A module and method of use of the same as part of a heating system

Abstract

A module 2 for use outdoors comprises a housing that defines a cavity (14, figure 2). The housing includes an opening, ideally closed by one or more lockable doors 12. The cavity contains heating apparatus including a water cylinder (16, figure 2) and pipework. Connection of the water cylinder to one or more heating zones of a premises 22 may be via an aperture in a rear wall 4” of the housing. A module for receiving and protecting operational apparatus, and a method of installing a heating apparatus at a premises, are also claimed.

Description

The invention to which this application relates is to a modular apparatus for use in the containment of heating apparatus to form a module and the ability to provide the module in a form which improves ease of installation and, furthermore, improves the ease of maintenance of the apparatus contained within the module during subsequent use. In particular, although not necessarily exclusively, module includes space heating and hot water production and / or climate controlled storage, and / or battery storage apparatus. Conventionally, nearly all domestic premises and / or industrial commercial premises will include a heating system. The heating system typically comprises a number of heat radiating means, such as radiators, underfloor heating and / or fan coil heaters, which are provided at spaced locations throughout the premises so as to provide heat in the required areas of the premises when the heating system is switched on and / or controlled via a climate management system. Each of the radiators are connected to a heating source such as hot water supplied from a heated water store such as a Low Loss Header, Volumemiser or Buffer tank in which the hot water is contained and stored so that the same can then be supplied to the heat emitters or users as and when required. The size of the heated water store which is required, can vary with respect to the particular design of the same and, more typically, the size of the premises and the number of emitters which are required to be supplied but in each case the heated water store is required to be able to store a sufficient volume of the heated water so as to provide heating relatively quickly in the premises and shortly after the demand has been made for heating In addition, the domestic hot water is generated via the heat generator, which, via a divertor valve allows the generated hot water to flow through the Unvented Hot Water Cylinder, Time and Temperature controls manage hot water production. The source for the heating of the water can be achieved via a number of different means such as gas boilers, oil boilers, electric elements and, increasingly, heat pumps which may be air source or ground source versions and, due to environmental concerns, there is an increasing demand and legislation which is aimed at eliminating fossil fuel heating means such as gas boilers and replacing the same with heat pumps. Along with the domestic hot water cylinder and the associated pipework, there is typically required to be provided one or more pressurised cylinders, typically known as low loss header, volumemiser or buffer tanks, in order to provide the heated water at a required temperature to be moved around the heating system to the heat emitters and a relatively complex pipework system is provided to supply domestic hot water which includes isolation valves, strainers, pressure regulators and non return valves and which provides balanced pressure as well as draw off points for cold water supply and, where necessary, a domestic hot secondary return circuit. This complexity means that the combination of the size of the cylinder, any pressure vessels and the pipework results, conventionally, in the need for sufficient space to be provided in the premises to allow the storage of the same. Furthermore, the premises owner typically does not wish to have the heating system and components viewable in normal day to day situations and so the apparatus tends to be located in a cupboard or enclosed space. However, this means that changes to the heating system requirements, combined with increasing restrictions on available space in premises, such as new build houses, means that the apparatus is often installed in a space which is substantially filled by the apparatus and thus has little additional space available around the same. This can make installation of the apparatus into the designated space difficult, time consuming and potentially expensive and, furthermore, should a fault occur in one or more of the components, and / or maintenance be required to be performed, access is further restricted which can make installation and subsequent repair or maintenance difficult and frustrating, both for the operator and owner of the premises. Furthermore, this lack of available space can mean that required servicing and / or monitoring of the performance of the apparatus is not performed at all or, if so, on a reduced basis which, in turn, can lead to an increased rate of failure of the apparatus over time. Furthermore, the location of the apparatus within the property means that the potential for damage to be caused to property by failure of the apparatus is also higher. A first aim of the invention is to provide a means whereby apparatus required to create the heating system is provided in a more suitable environment so as to allow the quality of the installation of the components, and connection of the same, to be achieved in a manner which ensures that the operation of the system is more reliable at the time of installation, and thereafter. A further aim is to provide the apparatus tn a manner which allows the subsequent monitoring and maintenance of the apparatus to be performed more easily and efficiently and a yet further aim of the invention is to provide the said apparatus as part of a module which can be located so as to ensure that the operation of the system is not adversely affected by external environmental conditions. In accordance with a first aspect of the invention, there is provided a module containing heating apparatus for a heating system, said apparatus including a water cylinder, an inlet to allow water to be provided and stored m the cylinder, an outlet to allow the supply of heated water from the cylinder on demand, and associated connecting pipework and components to enable the connection and control of the apparatus and connections for selective connection to an upstream heat source and / or downstream hot water and / or heat supply means, wherein said module includes a housing with a cavity within which said apparatus is located, said housing including at least one opening to allow access to be gained to the cavity of the housing in which the apparatus is located. Typically the apparatus in the said cavity further includes at least one pressurised heated water store. In one embodiment said opening is provided to be closed by one or more doors and may be provided with securing or locking means to maintain the doors in a closed position as a default position. Typically said module is provided to be installed adjacent to a premises and connected to hot water and / or heat supply means installed within the premises. Typically the pipework to allow the connection of the apparatus to one or more hot water and / or heat supply means passes through at least one of the walls of the module and the premises so to be connected within the premises adjacent to which the module is typically located. Typically an electricity supply is provided into the cavity of the module to allow operation of one or more the components and / or associated control means and / or heating and / or cooling apparatus for heating or cooling the cavity temperature. Typically the module is provided so as to be transportable in at least a partially completed condition, with the apparatus installed in the cavity, to the location at which the same is to be installed to supply the heating means and can then be connected on site. In one embodiment, the said module is formed under factory conditions with substantially all of the said apparatus components which are to be located in the cavity, connected and engaged within the cavity under said factory conditions and tested as far as possible under said factory conditions prior to transport for installation on site. In one embodiment, the housing comprises a base, side walls, a roof and in one of the side walls, said opening is provided which is selectively closed by one or more doors such that when the opening is closed, the apparatus is substantially sealed within the cavity formed within the housing. An alarm system may also be provided to detect the unauthorised entry into the cavity and so act as a deterrent to theft. In one embodiment, the housing includes temperature control apparatus which may include at least one heating means which is selectively operable so as to provide a heating effect in the cavity and thereby provide the ability to maintain the temperature within the cavity above a predetermined lower limit. In addition or alternatively, the temperature control apparatus includes cooling means which can be selectively operated to maintain the temperature within the cavity below a predetermined upper limit. Typically, the installation of one or both of the heating means or cooling means is dependent upon the particular geographical location to which the module is to be transported and installed and the cavity includes a thermostat which interacts with and controls the operation of the heating and / or cooling means. Typically, the module is provided to be installed adjacent to but externally of the premises to which the services are to be connected. In one embodiment, the heating apparatus is connected so as to be used in conjunction with a heating source in the form of an air or ground heat source pump. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes one or more batteries and the module is used to provide a secure and fire resistant storage in the cavity of said one or more batteries. The one or more batteries can be be connected to one or more charging means, such as for example a wind turbine or solar panels, and in one embodiment, the solar panels are located on the roof and / or side walls of the said module such that, in addition, or alternatively to providing heated water, the cavity of the module receives electricity therefrom to operate components within the module and / or within the premises to which the module is connected. In a further aspect of the invention there is provided a module for receiving and protecting items of operational apparatus therein, said module including a housing formed by front and rear walls, side walls, a roof and a base and defining a cavity within which said apparatus is located and said housing including at least one opening to allow access to be gained to the cavity of the housing in which the apparatus is located. In a yet further aspect of the invention there is provided a method for installation of heating apparatus at a premises, said method comprising the steps of forming a module of a base, side walls, front and rear walls to define a cavity therein, installing in said cavity, heating apparatus for a heating system for said premises, said apparatus including a water cylinder, an inlet to allow water to be provided and stored in the cylinder, an outlet to allow the supply of heated water from the cylinder on demand, and associated connecting pipework and components, transporting the said module for installation at a location adjacent to and external of said premises and connecting the module to an upstream heat source and / or downstream hot water and / or heat supply means in said premises so as to complete the heating supply system for the premises. In one embodiment the method includes the step of providing at least one pressurised heated water store as part of the apparatus within said cavity. Specific embodiments of the invention are now described with reference to the accompanying Figures; wherein Figures la i) illustrates the module in accordance with the invention in a closed condition; and Figure 2 illustrates the interior cavity of the apparatus of Figures 1-a-b in one embodiment in accordance with the invention. There is provided a module 2 which in this embodiment is formed of front, rear and side walls 4, a base 6 and roof 8. In the front wall 4’ there is provided an opening 10 which can be selectively closed by doors 12 which can be moved between a closed, locked position as shown in Figures la and b, and an open position as shown in Figure 2a. The provision of the doors means that any maintenance and or repair work can be performed on the apparatus within the cavity by opening the doors and without having to gain access to the premises adjacent to which the module is typically located. The walls are typically formed from a timber frame and insulation mix, or may be entirely formed of plastic and include insulation panels. The base and roof are typically also insulated so as to provide the module with an internal cavity 14 which has a relatively temperate and dry condition suitable for the apparatus to be contained therein. The specific dimensions of the module 2 and / or cavity 14 can be selected to suit particular uses and external location requirements but it will be appreciated that one aim is to ensure that there is sufficient space within the cavity to house the apparatus and also allow subsequent access such that repair and maintenance of the apparatus can be relatively easily performed. In the particular embodiment shown in the Figures and in particular with reference to Figure 2, the apparatus and components located within the cavity 14 comprise heating apparatus which in this embodiment includes a hot water cylinder 16, a hydraulic separation / buffer vessel 18 and a pressurised vessel 20 as well as ancillary equipment and components connected by pipework to enable the desired quantity of heated water to be supplied to a required one or more heating zones. The heating zones are located within the premises 22 to which the apparatus in the module cavity is connected and so allow the heating of specified zones or rooms within the interior of the premises 22 adjacent to which the module 2 is fitted. In the embodiment shown the rear wall 4” is flush with the wall 21 of the premises 22 as this allows the pipework connection or connections to pass directly from the module cavity through the rear wall 4” of the module and wall 21 of the premises and into the interior of the premises 22 for onward connection and supply of heated water for hot water supply and / or heating in the premises. In another embodiment the connections may pass through the floors of one or both of the modules and premises. Preferably the materials used to form the module are as maintenance free as possible, thereby ensuring the long life of the same and reducing the requirement to repair or replace the same and, in one embodiment, composite weather resistant materials are used to form the outer wall of the module 2. Typically, the interior surfaces of the side walls, roof and base are provided as, and / or are coated with, a fire resistant material. In one embodiment the module 2 is transported for installation and connection at the location of use which may be during the construction of new build premises or can be provided as a retrofit module for installation when, for example, an upgrade or replacement of existing heating apparatus is required. This enables the advantages of the module to be achieved, whilst, at the same time, freeing up space within the premises once an old heating system apparatus has been removed. Typically the heating apparatus which is to be located in the module will be installed and plumbed in the cavity under factory conditions and prior to movement of the module to the location of use. This also allows the testing of the apparatus to be performed under factory conditions prior to moving the same to the location of use. This also reduces the required level of skill for the personnel that undertake the installation work at the location of use. In one embodiment the connections to and / or from the module when at the premises include water pipe connections, connections to external heating sources such as ground or air pumps, mains cold water, balanced cold water, domestic hot water; hot water secondary return; heating circuit flow and / or heating circuit return. Typically, a secondary electric mains distribution board is pre unstalled in the cavity 14 with circuits for any or any combination of heat source control, lighting; and / or power sockets. Heating circuit pumps, diverter valves and sensors can be installed and prewired in the cavity ready for installation although they will typically require final site connections to the heat source specific controls. In one embodiment the cavity will also include at least one immersion heater and / or further heating means to prevent frost damage in the event of a system breakdown and this may be controlled via a preset frost thermostat. Provision can also be made for the installation of Fire and Intruder Alarms.

Claims

1. A module containing heating apparatus for a heating system, said apparatus including a water cylinder, an inlet to allow water to be provided and stored in the cylinder, an outlet to allow the supply of heated water from the cylinder on demand, and associated connecting pipework and components to enable the connection and control of the apparatus and connections for selective connection to an upstream heat source and / or downstream hot water and / or heat supply means, wherein said module includes a housing with a cavity within which said apparatus is located, said housing including at least one opening to allow access to be gained to the cavity of the housing in which the apparatus is located.

2. Apparatus according to claim 1 wherein the said opening is provided to be closed by one or more doors.

3. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein the said module is provided to be installed and connected to a premises in which hot water and / or heat supply means are installed.

4. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein pipework to allow the connection of the apparatus in the cavity to one or more hot water and / or heat supply means in the premises passes through at least one of the walls and / or floors of the module and the premises so as to be connected to allow completion of the heating system for the premises.

5. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein an electricity supply is provided to the cavity of the module to allow operation of one or more of the components and / or associated control means and / or heat control apparatus.

6. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the module is provided so as to be transportable in an at least partially completed condition with apparatus installed in the cavity, to the location of the premises at which the same is to be connected.

7. A module according to claim 6 wherein the module is formed under factory conditions with substantially all of the said apparatus components connected andlocated within the cavity and tested under said factory conditions prior to transport for connection and installation.

8. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein the housing comprises a base, front and rear walls, side walls and a roof.

9. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein locking means are provided to lock the one or more doors in a closed position.

10. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein an alarm system is provided to indicate unauthorised access to the cavity.

11. Apparatus according to any of the preceding claims wherein the housing includes at least one heating means selectively operable to provide a heating effect in the cavity and / or cooling apparatus to selectively provide a cooling effect in the cavity and thereby allow maintenance of the temperature within the cavity within a predetermined temperature range.

12. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein the module is provided to be installed adjacent to, but externally of, the premises to which the apparatus in the cavity is connected.

13. A module according to any of the preceding claims wherein the said apparatus in the cavity includes at least one pressurised heated water store.

14. A module for receiving and protecting items of operational apparatus therein, said module including a housing formed by front and rear walls, side walls, a roof and a base and defining a cavity within which said apparatus is located and said housing including at least one opening to allow access to be gained to the cavity of the housing in which the apparatus is located.

15. A method for installation of heating apparatus at a premises, said method comprising the steps of forming a module of a base, side walls, front and rear walls to define a cavity therein, installing in said cavity, heating apparatus for a heating system for said premises, said apparatus including a water cylinder, an inlet to allow water to be provided and stored in the cylinder, an outlet to allow the supply of heated water from the cylinder on demand, and associated connecting pipework and components, transporting the said module for installation at a location adjacent to and external of said premises and connecting the module to an upstream heat sourceand / or downstream hot water and / or heat supply means in said premises so as to complete the heating supply system for the premises.16 A method according to claim 15 wherein the method includes the step of providing at least one pressurised heated water store as part of the apparatus within said cavity.

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