Room temperature control system for cooling and / or heating a room in a building

Abstract

Room temperature control system for cooling and / or heating a room in a building, comprising: a central heating distribution system, comprising a central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and a central heat pump connected to the distribution circuit and configured for adding and removing heat from the distribution circuit; a mobile heat pump unit for cooling and / or heating the room in the building, comprising: an air heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air in the room, and a fluid heat exchanger comprising a fluid input conduit and a fluid output conduit, wherein each are provided with fluidic plugs, at distal ends thereof, that are distal to the fluid heat exchanger, for releasably coupling the fluid input conduit and fluid output conduit to a fluidic socket connected with the distribution circuit, such that the fluid heat exchanger may exchange heat with the distribution circuit.

Description

[0001] ROOM TEMPERATURE CONTROL SYSTEM FOR COOLING AND / OR HEATING A

[0002] ROOM IN A BUILDING

[0003] FIELD

[0004] The present disclosure relates to room temperature control system for cooling and / or heating a room in a building, such as a residential or an office building, and a mobile heat pump unit.

[0005] BACKGROUND

[0006] In general, buildings such as residential and office buildings can be heated by means of central heating. Central heating generally entails that heat is generated centrally, and is then distributed throughout the building. Nowadays, an increasing trend is the usage of heat pumps for the addition and removal of heat from the central heat distribution system of a building. Heat pumps are generally efficient and more environmentally friendly than, for instance, gas burners / boilers. In addition, heat pumps are also capable of cooling. The heat exchange with the central heat distribution system of a building via a heat pump is generally more gradual than traditional methods. Particularly, a heat pump generally has a lower power output than a traditional gas boiler, as such gas boilers are dimensioned for providing domestic hot water and are therefore overpowered for building heating purposes. Moreover, heat pumps typically provide lower supply temperatures than gas boilers, in turn causing lower power output from the heat distribution system of the building, e.g., through radiators or the like. Accordingly, it may take longer to heat a building, or particularly a specific room, with a heat pump as compared to a traditional gas burner / boiler or the like. This issue could be solved by providing a heat pump capable of generating high water temperatures, or other booster means for boosting the heat distribution in the building (e.g., electric heaters). However, these measures come at the cost of lower efficiency and are in turn not environmentally friendly. In addition, cooling the building through the existing central heat distribution system, for instance by providing cold water from the heat pump to the distribution system, is difficult. Even if the building is cooled to some limited extent through such measures, problems with moisture may arise leading to permanent damage to the building and an uncomfortable living environment. For this purpose, air-conditioning units, such as split aircon units, may instead be installed. However, these are costly and generally require significant adaptation of the building structure (e.g., drilling large holes in the wall) and the installation of additional outdoor units. In addition, air-conditioning units may only be used for a few months a year, leaving them unused for a large portion of their lifetime. Accordingly, there is a need for a heating and cooling solution that may flexibly be deployed for specific rooms in a building, such as a residential or office building. SUMMARY

[0007] In view of the above, a first aspect of the present disclosure provides a room temperature control system for cooling and / or heating a room in a building, such as a residential or an office building.

[0008] The system comprises a central heating distribution system, having a central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and a central heat pump connected to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit. The central heat pump is configured for adding and removing heat from the central fluid- filled heat distribution circuit. The system further comprises a mobile heat pump unit for cooling and / or heating the room in the building. The mobile heat pump unit comprises an air heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air in the room, and a fluid heat exchanger comprising a fluid input conduit and a fluid output conduit. Each of the fluid input conduit and the fluid output conduit are provided with fluidic plugs, preferably fluidic quick release plugs, at distal ends thereof, that are distal to the fluid heat exchanger. The fluidic plugs are provided for releasably coupling the fluid input conduit and fluid output conduit to a fluidic socket. The fluidic socket is connected with the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit of the central heating distribution system, such that the fluid heat exchanger may exchange heat with the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit.

[0009] Particularly, the central heat pump may be configured to remove heat from the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit when the mobile heat pump unit adds heat to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and the central heat pump may be configured to add heat to the central fluid- filled heat distribution circuit when the mobile heat pump unit removes heat from the central fluid- filled heat distribution circuit. In other words, the central heat pump and the mobile heat pump unit operate in opposite modes: when the mobile heat pump unit extracts heat from the air in the room (i.e., cooling mode), the central heat pump expels or releases heat to the outside air (i.e., the air outside the building), and vice versa. In yet other words, when the mobile heat pump unit cools air in the room, the central heat pump heats air outside the building, and vice versa.

[0010] The fluidic plugs may be male or female plugs, or any other type of plug suitable for coupling the conduits as described. The fluidic socket may be a male or female socket, or any other type of socket suitable for receiving the plugs of the conduits. The fluidic plugs may be hydraulic plugs, and the fluidic socket may be a hydraulic socket. The fluidic socket may be provided on a part of the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit that is present in, or connected to the room in the building that is being heated and / or cooled. The fluidic socket may also be provided in another part of the building, as long as the fluid input and output conduits can be connected thereto. The fluidic plugs of the fluid input and output conduits may also be combined to form a joint fluidic plug that can be coupled to the fluidic socket as one unit. The terms ‘plug’ and ‘socket’ are chosen for naming purposes only, and do not dictate function. Accordingly, one may choose to name the fluidic socket a fluidic plug, and to name the fluidic plugs fluidic sockets, or the like. The fluidic plugs may also be referred to as fluidic couplings, or the like.

[0011] The room temperature control system of the first aspect as presented above fulfils the need identified above, by means of a flexibly deployable mobile heat pump unit, that may be releasably coupled to a central heat distribution circuit that is already available in a building. Such mobile unit may be deployed wherever desired throughout the building, depending on seasonal needs. For instance, in summer the mobile heat pump unit may be placed in a bedroom for cooling the room at night. In winter the mobile heat pump unit may instead be placed in the living room of a building for providing additional heat when the heat capacity or temperature setting of a central heating unit, is not sufficient. By using existing infrastructure, namely an existing (fluid-filled) central heat distribution circuit, as a heat sink / source there is no need for building adaptations (e.g., drilling large holes in walls, and placing bulky external units). In addition, the fluidic plugs and fluidic socket prevent water loss from both the mobile heat pump unit and the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, such that those do not need to be refilled when the mobile heat pump unit is coupled or decoupled from the distribution circuit.

[0012] The system of the first aspect may further comprise a central control unit that is in communication, preferably wireless communication, with the central heating distribution system, preferably the central heat pump thereof, and / or the mobile heat pump unit, wherein the central control unit is configured to control the central heating distribution system, preferably the central heat pump thereof, and / or the mobile heat pump unit at least in part on the basis of data received from the central heating distribution system, preferably the central heat pump thereof, and / or the mobile heat pump unit.

[0013] By controlling both the mobile heat pump unit, and the central heating distribution system, particularly the central heat pump thereof, one can effectively utilize a mobile heat pump unit as presented herein. Particularly, when the mobile heat pump unit is simply connected to the central heating distribution system without further control, the heating / cooling of the mobile heat pump unit cannot be sustained for a long time. Particularly, heating and cooling with the mobile heat pump unit entails, respectively, cooling and heating the central heating distribution system. By also controlling central heating distribution system, for instance the central heat pump, this heating or cooling may be sustained for a longer time, as the central heat pump can be used to add or remove additional heat from the central heating distribution system, thereby offsetting the effect of the mobile heat pump unit. It is preferred that controlling the central heating distribution system comprises controlling the central heat pump for adding and removing heat from the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit.

[0014] The central heating distribution system may further comprise a buffer tank (also referred to as “heat battery”) for storing heated fluid, such as domestic hot water. The buffer tank may optionally comprise a heater unit, internal or external to the buffer tank, for heating water in the buffer tank, and / or for heating water flowing to the buffer tank. Preferably, the heater unit is a booster heat pump (also referred to as “heat charger”) that is preferably capable of charging the heat battery with domestic hot water. Preferably, the central control unit is in communication with the booster heat pump and / or the buffer tank. Further preferably, the central control unit is configured to control the booster heat pump and / or the buffer tank at least in part on the basis of data received from the central heating distribution system, the mobile heat pump unit, buffer tank, and / or booster heat pump.

[0015] Controlling the central heating distribution system may comprise controlling the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, including at least one of: adjusting the flow rate of the fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and directing the flow of the fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit.

[0016] Directing the flow of the fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit may comprise directing at least part of the fluid from the fluid output conduit of the mobile heat pump unit to the buffer tank, preferably through the heat charger wherein said part of the fluid is used as input to the heat charger and the heat charger heats up domestic hot water in the heat battery.

[0017] By controlling the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit and / or the central heat pump, the excess heat introduced in the system by the mobile heat pump unit can effectively be dissipated. For instance, it can be used as a source for the booster heat pump (heat charger) to produce domestic hot water that is subsequently stored in the buffer tank for later use (e.g., water for showering / bathing or the like), or it can be dissipated external to the building by the central heat pump in case no heated water is needed in the system. In the latter case, the mobile heat pump unit essentially operates as an air-conditioning unit, without the need of installing an actual air- conditioning unit. In other words, whilst regular air conditioning units generally only expel the heat extracted from the interior air to the exterior of the building, the mobile heat pump unit according to the above enables reusing this heat efficiently to produce, for instance, domestic hot water. This enables the efficient charging of the buffer tank (heat battery) whilst cooling the room. When the heat battery is fully charged, the excess heat can still be expelled to the exterior of the building through the central heat pump.

[0018] The data received from the central heating distribution system and / or the mobile heat pump unit may comprise at least one of: temperature of fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution system, flow rate of fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution system, temperature of fluid in the fluid input conduit of the mobile heat pump unit, temperature of fluid in the fluid output conduit of the mobile heat pump unit, power at which the mobile heat pump unit is operating, indication of whether the mobile heat pump unit is operating in cooling mode or heating mode, user-set temperature of the mobile heat pump unit, ambient temperature of a room, relative humidity of air in a room. Additionally or alternatively, data received from the booster heat pump and / or buffer tank may comprise at least one of: temperature of fluid in the buffer tank, volume of fluid in the buffer tank, source temperature of the booster heat pump, power at which the booster heat pump is operating.

[0019] The operation of the system may thus be optimized (e.g., for energy consumption or comfort) based on the received data from various sources. For instance, the fluid temperature of the central fluid-filled heat distribution system can effectively be controlled. For example, fluid temperatures in the distribution system lower than the current dew point may result in condensation issues on piping and / or radiators, or the like, whilst temperatures higher than ambient room temperature may result in unwanted heating of parts of the building. According to the above, the temperature in the heat distribution system can effectively be controlled by the mobile heat pump unit, the central heat pump, and / or the booster heat pump.

[0020] The central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit of the system may comprise one or more radiators. It is preferred that a first radiator of the one or more radiators is located in the room, or another room, wherein the first radiator comprises a return conduit and / or a supply conduit, wherein the return conduit and / or the supply conduit are provided with the fluidic socket, such that the mobile heat pump unit is releasably couplable to the return conduit of the first radiator. The fluidic socket may comprise a first fluidic socket and a second fluidic socket, wherein the first fluidic socket is configured to be provided on the return conduit and the second fluidic socket is configured to be provide on the supply conduit. Preferably, the fluidic socket is standardized to be compatible with standard return and / or supply conduits regularly used in heat distribution systems and / or radiators used in central heating systems. For instance, the fluidic socket is standardized to be compatible with typical piping, such as piping with 15 mm diameter, which are for instance made of copper or steel. Additionally or alternatively, the first radiator comprises the return conduit and the supply conduit, wherein both the return conduit and the supply conduit are provided with fluidic sockets, preferably the first fluidic socket and the second fluidic socket, respectively, such that the mobile heat pump unit is releasably couplable to both the return conduit and the supply conduit of the first radiator.

[0021] The first radiator can be a generic wall-mounted radiator, an underfloor radiator, or any other type of heating unit generally used in central heating distribution systems.

[0022] The central heat pump may be a hybrid heat pump. A hybrid heat pump may for instance comprise, in addition to the heat pump part, a gas burner or an electric heating element, or another suitable heating unit, for providing additional heat.

[0023] The fluidic socket may comprise an input socket configured to receive the fluidic plug of the fluid input conduit and an output socket configured to receive the fluidic plug of the fluid output conduit. A non-return valve may optionally be provided between the input socket and the output socket.

[0024] As a second aspect of the disclosure a mobile heat pump unit for cooling and / or heating a room in a building is provided. Preferably, the mobile heat pump unit is configured to be used in the room temperature control system according to the first aspect of the disclosure presented above.

[0025] The mobile heat pump unit comprises an air heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air in the room, and a fluid heat exchanger comprising a fluid input conduit and a fluid output conduit, wherein each of the fluid input conduit and the fluid output conduit are provided with fluidic plugs, preferably fluidic quick release plugs, at distal ends thereof, that are distal to the fluid heat exchanger, that are configured for releasably coupling the fluid input conduit and fluid output conduit to a fluidic socket that is configured to be connected with a central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit of a central heating distribution system, such that the fluid heat exchanger may exchange heat with the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit.

[0026] The air heat exchanger may comprise air moving means for providing an airflow in the room such that heat is transferred between the airflow and the air heat exchanger. Preferably, the air moving means comprise a fan. Preferably, the fan is a fan with controllable fan speed, e.g., with multiple speed control. The fluid input conduit and / or the fluid output conduit may comprise a circulation pump for circulating fluid through the fluid input conduit and / or the fluid output conduit, and preferably through the fluid heat exchanger. Preferably, the circulation pump has constant pressure control.

[0027] The fluid input conduit and / or the fluid output conduit may be a flexible pipe, such as a hose.

[0028] A reversible refrigeration circuit may be provided between the air heat exchanger and the fluid heat exchanger. The reversible refrigeration circuit may utilize R-290 as refrigerant. R-290 is propane, preferably with a purity of at least 98.5% (more preferably at least 99.5%) and a preferred moisture content below 10 ppm by weight. Preferably, the reversible refrigeration circuit comprises a rotary compressor connected to the air heat exchanger and the fluid heat exchanger via a four-way valve. Preferably, the reversible refrigeration circuit further comprises an expansion valve connected to the air heat exchanger and the fluid heat exchanger. The expansion valve may be a thermostatic expansion valve or an electronic expansion valve, or another suitable type of expansion valve.

[0029] The mobile heat pump unit preferably comprises a temperature sensor, configured to measure a temperature of the air in the room, such that the mobile heat pump unit may be controlled based on the temperature of the air in the room.

[0030] The mobile heat pump unit may comprise a housing, preferably wherein the housing houses at least one, or all, of: the air heat exchanger, the fluid heat exchanger, the air moving means, the fan, the circulation pump, the reversible refrigeration circuit, the temperature sensor. In other words, the mobile heat pump unit may be a stand-alone unit, housing all required components, such that the mobile heat pump unit is fully mobile (i.e., portable). The fluid input conduit and the fluid output conduit, provided with fluidic plugs, may be positioned on the exterior of the housing, such that they are accessible from the exterior of the housing. The housing may be provided with moving means, such as wheels or roller bearings, such that the housing may be moved around. The housing may also be provided with holding means, such as holding brackets (e.g., one or more handles), such that a person is aided in picking up and moving the mobile heat pump unit.

[0031] The mobile heat pump unit may be provided with an electric cord and plug for connecting the mobile heat pump unit to an electric outlet. Particularly, the plug and socket are, respectively, an AC power plug and socket, preferably configured to connect to mains electricity.

[0032] In a third aspect of the disclosure, a kit-of-parts is provided that comprises a mobile heat pump unit according to the second aspect of the disclosure presented above, and a fluidic socket configured to be connected with a central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit of a central heating distribution system, wherein the mobile heat pump unit is connectable to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit through the fluidic socket.

[0033] In a fourth aspect of the disclosure, a building is provided, wherein the building is provided with the room temperature control system according to the first aspect. The central heat pump comprises an exterior air heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air outside the building, wherein the exterior air heat exchanger is placed on or near the exterior of the building. The central heat pump further comprises a central fluid heat exchanger connected to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit for adding and removing heat from the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit.

[0034] Particularly, the central heat pump may be configured to remove heat from the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit when the mobile heat pump unit adds heat to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and the central heat pump may be configured to add heat to the central fluid- filled heat distribution circuit when the mobile heat pump unit removes heat from the central fluid- filled heat distribution circuit. In other words, the central heat pump and the mobile heat pump unit operate in opposite modes: when the mobile heat pump unit extracts heat from the air in the room, the central heat pump expels or releases heat to the outside air (i.e., the air outside the building), and vice versa. In yet other words, when the mobile heat pump unit cools air in the room, the central heat pump heats air outside the building, and vice versa.

[0035] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0036] The disclosure is further elucidated with reference to the drawings.

[0037] FIG. 1 shows an exemplary building which is equipped with an exemplary room temperature control system; and

[0038] FIG. 2 shows an exemplary mobile heat pump unit to be used in an exemplary room temperature control system.

[0039] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0040] In FIG. 1, a building 1 is shown, which may be for instance be a residential or office building 1. The building 1 is equipped with a room temperature control system. On the exterior of the building 1, a central heat pump 2 is provided. The central heat pump 2 is provided for adding and removing heat from a central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit 3 of the building 1. The central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit 3 is for instance a water-filled heat distribution circuit 3, such as generally used in central heating for residential and office buildings. The heat distribution circuit 3 may comprise one or more radiators 30 that are used for heating rooms in the building 1, such as the downstairs room 10, by convection. The heat distribution circuit 3 may further comprise a buffer tank 31 for storing heated fluid. The buffer tank 31 can optionally be placed in a location near the central heat pump 2, for instance upstairs room 11, to minimize transport losses. Heated fluid in the buffer tank 31 may for instance be stored for domestic hot water usage (e.g., hot water taps, such as shower or bath taps or the like). Preferably, the buffer tank 31 comprises a booster heat pump (not shown) for providing the necessary temperature for domestic hot water. The booster heat pump may also mitigate any transport losses thus giving freedom of choice for the location of the buffer tank 31.

[0041] Still referring to FIG. 1, a mobile heat pump unit 4 can be placed in room 10. The mobile heat pump unit 4 is releasably couplable to the heat distribution circuit 3. In the present example, the mobile heat pump unit 4 is releasably coupled to a return conduit (not shown), or output conduit (not shown), of the radiator 30 of the circuit 3 by means of a quick release plug 40, which is connected with a fluid input conduit 41 and a fluid output conduit 42. In turn, the heat distribution circuit 3, particularly the return conduit (not shown) of the radiator 30 in this example, is equipped with a fluidic socket 32, configured to receive the quick release plug 40. Accordingly, coupling the quick release plug 40 to the fluidic socket 32 enables a fluidic connection of the fluid input and output conduits 41, 42 with the heat distribution circuit 3. In examples, the input conduit 41 and output conduit 42 may each comprise their own quick release plug 40, and the fluidic socket 32 may then comprise two connection points (not shown) to which the quick release plugs 40 can be coupled.

[0042] The mobile heat pump unit 4 comprises a fluid heat exchanger 43 connected with the fluid input conduit 41 and the fluid output conduit 42. Accordingly, the mobile heat pump unit 4 can add and remove heat from the central heat distribution circuit 3 (particularly the output conduit of the radiator 30 in this case). The mobile heat pump unit 4 further comprises an air heat exchanger 44 with a fan 440 which can exchange heat with the air in the room 10, in order to heat or cool said room 10. The fluid heat exchanger 43 and air heat exchanger 44 are connected to each other through a reversible refrigeration circuit 45, which is shown here in limited schematic detail. Accordingly, the mobile heat pump unit 4 may be placed in a room that, at that moment, requires heating or cooling in addition to the heating / cooling provided by the central heat distribution circuit 3. For instance, in hot weather the mobile heat pump unit 4 can be connected to the heat distribution circuit 3 in a bedroom at night, to cool said bedroom. The heat extracted from said bedroom is thus introduced in the fluid in the heat distribution circuit 3, which heated fluid may then be directed to the central heat pump 2 that can remove the heat from the heat distribution circuit 3, and / or to the buffer tank 31 (preferably also through the booster heat pump that is not shown) for use at a later moment (e.g., hot water for use in the shower / bath or the like).

[0043] FIG. 1 further shows a central control unit 5. The central control unit 5, in the present example, is in wireless communication with, for instance, the central heat pump 2, the central heat distribution circuit 3, the mobile heat pump unit 4, the radiator 30 or its return conduit (not shown), and / or the buffer tank 31. The central control unit 5 may send information to, or receive information from, one or more of the components shown in FIG. 1. For instance, the central control unit 5 may receive information about a room temperature in room 10 (e.g., from a temperature sensor 6). Furthermore, the central control unit 5 may send control information to one or more of the components shown in FIG. 1. For instance, the control unit 5 may control the central heat pump 2 on the basis of a fluid temperature in the central heat distribution circuit 3. The central control unit 5 may also control the flow of fluid within the central heat distribution circuit 3, thus directing fluid with a certain temperature to either the central heat pump 2, the radiator 30, and / or the buffer tank 31 (and / or booster heat pump), depending on the desired use-case. By controlling both the mobile heat pump unit 4, and the heat distribution circuit along with the central heat pump 2, buffer tank 31, and / or booster heat pump (not shown), one can effectively utilize a mobile heat pump unit 4 as presented herein. Particularly, when the mobile heat pump unit 4 is simply connected to the central heat distribution circuit 3 without further control, the heating / cooling of the mobile heat pump unit 4 cannot be sustained for a long time. Particularly, heating and cooling with the mobile heat pump unit 4 entails, respectively, cooling and heating the central heat distribution circuit 3. By also controlling the central heat pump 2, this heating or cooling may be sustained for a longer time, as the central heat pump 2 can be used to add or remove additional heat from the heat distribution circuit 3, thereby offsetting the effect of the mobile heat pump unit 4. To a certain extent, the buffer tank 31 can also be used to that effect, as the buffer tank 31 can store hot water and thus add it to, or remove it from, the central heat distribution circuit 3. Naturally, a wired connection between the central control unit 5 and various components within the building 1 is possible as well.

[0044] Hereinafter, several use cases are described with reference to FIG. 1.

[0045] In a first example, the mobile heat pump unit 4 may be used for cooling a room 10, and generating domestic hot water (DHW), particularly providing heat as a source for a booster heat pump for generating DHW. In this particular example, the air heat exchanger 44 removes heat from the room 10, and pumps the heat to the distribution circuit 3 by means of the fluid heat exchanger 43. From the radiator 30, particularly its return circuit (conduit), the heated fluid that resulted from the cooling of the room 10 is transported to the buffer tank 31 by means of the central heat distribution circuit 3. The heated water in the buffer tank 31 may thus be used as DHW. The heated water is specifically used as input to a booster heat pump (not shown) that further heats the heated water before it is stored in the buffer tank 31, or whilst it is in the buffer tank 31. The central control unit 5 controls the system to ensure flow in the system, and monitors temperatures throughout the system to avoid unwanted overheating of the system (and thus the building 1), and avoids too low water temperatures to avoid condensation on piping / heating components. The central control unit 5 also controls the booster heat pump.

[0046] A second example corresponds to the first example above, except that the buffer tank 31 is full. In this case, the heat in the central heat distribution circuit 3 generated by the mobile heat pump unit 4 is transported out of the building 1 by means of the central heat pump 2. Accordingly, the heated water is transported to the central heat pump 2, and the central heat pump 2 transfers the heat from the central heat distribution circuit 3 to the air outside the building 1.

[0047] In a third example, the mobile heat pump unit 4 may be used for heating a room 10. In this particular example, the fluid temperature of the central heat distribution circuit 3 is for instance too low to heat the room 10 by means of the radiator 30, due to one or more of: a heat demand that is too high for the system, an outside temperature that is too low for the system, and / or heating bodies (e.g., radiators 30) that are too small. In this case, the mobile heat pump unit 4 uses the relatively low-temperature fluid in the distribution circuit 3 to efficiently heat the room 10 with warm air. For this purpose, the central heat pump 2 transfers heat from the air outside the building 1 to the distribution circuit 3. In this case, the heat in other rooms in the house (e.g., room 11 in this example) can be maintained.

[0048] A fourth example corresponds to the third example, except that it is not required to keep the other rooms (e.g., upstairs room 11 in this example) at the same temperature. In other words, heating is only needed in the downstairs room 10. In this case, the mobile heat pump unit 4 takes heat from the central distribution circuit 3, but no additional heat is added by the central heat pump 2. Accordingly, energy is saved when heating is not required (or required to a lesser extent) in other rooms apart from the room that is being heated (downstairs room 10 in this case).

[0049] In a fifth example, two mobile heat pump units 4 are used in a first room and a second room, respectively. The first room needs cooling (e.g., the room is heated by sunshine) and the second room need heating (e.g., the room is at the shadow-side of the building). In this case, the heated water generated in the first room by a first mobile heat pump unit 4 is used by a second mobile heat pump unit 4 in the second room for heating. Accordingly, energy is efficiently utilized.

[0050] In FIG. 2, a mobile heat pump unit 4 is shown that can for instance be used in the exemplary room temperature control system of FIG. 1. The unit 4 is releasably coupled to a heat distribution circuit 3. The heat distribution circuit 3 in this example comprises a fluid supply channel 3S and a fluid return channel 3R. The unit 4 is coupled to the fluid return channel 3R in the present example. The fluid return channel 3R may for instance be connected to a central heat pump 2 (not shown here). The fluid input conduit 41 is coupled through its quick release plug 40A to the fluidic socket 32 provided on the fluid return channel 3R, and the fluid output conduit 42 is also coupled through its quick release plug 40B to the fluidic socket 32 provided on the fluid return channel 3R. A nonreturn valve 320 may be provided between the plugs 40A, 40B. The fluid return channel 3R can for instance be an output channel (or return / output conduit) of a radiator 30 (not shown).

[0051] In another example that is not shown here, the unit 4 is coupled to both the fluid return channel 3R and the fluid supply channel 3S. In such example, the fluid input conduit 41 is coupled, through its quick release plug 40A, with the fluid supply channel 3S, and the fluid output conduit 42 is coupled, through it quick release plug 40B, with the fluid return channel 3R. In such example, the non-return valve 320 may be omitted, and fluidic sockets 32 are provided on both the fluid return channel 3R and the fluid supply channel 3S. Such connection, utilizing both the fluid return channel 3R and the fluid supply channel 3S, may be referred to as a parallel connection.

[0052] Further the fluid input conduit 41 is provided with a circulation pump 410 that circulates the fluid from the fluid input conduit 41, through the fluid heat exchanger 43, and to the fluid output conduit 42. Accordingly, heat may be exchanged between the mobile heat pump unit 4 and the heat distribution circuit 3.

[0053] The air heat exchanger 44 of the unit 4 comprises a fan 440 and a finned heat exchanger 441. The fan 440 provides an airflow through / past the finned heat exchanger 441 such that heat may be exchanged between the mobile heat pump unit 4 and the air in a room R in which the unit 4 is placed.

[0054] The fluid heat exchanger 43 and air heat exchanger 44 are connected through a reversible refrigeration circuit 45. The reversible refrigeration circuit 45 may for instance comprises an expansion valve 450 in a first part of the circuit 45 that connects the fluid heat exchanger 43 and air heat exchanger 44. A second part of the circuit 45 that connects the fluid heat exchanger 43 and air heat exchanger 44 may be provided with a four-way valve 451 and a rotary compressor 452.

[0055] The unit 4 can therefore, for instance, be used to cool the air in a room R, by extracting heat from the air in the room R with the air heat exchanger 44 and subsequently moving that heat by means of the reversible refrigeration circuit 45 to the fluid heat exchanger 43 and subsequently into the fluid return channel 3R. The fluid return channel 3R can for instance lead to another external heat pump (e.g., a central heat pump 2) which may remove the excess heat from the fluid in the return channel 3R, thereby effectively cooling the room R. The reverse, in the case of heating the room R, is of course foreseen.

[0056] Additionally, the unit 4 may comprise a condensation water tank (not shown), preferably positioned under the air heat exchanger 44 for storing condensation resulting from the cooling process. The condensation water tank may be releasably attached to the unit 4, such that the condensation water may periodically be discarded by the user.

[0057] The figures and the description thereof presented herein are not to be construed as limiting the scope of the disclosure, particularly the claims, to any extent, but merely as illustrative examples used to elucidate the present disclosure and invention(s) described therein.

[0058] CLAUSES

[0059] The disclosure further comprises the following clauses:

[0060] 1. Room temperature control system for cooling and / or heating a room in a building, such as a residential or an office building, comprising: a central heating distribution system, comprising a central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and a central heat pump connected to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit and configured for adding and removing heat from the central fluid- filled heat distribution circuit; a mobile heat pump unit for cooling and / or heating the room in the building, the mobile heat pump unit comprising: an air heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air in the room, and a fluid heat exchanger comprising a fluid input conduit and a fluid output conduit, wherein each of the fluid input conduit and the fluid output conduit are provided with fluidic plugs, preferably fluidic quick release plugs, at distal ends thereof, that are distal to the fluid heat exchanger, for releasably coupling the fluid input conduit and fluid output conduit to a fluidic socket connected with the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit of the central heating distribution system, such that the fluid heat exchanger may exchange heat with the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit. Room temperature control system according to clause 1, wherein the central heat pump is configured to remove heat from the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit when the mobile heat pump unit adds heat to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and wherein the central heat pump is configured to add heat to the central fluid- filled heat distribution circuit when the mobile heat pump unit removes heat from the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit. Room temperature control system according to clause 1 or 2, further comprising: a central control unit that is in communication, preferably wireless communication, with the central heating distribution system and / or the mobile heat pump unit, wherein the central control unit is configured to control the central heating distribution system and / or the mobile heat pump unit at least in part on the basis of data received from the central heating distribution system and / or the mobile heat pump unit. Room temperature control system according to clause 3, wherein controlling the central heating distribution system comprises controlling the central heat pump for adding and removing heat from the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit. Room temperature control system according to clause 3 or 4, wherein controlling the central heating distribution system comprises controlling the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, including at least one of: adjusting the flow rate of the fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and directing the flow of the fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit. Room temperature control system according to any one of clauses 3 - 5, wherein the data received from the central heating distribution system and / or the mobile heat pump unit comprises at least one of: temperature of fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution system, flow rate of fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution system, temperature of fluid in the fluid input conduit of the mobile heat pump unit, temperature of fluid in the fluid output conduit of the mobile heat pump unit, power at which the mobile heat pump unit is operating, indication of whether the mobile heat pump unit is operating in cooling mode or heating mode, user-set temperature of the mobile heat pump unit, ambient temperature of a room, relative humidity of air in a room.

[0061] 7. Room temperature control system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit comprises one or more radiators.

[0062] 8. Room temperature control system according to clause 7, wherein a first radiator of the one or more radiators is located in the room, wherein the first radiator comprises a return conduit and / or a supply conduit, wherein the return conduit and / or the supply conduit are provided with the fluidic socket, such that the mobile heat pump unit is releasably couplable to the first radiator.

[0063] 9. Room temperature control system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the central heating distribution system further comprises a buffer tank for storing heated fluid, preferably further comprising a booster heat pump for heating water in the buffer tank.

[0064] 10. Room temperature control system according to at least clauses 5 and 9, wherein directing the flow of the fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit comprises directing at least part of the fluid from the fluid output conduit of the mobile heat pump unit to the buffer tank and / or preferably the booster heat pump.

[0065] 11. Room temperature control system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the central heat pump is a hybrid heat pump.

[0066] 12. Room temperature control system according to any of the preceding clauses, wherein the fluidic socket comprises an input socket configured to receive the fluidic plug of the fluid input conduit and an output socket configured to receive the fluidic plug of the fluid output conduit, optionally wherein a non-return valve is provided between the input socket and the output socket.

[0067] 13. Mobile heat pump unit for use in the room temperature control system according to any of the preceding clauses.

[0068] 14. Mobile heat pump unit according to clause 13, wherein the air heat exchanger comprises air moving means for providing an airflow in the room such that heat is transferred between the airflow and the air heat exchanger, preferably wherein the air moving means comprise a fan. Mobile heat pump unit according to clause 13 or 14, wherein the fluid input conduit and / or the fluid output conduit comprises a circulation pump for circulating fluid through the fluid input conduit and / or the fluid output conduit. Mobile heat pump unit according to any one of clauses 13 - 15, wherein the fluid input conduit and / or the fluid output conduit is a flexible pipe, such as a hose. Mobile heat pump unit according to any one of clauses 13 - 16, wherein a reversible refrigeration circuit is provided between the air heat exchanger and the fluid heat exchanger. Mobile heat pump unit according to clause 17, wherein the reversible refrigeration circuit uses R-290 as refrigerant. Mobile heat pump unit according to clause 17 or 18, wherein the reversible refrigeration circuit comprises a rotary compressor connected to the air heat exchanger and the fluid heat exchanger via a four-way valve. Mobile heat pump unit according to any one of clauses 17 - 19, wherein the reversible refrigeration circuit comprises an expansion valve connected to the air heat exchanger and the fluid heat exchanger, preferably wherein the expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve or an electronic expansion valve. Mobile heat pump unit according to any one of clauses 13 - 20, further comprising a housing, wherein the fluid input conduit and the fluid output conduit are accessible from the exterior of the housing. Mobile heat pump unit of clause 21, wherein the housing comprises moving means, such as wheels and / or handles, for moving the mobile heat pump unit as a whole. Kit-of -parts, comprising a mobile heat pump unit according to any one of clauses 13 - 22, and a fluidic socket configured to be connected with a central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit of a central heating distribution system, wherein the mobile heat pump unit is connectable to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit through the fluidic socket.

Claims

CLAIMS1. Room temperature control system for cooling and / or heating a room in a building, such as a residential or an office building, comprising: a central heating distribution system, comprising a central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and a central heat pump connected to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit and configured for adding and removing heat from the central fluid- filled heat distribution circuit; a mobile heat pump unit for cooling and / or heating the room in the building, the mobile heat pump unit comprising: an air heat exchanger for exchanging heat with air in the room, and a fluid heat exchanger comprising a fluid input conduit and a fluid output conduit, wherein each of the fluid input conduit and the fluid output conduit are provided with fluidic plugs, preferably fluidic quick release plugs, at distal ends thereof, that are distal to the fluid heat exchanger, for releasably coupling the fluid input conduit and fluid output conduit to a fluidic socket connected with the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit of the central heating distribution system, such that the fluid heat exchanger may exchange heat with the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, wherein the central heat pump is configured to remove heat from the central fluid- filled heat distribution circuit when the mobile heat pump unit adds heat to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and wherein the central heat pump is configured to add heat to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit when the mobile heat pump unit removes heat from the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit.

2. Room temperature control system according to claim 1, further comprising: a central control unit that is in communication, preferably wireless communication, with the central heating distribution system and / or the mobile heat pump unit, wherein the central control unit is configured to control the central heating distribution system and / or the mobile heat pump unit at least in part on the basis of data received from the central heating distribution system and / or the mobile heat pump unit.

3. Room temperature control system according to claim 2, wherein controlling the central heating distribution system comprises controlling the central heat pump for adding and removing heat from the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit.

4. Room temperature control system according to claim 2 or 3, wherein controlling the central heating distribution system comprises controlling the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, including at least one of: adjusting the flow rate of the fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit, and directing the flow of the fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit.

5. Room temperature control system according to any one of claims 2 - 4, wherein the data received from the central heating distribution system and / or the mobile heat pump unit comprises at least one of: temperature of fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution system, flow rate of fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution system, temperature of fluid in the fluid input conduit of the mobile heat pump unit, temperature of fluid in the fluid output conduit of the mobile heat pump unit, power at which the mobile heat pump unit is operating, indication of whether the mobile heat pump unit is operating in cooling mode or heating mode, user-set temperature of the mobile heat pump unit, ambient temperature of a room, relative humidity of air in a room.

6. Room temperature control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit comprises one or more radiators.

7. Room temperature control system according to claim 6, wherein a first radiator of the one or more radiators is located in the room, wherein the first radiator comprises a return conduit and / or a supply conduit, wherein the return conduit and / or the supply conduit are provided with the fluidic socket, such that the mobile heat pump unit is releasably couplable to the first radiator.

8. Room temperature control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the central heating distribution system further comprises a buffer tank for storing heated fluid, preferably further comprising a booster heat pump for heating water in the buffer tank.

9. Room temperature control system according to at least claims 4 and 8, wherein directing the flow of the fluid in the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit comprises directing at least part of the fluid from the fluid output conduit of the mobile heat pump unit to the buffer tank and / or preferably the booster heat pump.

10. Room temperature control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the central heat pump is a hybrid heat pump.

11. Room temperature control system according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the fluidic socket comprises an input socket configured to receive the fluidic plug of the fluid input conduit and an output socket configured to receive the fluidic plug of the fluid output conduit, optionally wherein a non-return valve is provided between the input socket and the output socket.

12. Mobile heat pump unit for use in the room temperature control system according to any of the preceding claims.

13. Mobile heat pump unit according to claim 12, wherein the air heat exchanger comprises air moving means for providing an airflow in the room such that heat is transferred between the airflow and the air heat exchanger, preferably wherein the air moving means comprise a fan.

14. Mobile heat pump unit according to claim 12 or 13, wherein the fluid input conduit and / or the fluid output conduit comprises a circulation pump for circulating fluid through the fluid input conduit and / or the fluid output conduit.

15. Mobile heat pump unit according to any one of claims 12 - 14, wherein the fluid input conduit and / or the fluid output conduit is a flexible pipe, such as a hose.

16. Mobile heat pump unit according to any one of claims 12 - 15, wherein a reversible refrigeration circuit is provided between the air heat exchanger and the fluid heat exchanger.

17. Mobile heat pump unit according to claim 16, wherein the reversible refrigeration circuit uses R-290 as refrigerant.

18. Mobile heat pump unit according to claim 16 or 17, wherein the reversible refrigeration circuit comprises a rotary compressor connected to the air heat exchanger and the fluid heat exchanger via a four-way valve.

19. Mobile heat pump unit according to any one of claims 16 - 18, wherein the reversible refrigeration circuit comprises an expansion valve connected to the air heat exchanger and the fluid heat exchanger, preferably wherein the expansion valve is a thermostatic expansion valve or an electronic expansion valve.

20. Mobile heat pump unit according to any one of claims 12 - 19, further comprising a housing, wherein the fluid input conduit and the fluid output conduit are accessible from the exterior of the housing.

21. Mobile heat pump unit of claim 20, wherein the housing comprises moving means, such as wheels and / or handles, for moving the mobile heat pump unit as a whole.

22. Kit-of -parts, comprising a mobile heat pump unit according to any one of claims 12 - 21, and a fluidic socket configured to be connected with a central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit of a central heating distribution system, wherein the mobile heat pump unit is connectable to the central fluid-filled heat distribution circuit through the fluidic socket.

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