Heating apparatus and system

Abstract

A heating apparatus 15 comprising a heat exchange element 30 for transferring heat from a heat source 20 to a first fluid, and a thermostat arrangement 45. The thermostat arrangement comprises: a temperature sensing element 50 configured to sense a temperature corresponding to a temperature of the first fluid; and an adjustable device 55 operable to define a target temperature of the first fluid. The heating apparatus comprises an actuator 60 configured to transition the heat exchange element between a first position P1 and a second position P2 in response to a signal from the thermostat arrangement indicating a difference between a temperature sensed by the temperature-sensing element and the target temperature. The heating apparatus may comprise first 65 and second 70 positioning sensors such as switches that control the supply of power to the actuator that may determine if the heat exchange element is in the first or second position. A heating system comprising the heating apparatus and a heat source is also disclosed, wherein the first position is closer to the heat source than the second position. A corresponding method of installation of the heating apparatus is also disclosed.

Description

FIELD OF INVENTION The present disclosure is in the field of heating apparatuses and heating systems, and methods of installation thereof. In particular, the disclosure relates to a heating apparatus having a heat exchange element configured for transitioning between different positions relative to a heat source. BACKGROUND TO INVENTION In commercial or industrial environments, equipment such as ovens and catering equipment may generate significant amounts of heat that may be vented, wasted and therefore not recovered. For example, commercial kitchens may generate large amounts of heat energy during cooking processes. A significant proportion of such heat energy may simply dissipate into the environment and / or may be directed away from the commercial kitchen through an exhaust vent or the like. In some instances, ovens in commercial kitchen may run at or close to 24 hours per day, with cooking operations only being in a fraction of that time. In light of current environmental concerns and relatively high energy costs, it is highly desirable to avoid wasting such heat energy. Known heat recovery systems for such commercial or industrial environments may be expensive, complex and relatively inefficient. For example, ventilation based heat-recovery systems may be large and consume significant space within a commercial environment having limited available space, in addition to requiring regular maintenance with associated high costs. Many premises, such as housing, offices, public buildings and the like, may require heating and / or a supply of hot water. Typically, heat generation capabilities are provided local to the premises. For example, a gas-powered boiler and / or hot water tank may be provided at the premises, for purposes of heating radiators in the premises or water for use at the premises. Costs of running such local heat-generation may be significant, and an overall efficiency may be sub-optimal. That is, the inventors of the invention(s) disclosed here have identified that it may be desirable to provide means for waste heat, such as from commercial or industrial environments, to be used for heating water and or providing heat to premises, thereby reducing overall running costs and providing an overall more environmentally-friendly heating solution. It is therefore an aim of at least one embodiment of at least one aspect of the present disclosure to obviate or at least mitigate at least one of the above identified shortcomings of the prior art. SUMMARY OF INVENTION The present disclosure is in the field of heating apparatuses and heating systems, and methods of installation thereof. According to a first embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a heating apparatus comprising a heat exchange element for transferring heat from a heat source to a first fluid. The heating apparatus also comprises a thermostat arrangement The thermostat arrangement comprises: a temperature-sensing element configured to sense a temperature corresponding to a temperature of the first fluid; and an adjustable device operable to define a target temperature of the first fluid. The heating apparatus also comprises an actuator configured to transition the heat exchange element between a first position and a second position in response to a signal from the thermostat arrangement indicating a difference between a temperature sensed by the temperature-sensing element and the target temperature. Advantageously, by controlling a position of the heat exchange element, e.g. relative to a heat source, an amount of heat energy the heat exchange element is exposed to may be controlled. As such, by setting a target temperature using the thermostat arrangement, a position of the heat exchange element may be controlled to bring a temperature of the first fluid to, or close to, the target temperature. Furthermore, the heat exchange element may advantageously be positioned away from a heat source by controlling the thermostat arrangement. This may enable the heat source to be readily used for other purposes as some times, such as cooking, yet also to be used solely or additionally for heating the first fluid at other times. The temperature-sensing element may comprise at least one of: a thermocouple; a thermistor; a bimetallic strip; a resistance thermometer; a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or the like. The temperature-sensing element may be provided in the first fluid, or mounted on or otherwise coupled to a channel or conduit, e.g. a channel or conduit of the heat exchange element, e.g. a channel or conduit containing the first fluid. The temperature sensing element may be in thermal cooperation with the first fluid. The temperaturesensing element may be fluidly isolated from the first fluid. The adjustable device may comprise a user-configurable dial. The adjustable device may comprise a user-interface. The thermostat arrangement may comprise any of: a smart thermostat; a digital thermostat; an enclosure thermostat; a mechanical thermostat. In some examples, the adjustable device and the temperature-sensing element may be integrated into the thermostat arrangement, e.g. at least partly within a common package or housing. In some examples, the adjustable device may be remote from, and electrically coupled to, the temperature-sensing element. The heating apparatus may comprise a first position-sensing device configured to sense the heat exchange element in the first position. The heating apparatus may comprise a second position-sensing device configured to sense the heat exchanger element in the second position. For example, the first position-sensing device may comprise a first switch, such as a mechanical switch. The first switch may comprise a micro-switch. The first switch may comprise a biased switch. The first switch may comprise a rotary switch or tumbler switch. The first switch may comprise a tilt switch, such as a mercury tilt switch. The second position-sensing device may comprise a second switch, such as a mechanical switch. The second switch may comprise a micro-switch. The second switch may comprise a biased switch. The second switch may comprise a rotary switch or tumbler switch. The second switch may comprise a tilt switch, such as a mercury tilt switch. The first position-sensing device may comprise a switch operable to control a supply of power to the actuator. The second position-sensing device may comprise a switch operable to control a supply of power to the actuator. The actuator may be configured to stop a transitioning of the heat exchange element between the first and second positions in response to sensing, by the first position-sensing devices that the heat exchange element has transitioned to the first position. The actuator may be configured to stop a transitioning of the heat exchange element between the first and second position in response to sensing, by the second position-sensing device that the heat exchange element has transitioned to the second position. Advantageously, the first and second position-sensing devices may be configured to limit an extent of movement of the heat exchange element between the first and second positions. The heating apparatus may comprise at least one guide portion for guiding the heat exchange element between the first position and the second position. Advantageously, the guide portion may ensure the heat exchange element follows a predefined path between the first position and the second position. In some examples, the guide portion may be a portion of the actuator. For example, the guide portion may comprise a portion of a linear actuator. The guide portion may comprise a screw thread portion of a jack. In some examples, a plurality of guide portions may be implemented. One or more guide portions may extend between the first position and the second position. The guide portion may be rotatable relative to the heat exchange element. The signal from the thermostat arrangement may comprise a signal, such as a digital signal, having one of a high level or low level indicating that the difference is greater than zero or a first threshold amount, and the other of the high level or low level indicating that there is no difference or the difference is less than a second threshold amount For example, if the difference is zero, then the first fluid may be at the target temperature. The first and second threshold may provide switching hysteresis. In some examples, the first threshold may equal the second threshold, e.g. there is no switching hysteresis. The heat-exchange element may comprise a conduit for the first fluid. The conduit may comprise a pipe or channel. The conduit may follow a circuitous path between an inlet and an outlet for the first fluid. The conduit may comprise a plurality of conduits coupled in parallel. The heat-exchange eiement may comprise a compartment fluidly isolated from the conduit. The compartment may contain a second fluid in thermal cooperation with the first fluid. The compartment may comprise a sump. The first fluid may comprise an aqueous fluid. For example, the first fluid may comprise water, which may be provided to commercial or residential premises, such as to a shower or bath, or to a hot-water storage vessel. The second fluid may comprise a non-aqueous fluid, such as an oil Advantageously, the oil may retain heat energy, which may be provided to a flow of the first fluid even when the heat exchange element is in the first or second position that may be farthest from the heat source. The actuator may be configured to rotate or pivot the heat exchange element between the first position and the second position. The actuator may be configured to linearly transition the heat exchange element between the first position and the second position. The actuator may comprise at least one of: a motor; a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder; and / or a linear actuator. According to a second aspect of the disclosure, there is provided a heating system comprising; the heating apparatus according to the first aspect; and the heat source. Ths first position may be closer to the heat source than the second position. The actuator may be configured to transition the heat exchange element towards the first position when the difference is greater than zero or a / the first threshold amount. The actuator may be configured to transition the heat exchange element towards the second position when there is no difference or when the difference is less than a / the second threshold amount. in some examples, the first threshold amount is the same as the second threshold amount. The heating system may comprise a fluid source for supplying the first fluid to the heat exchange element. The heating system may comprise a fluid receiver for receiving the first fluid from the heat exchange element The fluid source and the fluid receiver may be coupled to the heat exchange element by one or more flexible and / or elastic and / or extendable and / or concertinaed conduits or hoses. Advantageously, this may allow a static (i.e. not readily moveable) fluid source and / or fluid receiver to be fluidly coupled to the moveable heat exchange apparatus. The fluid source may comprise a main water supply. The fluid receiver may comprise: a radiator for heating a premises: a storage vessel such as a hot water tank; an underfloor heating system; and / or a steam generator. In some examples, a pump may motivate the first fluid through the heat exchange element. Said pump may be coupled to, or remote from the heating system. The heat source may comprise at least one of: an oven, a grill or cooker; a boiler: a gas heater; or an electric heater The heat source may comprise at least one of: industrial equipment; a manufacturing machine; catering equipment; a catering caravan. According to a third embodiment of the disclosure, there is provided a method of installation of a heating apparatus. The method comprises disposing a heating apparatus according to the first aspect relative to a heat source, such that the first position may be closer to the heat source than the second position. The method may comprise coupling, by one or more flexible and / or elastic and / or extendable and / or concertinaed conduits or hoses, a fluid source to the heat exchange element. The method may comprise coupling, by one or more flexible and / or elastic and / or extendable and / or concertinaed conduits or hoses, a fluid receiver to the heat exchange element. The above summary is intended to be merely exemplary and non-limiting. The disclosure includes one or more corresponding aspects, embodiments or features in isolation or in various combinations whether or not specifically stated (including claimed) in that combination or in isolation. It should be understood that features defined above in accordance with any aspect of the present disclosure or below relating to any specific embodiment of the disclosure may be utilized, either alone or in combination with any other defined feature, in any other aspect or embodiment or to form a further aspect or embodiment of the disclosure. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS These and other aspects of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 depicts an example of a heating system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 2 depicts an example installation of the heating system of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 3 depicts an example of an view of a portion of a heating apparatus, according to a further embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 4 depicts an example of a heating exchange element implemented on the heating apparatus of Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figures5a-c depict further views of portions of the heating apparatus of Figures 3 and 4, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 6 depicts a heating system implementing a heating apparatus, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; Figure 7a-c depicts examples of a heat exchange element for implementation in the heating apparatus of Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and Figure 8 depicts an example of an electrical circuit for implementation in the heating apparatus of Figure 3, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS Figure 1 depicts an example of a heating system 10, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. The heating system 10 comprises a heating apparatus 15 and a heat source 20. The heat source 20 may, for example, comprises one of: an oven, a grill or cooker; a boiler; a gas heater; or an electric heater, or the like. In other examples, the heat source 20 may, for example, comprise: catering equipment; a catering caravan; industrial equipment; and / or an industrial machine. The heat source 20 provides heat energy 25, at least a portion of which may be generally directed towards the heating system 10 by radiation and / or convention, as described in more detail below. The heating apparatus 15 comprises a heat exchange element 30 for transferring heat from the heat source 20 to a first fluid. The first fluid may enter the heat exchange element 30 at an inlet 35 and exit the heat exchange element 30 at an outlet 40, as described in more detail below. Similarly, various configurations of the heat exchange element 30 will be described below with reference to Figures 2, 4 and 7a-c. The heating apparatus 15 also comprises a thermostat arrangement 45. The thermostat arrangement 45 comprises a temperature-sensing element 50 configured to sense a temperature corresponding to a temperature of the first fluid. In examples, the temperature-sensing element 50 may comprise at least one of: a thermocouple; a thermistor; a bimetallic strip; a resistance thermometer; a silicon bandgap temperature sensor, or the like. The temperature-sensing element 50 may be provided in the first fluid, or mounted on or otherwise coupled to a channel or conduit of heat exchange element 30 the containing the first fluid. In some examples, the temperature-sensing 50 element may be in thermal cooperation with the first fluid. In other examples, the temperaturesensing element 50 may be fluidly isolated from the first fluid. The thermostat arrangement 45 also comprises an adjustable device 55 operable to define a target temperature (i.e. a set-point temperature) of the first fluid. The adjustable device 55 may, for example, comprise a user-configurable dial. The adjustable device may comprise a user-interface. In yet further examples, the thermostat arrangement 45 may comprise any of: a smart thermostat; a digital thermostat; an enclosure thermostat; a mechanical thermostat. While in the depicted example of Figure 1 the adjustable device 55 is remote from, and electrically coupled to, the temperature-sensing element 50, it will be appreciated that in other embodiments falling within the scope of the disclosure the adjustable device 55 and the temperature-sensing element 50 may be integrated into the thermostat arrangement 45, e.g. at least partly within a common package or housing. The heating apparatus 15 comprises an actuator 60. The actuator 60 is configured to transition the heat exchange element 30 between a first position P1 and a second position P2 in response to a signal from the thermostat arrangement 55 indicating a difference between a temperature sensed by the temperature-sensing element 50 and the target temperature. In the example, the first position P1 is closer to the heat source 20 than the second position P2. As such, when the heat exchange element 30 is located at the first position P1, the first fluid may be heated by heat from the heat source 20. When the heat exchange element 30 is located at the second position P2, the first fluid may be heated to a lesser extent, or not heated at all, by heat from the heat source 20. That is, by controlling a position of the heat exchange element 30, e.g. relative to the heat source 20, an amount of heat energy the heat exchange element 30 may be exposed to may be controlled. As such, by setting a target temperature using the thermostat arrangement 45, a position of the heat exchange element 20 (i.e. the first position P1 or the second position P2 or, in some examples, an intermediate position) may be controlled to bring a temperature of the first fluid to, or close to, the target temperature. A position of the heat exchange element 30, e.g. a presence of the heat exchange element 30 at the first position P1 or the second position P2, may be detected or sensed by a position-sensing device. In the depicted example, the heating apparatus comprises a first position-sensing device 65 configured to sense the heat exchange element 30 in the first position P1, and a second position-sensing device 70 configured to sense the heat exchanger element 30 in the second position P2. In some examples, the first and second position-sensing devices 65, 70 may each comprise switches, such as micro-switches. For example, the heat exchange element 30 (or a component coupled to the heat exchange element 30) may be configured to be sensed by the first or second position-sensing devices when the heat exchange element 30 is at the first position P1 or the second position P2 respectively. In use, the first position-sensing device 65 and the second position-sensing device 70 may be operable to control a supply of power to the actuator 60. As such, the actuator 60 may be configured to stop a transitioning of the heat exchange element 30 between the first and second positions P1, P2 in response to sensing, by the first or second position-sensing devices 65, 70 that the heat exchange element 30 has transitioned to the first or second position P1, P2 respectively. That is, in use the first and second position-sensing devices 65, 70 may be configured to limit an extent of movement of the heat exchange element 30 between the first and second positions P1, P2. Transitioning of the heat exchange element 30 between the first and second positions P1, P2 may be triggered by, or based on, a signal from the thermostat arrangement 45. The signal may comprise one of a high level or low level indicating that the difference between a temperature sensed by the temperature-sensing element 50 and the target temperature is greater than zero or a first threshold amount, and the other of the high level or low level indicating that there is no difference or the difference is less than a second threshold amount. For example, if the difference is zero (or within a threshold amount), then the first fluid may be at the target temperature, and no further heating of the first fluid is necessary. As such, the heat exchange element 30 may be transitioned from the first position P1 to the second position P2 to avoid further heating of the first fluid beyond the target temperature. For example, if the difference is greater than zero (or a predefined threshold), then the first fluid may substantially colder that the target temperature, and further heating of the first fluid is necessary. As such, the heat exchange element 30 may be transitioned from the second position P2 to the first position P1 to incur further heating of the first fluid to the target temperature. Also depicted in Figure 1 is a guide portion 75 for guiding the heat exchange element 30 between the first position P1 and the second position P2. That is, the guide portion 75 generally extends between the first position P1 and the second position P2. For example, the guide portion 75 may comprise a rail or the like. The guide portion 75 may comprise a structure, frame, or other guiding member. Advantageously, the guide portion 75 ensures the heat exchange element 30 follows a predefined path between the first position P1 and the second position P2. In some examples, such as in the embodiments described with reference to the ensuing drawings, the guide portion 75 may form a portion of the actuator 60. For example, the guide portion 75 may comprise a portion of a linear actuator. The guide portion 75 may comprise a screw thread, such as a screw thread portion of a jack. The actuator may comprise a motor for rotating such a screw thread to move the heat exchange element 30 between the first and second positions P1, P2. Although the heat exchange element 30 is depicted as moving linearly between the first position P1 and the second position P2, it will be understood that this is for purposes of example only. In other embodiments falling within the scope of the disclosure, the actuator 60 may be configured to rotate or pivot the heat exchange element 30 between the first position P1 and the second position P2. Turning now to Figure 2, there is depicted a simplified view of an example installation of a portion of the heating system 100 of Figure 1, according to an embodiment of the disclosure. In this example, the heat exchange element 30 comprises a conduit 80 for the first fluid. The conduit may comprise a pipe or channel. In the example, the conduit 80 comprises a generally arched shape. This is for purposes of example only, and in other examples, the conduit 80 may follow a circuitous path between an inlet 85 and an outlet 90 of the heat exchange element 30 for the first fluid. A direction of a flow of first fluid is denoted by arrows in Figure 1. Furthermore, in some examples the conduit 80 may comprise a plurality of conduits coupled in parallel. In some examples, the heat-exchange element 30 comprises a compartment 95 fluidly isolated from the conduit 80. The compartment 95 may contain a second fluid in thermal cooperation with the first fluid. The compartment 95 may comprise, or may be, a sump. In examples, the first fluid may comprise an aqueous fluid, such as water, which may be provided to commercial or residential premises, such as to a shower or bath, or to a hot-water storage vessel. The second fluid may comprise a non-aqueous fluid, such as an oil. Advantageously, the oil may retain heat energy, which may be provided to a flow of the first fluid even when the heat exchange element 30 is in the second position P2 that is farthest from the heat source 20. The heating system 100 comprises a fluid source 12 for supplying the first fluid to the heat exchange element 30. The fluid source 12 may comprise a main water supply. The heating system also comprises a fluid receiver 14 for receiving the first fluid from the heat exchange element 30. The fluid receiver 14 may, for example, comprise: a radiator for heating a premises; a storage vessel, such as a hot water tank; an underfloor heating system; and / or a steam generator, a hot-water outlet such as a faucet or shower. The fluid receiver 14 may be located at a commercial or residential premises 16. The heating system 100 may be located at another premises 18, e.g. a commercial kitchen or the like, which may be remote from the commercial or residential premises 16. The fluid source 12 and the fluid receiver 14 may be coupled to the heat exchange element 30 by one or more flexible and / or elastic and / or extendable and / or concertinaed conduits 22, 24 or hoses. Advantageously, this may allow a static (i.e. not readily moveable) fluid source 12 and / or fluid receiver 14 to be fluidly coupled to the moveable heat exchange apparatus 30. Figure 3 depicts an example of a diagram of a portion of a heating apparatus 100 and associated components, according to a further embodiment of the disclosure. A heat exchanger a1 for use with the portion of the heating apparatus 100 is depicted in Figure 4. The heating apparatus 100 comprises a main support plate A for supporting the heat exchanger a1. In this example, a bolt J (or threaded element) provides a guide for the heat exchanger a1. The heat exchanger a1 may be coupled to nut C which is located on the bolt J. As such, by rotating the bolt J, the nut C and therefore the heat exchanger a1 may be moved in directions depicted by arrow 112. An optional fixing bush K is depicted, which may provide support to the rotatable bolt J. In some optional examples, the fixing bush K and at least a portion of the rotatable bolt J may be provided in a housing. Also depicted are fixed shafts and base plate E. An opening G in the base plate allows free rotation of the bolt J. The fixed shafts may also operate as guide portions. Bushes B are mounted on the fixed shafts, and capable of sliding along the fixed shafts, wherein the bushes B are coupled to the main support plate A. Also shown is a stopper and stabilizer D for stabilizing the fixed shafts and base plate E relative to the bolt J. Also depicted is a first “stop and start switch” 11 and a second “stop and start switch” I2. The second “stop and start switch” I2 may generally correspond to the above described first position-sensing device 65, e.g. the second “stop and start switch” I2 may be configured to sense the heat exchanger a1 in a first position that may, in use, be closer to a heat source than a second position. Similarly, the first “stop and start switch” 11 may generally correspond to the above described second positionsensing device 70, e.g. the first “stop and start switch” 11 may be configured to sense the heat exchanger a1 in a second position that may, in use, be farther from the heat source than the first position. For completeness, a thermostat T is also depicted, wherein the thermostat T comprises a temperature-sensing element which, as described above with reference to Figure 1, may be used to sense a temperature corresponding to a temperature of a fluid in the heat exchanger cd. Also depicted is a first relay switch R1 and a second relay switch R2, which may be coupled to the first “stop and start switch” 11 and second “stop and start switch” I2 respectively to control a supply a power to a motor O. The motor O is, in use, configured to rotate the bolt J, thereby moving the nut C and therefore the heat exchanger cd in directions depicted by arrow 102. In some examples, the motor O may be coupled to the bolt J by a gearbox N and / or by a bush fixing screw K. A steam generator S is also depicted. In an example use case, such a steam generator S may be coupled to heat exchanger cd and configured to receive heated first fluid from the heat exchanger cd. Figure 4 depicts the heat exchanger a1 coupled to the nut C. In use, an inlet 101 to the heat exchanger cd may be coupled to a flexible pipe, as described later with reference to Figure 5a. Similarly, an outlet 102 of the heat exchanger cd may be coupled to a flexible pipe, as described later with reference to Figure 5a. The heat exchanger cd comprises a conduit following a circuitous path between the inlet 101 and the outlet 102. It will be appreciated that shape (a series of regular sinuous curves followed by substantially straight portions) is for purposes of example only, and other shapes and form-factors may be implemented, as described below with reference to the examples of Figures 7a-c. Figure 5a depicts an embodiment of a heating apparatus (generally corresponding to the heating apparatus 100) implemented in a heating system. In this example, an optional frame 105 provides support, and may even act as a guide portion. For example, one or more bushes or ball bearings 104 may be coupled to a heat exchanger a3 and the optional frame 105. In use, flexible and / or elastic and / or extendable and / or concertinaed pipes or conduits 103 couple the heat exchanger a3 to a fluid source (not depicted) and a fluid receiver (not depicted). The example heat exchanger a3 is provided in an optional enclosure U, which may be sump. The enclosure II may be at least partly filled with a further fluid, such as an oil, which may retain heat energy and continue to heat the first fluid after the heat exchanger a3 is moved away from a heat source. Figure 5b depicts how the heat exchanger a3 may be coupled to the bolt J (with other components removed from the drawing for purposes of illustration only). Figure 5c depicts a further example embodiment, wherein an optional enclosure II, which may be an oil-filled enclosure or sump, encloses only a portion of the heat exchanger a3. In Figure 6, the example heating system of Figure 5a is depicted in use. A heat source is depicted, which in this example is a burner 107, e.g. a gas burner of a cooker. A tank 106 is also shown, wherein the tank may hold fluid that is to be heated by the heating system. Various fixings 109 may couple the example heating system to the heat source, e.g. couple the frame 105 of the heating system to the heat source. In the depicted example, the heat exchanger a3 is in a first position that is relatively close to the burner 107, and therefore configured to heat the first fluid that may flow through the heat exchanger a3. Note that the first position is generally indicated by the first “stop and start switch” 11, which has limited upward movement of the heat exchanger a3 in a direction indicated by arrow 114. In an alternative configuration (not depicted), the heat exchanger a3 is in a second position that is relatively far from the burner 107, and therefore not configured to heat the first fluid that may flow through the heat exchanger a3. Note that the second position is generally indicated by the second “stop and start switch” I2, which limits downward movement of the heat exchanger a3 in a direction indicated by arrow 114. As mentioned above, the heat exchanger a2, a3 may be provided in a variety of forms. For example, Figure 7a depicts a panel / plate shaped heat exchanger 201. In this example, a compartment 202 comprises a second fluid, e.g. an oil, which may retain heat energy and continue to heat a first fluid after the heat exchanger 201 is moved away from a heat source. Figures 7b and 7c depict further examples, wherein a heat exchanger 201 comprise a plurality of rod, pipes of conduits, or cone-shaped elements and wherein some of the plurality of rod, pipes and conduits or cone shaped elements may be at least partly filled with an oil, which may retain heat energy and continue to heat a first fluid after the heat exchanger 201 is moved away from a heat source. Figure 8 depicts an example of an electrical circuit for implementation in any of the above-described heating apparatuses. The circuit depicts the first “stop and start switch” 11 coupled to the first relay switch R1, and the second “stop and start switch” I2 coupled to the second relay switch R2. Also depicted in an actuator, which in this example is a motor O. Also depicted is the Thermostat T, and a mains power supply denoted “Main”. The switches 11 and I2 are operable to control the first and second relay switches R1, R2 to control a supply of power to the actuator. Although the disclosure has been described in terms of particular embodiments as set forth above, it should be understood that these embodiments are illustrative only and that the claims are not limited to those embodiments. Those skilled in the art will be able to make modifications and alternatives in view of the disclosure, which are contemplated as falling within the scope of the appended claims. Each feature disclosed or illustrated in the present specification may be incorporated in any embodiments, whether alone or in any appropriate combination with any other feature disclosed or illustrated herein.

Claims

1. A heating apparatus comprising:a heat exchange element for transferring heat from a heat source to a first fluid;a thermostat arrangement comprising:a temperature-sensing element configured to sense a temperature corresponding to a temperature of the first fluid; andan adjustable device operable to define a target temperature of the first fluid; andan actuator configured to transition the heat exchange element between a first position and a second position in response to a signal from the thermostat arrangement indicating a difference between a temperature sensed by the temperature-sensing element and the target temperature.

2. The heating apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising:a first position-sensing device configured to sense the heat exchange element in the first position, anda second position-sensing device configured to sense the heat exchanger element in the second position.

3. The heating apparatus of claim 2, wherein each of the first and second positionsensing devices comprise a switch operable to control a supply of power to the actuator.

4. The heating apparatus of claim 2 or 3, wherein the actuator is configured to stop a transitioning of the heat exchange element between the first and second position in response to sensing, by the first or second position-sensing devices that the heat exchange element has transitioned to the first or second position respectively.

5. The heating apparatus of any preceding claim, comprising at least one guide portion for guiding the heat exchange element between the first position and the second position.

6. The heating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the signal from the thermostat arrangement comprises a signal having one of a high level or low level indicating that the difference is greater than zero or a first threshold amount, and the other of the high level or low level indicating that there is no difference or the difference is less than a second threshold amount.

7. The heating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the heat-exchange element comprises:a conduit for the first fluid;a compartment fluidly isolated from the conduit, the compartment containing a second fluid in thermal cooperation with the first fluid.

8. The heating apparatus of claim 7, wherein at least one of:the first fluid comprises an aqueous fluid; and / orthe second fluid comprises a non-aqueous fluid, such as an oil.

9. The heating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator is configured to at least one of:rotate or pivot the heat exchange element between the first position and the second position;linearly transition the heat exchange element between the first position and the second position.

10. The heating apparatus of any preceding claim, wherein the actuator comprises at least one of:a motor;a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder;a linear actuator.

11. A heating system comprising:the heating apparatus of any preceding claim; andthe heat source,wherein the first position is closer to the heat source than the secondposition.

12. The heating system of claim 11, wherein the actuator is configured to: transition the heat exchange element towards the first position when the difference is greater than zero or a / the first threshold amount, transition the heat exchange element towards the second position when there is no difference or when the difference is less than a / the second threshold amount,and optionally wherein the first threshold amount is the same as the second threshold amount.

13. The heating system of claim 11 or 12, comprising:a fluid source for supplying the first fluid to the heat exchange element, anda fluid receiver for receiving the first fluid from the heat exchange element,wherein the fluid source and the fluid receiver are coupled to the heat exchange element by one or more flexible and / or elastic and / or extendable and / or concertinaed conduits or hoses.

14. The heating system of claim 13, wherein:the fluid source is a main water supply; and / or the fluid receiver is one of:a radiator for heating a premises;a storage vessel, such as a hot water tank;an underfloor heating system; a steam generator;15. The heating system of any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the heat source comprises one of:industrial equipment;a manufacturing machine;catering equipment;a catering caravan;an oven, a grill or cooker;a boiler;a gas heater; or an electric heater.

16. A method of installation of a heating apparatus, the method comprising 5 disposing a heating apparatus according to any of claims 1 to 10 relative to aheat source, such that the first position is closer to the heat source than the second position.

17. The method of claim 15, comprising:10 coupling, by one or more flexible and / or elastic and / orextendable and / or concertinaed conduits or hoses, a fluid source to the heat exchange element; andcoupling, by one or more flexible and / or elastic and / or extendable and / or concertinaed conduits or hoses, a fluid receiver to the 15 heat exchange element.19

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