperature values measured by one or more temperature sensors and/or one or more fluid pressure sensors.

7. The method according to claim 51, wherein the at least one heating tube is an induction heating tube.

8. The method according to claim 7, further comprising step k): connecting at least one induction heating tube to an alternating current source,

9. The method according to claim 8, wherein step k) further comprises: a step of, subsequently to or simultaneously, connecting at least one frequency converter in between the alternating current source and the induction heating tube to increase a default frequency value of the alternating current source to increase a frequency value.

10. The method according to claim 1, wherein during step dg) at least one heating tube is connected at a downstream side of the heat pump or wherein during step de) a plurality of heating tubes is connected at a downstream side of the heat pump.

11. The method according to claim 5, wherein during step g) at least one alternative auxiliary heat source is connected at a downstream side of the heat pump or wherein during step i) a plurality of alternative auxiliary heat sources is connected at a downstream side of the heat pump.

12. (canceled)

13. The method according to claim 11, wherein at least one auxiliary heat source, directly or indirectly, connected to the heat pump makes part of the working fluid line.

14. The method according to claim 1, wherein, during step c), at least one pipe adapter is placed in between the heat pump and the existing air inlet pipe and/or the existing flue gas discharge pipe.

15. The method according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump comprises an air inlet opening and an air outlet opening, and, during step c), the existing air inlet pipe is connected to the air outlet opening of the heat pump and the existing air outlet pipe is connected to the air inlet opening of the heat pump.

16. A kit of parts for renewing a building heating system by applying the method according to claim 1, comprising: at least one air source heat pump, at least one control unit connectable to said at least one air source heat pump configured to control said heat pump, and at least one heating tube connectable to said heat pump, wherein the at least one control unit is connectable to at least one heating tube to control the at least one heating tube.

17. The kit of parts according to claim 16, further comprising: at least one pipe adapter configured to be connected to the air source heat pump and to an existing air inlet pipe and/or an existing air inlet opening, and to an existing flue gas discharge pipe and/or an existing flue gas outlet,

18. The kit of parts according to claim 16, further comprising: at least one new fluid temperature sensor and/or at least one new fluid pressure sensor.

19. The kit of parts according to claim 16, further comprising: at least one auxiliary heat source connectable to said heat pump, wherein the at least one control unit is connectable to said at least one auxiliary heat source to control the at least one auxiliary heat source, or the at least one heating tube and/or the at least one auxiliary heat source, and/or based upon fluid temperature values measured by at least one fluid temperature sensor of the building heating system, and/or said at least one new fluid temperature sensor, and/or based upon fluid pressure values measured by at least one fluid pressure sensor of the building heating system, and/or said at least one new fluid pressure sensor.

20. The method according to claim 5, further comprising step l): connecting a control unit to the at least one alternative auxiliary heat source, for controlling the at least one alternative auxiliary heat source dependent on one or more temperature values measured by one or more temperature sensors and/or one or more fluid pressure sensors.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

[0097] The invention will be elucidated on the basis of non-limitative exemplary embodiments shown in the following figures, wherein

[0098] FIG. 1 schematically shows the method according to the invention,

[0099] FIG. 2 schematically shows a first embodiment renewed building heating system obtained by applying the method according to the invention, and

[0100] FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an air source heat pump connected to the existing pipes according to the invention.

[0101] Within these figures, similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0102] FIG. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of a method for renewing a building heating system of a building according to the invention. On the left side, the figure shows a building heating system to be renewed i). The building heating system to be renewed I) comprises an existing boiler 1, which may be a central heating oil boiler or a central heating gas boiler. The boiler 1 is, directly or indirectly, connected to an existing fuel source 108, for example an oil pipe or a gas pipe. Further, the boiler 1 is, directly or indirectly, connected to an existing fluid line 103, such as a (tap) water line. The fluid line 103 is configured to conduct fluid to be heated, such as (tap) water, to the boiler 1 and to discharge heated fluid, such as heated water, from the boiler 1. The boiler 1 is preferably configured to heat the conducted fluid from a first temperature to a second higher temperature. Heated fluid may be extracted from the fluid line 103 at the downstream side of the boiler 1. At the downstream side of the boiler 1 the fluid line 103 may be, directly or indirectly, connected a tap and/or a shower 107 and/or a washing machine and/or a dish washer and/or a radiator, and the like, to be provided with heated fluid. Furthermore, the boiler 1 is, directly or indirectly, connected to an existing air inlet pipe 105 which is, directly or indirectly, connected to an existing air inlet opening 109 to allow air to be led through the boiler 1. The air inlet opening 109 may be provided in a wall of the building. In the shown embodiment, the air inlet opening 109 is provided in a roof 106 of the building. The air inlet opening 109 may, however, be provided in any wall of the building. The boiler 1 is, directly or indirectly, connected to an existing flue gas discharge pipe 104 connected to an existing flue gas outlet opening 110 for discharging boiler generated flue gas, in particular for discharging boiler generated flue gas from the building. The flue gas outlet opening 110 may be provided in a wall of the building. In the shown embodiment, the flue gas opening 110 is provided in a roof 106 of the building. In the shown embodiment, the air inlet opening 109 and the flue gas opening 110 are provided in a same opening of the wall of the building, here in the roof 106 of the building.

[0103] During step a), the existing boiler 1 of the building heating system is disconnected from the existing fuel source 108, the existing fluid line 103, the existing air inlet pipe 105 and/or from the existing flue gas discharge pipe 104. During step b) the boiler is removed or dismounted. Preferably, step b) is performed prior to step a) or simultaneously with step a). It is imaginable that the existing fluid line 103 and/or the existing fuel source are closed off during step a) and/or during step b). The result of the completed steps a) and b) can be observed in the middle II) of the figure.

[0104] During step c) an air source heat pump 2 is connected to the existing fluid line 103, the existing air inlet pipe 105 and/or the existing air inlet opening 109, and to the existing flue gas discharge pipe 104 and/or the existing flue gas outlet opening 110, as shown on the right side III) of the figure. This results in a replacement of the boiler 1 with an air source heat pump 2 by making use of at least a part of the existing air conducting infrastructure. The heat pump 2 is configured to heat the fluid of the fluid line 103. Heated fluid may subsequently be extracted from the fluid line 103 at the downstream side of the heat pump 2. The existing fuel source 108 is not needed by the air source heat pump 2. It is imaginable that the supply of fuel, such as gas or oil, through the existing fuel source 108 is blocked during and/or after step c). The existing fuel source 108 may be closed off (sealed) or be removed from the building. FIG. 2 schematically shows an embodiment of a renewed building heating system 200 obtained by applying the method according to the invention. In the shown renewed building heating system 200, the boiler was replaced by an air source heat pump 2, as shown in FIG. 1. The shown air source heat pump 2 comprises an air intake duct Ai and an air outlet duct Ao. In the shown embodiment, the air source heat pump 2 is connected to the existing air inlet pipe 105 and to the existing flue gas discharge pipe 104. In particular, the air intake duct Ai is connected to the existing flue gas discharge pipe 104 and the air outlet duct Ao is connected to the existing air inlet pipe 105. Therewith, the heat pump 2 is configured to discharge relatively cold air via the existing air inlet pipe 105 and to extract relatively warm or hot air via the existing flue gas discharge pipe 104. This configuration is favourable, since the existing air inlet pipe 105 is designed to conduct relatively cold air and the existing flue gas discharge pipe 104 is designed to conduct relatively hot gas. It is, however, also imaginable that the air intake duct Ai is connected to the existing air inlet pipe 105 and the air outlet duct Ao is connected to the existing flue discharge pipe 104. The heat pump 2 further comprises a compressor 23, a condenser 24, an expansion valve 25, and an evaporator 22 which are connected by fluid conduits carrying a heat pump fluid H. The shown evaporator 22 is provided with the air intake duct Ai and the air outlet duct Ao. The shown air intake duct Ai is provided with an air fan 21 or a ventilator which is preferably provided in or connected to the air inlet duct Ai. The air fan 21 is configured to direct relatively hot air into the heat pump 2. The evaporator 22 is configured to at least partially heat the heat pump fluid H, for example by absorbing heat from the relatively hot air. During step c) of the method, the heat pump is connected to the fluid line. The shown condenser 24 is provided with a fluid duct configured to connect the heat pump 2 to the fluid line. The heat pump fluid H is at least partially in heat exchanging contact with the fluid of the fluid line, preferably at least partially in the condenser 24, to heat the fluid from a first temperature T1 to a second higher temperature T2. In the shown embodiment, the heat pump 2 is connected to an intermediate working fluid line conducting a working fluid W, according to step j) of the invention.

[0105] Consequently, the heat pump fluid H is at least partially in heat exchanging contact with the working fluid W, preferably at least partially in the condenser 24, to heat the working fluid W. An enlarged cross-sectional view of the rectangular portion 300 of the renewed building heating system 200 is shown in FIG. 3.

[0106] The shown renewed building heating system 200 further comprises auxiliary heat sources 5 which are, directly or indirectly, connected to the heat pump 2, preferably according to step g) of the method. The auxiliary heat sources 5 are configured to provide additional heat energy to the fluid W to be heated. In the shown embodiment, the auxiliary heat sources 5 are three heating tubes 5. The heating tubes 5 are connected to the intermediate working fluid line. In the shown embodiment, the three heating tubes 5 are connected to the intermediate working fluid line in a parallel orientation. The heating tubes 5, or the auxiliary heat sources 5, may be arranged at the downstream side of the heat pump 2, in particular according to step g) of the method. The heating tubes 5, may however, (also) be arranged at the upstream side of the heat pump 2. The shown heating tubes 5 are connected to the intermediate working fluid line at the downstream side of the heat pump 2.

[0107] In the shown embodiment, the heat pump 2 is, directly or indirectly, connected to a control unit 14 for controlling the heat pump 2. The heat pump 2 may be wirelessly or wired be connected to the control unit 14. In the shown embodiment, the control unit 14 is also connected to at least one heating tube 5 for controlling the at least one heating tube 5, preferably according to step h) of the method. The shown control unit 14 is further connected to (existing and/or new) fluid temperature sensors 13, such as a water temperature sensor 131 or a working fluid temperature sensor 13, and/or at least one (existing and/or new) fluid pressure sensor 41, such as a water pressure sensor 141 or a working fluid pressure sensor 41, of the building heating system. This allows the control unit 14 to control the heat pump 2 and/or a heat source, such as the heating tubes 5, to heat the fluid in the fluid line, based upon one or more temperature values measured by the one of more fluid temperature sensors 13, 131 and/or one or more pressure values measured by the one or more fluid pressure sensors 41, 141. The (existing and/or new) temperature sensors 13, 131 are provided at various locations along the fluid line and/or (existing and/or new) pressure sensors 41, 141 are provided at various locations along the fluid line. A temperature sensor 13 may for example be provided downstream of the heating tubes 5 and upstream of a first heat exchanger 81. In the shown embodiment, a temperature sensor 13 is provided between the heat pump 2 and the heating tubes 5 to measure the temperature of the working fluid W before entering the heating tubes 5. The heating tubes 5 are preferably configured to cooperatively heat the working fluid W up to 95 degrees Celsius. A temperature difference Tb may be defined by the difference in temperature of the working fluid W prior to entering the heating tubes 5 and the temperature of working fluid W after flow-through the heating tubes 5. Preferably, the maximum temperature difference Tb is 85 degrees Celsius. The working fluid W is preferably heated by the heating tubes 5 and the heat pump 2. Preferably, the maximum temperature of the working fluid W passed through both the heating tubes 5 and the heat pump 2 is 95 degrees Celsius. In the shown embodiment, a pressure sensor 41 is provided downstream of the heating tubes 5 and upstream of two heat exchangers 81, 82. It is imaginable, that when the pressure measured by the pressure sensor 41 is above a threshold value that a safety valve 37 opens to decrease the pressure in the intermediate working fluid line.

[0108] The control unit 14 is configured to modularly control the heating tubes 5 and optionally the heat pump 2, preferably based upon the input of at least one temperature sensor 13, 131. For example, if the measured temperature of working fluid W measured by the temperature sensor 13 located upstream from the heating tubes 5 is below a threshold value the control unit 14 may be configured to switch on one or multiple heating tubes 5 to further heat the working fluid W to a desired temperature.

[0109] The shown control unit 14 is connected or connectable to a an external device 44, such as a display to allow persons or users to communicate building heating system related data and/or to monitor the status of the heating system.

[0110] Downstream of the heating tubes 5 the shown renewed building heating system 200 comprises two exchangers 81, 82 which are serially connected to the intermediate working fluid line. The working fluid W conducted in the intermediate working fluid line may be configured to act as an intermediary heat transfer fluid to transfer heat to a first fluid F1 and/or a second fluid F2. A first heat exchanger 81 comprises a first inlet 91 and a first outlet 92 configured to be connected to the intermediate working fluid line. The first heat exchanger 81 further comprises a second inlet 93 and a second outlet 94 connected or connectable to a first fluid line comprising a first fluid F1. Preferably, the first fluid line is a tap water line comprising tap water. Preferably, the tap water line comprising tap water is heated in the first heat exchanger 81, provided upstream from the second heat exchanger 82, to allow the tap water to be heated relatively quickly. The first heat exchanger 81 may be configured to transfer heat from the working fluid W to the first fluid F1, such as water, of the first fluid line. The temperature of the first fluid F1 prior to entering the first heat exchanger 81 may be between 10-65 degrees Celsius. It is imaginable that the first fluid F1 is heated by the first heat exchanger 81 up to 65 degrees Celsius. In the shown embodiment, the first fluid line comprises a flow sensor or flow switch 46. The shown flow switch 46 is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger 81. The flow switch 46 may be configured to monitor the flow rate and/or the pressure of the first fluid F1 in the first fluid line. Preferably, the flow switch 46 is configured to activate the first heat exchanger 81 when the first fluid F1 exceeds a predetermined flow rate. It is imaginable that a flow switch 46 is (also) provided in a second fluid line and/or in the intermediate working fluid line and/or in the fluid line. In the shown embodiment, a water temperature sensor 131 is provided to measure the temperature of the first fluid F1. The shown temperature sensor 131 is provided downstream of the first heat exchanger 81. The temperature sensor 131 may be connected or connectable to the control unit 14, wherein the control unit 14 is configured to control the heat first exchanger 81 based upon the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131. For example, if the measured temperature of the first fluid F1 measured by the temperature sensor 131 located upstream of the first heat exchanger 81 is below a threshold value the control unit may be configured to switch on one or multiple heating tubes 5 to (further) heat the first fluid F1 to a desired temperature.

[0111] At the downstream side of the first heat exchanger 81 a second heat exchanger 82 may be provided. In the shown embodiment, a temperature sensor 13 is provided between the first heat exchanger 81 and the second heat exchanger 82 to measure the temperature, and optionally to monitor a possible temperature decay. The second heat exchanger 82 comprises a first inlet 95 and a first outlet 96 configured to be connected to the intermediate working fluid line or to the fluid line. The second heat exchanger 82 further comprises a second inlet 97 and a second outlet 98 connected or connectable to a second fluid line comprising a second fluid F2. Preferably, the second fluid line is a central heating water line comprising central heating water. The second heat exchanger 82 may be configured to transfer heat from the working fluid W to the second fluid F2, such as water, of the second fluid line. The temperature of the second fluid F2 prior to entering the second heat exchanger 82 may be between 10-65 degrees Celsius. It is imaginable that the second fluid F2 is heated by the second heat exchanger 82 up to 65 degrees Celsius. The second fluid line may further comprise a pump 39 configured to pump the second fluid F2 in the second heat exchanger 82. In the shown embodiment, a water temperature sensor 131 is provided to measure the temperature of the second fluid F2. The shown temperature sensor 131 is provided downstream of the second heat exchanger 82. The temperature sensor 131 may be connected or connectable to the control unit 14, wherein the control unit 14 is configured to control the second first exchanger 82 based upon the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 131. Additionally, a pressure sensor 141 may be provided in the second fluid line to measure the pressure of the second fluid F2. In case, for example, the measured pressure of the second fluid F2 is below a threshold value a signal is given by the control unit 14 to refill the second fluid line with the second fluid F2. The shown pressure sensor 141 is provided downstream of the second heat exchanger 82. A temperature sensor 13 is present downstream of the second heat exchanger 82 and upstream of a storage container 30, to measure the temperature of the working fluid W, and optionally to monitor and optionally to monitor a possible temperature decay.

[0112] The shown heating system 1 further comprises a safety circuit 42 configured to detect overheating and/or boiling dry of the working fluid W in the working fluid line. In case overheating and/or boiling dry of the working fluid W in the working fluid line is detected, the safety circuit 42 is configured to switch off the heat pump 2 and/or at least one auxiliary heat source, such as a heating tube 5.

[0113] The intermediate working fluid line further comprises a vent 45 configured to vent the intermediate working fluid line of air (bubbles) or gas (bubbles). The first fluid line and/or second fluid line may comprise a vent 45 configured to vent the first fluid line and/or the second fluid line of air (bubbles) or gas (bubbles).

[0114] The shown renewed building heating system 200 further comprises a storage container 30, such as a buffer tank, preferably according to step 1) of the method. The shown storage container 30 comprises a first inlet 31 for conducting the working fluid W to the storage container 30 and a first outlet 32 for discharging the working fluid W from the storage container 30. The storage container 30 is configured to store the heated working fluid W. The storage container 30 further comprises a second inlet 33 and a second outlet 35 connected or connectable to the first fluid line. A part of the first fluid line is guided through the storage container 30, in particular at least between the second inlet 33 and the second outlet 34 of the storage container 30. The shown storage container 30 is configured to preheat the first fluid F1 by transferring heat from the heated working fluid W to the first fluid F1. It is imaginable that the storage container 30 is configured to heat the first fluid F1 at least to approximately 10 degrees Celsius, preferably up to approximately 75 degrees Celsius. It is imaginable that the temperature of the working fluid W is maximal 95 degrees Celsius prior to entering the storage container 30. The temperature of the working fluid W may decrease to 10 degrees Celsius when discharged from the storage container 30, in particular after heat has been transferred to the first fluid F1. Optionally, the first fluid line guided through the storage container 30 comprises a coiled portion 35. The coiled portion 35 increases the length of the conduct part, and hence the heat transfer capacity from the working fluid W to the first fluid F1. The shown storage container 30 may be provided upstream of the heat pump 2 and the auxiliary heat source, such as the heating tubes 5. The shown heating system 1 may further comprise a second storage container 38 configured to store working fluid W. Additionally, the shown heating system 1 comprises a working fluid pump 40 configured to pump the working fluid W in the working fluid line, preferably according to step k) of the method.

[0115] FIG. 3 schematically shows a cross-sectional view of an air source heat pump 2 connected to the existing pipes 104, 105 according to the invention. The shown existing air inlet pipe 105 at least partially concentrically surrounds the fuel gas discharge pipe 104. The shown existing air inlet pipe 105 is, directly or indirectly, connected to an existing air inlet opening 109 to allow air to be led through. In the shown embodiment, the air inlet opening 109 is provided in a roof 106 of a building. The shown existing flue gas discharge pipe 104 is, directly or indirectly, connected an existing flue gas outlet opening 110 to allow air and/or gas to be led through. In the shown embodiment, the flue gas outlet opening 110 is provided in a roof 106 of a building. It is imaginable that the existing air inlet opening 109 and the existing flue gas outlet opening 110 at least partially overlap, optionally the to an existing air inlet opening 109 and the existing flue gas outlet opening 110 entirely overlap. In the shown embodiment, the air intake duct Ai of the air source heat pump 2 is connected to an existing flue gas discharge pipe 104 and the air outlet duct Ao of the air source heat pump 2 is connected to an existing air inlet pipe 105. In the shown embodiment, a pipe adapter 301, or an adapting pipe, is provided between the air source heat pump 2 and the existing air inlet pipe 105 and the existing flue gas discharge pipe 104. The pipe adapter 301 comprises a first end and a second end. Between the first end and the second end, the pipe adapter 301 comprises an inner tube portion Ti and an outer tube portion To. The shown outer tube portion To concentrically surrounds at least a part of the inner tube portion Ti. At the first end of the pipe adapter 301, the outer tube portion To of the shown embodiment is connected to the existing air inlet pipe 105 and the inner tube portion Ti is connected to the existing flue gas discharge pipe 104. The inner tube portion Ti and the outer tube portion To of the shown pipe adapter 301 preferably diverge into two separate tubes at the second end of the pipe adapter 301. The shown pipe adapter 301 is connected to the air source heat pump 2 at the second end of the air adapter 301. Preferably, the inner tube portion Ti is, directly or indirectly, connected to the air inlet duct Ai of the heat pump 2 and the outer tube portion To is, directly or indirectly, connected to the air outlet duct Ao of the heat pump. More preferably, the inner tube portion Ti is, directly or indirectly, connected to the air fan 21 or the ventilator of the air inlet duct Ai of the air source heat pump 2 and/or the outer tube portion To is, directly or indirectly, connected to the evaporator 22 of the air source heat pump 2.

[0116] The above-described inventive concepts are illustrated by several illustrative embodiments. It is conceivable that individual inventive concepts may be applied without, in so doing, also applying other details of the described example. It is not necessary to elaborate on examples of all conceivable combinations of the above-described inventive concepts, as a person skilled in the art will understand numerous inventive concepts can be (re) combined in order to arrive at a specific application.

[0117] It will be apparent that the invention is not limited to the working examples shown and described herein, but that numerous variants are possible within the scope of the attached claims that will be obvious to a person skilled in the art.

[0118] The ordinal numbers used in this document, like first, second, third and fourth, are used only for identification purposes. Hence, the use of the expression third temperature does therefore not necessarily require the co-presence of a first temperature. The expression heating tube may be replaced by the expression auxiliary heat source.

[0119] The verb comprise and conjugations thereof used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only comprise, but are also understood to mean the phrases contain, substantially consist of, formed by and conjugations thereof.