A heating and cooling system for collective residential dwellings and a method for controlling it

Abstract

A heating and cooling system for collective residential dwelling units. The system comprises: a collective heat pump; a central control device; a plurality of residential dwelling units, each provided with a local heating and cooling system and a local controller device; one closed circuit for circulating a liquid between the collective heat pump and the heating and cooling systems of the residential dwelling units; and a communication system for mutual communication between the central control device and the local controller devices. The local heating and cooling system comprises: a supply pipe; an adjustable valve on the supply pipe for regulating a flow rate; a heating and cooling module for regulating a temperature in the residential dwelling unit; a discharge pipe; a coupling pipe between the discharge pipe and the supply pipe; a heat pump water heater system; and a circulation pump for circulating the liquid on the heating and cooling system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a heating and cooling system for collective residential dwelling units. The present invention also relates to a method for controlling a heating and cooling system for collective residential dwelling units.Background Art

[0002] Heating and / or cooling systems for collective residential dwelling units are known. Classic examples include a central heating system in an apartment building, a heating network (or cooling network) in a residential neighborhood. In general, these systems comprise one or more sources of thermal energy that is distributed by means of a medium (e.g., steam, hot liquid, or cold liquid) from a central location to multiple locations for heating and / or cooling spaces and / or processes there. Many sources of thermal energy are known, such as the combustion of fossil fuels (e.g., a central heating boiler), the use of electricity to generate heat (e.g., an electric heater), or using a heat pump (e.g., an air-to-water heat pump). A heat pump is also often used in combination with or as part of a BES (Borehole Energy Storage) field or an ATES (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage) field.

[0003] The present invention specifically relates to systems that use a collective heat pump for providing thermal energy to a collection of residential dwelling units. This collection can be formed by multiple apartments in one or more apartment buildings and / or multiple separate residential buildings. In each of the residential dwelling units, a separate heating system and / or cooling system is present. Many such systems are known, such as classic radiators, underfloor heating, underfloor cooling, convectors, etc. Which system is applied locally is of secondary importance in the context of the present invention.

[0004] In a classic setup, two separate loops are typically used between the collective heat pump and the residential dwelling units, namely a first loop for the circulation of a hot medium and a second loop for the circulation of a cold medium. The medium is typically a liquid, such as water, but other media are possible. Each dwelling unit is connected to both loops and can draw both heat and cold according to its needs. The use of two loops allows for meeting the possibly different needs of the individual dwelling units. In particular, situations regularly occur where a number of the dwelling units desire heating, while another group of the dwelling units desires no heating or even cooling. Examples include: a sunny spring day where south-facing dwelling units heat up sufficiently from the incident sunlight, but north-facing dwelling units do not; or the circumstance that certain dwelling units are not occupied during the day (e.g., the residents are at work) and thus require less or no thermal energy, while this is not the case for other dwelling units; etc. Examples of such two-loop systems are described in EP 3 165 831, EP 3 184 914 and EP 3 372 903.

[0005] The main disadvantage of such systems is the need to install two completely separate loops. First of all, this requires a large quantity of raw materials (both in piping material and in insulation for it), as well as more time to install. Moreover, due to the duplication, there is also about twice the chance that a leak or other defect will occur somewhere. Furthermore, many more couplings, valves, sensors, etc. are needed.

[0006] Systems are also known that operate on the basis of more than two loops, such as for example using three loops. Such a system is disclosed in EP 3 835 666 A1. In such systems, there is a cold loop, a hot loop, and an intermediate loop. Such systems require an even higher cost in raw materials, materials, installation time, etc. than the systems based on two loops.

[0007] Furthermore, systems are also known that operate on the basis of a single loop, for example as disclosed in US 10,641,510. There, a system is disclosed for controlling a collective heating of a district. The system obtains information from the various actors involved (i.e., energy sources and energy consumers). The purpose of the disclosure in US 10,641,510 is to determine whether it is more advantageous, depending on the energy needs, to use either a ground heat exchanger or a ground source heat pump.

[0008] A heating and cooling system for collective residential dwelling units is disclosed in EP 4 350 238 A1 and comprises: a collective heat pump; a central control device for controlling the collective heat pump; a plurality of residential dwelling units, each provided with: a local heating and cooling system; and a local controller device for controlling the heating and cooling system; one closed circuit for circulating a liquid between the collective heat pump and the heating and cooling systems of the residential dwelling units; and a communication system configured for mutual communication between the central control device and the local controller devices. Each local heating and cooling system comprises: a supply pipe that branches off from the closed circuit; a heating and cooling module for regulating a temperature in at least one room of the residential dwelling unit, which heating and cooling module is connected to the supply pipe; and a discharge pipe from the heating and cooling module to the closed circuit,

[0009] The purpose of the disclosure of EP 4 350 238 A1 is primarily to increase users' comfort. The entire disclosure is aimed at meeting the needs of the users as well as possible. The energy cost, which is crucial in US 10,641,510, is of secondary importance in the disclosure of EP 4 350 238 A1.Description of the invention

[0010] It is an object of the present invention to further improve the system disclosed in EP 4 350 238 A1.

[0011] This object is achieved in that each local heating and cooling system comprises: an adjustable valve at a first position on the supply pipe for regulating a flow rate; a coupling pipe that extends from a first position on the discharge pipe to a second position on the supply pipe, which second position is downstream relative to the first position on the supply pipe; a heat pump water heater system having: a supply that branches off from: a third position on the supply pipe that is downstream relative to the second position on the supply pipe, and / or a second position on the discharge pipe that is upstream relative to the first position on the discharge pipe; a heat pump water heater connected to the supply; and a discharge from the heat pump water heater to a third position on the discharge pipe that is upstream relative to the first position on the discharge pipe; and a circulation pump for circulating the liquid on the heating and cooling system.

[0012] Providing the coupling pipe from the discharge pipe to supply pipe downstream relative to the adjustable valve allows a local return flow from the discharge (to the central circuit) to the supply (from the central circuit). In other words, there is a local circuit where heat can be extracted from the building by means of the heating and cooling module and can be used by the heat pump water heater for generating hot water. The placement of the coupling pipe after the adjustable valve allows the local heating and cooling system to be fully or partially closed off from the central circuit so as to regulate how much heat is extracted from the building.

[0013] The term "heat from the dwelling unit" should be interpreted broadly as the available thermal mass of the environment bounded by the dwelling unit and can relate to the air therein, the walls, floors, ceilings, etc. There is then a "heat surplus" if the temperature in the rooms controlled by the heating and cooling module is higher than the temperature desired by the user.

[0014] The invention thus allows, depending on the situation, to provide hot water (e.g., for showering) without needing any energy from the central circuit. This is very advantageous during the summer period when (almost) all residential dwelling units have a heat surplus. A portion of that surplus can be used for generating hot water. That portion then also does not need to be cooled by the central circuit, which again saves energy.

[0015] This coupling pipe also has advantages in a moderate season (e.g., autumn or spring). In a moderate season, there is often a division between the dwelling units into a first group that needs heating (e.g., north-facing) and a second group that needs cooling (e.g., south-facing). The coupling pipe allows for providing cooling to the second group of dwelling units through the heat pump water heater extracting local heat, while the central circuit can supply heat to the first group of dwelling units.

[0016] A first embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the supply branches off from the third position on the supply pipe that is downstream relative to the second position on the supply pipe, and in that the circulation pump is positioned on the supply pipe, preferably between the second and third positions on the supply pipe.

[0017] A second embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the supply branches off from the second position on the discharge pipe that is upstream relative to the first position on the discharge pipe, and in that the circulation pump is positioned on the supply pipe, preferably downstream relative to the second position on the supply pipe. In this embodiment, a further circulation pump is preferably provided on the supply to the heat pump water heater. In this embodiment, a check valve is preferably provided between the second position and the third position on the discharge pipe.

[0018] These two embodiments offer flexibility in the design of the local heating and cooling system. The first embodiment requires fewer different components than the second embodiment (where for proper operation, a circulation pump and / or check valve are also preferably present). In addition, the second embodiment is more efficient since all working liquid from the central circuit first passes through the heating and cooling module.

[0019] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the adjustable valve is substantially continuously adjustable between an open position and a closed position. This increases control over the flow rate regulation on the supply pipe and is particularly useful in the moderate season, when there may not be enough surplus heat in the dwelling unit to meet the hot water needs. The substantially continuously adjustable valve then allows the flow rate from the central circuit to be controlled as a function of the surplus of thermal energy in the dwelling unit.

[0020] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the collective heat pump comprises a plurality of air-to-water (more generally air-to-liquid) and / or water-to-water (more generally liquid-to-liquid) heat pumps, in particular a monobloc heat pump, which are preferably arranged in parallel.

[0021] Air-to-water heat pumps have many advantages; they can, for example, be placed and used anywhere without additional systems (such as a BES field). The use of multiple air-to-water heat pumps further provides the necessary redundancy, e.g., if one heat pump is defective, this can be compensated for by the remaining ones. Placing the heat pumps in parallel is further advantageous because one or more of the heat pumps can easily be switched on or off depending on the current needs. A defective heat pump can also be easily compensated for by the remaining ones and can be repaired or replaced without impacting the rest of the system. Finally, the use of monobloc heat pumps increases safety and lowers the cost. This is because the refrigerant (or heating medium) is contained in only one component that is completely separate from the liquid in the closed loop, where e.g., water can circulate. The installation of the system can thus largely be done without the intervention of a specialized technician.

[0022] The use of water-to-water heat pumps, on the other hand, is advantageous in applications with geothermal energy, e.g., a BES (Borehole Energy Storage) field or an ATES (Aquifer Thermal Energy Storage) field. Such geothermal applications require the use of a liquid-to-liquid heat pump. A conventional installation comprises a single water-to-water heat pump between the BES / ATES field and the residential dwelling units. The water-to-water heat pump has a high capacity (e.g., more than 100 kW) and only has an ON state and an OFF state. Therefore, there is a need for a system of redundancies (e.g., expansion vessels, pressure vessels, buffer tanks, etc.) in order to meet variable energy needs. Furthermore, frequency-controlled water-to-water heat pumps are also known that allow meeting a variable energy need via the variable frequency (i.e., a heat pump with a constant flow rate but a variable frequency to vary a difference in temperature between the incoming and outgoing liquid). The cost of this, however, is not economically viable for use in collective residential dwelling units in comparison with the system of redundancies. In addition, this approach often gives rise to situations where the heat pump does not operate in optimal conditions.

[0023] The disclosure allows for replacing the one high-capacity heat pump with multiple low-capacity heat pumps (e.g., having a capacity of about 5-20 kW, such as 10 kW). Furthermore, the redundancies are no longer necessary in the context of the disclosure since the variable energy needs can be met by temporarily switching certain heat pumps on or off. Moreover, use can also be made of multiple frequency-controlled water-to-water heat pumps that, in addition to switching a heat pump on or off, allow even better responding to the variable energy need.

[0024] The use of both air-to-water (more generally air-to-liquid) and water-to-water (more generally liquid-to-liquid) heat pumps in the same system allows for their optimal utilization depending on the weather conditions. By way of illustration, the efficiency of an air-to-water heat pump for heating decreases with a falling outside temperature. A BES / ATES field has a maximum total energy capacity for each that must remain globally constant over one year. This is typically achieved by reinjecting the energy extracted in winter for heating back into the field through cooling in summer. If the outside temperature is, for example, above 10°C, an air-to-water heat pump is sufficiently efficient for these heat pump(s) to be able to supply the system with the necessary energy, and thus no energy needs to be extracted from the BES / ATES field. At a lower temperature, it is then possible to switch to the water-to-water heat pump(s), which at such temperatures are more efficient than the air-to-air heat pumps. In summer, if necessary, the air-to-water heat pump can be used as an extra source to inject energy into the BES / ATES field by means of the water-to-water heat pump(s). This additional injection of energy into the BES / ATES field by means of the air-to-water heat pumps in summer can be advantageous for several reasons, e.g., to compensate for excessive / exceptional use in the past winter or in a relatively cool summer when there is only little cooling, etc. and thus generally serves to globally maintain the energy balance of the BES / ATES field over the period of one year.

[0025] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the local controller device is provided with: an interface configured to: obtain current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit; obtain current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater; and obtain current temperature data of the liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump; an analysis module configured to determine energy requirement data for the heat pump water heater, based on the current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater; a decision module configured to determine the flow rate across the adjustable valve, based on the energy requirement data, the current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit and the current temperature data of the liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump; and a control module configured to generate control signals for controlling the local heating and cooling system, based on said flow rate.

[0026] In this embodiment, the local controller device is able to determine, based on locally available parameters, for example by means of sensors in or near the dwelling unit, whether there is a need for (additional) hot water in the heat pump water heater, and whether that need can be met with the surplus heat (i.e., the heat surplus) in the dwelling unit. Depending on both determinations, the flow rate on the supply pipe is then controlled. Preferably, the local controller device shares these data, the assessment, and the adjusted setting of the adjustable valve with the central control device so that the latter has an over-view of each dwelling unit.

[0027] An embodiment of the present invention is characterized in that the central control device is provided with: an interface configured to: obtain current temperature data and desired temperature data from each residential dwelling unit; and obtain current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater from each residential dwelling unit; an analysis module configured to determine energy requirement data for each residential dwelling unit, based on the current temperature data, the desired temperature data and the energy loss data; a decision module configured to generate a temperature-time profile of the desired temperature of said liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump, based on the energy requirement data, as a function of time during a future time interval; and a control module configured to generate control signals for controlling the collective heat pump, based on said desired temperature, wherein the communication system is configured to send the calculated temperature-time profile to each residential dwelling unit.

[0028] In this embodiment of the invention, a central control device is provided that allows for providing both heating and cooling by using a collective heat pump and with only one closed circuit for circulating the liquid between the collective heat pump and the residential dwelling units. Through the interface obtaining current and desired temperature data, the control device, in particular the decision module, is able to determine the general need of the collective residential dwelling units, i.e., whether there is a global need for heating or for cooling. The central control device then determines the desired temperature of said liquid at an outlet side of the collective heat pump depending on the determined general need, e.g., a relatively warm liquid (e.g., 35°C or 45°C) for heating or a relatively cold liquid (e.g., 10°C) for cooling. Based on the desired temperature, the central control device then generates the necessary control signals.

[0029] The communication system further allows sending the calculated temperature-time profile to each residential dwelling unit. In this way, each residential dwelling unit is aware of the temperature of the liquid in the closed circuit during the future time interval. The dwelling units (in particular the local controller device provided for this purpose) can then control the local heating and cooling system as a function of the temperature of the incoming liquid, for example by adjusting the flow rate of the adjustable valve on the supply pipe.

[0030] In an embodiment of the invention, the central control device is further provided with: a database configured to store the current temperature data and the desired temperature data (preferably these are data that represent the desired temperature during a future time interval), which database further contains energy loss data (the energy loss data is, e.g., an indication of the temperature evolution in a residential dwelling unit over time in the absence of energy inflow) from each residential dwelling unit; and an analysis module configured to determine energy requirement data for each residential dwelling unit, based on the current temperature data, the desired temperature data and the energy loss data, wherein the decision module is configured to generate a temperature-time profile of the desired temperature of said liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump, based on the energy requirement data, as a function of time during a future time interval.

[0031] The use of energy loss data in combination with the temperature data (both current and desired) allows for calculating an estimate of the energy that will be needed by each dwelling unit during a future time interval (e.g., for the next hour or the next two or three hours). Such an estimate may for example comprise a first group of dwelling units needing additional energy in order to heat up the dwelling unit for 1 hour, and thereafter needing energy to compensate for their energy loss, while a second group of dwelling units only need energy to compensate for their energy loss, and a third group of dwelling units on the contrary want to release energy to cool down the dwelling unit for two hours. Based on this estimate, the decision module generates a temperature-time profile of the liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump in order to meet the different needs. This first embodiment of the disclosure therefore provides for a control (or regulation) during a future time interval.

[0032] It can also be advantageous, when generating the temperature-time profile, to also take into account the properties, in particular the efficiency, of the different local heating and cooling systems that are present in the different residential dwelling units. This is because certain types of heating and cooling systems need more / less energy to get from the current temperature to the desired temperature.

[0033] In an embodiment of the invention, the database further comprises historical data from each residential dwelling unit, which historical data at least comprise data concerning the desired temperature, the current temperature, and energy consumption data, which historical data preferably comprise data concerning the season, weather conditions, and / or an occupation in the residential dwelling unit, wherein said energy loss data is obtained based on the historical data stored in the database. More preferably, the central control device is further provided with a machine learning module trained on the historical data and configured to generate said energy loss data. Firstly, it is possible to search the set of historical data to find an identical (or similar) set of circumstances in order to find accurate energy loss data for the current situation. However, because energy loss is the result of a plurality of different factors, it is preferred to use machine learning techniques (e.g., a neural network) trained on the historical data so as to make a prediction of the energy loss data for the current situation.

[0034] In an embodiment of the invention, the central control device is further provided with a machine learning module trained on historical desired temperature data of a residential dwelling unit and configured to generate said desired temperature data. This avoids the need for a user (e.g., a resident of the dwelling unit) to manually enter a schedule or to manually provide desired temperature data.

[0035] The advantages of the embodiments described above are also achieved with a method for controlling a heating and cooling system for collective residential dwelling units, which method comprises the following steps: providing a heating and cooling system as described above; obtaining current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit, current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater, and current temperature data of the liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump; based on the current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater, determining energy requirement data for the heat pump water heater; based on the current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit, determining whether there is a heat surplus; and if there is a heat surplus, reducing or shutting off the flow rate across the adjustable valve and controlling the heat pump water heater to heat the water. Preferably, the method further comprises, if there is a heat surplus and if the energy requirement data for the heat pump water heater is low, maintaining or increasing the flow rate across the adjustable valve and controlling the heating and cooling module for cooling the residential dwelling unit. Preferably, the method further comprises, if there is no heat surplus, maintaining or increasing the flow rate across the adjustable valve and controlling the heat pump water heater to heat the water.

[0036] It should be understood that, as will also become apparent from the further description below, the different embodiments of the disclosures identified above (including any optional features mentioned) are not separate elements, but, on the contrary, that these different elements can be combined with each other for obtaining still other embodiments of the disclosures than those already described, which embodiments of the disclosures also form part of the disclosure.Brief description of the drawings

[0037] The disclosure will hereinafter be explained in further detail by means of the following description and the appended drawings. Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a heating and cooling system for collective residential dwelling units according to the invention. Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a local heating and cooling system. Figure 3 shows a second embodiment of a local heating and cooling system. Figure 4 shows a schematic overview of the functional components in a control device for controlling a heating and cooling system for collective residential dwelling units according to the invention. Embodiments of the disclosure

[0038] The disclosure will hereinafter be described by means of specific embodiments and with reference to certain drawings. The drawings presented here are merely schematic representations and are not limiting. In the drawings, the dimensions of certain parts may be shown enlarged, meaning that the parts in question are not shown to scale, being for illustrative purposes only. The dimensions and the relative dimensions do not necessarily correspond to actual embodiments of the disclosure in practice.

[0039] Furthermore, terms such as "first", "second", "third", and the like are used in the description and in the claims to distinguish between similar elements and not necessarily to indicate a sequential or chronological order. The terms in question are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and the embodiments of the disclosure can operate in other sequences than those described or illustrated herein.

[0040] Moreover, terms such as "top", "bottom", "above", "below", and the like are used in the description and in the claims for descriptive purposes. The terms thus used are interchangeable under appropriate circumstances, and the embodiments of the disclosure can operate in other orientations than those described or illustrated herein.

[0041] The term "comprising" and derived terms, as used in the claims, should not be interpreted as being limited to the means following it; the term does not exclude other elements or steps. The term should be interpreted as a specification of the mentioned properties, integers, steps, or components to which reference is made, without however excluding the presence or the addition of one or more additional properties, integers, steps, or components, or groups thereof. Thus, the scope of an expression such as "a device comprising the means A and B" is not limited to devices that consist purely of components A and B. What is meant, on the contrary, is that, as far as the disclosure is concerned, the only relevant components are A and B.

[0042] The term "substantially" comprises variations of + / - 10% or less, preferably + / -5% or less, more preferably + / -1% or less, and even more preferably + / -0.1% or less, from the specified state, insofar as the variations are applicable functionally in the disclosure. It should be understood that the term "substantially A" is intended to also include "A".

[0043] Figure 1 shows a schematic overview of a heating and cooling system 100 for collective residential dwelling units according to the disclosure. The system 100 comprises a collection of residential dwelling units 120 1 , 120 2 , ..., 120 N , hereinafter collectively referred to by reference numeral 120, wherein N is a natural number greater than 1. This collection 120 can consist of multiple apartments in one or more apartment buildings and / or multiple separate residential buildings. Each of the dwelling units 120 is provided with a separate heating and cooling system 124. Examples include classic radiators, underfloor heating, underfloor cooling, convectors, etc. Preferably, the heating and cooling system 124 uses liquid circulation, e.g., floor and / or wall circulation, so that both heating and cooling are possible via the same system.

[0044] The different dwelling units 120 can be identical to each other or different from one another. According to the present invention, at least two of the dwelling units 120 have an additional heat pump water heater 125 for heating water (this is also the case in figure 1). This allows, for example, for water to be heated to 60°C, 70°C or 80°C for use as shower water, while the heating and cooling system 124 uses water at 35°C for heating. The specific connection between the heating and cooling system 124 and the heat pump water heater 125 is further described with reference to figures 2 and 3.

[0045] The system 100 comprises a central collective component 110 comprising a collective heat pump 114 that is connected to each of the residential dwelling units 120 via a network of pipes referred to by reference numerals 130 et seq. The network of pipes together forms a closed circuit 130 for circulating a liquid between the collective heat pump 114 and each of the local heating and cooling systems 124. The closed circuit 130 comprises a supply part 130A for supplying liquid to the dwelling units 120 and a discharge part 130B for discharging liquid from the dwelling units 120. On the supply part 130A, a plurality of supply branches 132 1 , 132 2 , ..., 132 N are provided (hereinafter collectively referred to by reference numeral 132), each connecting one dwelling unit to the supply part 130A of the closed circuit 130. A plurality of supply branches 134 1 , 134 2 , ..., 134 N (hereinafter collectively referred to by reference numeral 134) are also provided on the discharge part 130B, each connecting one dwelling unit to the discharge part 130B of the closed circuit 130.

[0046] In the embodiment shown, there is further a bypass 136 from the supply part 130A to the discharge part 130B having a flow rate controller 135 (i.e., an adjustable valve). Its operation was described in EP 4 350 238 A1 and can be summarized as avoiding flow rates across the collective heat pump 114 that are too low, which, especially with air-to-water heat pumps, can lead to defects and / or the failure of a heat pump. In other embodiments, this bypass 136 may be absent.

[0047] The pipes 130, 132, 134, 136 can be made of different materials, including plastic, composite, cement and / or metal. The pipes can be single- or multi-walled. If necessary, insulation can also be provided around (a part of) the pipes. Preferably, the pipes are laid underground whenever possible, because this is advantageous for insulation and is aesthetically desirable, among other reasons.

[0048] The pipes are suitable for transporting both hot and cold liquids. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the liquid is water, but other liquids are also possible. Preferably, these are liquids that do not freeze at ambient temperatures, such as, e.g., ammonia, oil, alcohol, or glycol. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the hot liquid has a temperature between 5 and 50°C, which temperature is in particular at least 15°C, more in particular at least 20°C and most in particular at least 25°C, and which temperature is in particular at most 45°C and more in particular at most 40°C. An example of a temperature of a hot medium is 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C or 35°C. In an embodiment of the disclosure, the cold liquid has a temperature between 0 and 35°C, which temperature is in particular at least 3°C, more in particular at least 5°C and most in particular at least 8°C and which temperature is in particular at most 20°C, more in particular at most 15°C and most in particular at most 10°C. An example of a temperature of a cold medium is 9°C.

[0049] Each dwelling unit 120 is further provided with a plurality of sensors 126 1 , ..., 126 J , hereinafter collectively referred to by reference numeral 126, wherein J is a natural number greater than 1. Which sensors, and / or the number of sensors, 126 can differ per dwelling unit 120, such as in the embodiment of the disclosure shown in figure 1, where L sensors are provided in dwelling unit 120 1 , J sensors are provided in dwelling unit 120 N and K sensors are provided in dwelling unit 120 2 , wherein J, K and L are each a natural number greater than 1 and can be different from or equal to each other. Each of the sensors described below determines, directly or indirectly (e.g., by using a mathematical formula or a correlation), a numerical value for a physical quantity. In what follows, the output of the one or more sensors is referred to by the term sensor data.

[0050] In the context of the disclosure, the following sensors 126 may be relevant. One or more sensors for measuring the temperature in one or more rooms inside the dwelling unit and / or outside the dwelling unit. One or more sensors for measuring ambient humidity in one or more rooms inside the dwelling unit and / or outside the dwelling unit. One or more sensors for measuring CO 2 levels in one or more rooms inside the dwelling unit and / or outside the dwelling unit. One or more sensors for measuring fine particulates levels in one or more rooms inside the dwelling unit and / or outside the dwelling unit. One or more sensors for measuring a flow rate in one or more pipes, in particular on the supply branch 132 to the dwelling unit. One or more sensors for measuring a pressure in one or more pipes, in particular on the supply branch 132 to the dwelling unit. One or more sensors for detecting a presence in one or more rooms inside the dwelling unit, e.g., an infrared detector, a camera, a heat detector, the presence of a smartphone, etc. One or more sensors for detecting light incidence and / or light intensity in one or more rooms inside the dwelling unit.

[0051] Each dwelling unit 120 is further provided with a plurality of actors 128 1 , ..., 128 P , hereinafter collectively referred to by reference numeral 128, wherein P is a natural number greater than 1. Which actors, and / or the number of actors, 128 can differ per dwelling unit 120, such as in the embodiment of the disclosure shown in figure 1, where R actors are provided in dwelling unit 120 1 , P actors are provided in dwelling unit 120 N and Q actors are provided in dwelling unit 120 2 , wherein P, Q and R are each a natural number greater than 1 and can be different from or equal to each other. Each actor 128 controls, directly or indirectly, one or more appliances (or a part thereof) that are related to and / or can have an influence on the heating and cooling system 124. In what follows, the setting of the one or more actors is referred to by the term operating data.

[0052] In the context of the disclosure, the following appliances may be relevant to the operation of the heating and cooling system 124. First of all, the heating and cooling system 124 itself, e.g., the floor circulation or an HVAC, and the heat pump water heater. In addition, the following appliances may also be relevant: a ventilation system, a sun shading system, and an air conditioning system, or a combination thereof. Which actors are present naturally depends on the appliances present in the dwelling unit. Examples of actors include flow rate controllers, in particular a flow rate controller on the supply branch 132 to the dwelling unit, valves, a fan motor, a drive for the sun shading, rotatable louvers, ventilation grilles, etc. Examples of the operating data include: the flow rate, the position of the valves or the rotatable louvers, the position of a sun shading, the power of the fan motor, the position of a ventilation grille, etc.

[0053] Besides sensor data and operating data, there is also external data that is related to or may have an influence on the operation of the heating and cooling system 124. Examples include: outside temperature, air pressure, ambient air quality (e.g., level of fine particulates), weather forecast, current or expected energy prices, input from sensors external to the dwelling unit, feedback from residents and / or other users, etc.

[0054] Another type of data in the context of the disclosure is user data. In particular, this represents the conditions desired by the user inside the dwelling unit or inside a specific room therein. Typically, the desired condition relates to temperature, e.g., the resident of a dwelling unit desires a temperature of 21°C in the time period between 6:30 and 8:30 and between 16:00 and 21:00, while the temperature may be lower or higher at other times, e.g., 18°C or 25°C. Another example is the desire for a constant temperature between 20°C and 23°C during the day, e.g., between 7:00 and 20:00.

[0055] The data, in particular the sensor data and operating data, are typically obtained sequentially or represented as a series of values as a function of time. The values may be obtained periodically, e.g., one value per minute, though a regular interval is not of crucial importance.

[0056] In each dwelling unit 120, a local controller device 122 is further provided for controlling the heating and cooling system 124. Figure 4 schematically illustrates which functional components are present in the local controller device 122.

[0057] The local controller device 122 is generally a computer system comprising a bus 602, a processor 604, a local memory 606, one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 608, and a communication interface 610. The bus 602 comprises one or more conductors and allows communication between the different components of the computer system. Processor 604 comprises any type of conventional processor or microprocessor that reads and executes computer program instructions. Local memory 606 is intended to comprise any form of computer-readable medium for information storage, such as a working memory (e.g., Random Access Memory - RAM), a static memory (e.g., a Read-Only Memory - ROM), a hard drive, or removable storage media (e.g., a DVD, CD, USB storage, SSD, etc.), etc. The local memory 606 is typically used for storing information and instructions that are to be processed by the processor. The I / O interface 608 may comprise one or more conventional systems enabling communication between the local controller device 122 and a user 160. Examples include a keyboard, a mouse, speech recognition, biometric means, a (touch)screen, a printer, a speaker, etc. The communication interface 610 is typically a transceiver system enabling communication with external systems. Examples include a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) such as Sigfox, LoRa, NarrowBand loT, etc., a Personal Area Network (PAN), such as Bluetooth, or a Local Area Network (LAN).

[0058] In the embodiment shown, the local controller device 122 further comprises a number of interfaces collectively referred to by reference numeral 620. More specifically, there is a first interface 612 for obtaining the sensor data from the one or more sensors 126, a second interface 614 for obtaining the operating data from the one or more actors 128, a third interface 616 for obtaining the external data from one or more external sources 150, and a fourth interface 618 for obtaining the user data from a user 160. Each of the interfaces described above can collect data in a wireless manner or via a cable, or even via a combination of both, wherein data from certain sensors / actors / sources is collected wirelessly and data from other sensors / actors / sources is collected via one or more cables. Each of these interfaces can use the I / O interface 608 and / or the communication interface 610.

[0059] The local memory 606 can be used for (temporary) storage of the data collected via the interfaces 620. For example, the collected data can be stored for a predetermined time period (e.g., one hour, one day or one week) before being sent to an external database. How long collected data is stored, and / or how frequently collected data is sent to an external database, depends, among other things, on the desire to store as little data as possible locally and / or to limit external communication. It is also possible to forward certain collected data (almost) continuously to the external database.

[0060] The processor 604 further comprises a control module 622 configured for generating control signals for one or more of the actors 128. If so desired, the processor 604 can use the communication interface 610 to send these control signals to the actors 128.

[0061] As already described above, the system 100 comprises a collective heat pump 114 for bringing the liquid in the closed circuit 130 to the desired temperature. In the context of the disclosure, this may be a liquid-to-liquid heat pump, in particular a plurality of monobloc water-to-water heat pumps arranged in parallel, used in combination with or as part of a BES (Borehole Energy Storage) field or a ATES (Cold Heat Storage) field. However, the disclosure is also directed to the situation where the collective heat pump 114 is constituted by an air-to-water heat pump. In the embodiment of the disclosure shown, the collective heat pump 114 comprises multiple separate air-to-water heat pumps 114 1 , 114 2 , 114 3 , ..., 114 M , wherein M is a natural number greater than 1. Preferably, these are arranged in parallel. More preferably, each air-to-water heat pump is a monobloc heat pump.

[0062] The central collective component 110 further comprises a plurality of sensors 116 1 , ... 116s, hereinafter collectively referred to by reference numeral 116, wherein S is a natural number greater than 1. Each of the sensors described below determines, directly or indirectly (e.g., by using a mathematical formula or a correlation), a numerical value for a physical quantity. In what follows, the output of the one or more sensors is referred to by the term sensor data.

[0063] In the context of the disclosure, the following sensors 116 may be relevant. One or more sensors for measuring the temperature of the liquid in the closed circuit 130, in particular at the inlet and / or outlet side of the collective heat pump 114, and optionally also for measuring the liquid temperature between successive heat pumps. One or more sensors for measuring a flow rate in the closed circuit 130, in particular at the outlet side of the collective heat pump 114 and / or on the bypass 136.

[0064] The central collective component 110 further comprises a plurality of actors 118 1 , ... 118 T , hereinafter collectively referred to by reference numeral 118, wherein T is a natural number greater than 1. Each actor 118 controls, directly or indirectly, one or more elements that are related to and / or can have an influence on the collective heat pump 114 and / or the flow on the bypass 136, examples of which include flow rate controllers op the closed circuit 130 and / or the bypass 136, power settings of the collective heat pump 114 or of the individual heat pumps that are part of the latter, etc. In what follows, the setting of the one or more actors is referred to by the term operating data.

[0065] The central collective component 110 further comprises a central control device 112 for controlling the collective heat pump 114. Figure 4 schematically illustrates which functional components are present in the central control device 112.

[0066] The central control device 112 is generally a computer system comprising a bus 652, a processor 654, a central memory 656, one or more input / output (I / O) interfaces 658, and a communication interface 660. The bus 652 comprises one or more conductors and allows communication between the different components of the computer system. Processor 654 comprises any type of conventional processor or microprocessor that reads and executes computer program instructions. Local memory 656 is intended to comprise any form of computer-readable medium for information storage, such as a working memory (e.g., Random Access Memory - RAM), a static memory (e.g., a Read-Only Memory - ROM), a hard drive, or removable storage media (e.g., a DVD, CD, USB storage, SSD, etc.), etc. The local memory 656 is typically used for storing information and instructions that are to be processed by the processor. The I / O interface 658 may comprise one or more conventional systems enabling communication between the central control device 112 and an administrator 170. Examples include a keyboard, a mouse, speech recognition, biometric means, a (touch)screen, a printer, a speaker, etc. The communication interface 660 is typically a transceiver system enabling communication with external systems. Examples include a Wide Area Network (WAN), such as the Internet, a Low Power Wide Area Network (LPWAN) such as Sigfox, LoRa, NarrowBand IoT, etc., a Personal Area Network (PAN), such as Bluetooth, or a Local Area Network (LAN).

[0067] In the embodiment shown, the central control device 112 further comprises a number of interfaces collectively referred to by reference numeral 670. More specifically, there is a first interface 672 for obtaining data from the different local controller devices 122, a second interface 674 for obtaining sensor data from the one or more sensors 116, and a third interface 676 for obtaining the operating data from the one or more actors 118. Each of the interfaces described above can collect data in a wireless manner or via a cable, or even via a combination of both,. Each of these interfaces can use the I / O interface 658 and / or the communication interface 660.

[0068] The central memory 656 can be used for (temporary) storage of the data collected via the interfaces 670. In the embodiment shown, the central memory 656 comprises the following modules: a long-term storage 662, a dwelling units-specific data storage 664, a user preferences storage 666, and collective heat pump operating conditions storage 668. The long-term storage 662 is used for storing historical data (e.g., sensor data, operating data, external data and / or user data), which data are then stored as a time series and may cover a time period of days, weeks, months or even years. The dwelling units-specific data storage 664 is used for storing data that is unique to a dwelling unit, e.g., its orientation, maximum or average energy requirements while heating, maximum or average energy requirements while cooling, energy retention of the dwelling unit, etc. In other words, the dwelling units-specific data storage 664 comprises a set of data per dwelling unit. The user preferences storage 666 is used for storing preferences of residents / users of a dwelling unit, e.g., a schedule of the desired temperature per day of the week. In other words, the user preferences storage 666 comprises at least one set of data per dwelling unit and may, if needed, comprise multiple sets per dwelling unit, namely, a first set for a first resident and a second (optionally different) set for a second resident of the same dwelling unit. The collective heat pump operating conditions storage 668 contains data concerning the operating conditions for the collective heat pump 114, e.g., minimum and / or maximum flow rates, optimal incoming / outgoing liquid temperature, desired power, etc.

[0069] The processor 654 further comprises a control module 682 configured for generating control signals for one or more of the actors 118. If so desired, the processor 654 can use the communication interface 660 to send these control signals to the actors 118. In the embodiment of the disclosure shown, the processor 654 also comprises an analysis module 684, a machine learning module 686, and a decision module 688. The analysis module 684 is typically used for analyzing certain parameters of the system 100 for determining a trend therein or a need. The machine learning module 686 typically comprises a form of artificial intelligence (e.g., a neural network) that, based on the historical data available in the long-term storage 662, is able to recognize patterns and / or make predictions concerning user preferences, properties of a dwelling unit, etc. The decision module 688 is used for making a decision, based on a set of parameters or values, concerning one or more settings of actors. The decision module 688 may be rule-based, but can also use artificial intelligence, e.g., a neural network.

[0070] As described in EP 4 350 238 A1, the different modules in the central control device 112 and the local controller devices 122 together provide a temperature control of the liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump and / or a control of the maximum flow rate across each supply branch 132 and / or the flow rate control across the bypass 136.

[0071] Figure 2 shows a first embodiment of a local heating and cooling system 124. The local heating and cooling system 124 shown comprises the supply pipe 132 that branches off from the central supply pipe 130A. Downstream on the supply pipe 132, the following components are provided.

[0072] A first manually operatable valve 200. This is manually controllable between an ON / OFF position and is used to completely disconnect the local heating and cooling system 124 from the central circuit 130, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0073] A first temperature sensor 202 for measuring the temperature of the incoming water. This sensor 202 feeds back information to the local controller 122.

[0074] An adjustable valve 204 controlled by the local controller 122. This valve 204 is typically continuously adjustable between the open and closed positions. The flow rate across this valve 204 determines the amount of energy taken from the central circuit 130.

[0075] A circulation pump 206 that serves as a pump for the local heating and cooling system 124. This pump 206 is controlled by the local controller 122.

[0076] A second temperature sensor 208 for measuring the temperature of the water downstream of the circulation pump 206. This sensor 208 feeds back information to the local controller 122. The reason for this second temperature sensor 208 is that, as described below, there is an inflow of outgoing liquid (which is therefore warmer or colder, depending on the conditions) which mixes with the ingoing liquid so that the temperature downstream of the circulation pump 206 can be different from that upstream of the adjustable valve 204.

[0077] A second manually operatable valve 210. This is manually controllable between an ON / OFF position and is used to disconnect the heating and cooling module 212 from the local heating and cooling system 124, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0078] The heating and cooling module 212, which is floor and / or wall heating in the embodiment shown, used to bring one or more rooms of the dwelling unit 120 to the desired temperature. Typically, then, this is heating in winter and cooling in summer. In the moderate season (i.e., spring or autumn), demand often depends on the orientation of the dwelling unit, the weather, personal preference, etc.

[0079] From the heating and cooling module 212, a discharge pipe 134 leads back to the discharge 130B from the central circuit 130. Downstream on the discharge pipe 134 from the heating and cooling module 212, the following components are provided.

[0080] A first manually operatable valve 214. This is manually controllable between an ON / OFF position and is used to disconnect the heating and cooling module 212 from the local heating and cooling system 124, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0081] A coupling pipe 220 from the discharge pipe 134 to the supply pipe 132. Crucial in this is that the coupling pipe 220 joins the supply pipe 132 at a position downstream relative to the adjustable valve 204.

[0082] A temperature sensor 216 for measuring the temperature of the outgoing water. This sensor 216 feeds back information to the local controller 122.

[0083] A second manually operatable valve 218. This is manually controllable between an ON / OFF position and is used to completely disconnect the local heating and cooling system 124 from the central circuit 130, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0084] The local heating and cooling system 124 shown further comprises a supply 222 from the supply pipe 132 to the heat pump water heater 125 and a discharge 224 from the heat pump water heater 125 to the discharge pipe 134. On the supply 222 and the discharge 224, a further pair of manually adjustable valves 228 is provided. These are manually adjustable between an ON / OFF position and are used to disconnect the heat pump water heater 125 from the local heating and cooling system 124, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0085] The supply 222 branches off from the supply pipe 132 at a position downstream relative to the coupling pipe 220 and the discharge 224 joins the discharge pipe 134 upstream relative to the coupling pipe 220. Thus, a second circuit 220, 222, 224 is created containing the heat pump water heater 125. This circuit is parallel to the circuit 132, 134 containing the heating and cooling module 212.

[0086] On the parallel circuit, there is also a valve 226 controlled by the local controller 122. This valve 226 may be continuously adjustable between the open and closed positions, but may also be adjustable only between ON / OFF. The flow rate across this valve 226 determines the amount of energy taken from the supply pipe 132 to send to the heat pump water heater 125.

[0087] Figure 3 shows a different embodiment of the local heating and cooling system 124. The local heating and cooling system 124 shown comprises the supply pipe 132 that branches off from the central supply pipe 130A. Downstream on the supply pipe 132, the following components are provided.

[0088] A first manually operatable valve 200. This is manually controllable between an ON / OFF position and is used to completely disconnect the local heating and cooling system 124 from the central circuit 130, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0089] A first temperature sensor 202 for measuring the temperature of the incoming water. This sensor 202 feeds back information to the local controller 122.

[0090] An adjustable valve 204 controlled by the local controller 122. This valve 204 is typically continuously adjustable between the open and closed positions. The flow rate across this valve 204 determines the amount of energy taken from the central circuit 130.

[0091] A circulation pump 206 that serves as a pump for the local heating and cooling system 124. This pump 206 is controlled by the local controller 122.

[0092] A second temperature sensor 208 for measuring the temperature of the water downstream of the circulation pump 206. This sensor 208 feeds back information to the local controller 122. The reason for this second temperature sensor 208 is that, as described below, there is an inflow of outgoing liquid (which is therefore warmer or colder, depending on the conditions) which mixes with the ingoing liquid so that the temperature downstream of the circulation pump 206 can be different from that upstream of the adjustable valve 204.

[0093] A second manually operatable valve 210. This is manually controllable between an ON / OFF position and is used to disconnect the heating and cooling module 212 from the local heating and cooling system 124, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0094] The heating and cooling module 212, which is floor and / or wall heating in the embodiment shown, used to bring one or more rooms of the dwelling unit 120 to the desired temperature. Typically, then, this is heating in winter and cooling in summer. In the moderate season (i.e., spring or autumn), demand often depends on the orientation of the dwelling unit, the weather, personal preference, etc.

[0095] From the heating and cooling module 212, a discharge pipe 134 leads back to the discharge 130B from the central circuit 130. Downstream on the discharge pipe 134 from the heating and cooling module 212, the following components are provided.

[0096] A first manually operatable valve 214. This is manually controllable between an ON / OFF position and is used to disconnect the heating and cooling module 212 from the local heating and cooling system 124, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0097] A coupling pipe 220 from the discharge pipe 134 to the supply pipe 132. Crucial in this is that the coupling pipe 220 joins the supply pipe 132 at a position downstream relative to the adjustable valve 204.

[0098] A temperature sensor 216 for measuring the temperature of the outgoing water. This sensor 216 feeds back information to the local controller 122.

[0099] A second manually operatable valve 218. This is manually controllable between an ON / OFF position and is used to completely disconnect the local heating and cooling system 124 from the central circuit 130, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0100] The local heating and cooling system 124 shown further comprises a supply 222 from the discharge pipe 134 to the heat pump water heater 125 and a discharge 224 from the heat pump water heater 125 to the discharge pipe 134. On the supply 222 and the discharge 224, a further pair of manually adjustable valves 228 is provided. These are manually adjustable between an ON / OFF position and are used to disconnect the heat pump water heater 125 from the local heating and cooling system 124, e.g., in case there is a leak or local work is planned.

[0101] The supply 222 branches off from the discharge pipe 134 at a first position downstream relative to the heating and cooling module 212 and the discharge 224 joins the discharge pipe 134 upstream relative to the coupling pipe 220 and downstream relative to the supply 222. Between the supply 222 and the discharge 224, there is a one-way valve 232 to avoid a return flow. Thus, a second circuit 222, 224 is created that branches off from the discharge pipe 134 to the heat pump water heater 125. On the second circuit, there is also a circulation pump 230 controlled by the local controller 122.

[0102] The coupling pipe 220 in combination with the adjustable valve 204 on the supply pipe 132 allows the heating and cooling module 212 to extract energy from the dwelling unit (i.e., by cooling it) and to send it to the heat pump water heater 125 to generate hot water. In the embodiment of figure 3, this is done by coupling the discharge of the heating and cooling module 212 directly to the heat pump water heater 125. In the embodiment of figure 2 this is done indirectly, by sending the discharge of the heating and cooling module 212 via the coupling pipe 220 back to the supply pipe 132, from where it can go to the heat pump water heater 125 via the supply 222.

[0103] The local controller 122 receives information from the different sensors and actors in the local heating and cooling system 124. The local controller 122 can thus be arranged for carrying out the method comprising: obtaining current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit 120, current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater 125, and current temperature data of the liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump 114, e.g., by using the temperature sensor 202; based on the current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater, determining energy requirement data for the heat pump water heater 125; based on the current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit 120, determining whether there is a heat surplus; and if there is a heat surplus, reducing or shutting off the flow rate across the adjustable valve 204 and controlling the heat pump water heater to heat the water.

[0104] The local controller 122 can thus opt to cool the dwelling and to drive the heat pump water heater 125 using the extracted energy. In summer, especially, this leads to significant energy savings, in particular because the collective heat pump 114 may then be turned off (or at least does not need to consume as much energy).

[0105] The local controller 122 may further, if there is a heat surplus and if the energy requirement data for the heat pump water heater is low, maintain or increase the flow rate across the adjustable valve and control the heating and cooling module for cooling the residential dwelling unit. This is, therefore, an additional cooling from the central circuit 130.

[0106] The local controller 122 may further, if there is no heat surplus, maintain or increase the flow rate across the adjustable valve and control the heat pump water heater to heat the water. This may for example be done in winter to take additional energy from the central circuit 130.

[0107] If so desired, in situations when there is no heat surplus, there is even the option to extract energy and use it in the heat pump water heater 125. This can for example be done when dwellings are unoccupied during the day or in situations of acute need, etc.

[0108] The methods described above may be implemented as computer program instructions. These or parts thereof may be stored locally in the memory 606 of one or more local controller devices 122 as well as in the memory 656 of the central control device 112. Alternatively, the computer program instructions or parts thereof may be stored externally and be accessible to the central control device 112 and / or one or more local controller devices 122 via a respective communication interface.

[0109] Although certain aspects of the present invention have been described with reference to specific embodiments, it should be understood that these aspects may be implemented in other forms within the scope as determined by the claims.

Claims

1. A heating and cooling system (100) for collective residential dwelling units, which heating and cooling system is provided with: - a collective heat pump (114); - a central control device (112) for controlling the collective heat pump; - a plurality of residential dwelling units (1201, ..., 120N), each provided with: - a local heating and cooling system (124); and - a local controller device (122) for controlling the heating and cooling system; - one closed circuit (130) for circulating a liquid between the collective heat pump and the heating and cooling systems of the residential dwelling units; and - a communication system configured for mutual communication between the central control device and the local controller devices, wherein each local heating and cooling system comprises: - a supply pipe (132) that branches off from the closed circuit; - a heating and cooling module (212) for regulating a temperature in at least one room of the residential dwelling unit, which heating and cooling module is connected to the supply pipe; and - a discharge pipe (134) from the heating and cooling module to the closed circuit, characterized in that each local heating and cooling system further comprises: - an adjustable valve (204) at a first position on the supply pipe for regulating a flow rate; - a coupling pipe (220) that extends from a first position on the discharge pipe to a second position on the supply pipe, which second position is downstream relative to the first position on the supply pipe; - a heat pump water heater system having: ∘ a supply (222) that branches off from: ▪ a third position on the supply pipe that is downstream relative to the second position on the supply pipe, and / or ▪ a second position on the discharge pipe that is upstream relative to the first position on the discharge pipe; ∘ a heat pump water heater (125) connected to the supply; and ∘ a discharge (224) from the heat pump water heater to a third position on the discharge pipe that is upstream relative to the first position on the discharge pipe; and - a circulation pump (206) for circulating the liquid on the heating and cooling system.

2. The heating and cooling system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply branches off from the third position on the supply pipe that is downstream relative to the second position on the supply pipe and in that the circulation pump is positioned on the supply pipe, preferably between the second and third positions on the supply pipe.

3. The heating and cooling system (100) according to claim 1, characterized in that the supply branches off from the second position on the discharge pipe that is upstream relative to the first position on the discharge pipe and in that the circulation pump is positioned on the supply pipe, preferably downstream relative to the second position on the supply pipe.

4. The heating and cooling system (100) according to claim 3, characterized in that each local heating and cooling system comprises a further circulation pump (230) positioned on the supply.

5. The heating and cooling system (100) according to claim 3 or 4, characterized in that each local heating and cooling system comprises a check valve (232) positioned between the second position and the third position on the discharge pipe.

6. The heating and cooling system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the adjustable valve is substantially continuously adjustable between an open position and a closed position.

7. The heating and cooling system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the collective heat pump comprises a plurality of air-to-water heat pumps and / or a plurality of water-to-water heat pumps.

8. The heating and cooling system (100) according to claim 7, characterized in that each heat pump is a monobloc heat pump.

9. The heating and cooling system (100) according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that the plurality of heat pumps are arranged in parallel.

10. The heating and cooling system (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the local controller device is provided with: - an interface configured to: ∘ obtain current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit; ∘ obtain current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater; and ∘ obtain current temperature data of the liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump; - an analysis module configured to determine energy requirement data for the heat pump water heater, based on the current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater; - a decision module configured to determine the flow rate across the adjustable valve, based on the energy requirement data, the current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit and the current temperature data of the liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump; and - a control module configured to generate control signals for controlling the local heating and cooling system, based on said flow rate.

11. The heating and cooling system (100) according to claim 10, characterized in that the central control device is provided with: - an interface configured to: ∘ obtain current temperature data and desired temperature data from each residential dwelling unit; and ∘ obtain current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater from each residential dwelling unit; - an analysis module configured to determine energy requirement data for each residential dwelling unit, based on the current temperature data, the desired temperature data and the energy loss data; - a decision module configured to generate a temperature-time profile of the desired temperature of said liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump, based on the energy requirement data, as a function of time during a future time interval; and - a control module configured to generate control signals for controlling the collective heat pump, based on said desired temperature, wherein the communication system is configured to send the calculated temperature-time profile to each residential dwelling unit.

12. A method for controlling a heating and cooling system (100) for collective residential dwelling units (1201, ..., 120N), which method comprises the following steps: - providing a heating and cooling system according to claim 10; - obtaining current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit, current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater, and current temperature data of the liquid at the outlet side of the collective heat pump; - based on the current temperature data of the water in the heat pump water heater, determining energy requirement data for the heat pump water heater; - based on the current temperature data of the residential dwelling unit, determining whether there is a heat surplus; and - if there is a heat surplus, reducing or shutting off the flow rate across the adjustable valve and controlling the heat pump water heater to heat the water.

13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the method further comprises: if there is a heat surplus and if the energy requirement data for the heat pump water heater is low, maintaining or increasing the flow rate across the adjustable valve and controlling the heating and cooling module for cooling the residential dwelling unit.

14. The method according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the method further comprises: if there is no heat surplus, maintaining or increasing the flow rate across the adjustable valve and controlling the heat pump water heater to heat the water.

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