Energy saving device

Abstract

An energy saving device comprising a first vessel adapted to contain a body of water and being thermally coupled with a second vessel adapted to contain material heated to a first temperature and the interior of which comprises a heating element and a first temperature sensor spaced apart from each other; characterised in that the heating element is activated on detection by the first temperature sensor of a temperature being less than a second temperature, to heat the material in the second vessel until it reaches a third temperature upon which the heating element is deactivated, thereby maintaining the material at a temperature between the second temperature and the third temperature and correspondingly heating the water contained in the first vessel, until a further body of material is received by the second vessel.

Description

[0001] Energy Saving Device

[0002] Field of the Invention

[0003] The present invention relates to an energy saving device that works with a traditional boiler system to feed a domestic central heating system and hot water system.

[0004] Background of the Invention

[0005] Traditional boiler systems are typically open or closed systems which are equipped with a heating cylinder comprising a heat exchanger to heat water in a domestic hot water system. These boiler systems are not typically in continuous use throughout a 24 hour period, as hot water in particular, and heating to a lesser degree, is only required at certain times of the day. In addition, demand and peak hours for the use of water and heating typically vary on a seasonal basis. It is common for a timer to be used with a boiler to cause its automatic activation two of three times a day according to a specific schedule. The boiler may also be manually activated to meet ad hoc water or heating requirements. On deactivation of a boiler system, the water contained therein is no longer heated, so that it cools over time. On reactivation of the boiler, the cooled water must be re-heated. Thus, water heating proceeds cyclically throughout the day to meet user demands.

[0006] There are three main types of boilers typically installed in domestic settings, namely, heat only (regular boilers), combi boilers, and system boilers. A heat-only or regular boiler has three main components, namely, the boiler itself, a separate hot water storage cylinder and a cold water storage tank. The boiler supplies hot water directly to a central heating system, i.e. radiators, and stores hot water in the hot water storage cylinder, for on-demand use. Coldwater is supplied to the boiler by a cold- water tank (typically located in the attic / loft), which fills the boiler by gravity.

[0007] Combi boilers utilise a metallic heat exchanger to instantly heat hot water on demand, by burning fossil fuels such as gas or oil. Unlike traditional boilers, a combi boiler does not require a separate hot water storage tank. Instead, the hot water is heated immediately from a single unit. The central heating portion of a combi is on a pressurised closed loop system heated by the boiler as required. For domestic hot water, the mains supply is fed directly to the boiler. This means no hot tank to refill and a constant supply of hot water at mains pressure. System boilers, attempt to provide a compromise between heat-only and combi- boilers. Like heat-only tanks, hot water is stored in a separate tank to provide a steady supply of hot water. Unlike heat-only systems, this is an unvented tank, so cold water is fed directly from the mains to remove the need for a separate cold- water tank. System boilers require fewer external components than heat-only boilers, building elements like the pump and expansion vessel into the boiler itself.

[0008] Globally rising energy demand together with challenges securing energy from various sources have led to a global energy crisis. While a transition from traditional energy sources to clean energy sources has gathered momentum, a full transition is not possible with immediate effect. In the meantime, it will be necessary to continue using traditional energy sources until alternative energy sources are developed and implemented. As fuel prices rise, efforts are being made to curb energy usage; and there is an immediate need for enhanced energy efficiency.

[0009] Nevertheless, efforts to reduce energy usage also encounter challenges arising from the need to implement measures to control Legionnaire’s disease, especially in water storage systems. The primary method used to control risks from Legionella is water temperature control. For example, the UK Health and Safety Executive HSG274 part 2 specification provides that hot water storage cylinders (calorifiers) should store water at 60°C or higher and hot water should be distributed at 50°C or higher.

[0010] Statement of the Invention

[0011] According to the invention there is provided an energy saving device comprising a first vessel adapted to receive and contain a body of water for provision to a water supply system, wherein the first vessel is thermally coupled with a second vessel adapted to receive a body of material heated to a first temperature and to contain the heated material for provision to a heating system of a building, wherein the energy saving device further comprises a heating element and a first temperature sensor mounted in a spaced apart arrangement in an interior of the second vessel; characterised in that the heating element is cyclically operable to be activated on detection by the first temperature sensor of a temperature of the material contained in the second vessel being less than a second temperature, to heat the material until it reaches a third temperature upon which the heating element is deactivated, thereby maintaining the material at a temperature between the second temperature and the third temperature and correspondingly heating the water contained in the first vessel, until a further body of material is received by the second vessel.

[0012] Preferably, the first vessel is a hollow coil element disposed within the interior of the second vessel so that, in use, the first vessel is substantially submerged in the heated material contained in the second vessel.

[0013] Preferably, the energy saving device comprises a three port valve coupled with an egress of the first vessel and an egress of the second vessel, the three port valve being reciprocally switchable between a first configuration in which hot water from the first vessel is pumped to an opened water supply outlet and a second configuration in which heated material is directed from the second vessel to a radiator of the heating system on detection of a temperature of less than a fourth temperature at a location proximal to the radiator.

[0014] Preferably, the energy saving device comprises a second temperature sensor disposed at a location inside the building, wherein on detection by the second temperature sensor of a temperature less than the fourth temperature, the three port valve is switched to the second configuration to cause heated material to be directed from the second vessel to a radiator located closest to the second temperature sensor.

[0015] Desirably, the energy saving device comprises a table whose entries identify the or each time interval during which a radiator in the building is to be activated such that on detection by the second temperature sensor of a temperature less than the fourth temperature, the energy saving device is configured to interrogate entries in the table and switch the three port valve to the second configuration in the event the detection occurred within a time interval in which the radiator located closest to the detection is to be activated, to thereby cause heated material to be directed from the second vessel to the radiator.

[0016] Desirably, the second vessel is couplable with a boiler to receive therefrom a body of material which has been heated by the boiler according to a predefined schedule. Desirably, the energy saving device comprises a third temperature sensor disposed proximally to an egress from the first vessel and the energy saving device is operable to receive an indicator of a required temperature of water from the opened water supply outlet; to activate the boiler in the event the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor of the water exiting the first vessel is less than the required temperature of water from the opened water supply outlet to heat the material contained in the boiler and supply the heated material to the second vessel, to thereby further heat the material contained therein and correspondingly further heat the water contained in the first vessel.

[0017] Preferably, the energy saving device is operable to activate the boiler in the event heated material is directed from the second vessel to the radiator, to thereby heat the material contained in the boiler and supply the heated material to the second vessel to replace the material directed to the radiator.

[0018] Preferably, the energy saving device comprises a fourth temperature sensor disposed outside the building and wherein the energy saving device is configured to switch the three port valve to the second configuration in the event a temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor and a temperature measured by the second temperature sensor are less than a fifth temperature and the fourth temperature respectively.

[0019] Preferably, the second vessel is coated with an insulation material formed from recycled coating materials of electrical cables.

[0020] Preferably, the third temperature is a preconfigured desired operating temperature of the second vessel and the second temperature is a predefined tolerance temperature less than the third temperature.

[0021] Preferably, the third temperature is in the range of 25° to 35° and the second temperature is 20° to 30°.

[0022] Desirably, the energy saving device is operable to calculate the power consumed by the energy saving device and the boiler and to compare the calculation with a known energy usage of a comparable boiler operating under the same conditions, to determine the energy saved by the energy saving device over the comparable boiler. Desirably, the energy saving device is operable to receive an identifier of a fossil fuel burned by the boiler and from this to calculate the calorific value of the energy saved by the energy saving device, to thereby calculate a carbon credit for the energy saving device.

[0023] Desirably, the energy saving device is communicably coupled with a distributed ledger technology framework to store therein details of the carbon credit of the energy saving device and supply the details to the energy provider of the boiler.

[0024] Preferably, the energy saving device is configured to activate the boiler to heat the material contained therein to a temperature of between 55°-65°

[0025] Advantages of the Invention

[0026] There present invention provides a facility for reducing energy consumption of any existing fossil fuel boiler such that the amount of energy required to heat water for central heating and / or domestic hot water supply is significantly reduced.

[0027] Traditional boilers heat water from an ambient temperature to a desired temperature. For example, if an ambient temperature is 5° C and a desired temperature is 55°- 65°, a large amount of energy is required to raise the temperature of the provided water by the corresponding 50°-60°. Take for example, an insulated copper cylinder containing 95L of water. It would require provision of 1 hour of boiler water at a temperature of 80°, to raise the temperature of the water in the copper cylinder from 10° to 65°.

[0028] The present invention uses a substantially continuous iterative stepwise heating control system to maintain water in a storage vessel at a temperature of at least 25°C and more preferably 30°. Thus, when water with a temperature of 50°-60° is required from the storage vessel, the water only needs to be heated by an additional 25° to 30°. Furthermore, and in contrast with systems boilers, the water in the storage vessel of the present invention is primarily used for heating purposes. Thus, the elevated water temperatures needed for Legionella control are unnecessary because the hot water is circulated in a closed system between the hot water vessel and the radiators, without exposure to users.

[0029] The hot water provided to users through taps and showers by the present invention is housed in hollow coil element disposed within the interior of the hot water storage tank. The small volume of water contained in the heating coil is heated by the retained heat of the water in the hot water storage tank, without the need for contact between the water in the heating coil and the water in the hot water storage tank. Also, since the internal volume of the heating coil is much lower than the volume of the hot water storage tank, water is unlikely to be left standing for long periods in the heating coil. Thus, the present invention will only heat a required amount of hot water on demand, thereby limiting the amount of energy lost by storing hot water when it is not required as otherwise occurs with traditional hot water heating systems.

[0030] Indeed, the demands for hot water from taps and showers is likely to result in an almost ongoing flow of water through the hollow coil, with an analogous effect to the immediate heating of water in a combi boilers. Thus, the risk of Legionella growing in the water in the hollow coil is significantly reduced compared with water in the tanks of a traditional boiler or a system boiler. Accordingly, there is no need to heat the water in the hollow coil of the present invention to the elevated temperatures needed in a traditional boiler or a system boiler. Thus, there is no need for the water stored in the hot water storage tank to be heated to such elevated temperatures either.

[0031] So, taking for example a storage vessel containing 200L of water, only 14 minutes of boiler water at a temperature of 65° is required, to raise the temperature of the water in the copper cylinder to 65°. Thus, this represents a very significant energy saving compared with a traditional boiler as mentioned above.

[0032] More generally, by adopting a substantially continuous iterative stepwise heating control system to maintain water in a storage vessel at a temperature of at least 25°C and more preferably 30°, the present invention effectively uses the potential energy that is otherwise normally left behind in a storage vessel, as the water contained therein is allowed to cool. The present invention enables this potential energy to be harnessed and disbursed throughout the heating system at a determined time, resulting in the reduction of the consumption of fossil fuel, by reducing the running time of the boiler / heat source. This has a direct correlation to the reduction of carbon emissions from the said boiler / heat source. This in turn has the capability to be calculated in carbon savings that derive a value through the carbon credit scheme.

[0033] In connection with this, a particularly beneficial aspect of the present invention is its ability to monitor the consumption of fuel by the boiler and to facilitate the distribution of the heated water for the heating system.

[0034] In the event the boiler is a modulating condensing gas boiler, the boiler will have the ability to reduce or lower the gas consumption, as a return flow temp rises. Since the present invention will be returning a flow temperature of 30° from a hot water storage tank to the boiler almost immediately, the boiler will enter into modulating mode thereby reducing its gas consumption and correspondingly reducing its emissions. By contrast, should the boiler be a standard efficiency boiler, it will not modulate. Thus, it will not reduce fuel consumption as dramatically as a condensing gas boiler. However, with the return temperature to the boiler starting at 30°, the boiler will run for a shorter period of time, thereby reducing its fuel consumption of fuel. This will also be the case with a condensing oil boiler.

[0035] The present invention may be retrofitted to several different boiler types and is operable independently of the specific type of fossil fuel boiler. Specifically, the present invention is compatible with several different fossil fuels (including gas or oil).

[0036] The present invention may be accommodated within the structures of existing boiler systems. Consequently, the present invention does not significantly increase the footprint of the existing heating system. Thus, the present invention is suitable for use in listed buildings and buildings of limited available space.

[0037] Drawings

[0038] An embodiment of the invention is herein described by way of example only with reference to the accompanying drawings in which:

[0039] Figure 1 is a block diagram of the energy saving device of the preferred embodiment, showing neighbouring components of a boiler system with which the energy saving device co-operates;

[0040] Figure 2 is a block diagram of a control system of the energy saving device of Figure 1 ; Figure 3A is a graph of an exemplary temperature over time of water contained in a hot water storage tank of the energy saving device of Figure 1 , as shown by a solid line; together with a graph of a corresponding exemplary temperature over time of water contained in a hot water storage tank of a traditional regular / system boiler system, as shown by a dotted line;

[0041] Figure 3B is a graph of the wattage over time of electrical heating elements of the energy saving device of Figure 1 to produce the exemplary temperature over time of water contained in a hot water storage tank of Figure 3Aa; and

[0042] Figure 3C is graph of hot water volume provided from a boiler system of the energy saving device of Figure 1 , as shown by a solid line, to produce the exemplary temperature over time of water contained in a hot water storage tank of Figure 3A as shown by the corresponding solid line therein; together with a graph of hot water volume provided from a traditional regular / system boiler system, as shown by a dotted line, to produce the corresponding exemplary temperature over time of water contained in a hot water storage tank of a traditional regular / system boiler system, as shown by the corresponding dotted line therein; and

[0043] Figure 4 is a high-level overview of an embodiment of the control system of the energy saving device of Figure 1 and Figure 2.

[0044] Description

[0045] While certain specific features are illustrated in the above figures, those skilled in the art will appreciate from the present disclosure that various other features have not been illustrated for the sake of brevity and so as not to obscure more pertinent aspects of the implementations disclosed herein.

[0046] Referring to Figure 1 , the energy saving device 100 of the preferred embodiment is coupled to an existing boiler system 2. The energy saving device 100 comprises a hot water storage tank 4 coupled to the boiler 2 through a boiler outlet channel 3 controlled by a first motorised valve 22a. In use, the first motorised valve 22a controls a flow of water from the boiler 2 through the boiler outlet channel 3 to the hot water storage tank 4. The detailed operations of the first motorised valve 22a will be discussed later in this description. On activation of the boiler 2, the water entering the hot water storage tank 4 through the boiler outlet channel 3 is heated. The hot water storage tank 4 may be used as a buffer tank to heat water and store the heated water. In another embodiment, the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 may be replaced with sand as a heat retaining material. The hot water tank 4 may be formed from copper, steel or other suitably robust and rust resistant material.

[0047] An external surface of the hot water storage tank 4 may be provided with an insulation material to prevent heat loss from the hot water stored therein. In one embodiment, the insulation material may comprise a thermoplastics material, for example and without limitation, polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polyethylene (PE), ethylene-chlorotrifluoroethylene (ECTFE), polyvinylidene difluoride (PVDF) or nylon. In another embodiment, the insulation material may comprise a thermoset material, for example and without limitation, cross-linked polyethylene (XLPE), chlorinated polyethylene (CPE) or ethylene propylene rubber (EPR). In another embodiment, the insulation material may comprise recycled coating materials of electrical cables.

[0048] The skilled person will acknowledge that the above-mentioned insulation materials are provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will understand that the energy saving device of the preferred embodiment is in no way limited to these insulating materials. On the contrary, the energy saving device of the preferred embodiment is operable with any insulating material suitable for use in an outside environment and capable of preventing heat loss to the outside environment over extended periods. For example, a spray foam insulation material such as polyurethane or an isocyanate and polyol resin, or fiberglass, mineral wool, silica, cellulose or ceramics material.

[0049] The energy saving device 100 may comprise an electrical heating element 8 which may be mounted on an inner face of the hot water storage tank 4 or otherwise disposed within the interior of the hot water storage tank 4. In one embodiment, the electrical heating element 8 may comprise a 220 volt or 230 volt heating element. The skilled person will acknowledge that the above-mentioned voltage of the electrical heating element 8 is provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will acknowledge that the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to these voltages. On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable with any voltage of the electrical heating element 8 sufficient to allow it to heat water in its vicinity.

[0050] In another embodiment, the electrical heating element 8 may comprise two heating elements (not shown) both of which are mounted on an inner face of the hot water storage tank 4 or otherwise disposed within the interior of the hot water storage tank 4. A first one of the heating elements (not shown) may be disposed at an upper end of the hot water storage tank 4. The second one of the heating elements (not shown) may be disposed at an opposing lower end of the hot water storage tank 4. Activation of the or each electrical heating element 8 causes the heating of water disposed proximally thereto and stored within the hot water storage tank 4.

[0051] In a further embodiment, the hot water storage tank 4 may comprise an additional solar powered heating element (not shown) which may be activated manually or automatically in the presence of sufficient sunlight to energize the solar powered heating element (not shown).

[0052] The energy saving device 100 may comprise a tank temperature probe 30 which may be mounted on an inner face of the hot water storage tank 4 or otherwise disposed within the interior of the hot water storage tank 4. The tank temperature probe 30 may comprise a temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of water stored in the hot water storage tank 4. In one embodiment, the tank temperature probe 30 may comprise two temperature sensors (not shown) both of which are mounted on an inner face of the hot water storage tank 4 or otherwise disposed within the interior of the hot water storage tank 4. A first one of the temperature sensors (not shown) may be disposed at an upper end of the hot water storage tank 4. The second one of the temperature sensors (not shown) may be disposed at an opposing lower end of the hot water storage tank 4. Accordingly, in this embodiment, the tank temperature probe 30 is configured to measure the temperatures of the stored water at the top and bottom of the hot water storage tank 4. In another embodiment, the first and second temperature sensors (not shown) may be disposed in a spaced apart arrangement from the first and second electrical heating elements respectively. In yet another embodiment, either or both of the first and second temperature sensors (not shown) of the tank temperature probe 30 may comprise a thermistor. The hot water storage tank 4 may be coupled with a first pipe 16a and a second pipe 16b both of which may be coupled in turn to one or more radiators 14. The first pipe 16a is fitted with a second motorised valve 22b to permit hot water from the hot water storage tank 4 to be directed through the first pipe 16a to one or more radiators 14 coupled thereto. The first pipe 16a is further fitted with a pump P which is activated when the second motorised valve 22b is energised. The detailed operations of the second motorised valve 22b will be discussed later in this description. Accordingly, the arrangement of the first pipe 16a and the second motorised valve 22b allow the heating of rooms containing the or each radiator 14 by the hot water flowing into the same. Water is returned from the or each radiator 14 to the hot water storage tank 4 through the second pipe 16b to enable the water to be rewarmed by the heating elements 8 of the hot water storage tank 4. Thus, the collective arrangement of the first and second pipes 16a and 16b together with the second motorised valve 22b permits the circulation of water between the hot water storage tank 4 and the or each radiator 14.

[0053] The energy saving device 100 may also comprise a hollow coil element 6 disposed within the interior of the hot water storage tank 4. An ingress 24 to the coil element 6 may be coupled with a water supply (not shown). In use, water from the water supply (not shown) is progressed through a hollow core (not shown) of the coil element 6 from the ingress 24 to an egress 26 thereof. In one embodiment, water from the cold water supply (not shown) is pumped by an optional third motorised valve or pump 22c through the hollow core (not shown) of the coil element 6. The coil element 6 is disposed so that it may be submerged in water stored in the hot water storage tank 4. In use, the coil element 6 acts as a heat exchanger wherein the water flowing through its hollow core is heated by hot water surrounding the exterior of the coil element 6 in the hot water storage tank 4. The resulting warm water within the hollow core (not shown) of the coil element 6 exits therefrom through the egress 26. This warm water is suitable for domestic use in showers, baths etc. In another embodiment, the third motorised valve or pump 22c may be replaced with a blender valve (not shown) coupled with the egress 26 and a cold water source (not shown), to permit the blending of hot water from the coil element 6 with cold water, to allow control over the temperature of water being provided to showers, baths etc.; and thereby prevent scalding from excessive hot water temperatures.

[0054] The energy saving device 100 may also comprise a coil temperature sensor 50 disposed at the egress 26 of the hollow coil element 6. The coil temperature sensor 50 may be configured to measure the temperature of water exiting from the hollow coil element 6. For brevity, this temperature will be referred to henceforth as the “Coil Water Temperature”.

[0055] The energy saving device 100 may also comprise a control system 200 which is communicably coupled with the coil temperature sensor 50, the first motorised valve 22a, the second motorised valve 22b, the optional third motorised valve 22c or the blender valve (not shown) the electrical heating element 8, the tank temperature probe 30. The control system 200 may also be bidirectionally communicably coupled with the boiler 2 to permit the issuance by the control system 200 of one or more activation signals to the boiler 2; and the receipt by the control system 200 of data from the boiler 2 to permit determination of the energy usage of the boiler 2 and the energy saving device 100.

[0056] The energy saving device 100 may also comprise a power supply unit 52 coupled to the control system 200, the coil temperature sensor 50, the first motorised valve 22a, the second motorised valve 22b, the optional third motorised valve 22c or the blender valve (not shown), the electrical heating element 8 and the tank temperature probe 30, to supply power thereto.

[0057] Additional flow switches and pumps may be optionally included in the energy saving device 100 in the event an external heat exchanger is required.

[0058] Referring to Figure 2, a control system 200 of the energy saving device 100 comprises an air temperature sensor unit 202, a water thermostat unit 204, a water demand sensor unit 206 and a boiler trigger receiver unit 208, each of which is communicably coupled with a central controller unit 210. The central controller unit 210 comprises a radiator activation unit 212, a three port valve 214, an element activation unit 216 and a boiler activation unit 218.

[0059] The air temperature sensor unit 202 is communicably coupled with the radiator activation unit 212, which is in turn communicably coupled with the three port valve 214. The water demand sensor unit 206 may also be communicably coupled with the optional three port valve 214 or the blender valve (not shown). The water thermostat unit 204 and the boiler trigger receiver unit 208 are communicably coupled with the element activation unit 216 and the boiler activation unit 218 respectively.

[0060] The air temperature sensor unit 202 comprises an outdoor thermostat unit 220 which in one embodiment may be optionally communicably coupled with an indoor thermostat unit 222. The outdoor thermostat unit 220 is communicably coupled with a first temperature probe 224 configured to measure an outside ambient temperature. The outdoor thermostat unit 220 is configured to compare the value of the temperature measurement received from the first temperature probe 224 with a pre-configured value of a first set point temperature (Ti).

[0061] On detection by the first temperature probe 224 of an outside temperature of less than the first set point temperature (Ti ), the outdoor thermostat unit 220 is adapted to issue an “Outdoor Temperature Alert” signal to the indoor thermostat unit 222. The indoor thermostat unit 222 is communicably coupled with one or more indoor temperature probes 226 disposed at one or more zones (not shown) inside a building (not shown). The or each indoor temperature probe 226 is configured to measure a temperature in the proximity thereof.

[0062] On receipt by the indoor thermostat unit 222 of an “Outdoor Temperature Alert” signal from the outdoor thermostat unit 220, the indoor thermostat unit 222 is configured to compare the value of the or each temperature measurements received from the or each indoor temperature probes 226 with one or more pre-configured values of a second set point temperature (T2). On detection by the or each indoor temperature probe 226 of a temperature less than the second set point temperature (T2), the indoor thermostat unit 222 is adapted to issue a “Indoor Temperature Alert” signal to the radiator activation unit 212 of the central controller unit 210. The Indoor Temperature Alert signal may comprise an indicator of the identity of the indoor temperature probe 226 that detected a temperature of less than the second set point temperature (T2). In this way, the central controller unit 210 may be provided with information specifying which zone of a building requires heating. In another embodiment, the indoor thermostat unit 222 is configured to be operable without an Outdoor Temperature Alert signal from the outdoor thermostat unit 220.

[0063] In this way, regardless of the external temperature, the indoor thermostat unit 222 is configured to issue an “Indoor Temperature Alert” signal to the radiator activation unit 212, on detection of an indoor temperature less than the second set point temperature (T2).

[0064] In another embodiment, air temperature sensor unit 202 is operable in the absence of the indoor thermostat unit 220. In this case, the outdoor thermostat unit 220 is adapted to issue an “Outdoor Temperature Alert” signal directly to the radiator activation unit 212, on detection of an outdoor temperature of less than the first set point temperature (T1).

[0065] The pre-configured value of either or both of the first set point temperature (T1) and the second set point temperature (T2) may be established by either or both of the manufacturer and the operator of the energy saving device 100 according to their requirements. Alternatively or additionally, the pre-configured value of either or both of the first set point temperature (T1) and the second set point temperature (T2) may be established by either or both of the manufacturer and the operator of the energy saving device 100 according to the environment in which the energy saving device 100 is to be used.

[0066] For example, the pre-configured value of either or both of the first set point temperature (T1) and the second set point temperature (T2) may be established in accordance with specified environmental standards or may be established empirically from observations of the performance behaviour of the energy saving device 100. Similarly, the pre-configured value of either or both of the first set point temperature (T1) and the second set point temperature (T2) may also be established by the user of the energy saving device 100 according to their personal preferences.

[0067] The skilled person will acknowledge that the above-mentioned methods for establishing the pre-configured value of either or both of the first set point temperature (T1) and the second set point temperature (T2) are provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will acknowledge that the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to the above-mentioned mentioned methods for establishing the pre-configured value of either or both of the first set point temperature (Ti) and the second set point temperature (T2). On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable with any mechanism or methodology for establishing the pre-configured value of either or both of the first set point temperature (T1) and the second set point temperature (T2).

[0068] The radiator activation unit 212 may be communicably coupled with a clocking unit 230. Referring to Figure 1 , in one embodiment, the clocking unit 230 may be included in a microcontroller (not shown) coupled with the boiler 2 as will be discussed later. On receipt of an Indoor Temperature Alert signal by the radiator activation unit 212, it may be configured to interrogate the clocking unit 230 to obtain therefrom a clocking signal providing an indication of the time at which either or both of the Indoor Temperature Alert signal and the Outdoor Temperature Alert signal was received. For brevity, this time will be referred to henceforth as the “Received Temperature Alert Time”.

[0069] The radiator activation unit 212 may comprise a configurable scheduling table (not shown) whose entries correspond with a zone of a building in which a specified indoor temperature probe 226 is disposed. Referring to Figure 1 , in one embodiment, the configurable scheduling table (not shown) may be included in a microcontroller (not shown) coupled with the hot water storage tank 4 as will be discussed later. Individual entries of the configurable scheduling table (not shown) may specify details of the time intervals during which one or more radiators installed in a corresponding zone of the building may be switched on or off. The time interval details contained in the scheduling table (not shown) may be configured by the operator or the user of the energy saving device 100 in accordance with one or more of environmental specifications, building regulations, observed occupancy or usage patterns of a building or personal preference.

[0070] The skilled person will acknowledge that the above-mentioned dependencies for establishing the configuration of the scheduling table (not shown) are provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will acknowledge that the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to these dependencies. On the contrary, the timing details contained in the scheduling table (not shown) may be configured in accordance with any required dependency. The radiator activation unit 212 may be configured to retrieve from the received Indoor Temperature Alert signal an indicator, if present, of the identity of the indoor temperature probe 226 that detected a temperature less than the second set point temperature (T2). For brevity, this temperature probe will be referred to henceforth as an “Alerting Temperature Probe”.

[0071] The radiator activation unit 212 may be configured to retrieve from the scheduling table (not shown) an entry corresponding with the zone in which the Alerting Temperature Probe is disposed. For brevity, this entry will be referred to henceforth as the “Received Alert Zone Timing”. The radiator activation unit 212 may be configured to compare the Temperature Alert Time with the timing details contained in the Received Alert Zone Timing. In the event the Temperature Alert Time is embraced by a time interval of the Received Alert Zone Timing in which one or more radiators are to be switched on, the radiator activation unit 212 may be configured to issue a “Heating Demand Alert” signal to the three port valve 214. The Heating Demand Alert signal may include either or both of an identifier of the Alerting Temperature Probe and the zone in which the Alerting Temperature Probe is disposed.

[0072] On receipt by the radiator activation unit 212 of an Outdoor Temperature Alert signal where the air temperature sensor unit 202 is operable without an indoor thermostat unit 220, the radiator activation unit 212 may be operable to issue to the three port valve 214 a “Heating Demand Alert” signal absent of information relating to an Alerting Temperature Probe or the zone of a building in which the Alerting Temperature Probe is disposed.

[0073] The radiator activation unit 212 may also be communicably coupled with a manual triggering unit 232 configured to allow a user or operator of the energy saving device 100 to manually trigger the issuance by the radiator activation unit 212 of a Heating Demand Alert signal to the three port valve 214 in the absence of an Indoor Temperature Alert signal or in the event a Temperature Alert Time is embraced by a time interval of the Received Temperature Alert Entry in which a corresponding radiator is to be switched off. In yet another embodiment, the control system 200 of the energy saving device 100 may be provided with a clock and setback facility which, as will be described later, allows for the distribution of heat from the hot water storage tank 4 to radiators (not shown) in a premises (not shown) prior to a pre-configured start time of the boiler 2.

[0074] The water demand sensor unit 206 may be integral with or communicably coupled with a switch sensor 228 configured to detect the opening of a tap (not shown) or the operation of a shower (not shown) in the building (not shown). On detection by the switch sensor 228 of the opening of a tap (not shown) or the operation of a shower (not shown) in the building (not shown), the switch sensor 228 is configured to issue a “Hot Water Demand” signal to the water demand sensor unit 206. The Hot Water Demand signal may include an indicator of the identity of either or both of the tap (not shown) and the shower (not shown) whose detected respective opening or operation caused the issuance of the “Hot Water Demand” signal. The water demand sensor unit 206 may be configured to forward a received a Hot Water Demand signal to the three port valve 214.

[0075] The three port valve 214 is operable with two different configurations. The first configuration, also known as a “Hot Water Position” is the default configuration of the three port valve 214. In the Hot Water Position, the three port valve 214 is configured to permit hot water from the interior of the hollow coil element 6 to be directed to either or both of the tap (not shown) and the shower (not shown) whose respective opening or operation caused the issuance of the Hot Water Demand signal to the three port valve 214. Referring to Figure 1 together with Figure 2, in one embodiment, the three port valve 214 may be communicably coupled with the optional third motorised valve 22c or the blending valve (not shown) so that the three port valve 214 may be configured, while in the Hot Water Position, to operate with the optional third motorised valve 22c or the blending valve (not shown) to cause hot water to be pumped from the interior of the hollow coil element 6 to either or both of the tap (not shown) and the shower (not shown) whose respective opening or operation caused the issuance of the hot water demand alert signal.

[0076] The second configuration, also known as a “Heating Position”, is triggered by the receipt by the three port valve 214 of a Heating Demand Alert from the radiator activation unit 212. In the Heating Position, the three port valve 214 is configured to operate together with the second motorised valve 22b to permit hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 4 to be directed through the first pipe 16a to one or more radiators 14 disposed in the same zone of the building as the Alerting Temperature Probe identified in a Heating Demand Alert signal received by the three port valve 214. In the event the received Heating Demand Alert signal does not contain information relating to an Alerting Temperature Probe or the zone in which it is disposed, the three port valve 214 is configured to operate together with the second motorised valve 22b to permit hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 4 to be directed through the first pipe 16a to the or each of the radiators 14 in the building.

[0077] For clarity, in use, the three port valve 214 is configured to operate by default in the Hot Water Position until receipt of the Heating Demand Alert signal from the radiator activation unit 212, at which point, the three port valve 214 is configured to switch to the Heating Position. On cessation of the Heating Demand Alert signal, the three port valve 214 is configured to return to the Hot Water Position to supply hot water from the interior of the hollow coil element 6 to either or both of a tap (not shown) and a shower (not shown) whose respective opening or operation caused the issuance of the Hot Water Demand signal to the three port valve 214. Alternatively, in another embodiment, in the event the Temperature Alert Time is not embraced by a time interval of a corresponding Received Alert Zone Timing, the radiator activation unit 212 may be configured to issue a “Heating Deactivation” signal to the three port valve 214, thereby causing it to return to its default Hot Water Position.

[0078] The water thermostat unit 204 is communicably coupled with the tank temperature probe 30 to receive measurements of the temperature of the water stored in the hot water storage tank 4. For brevity, the temperature of the water stored in the hot water storage tank 4 will be referred to henceforth as a “Stored Water Temperature”. The water thermostat unit 204 is configured to compare the value of the temperature measurement received from the tank temperature probe 30 with a preconfigured value of a third set point temperature (T3). On detection by the tank temperature probe 30 of a Stored Water Temperature less than the third set point temperature (T3), the water thermostat unit 204 is adapted to issue an “Stored Water Temperature Alert” signal to the element activation unit 216 of the central controller unit 210. The element activation unit 216 is also coupled with the or each electrical heating element 8 and the tank temperature probe 30.

[0079] The element activation unit 216 is configured on receipt of a Stored Water Temperature Alert signal to activate the or each electrical heating element 8 of the hot water storage tank 4 to heat the water stored therein. On detection by the tank temperature probe 30 of a Stored Water Temperature exceeding a fourth set point temperature (T4), the element activation unit 216 is configured to deactivate the or each electrical heating element 8. The specific operations of the element activation unit 216, the or each electrical heating element 8 and the tank temperature probe 30 will be discussed in more detail later in this disclosure.

[0080] The pre-configured values of the third set point temperature (T3) and the fourth set point temperature (T4) respectively may be established by either or both of the manufacturer and the operator of the energy saving device 100 according to their needs requirements. Alternatively or additionally, the pre-configured values of the third set point temperature (T3) and the fourth set point temperature (T4) respectively may be established by either or both of the manufacturer and the operator of the energy saving device 100 according to the environment in which the energy saving device 100 is to be used.

[0081] For example, the pre-configured values of the third set point temperature (T3) and the fourth set point temperature (T4) respectively may be established in accordance with specified environmental standards or industry standards for boiler operation or may be established empirically from observations of the performance behaviour of the energy saving device 100. Similarly, the pre-configured values of the third set point temperature (T3) and the fourth set point temperature (T4) respectively may also be established by the user of the energy saving device 100 according to their personal preferences.

[0082] The skilled person will acknowledge that the above-mentioned methods for establishing the pre-configured values of the third set point temperature (T3) and the fourth set point temperature (T4) respectively are provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will acknowledge that the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to the above-mentioned mentioned methods for establishing the pre-configured values of the third set point temperature (T3) and the fourth set point temperature (T4) respectively. On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable with any mechanism or methodology for establishing the pre-configured values of the third set point temperature (T3) and the fourth set point temperature (T4) respectively.

[0083] In one embodiment, the third set point temperature (T3) may be a desired operating temperature and the fourth set point temperature (T4) may be the result of a predefined tolerance on the third set point temperature (T3). For example, the third set point temperature (T3) may be 30° and the energy saving device 100 of the preferred embodiment may operate with a 5° tolerance on the third set point temperature (T3), so that the fourth set point temperature (T4) may be 25°.

[0084] However, the skilled person will acknowledge that the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to the above-mentioned values of the third set point temperature (T3) and fourth set point temperature (T4) respectively. On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable with any value of either or both of the third set point temperature (T3) and the fourth set point temperature (T4) in accordance with evolving standards in boiler design and operation.

[0085] The boiler trigger receiver unit 208 is communicably coupled with a coil temperature sensor 50 disposed at the egress 26 of the hollow coil element 6. The coil temperature sensor 50 may be configured to measure the temperature of water exiting from the hollow coil element 6. For brevity, this temperature will be referred to henceforth as the “Coil Water Temperature”. The boiler trigger receiver unit 208 is further communicably coupled with a required hot water temperature probe 234 mounted on or otherwise disposed proximally to a tap (not shown) or a shower (shown) in the building (shown). The required hot water temperature probe 234 may be configured to detect a required temperature of the hot water from the tap (not shown) or a shower (shown). For brevity, this temperature will be referred to henceforth as the “Required Water Temperature”.

[0086] The boiler trigger receiver unit 208 may be configured to compare the Coil Water Temperature with the Required Water Temperature. In the event the Required Water Temperature exceeds the Coil Water Temperature, the boiler trigger receiver unit 208 may be configured to issue a “Boiler Alert” signal to the boiler activation unit 218 of the central controller unit 210.

[0087] On its receipt of the Boiler Alert signal, the boiler activation unit 218 is configured to issue a “Boiler Activation” signal to the boiler 2, to cause it to be activated to heat the water therein to a predefined temperature. In one embodiment the predefined temperature may be 55°. In another embodiment, the predefined temperature may be 65°. On the reaching of the required temperature by the water in the boiler 2, the energy saving device 100 may be configured to cause the boiler 2 to be deactivated and to cause the first motorised valve 22a to be activated. On its activation the first motorised valve 22a may be configured to cause the flow of water from the boiler 2 through the boiler outlet channel 3 to the hot water storage tank 4, where it heats the water already in the hot water storage tank 4 from its operating temperature of approximately 30° to substantially match the predefined temperature of the water from the boiler 2. The heated water in the hot water storage tank 4 in turn heats the coil element 6 and the water contained therein to the required temperature.

[0088] In another embodiment, the radiator activation unit 212 may also be communicably coupled with the boiler trigger receiver unit 208, thereby enabling the boiler trigger receiver unit 208 to receive a Heating Demand Alert signal from the radiator activation unit 212. In this way, a Heating Demand Alert signal from the radiator activation unit 212 is issued to both the three port valve 214 and the boiler trigger receiver unit 208. On receipt by the boiler trigger receiver unit 208 of the Heating Demand Alert signal, the boiler trigger receiver unit 208 may be configured to issue a Boiler Alert signal to the boiler activation unit 218, thereby triggering the activation of the boiler 2. In this way, the triggering of the three port valve 214 into the Heating Position to supply hot water from the hot water storage tank 4 to one or more radiators 14 in the building is accompanied by the triggering of the activation of the boiler 2 to supply the hot water storage tank 4 with replacement hot water.

[0089] The boiler activation unit 218 may also be communicably coupled with a master controller triggering system 236 configured to allow a boiler master signal to be issued to the boiler activation unit 218, to thereby cause the boiler 2 to be operated in a direct master controller mode as will be discussed later. Referring to the solid line in Figure 3C together with Figure 1 , on initiation of the energy saving device 100, at a pre-configured boiler start time To, the boiler 2 is configured to heat water from the water mains to a predefined temperature. In one embodiment the predefined temperature may be 55°. In another embodiment, the predefined temperature may be 65°. The skilled person will acknowledge that the above-mentioned predefined temperatures for the water contained in the boiler 2 is provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will acknowledge that the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to these predefined temperatures for the water contained in the boiler 2. On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable with any predefined temperature for the water contained in the boiler 2 that is achievable with boiler technologies and according to user demands.

[0090] By contrast and referring to the dotted line in Figure 3C, to address the risk of Legionella, a traditional regular / system boiler system must heat water to a predefined temperature of 70°-80°.

[0091] Referring to the solid line in Figure 3A together with Figure 1 , on the reaching of the predefined temperature by the heated water, at time Ti , the energy saving device 100 is configured to activate the first motorised valve 22a to cause heated water from the boiler 2 to be directed through the boiler outlet channel 3 to the hot water storage tank 4. The introduction of heated water from the boiler 2 into the hot water storage tank 4 causes the temperature of any water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 to be increased. The energy saving device 100 is configured to then deactivate the boiler 2.

[0092] Following the provision of heated water from the boiler 2 to the hot water storage tank 4 and the subsequent deactivation of the boiler 2, the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 starts to cool. The rate of cooling of the water in the hot water storage tank 4 depends on several variables including the temperature differential between the stored water and its surroundings.

[0093] Referring to Figure 1 together with Figure 2 and Figure 3B, on detection, by the tank temperature probe 30, of the temperature of the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 falling below the third threshold temperature (for example, 25°C), at time T2 , the central controller unit 210 is configured to activate the or each electrical heating element 8 of the hot water storage tank 4. The activation of the or each electrical heating element 8 causes the heating of the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4. On detection, by the tank temperature probe 30, of the temperature of the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 exceeding the fourth threshold temperature (for example, 30°C), at time T3 , the central controller unit 210 is configured to deactivate the or each electrical heating element 8.

[0094] Referring to the solid line in Figure 3A together with Figure 3B, the deactivation of the or each electrical heating element 8 causes the cooling of the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4. On detection, by the tank temperature probe 30, of the temperature of the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 falling again below the third threshold temperature, at time T4 , the central controller unit 210 is configured to re-activate the or each electrical heating element 8.

[0095] Thus, once the boiler 2 has provided the initially heated water to the hot water storage tank 4, the or each electrical heating element 8 automatically implement repeated cycles of activation and deactivation thereof, to constantly heat the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 to a preferred operating temperature, even though the boiler 2 has been deactivated. Specifically, the automatic activation of the repeated cycles of activation and deactivation of the or each electrical heating element 8 prevents the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 from falling more than 5°C below the third threshold temperature. By contrast, and referring to the dotted line in Figure 3A, following the deactivation of the boiler in a traditional regular / system boiler system, the water contained in its storage tank continues to cool until the water reaches an ambient temperature. This is likely to be considerably less than the third threshold temperature.

[0096] Returning to Figure 1 and Figure 2, the boiler activation unit 218 in the energy saving device 100 may be triggered to issue a “Boiler Activation” signal to the boiler 2, thereby causing it to be activated to heat the water contained therein to a predefined temperature. The triggering of the boiler activation unit 218 may be caused, for example, by detection by the first temperature probe 224 of an outside temperature of less than the first set point temperature (Ti); or detection by the or each indoor temperature probe 226 of an indoor temperature less than the second set point temperature (T2); or detection by the boiler trigger receiver unit 208 that a Required Water Temperature exceeds the temperature of water exiting from the hollow coil element 6.

[0097] The skilled person will acknowledge that the above examples of scenarios in which the boiler 2 may be reactivated are provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will acknowledge that the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to the above example reactivation scenarios. On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable with any mechanism by which the boiler 2 may reactivated, including for further example, ad hoc manual reactivation or activation in accordance with an automated scheduling programme of the boiler 2.

[0098] On its reactivation at time T5, the boiler 2 may be configured to heat the water contained therein to a predefined temperature which in one embodiment may be 55° and in another embodiment may be 65°. The reactivation of the boiler 2 is accompanied by a corresponding activation of the first motorised valve 22a to cause water from the boiler 2 to flow into the hot water storage tank 4, where it heats the water already contained in the hot water storage tank 4 to substantially match the predefined temperature of the water from the boiler 2 for supply to a tap or shower as necessary. Specifically, the energy saving device 100 may be configured to deactivate the boiler 2, on detection, by the tank temperature probe 30, at time T5, that the temperature of the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 has substantially reached the predefined temperature of the water from the boiler 2.

[0099] Thus, referring to the solid line in Figure 3A and Figure 3C, in the energy saving device 100, and using the above-mentioned embodiments, the boiler 2 is configured to remain active for a time interval ATA corresponding with the time needed to heat the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 from its ongoing operating temperature of 25°-30°, to a temperature of 55°-65°. By contrast, since the water contained in the hot water storage tank of a traditional regular / system boiler system has cooled to ambient temperature, the boiler therein must remain activated for a substantially longer time interval to heat the water in the hot water storage tank 4 to a temperature of 70-80°.

[0100] Referring to the dotted line in Figure 3A and Figure 3C, in an exemplary scenario, the ambient temperature is approximately 10°. The boiler in the traditional regular / system boiler system must remain active for a time interval ATB to heat the water contained in the hot water storage tank from ambient temperature to a temperature of 70-80°. In other words, in the exemplary scenario, since the ambient temperature is approximately 60°-70° lower than the ongoing maintained temperature of the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 of the energy saving device 100, the time interval ATB is considerably longer than the time interval ATA. Furthermore, and comparing the dotted line in Figure 3A with the solid line therein, it can be seen that the conventional boiler substantially lags behind the energy saving device 100 in achieving the required temperature of 70-80°. Thus, since the duration of the time the boiler remains active in the energy saving device 100 is considerably less than the time the boiler remains active in a conventional boiler system, the energy saving device 100 delivers significant energy savings compared with a conventional boiler system.

[0101] The skilled person will acknowledge that the ambient temperature of the exemplary scenario mentioned above is provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will acknowledge that the energy savings achieved by the energy saving device 100 over a conventional boiler system is in no way limited to the above-mentioned ambient temperature.

[0102] Referring to Figure 4 together with Figure 1 and Figure 2, in a preferred embodiment, a control system 400 of the energy saving device 100 comprises a first microcontroller 402 communicably coupled with a second microcontroller 404. The coupling between the first microcontroller 402 and the second microcontroller 404 may employ wireless or conventional wired modalities. In use, the first microcontroller 402 is coupled with the boiler 2 and the second microcontroller 404 is coupled with the hot water storage tank 4. The first microcontroller 402 comprises a clocking signal input port 406 which configured to receive a clock signal from a clocking unit (not shown) of the boiler 2, wherein the clock signal is an indication of a current time. In another embodiment the clocking unit (not shown) may be included in within the first microcontroller 402. Thus, in this embodiment, the first microcontroller 402 effectively replaces the time clock on a standard heating system and the first microcontroller 402 no longer includes the clocking signal input port 406 because the clocking signal is generated internally in the first microcontroller 402. In this case, the first microcontroller 402 also uses one or more of the connections, for example, room stat and motorised valves etc., that are already installed in a property. Similarly, the first microcontroller 402 comprises a PWM status input port 408 which is configured to receive a PWM signal from the boiler 2.

[0103] The first microcontroller 402 contains a pre-configured timing schedule (not shown) comprising one or more entries whose values or time intervals specified therein denote the times at which the boiler 2 should be activated. Either or both of the number and values or specified time intervals of the entries in the timing schedule (not shown) may be established by a manufacturer of the energy saving device 100, an installer of the energy saving device 100 or an end-user thereof. The skilled person will acknowledge that the above-mentioned entities who may establish either or both of the number and values or specified time intervals of the entries in the timing schedule (not shown) are provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the timing schedule (not shown) employed in the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to being configured by these persons. On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable to employ a timing schedule (not shown) configured by any other entity, including servicepersons and property management personnel as necessary.

[0104] The first microcontroller 402 comprises a comparator 410 communicably coupled with a carbon consumption calculation unit 412. The comparator 410 is configured to compare a value of a clock signal, received through the clocking signal input port 406 or generated in the clocking unit (not shown) in the first microcontroller 402, with the value of the or each entry in the timing schedule (not shown), wherein a match detected therebetween indicates that the boiler 2 is required to be active. Similarly, where the or each entry in the timing schedule (not shown) comprises a time interval, the comparator 410 is configured to compare a value of a received clock signal with the bounding values of the or each time interval in the timing schedule (not shown), wherein the embracing of a value of the received clock signal by a time interval in the timing schedule (not shown) indicates that the boiler 2 is required to be active. In either case, the comparator 410 is configured to issue a first activation signal to the carbon consumption calculation unit 412 and otherwise issue a first deactivation signal to the carbon consumption calculation unit 412.

[0105] In another embodiment, the comparator 410 is configured at a time of one hour before a pre-configured boiler start time To to issue a Heating Demand Alert to the three port valve 214, causing it to be switched to the Heating Position in which it is configured to operate together with the second motorised valve 22b to permit hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 4 to be directed through the first pipe 16a to the or each of the radiators 14 in the building, thereby causing the circulation of water between the hot water storage tank 4 and the or each radiator 14. The carbon consumption calculation unit 412 is also coupled with the PWM status input port 408 and is configured to calculate the energy consumption of the energy saving device 100 from either of the activation signal received from the comparator 410, or the activation signal combined with a PWM signal received through the PWM status input port 408. The process of calculating the energy consumption by the carbon consumption calculation unit 412 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0106] The first microcontroller 402 further comprises a boiler control output port 414 and a MC2 activation output port 416.

[0107] On issuing a first activation signal to the carbon consumption calculation unit 412, the comparator 410 is also configured to issue a corresponding second activation signal through the boiler control output port 414 to the boiler 2 and the first motorised valve 22a. Receipt by the boiler 2 of the second activation signal causes the boiler 2 to be activated to heat water from the water mains. Receipt by the first motorised valve 22a of the second activation signal causes the first motorised valve 22a to be activated to cause hot water from the boiler 2 to be pumped through the boiler outlet channel 3 to the hot water storage tank 4. On issuing a first deactivation signal to the carbon consumption calculation unit 412, the comparator 410 is also configured to issue a corresponding second deactivation signal through the boiler control output port 414 to the boiler 2 and the first motorised valve 22a. Receipt by the boiler 2 of the second deactivation signal causes the boiler 2 to be deactivated. Similarly, receipt by the first motorised valve 22a of the second deactivation signal causes the first motorised valve 22a to be deactivated thereby preventing hot water from the boiler 2 from being pumped to the hot water storage tank 4. As a result, the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 starts to cool.

[0108] On issuance of a second activation signal through the boiler control output port 414, the first microcontroller 402 is configured to issue a microcontroller activation signal through the MC2 activation output port 416 to the second microcontroller 404. The microcontroller activation signal may include a clocking signal either received or generated by the first microcontroller 402.

[0109] In one embodiment, the first microcontroller 402 may be coupled with a wireless antenna 418 which is in turn communicably coupled with an external monitoring and / or display device (not shown) to allow an end-user to monitor and review energy usage. The wireless antenna 418 may also be usable to enable remote upgrades to be made to software of first microcontroller 402, for example to enable modification of pre-set values of the first microcontroller 402, such as the calorific value of the fuel consumed by the boiler 2 as will be discussed later.

[0110] The wireless antenna 418 may comprise a WiFi antenna or a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) antenna. The skilled person will acknowledge that these examples of the wireless antenna are provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will understand that energy saving device 100 of the preferred embodiment is in no way limited to the above examples. On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable with any form of wireless antenna and protocol capable of allowing the transmission of status information from the first microcontroller 402 to a remote location without the necessity for a wiring installation. In another embodiment, the first microcontroller 402 may be coupled with an external monitoring and / or display device (not shown) through conventional electrical wiring. In one embodiment, the first microcontroller 402 may be coupled with a data storage unit 420 for storing data from the control system 400. For example, the data storage unit 420 may comprise a solid state drive or a hard drive. Alternatively, the data storage unit (not shown) may comprise a removable external media storage devices such as flash drives, pen drives, read / writable compact discs (CDs) and Digital Versatile Discs (DVDs), and Secure Digital (SD) card(s). In yet a further embodiment, the data storage unit 420 may comprise a cloud storage system (not shown) disposed remotely from the control system 400 and to which it may be coupled by data or telecommunications networks technology components (not shown). The skilled person will acknowledge that the above-mentioned examples of the data storage unit 420 are provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the skilled person will acknowledge that the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to these examples. On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable with any device or mechanism suitable for storing data for prolonged periods; and permitting interrogation thereof to allow retrieval of data therefrom.

[0111] In another embodiment, the first microcontroller 402 may comprise a bidirectional diagnostics access port 422, permitting restricted external access to the first microcontroller 402 on provision to the first microcontroller 402, through the diagnostics access port 422, of suitable authorised credentials, for the purpose of allowing diagnostic tests to be performed on the first microcontroller 402 or allowing either or both of software and firmware updates to be delivered to the first microcontroller 402.

[0112] The second microcontroller 404 comprises a triggering input port 424, a Probe 1 port 426 and optionally a Probe 2 port 428. Through these, the second microcontroller 404 is configured to receive an activation signal from the first microcontroller 402, the first temperature sensor of the tank temperature probe 30 and optionally the second temperature sensor of the tank temperature probe 30.

[0113] In another embodiment, the second microcontroller 404 may further comprise an alternative energy source control input port 430 through which the second microcontroller 404 may be configured to receive energy from alternative energy sources such as batteries powered by solar panels to, in turn, power the electrical heating elements 8; the second motorised valve output port 22b and optionally the third motorised valve output port 22c; and the three port valve 214.

[0114] The second microcontroller 404 further comprises a switching signal output port 432; a valve 22a output port 434 and a valve 22b output port 436; and a heater control output port 438. Through these, the second microcontroller 404 is configured to issue control signals to the three port valve 214, the first motorised valve 22a, and the second motorised valve 22b; and the electrical heating elements 8 respectively.

[0115] Receipt of an activation signal through the triggering input port 424 triggers the activation of the second microcontroller 404. Receipt by the second microcontroller 404 of temperature measurements from the tank temperature probe 30 indicating that the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 has fallen below a threshold temperature (for example 30°C), triggers the second microcontroller 404 to activate an automated cycle of activation and deactivation of one or more electrical heating elements 8 by the issuance thereto of corresponding one or more activation and deactivation signals through the heater control output port 436. The cyclic activation and deactivation of the or each electrical heating elements 8 prevents the temperature of the water contained in the hot water storage tank 4 falling more than 5°C below the threshold temperature.

[0116] In one embodiment, on receipt by the second microcontroller 404 of temperature measurements from the outdoor thermostat unit 220 indicating that the outside ambient temperature has dropped below the first set point temperature (Ti ), the second microcontroller 404 may be configured to interrogate the indoor thermostat unit 222, through the thermostat status input port 428, to retrieve a temperature measurement therefrom. On receipt by the second microcontroller 404 of a temperature measurement from the indoor thermostat unit 222 indicating that an indoor temperature that is less than the second set point temperature (T2), the second microcontroller 404 is configured to issue a first control signal through its switching signal output port 432 to the three port valve 214 and a second control signal through its second motorised valve output port 434 to the second motorised valve 22b. On receipt of the first control signal from the second microcontroller 404, the three port valve 214 is switched from the Hot Water Position to the Heating Position. On receipt of the second control signal from the second microcontroller 404, the second motorised valve 22b is opened, to permit hot water from the hot water storage tank 4 to be directed to one or more radiators 14 coupled thereto.

[0117] By contrast, in the event the outside temperature or the indoor temperature is detected to be at or above the first set point temperature (Ti) or the second set point temperature (T2) respectively, the second microcontroller 404 is configured to issue a third control signal through its switching signal output port 432 to the three port valve 214 and a fourth control signal through the motorised valve output port 434 to the second motorised valve 22b.

[0118] On receipt of the third control signal from the second microcontroller 404, the three port valve 214 is switched from the Heating Position to the Hot Water Position, or if the three port valve 214 is currently in the default Hot Water Position, it will remain in that position. On receipt of the fourth control signal from the second microcontroller 404, the second motorised valve 22b is closed (or if not previously opened, remain closed) to permit hot water from the interior of the hollow coil element 6 to be directed to either or both of the or each open tap (not shown) and the or each operated shower (not shown) in the building.

[0119] The second microcontroller 404 may further comprise a pre-configured heating schedule comprising one or more entries that indicate the times at which one or more radiators (not shown) in a building should be activated or deactivated as appropriate. Either or both of the number and values or specified time intervals of the entries in the heating schedule (not shown) may be established by a manufacturer of the energy saving device 100, an installer of the energy saving device 100 or an end-user thereof. The skilled person will acknowledge that the above-mentioned entities who may establish either or both of the number and values or specified time intervals of the entries in the heating schedule (not shown) are provided for illustration purposes only. In particular, the heating schedule (not shown) employed in the energy saving device 100 is in no way limited to being configured by these persons. On the contrary, the energy saving device 100 is operable to employ a heating schedule (not shown) configured by any other entity, including servicepersons and property management personnel as necessary. The second microcontroller 404 may further comprise a comparator 442 configured to compare a value of a clock signal, received as part of the microprocessor activation signal received from the first microcontroller 402, with the value of the or each entry in the heating schedule (not shown), wherein a match detected therebetween indicates that one or more of the radiators in the building are required to be active. Similarly, where the or each entry in the timing schedule (not shown) comprises a time interval, the comparator 442 is configured to compare a value of a received clock signal with the bounding values of the or each time interval in the heating schedule (not shown), wherein the embracing of a value of the received clock signal by a time interval in the heating schedule (not shown) indicates that one or more of the radiators in the building are required to be active.

[0120] In either case, the second microcontroller 404 is configured to issue a first control signal through its switching signal output port 432 to the three port valve 214 and a second control signal through its second motorised valve output port 434 to the second motorised valve 22b. On receipt of the first control signal from the second microcontroller 404, the three port valve 214 is switched from the Hot Water Position to the Heating Position. On receipt of the second control signal from the second microcontroller 404, the second motorised valves 22b is opened, to permit hot water from the hot water storage tank 4 to be directed to one or more radiators 14 coupled thereto.

[0121] Otherwise, the second microcontroller 404 is configured to issue a third control signal through its switching signal output port 432 to the three port valve 214 and a fourth control signal through its second motorised valve output port 434 to the second motorised valve 22b. On receipt of the third control signal from the second microcontroller 404, the three port valve 214 is switched from the Heating Position to the Hot Water Position, or if the three port valve 214 is currently in the default Hot Water Position, it will remain in that position. On receipt of the fourth control signal from the second microcontroller 404, the second motorised valve 22b is closed (or if not previously opened, remains closed) to permit hot water from the interior of the hollow coil element 6 to be directed to either or both of the or each open tap (not shown) and the or each operated shower (not shown) in the building. In another embodiment, the boiler 2 may operate in a master controller mode, in which the control system 200 of the energy saving device 100 may be configured to cause the first motorised valve 22a and the second motorised valve 22b to be operated together to cause hot water from the boiler 2 to flow directly to the radiator(s) 14 in the building, bypassing the hot water storage tank 4 and the three port valve 214.

[0122] Similarly, should tap water hotter than the Coil Water Temperature (i.e. 30°) be required, the boiler trigger receiver unit 208 may be configured to activate the boiler 2 to heat the water contained therein to a predefined temperature (i.e. 55°-65°). On the reaching of the required temperature by the water contained in the boiler 2, the energy saving device 100 may be configured to cause the boiler 2 to be deactivated and to cause the first motorised valve 22a to be activated. On its activation the first motorised valve 22a may be configured to cause the flow of water from the boiler 2 through the boiler outlet channel 3 to the hot water storage tank 4, where it heats the water already contained in the hot water storage tank 4 from its operating temperature of approximately 30° to substantially match the predefined temperature of the water from the boiler 2. The heated water in the hot water storage tank 4 in turn heats the coil element 6 and the water contained therein to the required temperature for supply to a tap or shower as necessary.

[0123] Returning to the carbon consumption calculation unit 412, it is configured to calculate the energy consumption of the energy saving device 100 from either of the activation signal received from the comparator 410, or the activation signal combined with a PWM signal received through the PWM status input port 408.

[0124] The process of calculating the energy consumption by the carbon consumption calculation unit 412 will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0125] The calculations implemented by the carbon consumption calculation unit 412 comprise two calculation components, wherein the first is the calorific value of the fuel consumed by the boiler; and the second is the volume of natural gas consumed by the boiler.

[0126] Referring to the first calculation component, the calorific value of natural gas and the carbon emissions from the combustion of natural gas may be calculated as follows. In one example, the Gross Calorific Value (GCV) of natural gas is 39.0 MJ / m3The Net Calorific Value (NCV) of natural gas may be calculated from the following equation: NCV = GCV - (LHV x MC), where LHV is the latent heat of vapourisation of water and MC is moisture content. Assuming that the moisture content of natural gas is negligible, the NCV of natural gas is equal to the GCV. In other words, the NCV of natural gas is 39.0MJ / m3.

[0127] Assume that the complete combustion of natural gas with air produces only CO2 and H2O and no other pollutants; and let the carbon content of natural gas in the present example be 75%. The carbon emissions from natural gas consumption may be calculated from the equation CE =(CCNG x MwC02) / MwC, where CE = carbon emissions from natural gas consumption; CCNG = carbon content of natural gas; MWCO2 = the molecular weight of CO2; and MwC = the molecular weight of carbon. In this case, the carbon emissions from natural gas consumption are given by CE = (0.75 x 44) / 12. In other words, where it is assumed that all the carbon from the natural gas fuel is converted to carbon dioxide during combustion, the carbon emissions from natural gas consumption are 2.75 kg CO2 / m3fuel.

[0128] Thus, in summary, natural gas has a Net Calorific Value of 39.0MJ / m3and produces carbon emissions of 2.75 kg CO2 / m3fuel when combusted. It will be noted that the values of the above-mentioned figures for the Net Calorific Value and carbon emissions metrics will vary depending on the source of the fuel used by the boiler.

[0129] Referring to the second calculation component, namely, the volume of natural gas consumed by the boiler, it will be recalled that the energy saving device 100 maintains water in the hot water storage tank 4 at a temperature of at least 25°C and more preferably 30°, so that when water with a temperature of 50° - 60° is required from the hot water storage tank 4, the water only needs to be heated by an additional 25° to 30°.

[0130] Given the specific heat capacity of water is 4.186 J(g°C)’1, 4186 J are required to heat a volume of WOOmls of water by 1°C. Thus, (4186 X 20 / 1000) = 83.720 kJ are required to heat the WOOmls of water by 20°C, where the 20°C corresponds with the temperature difference between the temperature at which water is maintained in the hot water storage tank 4 and a required temperature of hot water. Thus, 10,046.4 kJ are required to heat the water contained in a 120L hot water storage tank 4 by 20°C. This corresponds to 2.79 kWh of heat. The calorific value of natural gas is 11 .574 kWhrrr3in Ireland. Accordingly, 0.24 cubic meters of natural gas in Ireland are required to heat water in a 120L hot water storage tank 4 to the required temperature in the preferred embodiment.

[0131] By contrast, in a conventional boiler with an ambient temperature of 0°C, (4186 X 50 / 1000) = 209.3 kJ are required to heat the OOmls of water by 50°C, where the 50°C corresponds with the temperature difference between the ambient temperature and the required temperature of hot water. Thus, 25,116kJ are required to heat the water contained in a 120L storage vessel to the required temperature of hot water. This corresponds to 6.976 kWh of heat. Thus, 0.6 cubic meters of natural gas in Ireland are required to heat water in a 120L vessel to the required temperature in the conventional boiler system.

[0132] In other words, using the present example, the energy saving device saves over 60% of the natural gas otherwise consumed by the boiler system.

[0133] The above calculations of the carbon consumption of the energy saving device 100 is based upon an hourly consumption rate which may be incorporated in the first microcontroller 402 coupled with the boiler 2. Calculations by the first microcontroller 402 over a pre-determined duration of one hour of boiler usage, will provide a value of how many cubic meters of gas were consumed within that hour depending on the size of the boiler 2. Each boiler will have a set hourly consumption rate and in embodiment, with natural gas each cubic meter consumed corresponds with 1 ,8kg of carbon.

[0134] Specifically, the first microcontroller 402 will comprise one or more preset values, with the main value being the calorific value of the fuel being consumed. In the present example, the calorific value of natural gas is 11.574 kWhnr3in Ireland. However, this value is may be remotely changed, for example, through the wireless antenna 418 of the first microcontroller 402, wherein the change to the preset value may be required depending on the source and nature of the fuel consumed by the boiler 2. Using the first and second calculation components and comparing the volume of natural gas consumed by the energy saving device 100, with the volume of natural gas otherwise consumed by a conventional boiler system, the control system 200 may be configured to calculate a calorific value for the energy savings achieved by the energy saving device 100 as compared with a comparable conventional boiler system.

[0135] As an aside, with a condensing boiler, a PWM signal on the boiler is used for measuring the output of the boiler in kWh, as this will be a variable and the consumption on this type of boiler will also vary, thereby resulting in a variable carbon production rate per hour.

[0136] Using the calculated calorific value, the control system 200 may be configured to calculate a carbon credit for the energy saving device 100. The calculated energy usage and corresponding carbon credit information may be communicated to a remote billing system through a telecommunications or data network infrastructure. In one embodiment and in the interests of ensuring the provenance and integrity of the data, the data may be shared with the energy provided by way of a distributed ledger technology (DLT) such as Blockchain.

[0137] The invention is not limited to the specific details described herein which are provided by way of example only. Accordingly, various modifications and alterations may be made to the above without departing from the scope of the invention as set out in the following claims.

Claims

Claims,1 . An energy saving device (100) comprising a first vessel (6) adapted to receive and contain a body of water for provision to a water supply system, wherein the first vessel (6) is thermally coupled with a second vessel (4) adapted to receive a body of material heated to a first temperature and to contain the heated material for provision to a heating system of a building, wherein the energy saving device (100) further comprises a heating element (8) and a first temperature sensor (30) mounted in a spaced apart arrangement in an interior of the second vessel (4); characterised in that the heating element (8) is cyclically operable to be activated on detection by the first temperature sensor (30) of a temperature of the material contained in the second vessel (4) being less than a second temperature, to heat the material until it reaches a third temperature upon which the heating element (8) is deactivated, thereby maintaining the material at a temperature of between the second temperature and the third temperature and correspondingly heating the water contained in the first vessel (6), until a further body of material is received by the second vessel (4).

2. The energy saving device (100) of Claim 1 wherein the first vessel (6) is a hollow coil element disposed within the interior of the second vessel (4) so that, in use, the first vessel (6) is substantially submerged in the heated material contained in the second vessel (4).

3. The energy saving device (100) of Claim 1 or Claim 2 wherein the energy saving device (100) comprises a three port valve (214) coupled with an egress of the first vessel (6) and an egress of the second vessel (4), the three port valve (214) being reciprocally switchable between a first configuration in which hot water from the first vessel (6) is pumped to an opened water supply outlet and a second configuration in which heated material is directed from the second vessel (4) to a radiator (14) of the heating system on detection of a temperature of less than a fourth temperature at a location proximal to the radiator (14).

4. The energy saving device (100) of Claim 3 wherein the energy saving device (100) comprises a second temperature sensor disposed at a location inside the building, wherein on detection by the second temperature sensor of a temperatureless than the fourth temperature, the three port valve (214) is switched to the second configuration to cause heated material to be directed from the second vessel (4) to a radiator (14) located closest to the second temperature sensor.

5. The energy saving device (100) of Claim 4 wherein the energy saving device (100) comprises a table whose entries identify the or each time interval during which a radiator (14) in the building is to be activated such that on detection by the second temperature sensor of a temperature less than the fourth temperature, the energy saving device (100) is configured to interrogate entries in the table and switch the three port valve (214) to the second configuration in the event the detection occurred within a time interval in which the radiator (14) located closest to the detection is to be activated, to thereby cause heated material to be directed from the second vessel (4) to the radiator (14).

6. The energy saving device (100) of any one of the preceding claims wherein the second vessel (4) is couplable with a boiler (2) to receive therefrom a body of material which has been heated by the boiler (2) according to a predefined schedule.

7. The energy saving device (100) of any one of Claims 3 to 6, wherein the energy saving device (100) comprises a third temperature sensor (50) disposed proximally to an egress from the first vessel (6) and the energy saving device (100) is operable to receive an indicator of a required temperature of water from the opened water supply outlet; to activate the boiler (2) in the event the temperature detected by the third temperature sensor (50) of the water exiting the first vessel (6) is less than the required temperature of water from the opened water supply outlet to heat the material contained in the boiler (2) and supply the heated material to the second vessel (4), to thereby further heat the material contained therein and correspondingly further heat the water contained in the first vessel (6).

8. The energy saving device (100) of any one of Claims 3 to 7, wherein the energy saving device (100) is operable to activate the boiler (2) in the event heated material is directed from the second vessel (4) to the radiator (14), to thereby heat the material contained in the boiler (2) and supply the heated material to the second vessel (4) to replace the material directed to the radiator (14).

9. The energy saving device (100) of Claim 4, wherein the energy saving device (100) comprises a fourth temperature sensor disposed outside the building and wherein the energy saving device (100) is configured to switch the three port valve (214) to the second configuration in the event a temperature measured by the fourth temperature sensor and a temperature measured by the second temperature sensor are less than a fifth temperature and the fourth temperature respectively.

10. The energy saving device (100) of any of the preceding claims wherein the second vessel (4) is coated with an insulation material formed from recycled coating materials of electrical cables.11 . The energy saving device (100) of any of the preceding claims wherein the third temperature is a preconfigured desired operating temperature of the second vessel (4) and the second temperature is a predefined tolerance temperature less than the third temperature.

12. The energy saving device (100) of Claim 11 wherein the third temperature is in the range of 25° to 35° and the second temperature is 20° to 30°.

13. The energy saving device (100) of any one of Claims 6 to 12 wherein the energy saving device (100) is operable to calculate the power consumed by the energy saving device (100) and the boiler (2) and to compare the calculation with a known energy usage of a comparable boiler operating under the same conditions, to determine the energy saved by the energy saving device (100) over the comparable boiler.

14. The energy saving device (100) of Claim 13 wherein the energy saving device (100) is operable to receive an identifier of a fossil fuel burned by the boiler (2) and from this to calculate the calorific value of the energy saved by the energy saving device (100), to thereby calculate a carbon credit for the energy saving device (100).

15. The energy saving device (100) of Claim 14 wherein the energy saving device (100) is communicably coupled with a distributed ledger technology framework to store therein details of the carbon credit of the energy saving device (100) and supply the details to the energy provider of the boiler (2).

16. The energy saving device (100) of any one of Claim 8 and Claims 10 to 15 when dependent on Claim 7 wherein the energy saving device (100) is configured toactivate the boiler (2) to heat the material contained therein to a temperature of 55° to 65°.

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