Temperature control system using thermal energy storage, and related method

Abstract

A temperature control system (TCS) controls the indoor temperature of a building. The TCS comprises an air exchanger system (AES) coupled to the building and a plurality of thermal batteries (TBs) coupled to the AES and each configured to operate as a heat source or as a heat sink. A first TB is coupled to a heat exchanger that is also coupled to a heat transfer element located outside the building. The other TBs can be thermally coupled to the first TB when a balancing of temperature of the plurality of TBs is desired, for example, at the end of winter, when cold TBs are desired to cool the building during the summer months. Or, the other TBs can be thermally isolated from the first TB, for example, during the summer, when the first TB can accumulate heat while the other TBs, which start the summer at a low temperature, are used to cool the building during the summer months.

Description

TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM USING THERMAL ENERGY STORAGE, AND RELATED METHODField of Invention

[0001] The present disclosure relates generally to temperature control in buildings and in particular to temperature control methods and systems that include thermal batteries.Background

[0002] Residential temperature control systems using thermal storage have been known for a number of years. However, current systems are ill-adapted to geographical regions where seasonal temperatures may vary by 60 °C or more. Additionally, the current systems will often require a cooling and / or heating sub-system throughout substantial periods of time of the year in order to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature.

[0003] Therefore, improvements in residential temperature control systems are desirable.Summary of Invention

[0004] In some embodiments, the present disclosure provides a temperature control system for a building. The system comprises a heat exchanging element that has a conduit configured to circulate a first fluid therein, a first thermal battery (FTB) configured to be thermally coupled to the heat exchanging element, or to be thermally isolated from the heat exchanging element. The FTB has a first conduit arrangement configured to have a second fluid circulate therein. The system also comprises a second thermal battery (STB) configured to be in fluid communication with the FTB, or to be fluidly isolated from the FTB. The STB has a second conduit arrangement configured to have the second fluid circulating therein. Additionally, the system comprises an air exchange system (AES) coupled to the STB. The AES has an AES conduit arrangement configured to circulate the second fluid therein. The AES conduit arrangement has a heat exchange element thermally coupled thereto, and a blower configured to blow air toward the heat exchange element, from an outside of the building to the inside of the building. The system also has a controller coupled to the AES and to the AES conduit arrangement. The controller is configured to sense a temperature inside the building and to interrupt a flow of the second fluid in the AES conduit arrangement when a temperature in the building reaches a target temperature range.

[0005] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a temperature control system (TCS) for controlling a temperature inside a building. The system comprises a thermal battery system (TBS) that has a TBS conduit arrangement with a TCS fluid circulating therein. The TBS has a first thermal battery (FTB), a second thermal battery (STB), and a thermal battery coupling mechanism (TBCM) coupling the FTB to the STB. The TBCM is configured to switch between a first TBCM configuration where the FTB is thermally coupled to the STB to equilibrate at least partly a temperature of the STB with a temperature of the STB, and a second TBCM configuration where the FTB is thermally isolated from the STB. The system also comprises an air exchanger system (AES) thermally coupled to TBS and to the building. The AES has an AES conduit arrangement configured to circulate the TCS fluid therein. The AES conduit arrangement has a AES heat transfer element thermally coupled thereto, and a blower configured to blow air through or across the heat transfer element from an outside of the building to an inside of the building. The system also comprises a controller coupled to the AES and to a temperature monitoring system that monitors the temperature inside the building and the temperature of the TCS fluid. The controller is configured to control a circulation of the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement in accordance with a target temperature for the building, and a temperature of the TCS fluid.

[0006] In some embodiments, the temperature control system may further comprises a heat exchanger coupled to an outdoor heat transfer element located outside the building, and a heat exchanger coupling mechanism (HECM) coupling the heat exchanger to the TBS. The HECM may be configured to switch between a first HECM configuration where the TBS is thermally coupled to the heat exchanger and a second HECM configuration where the TBS is thermally isolated from the heat exchanger. The HECM may comprise at least one of a HECM valve and a HECM circulator.

[0007] In some embodiments, the temperature control system may comprise an AES fluid flow regulator system coupled to the controller. The AES fluid flow regulator system regulates a circulation of the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement. When (a) the AES fluid flow regulator system is set to stop the TCS fluid from circulating in the AES conduit arrangement, (b) the temperature inside the building is lower than the target temperature, and (c) the temperature of the TCS fluid is higher than the target temperature, the controller controls the AES fluid flow regulator system to circulate the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement.

[0008] In some embodiments, the temperature control system may comprise an AES fluid flow regulator system coupled to the controller. The AES fluid flow regulator system regulates a circulation of the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement. When (a) the AES fluid flow regulator system circulates the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, (b) the temperature inside thebuilding is higher than the target temperature, and (c) the temperature of the TCS fluid is higher than the target temperature, the controller controls the AES fluid flow regulator system to stop the TCS fluid from circulating in the AES conduit arrangement.

[0009] In some embodiment, the temperature control system of may further comprise a heat pump coupled to the controller, thermally coupled to the AES, and configured to control a temperature of the TCS fluid. The temperature monitoring system to which the AES is coupled may also monitor a temperature outside the building. When the AES fluid flow regulator system circulates the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, the temperature outside the building is lower than the target temperature, and the temperature of the TCS fluid is lower than the target temperature, the controller may control the heat pump to heat the TCS fluid circulating in the AES conduit arrangement.

[0010] In some embodiments, the temperature control system of may further comprise a heat pump coupled to the controller, thermally coupled to the AES, and configured to control a temperature of the TCS fluid. The temperature monitoring system to which the AES is coupled may also monitor a temperature outside the building. When the AES fluid flow regulator system circulates the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, the temperature outside the building is higher than the target temperature, and the temperature of the TCS fluid is higher than the target temperature, the controller may control the heat pump to cool the TCS fluid circulating in the AES conduit arrangement.

[0011] In some embodiments, the temperature control system may further comprise a heat pump coupling system (HPCS) configured to, when the heat pump is activated, interrupt fluid communication between the TBS and the AES conduit arrangement. The HPCS may comprise at least one of a HPCS valve and a HPCS circulator.

[0012] In some embodiments of the temperature control system, the AES heat transfer element may include a heat radiator structure.

[0013] In some embodiments, the controller may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory may store processor executable instructions that when executed by the processor, cause the processor to control the AES fluid flow regulator system in accordance with temperature-associated signals obtained from the temperature monitoring system.

[0014] In some embodiments, the AES fluid flow regulator system may comprise at least one of an AES valve and an AES circulator.

[0015] In some embodiments, the temperature control system may further comprise a heat pump thermally coupled to the TBS and to the AES; and a heat pump coupling system (HPCS) configured to, when the heat pump is activated, interrupt fluid communication between the TBS and the AES conduit arrangement. The temperature monitoring system to which the AES is coupled may also monitor a temperature outside the building, and when the temperature outside the building is lower than the target temperature, and the temperature of the TCS fluid is lower than the target temperature, the controller controls the heat pump to extract heat from the TBS to heat the TCS fluid circulating in the AES conduit arrangement.

[0016] In another aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a temperature control system for controlling a temperature inside a building. The temperature control system comprises a thermal battery system (TBS) having a TBS conduit arrangement with a fluid circulating therein, an air exchanger system (AES) thermally coupled to TBS and to a first room of the building. The AES has an AES conduit arrangement configured to circulate the fluid therein. The AES conduit arrangement has a AES heat transfer element thermally coupled thereto, and a blower configured to blow air through or across the heat transfer element from an outside of the building to an inside of first room of the building. The temperature control system also comprises a heating coil system (HCS) thermally coupled to the TBS and to a second room of the building. The HCS has at least one heating coil and a HCS coupling system configured to switch between a first HCS configuration where the fluid flows through the at least one heating coil, and a second HCS configuration where the fluid is prevented from flowing through the at least one heating coil. The temperature control system comprises a controller coupled to the AES, to the HCS, and to a temperature monitoring system that monitors the temperature inside the first room of the building, the temperature inside the second room of the building, and the temperature of the fluid. The controller is configured to control a circulation of the fluid in the AES conduit arrangement in accordance with: a target temperature for the first room of the building; and the temperature of the fluid. The controller is also configured to control a circulation of the fluid in the at least one coil in accordance with: a target temperature for the second room of the building; and the temperature of the fluid.

[0017] In some embodiments, the temperature control system of the above aspects may further comprise a vacuum tank holding a volume of the fluid, the vacuum tank being in fluid communication with the TBS.

[0018] In some embodiments, the temperature control system of the above aspects may further comprise a buffer tank holding an amount of the fluid and providing thermal energy storage, the buffer tank being in fluid communication with the AES conduit arrangement. In some embodiments,the temperature control system may comprise a vacuum tank holding a volume of the fluid, the vacuum tank being in fluid communication with the TBS.

[0019] In some embodiments of the temperature control system of the above aspects, the blower is a first blower, and the AES comprises a first air circulation module (ACM) that includes: the first blower, a fresh air intake, and an indoor air input. The AES may also comprise a second ACM that comprises: a stale air intake, an output, and a second blower configured to blow air from the stale air intake toward the output.

[0020] In some embodiments of the temperature control system of the above aspects, the TBS comprises manifolds interconnected by respective conduits.

[0021] In some embodiments of the temperature control system of the above aspects, the TBS comprises manifolds interconnected by an arrangement of conduits and containers in a tandem configuration and containing a portion of the fluid.

[0022] In some embodiments, the temperature control system of the second aspect may comprise a first thermal battery (FTB), a second thermal battery (STB), and a thermal battery coupling mechanism (TBCM) coupling the FTB to the STB. The TBCM may be configured to switch between a first TBCM configuration where the FTB is thermally coupled to STB and a second TBCM configuration where the FTB is thermally isolated from the STB.

[0023] In some embodiments of the second aspect, the temperature control system may further comprise a heat exchanger coupled to an outdoor heat transfer element (HTM) located outside the building and the HTM may contain a HTM fluid. The temperature control system may also comprises a heat exchanger coupling mechanism (HECM) coupling the heat exchanger to the FTB, the HECM configured to switch between a first HECM configuration where the FTB is thermally coupled to the heat exchanger to equilibrate at least partly, when the TBCM in is the second TBCM configuration, the temperature of the FTB with a temperature of HTM fluid and a second HECM configuration where the FTB is thermally isolated from the heat exchanger.

[0024] In a further aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method of operating a temperature control system for controlling a temperature of an inside of a building. The temperature control system comprises a heat exchanger (HX) having a heat transfer element located outside the building, the HX having a first fluid therein; a first thermal battery coupled to the HX through a first coupler arrangement; a second thermal battery coupled to the FTB through a second coupler arrangement; an air exchanger system (AES) thermally coupled to the STB and to the building, the AES having an AES conduit arrangement coupled to the STB through a third couplerarrangement, the AES conduit arrangement having a AES heat transfer element thermally coupled thereto, and a blower configured to blow air through or across the heat transfer element from an outside of the building to the inside of the building; a second fluid located in the FTB, the STB, and the AES conduit arrangement; a temperature monitoring system configured to monitor: the temperature inside the building and the temperature of the temperature control fluid. The method comprises: determining that the temperature inside the building is below a target temperature; determining that the temperature of second fluid is greater than the target temperature; and controlling the third coupler arrangement to allow circulation of the second fluid through the AES conduit arrangement.Brief Description of the Figures

[0025] Fig. 1A shows a first portion of an embodiment of a temperature control system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0026] Fig. IB shows a second portion of an embodiment of a temperature control system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0027] Fig. 2 shows a cutaway view of an embodiment of a temperature control system in accordance with the present disclosure, operating in charging / discharging mode of a first thermal battery.

[0028] Fig. 3 shows a cutaway view of an embodiment of a temperature control system in accordance with the present disclosure, operating in a temperature balancing mode between tow thermal batteries.

[0029] Fig. 4A shows a cutaway view of an embodiment of a temperature control system in accordance with the present disclosure, operating in a first temperature control mode are shown.

[0030] Fig. 4B shows a cutaway view of an embodiment of a temperature control system in accordance with the present disclosure, operating in a second temperature control mode are shown.

[0031] Fig. 5 shows a cutaway view of an embodiment of a temperature control system in accordance with the present disclosure, operating in a third temperature control.

[0032] Fig. 6 shows plots of temperature data points over a one-year period for the fluid circulating in an embodiment of a temperature control system in accordance with the present disclosure.

[0033] Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of interconnected cylinders that may be used in thermal batteries in accordance with the present disclosure.Detailed Description

[0034] The present disclosure provides a temperature control system (TCS) for buildings such as, for example, houses or commercial buildings. Embodiments of the TCS of the present disclosure may have a thermal battery system (TBS) that includes a plurality of thermal batteries (e.g., two thermal batteries) each configured to operate as a heat source or as a heat sink. During summer, a first thermal battery (FTB) coupled to a heat exchanger which is configured to harvest heat from the outdoors. The FTB acts as a heat sink to harvest and store heat from the outdoors via the heat exchanger. Towards the end of summer, the FTB is coupled a second thermal battery (STB) for the STB to harvest and store heat from the FTB. In this scenario, the FTB acts as a heat source for the STB and the STB acts as a heat sink for the FTB. As such, as the FTB cools off and the STB may warm up.

[0035] During the winter, the TCS uses heat stored in the STB to heat the building. While doing so, the STB cools off, as does the FTB, which, while coupled to the heat exchanger, acts a heat source for the outdoors. During the summer, the TCS cools the building by harvesting heat from the inside of the building or from warm air entering the building from the outside to cool the building and provides that heat to the STB.

[0036] Figs. 1A and IB show an embodiment of a temperature control system 10 according to the present disclosure. The system 10 may be part of building and may be configured to maintain the temperature inside the building at a target temperature. The system 10 comprises a heat transfer element 20 that has a conduit 21 defining a series of bends. The heat transfer element 20 may be installed or formed outdoors or into a part of the building where the temperature is higher than the target temperature, for at least a portion of the calendar year. For example, in the case of a house, the heat transfer element 20 may be installed in the attic of the building (where temperatures may reach 32 °C or more during the summer) and secured to the roof trusses. The conduit 21 is made of heat conducting material and is configured to have a fluid (heat collecting fluid) circulating therein. In geographical regions where the outside temperature may reach the freezing temperature of water, the fluid may be glycol (or a glycol mixture) or any other suitable antifreeze fluid.

[0037] The heat transfer element 20 may be coupled to, or in fluid communication with, a heat exchanger 26 through conduits 22 and 24. In some embodiments, the conduits 22 and 24 may be thermally insulated conduits to mitigate heat loss in the fluid as it circulated from the heat transfer element 20 to the heat exchanger 26. The heat exchanger 26 may be a plate heat exchanger or any other suitable type of heat exchanger. A circulator 23 circulates the fluid through the heat transfer element 20, the conduits 22 and 24, and the heat exchanger 26.

[0038] The heat exchanger 26 is configured to exchange heat harvested by the fluid circulating in the heat transfer element 20 with another fluid circulating in another portion 27 of the TCS 10, which comprises a thermal battery system (TBS) that has a plurality of thermal batteries such as, for example, a first thermal battery (FTB) 25 and a second thermal battery (STB) 29. In the present embodiment, the FTB 25 comprises a first manifold 32, a second manifold 34 and multiple conduits 40 fluidly coupling the first manifold 32 to the second manifold 34. The STB 29 comprises a third manifold 44, a fourth manifold 46 and multiple conduits 42 fluidly coupling the third manifold 44 to the fourth manifold 46. The conduits 40 and 42 may be made of heat conducting material to allow an exchange of heat between fluid present in the conduits 40 and 42 and the medium in which the conduits 40 and 42 are located. The manifolds 32, 34, 44 and 46 may be located in the building that is temperature controlled by the temperature control system 10. The manifolds may include valves (not shown) to allow or cut off fluid circulation in the individual conduits 40 and 42. A circulator 28 may circulate the fluid through the FTB 25. The circulator 28 may include a backflow preventer element such that when the circulator 28 is stopped, fluid is prevented to flow backward toward the FTB 25. When there is no backflow preventer element in the circulator 28, an additional valve may be placed adjacent the circulator 28 to prevent backward flow toward the FTB 25. The FTB 25 may also include a valve 30, which may be shut in concert with a stoppage of the circulator 28, to prevent fluid in the FTB 25 to exchange heat with the heat exchanger 26. Any of the circulators shown in the drawings may have a backflow preventer element or the conduit to which the circulator is coupled may have a corresponding adjacent valve.

[0039] In some embodiments, the conduits 40 and the conduits 42 may be continuous conduits having multiples bends and may be made of any suitable material. The conduits 40 and the conduits 42 may be placed (buried) in any suitable material, such as, for example, clay, earth, gravel, sand, etc. The heat conduits 40 and the conduits 42 may preferably be located near the building to which the temperature control system 10 is coupled. For example, the conduits 40 and the heat conduits 42 may be located underneath the building or adjacent the building. The relative placement of the conduits 42 with respect to the conduits 40 may be such that the conduits 42 are located at an outside periphery of the volume occupied by the conduits 40. For example, the conduits 40 may be buried in a first volume of material (clay, earth, gravel, sand etc.) and the conduits 42 may be buried in a second volume of material that surrounds the first volume. In this configuration, the separation distance between the conduits 40 and the conduits 42 is such that there is thermal coupling between the conduits 40 and 42, through the material of which the conduits are made and through the material (clay, earth, gravel, sand, etc.) separating the conduits 40 and 42. In some embodiments, the distance (spacing) between the conduits 40 and the conduits 42 may be set at anyvalue such as, for example, between 2 meters and 2.5 meters. However, any other suitable distance that allows thermal coupling between the conduits 40 and the conduits 42 may be used instead. Stated otherwise, in some embodiments, the conduits 42 may be placed at the outer periphery of a zone where the conduits 40 are placed. In some embodiments, the conduits 40 may have therein 60% of total volume of fluid contained in or flowing through the combined conduits 40 and conduits 42, and the conduits 42 may have therein 40% of that total volume, for a ratio of 60:40. In other embodiments, the ratio may 65:35 or 70:30 or any other suitable ratio.

[0040] The first manifold 32 is coupled to the third manifold 44 by a valve 36 and, the second manifold 34 is coupled to the fourth manifold 46 through a valve 38. As will be described in more detail below, the valve 36 and the valve 38 may be shut to allow the FTB 25 to operate independently from the STB 29. The valve 36 and the valve 38 may be open periodically to allow the temperature of the fluid circulating in the FTB 25 to equilibrate with the fluid circulating in the STB 29.

[0041] The system 10 may also comprise a vacuum tank 50 coupled to the STB 29 through a conduit 48. The vacuum tank 50 may be located in the building that is being temperature controlled by the temperature control system 10. A valve 49 may be installed along the conduit 48. The vacuum tank 50 includes a volume of fluid 51, which is the same fluid circulating in the FTB 25 and the STB 29. A conduit 52 couples the vacuum tank 50 to downstream components of the system 10. These components may include a valve 55 coupled to a circulator 53, which is coupled to a reversible heat pump 72 through a conduit 54. The reversible heat pump 72 has a right side R and a left side L. Each of the right side R and left side L have a respective heat transfer device such as, for example, a heat transfer coil. The reversible heat pump 72 also has a compressor unit (not shown). The conduit 52 is also coupled to a valve 56 coupled to a circulator 57 coupled to a conduit 58. The conduit 58 has a valve 59.

[0042] The reversible heat exchanger 72 is coupled to a valve 68 through a conduit 70. A circulator 71 is installed to circulate the fluid in the conduit 70. The reversible heat exchanger 72 is also coupled to a valve 74 through a conduit 73. The valve 68 is coupled to a hot input port 60 of a buffer tank 62. Additionally, the reversible heat exchanger 72 is coupled to the STB 29 through a conduit 78 connecting the reversible heat exchanger 72 to the fourth manifold 46. A circulator 77 is installed to circulate the fluid in the conduit 78. Further, the fourth manifold 46 is coupled to a valve 81 through a conduit 80. Both valves 74 and 81 are coupled to a cold output port 61 of the buffer tank 62 through a conduit 66.

[0043] Conduits 84 and 86 couple the buffer tank 62 to a portion 88 of the building that is to be temperature controlled. The portion may include the entire building or only some rooms of the building. Conduit 84 is coupled to a valve 92, which is coupled to a circulator 94 coupled to a conduit 96. The conduit 96 is coupled to a conduit 98, which couples to the conduit 84. The conduit 96 is also coupled to the conduit 98 through a series of heating coils 100.

[0044] The circulator 102, which is coupled to a conduit 104, which has a first air circulation module (ACM) 106 and a second ACM 108 coupled thereto. In some embodiments, the ACM 106 and the ACM 108 may be said to be part of an air exchange system (AES) that is coupled to the thermal battery system and to the building. The first ACM 106 has a fresh air intake 110 located outdoors, an indoor air input 112 located indoors and an air output 114 located indoors. Additionally, the first ACM 106 has a blower (fan) 116 configured to blow air input at the fresh air intake 110 and the indoor air input 110 out of the air output 114. Further, the first ACM 106 has a heat transfer element that may be in the form of a heat radiator structure such as, for example, a radiator 107 coupled to the conduit 104 and configured to exchange heat between the fluid circulating in the conduit 104 and the air moving past / through the radiator 107 toward the air output 114. The conduits in the portion 88 of the building may be referred to as an AES conduit arrangement, which may also include the radiator 107.

[0045] The second ACM 108 has a stale air intake 117 positioned inside the building, an output 118 positioned outside the building (or outside the room that is being temperature controlled) and blower (fan) 120 configured to blow air input at the stale air intake 116 out of the air output 118. Further, the second ACM 108 may have a heat radiator structure such as a radiator 109 coupled to the conduit 104 and configured to exchange heat between the air moving past / through the radiator 109 toward the output 118 and the fluid circulating in the conduit 104.

[0046] The temperature control system 10 shown in FIG. 1A and IB may include a controller 200 and a temperature monitoring system 202 coupled to the controller 200. The temperature monitoring system 202 may include temperature sensors 204 located inside the portion 88 of the building, outside the portion 88 of the building (e.g., outdoors), or thermally coupled to the fluid circulating the AES conduit arrangement. The controller 200 may also be coupled to the AES and to elements of the temperature control system 10 that control the flow of the fluid through the AES conduit arrangement. Such elements may include, e.g., circulators 102 and 71, and valves 68 and 74. These elements of the temperature control system 10 that contribute to controlling a flow of the fluid through the AES system may be referred to as an AES fluid flow regulator system.

[0047] The controller 200 may include a processor and a memory coupled to the processor. The memory may store processor executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to control the AES fluid flow regulator system in accordance with temperature signals (associated with the temperature sensors 204) provided to the controller 200 by the temperature monitoring system 202. In some embodiments, when fluid circulates through the AES conduit arrangement, when the temperature signals indicate that the temperature in the portion 88 of the building is higher than a pre-defined target temperature (e.g., 21 °C) and that the fluid temperature is higher than the target temperature, then the controller may control the AES fluid flow regulator system to stop the fluid from flowing in the AES conduit arrangement. This prevents the temperature inside the portion 88 of the building, which is already higher than the target temperature from rising further.

[0048] In some embodiments, the controller 200 may be coupled to the heat pump 72 and may be configured to control the heat pump 72. In these embodiments, when the AES fluid flow regulator system circulates the fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, and when the temperature outside the building is lower than the target temperature, and when the temperature of the fluid is lower than the target temperature, the controller 200 may be configured to activate the heat pump 72 to cause the heat pump 72 to heat the fluid circulating in the AES conduit arrangement to cause the temperature in the portion 88 of the building to increase toward the target temperature. In these embodiments, the valves 81, 56 and 59 may be closed (manually or automatically through the controller 200) and the circulators 57 and 83 may be turned off (manually or automatically through the controller 200). In some embodiments, the heat pump 72 when activated to heat the fluid flowing in the AES conduit arrangement, the heat pump 72 may extract heat from the fluid flowing in the thermal battery system to heat the fluid flowing in the AES conduit arrangement.

[0049] In some embodiments, the controller 200 may be coupled to the heat pump 72 and may be configured to control the heat pump 72. In these embodiments, when the AES fluid flow regulator system circulates the fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, and when the temperature outside the building is higher than the target temperature, and when the temperature of the fluid is higher than the target temperature, the controller 200 may be configured to activate the heat pump 72 to cause the heat pump 72 to cool the fluid circulating in the AES conduit arrangement to cause the temperature in the portion 88 of the building to decrease toward the target temperature. In these embodiments, the valves 81, 56 and 59 may be closed (manually or automatically through the controller 200) and the circulators 57 and 83 may be turned off (manually or automatically through the controller 200). In some embodiments, the heat pump 72 when activated to cool the fluidflowing in the AES conduit arrangement, the heat pump 72 may extract heat from the fluid flowing in the AES conduit arrangement and provide that heat to the thermal battery system.

[0050] The elements of the temperature control system 10 that may be controlled to interrupt the flow of the fluid between the thermal battery system and the AES conduit arrangement when the heat pump is activated, may be referred to as a heat pump coupling system (HPCS). Elements of the HPCS may include, for example, the valves 81, 56 and 59 and the circulators 57 and 83.

[0051] In some embodiments, elements of systems according to the present disclosure, for example, the temperature control system 10, that couple a heat exchanger to a thermal battery system may be said to form a heat exchanger coupling mechanism (HECM) and include valves and / or circulators.

[0052] The temperature control system 10 may be operated in different modes of operation, which include a charging / discharging mode to charge / discharge the FTB 25. Fig. 2 shows a cutaway view of the TCS 10 where only the system components that are needed for the charging / discharging mode are shown. In this mode:• The valve 36 and valve 38 (Fig. 1A) are closed• The fluid thermally coupled to the heat transfer element 20 exchanges heat with the fluid circulating in the FTB 25, through the heat exchanger 26• The circulators 23 and 28 are active and the valve 30 is open• FTB 25 is heated when the temperature of the fluid thermally coupled to the heat transfer element 20 (and in the fluid output from the heat transfer element) is higher than the temperature of the fluid circulating in the FTB 25• FTB 25 is cooled (discharged) when the temperature of the fluid thermally coupled with the heat transfer element 20 (and in the fluid output from the heat transfer element 20) is lower than the temperature of the fluid circulating in the FTB 25• The configuration (settings) of the valves and the circulators in the portions of the temperature control system 10 that are shown in FIGs. 1A and IB at the right of the valves 36 and 38 do not affect the components of the temperature control system 10 shown at the left of the valves 36 and 38

[0053] Another mode in which the TCS 10 may operate is a temperature balancing mode to balance the temperature between the FTB 25 and the STB 29. Fig. 3 shows a cutaway view of the TCS 10where only the system components (elements) that are needed for the temperature balancing mode are shown. In this mode:• Valves 36 and 38 are open• Valves 49, 55, 74 and 81 may be closed• The fluid thermally coupled to the heat transfer element 20 exchanges heat with the fluid circulating in FTB 25, through the heat exchanger 26• The FTB 25 is in fluid communication with the STB 29• The fluid in the FTB 25 circulates between the FTB 25 and the STB 29, and vice versa• When FTB 25 is hot and the STB 29 is cold, operating the TCS 10 in this mode will cause the FTB 25 to cool down and the STB 29 to heat up• When FTB 25 is cold and the STB 29 is hot, operating the system in this mode will cause the FTB 25 to heat up and the STB 29 to cool down

[0054] Another mode in which the TCS 10 may operate is a first temperature control mode for controlling the temperature of a space (e.g., the portion 88 of a building shown in FIG. 1A) to which the TCS 10 is coupled. Fig. 4A shows a cutaway view of the TCS 10 where only the system components that are needed for the first temperature control mode are shown. In this mode:• Valves 36 and 38 are closed• Valves 55, 68, and 74 are closed• Valves 49, 56, 59, and 81 are open• Valve 92 is open or closed o When valve 92 is open and the fluid circulating in the conduit 84 is hot (e.g., hotter than a target temperature), then the portion of the building thermally coupled to the heating coils 100 is heated up. The portion of the building thermally coupled to the heating coils 100 may be a floor of the building, or any other portion thereof.• The fluid in the STB 25 circulates through the first ACM 106 and the second ACM 108• When the temperature of the fluid circulating in the conduit 104 (AES conduit arrangement) is lower than a target temperature (e.g., 21 °C) and the temperature indoors and the temperature outdoors are higher than the target temperature, a flow of the fluid in theconduit 104 is maintained by the circulator 57 and the circulator 102. As such, the air traversing the ACM 106 is cooled and the indoor temperature lowered.• When the indoor temperature reaches the target temperature, the circulators 57 and 102 may be adjusted automatically (or manually) (e.g., turned off) by a controller coupled to a temperature monitoring system 202 (or to a thermostat located indoor) and to the circulators 57 and 102. This allows the air exchange between the outdoor and the indoor to continue without cooling.

[0055] A further temperature control mode is shown in Fig. 4B. The mode of Fig. 4B is similar to the mode represented at Fig. 4A, except that in the second temperature control mode of Fig. 4B, the FTB 25 is coupled to the STB 29, with the valves 36 and 38 open but the valve 30 closed and the circulator 28 de-activated.

[0056] Another mode in which the TCS 10 may operate is a third temperature control mode for controlling the temperature of the space to which the TCS 10 is coupled. Fig. 5 shows a cutaway view of the TCS 10 where only the system components that are needed for the third temperature control mode are shown. In this mode:• The mode may be used when the heat pump is activated (i.e., the valves 36 and 38 are closed when the heat pump is activated)• Valves 36 and 38 are closed (In other embodiments, valves 36 and 36 may be open to couple the FTB 25 to the STB 29)• Valves 49, 55, 68 and 74 are open• Valves 56 and 81 are closed• Valve 92 is open or closed o When valve 92 is open and the fluid circulating in the conduit 84 is hot, then the portion of the building thermally coupled to the heating coils 100 is heated up. The portion of the building thermally coupled to the heating coils 100 may be a floor of the building or any other portion thereof.• When the temperature of the fluid circulating in the conduit 104 (AES conduit arrangement) is higher than a target temperature (e.g., 21 °C) and the temperature indoors and the temperature outdoors are lower than the target temperature, a flow of the fluid in theconduit 104 is maintained by the circulator 57 and the circulator 102. As such, the air traversing the ACM 106 is heated and the indoor temperature increased.• When the indoor temperature reaches the target temperature, the circulators 57 and 102 are adjusted (e.g., turned off) manually or automatically by a controller coupled to a temperature monitoring system 202 (or to a thermostat located indoor) and to the circulators 57 and 102. This allows the air exchange between the outdoor and the indoor to continue without additional heating.

[0057] Fig. 6 shows plots of temperature data points over a one-year period for the fluid circulating throughout the entire TCS 10, through the FTB-side of the TCS 10 and through the STB-side of the TCS 10. Fig. 6 also shows average temperature data points for the city of Ottawa, Canada.Additionally, Fig. 6 shows when certain valves or components of the TCS 10 may be open / closed or activated / deactivated.

[0058] When the temperature of the FTB 25 is at, or near, its expected maximum temperature (e.g., at the end of summer and / or during the fall months), the FTB 25 may be decoupled from the heat exchanger 26 to prevent colder fluid (colder than the expected maximum temperature of the fluid in the FTB 25) received at the heat exchanger 26 from the heat transfer element 20 to take up heat from the FTB 25. The decoupling of the heat exchanger 26 may be effected by closing the valve 30 and / or by de-activating the circulator 28. However, when, during the fall months, daytime temperatures in (e.g., house attic) are higher than the temperature of the fluid in the FTB 25, the valve 30 may be open and the circulator 28 may be activated to harvest daytime heat.

[0059] From the end of September to the beginning of January, or as long as the temperature of fluid circulating in the AES (ACM 106, ACM 108) is greater than the target temperature inside the building, heat from the fluid may be harvested by the first ACM 106 from the fluid to heat the indoor space of the building. Advantageously, a portion of that heat may be recovered by the ACM 108 when the temperature of the fluid circulating in the ACM 108 is lower than the temperature of the stale air being blown out of the portion 88 of the building.

[0060] When the temperature of the fluid falls toward the outdoor temperature, the heat pump 72 may be activated to heat the fluid circulating through the ACM 106 and the ACM 108 to a temperature higher than the target temperature. When activating the heat pump 72, the valves 55, 68 and 74 are open and the valves 56, 59 and 81 are closed (the valves 36 and 38 may be open or closed). When the heat pump is activated and when the valves 36 and 38 are open, the heat pump may extract heat from the fluid circulating in the FTB 25 and the STB 29 and lower the temperatureof the fluid circulating in the FTB 25 and the STB 29. When the heat pump is activated and when the valves 36 and 38 are closed, the heat pump may extract heat from the fluid circulating in the STB 29 and lower the temperature of the fluid circulating in the STB 29.

[0061] During the period of the year where the outdoor temperature is at its highest (which is also the period of the year where the temperature in the zone where the heat transfer element 20 is located is at the highest), e.g., from June to August, heat may be accumulated in the FTB 25 by having the valves 36 and 38 closed, the valve 30 open, and the circulators 23 and 28 activated. During the same period, the valves 49, 56, 59 and 81 may be open, and the valves 55 and 74 closed to allow the system to use the cold temperature of the STB 29 to control the indoor temperature of the building.

[0062] For a period of several days in August (e.g., 14 days), the valves 36 and 38 may be open to allow the fluid from the FTB 25 to circulate and mix with the fluid from the STB 29. This allows the temperatures of the FTB 25 and of the STB 29 to balance themselves.

[0063] From January to March, or through any other suitable time period during which the temperature of the FTB 25 is greater than the outdoor temperature (or the temperature of the zone where the heat transfer element 20 is located), the circulators 23 and 28 may be activated and the valve 30 open to cool the FTB 25 (and also the STB 29 when the valves 36 and 38 are open). When the daytime outdoor temperature (or the temperature of the zone where the heat transfer element 20 is located) is higher than the temperature of the FTB 25, but when the nighttime outdoor temperature is lower than the temperature of the FTB 25, then, during nighttime, the valve 30 may be open and the circulators 23 and 28 activated to further cool the FTB 25, for example, to a temperature of about -3 °C. When such a temperature is reached, the circulator 28 and the valve 30 may be closed. Following this, the valves 36 and 38 may be open for a short period (a few days or more) for the FTB 25 to cool the STB 29 and balance the temperatures of the FTB 25 and the STB 29. The valves 36 and 36 may then be closed and the STB 29 may be used to maintain the building cool. The valve 30 and the circulators 23 and 28 may be coupled to a controller that monitors the temperature of the FTB 25 and the temperature of the zone where the heat transfer element 20 is located, and opens the valve 30 and activates the circulators 23 and 28 when the temperature in the aforementioned zone is lower than the temperature of the FTB 25.

[0064] Even though the conduits 40 and 42 are shown as being continuous conduits with multiple bends, any other suitable type of conduit structure may be used without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. For example, interconnected cylinders buried in the ground may also act as conduits through which fluid may circulate from one manifold (e.g., 32 or 34) to another (e.g., 34or 32). Fig. 7 shows an embodiment of interconnected cylinders 130 that connect to manifolds 32 and 34 and through which the heat exchanging fluid 51 circulates. When the manifolds 32 and 34 of FTB 25 are interconnected through the cylinders 130, the conduits 42 of the STB 29 may surround the cylinders 130 and exchange heat with the cylinders 130 through the material in which the cylinders 130 and the conduits 142 are buried.

[0065] As an example, for a building (house) defining a volume of 9600 cubic feet (about 272000 liters), the required volume of fluid (e.g., glycol) in the AES 10 may be about 260 gallons (985 litres).

[0066] It will be appreciated that, although specific embodiments of the technology have been described herein for purposes of illustration, various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the technology. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded simply as an illustration of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention. In particular, it is within the scope of the technology to provide a computer program product or program element, or a program storage or memory device such as a magnetic or optical wire, tape or disc, or the like, for storing non-transitory signals readable by a machine, for controlling the operation of a computer according to the method of the technology and / or to structure some or all of its components in accordance with the system of the technology.

[0067] Although the present invention has been described with reference to specific features and embodiments thereof, it is evident that various modifications and combinations can be made thereto without departing from the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded simply as an illustration of the invention as defined by the appended claims, and are contemplated to cover any and all modifications, variations, combinations, or equivalents that fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

Claims:

1. A temperature control system (TCS) for controlling a temperature inside a building, the system comprising: a thermal battery system (TBS) having a TBS conduit arrangement with a TCS fluid circulating therein, the TBS having a first thermal battery (FTB), a second thermal battery (STB), and a thermal battery coupling mechanism (TBCM) coupling the FTB to the STB, the TBCM configured to switch between a first TBCM configuration where the FTB is thermally coupled to the STB to equilibrate at least partly a temperature of the STB with a temperature of the STB, and a second TBCM configuration where the FTB is thermally isolated from the STB; an air exchanger system (AES) thermally coupled to TBS and to the building, the AES having an AES conduit arrangement configured to circulate the TCS fluid therein, the AES conduit arrangement having a AES heat transfer element thermally coupled thereto, and a blower configured to blow air through or across the heat transfer element from an outside of the building to an inside of the building; a controller coupled to the AES and to a temperature monitoring system that monitors the temperature inside the building and the temperature of the TCS fluid, the controller configured to control a circulation of the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement in accordance with: a target temperature for the building; and a temperature of the TCS fluid.

2. The TCS of claim 1, further comprising: a heat exchanger coupled to an outdoor heat transfer element (HTM) located outside the building, the HTM containing a HTM fluid; and a heat exchanger coupling mechanism (HECM) coupling the heat exchanger to the FTB, the HECM configured to switch between a first HECM configuration where the FTB is thermally coupled to the heat exchanger to equilibrate at least partly, when the TBCM in is the second TBCM configuration, the temperature of the FTB with a temperature of HTM fluid and a second HECM configuration where the FTB is thermally isolated from the heat exchanger.

3. The TCS of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an AES fluid flow regulator system coupled to the controller, the AES fluid flow regulator system to regulate a circulation of the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, wherein when: the AES fluid flow regulator system is set to stop the TCS fluid from circulating in the AES conduit arrangement, the temperature inside the building is lower than the target temperature, and the temperature of the TCS fluid is higher than the target temperature, the controller controls the AES fluid flow regulator system to circulate the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement.

4. The TCS of claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising an AES fluid flow regulator system coupled to the controller, the AES fluid flow regulator system to regulate a circulation of the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, wherein when: the AES fluid flow regulator system circulates the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, the temperature inside the building is higher than the target temperature, and the temperature of the TCS fluid is higher than the target temperature, the controller controls the AES fluid flow regulator system to stop the TCS fluid from circulating in the AES conduit arrangement.

5. The TCS of claim 3, further comprising a heat pump coupled to the controller, thermally coupled to the AES, and configured to control a temperature of the TCS fluid, wherein the temperature monitoring system to which the AES is coupled also monitors a temperature outside the building, and wherein when: the AES fluid flow regulator system circulates the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, the temperature outside the building is lower than the target temperature, and the temperature of the TCS fluid is lower than the target temperature, the controller controls the heat pump to heat the TCS fluid circulating in the AES conduit arrangement.

6. The TCS of claim 3, further comprising a heat pump coupled to the controller and configured to control a temperature of the TCS fluid,wherein the temperature monitoring system to which the AES is coupled also monitors a temperature outside the building, and wherein when: the AES fluid flow regulator system circulates the TCS fluid in the AES conduit arrangement, the temperature outside the building is higher than the target temperature, and the temperature of the TCS fluid is higher than the target temperature, the controller controls the heat pump to cool the TCS fluid circulating in the AES conduit arrangement.

7. The TCS of claim 6, further comprising: a heat pump coupling system (HPCS) configured to, when the heat pump is activated, interrupt fluid communication between the TBS and the AES conduit arrangement.

8. The TCS of claim 7, wherein the HPCS comprises at least one of a HPCS valve and a HPCS circulator.

9. The TCS of claim 2, wherein the HECM comprises at least one of a HECM valve and a HECM circulator.

10. The TCS of claim 9, wherein when the HECM is in the first HECM configuration and the TBCM is in the second TBCM configuration, the FTB exchanges heat with the heat exchanger and the STB independently exchanges heat with the AES.

11. The TCS of claim 9, wherein the TBCM comprises at least one TBCM valve.

12. The TCS of any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the AES heat transfer element includes a heat radiator structure.

13. The TCS of claim 2, wherein the controller includes a processor and a memory coupled to the processor, the memory storing processor executable instructions that when executed by the processor cause the processor to control the AES fluid flow regulator system in accordance with temperature-associated signals obtained from the temperature monitoring system.

14. The TCS of claim 3, wherein the AES fluid flow regulator system comprises at least one of an AES valve and an AES circulator.

15. The TCS of claim 1, further comprising: a heat pump thermally coupled to the STB and to the AES; and a heat pump coupling system (HPCS) configured to, when the heat pump is activated, interrupt fluid communication between the STB and the AES conduit arrangement, wherein the temperature monitoring system to which the AES is coupled also monitors a temperature outside the building, and wherein when: the temperature outside the building is lower than the target temperature, and the temperature of the TCS fluid is lower than the target temperature, the controller controls the heat pump to extract heat from the TBS to heat the TCS fluid circulating in the AES conduit arrangement.

16. A temperature control system (TCS) for controlling a temperature inside a building, the system comprising: a thermal battery system (TBS) having a TBS conduit arrangement with a fluid circulating therein; an air exchanger system (AES) thermally coupled to TBS and to a first room of the building, the AES having an AES conduit arrangement configured to circulate the fluid therein, the AES conduit arrangement having a AES heat transfer element thermally coupled thereto, and a blower configured to blow air through or across the heat transfer element from an outside of the building to an inside of first room of the building; a heating coil system (HCS) thermally coupled to the TBS and to a second room of the building, the HCS having at least one heating coil, the HCS having a HCS coupling system configured to switch between a first HCS configuration where the fluid flows through the at least one heating coil, and a second HCS configuration where the fluid is prevented from flowing through the at least one heating coil; a controller coupled to the AES, to the HCS, and to a temperature monitoring system that monitors the temperature inside the first room of the building, the temperature inside the second room of the building, and the temperature of the fluid, the controller configured to control a circulation of the fluid in the AES conduit arrangement in accordance with:a target temperature for the first room of the building; and the temperature of the fluid, the controller also configured to control a circulation of the fluid in the at least one coil in accordance with: a target temperature for the second room of the building; and the temperature of the fluid.

17. The TCS of claim 16, wherein the TBS comprises a first thermal battery (FTB), a second thermal battery (STB), and a thermal battery coupling mechanism (TBCM) coupling the FTB to the STB, the TBCM configured to switch between a first TBCM configuration where the FTB is thermally coupled to STB and a second TBCM configuration where the FTB is thermally isolated from the STB.

18. The TCS of claim 17, further comprising: a heat exchanger coupled to an outdoor heat transfer element (HTM) located outside the building, the HTM containing a HTM fluid; and a heat exchanger coupling mechanism (HECM) coupling the heat exchanger to the FTB, the HECM configured to switch between a first HECM configuration where the FTB is thermally coupled to the heat exchanger to equilibrate at least partly, when the TBCM in is the second TBCM configuration, the temperature of the FTB with a temperature of HTM fluid and a second HECM configuration where the FTB is thermally isolated from the heat exchanger.

19. The TCS of any one of claims 1 to 17, further comprising at least one of: a vacuum tank holding a volume of the fluid, the vacuum tank being in fluid communication with the TBS; and a buffer tank holding an amount of the fluid and providing thermal energy storage, the buffer tank being in fluid communication with the AES conduit arrangement.

20. The temperature control system of any one of claims 1 to 19, wherein: the blower is a first blower, and the AES comprises: a first air circulation module (ACM) that includes: the first blower; a fresh air intake; andan indoor air input; and a second ACM that comprises: a stale air intake; an output; and a second blower configured to blow air from the stale air intake toward the output.

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