System for offering household hot water and space heating in building

Abstract

To provide a system capable of preventing waste loss of thermal energy and thus offering more efficient, economical and / or environmentally protective household hot water and space heating.SOLUTION: A system offers household hot water (DHW) and space heating (SH). The system includes: a cold water main pipe inlet; a heat pump connected to a primary heat transfer fluid circuit line of the system; a household hot water cylinder unit connected to the cold water main pipe inlet and connected to a hot water outlet; a household hot water heat exchanger; a heat storage container that accommodates heat transfer fluid; and a controller. The heat storage container includes a preheating heat exchanger connected to the household hot water cylinder unit and connectable to the cold water main pipe inlet. The preheating heat exchanger is suitable for heat exchange between the heat transfer fluid in the heat storage container and water flowing from the cold water main pipe inlet to the household hot water cylinder unit. This system enables an economical and environmentally protective operation.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for providing domestic hot water (DHW) and space heating (SH) in a building, the system including a cold water main inlet, a heat pump connected to the system's primary heat transfer fluid circuit, a domestic hot water cylinder unit fluidly connected to the cold water main inlet and to a hot water outlet, a domestic hot water heat exchanger, a thermal storage vessel containing a heat transfer fluid, and a controller. The thermal storage vessel contains a preheating heat exchanger fluidly connected to the domestic hot water cylinder unit and fluidly connectable to the cold water main inlet. The preheating heat exchanger is suitable for exchanging thermal energy between the heat transfer fluid in the thermal storage vessel and water flowing from the cold water main inlet to the domestic hot water cylinder unit. This system prevents unnecessary loss of thermal energy, allowing for more energy-efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly operation. [Background technology]

[0002] In the prior art, systems for providing domestic hot water (DHW) and space heating (SH) in buildings are known (see, for example, non-patent document 1) (see also Figures 1 and 2 of this specification).

[0003] The systems known in the prior art, when including a thermal storage container (see, for example, FIG. 2), have the drawback that the thermal storage container has limited application, i.e., it can only be used for space heating. This is related to the problem that the energy stored in the thermal storage container is only effective during periods when there is frequent space heating demand (e.g., daily demand, not only monthly, or even semi-annual, demand). For example, there is no space heating demand during warmer seasons. This means that the heat stored in the thermal storage container is not utilized in the prior art systems, and therefore, during these periods, the heat ends up being dissipated into the environment in a wasteful manner. Therefore, the prior art systems are not very energy efficient.

[0004] Furthermore, the operation of prior art systems is not very economical and environmentally friendly. This is because, on the one hand, thermal energy is wasted by the systems (due to heat being dissipated wastefully into the environment), and, on the other hand, the systems necessarily rely on the operation of their heat pumps during periods of high domestic hot water demand. During these periods of high domestic hot water demand, the electricity to operate the heat pumps may be expensive and / or may come from non-environmental sources. For example, the required electricity may only be available from the power grid at an expensive tariff and / or may not come from renewable energy sources (such as PV devices). Both of these situations may apply during the morning and evening hours, when domestic hot water demand is usually highest, which leaves room for improving the operation of the systems from an economic and environmental perspective. [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0005] [Non-Patent Document 1] Mitsubishi Electric, Ecodan ATW Databook, vol.5.3, R32, published December 2020, M-P0798C SIZ2008 <mee>, p152‐154 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] Starting from the above, it was an object of the present invention to provide a system for providing domestic hot water (DHW) and space heating (SH) in a building, which overcomes at least one drawback of the prior art. Preferably, the system provided should prevent wasteful losses of thermal energy and thereby allow a more energy-efficient, economical and / or environmentally friendly provision of domestic hot water and space heating in a building. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] This object is solved by a system having the features of claim 1. The dependent claims present advantageous embodiments.

[0008] According to the present invention, there is provided a system for providing domestic hot water and space heating in a building, comprising: a) a chilled water main inlet fluidly connected to the chilled water main line of the system; b) an air-to-water heat pump including a heat pump heat exchanger fluidly connected to the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line of the system; c) a domestic hot water cylinder unit fluidly connected to the cold water main inlet via the cold water main line and fluidly connected to a domestic hot water outlet of the system for providing domestic hot water; d) a domestic hot water heat exchanger suitable for exchanging heat energy between the domestic hot water cylinder unit and the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line; e) a heat storage vessel containing a heat transfer fluid, the heat storage vessel being fluidly connected to the secondary heat transfer fluid circuit lines and to the radiator circuit lines; f) a first valve in the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line; g) a second valve in the chilled water main line; h) Controller and Including, the secondary heat transfer fluid circuit line is fluidly connectable to the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line via switching of the first valve (i.e., the system controller can be configured to establish said connection by switching the first valve); 1. A system in which radiator circuit lines are connected to at least one radiator to provide space heating within a building, comprising: the thermal storage vessel houses a preheating heat exchanger, the preheating heat exchanger being fluidly connected to the domestic hot water cylinder unit and fluidly connectable to the cold water mains inlet via switching of the second valve (i.e. the controller of the system can be configured to establish said connection by switching the second valve); A system is provided in which the preheating heat exchanger is suitable for exchanging thermal energy between the heat transfer fluid of the thermal storage vessel and the water flowing from the cold water mains inlet to the domestic hot water cylinder unit.

[0009] The system according to the invention allows for more effective use of the flexibility of energy storage provided by the thermal storage vessel without incurring unnecessary losses of thermal energy, and allows for more energy-efficient, economical and environmentally friendly provision of domestic hot water and space heating in buildings.

[0010] In short, the preheating heat exchanger in the system can recover heat from the thermal storage vessel and preheat the mains water flowing from the cold water main inlet to the domestic hot water cylinder unit. This is useful, for example, when there is heat stored in the thermal storage vessel and there is no space heating demand but there is domestic hot water demand.

[0011] Domestic hot water demand is typically stable throughout the year (i.e., domestic hot water is typically in daily demand throughout the year), unlike space heating demand, which is dominant during the winter months (i.e., only during certain months of the year). Therefore, using a thermal storage vessel to provide thermal energy for domestic hot water as well as space heating is beneficial because it allows the flexibility of energy storage offered by the thermal storage vessel to be utilized without incurring wasteful losses of thermal energy from the thermal storage vessel (especially during the winter months). This allows the system to operate in a more energy-efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly manner.

[0012] Regardless of the above, peak demand for domestic hot water typically occurs in the morning and evening. During these peak demand periods, the domestic hot water cylinder unit will need to be charged with thermal energy by the heat pump. Typically, the capacity of the domestic hot water cylinder unit limits the ability to time-shift the heat pump operation. A further advantage of the system according to the invention is that additional thermal storage capacity of the thermal storage vessel is "available" for transferring thermal energy to the mains water during these peak domestic hot water demand periods. This prevents unnecessarily frequent operation of the heat pump and allows the system to operate in a more energy-efficient, economical and environmentally friendly manner.

[0013] Furthermore, there are other circumstances in which it may be desirable to use the thermal energy stored in the thermal storage vessel to preheat domestic hot water, such as on days when domestic hot water demand is expected to be unusually high (e.g., days when many people use domestic hot water). During these times, thermal energy can be drawn from the thermal storage vessel, preventing unnecessary operation of the system's heat pump. In other words, the system's thermal storage vessel acts as a "buffer" to reduce intermittent operation of the heat pump due to fluctuations in space heating and / or hot water demand. This also allows the system to operate in a more energy-efficient, economical, and environmentally friendly manner.

[0014] Furthermore, the ability of the system according to the present invention to provide the heating energy required to heat domestic hot water at certain times without having to operate the heat pump at those times (i.e., the ability to time-shift the heat pump) allows the heat pump to operate to a greater extent during times when cheap electricity is available. Cheap electricity can be electricity from the power grid when cheap electricity tariffs are available and / or electricity from renewable energy sources that provide cheap, environmentally friendly electrical energy. This allows the system to operate in a more economical manner.

[0015] The heat transfer fluid can comprise or consist of water. Furthermore, the heat transfer fluid can comprise water on the one hand and an antifreeze (e.g., glycol) and / or a corrosion inhibitor on the other hand.

[0016] Additionally, the thermal storage vessel may include a phase change material, preferably an encapsulated phase change material, which may be suspended in the heat transfer fluid of the thermal storage vessel.

[0017] In the system, the second valve i) a fluid connection between the cold water main inlet and the domestic hot water cylinder unit via a heat exchanger for preheating the thermal storage container; ii) fluid connection between the cold water main inlet and the domestic hot water cylinder unit by bypassing the heat exchanger for preheating the thermal storage vessel; The device may be adapted to switch between:

[0018] Preferably, the second valve is a two-position valve (eg, a three-way valve).

[0019] Additionally, the second valve may be connected to a first line connecting the first opening of the second valve and the chilled water main inlet.

[0020] Furthermore, the second valve may be connected to a second line connecting the second opening of the second valve and the first opening of the preheating heat exchanger of the thermal storage vessel.

[0021] Furthermore, the second valve can be connected to a third line connecting the third opening of the second valve and the opening of the domestic hot water cylinder unit by bypassing the preheating heat exchanger of the thermal storage container.

[0022] The primary heat transfer fluid circuit line of the system may include a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid within the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line.

[0023] The system may include a domestic hot water circuit line fluidly connecting the domestic hot water cylinder unit and the domestic hot water heat exchanger, the domestic hot water circuit line including a pump for circulating water within the domestic hot water circuit line.

[0024] Furthermore, the first valve i) a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger and the domestic hot water heat exchanger (via a primary heat transfer fluid circuit line); ii) a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger and the thermal storage vessel (via a secondary heat transfer fluid circuit line); The device may be adapted to switch between:

[0025] Preferably, the first valve is a two-position valve (eg, a three-way valve).

[0026] The first valve may be connected to a first line connecting a first opening of the first valve and an opening of the heat pump heat exchanger.

[0027] Additionally, the first valve may be connected to a second line connecting a second opening of the first valve and an opening of the domestic hot water heat exchanger.

[0028] Additionally, the first valve may be connected to a third line connecting a third opening of the first valve and an opening of the thermal storage vessel.

[0029] The system may include a hot water supply line fluidly connecting the preheating heat exchanger of the thermal storage vessel and the domestic hot water cylinder unit, preferably the hot water supply line connecting an opening of the domestic hot water cylinder unit to a second opening of the preheating heat exchanger.

[0030] The radiator circuit lines may be connected to multiple radiators, with at least one radiator of the system and / or multiple radiators of the system preferably being selected from the group consisting of radiators, fan coil units, and underfloor heating.

[0031] Additionally, the radiator circuit line may include a pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid within the radiator circuit line.

[0032] The preheating heat exchanger of the system may be located at least partially, optionally completely, within the interior space of the thermal storage vessel, and is preferably a coil-type heat exchanger. Alternatively, the preheating heat exchanger of the system may be located at least partially, optionally completely, outside the thermal storage vessel, and is preferably a plate-type heat exchanger, and the system optionally includes a pump for circulating the thermal storage vessel water through the plate-type heat exchanger.

[0033] When no space heating demand is predicted, the system controller may be configured to switch the second valve to establish a fluid connection between the cold water main inlet and the domestic hot water cylinder unit via the preheating heat exchanger of the thermal storage vessel. Preferably, when the outdoor temperature is above a predetermined threshold, no space heating demand is predicted.

[0034] Furthermore, when a space heating demand is predicted, the system controller may be configured to switch the second valve to establish a fluid connection between the cold water main inlet and the domestic hot water cylinder unit by bypassing the heat exchanger for preheating the thermal storage vessel. Preferably, the space heating demand is predicted when the outdoor temperature is below a predetermined threshold.

[0035] Furthermore, i) when surplus cheap electricity is available and the domestic hot water cylinder unit is not fully charged with heat energy; and / or ii) when high demand for domestic hot water is expected and the domestic hot water cylinder unit is not fully charged with thermal energy; and / or iii) preferably in a normal operating mode of the heat pump, when there is a demand to reheat the domestic hot water cylinder unit of the system, and more preferably said demand is satisfied if the temperature of the domestic hot water cylinder unit drops below a predetermined temperature setpoint; The controller of the system can be configured to switch the first valve to establish a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger of the system and the domestic hot water heat exchanger and operate the heat pump to heat the domestic hot water cylinder unit of the system.

[0036] Furthermore, i) when surplus cheap electricity is available and the domestic hot water cylinder unit is fully charged with thermal energy; and / or ii) when high demand for domestic hot water is expected and the domestic hot water cylinder unit is fully charged with thermal energy; and / or iii) preferably in the normal operating mode of the heat pump when there is a demand for space heating and the heat pump is not currently providing heating energy to the domestic hot water cylinder unit; A controller of the system may be configured to switch the first valve to establish a fluid connection between a heat pump heat exchanger of the system and the thermal storage vessel and operate the heat pump to heat the thermal storage vessel of the system.

[0037] Notwithstanding the above, when excess cheap electricity is not available and high domestic hot water demand is not expected, the system controller can be configured to switch the air-to-water heat pump into normal operating mode.

[0038] The heat storage container is 100 to 1000 dm 3 The system may have an internal volume within the range of 100 volts per minute (200 volts). When the internal volume is particularly within this range, energy storage is typically limited to "daytime" periods, i.e., a few hours. Internal volumes within this range are most suitable for systems that include electrical energy, e.g., photovoltaic devices, to generate excess energy during the day. This excess energy can be used to operate a heat pump in the system and charge the thermal storage vessel with thermal energy. The thermal energy can then be used for space heating at night and / or throughout the year to help with heating energy for domestic hot water.

[0039] In a preferred embodiment of the system, the system includes a photovoltaic device adapted to provide electrical energy to the air-to-water heat pump of the system, which allows the system to operate in a more economical and environmentally friendly manner. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0040] [Figure 1] 1 shows a typical prior art air-to-water heat pump system for providing space heating and domestic hot water. [Figure 2] 1 shows a further representative prior art air-to-water heat pump system for providing space heating and domestic hot water; [Figure 3] 1 shows an air-to-water heat pump system according to the present invention for providing space heating and domestic hot water. [Figure 4] In the system according to the invention, domestic hot water extraction is shown with preheating of the chilled mains water by the preheating heat exchanger HEX3 of the thermal storage vessel TSV. [Figure 5] 1 shows domestic hot water extraction without preheating of cold mains water in a system according to the invention. [Figure 6] 1 shows the operation of a system according to the present invention in which a heat pump provides thermal energy to a domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU. [Figure 7] 1 shows the operation of a system according to the present invention, in which a heat pump provides thermal energy to a thermal storage vessel TSV. [Figure 8] 3 shows a possible configuration of the controller of the system according to the invention; DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0041] The subject matter according to the present invention is intended to be explained in more detail with reference to the following figures and examples, without intending to be limited to the particular embodiments shown. Figures 1 and 2 show systems that are not according to the present invention, but are useful for understanding certain aspects of the invention.

[0042] FIG. 1 shows a typical prior art air-to-water heat pump system for providing space heating and domestic hot water. In a first system operation (charging the domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU with thermal energy), the heat pump HP operates and heats domestic hot water in the domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU via a domestic hot water heat exchanger HEX2 (e.g., a plate-type heat exchanger) in the indoor unit. The domestic hot water heat exchanger transfers heat from the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line PWCL (i.e., primary circulating water) to the domestic hot water circuit line DHWCL (i.e., sanitary water in the domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU). In a second system operation (providing domestic hot water), hot water is extracted from the top of the domestic hot water cylinder unit to the domestic hot water outlet DHWO. This hot water replaces fresh water from the cold water main inlet CWMI, which is pumped to the bottom of the domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU. In most cases, it is not necessary to operate the compressor of the heat pump HP during domestic hot water extraction. In the third system operation (providing space heating), the position of three-way valve MV1 is changed to allow the hot water circulated by pump P1 to circulate in a closed loop between the outdoor unit and radiator HE. The closed loop is formed by secondary heat transfer fluid circuit line SWCL and radiator circuit line HECL.

[0043] FIG. 2 shows another representative prior art air-to-water heat pump system for providing space heating and domestic hot water. Unlike the system shown in FIG. 1, this system includes a thermal storage vessel TSV located between the heat pump HP indoor unit and the radiator circuit line HECL. The thermal storage vessel TSV contains a primary heating fluid, rather than potable water, for domestic hot water supply. In this system, when there is no space heating demand, the heat pump HP can be operated to store energy in the thermal storage vessel TSV (thermal energy charging of the thermal storage vessel). This energy is stored in the thermal storage vessel TSV until a space heating demand occurs, unless there is a simultaneous space heating demand. When a space heating demand occurs, the heating circulator pump P3 is switched on, and heat is distributed from the thermal storage vessel TSV to the space via the radiator circuit line HECL (SH provision by the thermal storage vessel). The heat pump HP may also be operated to provide space heating using both the heat pump HP and the thermal storage vessel TSV, with the thermal storage vessel effectively acting as an intermediate buffer (SH provision by the thermal storage vessel and the heat pump). In this case, pumps P1 and P3 both operate simultaneously.

[0044] Figure 3 shows an air-to-water heat pump system according to the invention for providing space heating and domestic hot water. The system is identical to the system shown in Figure 2, except that it includes a preheating heat exchanger HEX3 (here an internal coil heat exchanger) in the thermal storage vessel TSV and a two-position valve MV2 (e.g. a motorized three-way valve) in the chilled water main line CWML of the system.

[0045] Figure 4 shows the domestic hot water withdrawal with preheating of chilled mains water by the preheating heat exchanger HEX3 of the thermal storage vessel TSV in the system according to the invention. This withdrawal is carried out when the stored thermal energy in the thermal storage vessel TSV becomes available and it is desired to use this stored thermal energy to preheat the mains water flowing from the chilled mains inlet CWMI to the domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU. For this purpose, the second valve MV2 is switched to the position shown in Figure 4, and the chilled mains water is diverted through the preheating heat exchanger HEX3 (see arrow) and heated to a temperature approaching the maximum temperature in the thermal storage vessel TSV. The preheated mains water leaving the preheating heat exchanger HEX3 is then sent to the bottom of the domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU and heated to its final supply temperature (see arrow). This is typical summer operation of the system.

[0046] Figure 5 shows domestic hot water withdrawal without pre-heating of chilled mains water in a system according to the invention. Said withdrawal is carried out when it is preferred to pre-heat domestic hot water without using the heat stored in the thermal storage vessel TSV. In this case, the second valve MV2 is switched to its initial position and the chilled mains water bypasses the pre-heating heat exchanger HEX3 and is sent directly to the inlet of the domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU (see arrow). This is a typical winter operation of the system, when it is preferred to use any heat stored in the thermal storage vessel for space heating.

[0047] Figure 6 shows the operation of a system according to the present invention, in which a heat pump provides thermal energy to a domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU. The first valve MV1 is switched to a first state in which water is pumped only through the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line PWCL (see arrows). The system includes a domestic hot water circuit line DHWCL fluidly connecting the domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU and a domestic hot water heat exchanger HEX2. The domestic hot water circuit line DHWCL includes a pump P2 for circulating water within the domestic hot water circuit line DHWCL. The domestic hot water heat exchanger HEX2 is suitable for exchanging thermal energy between the domestic hot water cylinder unit DHWCU (specifically the domestic hot water circuit line DHWCL) and the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line PWCL.

[0048] 7 shows the operation of a system according to the invention in which a heat pump provides thermal energy to a thermal storage vessel TSV. The first valve MV1 is switched to its second state (see arrows) in which water is pumped through the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line PWCL and the secondary heat transfer fluid circuit line SWCL and thus to the thermal storage vessel TSV (i.e., the domestic hot water heat exchanger HEX2 is bypassed). The pump P2 for circulating water in the domestic hot water circuit line DHWCL is stopped.

[0049] FIG. 8 shows a possible configuration of the controller of the system according to the invention.

[0050] Example - Possible components of the system The system may be (e.g., in the outdoor unit of the system) a compressor, a fan-assisted evaporator heat exchanger; - an expansion device (e.g. linear expansion valve, LEV), - condenser heat exchanger (refrigerant-water, HEX1); -Four-way check valve and may include:

[0051] Furthermore, the system may include (e.g., in the indoor unit of the system) - Domestic Hot Water Cylinder Unit (DHWCU) and - a primary heat transfer fluid circulation pump (P1), - Domestic hot water circulation pump (P2) and - a heat exchanger (HEX2) for the primary heat transfer fluid - DHW; - a three-way valve (MV1) for switching between DHW and space heating; -DHW tank temperature sensor and may include:

[0052] Additionally, the system may include (e.g., in the heat sink circuit of the system) - an array of heat radiators (e.g. radiators, fan coil units and / or underfloor heating), - Heat transfer fluid pump (P3) and may include:

[0053] Various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices.

[0054] (Appendix 1) 1. A system for providing domestic hot water (DHW) and space heating (SH) in a building, comprising: a) a chilled water main inlet (CWMI) fluidly connected to a chilled water main line (CWML) of said system; b) an air-to-water heat pump (HP) including a heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) fluidly connected to a primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL) of said system; c) a domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) fluidly connected to the cold water main inlet (CWMI) via the cold water main line (CWML) and to a domestic hot water outlet (DHWO) of the system for providing domestic hot water (DHW); d) a domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2) suitable for exchanging heat energy between the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) and the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL); e) a thermal storage vessel (TSV) containing a heat transfer fluid, the thermal storage vessel (TSV) fluidly connected to the secondary heat transfer fluid circuit line (SWCL) and fluidly connected to the radiator circuit line (HECL); f) a first valve (MV1) in the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL); g) a second valve (MV2) in said chilled water main line (CWML); h) Controller and Including, the secondary heat transfer fluid circuit line (SWCL) is fluidly connectable to the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL) via switching of the first valve (MV1); 1. A system, wherein the radiator circuit line (HECL) is connected to at least one radiator (HE) to provide space heating (SH) in a building, the thermal storage vessel (TSV) includes a preheating heat exchanger (HEX3), which is fluidly connected to the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) and is fluidly connectable to the cold water main inlet (CWMI) via switching of the second valve (MV2); The system is characterized in that the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) is suitable for exchanging thermal energy between the heat transfer fluid of the thermal storage vessel (TSV) and water flowing from the cold water main inlet (CWMI) to the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU). (Appendix 2) The second valve (MV2) i) a fluid connection between the cold water main inlet (CWMI) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) via the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV); ii) fluid connection between the cold water main inlet (CWMI) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) by bypassing the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV); Suitable for switching between Preferably, the system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second valve (MV2) is a two-position valve. (Appendix 3) The second valve (MV2) i) a first line connecting a first opening of the second valve (MV2) to the chilled water main inlet (CWMI), and / or ii) a second line connecting the second opening of the second valve (MV2) to the first opening of the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV), and / or iii) a third line connecting the third opening of the second valve (MV2) and the opening of the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) by bypassing the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV); 3. The system of claim 2, wherein the system is connected to: (Appendix 4) 4. The system of any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL) includes a pump (P1) for circulating the heat transfer fluid within the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL). (Appendix 5) 5. The system of any one of appendices 1 to 4, wherein the system includes a domestic hot water circuit line (DHWCL) fluidly connecting the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) and the domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2), and the domestic hot water circuit line (DHWCL) includes a pump (P2) for circulating water within the domestic hot water circuit line. (Appendix 6) The first valve (MV1) i) a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) and the domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2); ii) a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) and the thermal storage vessel (TSV); Suitable for switching between Preferably, the system according to any one of appendices 1 to 5, characterized in that the first valve (MV1) is a two-position valve. (Appendix 7) The first valve (MV1) i) a first line connecting a first opening of the first valve (MV1) and an opening of the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1); and / or ii) a second line connecting a second opening of the first valve (MV1) and an opening of the domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2); and / or iii) a third line connecting a third opening of the first valve (MV1) and an opening of the thermal storage vessel (TSV); 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the system is connected to: (Appendix 8) the system includes a hot water supply line (HWSL) fluidly connecting the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU); Preferably, the system according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, characterized in that the hot water supply line (HWSL) connects an opening of the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) to a second opening of the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3). (Appendix 9) The heat sink circuit line (HECL) i) preferably connected to a plurality of heat radiators (HE) selected from the group consisting of radiators, fan coil units, and underfloor heating; and / or ii) A system according to any one of appendices 1 to 8, characterized in that it comprises a pump (P3) for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the radiator circuit lines. (Appendix 10) The preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) is at least partially, optionally completely, i) arranged in the interior space of the thermal storage vessel (TSV), and the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) is preferably a coil-type heat exchanger, or ii) The system of any one of appendices 1 to 9, characterized in that the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) is located outside the thermal storage vessel (TSV), preferably a plate-type heat exchanger, and the system optionally includes a pump for circulating water from the thermal storage vessel (TSV) through the plate-type heat exchanger. (Appendix 11) 11. The system of any one of appendices 1 to 10, wherein when no space heating demand is expected, the controller is configured to switch the second valve (MV2) to establish a fluid connection between the chilled water main inlet (CWMI) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) via the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV), preferably when no space heating demand is expected when the outdoor temperature is above a predetermined threshold. (Appendix 12) 12. The system of any one of appendices 1 to 11, wherein the controller is configured to establish a fluid connection between the chilled water main inlet (CWMI) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) by switching the second valve (MV2) to bypass the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV) when a space heating demand is expected, preferably when the outdoor temperature is below a predetermined threshold. (Appendix 13) i) when surplus cheap electricity is available and the DHWCU is not fully charged with heat energy; and / or ii) when high demand for domestic hot water is expected and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) is not fully charged with thermal energy; and / or iii) preferably in a normal operating mode of the heat pump (HP) when there is a demand to reheat the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) of the system, more preferably said demand being satisfied if the temperature of the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) drops below a predetermined temperature setpoint; 13. The system of any one of appendices 1 to 12, wherein the controller is configured to switch the first valve (MV1) to establish a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) and the domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2) of the system and operate the heat pump (HP) to heat the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) of the system. (Appendix 14) i) when surplus cheap electricity is available and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) is fully charged with thermal energy; and / or ii) when high demand for domestic hot water is expected and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) is fully charged with thermal energy; and / or iii) preferably in a normal operating mode of the heat pump (HP) when there is a demand for space heating and the heat pump (HP) is not currently providing heating energy to the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU); 14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the controller is configured to switch the first valve (MV1) to establish a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) and the thermal storage vessel (TSV) of the system and operate the heat pump (HP) to heat the thermal storage vessel (TSV) of the system. (Appendix 15) 15. The system of any one of claims 1 to 14, wherein the controller is configured to switch the heat pump (HP) to a normal operating mode when surplus cheap electricity is not available and high demand for domestic hot water is not expected. [Explanation of symbols]

[0055] CWMI chilled water main inlet CWML chilled water main line HP Air-to-Water Heat Pump HEX1 heat pump heat exchanger PWCL Primary heat transfer fluid circuit line DHWCU Domestic Hot Water Cylinder Unit DHWO Household Hot Water Outlet DHW Domestic hot water HEX2 Household hot water heat exchanger TSV thermal storage container SWCL Secondary heat transfer fluid circuit line MV1 First valve HECL Heatsink Circuit Wire HE radiator SH Space Heating HEX3 preheating heat exchanger MV2 Second valve P1 Pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line DHWCL Domestic Hot Water Circuit Line P2 Pump for circulating water in the domestic hot water circuit line HWSL hot water supply line P3 Pump for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the radiator circuit line< / mee>

Claims

1. 1. A system for providing domestic hot water (DHW) and space heating (SH) in a building, comprising: a) a chilled water main inlet (CWMI) fluidly connected to a chilled water main line (CWML) of the system; b) an air-to-water heat pump (HP) including a heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) fluidly connected to a primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL) of said system; c) a domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) fluidly connected to the domestic hot water inlet (CWMI) via the domestic cold water main line (CWML) and to a domestic hot water outlet (DHWO) of the system for providing domestic hot water (DHW); d) a domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2) suitable for exchanging heat energy between the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) and the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL); e) a thermal storage vessel (TSV) containing a heat transfer fluid, the thermal storage vessel (TSV) fluidly connected to a secondary heat transfer fluid circuit line (SWCL) and to a radiator circuit line (HECL); f) a first valve (MV1) in said primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL); g) a second valve (MV2) in the chilled water main line (CWML); h) a controller; Including, the secondary heat transfer fluid circuit line (SWCL) is fluidly connectable to the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL) via switching of the first valve (MV1); 1. A system, wherein the radiator circuit line (HECL) is connected to at least one radiator (HE) to provide space heating (SH) in a building, the thermal storage vessel (TSV) includes a preheating heat exchanger (HEX3), which is fluidly connected to the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) and is fluidly connectable to the cold water main inlet (CWMI) via switching of the second valve (MV2); The system is characterized in that the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) is suitable for exchanging thermal energy between the heat transfer fluid of the thermal storage vessel (TSV) and water flowing from the cold water main inlet (CWMI) to the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU).

2. The second valve (MV2) i) a fluid connection between the cold water main inlet (CWMI) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) via the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV); ii) fluid connection between the cold water main inlet (CWMI) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) by bypassing the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV); Suitable for switching between 2. A system according to claim 1, characterized in that the second valve (MV2) is preferably a two-position valve.

3. The second valve (MV2) i) a first line connecting the first opening of the second valve (MV2) to the chilled water main inlet (CWMI), and / or ii) a second line connecting the second opening of the second valve (MV2) to the first opening of the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV); and / or iii) a third line connecting the third opening of the second valve (MV2) and an opening of the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) by bypassing the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV); 3. The system according to claim 2, wherein the system is connected to:

4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL) comprises a pump (P1) for circulating the heat transfer fluid in the primary heat transfer fluid circuit line (PWCL).

5. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the system includes a domestic hot water circuit line (DHWCL) fluidly connecting the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) and the domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2), and the domestic hot water circuit line (DHWCL) includes a pump (P2) for circulating water within the domestic hot water circuit line.

6. The first valve (MV1) i) a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) and the domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2); ii) a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) and the thermal storage vessel (TSV); Suitable for switching between A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the first valve (MV1) is preferably a two-position valve.

7. The first valve (MV1) i) a first line connecting a first opening of the first valve (MV1) with an opening of the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1); and / or ii) a second line connecting a second opening of the first valve (MV1) and an opening of the domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2); and / or iii) a third line connecting the third opening of the first valve (MV1) and the opening of the thermal storage vessel (TSV); 7. The system according to claim 6, wherein the system is connected to:

8. the system includes a hot water supply line (HWSL) fluidly connecting the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU); Preferably, the system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the hot water supply line (HWSL) connects an opening of the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) to a second opening of the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3).

9. The heat sink circuit line (HECL) i) preferably connected to a plurality of heat radiators (HE) selected from the group consisting of radiators, fan coil units and underfloor heating; and / or A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that it comprises ii) a pump (P3) for circulating said heat transfer fluid in said radiator circuit lines.

10. The preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) is at least partially, optionally completely, i) arranged in the internal space of the thermal storage vessel (TSV), and the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) is preferably a coil-type heat exchanger, or ii) A system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) is arranged external to the thermal storage vessel (TSV), the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) being preferably a plate heat exchanger, the system optionally including a pump for circulating the water of the thermal storage vessel (TSV) through the plate heat exchanger.

11. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to switch the second valve (MV2) to establish a fluid connection between the cold water main inlet (CWMI) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) via the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV) when no space heating demand is expected, preferably when the outdoor temperature is above a predetermined threshold.

12. 4. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that when a space heating demand is expected, the controller is configured to switch the second valve (MV2) to establish a fluid connection between the chilled water main inlet (CWMI) and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) by bypassing the preheating heat exchanger (HEX3) of the thermal storage vessel (TSV), preferably when a space heating demand is expected when the outdoor temperature is below a predetermined threshold.

13. i) when excess cheap electricity is available and the DHWCU is not fully charged with heat energy; and / or ii) when high demand for domestic hot water is expected and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) is not fully charged with thermal energy; and / or iii) preferably in a normal operating mode of the heat pump (HP) when there is a demand to reheat the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) of the system, more preferably said demand being satisfied if the temperature of the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) drops below a predetermined temperature setpoint; 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to switch the first valve (MV1) to establish a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) and the domestic hot water heat exchanger (HEX2) of the system and to operate the heat pump (HP) to heat the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) of the system.

14. i) when surplus cheap electricity is available and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) is fully charged with thermal energy; and / or ii) when high demand for domestic hot water is expected and the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU) is fully charged with thermal energy; and / or iii) preferably in normal operation mode of the heat pump (HP), when there is a demand for space heating and the heat pump (HP) is not currently providing heating energy to the domestic hot water cylinder unit (DHWCU); 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to switch the first valve (MV1) to establish a fluid connection between the heat pump heat exchanger (HEX1) and the thermal storage vessel (TSV) of the system and to operate the heat pump (HP) to heat the thermal storage vessel (TSV) of the system.

15. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to switch the heat pump (HP) to a normal operating mode when no surplus cheap electricity is available and no high demand for domestic hot water is expected.

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