Methods, systems, and apparatus to support reduction of energy and water consumption

Abstract

The domestic hot water supply system comprises: a cold water inlet (302) for receiving cold water from the main feeder; a hot water outlet (304) connected for supplying hot water on demand to a domestic hot water outlet enabled by a user; a heat exchanger (308) for heating water with a hot fluid received from a hot fluid source (306); an electric heater (326); a heat storage device (342) for storing heat; a circulation pump (320) for pumping water from the heat storage device (342) to the heat exchanger (308); and a controller (340) for controlling operation of the system when there is no hot water demand at the domestic hot water outlet (304) to supply and deliver hot fluid to the fluid source (306) for heating the fluid source (306) to defrost or reduce icing of the fluid source. Hot water is pumped from the heat storage device (342) to the heat exchanger (308) via a circulation pump (320), or if the heat stored in the heat storage device (342) is insufficient, the water delivered to the heat storage device (342) is heated using an electric heater (326). Fluid from the fluid source (306) is heated at the heat exchanger (308) with thermal energy from the hot water such that the hot fluid is delivered back to the fluid source (306) to heat the fluid source (306).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates in many ways to methods and apparatus suitable for facilities including hot water supply systems within buildings, in order to support the reduction of energy and water consumption. Background Technology

[0002] Globally, there is a shortage of drinking water. Water shortages are now reported worldwide, and while one might think such problems only affect “hot” countries and continents, this is no longer the case. A report by the European Environment Agency states that water shortages or water stress affect millions of people globally, including over 100 million in Europe alone. Approximately 88.2% of freshwater use in Europe (including drinking and other uses) comes from rivers and groundwater, with the remainder coming from reservoirs (10.3%) and lakes (1.5%). This makes these water sources highly vulnerable to overexploitation, pollution, and climate change.

[0003] Therefore, there is an urgent need to reduce water consumption in daily life. In Europe, the average person is supplied with 144 liters of fresh water per day for household use, but most of this water is wasted due to carelessness and improper selection of faucets, showers, and appliances.

[0004] Related to the need to reduce water consumption is the need to reduce energy consumption for domestic use, especially given that (at least in Europe) approximately 75% of heating and cooling is still generated from fossil fuels while only 22% is generated from renewable energy sources.

[0005] According to Directive 2012 / 27 / EU, buildings account for 40% of the EU's final energy consumption and 36% of its CO2 emissions. The European Commission's 2016 report, "Mapping and Analysis of Heating / Cooling Fuel Deployment (Fossil Fuels / Renewable Energy) Current and Future (2020-2030)," concluded that heating and hot water alone account for 79% (192.5 million tonnes of oil equivalent) of total final energy consumption in EU households. The Commission also reported that, "According to Eurostat data from 2019, approximately 75% of heating and cooling is still generated by fossil fuels, while only 22% is generated by renewable energy. To achieve the EU's climate and energy targets, the heating and cooling sector must significantly reduce its energy consumption and fossil fuel use. Heat pumps (which utilize energy extracted from the air, land, or water) have been identified as a potentially important approach to addressing this issue."

[0006] In many countries, there are policies and pressures to reduce carbon footprints. For example, in the UK, the government published a white paper on future housing standards in 2020, proposing to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75% to 80% from current levels by 2025. Furthermore, in early 2019, it was announced that gas boilers would be banned in new homes from 2025. As of the time of this invention's submission, it has been reported that in the UK, 78% of total energy consumption for building heating comes from natural gas, while 12% comes from electricity.

[0007] In the UK, there is a large number of small properties (two to three bedrooms or less) with gas-fired central heating, and most of these properties use so-called modular boilers, which function as both instantaneous water heaters and central heating (space heating). Modular boilers are popular because of their small size, ability to provide virtually unlimited hot water (output power of 20 kW to 35 kW), and the elimination of the need for hot water storage. These boilers can be purchased from reputable manufacturers at relatively low prices. Their small size and ability to operate without a hot water storage tank mean that even small apartments or homes can typically accommodate such boilers – often wall-mounted in the kitchen – and installation of a new boiler requires only a day's work for one person. Therefore, a new modular gas boiler can be acquired at a low cost. With the impending ban on new gas boilers, alternative heat sources are needed to replace modular gas boilers. Furthermore, previously installed modular boilers will eventually need to be replaced with some alternatives. The dimensions of modular boilers are typically: height from about 70 cm to 200 cm, width from about 420 cm to 150 cm, and depth from about 20 cm to 100 cm. Among them, the average dimensions of modular boilers used in small and medium-sized residences are about 75 cm high, 45 cm wide, and 50 cm deep. Of course, these dimensions will vary depending on the manufacturer and the rated power of the boiler.

[0008] With increasing concern about the environmental impact of energy consumption, the use of heat pump technology for providing domestic hot water has garnered growing attention in recent years. A heat pump is a device that transfers heat energy from a heat source to a heat storage tank. Although heat pumps require electricity to perform this task, they are generally more efficient than resistance heaters (electric heating elements) because they typically have a coefficient of performance (COP) of at least 3 or 4. This means that with the same electricity consumption, a heat pump can provide three to four times more heat to a user than a resistance heater.

[0009] The heat transfer medium carrying thermal energy is called a refrigerant. Thermal energy from the air (e.g., outdoor air or air from a hot indoor room) or from a ground source (e.g., an underground loop or a well) is extracted and transferred to the refrigerant it contains via a heat exchanger. Refrigerants with more energy are compressed, significantly raising their temperature, and then this high-temperature refrigerant transfers its heat energy to the heated water loop via another heat exchanger. In hot water supply, the heat extracted by the heat pump can be transferred to water in an insulated tank that acts as a thermal energy storage device, and the heated water can then be used later when needed. The heated water can be supplied to one or more outlets as needed, such as faucets, showers, radiators, etc. However, compared to resistance heaters, heat pumps typically require a longer time to bring the water to the desired temperature.

[0010] While heat pumps have been proposed as a potential solution to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and the need to cut CO2 emissions, they are currently unsuitable as a replacement for gas boilers in small residential (and small commercial) settings for a number of technical, commercial, and practical reasons. Heat pumps are typically very large and require a fairly substantial unit located outside the property. Therefore, retrofitting a heat pump into a property that already uses a typical combined boiler is not easy. Currently, units capable of providing equivalent output to a typical gas boiler are expensive and may require significant electricity. Not only does the unit itself cost several times more than an equivalent gas boiler, but its size and complexity mean that installation is technically complex and therefore costly. Furthermore, the need for a storage tank for hot water is another factor hindering the use of heat pumps in small residences. Another technical issue is that heat pumps often take a considerable amount of time to start generating heat in response to demand, potentially requiring a 30-second self-check followed by further heating time—therefore, there can be a delay of one minute or more between requesting hot water and its delivery. For this reason, using heat pumps and / or solar energy to try renewable solutions is generally only suitable for large properties with space to accommodate hot water storage tanks (accompanied by space requirements, heat loss and Legionnaires' risk).

[0011] A significant portion of domestic energy consumption stems from the use of hot water, encompassing both the quantity of hot water used and the energy waste resulting from overheating. Of course, hot water waste is also a major factor contributing to the more widespread problem of water waste, and this issue needs to be addressed if humanity hopes for a sustainable future.

[0012] Hot water is needed 24 / 7, 365 days a year, in both commercial and residential settings. Undoubtedly, providing hot water requires clean water and a heat source. To provide hot water, centralized water supply systems typically include heating systems to heat the water to a preset temperature, such as a temperature set by the user. The heat source is usually one or more electric heating elements or the combustion of natural gas. Generally, during peak energy (such as gas or electricity) demand periods, utility providers implement peak rates, increasing the unit cost of energy, partly to cover the additional costs of purchasing more energy to supply customers, and partly to curb unnecessary energy consumption. During off-peak energy demand periods, utility providers implement off-peak rates, reducing the unit cost of energy to encourage customers to use energy during these off-peak times rather than peak times, thus achieving a more balanced energy consumption in the long run. However, these strategies are only effective if customers are always aware of rate changes and consciously strive to change their energy consumption habits.

[0013] Because different homes, workplaces, and commercial spaces have different needs and preferences for hot water use, new ways of heating water are needed to enable heat pumps to become a practical alternative to electric heaters. Summary of the Invention

[0014] The present invention provides a hot water supply system according to claim 1.

[0015] The present invention also provides a method for controlling a hot water supply system according to claim 9.

[0016] The present invention also provides a corresponding computer program product according to claim 13. Attached Figure Description

[0017] Embodiments of various aspects of this disclosure will now be described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1 This is a schematic system overview of an exemplary water supply system; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a water supply facility within a building according to one aspect of this disclosure; Figure 3 Is with Figure 2 A partial schematic diagram of a building water supply system similar to that of a building, showing the components and flow paths; Figure 4 It shows Figure 3 The water supply facilities within the building illustrate the first operating mode; Figure 5 It shows Figure 3The water supply facilities within the building illustrate the second operating mode; Figure 6 It shows Figure 3 The water supply facilities within the building illustrate the third operating mode; Figure 7 It shows Figure 3 The water supply facilities within the building illustrate the fourth operating mode; Figure 8 It shows Figure 3 The water supply facilities within the building illustrate the fifth operating mode; Figure 9 It shows Figure 3 The water supply facilities within the building illustrate the sixth operating mode; Figure 10 It shows Figure 3 The water supply facilities within the building illustrate the seventh operating mode; Figure 11 It shows Figure 3 The water supply facilities within the building illustrate the eighth operating mode; Figure 12 It shows Figure 3 The water supply facilities within the building illustrate the ninth operating mode. Detailed Implementation

[0018] When addressing domestic energy consumption, the energy consumed in providing hot water must be considered. This means taking into account not only the temperature of the supplied or stored water but also the volume of hot water used. Historically, many countries and regions considered to have abundant freshwater resources have paid little attention to household water consumption, a neglect largely reflected in the configuration of water supply systems and the flow rates at water outlets. It is not uncommon for bathtub faucets to have flow rates exceeding 15 liters per minute, kitchen faucets reaching 12 liters per minute or more, and even washbasin faucets reaching 10 liters per minute or more. Shower outlets can also have flow rates exceeding 15 liters per minute, with approximately two-thirds typically coming from the hot water supply.

[0019] Over the past two decades, as awareness of water scarcity has grown and previously public water suppliers have been privatized, leading to the introduction of household water meters and pay-as-you-go billing, public perception has shifted. Consequently, new homes tend to install faucets and shower outlets with a maximum flow rate of about half to two-thirds that of older models. However, not only do older homes still commonly have high-flow-rate faucets and shower outlets, but even more modern outlets can easily lead to the use of more water than necessary for handwashing, bathing, or showering. For example, a shower with a flow rate of 15 liters per minute will consume 180 liters of water in 12 minutes, with approximately 100 to 110 liters coming from the hot water supply. This hot water supply typically operates between 50 and 60 degrees Celsius—heated from water no hotter than 10 degrees Celsius, and often even colder. Therefore, it's understandable that this consumes not only a large amount of water but also a significant amount of energy to heat it.

[0020] In addition, although higher hot water supply temperatures of 50 to 60 degrees Celsius may help reduce the risk of Legionella infection, there is also a considerable risk of burns within this temperature range.

[0021] In embodiments of the present invention, cold and hot water are supplied via a centralized water supply system to multiple water outlets in a building suitable for residential or commercial environments. These outlets include faucets, showers, heaters, etc. An exemplary water supply system according to one embodiment is shown below. Figure 1 As shown. In this illustrative system, the water supply system 100 includes a control module 110, which may include one or more machine learning algorithms 120. The control module 110 is communicatively coupled to various components of the water supply system and configured to control these components, including: a flow controller 130 arranged to control the flow rate of water inside and outside the system, for example in the form of one or more valves; a (ground-source or air-source) heat pump 140 configured to extract heat from the surrounding environment and store the extracted heat in a thermal energy storage device 150 for heating water; and one or more electric heating elements 160 configured to directly heat cold water to a desired temperature by controlling the energy supplied to the electric heating elements 160. The heated water—whether heated by the thermal energy storage device 150 or by the electric heating elements 160—is directed to one or more outlets as needed. In this embodiment, the heat pump 140 extracts heat from the surrounding environment into a thermal energy storage medium within the thermal energy storage device 150. The thermal energy storage medium can also be heated by other heat sources. The thermal energy storage medium is heated to the required operating temperature, and then, for example, cold water from the main water pipe can be heated to the required temperature through the thermal energy storage medium. The heated water can then be supplied to the various outlets in the system.

[0022] In this illustrative system, the control module 110 is configured to receive inputs from a plurality of sensors 170-1, 170-2, 170-3, ..., 170-n. The plurality of sensors 170-1, 170-2, 170-3, ..., 170-n may include, for example, one or more air temperature sensors, one or more water temperature sensors, one or more water pressure sensors, one or more timers, one or more motion sensors located indoors and / or outdoors, and may also include other sensors not directly associated with the water supply system 100, such as a GPS signal receiver, a calendar, a weather forecast application, for example, on a smartphone carried by a user and communicating with the control module via a communication channel. In this embodiment, the control module 110 is configured to use the received inputs to perform various control functions, such as controlling the flow of water through the flow controller 130 to the thermal energy storage 150 or the electric heating element 160 to heat the water.

[0023] Although heat pumps are generally more energy efficient at heating water than resistance heaters, they require time to start up. This is because heat pumps need various checks and cycles to reach normal operating conditions, and they also need time to transfer sufficient heat energy to the heat storage medium to reach the required operating temperature. On the other hand, resistance heaters can typically provide heat more instantly. Therefore, compared to resistance heaters, heat pumps may take longer to heat the same amount of water to the same temperature.

[0024] Figure 2A more detailed schematic diagram of a hot water supply facility 200 within a building is shown, comprising: multiple controllable water outlets (individual faucets and showers, described in detail below); a hot water supply unit 205 including at least one outlet with a controllable water temperature; and at least one flow measurement device 210 and at least one flow regulator 215 located in the water flow path between the water supply unit 205 and the multiple controllable water outlets, and at least one first temperature sensor 243 for detecting the water temperature. A processor 240 is operatively connected to at least one flow measurement device 210 and at least one flow regulator 215. The illustrated water supply facility represents a residence including a master bathroom 221, a first ensuite shower 222, a second ensuite shower 223, a washroom 224, and a kitchen 225. The master bathroom 221 and the first ensuite shower 222 may be located on the same floor of the residence, while the washroom 224, the second ensuite shower 223, and the kitchen 225 may be located on another floor of the residence. In this case, as shown in the figure, it may be convenient to set up two independent loops 230 and 231 to supply water to each outlet. These two loops 230 and 231 can be supplied with water from different outlets, the temperature of each outlet can be adjusted independently, and each outlet has its own associated temperature sensor 243. The water temperature at the outlet can be adjusted by mixing cold water with hot water from a fixed or variable temperature source, or by controlling the energy input to a heat source such as an electric heating element or even a gas heater. Later, we will describe hot water systems that include thermal energy storage devices typically used in conjunction with heat pumps, where the hot water supply temperature is typically adjusted by mixing different proportions of cold water from a cold water supply unit. Sometimes, such systems may include an instantaneous heat source (such as an electric heating element) located downstream of the thermal energy storage device and controlled by the system's processor, where the control of the hot water supply temperature may involve controlling the energy supplied to the instantaneous water heater, or by mixing different proportions of cold water from a cold water supply unit.

[0025] The main bathroom 221 is shown as including a shower outlet 235, a bathtub faucet or tap 236, and a sink faucet 237. Ensuite shower rooms 222 and 223 also include a shower outlet 235 and a sink faucet 237. Conversely, the washroom 224 contains only a toilet (not shown) and a sink with a tap 238. Finally, the kitchen 235 has a sink with a tap 239.

[0026] The processor or system controller 240 and its associated memory 241 are coupled to at least one flow measurement device 210 and at least one flow regulator 215. It is understood that each of the two loops 230 and 231 is equipped with a corresponding flow measurement device 210 and flow regulator 215. The processor may also be selectively connected to one or more temperature sensors 243, with each loop in 230 and 231 connected to one temperature sensor. The processor may be associated with an energy storage device.

[0027] The processor can also be coupled to an RF transceiver 242, which includes at least one RF transmitter and at least one RF receiver, and is used for bidirectional communication via Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or similar means. Preferably, it is also connected to the Internet 244 for connecting to a server or central station 245, and optionally to a cellular wireless network (e.g., LTE, UMTS, 4G, 5G, etc.). Through the RF transceiver 242 and / or the Internet connection, the processor 240 can communicate with a mobile device 250, such as a smartphone or tablet, for installation engineers to configure (and optionally plan) water supply facilities within a building. The mobile device 250 includes software, such as a specific application, that works in conjunction with corresponding software in the system controller 240 and possibly in the server 245 to facilitate configuration (and optional planning) methods according to embodiments of the invention, particularly synchronizing operations performed by the engineer with the clocks of the system controller 240 / server 245. The memory 241 contains code that enables the processor to execute methods for configuring (and optionally planning) water supply facilities within a building, such as during the commissioning of a new facility.

[0028] During commissioning, to configure the hot water supply facility 200, engineers may need to install temperature sensors directly below specific hot water outlets, such as specific faucets or shower outlets, and fully open those outlets at specific times. The system processor is configured to measure flow rate, the difference between the outlet water temperature and the set temperature, time delay, and the preferred outdoor temperature (data provided by an external temperature sensor). This allows algorithms (such as machine learning algorithms) to calculate, by allocating system heat losses, the distance between the outlet (faucet or shower outlet) and the hot water source, and ultimately precisely adjust the outlet water temperature to achieve the appropriate water temperature at the relevant controllable outlet (e.g., the faucet). For example, if there are children in the household, the maximum hot water temperature for all outlets other than the kitchen sink can be limited to 40 or 41 degrees Celsius, while if there is an infant in the household, the maximum temperature can be limited to 37 degrees Celsius. Even without children, the maximum temperature for all outlets other than the kitchen sink can be set to 43 degrees Celsius, and the maximum temperature for the shower outlet can be set to 41 degrees Celsius.

[0029] The system can also be configured to limit the hot water flow of certain types of water outlets, such as washbasins and sinks, and possibly showers, setting different maximum flow rates for each type of outlet, and / or setting a specific maximum flow rate for a particular outlet, for example, a lower flow rate for children's toilets and washrooms. The determination of maximum temperature and flow rate can be based on rules provided by the system supplier. We will discuss later hot water supply systems using heat pumps and thermal storage arrangements, which can significantly improve efficiency by implementing temperature and flow control, as heat pumps designed for the heating needs of small to medium-sized homes with one to three bedrooms often cannot meet the instantaneous hot water demand of a household without a large-capacity hot water storage tank. By managing hot water flow and temperature, the need for hot water storage can be eliminated, while minimizing the energy gap that needs to be compensated for otherwise. If the facility includes a thermal storage arrangement and heat pump, the system supplier will typically pre-program appropriate temperature and flow rates to the processor based on the type of water outlet and the composition of the household.

[0030] Based on the water outlet type and family composition, the system controller can also access and regularly update a database of temperature and selectable flow rates via the internet. The system controller's user interface provides residents and / or maintenance engineers with a way to adjust various settings according to changes in family members; for example, allowing users to set lower maximum temperatures and / or flow rates when guests with infants, children, or elderly / infirm individuals arrive.

[0031] Figure 3 A heating system 300 is schematically shown, illustrating its potential use in applications similar to... Figure 1 The system described herein includes components and flow paths between them. As shown, the heating system 300 includes a main cold water inlet 302 and a domestic hot water outlet 304, as well as a domestic hot water heating device 310, such as a radiator, and the domestic hot water outlet 304, such as a faucet or shower outlet. The system 300 also includes a heat pump 306, a heat exchanger 308, and a heat storage device 342. The heat pump 306 typically has a heating capacity of 3kW to 12kW, and the heat storage device 342 is, for example, a small water tank with a capacity of approximately 15 liters. These components are connected via water flow pipes, which are equipped with flow sensors, temperature sensors, and valves for controlling the water flow, the specific control methods of which will be described below. The flow sensors and temperature sensors are connected via signal lines to provide signals to a system controller 340, which controls the valves to operate the system in one of several operating modes, as described below. One, some, or all of the flow sensors may be replaced by pressure sensors used to determine the fluid pressure, thereby enabling the determination of the flow rate.

[0032] A first flow path 312, extending from the main cold water inlet 302, leads to the first inlet HX1 of the heat exchanger 308. Temperature sensor TT01 and flow sensor FT01 measure the temperature and flow rate of the cold water at the main cold water inlet 302. Temperature sensor TT02 and flow sensor FT03 measure the temperature and flow rate at the first inlet HX1 leading to the heat exchanger 308. A second flow path 314, located near the main cold water inlet 302, extends from the first flow path 312 to the domestic hot water outlet 304. A first electric valve MV01 is positioned on the second flow path 314 to regulate the water flow rate within it. Flow sensor FT02 measures the flow rate of cold water passing through the first electric valve MV01, which selectively mixes with water exiting from the electric three-way valve MV03, as described below, and flows towards the domestic hot water outlet 304. Near the domestic hot water outlet 304, temperature sensor TT07 measures the temperature of the water flowing towards it.

[0033] The first portion 316a of the third flow path 316 exits from the first flow path 312 at a location closer to the heat exchanger 308 than the second flow path 314. A second electric valve MV02 is positioned on the first portion 316a of the third flow path 316 to regulate the water flow rate in the first portion 316a of the third flow path 316 leading to the lower part of the heat storage device 342. Temperature sensor TT11 measures the temperature of the water in the lower part of the heat storage device 342, and another temperature sensor TT10 measures the temperature of the water in the upper part of the heat storage device 342. The second portion 316b of the third flow path 316 exits from the upper part of the heat storage device 342 and leads to the second inlet B of the electric three-way valve MV03, and temperature sensor TT05 measures the temperature of the water in the second portion 315b of the third flow path 316. A return flow path 318 is provided so that water from the outlet of the electric valve MV02 in the first part 316a of the third flow path 316 returns to the inlet of the electric valve MV02 via the circulation pump 320 and the check valve 322.

[0034] Heat exchanger 308 has a first outlet HX2, which is connected to receive water entering the heat exchanger via a first inlet HX1. A fourth flow path 324 is connected from the first outlet HX2 of the heat exchanger via an electric heater 326 to the first inlet A of an electric three-way valve MV03. Temperature sensor TT03 measures the temperature of the water leaving the first outlet HX2 of the heat exchanger 308, and temperature sensor TT04 measures the temperature of the water leaving the electric heater 326 and entering the first inlet A of the electric three-way valve MV03. A fifth flow path 328 extends from the outlet AB of the electric three-way valve MV03 to the domestic hot water outlet 304, and merges with the first flow path 314 before reaching the domestic hot water outlet 304. Temperature sensor TT06 measures the temperature of the water leaving the outlet AB of the electric three-way valve MV03 before mixing with the water from the second flow path 314, and temperature sensor TT07 measures the temperature of the water after mixing with the water from the second flow path 314 and entering the domestic hot water outlet 304.

[0035] On the other side of heat exchanger 308, opposite the first inlet HX1 and the first outlet HX2 are the second inlet HX3 and the second outlet HX4. The second inlet HX3 is supplied by a sixth flow path 330, which leads from the outlet of heat pump 306 and passes through an electrically operated three-way valve MV04, and a temperature sensor TT08 measures the temperature of the water at the second inlet HX3 of heat exchanger 308. A seventh flow path 332 is coupled between the second outlet HX4 of heat exchanger 308 and the inlet of heat pump 306. As shown, heat pump 306 includes a heat exchanger 334 and a circulation pump 336 to heat the water received from the inlet and output heated water. Temperature sensor TT09 measures the temperature of the water leaving heat exchanger 308 and entering the inlet of heat pump 306. Therefore, the electrically operated three-way valve MV04 has a first inlet A and an outlet AB, the first inlet A being coupled to the outlet of heat pump 306 and the outlet AB being coupled to the second inlet HX3 of heat exchanger 308. The second outlet B of the electric three-way valve MV04 is connected to the inlet of the domestic hot water heating device 310, and the outlet of the hot water heating device 310 is connected to the seventh flow path 332.

[0036] The dashed line marked 344 indicates all components in the system that can be contained within a housing, the size and shape of which may be similar to that of a modular boiler for substitution. However, those skilled in the art will understand that in some cases these components may be arranged otherwise inside or outside such a housing, or in some cases such a housing may not be necessary at all. In particular, for example, temperature sensor TT09 may be located inside housing 344 and near heat exchanger 308, or outside housing 344 and near domestic hot water heating equipment 310. Other temperature and flow sensors, such as flow sensor FT01 and / or temperature sensor TT01, may also be similarly arranged inside or outside the housing as needed.

[0037] Now we will combine Figures 4 to 12 The operating modes of the heating system 300 are described in more detail. These figures illustrate... Figure 3 The system is described, but for clarity, the signal lines between the controller 340 and the various flow and temperature sensors, as well as related equipment, are omitted. Instead, superimposed dashed lines are used to indicate the flow paths used in specific operating modes, illustrating which flow paths and components are controlled in that mode. Several different operating modes exist, each of which will be described sequentially; however, some of these modes can be correlated and used in combination or individually. These modes include: Mode 1 ( Figure 4 ): Heat exchanger charging mode, wherein heat exchanger 308 is used to heat water, and the heated water is used to fill (or charge) heat storage device 342; Mode 2 ( Figure 5 ): Electric heater charging mode, wherein the electric heater 326 is used to heat water, and the heated water is used to charge the heat storage device 342; Mode 3 ( Figure 6 ): Initial hot water mode, wherein the hot water supplied to the domestic hot water outlet 304 is provided by the heat storage device 342 when the heat storage device has been charged with hot water, or by the electric heater 326, or by a combination of both as needed; Mode 4 ( Figure 7 ): Mixed water mode, which mixes the water in mode 3 with cold water from municipal cold water inlet 302 to reduce the water temperature supplied to domestic hot water outlet 304.

[0038] Mode 5 ( Figure 8): Steady-state mode, in which heat pump 306 is used to heat cold water from main cold water inlet 302 at heat exchanger and provide heated water, which is optionally further heated by electric heater 326 and mixed with cold water from main cold water inlet 302 to reduce the water temperature delivered to domestic hot water outlet 304. Mode 6 ( Figure 9 ): Combination pattern, which is a combination of pattern 3 and pattern 5; Mode 7 ( Figure 10 Heat pump defrosting mode; Mode 8 ( Figure 11 ): House heating mode; and Mode 9 ( Figure 12 ): Overall mode, which is a combination of mode 6 and mode 8.

[0039] First, refer to Figure 4 The figure illustrates a first operating mode (“Heat Pump Charging Mode for Heat Storage Device”), in which the heat storage device 342 is charged by hot water supplied by the heat exchanger 308. In this first operating mode, the second electric valve MV02 is closed, while the circulation pump 320 in the return flow path 318 is open, so water is pumped from the heat storage device 342 through the circulation pump 320, check valve 322, and first flow path 312 to the first inlet HX1 of the heat exchanger 308. Since water is pumped from the first portion 316a of the third flow path 316 into the first flow path 312, water from the domestic cold water inlet 302 does not affect the flow. The water is heated in the heat exchanger 308 and then flows from the first outlet HX2 through the fourth flow path 324 via the electric heater 326—which is closed in this mode—to the electric valve MV03, which is controlled to direct water from port A to port B, returning the water to the heat storage device 342. Obviously, if necessary, the water can be circulated multiple times until the water in the heat storage device 342 reaches a predetermined temperature, which is measured by temperature sensor TT10 or temperature sensor TT04. To supply hot water from the heat pump to the heat exchanger 308, the electric valve MV04 is controlled to allow water from the sixth flow path 330 of the heat pump 306 to flow through port A to port AB of the electric valve MV04, and thus to the second inlet HX3 of the heat exchanger 308. The water then returns to the heat pump 306 from the second outlet HX4 of the heat exchanger 308.

[0040] In the first mode, the power of the heat pump is modulated to transfer heat to the circulating hot water loop, thereby energizing the heat storage device 342, such as a 15-liter tank, while the circulating pump 320 on the hot water side continues to operate. For example, if the circulating pump 320 operates at a flow rate of 6 liters per minute, and the heat pump 306 is adjusted to heat the water in the hot water loop to 55°C at the heat exchanger 308, the circulating pump 320 will run for approximately 6 minutes to energize the water in the heat storage device 342 and bring the water therein to 55°C after passing through the loop twice.

[0041] Figure 5 A second operating mode (“Electric Heater Charging Mode for Heat Storage Device”) is shown, in which the heat storage device 342 is charged with hot water heated by the electric heater 326. In this mode, similar to the first mode, the second electric valve MV02 is closed, while the circulation pump 320 in the return flow path 318 is activated, causing water to be pumped from the heat storage device via the circulation pump 320, check valve 322, and first flow path 312 to the first inlet HX1 of the heat exchanger 308. In this mode, the heat pump does not supply heat to the heat exchanger; therefore, water flows from the first outlet HX2 of the heat exchanger via the fourth flow path 324 to the electric heater 326, which is actively controlled in this mode to heat the water. The hot water then flows to the electric valve MV03, which is controlled to allow water to flow from port A to port B, thus returning the hot water to the heat storage device 342. Clearly, if necessary, the water can be circulated multiple times until the water in the thermal storage device 342 reaches a predetermined temperature as measured by temperature sensor TT10 or temperature sensor TT04.

[0042] In this second mode, the power of the electric heater is modulated to heat the circulating water on the hot water side to the desired temperature. For example, if the circulation pump 320 operates at 5 liters / minute and the electric heater 326 is modulated to heat the water in the hot water loop to 55°C as measured by the temperature sensor TT04, the circulation pump 320 will run for 6 minutes to charge the water in the thermal energy storage device 342 to 55°C through two passes.

[0043] Therefore, the controller can choose whether to use either the first or second mode to charge the thermal energy storage device. This may depend on whether the heat pump is available and enabled. If the heat pump is enabled and there is available hot fluid at the heat exchanger, the first mode can be selected. If the heat pump is enabled, but the electric valve MV04 does not allow hot fluid to pass through the heat exchanger, the first mode can still be selected, and the electric valve MV04 can be controlled as described above, so that the hot fluid flows from port A to port AB and from there to the second inlet HX3 of the heat exchanger. On the other hand, if the heat pump is not enabled, and considering that the heat pump needs time to start generating hot fluid as described above, the controller can select the second mode, thereby using an electric heater to heat the water to charge the thermal energy storage device.

[0044] In the third operating mode (“Initial Hot Water Mode”), such as Figure 6As shown, if the thermal energy storage device 342 is charged with hot water, the hot water is supplied to the domestic hot water outlet 304 through the thermal energy storage device 342; or the hot water is heated by the electric heater 326; or a combination of the above. If the thermal energy storage device 342 is full of hot water, the hot water can be used preferentially instead of using the electric heater 326 to heat the water. In order to use the hot water from the thermal energy storage device 342, the electric valve MV02 is opened, thereby using the third flow path 316 to obtain cold water from the main cold water inlet 302, thereby replacing the hot water from the thermal energy storage device 342. The hot water from the thermal energy storage device 342 flows from port B to port AB through the electric valve MV03. As the temperature of the water from the thermal energy storage device 342 decreases (because it mixes with the cold water from the main cold water inlet 302), the electric valve MV03 is controlled to gradually open the channel from port A to port AB while gradually closing the channel from port B to port AB. The flow rate from port A to port AB is configured to be inversely proportional to the flow rate from port B to port AB, such that the flow rate of water flowing from port AB into the fifth flow path 328 leading to the domestic hot water outlet 304 remains constant. This is adjusted based on the temperature sensed by temperature sensor TT06 and whether the sensed temperature is lower than the desired temperature at temperature sensor TT06. Therefore, if the temperature at temperature sensor TT06 is lower than the desired temperature, the proportion of valve port B allowing fluid to flow to port AB can be reduced from 100% to allow flow through port A while reducing the flow from port B. Thus, the reduced flow from port B mixes with the flow from port A. Water at port A via electric valve MV03 comes from the fourth flow path 324 and passes through electric heater 326, where the water is heated as needed to provide hot water at port AB at the desired temperature sensed by temperature sensor TT06. Water in the fourth flow path 324 comes from heat exchanger 308, which is reached from the main cold water inlet 302 via the first flow path 312. This operating mode relies on the thermal energy storage device 342 being pre-charged, for example, through the first operating mode or the second operating mode.

[0045] Typically, the water in the thermal energy storage device 342 is charged to 1.25 times the desired temperature sensed at temperature sensor TT07, and measured based on the temperatures at temperature sensors TT11 and TT10. When a secondary hot water flow demand is measured at flow sensor FT01, water flows through a third flow path 316 and into the thermal energy storage device 342. The thermal energy storage device 342 can be a 15-liter tiered tank, where 15 liters of water entering at the temperature measured by temperature sensor TT01 will replace 15 liters of preheated water. Tank consumption is measured by reading the temperatures from temperature sensors TT10 and TT11 and by understanding the amount of water that has passed through the tank. V=t*(Q@FT01-Q@FT03-Q@FT02) Where V is the consumption of the tank; t is time; Q@FT01 is the flow rate measured at the flow sensor FT01; Q@FT02 is the flow rate measured at the flow sensor FT02; and Q@FT03 is the flow rate measured at the flow sensor FT03.

[0046] When water flows out of the tank and into port B of the electric valve MV03, if the temperature at temperature sensor TT05 is lower than the desired temperature at TT07 for any reason, then an electric heater 326 can be used to supplement the temperature of the water passing through the fourth flow path 324, wherein the electric valve MV03 is controlled to at least partially open port A, thereby allowing at least a portion of the flow measured at flow sensor FT01 to reach the electric heater 326 through the fourth flow path 324, wherein, by controlling the electric heater 326, the portion of the flow bypassed at flow sensor FT03 can be heated from the temperature at temperature sensor TT03 to the temperature at temperature sensor TT04.

[0047] This mode is useful in the following situation: when the heat pump 306 is not yet running or not yet fully running, the heat pump 306 has not yet supplied hot fluid to the heat exchanger 308. Of course, as the heat pump heats up, the fluid will begin to heat up and can be supplied to the heat exchanger 308, causing the temperature of the water passing through the heat exchanger 308, as measured by the temperature sensor TT03, to begin to rise. This allows the heating provided by the electric heater 326 to be controlled to produce the appropriate desired temperature.

[0048] Figure 7 A fourth operating mode is shown, which is a mixed water mode, in which the temperature of hot water from the thermal energy storage device 342 and / or the temperature of hot water from the electric heater 326 (provided according to the third operating mode described above) or the temperature of hot water from the heat exchanger 308 (if the heat exchanger 308 is producing hot water according to the fifth mode) are mixed with cold water from the main cold water inlet 302 to reduce the temperature of the water supplied to the domestic hot water outlet 304. In this mode, the temperature of the hot water leaving port AB of the electric three-way valve MV03 is measured using a temperature sensor TT06, regardless of whether the hot water leaving port AB of the electric three-way valve MV03 is supplied via the heat exchanger 308 through the fourth flow path 324 (regardless of whether the water is heated by the electric heater 326) or from the thermal storage device 342. The temperature is transmitted to the system controller 340 as a signal. Figures 4 to 12(Not shown in the diagram). The controller 340 then determines whether the temperature at temperature sensor TT06 is higher than the desired temperature for usable hot water at domestic hot water outlet 304. If higher, it allows cold water to flow from the main cold water inlet 302 through the second flow path 314 to the fifth flow path 328 by opening the electric valve MV01, mixing the cold water from the second flow path 314 with the hot water exiting from port AB of the electric three-way valve MV03 into the fifth flow path 328. The amount by which the electric valve MV01 opens depends on the temperature of the cold water from the main inlet 302 measured by temperature sensor TT01 and the flow rate of the cold water from the main inlet 302 measured by flow sensor FT01, thereby generating the desired flow rate measured by flow sensor FT02 in the second flow path 314 leading to the fifth flow path 328, causing the cold water from the second flow path 314 to mix with the hot water in the fifth flow path 328, resulting in the desired temperature of the water usable at domestic hot water outlet 304, as measured by temperature sensor TT07. The appropriate control program executed by the controller will modulate this mixing during normal operation to prevent the temperature from exceeding the desired temperature at the domestic hot water outlet 304.

[0049] This serves primarily as a safety measure to prevent scalding of users in their homes from faucets or taps without temperature safety valves. Secondly, the mixing allows the heat storage device 342 to be charged to a temperature higher than the desired outlet temperature. Therefore, when the system operates in the mode where the heat storage device 342 provides hot water for use by the domestic hot water outlet 304, the higher-temperature water mixes with the cold water from the main cold water inlet, thus cooling the system. This slows down the drainage of the heat storage device 342 and correspondingly increases its effective capacity.

[0050] After the third operating mode, in which hot water is initially provided by the thermal energy storage device 342 or by the electric heater 326 (or a combination of both), a fifth operating mode can be implemented when the heat pump reaches full operation and supplies hot fluid to the heat exchanger 308. In this steady-state mode, such as Figure 8As shown, the electric valve MV02 is closed, preventing any flow through the third flow path 316 and the thermal energy storage device 342. The electric heater 326 is activated and can be controlled by the controller. The aforementioned mixing control for the fourth mode is also activated. Therefore, the electric valve MV04 is controlled to allow water to flow from port A to port AB. In this mode, the heat pump 306 actively provides heated fluid via the sixth flow path 330, and the electric valve MV04 is set to transfer the fluid from port A to port AB to the heat exchanger 308 at a temperature determined by the measured flow rate of the secondary hot water demand, and the electric valve MV04 is set to the hot water temperature measured by the temperature sensor TT07. The water flow through the heat exchanger 308 is heated by the heat exchanger to the temperature measured by the temperature sensor TT03. Therefore, the flow rate measured by the flow sensor FT03, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor TT02, and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor TT03 can be used to determine the energy provided by the heat pump, and then feedback is provided to the heat pump to adjust the power output. If the temperature measured by temperature sensor TT03 is determined to be lower than the desired temperature at temperature sensor TT07, then electric heater 326 is controlled to heat the water to supplement the water temperature to the desired temperature measured at temperature sensor TT04. It will be appreciated that, since water travels from port A to port AB via electric valve MV03, the temperature measured by temperature sensor TT04 is the same as the temperature at temperature sensor TT06. If the temperature measured by temperature sensor TT06 is higher than the desired temperature at temperature sensor TT07, cold water can be mixed with hot water as described for the fourth operating mode, wherein the temperature of the hot water is mixed with the cold water from the main cold water inlet 302, thereby lowering the temperature of the water supplied to the domestic hot water outlet 304.

[0051] Figure 9 A sixth operating mode is shown, which is essentially a combination of the third (initial hot water) mode and the fifth (steady-state) mode. Hot water is supplied by heat exchanger 308 or by heat storage device 342. If the water temperature measured at temperature sensor TT06 is lower than the desired water temperature at temperature sensor TT07, electric heater 326 can be used to supplement the water temperature from heat exchanger 308. On the other hand, if the water temperature measured at temperature sensor TT06 is higher than the desired water temperature at temperature sensor TT07, cold water from main cold water inlet 302 via second flow path 314 can be mixed into the hot water to lower the temperature of the hot water to the desired temperature.

[0052] In severe weather, heat pumps sometimes risk freezing. In such cases, whether defrosting a frozen heat pump or preventing it from freezing when temperatures are known to drop below freezing, the controller can control the system to activate a seventh operating mode (“Heat Pump Defrosting Mode”). In this seventh operating mode, such as... Figure 10As shown, the second electric valve MV02 is closed, and the circulation pump 320 in the return flow path 318 is turned on, allowing water to be pumped from the heat storage device 342 to the first inlet HX1 of the heat exchanger 308 via the circulation pump 320, check valve 322, and first flow path 312. Since water is pumped from the first portion 316a of the third flow path 316 into the first flow path 312, water from the domestic cold water inlet 302 does not affect the flow rate. Water from the first outlet HX2 reaches the electric valve MV03 via the fourth flow path 324 and the electric heater 326. This electric valve MV03 is controlled to guide water from port A to port B, allowing the water to return to the heat storage device 342 and be recirculated. The water entering at the first inlet HX1 of the heat exchanger 308 is controlled to be hot; this water may be from the heat storage device or, more likely, heated by the electric heater 326, or a combination of both, depending on the degree to which the heat storage medium is energized by hot water.

[0053] In the seventh mode, the electric heater is activated and modulated to transfer heat to the circulating hot water loop, which passes through the thermal energy storage device 342. The electric valve MV04 is controlled so that water from the heat pump 306 in the sixth flow path 330 passes through port A of the electric valve MV04 to port AB, and then to the second inlet HX3 of the heat exchanger 308. The water then returns to the heat pump 306 from the second outlet HX4 of the heat exchanger 308. As the water flows from the second inlet HX3 to the second outlet HX4 of the heat exchanger 308, it is heated by the heat exchanger with hot water that enters through the first inlet HX1 and reaches the first outlet HX1 of the heat exchanger 308, as described above. The heated water returning to the heat pump 306 can then provide heat to the refrigerant loop at the heat pump 306, where the refrigerant is circulated via the heat pump's compressor. The heated refrigerant can then defrost the evaporator coils.

[0054] The eighth mode (“House Heating Mode”), such as Figure 11 As shown, assuming that domestic hot water outlet 304 (or other hot water outlet) does not require hot water, this mode focuses on providing a heat fluid, which can be water, for heating a residence or other building by using radiators or a hot water floor heating system. In this mode, the heat pump actively generates hot water, which is then transferred via a computer through an electric valve MV04. The electric valve MV04 is controlled to transfer the hot water from port A to port B, thereby delivering the hot water to the domestic hot water heating device 310, whose outlet returns to the heat pump 306.

[0055] Figure 12The ninth mode is shown, which is a combination of the sixth and eighth modes, and therefore a combination of the third (initial hot water) mode, the fifth (steady-state) mode, and the eighth (house heating) mode, allowing all the different modes mentioned above to be combined as needed. In this mode, the electric heater 326 is activated and modulated, and all four electric valves MV01, MV02, MV03, and MV04 are activated and modulated. In this mode, the heat pump 306 can provide heating (as described in the eighth mode above) and also provide heat energy to heat or preheat the hot water at the heat exchanger 308. As described above regarding the sixth mode, hot water is provided by the heat exchanger 308 or by the heat storage device 342. If the water temperature measured at temperature sensor TT06 is lower than the desired water temperature at temperature sensor TT07, the electric heater 326 can be used to supplement the water temperature from the heat exchanger 308. On the other hand, if the water temperature measured at temperature sensor TT06 is higher than the desired water temperature at temperature sensor TT07, then the cold water from the main cold water inlet 302 via the second flow path 314 can be mixed into the hot water to lower the temperature of the hot water to the desired temperature.

[0056] As described above, most components of the system (except for the heat pump 306, domestic hot water outlet 304, and domestic hot water heating equipment 310) are typically enclosed within an enclosure (or housing) 344, which may be manufactured in a similar size and shape to the modular boiler as an alternative. The housing 344 may include insulating material to reduce heat loss, and it is understood that different operating modes may be used in combination or individually, depending on the controller's expectations and control.

Claims

1. A domestic hot water supply system, the domestic hot water supply system comprising: a cold water inlet for receiving cold water from a mains supply; a hot water outlet for supplying hot water on demand to a domestic hot water outlet enabled by a user, and connected to the cold water inlet; a heat exchanger having a water inlet connected to the cold water inlet and a water outlet connected to the hot water outlet, the heat exchanger selectively heating water between the water inlet and the water outlet with a hot fluid selectively received from a hot fluid source; an electric heater for selectively heating water; a thermal storage device for storing heat, the thermal storage device connected to the hot water outlet; a circulation pump for pumping water from the thermal storage device to the heat exchanger; a first flow path between the cold water inlet and the water inlet of the heat exchanger; a second flow path between the cold water inlet and a fifth flow path; a third flow path between the thermal storage device and the fifth flow path; the fourth flow path between the water outlet of the heat exchanger and the fifth flow path; the fifth flow path leading from the fourth flow path and the third flow path to the hot water outlet; and a controller coupled to at least the heat exchanger, the electric heater and the thermal storage device for controlling the hot water supply system to operate in one or more operating modes, the one or more operating modes including: a defrost mode for supplying hot fluid to deliver hot fluid to the fluid source for heating the fluid source to defrost or reduce icing of the fluid source, the defrost mode including: a) determining if hot water is required at the domestic hot water outlet, and if it is determined that hot water is not required at the domestic hot water outlet, then: b) controlling the system to pump hot water from the thermal storage device into the first flow path and thence to the water inlet of the heat exchanger via the circulation pump, and then from the water outlet of the heat exchanger via the fourth flow path and via the electric heater back to the thermal storage medium; c) if there is insufficient heat stored in the thermal storage device, controlling the electric heater to heat water passing through the fourth flow path so that hot water is delivered to the thermal storage device to store energy in the thermal storage device; d) controlling the system to deliver fluid from the fluid source to the heat exchanger so that the fluid can be heated at the heat exchanger with heat energy from the hot water; and e) controlling the system to deliver the hot fluid back to the fluid source to heat the fluid source. ​ 2. A hot water supply system according to claim 1, further comprising one or more temperature sensors located in or adjacent to the thermal storage medium and coupled to send temperature signals to the controller to enable the controller to determine in step c) whether there is sufficient heat stored in the thermal storage medium.

3. A hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more flow sensors located in or adjacent to the flow path to the hot water outlet and coupled to send flow signals to the controller to enable the controller to determine whether hot water is required at the domestic hot water outlet.

4. A hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising one or more pressure sensors located in or adjacent to the flow path to the hot water outlet and coupled to send pressure signals to the controller to enable the controller to determine whether hot water is required at the domestic hot water outlet.

5. A hot water supply system as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein, The cold water inlet, the hot water outlet, the controller, the heat exchanger, the electric heater, the thermal storage device and the circulation pump are housed within a housing.

6. The hot water supply system according to claim 5, wherein The housing has an occupation space similar to that of a domestic combined boiler.

7. The hot water supply system according to claim 5, wherein The housing has maximum dimensions of 90 cm in height, 60 cm in width, 60 cm in depth.

8. The hot water supply system according to claim 7, wherein The housing has dimensions of about 75 cm in height, about 45 cm in width, about 50 cm in depth.

9. A method of controlling a domestic hot water supply system, the domestic hot water supply system comprising: a cold water inlet for receiving cold water from a mains supply; a hot water outlet for supplying hot water to a domestic hot water outlet enabled by a user on demand, and connected to the cold water inlet; a heat exchanger having a water inlet connected to the cold water inlet and a water outlet connected to the hot water outlet, the heat exchanger for selectively heating water between the water inlet and the water outlet with heat fluid selectively received from a heat fluid source; an electric heater for selectively heating water; a thermal storage device for storing heat, the thermal storage device connected to the hot water outlet; a circulation pump for pumping water from the thermal storage device to the heat exchanger; a first flow path between the cold water inlet and the water inlet of the heat exchanger; a second flow path between the cold water inlet and a fifth flow path; a third flow path between the thermal storage device and the fifth flow path; a fourth flow path between the water outlet of the heat exchanger and the fifth flow path; a fifth flow path from the fourth flow path and the third flow path to the hot water outlet; and a controller coupled to at least the heat exchanger, the electric heater, the thermal storage device and the circulation pump; the method comprising causing the controller to control the hot water supply system to operate in one or more operational modes, the one or more operational modes comprising: a defrost mode for supplying hot fluid to be delivered to the fluid source for heating the fluid source to defrost or reduce icing of the fluid source, the defrost mode comprising: a) determining if hot water is required at the hot water outlet, and if it is determined that hot water is not required at the hot water outlet, then: b) controlling the system to pump hot water from the thermal storage device into the first flow path via the circulation pump to the water inlet of the heat exchanger and then from the water outlet of the heat exchanger via the fourth flow path and via the electric heater back to the thermal storage medium; c) if there is not sufficient heat stored in the thermal storage device, controlling the electric heater to heat the water delivered through the fourth flow path so that hot water is delivered to the thermal storage device to store energy in the thermal storage device; d) controlling the system to deliver fluid from the fluid source to the heat exchanger so that fluid can be heated at the heat exchanger using heat energy from the hot water; and e) controlling the system to deliver the hot fluid back to the fluid source to heat the fluid source.

10. The method of controlling a domestic hot water supply system according to claim 9, wherein, Determining if there is sufficient heat stored in the thermal storage medium in step c) comprises using one or more temperature sensors in or adjacent to the thermal storage medium and sending temperature signals from the one or more temperature sensors to the controller.

11. The method of controlling a domestic hot water supply system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, Determining if hot water is required at the hot water outlet comprises using one or more flow sensors in or adjacent to the flow path to the hot water outlet and sending flow signals from the one or more flow sensors to the controller.

12. The method of controlling a domestic hot water supply system according to claim 9 or 10, wherein, Determining if hot water is required at the hot water outlet comprises using one or more pressure sensors in or adjacent to the flow path to the hot water outlet and sending pressure signals from the one or more pressure sensors to the controller.

13. A computer-readable medium having instructions stored thereon, the instructions, when executed by one or more processors of a controller, causing the controller to perform the method of any one of claims 9 to 12.

Images