Heat pump module for a hybrid heating apparatus and related apparatus

Abstract

A heat pump module (5) for a hybrid heating apparatus (1), which comprises a fuel-fired boiler (3) supported by a wall (P) of a building (E) to be heated and connected to a heating system (100) of the building (E). The heat pump module (5) comprises: an enclosure (30) which is separate and distinct from the enclosure (6) of the fuel-fired boiler (3); a heat pump heating assembly (32) which is accommodated within the enclosure (30) and comprises a heat pump heating circuit; at least one inflow opening (39) provided on the enclosure (30), separate and distinct from the air inlet opening (12) of the fuel-fired boiler (3), and adapted to place the heating assembly (32) in communication with the outside environment in order to suck air and convey it to the heating assembly (32); and at least one outflow opening (40), provided on the enclosure (30), separate and distinct from the exhaust gas outflow opening (14) of the fuel-fired boiler (3), and adapted to place the heating assembly (32) in communication with the outside environment in order to expel the air cooled by the heating assembly (32), the enclosure (30) being adapted to be anchored to a wall (P) of the building (E) and being structured to be capable of supporting the enclosure (6).

Description

[0001] HEAT PUMP MODULE FOR A HYBRID HEATING APPARATUS AND RELATED APPARATUS

[0002] The present invention relates to a heat pump module for a hybrid heating apparatus for heating the heat transfer fluid, in particular water, of a heating system of a dwelling, and to an associated apparatus.

[0003] In more detail, the present invention relates to a hybrid heating apparatus for domestic use, which comprises a gas-fired boiler, in particular, a condensing boiler, and a heat pump.

[0004] This is the use that will be specifically referred to in the following discussion, without for this reason restricting the scope of protection claimed herein.

[0005] As is known, traditionally in most dwellings, the heating of domestic rooms entails the use of fuel-fired boilers, which use methane gas and / or other, similar fossil fuels to heat the water that circulates in the domestic heating system.

[0006] Unfortunately, traditional fuel-fired boilers have a limited energy yield and are not capable of meeting the stringent limits imposed by the new revision of the "Ecodesign" Commission Regulation (EU) 813 / 2013, which in all probability will impose an increase from the present 86% to over 100% of the minimum seasonal efficiency for domestic heating systems, i.e. to a value higher than the physical limits of traditional fuel-fired boilers.

[0007] Owing to these new regulatory constraints and / or for reasons of economic convenience, in many domestic dwellings traditional fuel-fired boilers are currently being replaced with modern electric-powered air / water heat pumps.

[0008] However, replacing a fuel-fired boiler with an air / water heat pump requires a series of accessory activities, which impact considerably on the overall cost of this intervention, such as for example replacing old high- temperature radiators with new climate control terminals running at lower operating temperatures, upgrading the electrical system to handle the extra electric power required by the heat pump, changes to plumbing or masonry to adapt the heating system to the new heat pump, and / or other, similar interventions.

[0009] Traditional fuel-fired boilers, in particular, are often positioned inside closed boiler rooms with only a flue for expulsion of the boiler exhaust gases, while the heat pumps currently present on the market require the installation of an external heat exchange unit, to be positioned outside the building, in direct contact with the outside environment, with the evident drawbacks that this entails.

[0010] Most residential buildings, in fact, are subject to constraints in terms of architecture, aesthetics and / or space, which do not allow to install external heat pump units.

[0011] To overcome some of these drawbacks, and at the same time to increase the overall energy efficiency of the heating system, some makers have introduced hybrid heating systems to the market, which integrate a traditional fuel-fired boiler, in particular a condensing boiler, and an electric-powered air / water heat pump, which are connected to each other in series.

[0012] In more detail, such hybrid heating systems usually comprise a single, thermally-insulated box-like enclosure of large dimensions, inside which both the condensing boiler and the heat pump are accommodated.

[0013] The thermally-insulated box-like enclosure, in particular, comprises: a single air inlet pipe, in fluid communication with the outside environment, in order to allow ambient air to be fed to the burner of the condensing boiler and / or to the heat pump; an outflow pipe, in order to allow the cold air coming from the heat pump to be expelled into the environment; and optionally a third pipe for expelling the exhaust gases of the fuel-fired boiler.

[0014] Although this enables very high efficiency values to be achieved, up to 130%, the hybrid heating systems described above take up a great deal more space than that required by a traditional fuel-fired boiler and a very great weight, in the order of 100 kg.

[0015] Therefore, the installation of such hybrid heating systems often requires the presence of a large number of specialist operators, with the obvious drawbacks that this entails.

[0016] In addition, the hybrid heating systems described above require the availability of abundant space for their installation, and are not adapted to be installed in traditional boiler rooms of residential dwellings, which are often dimensioned on the basis of the space required by a traditional combustion boiler.

[0017] The hybrid heating systems described above, in fact, are particularly adapted to be installed in centralized climate control systems for very large buildings with a high number of fan coil units, heaters and / or other, similar climate control terminals.

[0018] In addition to the hybrid heating systems described above, hybrid solutions are known without external units but with boilers and heat pumps, both of which are wall-mounted and contained in separate enclosures to be connected to each other hydraulically. Such configurations normally require even more space inside the dwelling.

[0019] In general, the need is therefore felt to have hybrid heating apparatuses on the market that are capable of increasing the minimum seasonal efficiency of climate control systems as well as the maximum yield of traditional fuel-fired boilers, and in particular to over 100%, so as to conform to future revisions of the European and / or national regulations in force, and which are at the same time simple and economic to install.

[0020] In particular, the need is felt to provide hybrid heating apparatuses on the market that are particularly adapted to be installed in heating systems of small residential dwellings, advantageously allowing the fuel-fired boiler of the apparatus, if any, to be kept without increasing the wall surface used by the heating system. The aim of the present invention is to provide a heat pump module and hybrid heating apparatus that are capable of improving the prior art in one or more of the above-mentioned aspects.

[0021] Within this aim, an object of the invention is to provide a heat pump module and hybrid heating apparatus that are capable of reducing complexity of construction.

[0022] Another object of the invention is to devise a heat pump module and hybrid heating apparatus that are extremely compact, so that they can be installed even if the space available is scant.

[0023] Another object of the invention is to provide a heat pump module and hybrid heating apparatus that are highly reliable, easy to implement and at low cost.

[0024] This aim and this and other objects which will become better evident hereinafter are achieved by a heat pump module and by a hybrid heating apparatus according to the independent claims, optionally provided with one or more of the characteristics of the dependent claims.

[0025] The claims describe preferred embodiments of the present invention, and so form an integral part of the present description.

[0026] Further characteristics and advantages of the invention will become better apparent from the detailed description that follows of a preferred, but not exclusive, embodiment of the heat pump module and hybrid heating apparatus according to the invention, which is illustrated for the purposes of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings wherein:

[0027] Figure 1 schematically illustrates a hybrid heating apparatus provided according to the specifications of the present invention, with parts removed for clarity;

[0028] Figure 2 schematically illustrates a side view of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1, with parts in cross-section and parts removed for clarity;

[0029] Figures 3 to 5 schematically illustrate some variations of embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity;

[0030] Figures 6 to 11 schematically illustrate some side views of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1, with parts in cross-section and parts removed for clarity;

[0031] Figure 12 shows a variation of embodiment of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 1, with parts removed for clarity; and

[0032] Figure 13 shows an example of installation of the apparatus illustrated in Figure 12, with parts in cross-section and parts removed for clarity;

[0033] Figure 14 is a front elevation view of an additional embodiment of the heat pump;

[0034] Figure 15 is a side view of the embodiment of the heat pump of Figure 14;

[0035] Figure 16 is a front elevation view of the heat pump of Figure 14 associated with a boiler;

[0036] Figure 17 is a side view of the boiler associated with the heat pump of Figure 16.

[0037] With reference to Figure 1, the reference numeral 1 generally designates a hybrid heating apparatus, advantageously of the wall-mounted type, for a heating system 100 of a building, in particular of a domestic dwelling.

[0038] In more detail, the apparatus 1 is advantageously part of the heating system 100 and is structured to heat the heat transfer fluid, in particular water, that circulates within said heating system 100.

[0039] In particular, the heating system 100 advantageously comprises: the apparatus 1, which is adapted to receive as input the heat transfer fluid, in particular water, to be heated, and to supply as output the same heat transfer fluid, heated; a plurality of air / liquid heat exchangers 101 for heating (only one is shown schematically in Figure 1), such as for example heaters, fan coil units, radiators, coils for under-floor heating systems, and / or other, similar heating terminals, which are conveniently positioned in the various rooms to be heated; a delivery line 102 for the hot heat transfer fluid, which connects the outflow of the apparatus 1 with the inflows of the various heat exchangers 101, at fluid level; and a return line 103 for the cold / tepid heat transfer fluid, which connects the outlets of the various heat exchangers 101 with the return inlet of the apparatus 1, at fluid level.

[0040] In more detail, the apparatus 1 preferably has a modular structure and comprises a fuel-fired boiler 3 and a heat pump 5 which are mutually connected at fluid level and are both configured to heat the heat transfer fluid of the heating system 100.

[0041] Preferably, the fuel-fired boiler 3 is a condensing boiler. The heat pump 5, on the other hand, is preferably an air / water heat pump.

[0042] According to the preferred embodiment of the present invention, both the fuel-fired boiler 3 and the heat pump 5 are adapted to be supported by a wall P of the building E to be heated.

[0043] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, in particular, the fuel-fired boiler 3 comprises an outer enclosure 6, preferably thermally- insulated and internally hollow, which is advantageously structured to be supported by a wall P of the building E, and to accommodate the components of the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0044] Preferably, the outer enclosure 6 has a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0045] In addition, the outer enclosure 6 preferably has a monolithic structure.

[0046] Preferably, the outer enclosure 6 is intended to be anchored to a wall P of the building E that hosts the heating system 100, such as for example an outer perimeter wall or an inner wall of a boiler room of the building.

[0047] The fuel-fired boiler 3 is configured to perform both the function of a heating system and the production of domestic hot water, and is provided with a circulator, integrated or external, with water and gas connections in the lower part and air and exhaust gas connections in the upper part. In particular, the fuel-fired boiler 3 also comprises a burner 8, which is accommodated inside the outer enclosure 6 and is adapted to produce heat for heating the heat transfer fluid of the heating system 100.

[0048] In addition, the fuel-fired boiler 3 preferably comprises a fuel feed line 10, which is adapted to place the burner 8 in fluid communication with a source of fluid fuel (not shown), in particular fuel gas, and is adapted to supply the fluid fuel to the burner 8.

[0049] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, furthermore, the fuel-fired boiler 3 comprises an air inlet opening 12, which is adapted to place the inlet of the burner 8 in fluid communication with the outside environment, so as to be able to supply combustion air to said burner 8.

[0050] In addition, the fuel-fired boiler 3 comprises an exhaust gas outflow opening 14, which is adapted to place the outlet of the burner 8 in fluid communication with the outside environment, so as to be able to expel the exhaust gases produced, during use, by the burner 8 into the environment.

[0051] Preferably, the air inlet opening 12 and the exhaust gas outflow opening 14 are provided on an upper portion of the outer enclosure 6, in particular on the upper wall of the outer enclosure 6.

[0052] The air inlet opening 12 and the exhaust gas outflow opening 14 are furthermore preferably concentric.

[0053] In addition, the fuel-fired boiler 3 also comprises a first heat exchanger 16, which is adapted to be passed through by the heat transfer liquid of the heating system 100 and is structured to be capable of heating said heat transfer fluid by virtue of the heat produced by the burner 8 in a per se known manner.

[0054] In more detail, the fuel-fired boiler 3 comprises a heat transfer fluid inlet 17 which is adapted to place the inlet of the heat exchanger 16 in fluid communication with the return pipe 103 of the heating system 100, so as to send the cold or tepid heat transfer fluid, originating from the heating system 100, to the heat exchanger 16. In addition, the fuel-fired boiler 3 comprises a heat transfer fluid outflow 18 which is adapted to place the outflow of the heat exchanger 16 in fluid communication with the delivery pipe 102 of the heating system 100, so as to send the hot heat transfer fluid in output from the heat exchanger 16 to the heating system 100.

[0055] The heat transfer fluid inlet 17 and the heat transfer fluid outflow 18 are advantageously provided on the lower portion of the outer enclosure 6, in particular on the lower wall of the outer enclosure 6.

[0056] In addition, with reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the fuel-fired boiler 3 preferably also comprises a circulation pump 19, which is configured to circulate the heat transfer fluid through the heat exchanger 16 from the heat transfer fluid inlet 17 to the heat transfer fluid outflow 18.

[0057] Preferably, as per se known, the fuel-fired boiler 3 is further configured to heat the sanitary water of the building that hosts the heating system 100.

[0058] In more detail, the fuel-fired boiler 3 preferably comprises a sanitary water inlet 20 connected at fluid level with a potable water source, such as for example a water mains pipe and / or the like, and a sanitary water outflow 22 which is adapted to provide the heated sanitary water in output to the building E.

[0059] In addition, the fuel-fired boiler 3 preferably comprises a second heat exchanger 24, which is connected at fluid level between the sanitary water inlet 20 and the sanitary water outflow 22, is adapted to be passed through by the sanitary water to be heated, and is positioned inside the outer enclosure 6 so as to be able to heat the sanitary water, during use.

[0060] Preferably, the heat exchanger 24 is a water / water heat exchanger and is configured to absorb heat from the hot heat transfer fluid in output from the heat exchanger 16 to heat the sanitary water, in a per se known manner and for this reason not described further. Preferably, the sanitary water inlet 20 and the sanitary water outlet 22 are provided on the lower portion of the outer enclosure 6, in particular on the lower wall of the outer enclosure 6.

[0061] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the heat pump 5 on the other hand comprises firstly an outer enclosure 30, preferably thermally-insulated and internally hollow, which is advantageously structured so that it can be anchored to a wall P of the building E.

[0062] The outer enclosure 6 of the combustion boiler 3 is furthermore separate and distinct from the outer enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5.

[0063] Preferably, the outer enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5 is structured so that it can be anchored to a wall P of the building E that hosts the heating system 100, and in turn is structured so that it can support the outer enclosure 6 of the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0064] In other words, the outer enclosure 6 of the fuel-fired boiler 3 can be fixed / anchored on the outer enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5.

[0065] Preferably, the outer enclosure 30 has a substantially parallelepiped shape.

[0066] In addition, the outer enclosure 30 preferably has a monolithic structure.

[0067] Preferably, the outer enclosure 30 has height and width dimensions that approximate the dimensions of the outer enclosure 6 of the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0068] The depth dimension of the outer enclosure 30, on the other hand, is preferably less than that of the outer enclosure 6 of the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0069] In other words, the enclosure 6 is preferably dimensioned to have a depth that is such as to reduce the space occupation of the heat pump 5 as far as possible and at the same time be capable of accommodating all the components of the heat pump 5.

[0070] Preferably, the thickness of the outer enclosure 30 is advantageously less than 40 cm, and more conveniently even less than 30 cm. Specifically, the outer enclosure 30 has an interface, or can be associated with an interface, which is configured to allow it to support the enclosure 6 of the fuel-fired boiler 3. In particular, with reference to the embodiment shown in Figures 14 to 17, it is possible that the interface means comprise first supporting means 50 defined on the enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5, which can be engaged by second supporting means 60 which are integral with the outer enclosure 6 of the fuel-fired boiler 6.

[0071] Advantageously, the first supporting means 50 have at least two supporting pegs 51 which are configured to be engaged by two engagement holes 61 which define the second supporting means 60.

[0072] In order to be able to adapt to different center distances between the engagement holes 61, center distances which can vary as a function of the type of fuel-fired boiler that it is desired to associate with the heat pump 5, means are provided for adjusting on command the distance between the supporting pegs 51.

[0073] Preferably, such means of adjustment on command comprise slideable supporting guides 52 for the supporting pegs 51 within which the respective peg is slideable.

[0074] Advantageously, the supporting guides 52 extend along a substantially horizontal adjustment direction.

[0075] Basically, in this manner it is possible to associate practically all wall- mounted fuel-fired boilers 6 that are available on the market with the outer enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5.

[0076] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the heat pump 5 preferably comprises an electrically actuated heating assembly 32, which is at least partially accommodated within the outer enclosure 30, is in fluid communication with the delivery line 102 and the return line 103 of the heating system 100, and is selectively adapted to heat the heat transfer fluid of the heating system 100.

[0077] In more detail, the heating assembly 32 preferably comprises a heat pump heating circuit, which is adapted to heat the heat transfer fluid of the heating system 100.

[0078] Preferably, the refrigerant fluid that circulates within the heat pump heating circuit is R290 gas, traditionally known as propane, R134a gas, traditionally known as tetrafluoroethane, and / or another, similar refrigerant fluid.

[0079] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, in particular, the heating assembly 32 preferably comprises: a first heat exchanger 33, traditionally called a low-pressure heat exchanger or evaporator, which is preferably positioned within the outer enclosure 30 so as to be struck by the air present / circulating inside the outer enclosure 30; a second heat exchanger 34, traditionally called a high-pressure heat exchanger or condenser, which is preferably positioned within the outer enclosure 30 and is adapted to be struck / passed through by the heat transfer fluid of the heating system 100, so as to heat it; and an electrically actuated compressor 35, advantageously of the volumetric type, which is preferably positioned within the outer enclosure 30, is interposed between the evaporator 33 and the condenser 34, and is adapted to compress the refrigerant fluid that exits from the evaporator 33 and enters the condenser 34.

[0080] In more detail, the suction intake of the compressor 35 is connected to the outlet of the evaporator 33 and the outflow is connected to the inlet of the condenser 34, and is adapted to compress the low-pressure, low- temperature refrigerant fluid in output from the evaporator 33, and to send - in input to the condenser 34 - a flow of refrigerant fluid with temperature and pressure values appreciably higher than those in output from the evaporator 33.

[0081] Preferably, the low-pressure exchanger or evaporator 33 is an air / refrigerant fluid heat exchanger.

[0082] The high-pressure exchanger or condenser 34, on the other hand, is preferably a refrigerant fluid / liquid heat exchanger. In particular, the condenser 34 can be a plate-type heat exchanger or a pipe-in-pipe heat exchanger. Advantageously, the condenser 34 is adapted to be passed through by the heat transfer fluid of the heating system 100, so that the hot, high-pressure refrigerant fluid can locally yield heat to such heat transfer fluid.

[0083] In addition, the heating assembly 32 preferably also comprises an active or passive expanding element 36, traditionally also known as a thermal expansion valve, which is interposed between the outlet of the condenser 34 and the inlet of the evaporator 33, and is adapted to cause the rapid and irreversible expansion of the refrigerant fluid that flows from the outlet of the condenser 34 to the inlet of the evaporator 33, so that the refrigerant fluid in input to the evaporator 33 has pressure and temperature values appreciably lower than those of the refrigerant fluid in output from the condenser 34.

[0084] During use, the cold, low-pressure refrigerant fluid that circulates within the evaporator 33 evaporates and subtracts heat from the air present / circulating within the outer enclosure 30. The hot, high-pressure refrigerant fluid that circulates within the condenser 34, on the other hand, condenses and yields heat to the heat transfer fluid of the heating system 100, thus heating it.

[0085] In more detail, the heat pump preferably comprises a heat transfer fluid inlet 37, which is adapted to place the inlet of the condenser 34 in fluid communication with the heating system 100, so as to send the cold or tepid heat transfer fluid, originating from the heating system 100, to the condenser 34.

[0086] In addition, the heat pump 5 preferably comprises a heat transfer fluid outflow 38, which is adapted to place the outflow of the condenser 34 in fluid communication with the heating system 100, so as to send the hot heat transfer fluid in output from the condenser 34 to the heating system 100.

[0087] Preferably, the heat transfer fluid inlet 37 and the heat transfer fluid outflow 38 are provided on the lower portion of the outer enclosure 30, in particular on its lower wall.

[0088] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the heat pump 5 preferably also comprises an inflow opening 39, which is provided on the outer enclosure 30 and is adapted to place the internal volume of the outer enclosure 30 in fluid communication with the outside environment, in order to make it possible to suck air into the outer enclosure 30 and convey it to the evaporator 33.

[0089] In addition, the heat pump 5 preferably also comprises an outflow opening 40, which is provided on the outer enclosure 30 and is adapted to place the internal volume of the outer enclosure 30 in fluid communication with the outside environment, in order to make it possible to expel the cold air in output from the evaporator 33 to the outside environment.

[0090] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the inflow opening 39 and the outflow opening 40 are preferably provided on the rear wall of the outer enclosure 30, which during use is designed to be directed toward the wall P of the building E, so as to connect such openings at fluid level with the outside environment by way of pipes that pass through said wall P, as described in more detail below.

[0091] In addition or alternatively, the inflow opening 39 and the outflow opening 40 could also be provided on the upper wall and / or on a side wall and / or on the front wall and / or on the lower wall of the outer enclosure 30.

[0092] For example, the inflow opening 39 and the outflow opening 40 can be advantageously mutually concentric.

[0093] According to a different embodiment, furthermore, the outer enclosure 30 could also be provided with a plurality of inflow openings 39, which could be provided mutually spaced apart on the outer enclosure 30, in particular on a same wall and / or on mutually separate walls of the outer enclosure 30.

[0094] Similarly, the outer enclosure 30 can further be provided with a plurality of outflow openings 40, which can be provided mutually spaced apart on the outer enclosure 30, in particular on a same wall and / or on mutually separate walls of the outer enclosure 30.

[0095] The technical effect of the attachment point of a plurality of inflow openings 39 and of a plurality of outflow openings 40 on the outer enclosure 30 is linked to a greater flexibility of installation of the heat pump 5 within the heating system 100. During installation of the heat pump 5, in fact, a technician can use the inflow opening or openings 39 and the outflow opening or openings 40 that are most suitable and / or most convenient, as a function of the positioning of the heat pump 5 with respect to the wall P and / or to the fuel-fired boiler 3, and simultaneously close off the inflow opening or openings 39 and the outflow opening or openings 40 that are not used.

[0096] In addition, the heat pump 5 preferably also comprises a ventilation device 42, advantageously electrically actuated, which is adapted to suck air into the outer enclosure 30 through the inflow opening 39 and to convey it to the evaporator 33, and then to expel it into the outside environment through the outflow opening 40.

[0097] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, furthermore, the heat pump 5 and the fuel-fired boiler 3 are preferably mutually connected, at fluid level, in series.

[0098] In more detail, the heat pump 5 is preferably arranged upstream of the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0099] In particular, the apparatus 1 preferably comprises a hydraulic connection circuit which is adapted to connect, at fluid level, the heat pump 5 with the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0100] In the embodiment shown in Figure 1, in particular, the hydraulic connection circuit preferably comprises a pipe 44 that connects the outlet of the heat pump 5, or rather of the condenser 34, with the water inlet 17 of the fuel-fired boiler 3. The inlet of the heat pump 5, or rather of the condenser 34, on the other hand, is preferably connected to the return line 103 of the heating system 100.

[0101] The water outlet of the fuel-fired boiler 3, on the other hand, is connected to the delivery line 102 of the heating system 100.

[0102] In this manner, during use, the heat transfer fluid to be heated, originating from the heating system 100, first passes through the heat pump 5, or rather the condenser 34, and then passes through the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0103] Clearly, the heating of the heat transfer fluid can entail the use of both the heat pump 5 and the fuel-fired boiler 3, or it can entail the use selectively of only either the heat pump 5 or the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0104] The activation of both the heat pump 5 and the fuel-fired boiler 3 or only one of the latter two devices can be based on energy optimization strategies, which are configured to minimize the energy consumption of the apparatus 1 and which depend for example on parameters such as climate conditions, the cost of electricity and of the fluid fuel to be fed to the burner 8, the availability of electricity from renewable sources such as for example a photovoltaic plant and / or the like, in a per se known manner and for this reason not described further.

[0105] In this manner the heat transfer fluid can be heated both by the heat pump 5 first and then by the fuel-fired boiler 3, or only and alternately by one of the latter two devices.

[0106] In addition, with reference to an additional embodiment of the invention, the heat pump 5 can be configured to be able to invert the heat pump refrigeration cycle, so as to be able to operate during the summer period as a cooling system, in particular for cooling the heat transfer fluid and providing cold heat transfer fluid to cooling terminals of the system 100, such as for example convectors and / or a radiant floor, and / or to perform the function of deicing the evaporator 33.

[0107] Preferably, the apparatus 1 also comprises a reservoir or inertial heat accumulator or thermal flywheel (a puffer), which is adapted to accumulate a preset quantity of heated heat transfer fluid.

[0108] In more detail, the inertial heat accumulator is advantageously connected downstream or upstream of the heat pump 5.

[0109] There is no reason why the inertial heat accumulator cannot be arranged within the enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5.

[0110] Figure 2 shows a preferred embodiment of the installation of the apparatus 1 on a wall P of a building E to be heated. The building E, in particular, can be a domestic dwelling and can host the heating system 100.

[0111] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the outer enclosure 6 of the fuel-fired boiler 3 and the outer enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5 are advantageously placed one over the other.

[0112] In more detail, a first one of either the outer enclosure 6 or the outer enclosure 30 is preferably anchored to the wall P of the building E.

[0113] The second one of either the outer enclosure 6 or the outer enclosure 30 is preferably anchored on the first one of either the outer enclosure 6 or the outer enclosure 30.

[0114] In addition, the outer enclosure 6 and the outer enclosure 30 are advantageously anchored on the innermost side of the wall P, i.e. inside the building E.

[0115] For example, the outer enclosure 6 and the outer enclosure 30 can be anchored inside a boiler room of the building E.

[0116] In addition, the wall P is preferably provided with one or more openings in order to allow the extraction of the air in the fuel-fired boiler 3 and in the heat pump 5 and for the expulsion into the outside environment of the exhaust gases of the fuel-fired boiler 3 and the air from the heat pump 5.

[0117] Advantageously, the apparatus 1 comprises a first pipe 46, which is in fluid communication with the inflow opening 12 of the fuel-fired boiler 3, engages an opening provided in the wall P, and makes it possible to place the inflow opening 12 in fluid communication with the outside environment.

[0118] Preferably, the apparatus 1 comprises an additional pipe 47, which is in fluid communication with the exhaust gas outflow opening 14 of the fuel- fired boiler 3, engages an opening provided in the wall P, and makes it possible to expel the exhaust gases of the fuel-fired boiler 3 into the outside environment.

[0119] In more detail, the pipe 47 extends preferably within the pipe 46, and in particular it is advantageously coaxial with the latter. The pipe 46 and the pipe 47 preferably engage the same opening provided in the wall P.

[0120] In addition, the apparatus 1 comprises preferably two pipes 48 and 49, which are in fluid communication respectively with the inflow opening 39 and with the outflow opening 40 of the heat pump 5, one of which enables the extraction of ambient air into the heat pump 5 and the other the expulsion into the outside environment of the air in output from the heat pump 5.

[0121] Preferably, the pipe 46, the pipe 48 and the pipe 49 engage corresponding through openings, which are provided in the wall P and are mutually separate and distinct.

[0122] With reference to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, in particular, the inflow opening 39 and the outflow opening 40 and the corresponding pipes 48 and 49 can be positioned one vertically aligned with the other and mutually laterally offset, or they can be positioned one vertically offset from the other and mutually laterally aligned, or they can be positioned one vertically and laterally offset from the other.

[0123] Clearly, the arrangement of the pipes 48 and 49 can vary as a function of the installation conditions of the apparatus 1.

[0124] The operation of the apparatus 1 can easily be deduced from the foregoing description, and does not require further explanation.

[0125] The advantages associated with the particular structure of the hybrid heating apparatus 1 are considerable and evident. Firstly, by combining the efficiency of a combustion boiler, in particular a condensing boiler, with the efficiency of a heat pump, the apparatus 1 makes it possible to appreciably increase the seasonal efficiency of the system, reduce consumption of fossil fuels, and take advantage of renewable energy taken from the air.

[0126] In addition, the particular modular structure of the apparatus 1 means it can also be installed in dwellings that are subject to constraints in terms of architecture, aesthetics and / or space, which forbid the installation of a traditional external unit of a heat pump.

[0127] Furthermore, the particular modular structure of the apparatus 1 makes it possible to anchor the components of the same apparatus 1 in different locations, in particular the heat pump 5 and the fuel-fired boiler 3, as a function of the space constraints and / or installation requirements.

[0128] The above is particularly advantageous because the traditional combustion boilers can be replaced with the apparatus 1 described above in any type of building, making it possible to significantly increase the efficiency of the associated heating system, without impacting negatively on the space occupation of the heat generator of that system.

[0129] Furthermore, if a combustion boiler is already present, it is possible to add only the heat pump module 5 to it, so as to retain the existing fuel-fired boiler and at the same time obtain a hybrid heating apparatus with a higher seasonal efficiency. This possibility, in particular, is economically very advantageous for the end consumer.

[0130] Finally, unlike hybrids contained in a single enclosure, both storage in retailer warehouses and installation are very simple and economical, since all that is needed is only the new heat pump module instead of a complete hybrid system, with the evident benefits that this entails.

[0131] Basically, the solution according to the invention of the heat pump module eliminates the need to find space outside and inside the dwelling, instead exclusively increasing the depth of the existing installed boiler. The heat pump is made in such a way as to make the fixing of the enclosure 6 of the boiler simple and rapid by virtue of, for example, a system of pins on guides which can be moved to adapt to many models of boilers present on the market.

[0132] As a consequence, providing the heat pump according to the invention makes it possible for it to be installed even when paired with existing boilers already present in the dwellings without necessarily requiring their substitution.

[0133] Lastly, it is clear that modifications and variations may be made to the hybrid heating apparatus 1 according to the present invention which however do not depart from the scope of protection defined by the claims.

[0134] For example, Figure 3 shows an embodiment of the apparatus 1 that is similar to the one shown in Figure 1, the common parts of which will be identified with the same reference numerals.

[0135] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 3 differs from the one illustrated in Figure 1 in that the heat pump 5 and the fuel-fired boiler 3 are hydraulically unconnected to each other and are both connected directly to the heating system 100.

[0136] In more detail, the apparatus 1 in this case is preferably provided with a hydraulic separator 200, which is interposed at fluid level between the heat pump 5 and the fuel-fired boiler 3, and is adapted to connect, at fluid level, both the heat pump 5 and the fuel-fired boiler 3 to the heating system 100.

[0137] Preferably, the hydraulic separator 200 can be accommodated in the enclosure 30.

[0138] Alternatively, the hydraulic separator 200 can be positioned outside the enclosure 30 and / or the enclosure 6.

[0139] The hydraulic separator 200, in particular, can comprise: a first inlet, connected at fluid level with the outlet of the heat pump 5, or rather of the condenser 34; a second inlet, connected at fluid level to the heat transfer fluid outlet 18 of the fuel-fired boiler 3 by way of a pipe 244; a first outlet connected at fluid level to the delivery pipe 102 of the heating system 100; and a second outlet connected at fluid level to the heat transfer fluid inlet 17 of the fuel-fired boiler 3 by way of a pipe 44.

[0140] Clearly, according to another embodiment illustrated in Figure 2, the heat transfer fluid can be heated both by the heat pump 5 first and then by the fuel-fired boiler 3, or only alternately by one of the latter two devices.

[0141] In addition, Figure 4 shows an embodiment of the apparatus 1 that is similar to the one shown in Figure 1, the common parts of which will be identified with the same reference numbers.

[0142] The embodiment illustrated in Figure 4 differs from the one illustrated in Figure 1 in that the heat pump 5 is provided with a high-pressure heat exchanger or condenser 334 which is configured to be able to heat sanitary water as well.

[0143] In more detail, the high-pressure heat exchanger 334 is advantageously a triple-flow heat exchanger, possibly also being provided with an inertial energy storage.

[0144] In more detail, the inlet of the high-pressure heat exchanger 334 is advantageously connected both to the return pipe 103 of the heating system 100 and to the potable water source.

[0145] The outlet of the high-pressure heat exchanger 334, on the other hand, is advantageously connected to the sanitary water inlet 20 of the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0146] In this case, therefore, heating the sanitary water is also a two-step process, i.e. a first heating step performed by the heat pump 5 and a second heating step performed by the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0147] The embodiment of the apparatus 1 illustrated in Figure 5, on the other hand, is a combination of the variations of embodiment illustrated in Figures 3 and 4, i.e. it comprises both the hydraulic separator 200 and the triple-flow heat exchanger 334. Then, Figure 6 illustrates a variation of installation of the apparatus 1 similar to the installation illustrated in Figure 2, wherein the openings 39 and 40 are preferably provided in the upper wall of the outer enclosure 30 and are in fluid communication with the outside environment by way of two pipes 48 and 49, which are mutually separate and distinct, for example one beside the other and at a distance, and advantageously also separate from the pipes 46 and 47. In particular, the two pipes 48 and 49 advantageously engage a like number of openings which are provided in the wall P.

[0148] Figure 7, on the other hand, schematically illustrates another embodiment wherein the openings 39 and 40 are advantageously concentric. The pipes 48 and 49, furthermore, are advantageously accommodated one inside the other and engage a single opening provided in the wall P.

[0149] In other words, the pipe 48 extends within the pipe 49, or vice versa.

[0150] This configuration, in particular, makes it possible to minimize the number of openings to be provided in the wall P, so simplifying the installation of the apparatus 1.

[0151] In the embodiment shown in Figure 7, the openings 39 and 40 are provided in the upper wall of the enclosure 30, but it is understood that they could also be located on the rear wall of the enclosure 30.

[0152] In the embodiment shown in Figure 8, on the other hand, the enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5 and the enclosure 6 of the fuel-fired boiler 3 are anchored to the wall P outside the building E. In such case, clearly, the exhaust gas outflow opening 14 of the fuel-fired boiler 3, the inflow opening 39 (not shown) and the outflow opening 40 of the heat pump 5 are directly in fluid communication with the outside environment. In the example shown in Figure 8, furthermore, the fuel-fired boiler 3 is advantageously provided with the pipe 46 and / or with the pipe 47.

[0153] In the embodiment shown in Figure 9, on the other hand, the outer enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5 is anchored to a wall P outside the building E, while the outer enclosure 6 of the fuel-fired boiler 5 is anchored to a wall P inside the building E.

[0154] In other words, the condensing boiler 3 and the heat pump 5 are fixed on the two opposite faces of the wall P. In this case, clearly, the inflow opening 39 (not shown) and the outflow opening 40 of the heat pump 5 are directly in fluid communication with the outside environment. The openings for the air inlet 12 and the exhaust gas outlet 14 of the fuel-fired boiler 3, on the other hand, communicate with the outside environment by way of the pipes 46 and 47 respectively, which engage in a through manner with an opening provided in the wall P.

[0155] The further embodiments illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, on the other hand, are similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2, the common parts of which will be identified with the same reference numerals.

[0156] The embodiments illustrated in Figures 10 and 11 differ from the embodiment illustrated in Figures 1 and 2 in that the outer enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5 does not have a monolithic structure, but comprises a first sub-module 30a intended to be positioned inside the building E and a second sub-module 30b, separate and distinct from the first sub-module 30a, which is intended to be positioned outside the building E.

[0157] Preferably, the first sub-module 30a is adapted to accommodate the condenser 34 of the heating assembly 32 of the heat pump 5.

[0158] The second sub-module 30b, on the other hand, is preferably adapted to accommodate the compressor 35, the expansion element 36 and / or the evaporator 33 of the heating assembly 32 of the heat pump 5.

[0159] In addition, the inflow opening 39 (not visible), the outflow opening 40 and the ventilation device 42 are advantageously positioned on the second sub-module 30b, so as to be able to generate a flow of air that flows over the evaporator 33 of the heating assembly 32 of the heat pump 5.

[0160] With reference to the embodiments illustrated in Figures 10 and 11, the second sub-module 30b preferably has a substantially parallelepiped shape and can be contoured and dimensioned to be arranged below and / or beside the outer enclosure 6 of the combustion boiler 3. In this case, both the outer enclosure 6 and the second sub-module 30b can be anchored to the wall P.

[0161] Alternatively, the second sub-module 30b can be dimensioned and contoured to be arranged behind the outer enclosure 6 of the combustion boiler 3. In this case, the dimensions of the second sub-module 30b can approximate those of the outer enclosure 6, and the second sub-module 30b can be anchored to the wall P while the outer enclosure 6 can be fixed to the second module 6.

[0162] With reference to Figures 12 and 13, in a more sophisticated embodiment, the heat pump 5 can be configured to be able to also recover heat from the exhaust gases produced by the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0163] In particular, according to this embodiment, the pipe 47 of the fuel- fired boiler 3 can pass through a portion of the enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5, so as to be able to transfer heat to the heat pump refrigeration circuit of the heating assembly 32.

[0164] In more detail, in this embodiment, the enclosure 30 of the heat pump 5 preferably comprises a first portion which accommodates the heating assembly 32, and a second portion which is separate, at fluid level, from the first. The second portion of the enclosure 30 is preferably configured to be passed through by the exhaust gases produced by the fuel-fired boiler 3.

[0165] The pipe 47, in turn, preferably comprises a first segment 47a which places the fuel-fired boiler 3 in fluid communication with the second portion of the enclosure 30, and a second segment 47b which places the second portion of the enclosure 30 in fluid communication with the outside environment for the expulsion of the exhaust gases produced by the fuel- fired boiler 3.

[0166] Advantageously, the heating assembly 32 of the heat pump 5 can comprise a second evaporator, which is preferably connected, at fluid level, downstream of the evaporator 33, is accommodated inside the second portion of the outer enclosure 30 so that it can be struck by the exhaust gases of the fuel-fired boiler 3 that pass through said portion, and is adapted to be passed through by the refrigerant fluid of the heating assembly 32, so as to subtract heat from the exhaust gases fed into said section 30c and provide energy to the refrigerant fluid in input to the compressor 35.

[0167] In addition, in this latter embodiment, the air inlet pipe 46 (not visible in Figure 13) is preferably separate and distinct from the pipe 47.

[0168] The invention, thus conceived, is susceptible of numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all the details may be substituted by other, technically equivalent elements.

[0169] In practice the materials employed, provided they are compatible with the specific use, and the contingent dimensions and shapes, may be any according to requirements and to the state of the art.

[0170] The disclosures in Italian Patent Application No. 102023000023196 from which this application claims priority are incorporated herein by reference.

[0171] Where technical features mentioned in any claim are followed by reference signs, such reference signs have been inserted for the sole purpose of increasing the intelligibility of the claims and accordingly such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of each element identified by way of example by such reference signs.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A heat pump module (5) for a hybrid heating apparatus (1), said hybrid heating apparatus (1) comprising a fuel-fired boiler (3) which is configured to be connected to a heating system (100) of a building (E) to be heated and which has a first enclosure (6), which is adapted to be supported by a wall (P) of said building (E); said heat pump module (5) comprising: a second enclosure (30), which is configured to be separate and distinct from said first enclosure (6); and a heat pump heating assembly (32), electrically actuated, which is accommodated within said second enclosure (30) and comprises a heat pump heating circuit adapted to heat the heat transfer fluid of said heating system (100); at least one inflow opening (39), which is provided on the second enclosure (30) and is adapted to place said heating assembly (32) in fluid communication with the outside environment in order to suck air into said second enclosure (30) and convey it toward said heating assembly (32); at least one outflow opening (40), which is provided on the second enclosure (30) and is adapted to place said heating assembly (32) in fluid communication with the outside environment so as to expel the cooled air from said heating assembly (32) into the environment; said second enclosure (30) being adapted to be anchored to a wall (P) of said building (E) and being structured to be capable of supporting said first enclosure (6).

2. The heat pump module according to claim 1, wherein said heat pump (5) is provided with at least one first pipe (48) which is adapted to place said inflow opening (39) in fluid communication with the outside environment and at least one second pipe (49) which is adapted to place said outflow opening (40) in fluid communication with the outside environment.

3. The heat pump module according to claim 2, wherein said first pipe(48) and said second pipe (49) are arranged one inside the other and are adapted to engage a same opening provided on said wall (P).

4. The heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein said second enclosure (30) is provided with a plurality of inflow openings (39) which are provided mutually spaced apart on said second enclosure (30) and / or with a plurality of outflow openings (40) which are provided mutually spaced apart on said second enclosure (30).

5. The heat pump module according to claim 4, wherein said second enclosure (30) has a substantially parallelepiped shape; said inflow openings (39) being provided on mutually separate and distinct walls of said second enclosure (30); said outflow openings (40) being provided on mutually separate and distinct walls of said second enclosure (30).

6. The heat pump module according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the heat pump heating circuit of said heating assembly (32) is provided with a high-pressure heat exchanger (334), in particular a tripleflow heat exchanger, configured to be able to heat both the heat transfer fluid of said heating system (100) and the sanitary water to be conveyed to said building (E).

7. A hybrid heating apparatus (1) comprising a fuel-fired boiler (3) and a heat pump module (5) which are adapted to be mutually connected at fluid level, wherein said heat pump module (5) is provided according to any one of the preceding claims; wherein said fuel-fired boiler (3) is adapted to be supported by a wall (P) of a building (E) to be heated and to be connected to a heating system (100) of said building (E), and comprises: a first enclosure (6) adapted to be supported by said wall (P); a burner (8), which is accommodated inside said first enclosure (6); a fluid fuel feed line (10) adapted to supply a fluid fuel to said burner(8); an air inlet opening (12), which is provided on said first enclosure (6) and is adapted to place said burner (8) in fluid communication with the outside environment, so as to be able to supply a flow of combustion air to said burner (8); an exhaust gas outflow opening (14), which is provided on said first enclosure (6) and is adapted to place said burner in fluid communication with the outside environment, so as to be able to expel the exhaust gases produced by said burner (8) into the environment; and a heat exchanger (16), which is accommodated inside said first enclosure (6) and is adapted to be passed through by the heat transfer liquid of said heating system (100), so as to be able to heat said heat transfer fluid; wherein the inflow opening (39) of said heat pump module (5) is separate and distinct from said air inlet opening (12); and wherein the outflow opening (40) of said heat pump module (5) is separate and distinct from said exhaust gas outflow opening (14).

8. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said heat pump module (5) and said fuel-fired boiler (3) are mutually connected in series at fluid level.

9. The apparatus according to claim 7, wherein said heat pump module (5) and said fuel-fired boiler (3) are hydraulically mutually separate and are both connected at fluid level to said system (100); said apparatus (1) being provided with a hydraulic separator (200), which is interposed at fluid level between said heat pump module (5) and said fuel-fired boiler (3), and is adapted to connect, at fluid level, said heat pump module (5) and said fuel-fired boiler (3) to said heating system (100).

10. The apparatus according to one or more of claims 7 to 9, wherein said fuel-fired boiler (3) comprises an outflow pipe (47), which is adapted to place said exhaust gas outflow opening (14) in fluid communication with the outside environment, and passes through a portion of said secondenclosure (30), so as to be able to transfer the heat of the exhaust gases to the heat pump refrigeration circuit of said heating assembly (32).

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