Connecting assembly for a heat control system

Abstract

The invention relates in general to the field of heat control system, in particular heat control systems comprising a heat pump, in particular a hybrid heat pump. In particular the present invention relates to appendage technology and structure for a heat control system. The present invention relates to a connecting assembly for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, to a method of reducing heat leakage, to a method of increasing installation efficiency, to a heat control system, and to a method of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system.

Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates in general to the field of heat control system, in particular heat control systems comprising a heat pump, in particular a hybrid heat pump. In particular the present invention relates to appendage technology and structure for a heat control system. The present invention relates to a connecting assembly for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, to a method of reducing heat leakage, to a method of increasing installation efficiency, to a heat control system, and to a method of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system.Background of the invention

[0002] Heat control systems generally comprise at least a type of heat supply and a heat release system. Heat may be provided by heating a fluid, such as water, and to transfer the heated fluid through the heat release system. Heating the fluid, and providing heated fluid to the heat release system, can be done by a heat pump. Such heat pump is able to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space by transferring thermal energy using a refrigeration cycle, cooling the cool space and warming the warm space. A heat pump can exist comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The heat pump's outdoor unit extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to the indoor unit via pipes with a refrigerant. The indoor unit emits heat to the water of the heating system. Indoor and outdoor units also exist in combined configuration, as one unit, such as an outdoor unit, and also called a monoblock. Because of the high efficiency of heat pumps and the increasing share of fossil-free sources in electrical grids, the role of heat pumps become more and more important. A special type of heat pump is the hybrid heat pump. In case of a hybrid heat pump, also a heating boiler is involved in the heat control system. Heat supplied to the heating boiler is used for heating tap water. The amount of heat produced by the heat pump does not always match the heat demand. Doing nothing with that excess heat is not efficient and therefore a storage tank or buffer tank can be installed between the heat pump and the central heating system, to store excess hot water for use when needed again. In any of the described cases, the amount of appendages has become a major challenge when it comes to the available space where the different elements of the heat control system have to be connected to each other, such as with connecting pipelines from the heat pump to either or both the heat release system and the heating boiler, to and from the buffer tank, a bypass valve may additionally be involved, and more or other elements. The buffer tank with the different types of appendages as described around it requires a lot of space and complexity in the room, in a place where in practice space is relatively limited. It further requires a lot of time as well as skills from the installer to get such complex structures installed. Installation processes therefore in general lead to the so-called commonly known 'spaghetti-structure' installations. In addition to the said buffer tank, this concerns pipelines and coupling elements and may further comprise insulation material and a bypass valve. These elements must be individually placed in the usually limited space and must be mounted along and around each other, which is time and skills consuming.

[0003] EP3705786 according to its abstract relates to: "a module for integrating two heat generators into a heating system with a hydraulic arrangement, wherein the hydraulic arrangement provides hydraulic connections between connections and with a controller, wherein the hydraulic arrangement comprises: a first switching valve, a mixing valve and a second switching valve, wherein the controller is configured to implement a control of the heating system based on efficiencies of the first heat generator and the second heat generator." The provides module is a complex and expensive integration of systems and many active valves.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to overcome one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art and at the very least to provide an alternative thereto.Summary of the invention

[0005] The present inventor developed a connecting assembly for a heat control system and various aspects thereof, and a heat control system comprising the connecting assembly of the present invention, as well as methods of reducing heat leakage, and of increasing installation efficiency, and of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system.

[0006] The present inventors developed a connecting assembly for a heat control system, which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages, without jeopardizing functionality and advantages. Advantages of the present description are detailed throughout the description. References to the figures are not limiting, and are only intended to guide the person skilled in the art through details of the present invention.

[0007] The present invention relates in a first aspect to a connecting assembly (1) of claim 1. The term "heat pump", as used herein is well known to the skilled person. A heat pump system is a system that conveys heat from one area to another by using mechanical work or a high-temperature heat source. Most heat pump systems give off the heat directly to the indoor air, or to tap water, or to water circulated for heating (radiators). The term "heat release system", as used herein, refers to a system that releases the heat that is generated and provided by the heat pump. Such heat release system may in particular be a system that releases heat in indoor environments, such as in a building, such as a house or office. Such systems may in particular be heating systems such as heating radiator systems. The term "heating boiler" as used herein, also known as "gas boiler", refers to known boiler system such as heat only boilers or regular boilers or combi boilers, made up of multiple components, such as the gas boiler unit and with or without a water tank which is able to store heated water for a period of time.

[0008] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of reducing heat leakage from at least one of a buffer tank, a bypass control regulator, and a connecting pipeline, comprising the step of applying the connecting assembly as taught herein to a heat control system. Heat leakage is reduced by application of the connecting assembly as taught herein. Heat leakage may be further reduced by applying insulation material. In an embodiment the housing as taught herein further comprises an insulation material, in particular selected from at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer, more in particular selected from at least one of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least one of added around at least one connecting pipeline, added around the buffer tank, added around the bypass control regulator, added to the wall of the housing, in particular attached to the inside of the wall of the housing, and added to the outside of the wall of the housing, suitable to insulatingly connect the housing of the connecting assembly to a surface, such as a house wall, wherein the insulation material is between the housing and the surface.

[0009] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of increasing installation efficiency, comprising the step of applying the connecting assembly as taught herein to a heat control system. It was found that substantially less time is required to get installed the appendage structure when installed by using the connecting assembly of the present invention. Installation of the assembly of the present invention requires less space, less specific skills of the installer, and less complexity in terms of number of necessary installation actions in the available space. Installation efficiency therefore increases tremendously.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a heat control system (11), comprising a heat pump (12), a connecting assembly (1) as taught herein, and a heat release system (13), wherein the connecting assembly is configured in fluid connection between the heat pump and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction, wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump.

[0011] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system, comprising providing a heat pump, providing the connecting assembly as taught herein fluidly connected to the heat pump, providing a heat release system fluidly connected to the connecting assembly, transferring heated fluid from the heat pump through the connecting assembly to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly to the heat pump.

[0012] Present inventors found that by configuring different individual elements in the compact prefabricated specialized configuration of the present invention, installation efficiency is significantly increased. In general, an installation process to install the complex appendages as known from prior art, requires a whole working day, such as between six and eight hours, when performed by two professionally skilled installers. By using the connecting assembly of the present invention, the installation process is reduced by at least one to two hours, when performed by the same skilled installers. This even applies to professional installers which are less skilled, as the installation complexity is significantly reduced by the present invention. It was thus found that also the level of skill, necessary for the installation, is reduced by the present invention. Less in-depth knowledge is required as all elements are put together in a specialized compact configuration. A further effect or benefit of the present invention is that substantially less space is required. The assembly of the present invention is substantially less complex in the usually limited space, both technically and visually. The well-known so-called 'spaghetti-structure' configurations require a lot of space. They also look very messy as well as such configurations are more sensitive for defects and are harder to repair when defects occur. One or more of the parts comprised in the housing, or the housing itself, may additionally be insulated with additional insulation material. It was found that heat leakage can further be reduced, which further increases efficiency of the use of heat produced by the heat pump, to be released by the heat release system. If the connecting assembly of the present invention is attached to a wall, additional insulation material may be added between the connecting assembly and the wall. It was found that insulation material added as such functions as vibration compensation material, thereby further reducing vibrations, which are known to be experienced as noise pollution. A further effect of the present invention is a reduced chance of errors during installation and it can be estimated much more precisely in advance how much time installation will take.

[0013] The present invention provides a solution to one or more of the mentioned problems and overcomes drawbacks of the prior art.Detailed description of the invention

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly as taught herein, the housing further encloses a bypass control regulator (10), for maintaining a minimum flow rate of heated water when the need of heated water is low or absent, wherein the at least one connecting pipeline is configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator, and wherein the at least one coupling element is configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the heat pump, the connection assembly, and at least one of the heating boiler and the heat release system, are fluidly connected via a series connection.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the heat pump, the connection assembly, the heating boiler and the heat release system are fluidly connected via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction (15), wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, through the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing further comprises an electrical connection, for providing electricity to the housing, for electrical heating of the fluid in the buffer tank.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the at least one connecting pipeline comprises at least two connecting pipelines, preferably at least three connecting pipelines, more preferably at least four connecting pipelines, most preferably at least five connecting pipelines, in particular at least six connecting pipelines.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the at least one connecting pipeline comprises at least one of at least one straight and at least one bended pipeline, preferably at least one straight and at least one bended pipeline, more preferably at least two straight and at least two bended pipelines, in particular wherein the at least one bended pipeline has a bending angle of between 45 and 135 degrees, in particular between 55 and 125 degrees, more in particular between 70 and 110 degrees, such as between 80 and 100 degrees, in particular between 85 and 95 degrees, such as 90 degrees.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the at least one coupling element comprises at least one coupling element selected from a T-coupling and a Y-coupling, preferably the at least one coupling element comprises at least two couplings selected from a T-coupling and a Y-coupling.

[0021] In an embodiment, the buffer tank is fluidly coupled via a first buffer tank fluid coupling to the first outlet and fluidly coupled via a second buffer tank fluid coupling to the second inlet. In particular, the first inlet is fluidly coupled to the second outlet and via the bypass control regulator fluidly coupled to the second inlet. In a particular embodiment the first and second buffer tank fluid coupling are at opposite ends of the buffer tank. In a more particular embodiment, in an installed state of the connecting assembly the second buffer tank fluid coupling is near a gravitationally lowest part of the buffer tank and the first buffer tank fluid coupling is near a gravitationally highest part of the buffer tank.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing further comprises an insulation material, selected from at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer. In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing further comprises an insulation material, selected from at least one of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the insulation material is at least one of added around at least one connecting pipeline, added around the buffer tank, added around the bypass control regulator, added to the wall of the housing, in particular attached to the inside of the wall of the housing, and added to the outside of the wall of the housing, suitable to insulatingly connect the housing of the connecting assembly to a surface, such as a house wall, wherein the insulation material is between the housing and the surface.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the connecting assembly further comprises means to attach the connecting assembly to a surface. In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the connecting assembly comprises brackets, such as hanging brackets, at the outside of the housing, for connecting the housing to a surface, such a wall, in particular a house wall. In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the connecting assembly further comprises means, such as feet or legs or caps, at the outside of the bottomside, for connecting the housing to a surface, such as a floor surface. In other words, the connecting assembly of the present invention may be hung on the wall or put on the floor, or put on the floor as well as attached to the wall.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the outside of the housing has a size with a width (w) between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 90 cm, more preferably between 20 cm and 80 cm, most preferably between 25 cm and 70 cm.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the outside of the housing has a size with a height (h) between 10 cm and 120 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 100 cm, more preferably between 25 cm and 80 cm, most preferably between 30 cm and 70 cm.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the outside of the housing has a size with a depth (d) between 10 cm and 90 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 80 cm, more preferably between 20 cm and 70 cm, most preferably between 25 cm and 60 cm.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing has a wall thickness between 0,1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0,2 mm and 8 mm, more preferably between 0,4 mm and 6 mm, most preferably between 0,6 mm and 4 mm.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the buffer tank has a volume of between 1 and 100 liter, preferably between 3 and 80 liter, more preferably between 5 and 50 liter, most preferably between 7 and 40 liter, such as between 10 and 30 liter.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing further comprises a door (17), configured to be able to open and close the connecting assembly for maintenance, control or reparation of the inside of the connecting assembly or any part enclosed by the connecting assembly.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the present heat control system as taught herein comprising a heat pump (12), a connecting assembly (1) as taught herein, and a heat release system (13), the heat control system further comprises a heating boiler (14), wherein the heating boiler is configured in fluid connection between the connecting assembly and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction, wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, through the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the present method of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system as taught herein, the method further comprises providing a heating boiler, and transferring heated fluid from the heat pump through the connecting assembly to the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly to the heat pump.

[0033] The invention is further detailed by the accompanying figures and examples, which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.Drawings

[0034] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic figure in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts. Figures 1a-b show schematic representations of embodiments of the connecting assembly of the present invention in different configurations. Figure 2a-c show front view, top view and side view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1b. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of what is comprised in the housing of the embodiment as shown in figures 2. Figures 4a-b show schematic representations of a heat control system comprising the connecting assembly of the present invention, the said heat control system without and with a heating boiler. Detailed description of the drawings

[0035] In the drawings: 1.connecting assembly 2.housing 3.first inlet 4.first outlet 5.second inlet 6.second outlet 7.buffer tank 8.connecting pipeline 9.coupling element 10.bypass control regulator 11.heat control system 12.heat pump 13.heat release system 14.heating boiler 15.fluid flow 16.insulation material 17.connecting assembly door hheight of the connecting assembly wwidth of the connecting assembly ddepth of the connecting assembly

[0036] Figures 1a-b show schematic representations of embodiments of the connecting assembly of the present invention in different configurations. Figure 1a shows a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, comprising a housing (2). The housing has a height (h) and a width (w) and a depth (d). The configuration of (h) and (w) is illustrated in this figure and also applies to the other figures 1a - 2c. The housing comprises a first inlet (3) and a first outlet (4). The first inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat pump into the housing. The first outlet is configured to return fluid from the housing to the heat pump. The housing further comprises a second inlet (5) and a second outlet (6). The second inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat release system into the housing. The second outlet is configured to conduct fluid from the housing to at least one of the heating boiler and the heat release system. The housing encloses a buffer tank (7), for storing excess of heated fluid transferred from the heat pump, at least one connecting pipeline (8), and at least one coupling element (9), such as at least one T-coupling. Coupling elements are in particular visibly illustrated in figure 3. The at least one connecting pipeline (8) is configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, and the buffer tank. The at least one coupling element (9) is configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, and the buffer tank. In this embodiment it is shown that the housing further comprises an insulation material (16), added around connecting pipelines at the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around at least one connecting pipeline. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around the buffer tank. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around the bypass control regulator. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least attached to the inside of the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the outside of the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the outside of the wall of the housing, suitable to insulatingly connect the housing of the connecting assembly to a surface, such as a house wall, wherein the insulation material is between the housing and the surface. The insulation material as taught herein is preferably selected from at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer. In particular the insulation material as taught herein is selected from at least one of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer.

[0037] Figure 1b shows a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, comprising a housing (2). The housing comprises a first inlet (3) and a first outlet (4). The first inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat pump into the housing. The first outlet is configured to return fluid from the housing to the heat pump. The housing further comprises a second inlet (5) and a second outlet (6). The second inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat release system into the housing. The second outlet is configured to conduct fluid from the housing to at least one of the heating boiler and the heat release system. The housing encloses a buffer tank (7), for storing excess of heated fluid transferred from the heat pump, a bypass control regulator (10), for maintaining a minimum flow rate of heated water when the need of heated water is low or absent, at least one connecting pipeline (8), and at least one coupling element (9), such as at least one T-coupling. Coupling elements are in particular visibly illustrated in figure 3. The at least one connecting pipeline (8) is configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator. The at least one coupling element (9) is configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator. In this embodiment it is shown that the housing further comprises an insulation material (16), added around connecting pipelines at the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet. It was found that insulation material added as such functions as vibration compensation material, thereby further reducing vibrations, which are known to be experienced as noise pollution. Application of insulation material was additionally found to reduce heat leakage, which further increases efficiency of the use of heat transported through the appendages enclosed by the connecting assembly. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around at least one connecting pipeline. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around the buffer tank. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around the bypass control regulator. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least attached to the inside of the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the outside of the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the outside of the wall of the housing, suitable to insulatingly connect the housing of the connecting assembly to a surface, such as a house wall, wherein the insulation material is between the housing and the surface. The insulation material as taught herein is preferably selected from at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer. In particular the insulation material as taught herein is selected from at least one of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer.

[0038] Figure 2a-c show top view, front view and side view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1b. The description of figure 1b therefore also applies to Figure 2a-c.

[0039] Figure 2a shows a top view of the embodiment as demonstrated in figure 1b and 2b. It is a further demonstration of how the individual elements are designed relative to each other. This particular view demonstrates the elements as a see-through design. The upper side of the figure is the side which can be mounted on a surface such as a wall. Two connecting pipelines are visible which are bended, thereby connecting other connecting pipelines. In this particular embodiment the bended connecting pipelines bend over an angle of about 90 degrees thereby connecting straight connecting pipelines over the said angle. This view further shows a connecting assembly door (17), which can be opened and closed in case of maintenance or reparation is needed of any part of the inside of the housing or any part which is enclosed at the inside of the connecting assembly.

[0040] Figure 2b shows a front view of the embodiment as demonstrated in figure 1b and 2b. It is a further demonstration of how the individual elements are designed relative to each other. This particular view demonstrates the elements as a see-through design. In addition to figure 2a in figure 2b an optional support element element is added in order to support the buffer tank, visible at the bottom side of the buffer tank between the buffer tank and the housing wall at the bottom side of the housing.

[0041] Figure 2c shows a side view of the embodiment as demonstrated in figure 1b and 2b. The housing has a height (h) and a width (w) and a depth (d). The configuration of (d) is illustrated in this figure and also applies to the other figures 1a - 2c. It is a further demonstration of how the individual elements are designed relative to each other. This particular view demonstrates the elements as a see-through design. The right side of the figure is the side which can be mounted on a surface such as a wall. The openings of the second inlet (5) and the second outlet (6) are visible, and illustrated to be configured near the back wall of the housing. This view further shows a connecting assembly door (17), which can be opened and closed in case of maintenance or reparation is needed of any part of the inside of the housing or any part which is enclosed at the inside of the connecting assembly.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of what is comprised in the housing of the embodiment as shown in figures 2. The housing encloses a buffer tank (7), for storing excess of heated fluid transferred from the heat pump, a bypass control regulator (10), for maintaining a minimum flow rate of heated water when the need of heated water is low or absent, at least one connecting pipeline (8), and at least one coupling element (9), such as at least one T-coupling. At least two T-coupling elements are applied in the embodiment as demonstrated in figure 3. They connect straight connecting pipelines, thereby branching off from connecting pipelines, such as branching off from the first inlet pipeline to the bypass control regulator, or branching off from the second outlet pipeline to the bypass control regulator. The at least one connecting pipeline (8) is configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator. The at least one coupling element (9) is configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator.

[0043] Figures 4a-b show schematic representations of a heat control system comprising the connecting assembly of the present invention, said heat control system without and with a heating boiler.

[0044] Figure 4a shows a schematic representation of a heat control system (11), comprising a heat pump (12), a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention, and a heat release system (13), such as a heat release radiator system. The connecting assembly is configured in fluid connection between the heat pump and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction. The fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump. Fluid from the heat pump to the heat release system is heated fluid. Fluid from the heat release system to the heat pump is cooled fluid, which has released its heat through the heat release system.

[0045] Figure 4b shows a schematic representation of a heat control system (11), comprising a heat pump (12), a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention, a heating boiler (14), and a heat release system (13), such as a heat release radiator system. The connecting assembly is configured in fluid connection between the heat pump and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction. The fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump. In view of the fluid flow direction in between the connecting assembly and the heat release system there is further added a heating boiler. The heating boiler is configured in fluid connection between the connecting assembly and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction, wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, through the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump. Fluid from the heat pump to the heat release system is heated fluid. Fluid from the heat release system to the heat pump is cooled fluid, which has released its heat through the heat release system.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035]In the drawings:

1.connecting assembly 2.housing 3.first inlet 4.first outlet 5.second inlet 6.second outlet 7.buffer tank 8.connecting pipeline 9.coupling element 10.bypass control regulator 11.heat control system 12.heat pump 13.heat release system 14.heating boiler 15.fluid flow 16.insulation material 17.connecting assembly door hheight of the connecting assembly wwidth of the connecting assembly ddepth of the connecting assembly

[0036]Figures 1a-b show schematic representations of embodiments of the connecting assembly of the present invention in different configurations. Figure 1a shows a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, comprising a housing (2). The housing has a height (h) and a width (w) and a depth (d). The configuration of (h) and (w) is illustrated in this figure and also applies to the other figures 1a - 2c. The housing comprises a first inlet...

Field of the invention

[0001] The invention relates in general to the field of heat control system, in particular heat control systems comprising a heat pump, in particular a hybrid heat pump. In particular the present invention relates to appendage technology and structure for a heat control system. The present invention relates to a connecting assembly for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, to a method of reducing heat leakage, to a method of increasing installation efficiency, to a heat control system, and to a method of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system.Background of the invention

[0002] Heat control systems generally comprise at least a type of heat supply and a heat release system. Heat may be provided by heating a fluid, such as water, and to transfer the heated fluid through the heat release system. Heating the fluid, and providing heated fluid to the heat release system, can be done by a heat pump. Such heat pump is able to transfer heat from a cool space to a warm space by transferring thermal energy using a refrigeration cycle, cooling the cool space and warming the warm space. A heat pump can exist comprising an outdoor unit and an indoor unit. The heat pump's outdoor unit extracts heat from the outside air and transfers it to the indoor unit via pipes with a refrigerant. The indoor unit emits heat to the water of the heating system. Indoor and outdoor units also exist in combined configuration, as one unit, such as an outdoor unit, and also called a monoblock. Because of the high efficiency of heat pumps and the increasing share of fossil-free sources in electrical grids, the role of heat pumps become more and more important. A special type of heat pump is the hybrid heat pump. In case of a hybrid heat pump, also a heating boiler is involved in the heat control system. Heat supplied to the heating boiler is used for heating tap water. The amount of heat produced by the heat pump does not always match the heat demand. Doing nothing with that excess heat is not efficient and therefore a storage tank or buffer tank can be installed between the heat pump and the central heating system, to store excess hot water for use when needed again. In any of the described cases, the amount of appendages has become a major challenge when it comes to the available space where the different elements of the heat control system have to be connected to each other, such as with connecting pipelines from the heat pump to either or both the heat release system and the heating boiler, to and from the buffer tank, a bypass valve may additionally be involved, and more or other elements. The buffer tank with the different types of appendages as described around it requires a lot of space and complexity in the room, in a place where in practice space is relatively limited. It further requires a lot of time as well as skills from the installer to get such complex structures installed. Installation processes therefore in general lead to the so-called commonly known 'spaghetti-structure' installations. In addition to the said buffer tank, this concerns pipelines and coupling elements and may further comprise insulation material and a bypass valve. These elements must be individually placed in the usually limited space and must be mounted along and around each other, which is time and skills consuming.

[0003] EP3705786 according to its abstract relates to: "a module for integrating two heat generators into a heating system with a hydraulic arrangement, wherein the hydraulic arrangement provides hydraulic connections between connections and with a controller, wherein the hydraulic arrangement comprises: a first switching valve, a mixing valve and a second switching valve, wherein the controller is configured to implement a control of the heating system based on efficiencies of the first heat generator and the second heat generator." The provides module is a complex and expensive integration of systems and many active valves.

[0004] It is an object of the invention to overcome one or more of the disadvantages of the prior art and at the very least to provide an alternative thereto.Summary of the invention

[0005] The present inventor developed a connecting assembly for a heat control system and various aspects thereof, and a heat control system comprising the connecting assembly of the present invention, as well as methods of reducing heat leakage, and of increasing installation efficiency, and of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system.

[0006] The present inventors developed a connecting assembly for a heat control system, which overcomes one or more of the above disadvantages, without jeopardizing functionality and advantages. Advantages of the present description are detailed throughout the description. References to the figures are not limiting, and are only intended to guide the person skilled in the art through details of the present invention.

[0007] The present invention relates in a first aspect to a connecting assembly (1) of claim 1. The term "heat pump", as used herein is well known to the skilled person. A heat pump system is a system that conveys heat from one area to another by using mechanical work or a high-temperature heat source. Most heat pump systems give off the heat directly to the indoor air, or to tap water, or to water circulated for heating (radiators). The term "heat release system", as used herein, refers to a system that releases the heat that is generated and provided by the heat pump. Such heat release system may in particular be a system that releases heat in indoor environments, such as in a building, such as a house or office. Such systems may in particular be heating systems such as heating radiator systems. The term "heating boiler" as used herein, also known as "gas boiler", refers to known boiler system such as heat only boilers or regular boilers or combi boilers, made up of multiple components, such as the gas boiler unit and with or without a water tank which is able to store heated water for a period of time.

[0008] In a second aspect, the present invention relates to a method of reducing heat leakage from at least one of a buffer tank, a bypass control regulator, and a connecting pipeline, comprising the step of applying the connecting assembly as taught herein to a heat control system. Heat leakage is reduced by application of the connecting assembly as taught herein. Heat leakage may be further reduced by applying insulation material. In an embodiment the housing as taught herein further comprises an insulation material, in particular selected from at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer, more in particular selected from at least one of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least one of added around at least one connecting pipeline, added around the buffer tank, added around the bypass control regulator, added to the wall of the housing, in particular attached to the inside of the wall of the housing, and added to the outside of the wall of the housing, suitable to insulatingly connect the housing of the connecting assembly to a surface, such as a house wall, wherein the insulation material is between the housing and the surface.

[0009] In a third aspect, the present invention relates to a method of increasing installation efficiency, comprising the step of applying the connecting assembly as taught herein to a heat control system. It was found that substantially less time is required to get installed the appendage structure when installed by using the connecting assembly of the present invention. Installation of the assembly of the present invention requires less space, less specific skills of the installer, and less complexity in terms of number of necessary installation actions in the available space. Installation efficiency therefore increases tremendously.

[0010] In a fourth aspect, the present invention relates to a heat control system (11), comprising a heat pump (12), a connecting assembly (1) as taught herein, and a heat release system (13), wherein the connecting assembly is configured in fluid connection between the heat pump and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction, wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump.

[0011] In a fifth aspect, the present invention relates to a method of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system, comprising providing a heat pump, providing the connecting assembly as taught herein fluidly connected to the heat pump, providing a heat release system fluidly connected to the connecting assembly, transferring heated fluid from the heat pump through the connecting assembly to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly to the heat pump.

[0012] Present inventors found that by configuring different individual elements in the compact prefabricated specialized configuration of the present invention, installation efficiency is significantly increased. In general, an installation process to install the complex appendages as known from prior art, requires a whole working day, such as between six and eight hours, when performed by two professionally skilled installers. By using the connecting assembly of the present invention, the installation process is reduced by at least one to two hours, when performed by the same skilled installers. This even applies to professional installers which are less skilled, as the installation complexity is significantly reduced by the present invention. It was thus found that also the level of skill, necessary for the installation, is reduced by the present invention. Less in-depth knowledge is required as all elements are put together in a specialized compact configuration. A further effect or benefit of the present invention is that substantially less space is required. The assembly of the present invention is substantially less complex in the usually limited space, both technically and visually. The well-known so-called 'spaghetti-structure' configurations require a lot of space. They also look very messy as well as such configurations are more sensitive for defects and are harder to repair when defects occur. One or more of the parts comprised in the housing, or the housing itself, may additionally be insulated with additional insulation material. It was found that heat leakage can further be reduced, which further increases efficiency of the use of heat produced by the heat pump, to be released by the heat release system. If the connecting assembly of the present invention is attached to a wall, additional insulation material may be added between the connecting assembly and the wall. It was found that insulation material added as such functions as vibration compensation material, thereby further reducing vibrations, which are known to be experienced as noise pollution. A further effect of the present invention is a reduced chance of errors during installation and it can be estimated much more precisely in advance how much time installation will take.

[0013] The present invention provides a solution to one or more of the mentioned problems and overcomes drawbacks of the prior art.Detailed description of the invention

[0014] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly as taught herein, the housing further encloses a bypass control regulator (10), for maintaining a minimum flow rate of heated water when the need of heated water is low or absent, wherein the at least one connecting pipeline is configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator, and wherein the at least one coupling element is configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator.

[0015] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the heat pump, the connection assembly, and at least one of the heating boiler and the heat release system, are fluidly connected via a series connection.

[0016] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the heat pump, the connection assembly, the heating boiler and the heat release system are fluidly connected via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction (15), wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, through the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump.

[0017] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing further comprises an electrical connection, for providing electricity to the housing, for electrical heating of the fluid in the buffer tank.

[0018] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the at least one connecting pipeline comprises at least two connecting pipelines, preferably at least three connecting pipelines, more preferably at least four connecting pipelines, most preferably at least five connecting pipelines, in particular at least six connecting pipelines.

[0019] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the at least one connecting pipeline comprises at least one of at least one straight and at least one bended pipeline, preferably at least one straight and at least one bended pipeline, more preferably at least two straight and at least two bended pipelines, in particular wherein the at least one bended pipeline has a bending angle of between 45 and 135 degrees, in particular between 55 and 125 degrees, more in particular between 70 and 110 degrees, such as between 80 and 100 degrees, in particular between 85 and 95 degrees, such as 90 degrees.

[0020] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the at least one coupling element comprises at least one coupling element selected from a T-coupling and a Y-coupling, preferably the at least one coupling element comprises at least two couplings selected from a T-coupling and a Y-coupling.

[0021] In an embodiment, the buffer tank is fluidly coupled via a first buffer tank fluid coupling to the first outlet and fluidly coupled via a second buffer tank fluid coupling to the second inlet. In particular, the first inlet is fluidly coupled to the second outlet and via the bypass control regulator fluidly coupled to the second inlet. In a particular embodiment the first and second buffer tank fluid coupling are at opposite ends of the buffer tank. In a more particular embodiment, in an installed state of the connecting assembly the second buffer tank fluid coupling is near a gravitationally lowest part of the buffer tank and the first buffer tank fluid coupling is near a gravitationally highest part of the buffer tank.

[0022] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing further comprises an insulation material, selected from at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer. In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing further comprises an insulation material, selected from at least one of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer.

[0023] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the insulation material is at least one of added around at least one connecting pipeline, added around the buffer tank, added around the bypass control regulator, added to the wall of the housing, in particular attached to the inside of the wall of the housing, and added to the outside of the wall of the housing, suitable to insulatingly connect the housing of the connecting assembly to a surface, such as a house wall, wherein the insulation material is between the housing and the surface.

[0024] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the connecting assembly further comprises means to attach the connecting assembly to a surface. In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the connecting assembly comprises brackets, such as hanging brackets, at the outside of the housing, for connecting the housing to a surface, such a wall, in particular a house wall. In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the connecting assembly further comprises means, such as feet or legs or caps, at the outside of the bottomside, for connecting the housing to a surface, such as a floor surface. In other words, the connecting assembly of the present invention may be hung on the wall or put on the floor, or put on the floor as well as attached to the wall.

[0025] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the outside of the housing has a size with a width (w) between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 90 cm, more preferably between 20 cm and 80 cm, most preferably between 25 cm and 70 cm.

[0026] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the outside of the housing has a size with a height (h) between 10 cm and 120 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 100 cm, more preferably between 25 cm and 80 cm, most preferably between 30 cm and 70 cm.

[0027] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the outside of the housing has a size with a depth (d) between 10 cm and 90 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 80 cm, more preferably between 20 cm and 70 cm, most preferably between 25 cm and 60 cm.

[0028] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing has a wall thickness between 0,1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0,2 mm and 8 mm, more preferably between 0,4 mm and 6 mm, most preferably between 0,6 mm and 4 mm.

[0029] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the buffer tank has a volume of between 1 and 100 liter, preferably between 3 and 80 liter, more preferably between 5 and 50 liter, most preferably between 7 and 40 liter, such as between 10 and 30 liter.

[0030] In an exemplary embodiment of the present connecting assembly, the housing further comprises a door (17), configured to be able to open and close the connecting assembly for maintenance, control or reparation of the inside of the connecting assembly or any part enclosed by the connecting assembly.

[0031] In an exemplary embodiment of the present heat control system as taught herein comprising a heat pump (12), a connecting assembly (1) as taught herein, and a heat release system (13), the heat control system further comprises a heating boiler (14), wherein the heating boiler is configured in fluid connection between the connecting assembly and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction, wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, through the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump.

[0032] In an exemplary embodiment of the present method of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system as taught herein, the method further comprises providing a heating boiler, and transferring heated fluid from the heat pump through the connecting assembly to the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly to the heat pump.

[0033] The invention is further detailed by the accompanying figures and examples, which are exemplary and explanatory of nature and are not limiting the scope of the invention. To the person skilled in the art it may be clear that many variants, being obvious or not, may be conceivable falling within the scope of protection, defined by the present claims.Drawings

[0034] An embodiment of the invention will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying schematic figure in which corresponding reference symbols indicate corresponding parts. Figures 1a-b show schematic representations of embodiments of the connecting assembly of the present invention in different configurations. Figure 2a-c show front view, top view and side view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1b. Figure 3 shows an embodiment of what is comprised in the housing of the embodiment as shown in figures 2. Figures 4a-b show schematic representations of a heat control system comprising the connecting assembly of the present invention, the said heat control system without and with a heating boiler. Detailed description of the drawings

[0035] In the drawings: 1.connecting assembly 2.housing 3.first inlet 4.first outlet 5.second inlet 6.second outlet 7.buffer tank 8.connecting pipeline 9.coupling element 10.bypass control regulator 11.heat control system 12.heat pump 13.heat release system 14.heating boiler 15.fluid flow 16.insulation material 17.connecting assembly door hheight of the connecting assembly wwidth of the connecting assembly ddepth of the connecting assembly

[0036] Figures 1a-b show schematic representations of embodiments of the connecting assembly of the present invention in different configurations. Figure 1a shows a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, comprising a housing (2). The housing has a height (h) and a width (w) and a depth (d). The configuration of (h) and (w) is illustrated in this figure and also applies to the other figures 1a - 2c. The housing comprises a first inlet (3) and a first outlet (4). The first inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat pump into the housing. The first outlet is configured to return fluid from the housing to the heat pump. The housing further comprises a second inlet (5) and a second outlet (6). The second inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat release system into the housing. The second outlet is configured to conduct fluid from the housing to at least one of the heating boiler and the heat release system. The housing encloses a buffer tank (7), for storing excess of heated fluid transferred from the heat pump, at least one connecting pipeline (8), and at least one coupling element (9), such as at least one T-coupling. Coupling elements are in particular visibly illustrated in figure 3. The at least one connecting pipeline (8) is configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, and the buffer tank. The at least one coupling element (9) is configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, and the buffer tank. In this embodiment it is shown that the housing further comprises an insulation material (16), added around connecting pipelines at the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around at least one connecting pipeline. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around the buffer tank. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around the bypass control regulator. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least attached to the inside of the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the outside of the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the outside of the wall of the housing, suitable to insulatingly connect the housing of the connecting assembly to a surface, such as a house wall, wherein the insulation material is between the housing and the surface. The insulation material as taught herein is preferably selected from at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer. In particular the insulation material as taught herein is selected from at least one of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer.

[0037] Figure 1b shows a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, comprising a housing (2). The housing comprises a first inlet (3) and a first outlet (4). The first inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat pump into the housing. The first outlet is configured to return fluid from the housing to the heat pump. The housing further comprises a second inlet (5) and a second outlet (6). The second inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat release system into the housing. The second outlet is configured to conduct fluid from the housing to at least one of the heating boiler and the heat release system. The housing encloses a buffer tank (7), for storing excess of heated fluid transferred from the heat pump, a bypass control regulator (10), for maintaining a minimum flow rate of heated water when the need of heated water is low or absent, at least one connecting pipeline (8), and at least one coupling element (9), such as at least one T-coupling. Coupling elements are in particular visibly illustrated in figure 3. The at least one connecting pipeline (8) is configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator. The at least one coupling element (9) is configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator. In this embodiment it is shown that the housing further comprises an insulation material (16), added around connecting pipelines at the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, and the second outlet. It was found that insulation material added as such functions as vibration compensation material, thereby further reducing vibrations, which are known to be experienced as noise pollution. Application of insulation material was additionally found to reduce heat leakage, which further increases efficiency of the use of heat transported through the appendages enclosed by the connecting assembly. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around at least one connecting pipeline. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around the buffer tank. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added around the bypass control regulator. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least attached to the inside of the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the outside of the wall of the housing. In an embodiment the insulation material is at least added to the outside of the wall of the housing, suitable to insulatingly connect the housing of the connecting assembly to a surface, such as a house wall, wherein the insulation material is between the housing and the surface. The insulation material as taught herein is preferably selected from at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer. In particular the insulation material as taught herein is selected from at least one of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer.

[0038] Figure 2a-c show top view, front view and side view of the embodiment as shown in figure 1b. The description of figure 1b therefore also applies to Figure 2a-c.

[0039] Figure 2a shows a top view of the embodiment as demonstrated in figure 1b and 2b. It is a further demonstration of how the individual elements are designed relative to each other. This particular view demonstrates the elements as a see-through design. The upper side of the figure is the side which can be mounted on a surface such as a wall. Two connecting pipelines are visible which are bended, thereby connecting other connecting pipelines. In this particular embodiment the bended connecting pipelines bend over an angle of about 90 degrees thereby connecting straight connecting pipelines over the said angle. This view further shows a connecting assembly door (17), which can be opened and closed in case of maintenance or reparation is needed of any part of the inside of the housing or any part which is enclosed at the inside of the connecting assembly.

[0040] Figure 2b shows a front view of the embodiment as demonstrated in figure 1b and 2b. It is a further demonstration of how the individual elements are designed relative to each other. This particular view demonstrates the elements as a see-through design. In addition to figure 2a in figure 2b an optional support element element is added in order to support the buffer tank, visible at the bottom side of the buffer tank between the buffer tank and the housing wall at the bottom side of the housing.

[0041] Figure 2c shows a side view of the embodiment as demonstrated in figure 1b and 2b. The housing has a height (h) and a width (w) and a depth (d). The configuration of (d) is illustrated in this figure and also applies to the other figures 1a - 2c. It is a further demonstration of how the individual elements are designed relative to each other. This particular view demonstrates the elements as a see-through design. The right side of the figure is the side which can be mounted on a surface such as a wall. The openings of the second inlet (5) and the second outlet (6) are visible, and illustrated to be configured near the back wall of the housing. This view further shows a connecting assembly door (17), which can be opened and closed in case of maintenance or reparation is needed of any part of the inside of the housing or any part which is enclosed at the inside of the connecting assembly.

[0042] Figure 3 shows an embodiment of what is comprised in the housing of the embodiment as shown in figures 2. The housing encloses a buffer tank (7), for storing excess of heated fluid transferred from the heat pump, a bypass control regulator (10), for maintaining a minimum flow rate of heated water when the need of heated water is low or absent, at least one connecting pipeline (8), and at least one coupling element (9), such as at least one T-coupling. At least two T-coupling elements are applied in the embodiment as demonstrated in figure 3. They connect straight connecting pipelines, thereby branching off from connecting pipelines, such as branching off from the first inlet pipeline to the bypass control regulator, or branching off from the second outlet pipeline to the bypass control regulator. The at least one connecting pipeline (8) is configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator. The at least one coupling element (9) is configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator.

[0043] Figures 4a-b show schematic representations of a heat control system comprising the connecting assembly of the present invention, said heat control system without and with a heating boiler.

[0044] Figure 4a shows a schematic representation of a heat control system (11), comprising a heat pump (12), a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention, and a heat release system (13), such as a heat release radiator system. The connecting assembly is configured in fluid connection between the heat pump and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction. The fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump. Fluid from the heat pump to the heat release system is heated fluid. Fluid from the heat release system to the heat pump is cooled fluid, which has released its heat through the heat release system.

[0045] Figure 4b shows a schematic representation of a heat control system (11), comprising a heat pump (12), a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention, a heating boiler (14), and a heat release system (13), such as a heat release radiator system. The connecting assembly is configured in fluid connection between the heat pump and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction. The fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump. In view of the fluid flow direction in between the connecting assembly and the heat release system there is further added a heating boiler. The heating boiler is configured in fluid connection between the connecting assembly and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction, wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, through the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump. Fluid from the heat pump to the heat release system is heated fluid. Fluid from the heat release system to the heat pump is cooled fluid, which has released its heat through the heat release system.

Examples

Embodiment Construction

[0035]In the drawings:

1.connecting assembly 2.housing 3.first inlet 4.first outlet 5.second inlet 6.second outlet 7.buffer tank 8.connecting pipeline 9.coupling element 10.bypass control regulator 11.heat control system 12.heat pump 13.heat release system 14.heating boiler 15.fluid flow 16.insulation material 17.connecting assembly door hheight of the connecting assembly wwidth of the connecting assembly ddepth of the connecting assembly

[0036]Figures 1a-b show schematic representations of embodiments of the connecting assembly of the present invention in different configurations. Figure 1a shows a connecting assembly (1) according to the present invention for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, comprising a housing (2). The housing has a height (h) and a width (w) and a depth (d). The configuration of (h) and (w) is illustrated in this figure and also applies to the other figures 1a - 2c. The housing comprises a first inlet...

Claims

1. Connecting assembly (1) for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, comprising a housing (2), wherein the housing comprises a first inlet (3) and a first outlet (4), wherein the first inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat pump into the housing, and wherein the first outlet is configured to return fluid from the housing to the heat pump, a second inlet (5) and a second outlet (6), wherein the second inlet is configured to receive fluid from the heat release system into the housing, and wherein the second outlet is configured to conduct fluid from the housing to at least one of the heating boiler and the heat release system, and wherein the housing encloses a buffer tank (7), for storing excess of heated fluid transferred from the heat pump, at least one connecting pipeline (8), configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, and the buffer tank, at least one coupling element (9), configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, and the buffer tank (7).

2. Connecting assembly according to claim 1, wherein the housing further encloses a bypass control regulator (10) for maintaining a minimum flow rate of heated water when the need of heated water is low or absent, in particular a flow of heated water from the buffer tank (7) to the first outlet and from the first inlet to the buffer tank (7), wherein the at least one connecting pipeline is configured to fluidly connect at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator, and wherein the at least one coupling element is configured to couple at least one of the first inlet, the first outlet, the second inlet, the second outlet, and the at least one connecting pipeline, to at least one of the second inlet, the second outlet, the first inlet, the first outlet, the buffer tank, and the bypass regulator.

3. Connecting assembly according to claim 1 or 2, for fluidly coupling a heat pump with at least one of a heat release system and a heating boiler, wherein the heat pump, the connection assembly, and at least one of the heating boiler and the heat release system, are fluidly connected via a series connection.

4. Connecting assembly according to claim 3, for fluidly coupling a heat pump with a heat release system and a heating boiler, wherein the heat pump, the connection assembly, the heating boiler and the heat release system are fluidly connected via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction (15), wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, through the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump.

5. Connecting assembly according to any of claims 1-4, wherein the housing further comprises an electrical connection, for providing electricity to the housing, for electrical heating of the fluid in the buffer tank.

6. Connecting assembly according to any of claims 1-5, wherein the at least one connecting pipeline comprises at least two connecting pipelines, preferably at least three connecting pipelines, more preferably at least four connecting pipelines, most preferably at least five connecting pipelines, in particular at least six connecting pipelines.

7. Connecting assembly according to any of claims 1-6, wherein the at least one connecting pipeline comprises at least one of at least one straight and at least one bended pipeline, preferably at least one straight and at least one bended pipeline, more preferably at least two straight and at least two bended pipelines, in particular wherein the at least one bended pipeline has a bending angle of between 45 and 135 degrees, in particular between 55 and 125 degrees, more in particular between 70 and 110 degrees, such as between 80 and 100 degrees, in particular between 85 and 95 degrees, such as 90 degrees.

8. Connecting assembly according to any of claims 1-7, wherein the at least one coupling element comprises at least one coupling element selected from a T-coupling and a Y-coupling, preferably the at least one coupling element comprises at least two couplings selected from a T-coupling and a Y-coupling.

9. Connecting assembly according to any one of claims 1-8, wherein the buffer tank (7) is fluidly coupled via a first buffer tank fluid coupling to the first outlet (4) and fluidly coupled via a second buffer tank fluid coupling to the second inlet (5), in particular the first inlet (3) is fluidly coupled to the second outlet (6) and via the bypass control regulator (10) fluidly coupled to the second inlet (5), in particular the first and second buffer tank fluid coupling are at opposite ends of the buffer tank (7), more in particular in an installed state of the connecting assembly the second buffer tank fluid coupling is near a gravitationally lowest part of the buffer tank (7) and the first buffer tank fluid coupling is near a gravitationally highest part of the buffer tank (7).

10. Connecting assembly according to any of claims 1-9, wherein the housing further comprises an insulation material (16), in particular selected from at least one of polyurethane, polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer, in particular selected from at least one of polyurethane foam, expanded polystyrene, extruded polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, wood fiber insulation, cotton fiber insulation, cellulose insulation, neoprene, and ethylene propylene diene monomer, in particular wherein the insulation material is at least one of added around at least one connecting pipeline, added around the buffer tank, added around the bypass control regulator, added to the wall of the housing, in particular attached to the inside of the wall of the housing, and added to the outside of the wall of the housing, suitable to insulatingly connect the housing of the connecting assembly to a surface, such as a house wall, wherein the insulation material is between the housing and the surface.

11. Connecting assembly according to any of claims 1-10, wherein the outside of the housing has a size with a width (w) between 10 cm and 100 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 90 cm, more preferably between 20 cm and 80 cm, most preferably between 25 cm and 70 cm, and / or wherein the outside of the housing has a size with a height (h) between 10 cm and 120 cm, preferably between 20 cm and 100 cm, more preferably between 25 cm and 80 cm, most preferably between 30 cm and 70 cm, and / or wherein the outside of the housing has a size with a depth (d) between 10 cm and 90 cm, preferably between 15 cm and 80 cm, more preferably between 20 cm and 70 cm, most preferably between 25 cm and 60 cm, and / or wherein the housing has a wall thickness between 0,1 mm and 10 mm, preferably between 0,2 mm and 8 mm, more preferably between 0,4 mm and 6 mm, most preferably between 0,6 mm and 4 mm, and / or wherein the buffer tank has a volume of between 1 and 100 liter, preferably between 3 and 80 liter, more preferably between 5 and 50 liter, most preferably between 7 and 40 liter, such as between 10 and 30 liter.

12. Method of reducing heat leakage from at least one of a buffer tank, a bypass control regulator, and a connecting pipeline, comprising the step of applying the connecting assembly according to any of claims 1-11 to a heat control system.

13. Method of increasing installation efficiency, comprising the step of applying the connecting assembly according to any of claims 1-11 to a heat control system.

14. Heat control system (11), comprising a heat pump (12), a connecting assembly (1) according to any of claims 1-11, and a heat release system (13), wherein the connecting assembly is configured in fluid connection between the heat pump and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction, wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump, in particular further comprising a heating boiler (14), wherein the heating boiler is configured in fluid connection between the connecting assembly and the heat release system via a series connection in view of a fluid flow direction, wherein the fluid flow direction is from the heat pump through the connecting assembly, through the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly, to the heat pump.

15. Method of pumping heated fluid through a heat control system, comprising providing a heat pump, providing the connecting assembly according to any of claims 1-11 fluidly connected to the heat pump, providing a heat release system fluidly connected to the connecting assembly, transferring heated fluid from the heat pump through the connecting assembly to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly to the heat pump, in particular further comprising providing a heating boiler, and transferring heated fluid from the heat pump through the connecting assembly to the heating boiler, to the heat release system, and from the heat release system back through the connecting assembly to the heat pump.

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