Methods, systems and apparatus to support reduced energy and water use - Patents.com

Abstract

A method is provided for signaling commands from a controllable water outlet to a remote water heating appliance, the controllable water outlet receiving feed from the appliance via a water supply facility, the method comprising the steps of monitoring a water supply feeding the controllable water outlet, detecting a sequence of changes in a property or state of the water supply as a result of operation of the controllable water outlet, correlating the sequence of changes with stored patterns, detecting a match above a stored threshold, and interpreting the match as a command. Thus, a signal can be sent to a processor to operate a faucet or other controllable water outlet and to increase the temperature or flow rate of the water delivered by the outlet. Thus, the water supply system can have default flow and temperature levels designed for economical, low water usage, but the user can override one or both of these limitations on demand without needing to go to the appliance to reset it. The water heating appliance is preferably an instantaneous water heating appliance. There is also provided a water supply installation comprising a water heating appliance, a controllable water outlet remote from the appliance, a water supply line configured to deliver heated water from the appliance to the controllable water outlet, at least one sensor for sensing a characteristic or condition of the water supply line, and a processor coupled to the at least one sensor, wherein the processor is configured to detect a sequence of changes in the characteristic or condition of the water supply as a result of operation of the controllable water outlet, correlate the sequence of changes with stored patterns, detect a match that exceeds a stored threshold, interpret the match as a command, and take action in accordance with the command.

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates in various ways to methods and apparatus for facilities including high temperature water supply systems in buildings that support reduced energy and water usage. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a global shortage of drinking water. Water scarcity is now commonly reported around the world, and while it may be assumed that such problems only affect "hot" countries and continents, that is no longer correct. The European Environment Agency reports that water scarcity or water stress is a problem that affects millions of people around the world, including over 100 million people in Europe. Around 88.2% of Europe's fresh water use (drinking and other uses) comes from rivers and groundwater, while the rest comes from reservoirs (10.3%) and lakes (1.5%), which makes these sources highly vulnerable to overuse, pollution, and threats posed by climate change.

[0003] Consequently, there is an urgent need to reduce domestic water use: on average, in Europe, 144 litres of fresh water is provided per person per day for domestic consumption, but most of this water is 'wasted' through carelessness and poor choice of taps, showers and fixtures.

[0004] In particular, the need to reduce domestic energy consumption is linked to the need to reduce water consumption, given that (at least in Europe) approximately 75% of heating and cooling is still generated from fossil fuels, while only 22% comes from renewable sources.

[0005] According to Directive 2012 / 27 / EU, buildings represent 40% of the European Union's final energy consumption and 36% of its CO2 emissions. The 2016 EU Commission report "Mapping and analyses of the current and future (2020-2030) heating / cooling fuel deployment (fossil / renewables)" concluded that space heating and hot water alone account for 79% of the total final energy use (192.5 Mtoe) in EU homes. The EU Commission also reports that "According to 2019 figures from Eurostat, roughly 75% of heating and cooling is still generated from fossil fuels, while only 22% is generated from renewable sources." To meet the EU's climate and energy targets, the heating and cooling sector must sharply reduce its energy consumption and cut its use of fossil fuels. Heat pumps, in which energy is extracted from the air, ground, or water, have been identified as potentially making an important contribution in addressing this problem.

[0006] In many countries, there are policies and pressures to reduce carbon footprints. For example, in the UK, in 2020, the UK government published a white paper on the Future Homes Standard, proposing to reduce carbon emissions from new homes by 75% to 80% compared to existing levels by 2025. In addition, in early 2019, it was announced that new homes would be banned from being equipped with gas boilers from 2025. It is reported that in the UK at the time of filing, 78% of the total energy use for heating buildings comes from gas, while 12% comes from electricity.

[0007] The UK has a large number of small (2-3 bedrooms or less) properties with gas fired central heating, and most of these properties use what are also known as combination boilers, in which the boiler acts as an instantaneous hot water heater and also as a boiler for the central heating. Combination boilers are popular because they combine a small form factor, provide a more or less instant source of "unlimited" hot water (20kW to 35kW output), and do not require hot water storage. Such boilers can be bought relatively cheaply from reputable manufacturers. The small form factor, and ability to run without a hot water storage tank, generally means that such boilers can be accommodated in even a small apartment or house (often wall mounted in the kitchen), and that it is possible to install a new boiler in a one man day's work. It is therefore possible to get a new combi gas boiler that is cheap to install. With a ban on new gas boilers looming, alternative heat sources will need to be provided in place of gas combi boilers. In addition, previously installed combi boilers will eventually need to be replaced with some sort of alternative.

[0008] Although heat pumps have been proposed as a potential solution to the need to reduce reliance on fossil fuels and cut CO2 emissions, they are currently not suitable for the problem of replacing gas-fired boilers in smaller domestic (and small commercial) premises for a number of technical, commercial and practical reasons. They are typically very large and require a substantial unit outside the property. They therefore cannot be easily retrofitted into properties with typical combi boilers. Units capable of providing an equivalent output to a typical gas boiler are currently expensive and can require significant electrical demand. Not only do the units themselves cost many times more than comparable gas-fired equivalents, but their size and complexity also mean that they are technically complex and therefore expensive to install. Also, a storage tank for the hot water is required, which is a further factor that inhibits the use of heat pumps in small domestic dwellings. A further technical problem is that heat pumps tend to require a significant amount of time to start producing heat in response to demand, perhaps 30 seconds to self-check and then some time to heat up, thus a delay of a minute or more between asking for hot water and its delivery. For this reason, attempted renewable solutions using heat pumps and / or solar are typically applicable to large properties with room for hot water storage tanks (with their associated space demands, heat losses, and Legionella risks). [Prior art documents] [Non-patent literature]

[0009] [Non-Patent Document 1] 2016, EU Commission report "Mapping and analyses of the current and future (2020-2030) heating / cooling fuel deployment (fossil / renewables)" Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] A significant component of domestic energy consumption comes from domestic hot water usage, both in terms of volumetric hot water usage and in terms of energy waste due to overheating domestic hot water. And, of course, hot water waste is a large contributor to the more general problem of water waste, which also needs to be addressed if humanity is to have a sustainable future. Aspects of the present disclosure relate to methods and equipment that help reduce hot water usage, and thus can contribute to reducing both energy and water usage. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] According to a first aspect, there is provided a method of signaling commands from a controllable water outlet to a remote water heating appliance, the controllable water outlet receiving feed from the appliance via a water supply facility, the method comprising the steps of: monitoring a water supply feeding the controllable water outlet; detecting a sequence of changes in a property or state of the water supply as a result of operation of the controllable water outlet; correlating the sequence of changes with stored patterns; detecting a match above a stored threshold; and interpreting the match as a command. The method allows a user of the water supply facility to control the behavior of the water heating appliance (effectively changing the settings of the water heating appliance) by simply manipulating the water outlet (e.g. a tap or shower spout). The water heating appliance may be an instantaneous water heating appliance.

[0012] For example, a user may be able to increase the water supply temperature or the maximum flow rate, or both (in installations where these characteristics are limited for economic reasons).

[0013] According to a second aspect, there is provided a method of signalling commands from a controllable water outlet to a remote water heating appliance, the controllable water outlet receiving feed from the appliance via a water supply facility, the water heating appliance incorporating a renewable energy source in the form of a heat pump or solar heating arrangement, an energy store containing a phase change material for storing energy as latent heat, and an auxiliary heating element, the method comprising the steps of monitoring a water supply feeding the controllable water outlet; detecting a sequence of changes in a property or state of the water supply as a result of operation of the controllable water outlet; correlating the sequence of changes with a stored pattern; and detecting a match that exceeds a threshold stored in said storage unit; and interpreting the match as a command, wherein the water heating appliance is initially configured to provide heated water in a first mode when the outlet is open and configured to switch to a second mode when the command is received; the first mode includes an economy mode that preferentially uses energy from a renewable energy source and / or energy storage and / or uses an auxiliary heating source at reduced power, and the second mode includes using an auxiliary heating element as needed to achieve a predetermined target flow and temperature.

[0014] Optionally, the characteristic is pressure sensed at a location within the water supply. Opening of the water outlet leads to a reduction in pressure in the supply pipeline, as does closing of the outlet. The resulting pressure fluctuations can be sensed at significant distances from the outlet (depending on the static pressure in the system, the diameter and configuration of the supply piping). Also, such pressure fluctuations tend to propagate quickly, making them very suitable for use as control signals.

[0015] Optionally, the sequence includes a series of pressure fluctuations between relatively high and relatively low pressures. Optionally, the series of pressure fluctuations includes at least two relatively high pressure pulses followed by a period of relatively low pressure. Optionally, the sequence includes a relatively low pressure, a relatively high pressure, and then a relatively low pressure in close succession, preferably within an interval of less than 5 seconds, preferably within an interval of less than 2 seconds. Optionally, the sequence includes a relatively high pressure, a relatively low pressure, and then a relatively high pressure in close succession, preferably within an interval of less than 5 seconds, preferably within an interval of less than 2 seconds.

[0016] Optionally, the characteristic is a flow rate of water in a water supply feeding a controllable water outlet. Optionally, the sequence includes a series of flow rate variations between relatively high and relatively low flow rates. Optionally, the sequence includes a relatively high flow, a relatively low flow, and then a relatively high flow in close succession, preferably within an interval of less than 5 seconds, preferably within an interval of less than 2 seconds. Optionally, the series of flow rate variations includes at least two relatively high flow periods followed by a period of relatively low flow. Optionally, the sequence includes a rapid increase in flow to a maximum, above a stored threshold rate of increase.

[0017] In a method according to any variation of the first aspect, the commands may include a command to increase the amount of heat delivered, which may be equivalent to increasing both the delivery temperature and volume (flow rate) and / or increasing the flow to a predetermined higher flow rate (e.g., to the maximum available flow rate or to some higher intermediate flow rate) and / or increasing the flow delivery temperature.

[0018] In a method according to any variation of the first aspect, the water heating appliance may be initially configured to provide heated water in a first mode when the outlet is open and configured to switch to the second mode when a command is received. The water heating appliance may be configured to revert from the second mode to the first mode after the outlet is again closed, so that when the outlet is subsequently opened, the water heating appliance once again provides heated water in the first mode. The water heating appliance may be configured to revert from the second mode to the first mode only after the outlet has been closed for more than a predetermined period of time.

[0019] In a method according to any variation of the first aspect, the water heating appliance may include a source of renewable heat (e.g., a heat pump or solar heating system) and / or an energy storage medium, preferably both, and may optionally include an auxiliary heating element (preferably an electric element). The first mode may include an economy mode that preferentially uses the renewable energy source and / or stored energy and / or uses the auxiliary heating source at reduced power, and the second mode may include using the auxiliary heating element (optionally up to maximum power) as needed to achieve the target water flow and target water temperature.

[0020] The method according to any variation of the first or second aspect may include an initial stage of learning patterns for the commands, preferably including using a machine learning module together with user feedback to set thresholds and distinguish false positives.

[0021] According to a third aspect, there is provided an apparatus for carrying out the method according to any variation of the first aspect, the apparatus preferably comprising a pressure and / or flow transducer, an interface capable of digitising a signal from the flow transducer at a sample rate of at least 10 Hz, and a processor configured to process the signal and match changes to stored changes to detect commands. Such an approach runs counter to conventional wisdom, which tends to "debounce" the signal, feed smoothed or averaged values ​​to the processor and sample only infrequently.

[0022] According to a fourth aspect, there is provided a water supply installation comprising a water heating appliance, a controllable water outlet remote from the appliance, a water supply line configured to deliver heated water from the appliance to the controllable water outlet, at least one sensor for sensing a property or condition of the water supply line, and a processor coupled to the at least one sensor, the processor being configured to: monitor the water supply line feeding the controllable water outlet using the at least one sensor and detect a sequence of changes in the property or condition of the water supply as a result of operation of the controllable water outlet; correlate the sequence of changes with stored patterns; detect a match above a stored threshold; interpret the match as a command; and take an action according to the command. The water heating appliance may be an instantaneous water heating appliance.

[0023] According to a fifth aspect, there is provided a water supply installation including a water heating appliance incorporating a renewable energy source in the form of a heat pump or solar heating arrangement, an energy storage comprising a phase change material that stores energy as latent heat, a medium and an auxiliary heating element, the renewable energy source configured to supply energy to the energy storage arrangement, and the water supply installation including a controllable water outlet remote from the appliance, a water supply line configured to deliver heated water from the appliance to the controllable water outlet, at least one sensor for sensing a characteristic or condition of the water supply line, and a processor coupled to the at least one sensor, the processor using the at least one sensor to monitor the water supply line delivering to the controllable water outlet and A water supply installation is provided that is configured to detect a sequence of changes in a characteristic or condition of the water supply as a result of operation of the water outlet; correlate the sequence of changes with stored patterns; detect a match above a stored threshold; interpret the match as a command; and take action in accordance with the command, wherein the water heating appliance is initially configured to provide heated water in a first mode when the outlet is open and configured to switch to a second mode when a command is received; the first mode includes an economy mode that preferentially uses renewable energy sources and / or stored energy and / or uses an auxiliary heating source at reduced power, and the second mode includes using an auxiliary heating element as needed to achieve a target flow and temperature.

[0024] Optionally, the one or more sensors include a pressure sensor for sensing pressure in the water supply line, preferably located between the appliance and the controllable water outlet.

[0025] Optionally, the one or more sensors include a flow sensor for measuring flow in the water supply line, preferably positioned between the instrument and the controllable water outlet, and optionally positioned locally relative to the water outlet.

[0026] Optionally, the heating appliance includes a valve for mixing the heated water and cold water supplies, the valve being controlled by the processor.

[0027] Optionally, the heating appliance includes an energy storage arrangement comprising a phase change material, the energy storage arrangement configured to store energy using the latent heat of the phase change material.

[0028] Optionally, the heating appliance includes a renewable heat source (preferably a heat pump) coupled to the processor. Optionally, the renewable heat source is configured to supply energy to the energy storage arrangement.

[0029] Optionally, the heating appliance includes a water heater under control of the processor, the water heater configured to receive energy from the networked energy supply.

[0030] Embodiments of various aspects of the present disclosure will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief description of the drawings]

[0031] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a potential location of an installation including a hot water supply system within a building, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 2a] FIG. 13 illustrates generally an approach for allowing a user to issue commands that can be used to change the water temperature or some other property. [Figure 2b] FIG. 13 illustrates generally an approach for allowing a user to issue commands that can be used to change the water temperature or some other property. [Diagram 3] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing an energy bank including a phase change material and a heat exchanger coupled to a heat pump energy source, the energy bank including one or more sensors for providing measurement data indicative of the amount of energy stored as latent heat in the phase change material. [Figure 4] 4 is a high level flow chart for a method implemented by a facility including an energy bank such as that of FIG. [Diagram 5] 4 is a high level flow chart for another method implemented by an energy bank such as that of FIG. 3. [Figure 6] 4 is a flow chart for another method implemented by an energy bank such as that of FIG. 3. [Figure 7] 2 is a flow chart for another method implemented by an energy bank such as that of FIG. 1 . [Figure 8] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating a water supply system in a building according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram illustrating a potential arrangement of components of an interface unit incorporating an energy bank, according to one aspect of the present disclosure. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a schematic of a method of constructing a hot water supply installation having multiple controllable hot water outlets. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0032] 1 illustrates diagrammatically an installation 100 according to a first aspect of the present disclosure. The installation 100 includes a water heating appliance 101 and at least one controllable water outlet 102 remote from the appliance 101 (e.g., in a room 103 other than the room in which the water heating appliance 101 is located). The water heating appliance 101 may be an instantaneous water heating appliance.

[0033] The water heating appliance 101 includes an energy storage 104 and a renewable heat source 105, where the energy storage 104 preferably includes a phase change material for storing energy as latent heat, and the renewable heat source 105 can be a heat pump (such as an air-source or ground-source heat pump), but can alternatively be a solar heating arrangement. The energy storage 104 typically includes a heat exchanger coupled to the renewable heat source 105 such that energy from the renewable heat source 105 can be transferred to a material in the energy storage 104. Thus, a heat transfer liquid can be heated by the renewable heat source 105, circulated through a heat exchanger circuit in the energy storage 104, and returned to the renewable heat source 105 for reheating. The appliance 101 also preferably includes an instantaneous water heater 106.

[0034] A water supply 107 (which can be a mains drawn cold water supply) is connected to energy store 104 where it passes through another circuit of heat exchangers to extract energy from the energy storage material. The water supply 107 is also preferably connected to an instantaneous water heater 106 as shown so that hot water can be produced without having to pass through energy store 104. The heated water emerging from the energy store passes at 108 to the water heater 106 and then through a thermostatic mixing valve 109 to a hot water supply illustrated by pipework 110 and controllable outlet 102 (in practice there will typically be multiple controllable water outlets including a bath tap, a shower spout, a sink tap and a kitchen tap, but these are omitted here for ease of illustration). Mixing valve 109, which also receives a supply of cold water from supply 107, is coupled to and electronically controlled by a controller or processor 111 of water heating appliance 101. Water heater 106, as shown, can be an instantaneous water heating appliance.

[0035] The figure also shows in dashed lines water feed from supply 107 directly to renewable heat source 105, and from the renewable heat source into water heater 106, although this arrangement is optional. In general, if heat source 105 is a heat pump, energy from the heat pump may be supplied only to energy storage 104, and there is no direct hot water feed from energy source 105 to water heater 106. Possible configurations of renewable heat source 105 and energy storage 104 are described in more detail below with reference to FIG. 2.

[0036] The processor 111 is also coupled to a first temperature sensor 112 in the flow path from the water heater 106 to the mixing valve 109, another 113 at the outlet of the mixing valve 109, and another 115 for sensing the temperature of the water from the water supply 107. Also coupled to the processor 111 are a flow or pressure sensor 114 and a flow controller (valve) 116, both in the flow path from the water heater 106 to the mixing valve 109. A further flow or pressure sensor 117, also coupled to the processor 111, can be provided in (e.g., near) the hot water feed to the outlet (e.g., faucet) 102. A further flow controller (valve) 118 can also be provided on the cold water feed to the energy store, which is controlled by the processor 111.

[0037] Also shown is a sensing arrangement 119 for providing information to the processor about the status of the energy storage unit (information that, among other things, enables the processor to determine the energy storage status of the energy storage unit). The sensing arrangement 119 can also measure the temperature of the energy storage medium, enabling the processor 111 to determine the amount of energy stored as sensible heat. Various suitable sensing arrangements are described later in this application. The connections between the processor 111 and the various sensors and actuators can be wired (e.g., using a CAMBUS arrangement) or wireless using the transceiver 110 (e.g., using allocated frequencies in the ISM radio band), or both.

[0038] The renewable heat source is preferably a heat pump (e.g., an air-source heat pump, etc.) and therefore will generally be located largely or entirely outside the building in which the hot water supply system is installed. Typically, the heat pump will include a heat exchanger through which a fluid flows between the heat pump and the appliance 101, heat is captured by the fluid into the heat pump and exchanged with the energy storage 104, and the cooled fluid returns to the heat exchanger in the heat pump to extract more energy.

[0039] Although shown as a separate item, valve 109 (which is controlled by the processor to mix heated and cold water by the appliance 101) can alternatively be integrated into the appliance 101, either internally or externally, to create a largely self-contained appliance (renewable heat source 105, while shown as part of the appliance 101, will generally be understood to be a separate entity) that is capable of providing temperature controlled heated water over a wide heat range.

[0040] Having described a high temperature water supply installation according to one aspect of the invention, a method of controlling the installation, and in particular the heated water supply, will now be described, which essentially involves a user sending a signal to the installation's processor by modulating the output of a controllable water supply outlet.

[0041] The method is described with reference to Fig. 2, of which Fig. 2a illustrates diagrammatically various elements of a hot water supply installation (such as that shown in Fig. 1). The installation's controllable hot water outlets are represented by taps 102, one or both of which may be shower spouts. The taps are supplied with hot water from a hot water source 200, which may correspond to the water heating appliance 101 of Fig. 1. In the supply line intermediate the hot water source 200 and the tap 102 (which is typically routed using copper piping) is a pressure sensor 114, which senses the pressure in the supply line. A mixing valve 109 is located in the hot water supply line downstream of the pressure sensor 114.

[0042] The mixing valve 109 is fed with chilled water, for example from a supply 107 as shown in Figure 1. In the supply line (intermediate between the pressure sensor 114 and the thermostatic mixing valve 109) is a flow controller 116 (e.g., such as that shown in Figure 1). The pressure sensor 114, the mixing valve 109, and the flow controller 116 are all coupled to a system processor (e.g., such as processor 111 in Figure 1). As in the example of Figure 1, the coupling to the processor 111 can use a wired CAMBUS arrangement, or can additionally or alternatively be wireless, or some combination of the two.

[0043] 2b illustrates diagrammatically how a user can issue commands to the hot water supply. The figure illustrates how the pressure sensed by the sensor 114 varies over time as a result of the user opening and closing one of the taps 102. Initially, the pressure in the hot water supply is at the system high level (e.g., 3 bar). When the outlet of the hot water supply is opened, the pressure in the system drops, and if the outlet is opened more than a minimum amount, the pressure drop is significant (e.g., 20% or more, e.g., 25% to 30%). The drop in pressure can be detected even at a considerable distance from the outlet (possibly even upstream of the appliance 101). Nevertheless, it may be preferable to include a pressure sensor or transducer 114 in the appliance 101 and / or downstream of the appliance. Where the hot water supply system includes more than one hot water supply circuit (e.g., separate supply lines for each of multiple floors in a building or for different subunits), each such supply line should be provided with its own pressure transducer 114.

[0044] Returning to FIG. 2b, this shows how a sequence of pressure pulses can be generated by opening and closing the outlet of the hot water supply system. Such sequences can be detected using pressure transducer 114, so that processor 111, which is coupled to the processor, can determine the presence of such a sequence and allow it to be used as a control signal. Various control sequences can be pre-stored in the processor's memory (or a memory associated with the processor) or the processor can be trained after installation using a series of training sequences. Preferably, as shown in FIG. 1, the processor 111 is associated with a transceiver 110, which allows the processor to exchange messages with a WTRU, such as a smartphone (optionally loaded with a suitable software application), to allow a user or system installer to go through a training routine, meaning that one or more commands (e.g., increase temperature from a first level (which may be a system default level) to a second level; increase flow rate from a first level (which may also be a system default level) to a second level; optionally further incremental increases up to a pre-set system maximum) become associated with a particular sequence of outlet operations. Preferably, after associating each sequence of actions with a particular command, the processor and / or app provides a mapping on a visual display of the smartphone showing the corresponding sequence of actions to be taken by the outlet for each stored command.

[0045] It will be appreciated that in addition to generating a pressure pulse in the water supply, opening the water supply outlet leads to water flow, while subsequently closing the outlet will cause the water flow to stop. Considering FIG. 2b, it can be deduced that when the pressure in the system is high, initially there is no flow, and then when the outlet is opened and the pressure drops, the flow rate increases to a certain level dictated by the extent to which the outlet is opened as well as the nature of the system. Closing the outlet again will cause the flow to stop again (indicated by the system pressure returning to its pre-opening level). Opening and then closing the outlet again will cause the flow to start and then stop. Thus, instead of using a pressure sensor 114 to detect the sequence of changes in the property or state of the water supply, a flow sensor can be used instead. If a flow sensor is to be used instead of a pressure sensor, preferably the sensor is located at the outlet of the water heater 106 or closer to the associated water outlet. This is because pressure pulses tend to propagate quickly through the water supply piping, while flow fluctuations may take longer to be detected and quantified when monitored remotely from the outlet (the opening of the outlet creates flow). Flow sensors may be provided at each of a number of outlets in the water supply system (not necessarily at all outlets, but possibly only those from which it is desired to issue commands to the water heater 106 (e.g., one or more of the kitchen sink, shower, and bathtub outlets)), each of which may be provided with a corresponding RF transmitter (or transceiver) for communication with the processor 111. Additionally or alternatively, such remotely mounted flow sensors may communicate with the processor 111 through a wired connection.Pressure sensors can also be placed near the corresponding water outlets and can also be coupled to the processor 111, although this will generally not be necessary if pressure rather than flow is the system characteristic being monitored.

[0046] Of course, a combination of pressure and flow sensing may also be used.

[0047] Thus, by rapidly opening and closing the faucet 102 according to a particular sequence, a user can signal the system processor 111 to change the water temperature, flow, or another parameter. The pressure sensor 114 is operable to detect changes in pressure in the hot water supply. The system's processor 111 is coupled to the sensor 114, the flow controller 116, and the mixing valve 109, which is coupled to the cold water supply 107. From the output of the pressure sensor 114, the processor 111 determines the presence of, for example, two pressure pulses, a code for a particular response from the processor (such as, for example, an increase in temperature to a predetermined level). "Codes" can be established for the system such that, for example, two pulses (from opening the faucet twice and quickly closing and opening it again, as shown) can mean an increase in temperature to a first level, while three pulses can mean an increase to an even greater level (either the system maximum temperature, or a predetermined temperature below the system maximum).

[0048] The hot water supply installation can be configured to regulate the flow rate to some or all of the installation's controllable outlets, for example as described below with reference to FIG. 8. Such flow regulation can be used as a means to reduce water usage, to reduce energy consumption, or both. For example, a parent with a young child can set up his hot water supply installation so that the bathroom tap (or possibly the kitchen sink tap) has a low flow rate by default (so that the child playing with the water outlets does not waste too much water or energy). However, in an arrangement such as that described with reference to FIG. 2, the parent can enjoy a powerful shower, and full flow from the bathtub and kitchen taps, by using a signaling technique to cause the system controller to temporarily abandon the flow default flow control level. The system is preferably configured to return to its established default settings after the flow has stopped, so that on subsequent opening of the outlets, the flow rate is once again limited to the default level. Of course, the system can be configured so that a powerful shower can be delivered (and some savings in water (and possibly energy) realized) with the system regulating the flow rate to a level below the maximum achievable flow rate.

[0049] The hot water supply can additionally or alternatively be configured to adjust the maximum temperature deliverable to some or all of the hot water outlets for safety or economic reasons or both. This can be achieved by routinely mixing cold water with the hot water provided by the water heater 106, for example, using a mixing valve (e.g., valve 109 of FIG. 1 ). Thus, for example, the energy storage unit 104 can be configured to have an operating temperature above 50C (e.g., in the range of 50C to 60C), and the system processor 111 can be configured to mix the hot water with the cold water to achieve a hot water supply temperature between 40C to 45C. Such a configuration can reduce the risk of burns when children, the elderly, or infirm use the hot water outlets without assistance. However, a caregiver or homeowner may want the water to come out at a higher temperature when they are in control. For example, a homeowner may wish to periodically operate the system to deliver water at or above 50 degrees Celsius (preferably at least 60 degrees Celsius) to sanitize the hot water supply system and reduce the threat from Legionella bacteria. The method described with reference to FIG. 2 can be used by an appropriately programmed system to control the system to enable such a sanitization process. Similarly, the system can be configured to allow the homeowner to override the default temperature setpoint when using the kitchen tap and when hotter water is needed to wash greasy pans and utensils or to scald certain food ingredients. Indeed, the possible uses of the system are numerous and varied. The system can also use the signaling method described with reference to FIG. 2 as a means to allow the user to turn on additional heat sources (such as, for example, an instant water heater 106) (which may be particularly useful when sanitizing the system to inhibit, for example, Legionella bacteria).

[0050] FIG. 3 shows a schematic of an energy bank 10 including a heat exchanger, the energy bank including an enclosure 12. Inside the enclosure 12 is a heat exchanger input circuit 14 for connection to an energy source (here shown as a heat pump 16) and a heat exchanger output circuit 18 for connection to an energy sink (here shown as a hot water supply system connected to a cold water supply 20 and including one or more outlets 22). Inside the enclosure 12 is a phase change material for energy storage. The energy bank 10 also includes one or more status sensors 24 to provide measurements indicative of the status of the PCM. For example, one or more of the status sensors 24 can be pressure sensors for measuring the pressure inside the enclosure. Preferably, the enclosure also includes one or more temperature sensors 26 for measuring the temperature inside the phase change material (PCM). If multiple temperature sensors are provided in the PCM, as is preferred, these are preferably spaced apart from the structures of the heat exchanger input and output circuits, and are appropriately spaced apart within the PCM to obtain a good "picture" of the condition of the PCM.

[0051] The energy bank 10 has an associated system controller 28, which includes a processor 30. The controller can be integrated into the energy bank 10, but is more typically mounted separately. The controller 28 can also be provided with a user interface module 31, either as an integrated or separate unit, or as a unit that can be removably mounted to a body containing the controller 28. The user interface module 31 typically includes a display panel (e.g., in the form of a touch-sensitive display) and a keypad. If the user interface module 31 is separate or separable from the controller 28, it preferably includes wireless communication capabilities to allow the processor 30 and the user interface module of the controller 28 to communicate with each other. The user interface module 31 is used to display system status information, messages, advice, and warnings to the user, and is also used to receive user input and commands (e.g., start and stop commands, temperature set points, system overrides, etc.).

[0052] Status sensors, such as temperature sensor 26, if present, are coupled to processor 30. Processor 30 is also coupled to a processor / controller 32 in heat pump 16, either through a wired connection, or wirelessly using associated transceivers 34 and 36, or through both wired and wireless connections. In this manner, system controller 28 can send commands (e.g., start and stop commands, etc.) to controller 32 of heat pump 16. Similarly, processor 30 can also receive information (e.g., status updates, temperature information, etc.) from controller 32 of heat pump 16.

[0053] The hot water supply facility also includes one or more flow sensors 38 that measure the flow in the hot water supply system. As shown, such flow sensors can be provided on the cold water feed 20 to the system and / or between the outputs of the heat exchanger output circuit 18. Optionally, one or more pressure sensors can also be included in the hot water supply system, again, a pressure sensor can be provided upstream of the heat exchanger / energy bank and / or downstream of the heat exchanger / energy bank (e.g., alongside one or more of the one or more flow sensors 38). The or each flow sensor, the or each temperature sensor, and the or each pressure sensor are coupled to the processor 30 of the system controller 28 by either or both of a wired or wireless connection (e.g., using one or more wireless transmitters or transceivers 40). Depending on the nature of the various sensors 24, 26, and 38, they may be interrogable by the processor 30 of the system controller 28.

[0054] An electrically controlled thermostatic mixing valve 160 is preferably coupled between the outlet of the energy bank and one or more outlets of the hot water supply system and includes a temperature sensor 162 at its outlet. An additional instantaneous water heater 170 (e.g., an electric heater (inductive or resistive) controlled by the controller 28) is preferably positioned in the water flow path between the outlet of the energy bank and the mixing valve 160. A further temperature sensor can be provided to measure the temperature of the water output by the instantaneous water heater 170, which measurements can be provided to the controller 28. The thermostatic mixing valve 160 is also coupled to a cold water supply 180 and is controllable by the controller 28 to mix the hot and cold water to achieve a desired supply temperature.

[0055] Optionally, as shown, the energy bank 10 can include an electric heating element 42 within the enclosure 12, which is controlled by the processor 30 of the system controller 28, and which can sometimes be used as an alternative to the heat pump 16 to recharge the energy bank.

[0056] FIG. 3 is merely a schematic diagram illustrating the connection of a heat pump to a hot water supply installation. It will be recognized that in many parts of the world, there is a need for space heating as well as hot water. Thus, typically, the heat pump 16 will also be used to provide space heating. Exemplary arrangements in which a heat pump provides space heating and works in conjunction with an energy bank for hot water heating are described later in this application. For ease of explanation, the following description of the method of operation of an energy bank according to one embodiment of the present invention (e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3) applies equally to energy bank installations, regardless of whether the associated heat pump provides space heating.

[0057] A method of controlling an installation according to an aspect of the present invention will now be described with reference to Figure 4. Figure 4 is a simplified flow chart illustrating various actions performed by a processor associated with an installation according to any variant of the third or fourth aspects of the present invention.

[0058] The method begins at 120 with generating a determination of the amount of energy stored as latent heat in the phase change material based on information from one or more of the status sensors 24 .

[0059] Then, based at least in part on that determination, the processor determines whether to provide a start signal to the heat pump in step 130. Various factors that the processor may take into account in addition to the status of the PCM are introduced and discussed later herein.

[0060] FIG. 5 is another simplified flowchart illustrating various actions performed by a processor associated with an apparatus according to any variation of the third or fourth aspects of the present invention.

[0061] The method begins at 300 with a processor receiving a signal indicating an open hot water supply system outlet. The signal can come, for example, from a flow sensor 38 in the hot water supply system or in the cold water feed to the hot water system. At 302, the processor estimates a demand for hot water from the hot water supply system, for example, based on the identity or type of the open outlet or based on the instantaneous flow rate. The processor compares the estimated demand to a first threshold demand level. If the estimated demand is above the first threshold demand level, the processor generates a heat pump start message at 304. If the estimated demand is below the first threshold demand level, the processor compares the estimated demand to a second threshold demand level (lower than the first threshold demand level). If the estimated demand is below the second threshold demand level, the processor determines not to generate a heat pump start message at 306.

[0062] If the estimated demand is between the first and second threshold demand levels, the processor takes into account the energy storage level of the energy bank, which may include the processor newly establishing the energy storage level of the energy bank, or the processor may use recently generated information about the energy storage level of the energy bank.

[0063] If the determined energy storage level for the energy bank is greater than the first energy storage level threshold, the processor determines not to generate a heat pump start message at 306. Conversely, if the determined energy storage level for the energy bank is less than the first energy storage level threshold, the processor determines to generate a heat pump start message at 304.

[0064] A method of controlling an installation according to an aspect of the invention will now be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 is a simplified flow chart illustrating various actions performed by a processor associated with an energy bank (such as the one shown in Fig. 3). The process begins in step 200 when the processor 30 detects a flow of water in the hot water supply system. The detection is preferably based on data from a flow sensor (such as the flow sensor 38 in Fig. 3), but can alternatively be based on data from a pressure sensor in the hot water supply system. The associated sensor can be configured to continuously provide measurement data to the processor 30, or can be configured to report only changes in the measurement data, or the processor can read the associated sensor continuously or periodically (e.g., at least once per second).

[0065] In step 202, the processor 30 determines whether the flow rate indicated by the data from the sensor indicates a high or low flow (e.g., above or below a particular threshold). The processor can use more than one threshold to categorize the flow rate as high, medium, or low, or the categories can include very high, high, medium, and low. There can also be a category of very low or minimal flow. The processor 30 can also be provided with information (e.g., in the form of a database, model, or MLA) about the flow rate and flow signature for each of the outlets 22 (or each of the outlet types) of the hot water supply system (e.g., using techniques such as those described later in this patent application), and the processor then characterizes the detected flow rate as associated with a particular one of the outlets 22 or a particular type (e.g., shower outlet, bathtub outlet, kitchen sink outlet, basin outlet, vanity outlet).

[0066] If the determination indicates that the demand for hot water is low 203, the processor then takes into account the status of the power bank 10 based on at least information from the status sensor 24 in step 204. The processor 30 can at this stage query the status sensor 24 (e.g., pressure sensor) or can check the recently updated energy bank status and in either case determine whether the energy bank is in a high energy state 205 (where a large percentage of the energy bank's potential latent heat capacity is available) or in a low energy state 206 (where a small percentage of the energy bank's potential latent heat capacity is available). The processor can also take into account information from the temperature sensor 26, for example, to take into account the sensible heat energy stored in the energy bank 10. If the processor 30 determines a high energy state, the processor decides not to send a start command to the heat pump and the process ends at 207. If the processor 30 determines a low energy condition, the processor may then determine at 206 to send 222 a start command to the heat pump.

[0067] If the determination indicates that there is a high demand for hot water 208, the processor may then take into account the status of the power bank 10 in step 209, based at least on information from the status sensor 24. The processor 30 may at this stage interrogate the status sensor 24 or check the recently updated energy bank status and in either case determine whether the energy bank is in a high energy state 210 (where a large percentage of the energy bank's potential latent heat capacity is available) or a low energy state 212 (where a small percentage of the energy bank's potential latent heat capacity is available).

[0068] The processor may also take into account information from temperature sensor 26, for example, to take into account sensible heat energy stored in energy bank 10. If processor 30 determines a high energy state 210, the processor optionally determines an expected hot water demand, step 214. However, the processor may alternatively be configured to issue a command to start the heat pump, at 222, based solely on the magnitude of the flow rate and without anticipating a hot water demand (as indicated by cross-hatched arrow 211).

[0069] In step 214, processor 30 can take into account the determined identity (i.e., the particular outlet) or type of water outlet to forecast hot water demand. For example, if the outlet is identified as a kitchen sink outlet, it is unlikely that the faucet will be run for more than 30 seconds to a minute. On the other hand, if the outlet is a bathtub faucet, the faucet is likely to be left open for several minutes, with a demand for perhaps 120 to 150 liters of hot water.

[0070] In the first situation, the processor 30 will decide not to send a start signal to the heat pump at 216, but instead will either end the process or, more preferably, continue to monitor the flow rate at 218 to see how long the flow continues. If the flow stops within the expected time, the process ends at 220, but if the water flow continues longer than expected, the processor moves back to step 209 at 219. In the second situation, the processor 30 will decide to send a start signal to the heat pump at 222 (and arrow 211 illustrates the decision to start the heat pump based solely on the instantaneous flow rate or outlet identification (or outlet type) when associated with the withdrawal of a significant volume of hot water from the hot water supply system).

[0071] After starting the heat pump at 222 (either from the decision at 206 or 221), the processor 30 continues to monitor the power bank status (periodically or continuously) at 224 until the status reaches some threshold level of charge 225 (at which point the processor sends a signal 226 to turn off the heat pump).

[0072] FIG. 7 is another simplified flow chart illustrating various actions performed by a processor associated with the energy bank (such as, for example, processor 30 of FIG. 3). Unlike the method described with reference to FIG. 6, the method of FIG. 7 does not rely on detecting a demand for hot water, i.e., does not rely on opening an outlet of the hot water system. In general, FIG. 7 illustrates a method of controlling an installation, the method including the steps of: generating a determination of the amount of energy stored as latent heat in the phase change material; and determining, based on the determination, whether to provide a start signal to the heat pump. However, it will be appreciated that optional but preferred steps can be performed between the steps of generating a determination of the amount of energy stored as latent heat in the phase change material and the steps of determining, based on the determination, whether to provide a start signal to the heat pump.

[0073] The method begins in step 500 with the processor 30 estimating the amount of energy stored as latent heat in the phase change material of the energy bank 10. The amount of heat can be an absolute amount in k Joules, but it can also simply be a measure of the percentage of the potential latent heat capacity currently available. In other words, the processor can effectively determine the percentage of the phase change material that is still in a phase having a higher energy state. Thus, for example, if the phase change material is paraffin wax and involves a phase change from liquid to solid, the liquid phase is a higher energy phase and incorporates a latent heat of melting, and the solid phase is a lower energy phase, which is given up upon solidification.

[0074] If the processor determines 502 that the amount of energy stored as latent heat is sufficient (i.e., exceeds some predetermined threshold), the method moves to step 504 where the process pauses and the processor waits for the next check 500.

[0075] If the processor determines 506 that the amount of energy stored as latent heat is insufficient (i.e., below some predetermined threshold), the method moves to step 508. In step 508, the processor determines the likelihood of a significant hot water demand occurring within a future predetermined time period (e.g., within the next 30 minutes, within 1 hour, within 2 hours, within 3 hours, or within 4 hours). The time period considered is a factor of the thermal capacity of the energy bank, the size of the determined energy shortfall, and the capacity of the heat pump to recharge the energy bank under those circumstances. It will be appreciated that the demand period considered should be large enough to allow the heat pump to fully recharge the energy bank within that period, such that the energy bank will be optimally charged (in some cases fully charged) to be able to handle the expected or forecasted demand. Conversely, the heat pump should not be used to recharge the energy bank well before the expected / anticipated energy demand at which point the energy bank will lose a significant amount of energy through radiation, conduction, or convection.

[0076] The processor may rely on a database, model, calendar, or schedule, any and all of which may include learned behaviors and patterns of behavior, as well as scheduled events (such as scheduled absences or events scheduled for some other location). The processor may also have access to local weather reports and / or an external thermometer, with local weather reports provided (broadcast or received), for example, via the Internet or in a radio transmission. If the processor determines 510 that there is a low probability of significant hot water demand within the time period, the method moves to step 504, where the process pauses and the processor waits for the next check 500.

[0077] If the processor determines 512 that there is a high probability of significant hot water demand within the time period, the method moves to step 514, where the heat pump is turned on, e.g., processor 30 sends a command to heat pump 16 causing processor 32 of the heat pump to initiate a heat pump start-up procedure, after which the heat pump begins to provide heat to the input side of the heat exchanger, thereby dumping energy into the phase change material. Then, in step 516, the processor iteratively determines whether sufficient energy is currently stored in the energy bank as latent heat of the phase change material. If the processor determines 518 that sufficient energy is currently stored in the energy bank as latent heat of the phase change material, the method moves to step 520, where the heat pump is turned off, e.g., by processor 30 sending an appropriate command. The method continues as long as the processor determines 522 that insufficient energy is stored.

[0078] 3, instead of or in addition to providing one or more status sensors 24 to measure the pressure within the enclosure, other sensor types can be provided to measure the optical properties (e.g., transparency, absorption, refraction, index of refraction, etc.) of the PCM, as various of these change with the phase transitions in the PCM. In addition, various of these properties can exhibit wavelength dependences that change with the phase change.

[0079] Thus, the energy bank may further include one or more optical sources for emitting light into the phase change material, and the one or more status sensors 24 may include optical sensing arrangements for detecting the light emitted from the optical sources after the light passes through the phase change material. Changes between phases in the phase change material cause reversible changes in the optical properties of the phase change material, and therefore observing the optical properties of the PCM may be used to gather information about the state of the PCM. Preferably, the optical properties of the PCM are observed in several areas of the PCM, and preferably in different directions within the material. For example, optical sources and sensors may be positioned such that light from the sources passes lengthwise through the PCM at one or more locations, and other sources and sensors may be positioned such that light from the sources passes widthwise through the PCM (through the width and / or through the thickness) at one or more locations and in one or more orientations.

[0080] The optical source can be controllable to produce different colors of light, and the optical sensing arrangement can be configured to detect at least some of the different colors. By selecting the appropriate color of light based on the particular PCM chosen for any application, it may be possible to more accurately determine the extent to which the phase of the PCM has changed. Preferably, the optical source includes a plurality of separately activatable devices.

[0081] Coupling the optical sensing arrangement to a processor configured to estimate the amount of energy stored in the phase change material based on information received from the optical sensing arrangement provides a means for determining the amount of energy stored as latent heat in the PCM, which information can be used in controlling a heat pump. Among other things, such information can enable more efficient and appropriate use of the heat pump in charging the PCM energy bank.

[0082] As a further option, the one or more status sensors 24 for providing measurement data indicative of the amount of energy stored as latent heat in the phase change material may include an acoustic source configured to emit sound into the phase change material and an acoustic sensing arrangement for detecting the sound emitted from the acoustic source after the sound has passed through the phase change material. The change between phases of the phase change material causes a reversible change in the sound absorption properties of the phase change material, and thus observing the sonic properties of the PCM may be used to gather information about the state of the PCM. The acoustic source may be configured to produce ultrasonic waves.

[0083] 8 shows a schematic diagram of a water supply system 100 in a building having a plurality of controllable water outlets (various taps and showers, described more fully below), a water supply 105, at least one flow measurement device 110 and at least one flow regulator 115 in a water flow path between the water supply 105 and the plurality of controllable water outlets, and a processor 140 operatively connected to the at least one flow measurement device 110 and the at least one flow regulator 115. The illustrated water supply system represents a residence with a master bathroom 121, a first en-suite shower room 122, a second en-suite shower room 123, a cloakroom 124, and a kitchen 125. The master bathroom and the first en-suite shower room may be on one floor of the residence, while the cloakroom, the second en-suite, and the kitchen may be on another floor of the residence. In such circumstances, it may be convenient to have two separate circuits (130 and 131) to supply water to the various outlets, as shown.

[0084] The master bathroom 121 is shown as including a shower outlet 135, a bathtub faucet or tap 136, and a faucet for a sink 137. The en-suite shower rooms 122 and 123 also include a shower outlet 135 and a faucet for a sink 137. Conversely, the cloakroom simply contains a toilet (not shown) and a wash basin with faucet 138. Finally, the kitchen has a sink with faucet 139.

[0085] A processor (or system controller) 140 with associated memory 141 is coupled to at least one flow measurement device 110 and at least one flow regulator 115. It will be appreciated that each of the two circuits 130 and 131 is provided with a respective flow measurement device 110 and flow regulator 115. The processor is also optionally connected to one or more temperature sensors 143, one for each of the circuits 130 and 131. The processor may be associated with an energy bank as previously described.

[0086] The processor is also coupled to an RF transceiver 142, which includes at least one RF transmitter and at least one RF receiver, for two-way communication, such as via Wi-Fi or Bluetooth, and the processor is also preferably coupled to the Internet 144 for connection to a server or central station 145, and optionally to a cellular radio network (e.g., LTE, UMTS, 4G, 5G, etc.). By way of the RF transceiver 142 and / or by way of a connection to the Internet, the processor 140 can communicate with a mobile device 150, which can be, for example, a smartphone or tablet, for use by an installation technician in mapping the water supply within a building. The mobile device 150 includes software (e.g., a specific app, etc.) that cooperates with corresponding software in the system controller 140 (and possibly in the server 145) to facilitate the mapping method according to an embodiment of the invention and, among other things, synchronizes actions taken by a technician with the clock of the system controller 140 / server 145. The memory 141 contains code for enabling the processor to implement the method of mapping water supply equipment processors in a building, for example during the process of commissioning a new equipment. For the sake of illustration, consider FIG. 8 as showing a hot water supply equipment, but it could be a cold water supply equipment as well.

[0087] During the commissioning process, the technician will be asked by the processor / system controller 140 to define all hot water outlets (e.g., for faucets, showers, bathtubs, kitchens). The system controller will ask the technician to fully open each of the outlets (faucets, shower spouts, etc.) and will monitor the resulting water flow by the associated flow measurement device 110. During this process, the associated flow measurement device 110 will measure the water flow and the processor will receive these data and add the results to the database. Based on this information, the system will then be able to provide the most efficient flow into each single faucet by controlling the associated flow control device 115 when any outlet is open.

[0088] A method for mapping a water supply in a building according to a first aspect of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to FIG.

[0089] The method includes the steps of opening a first one of the plurality of controllable water outlets, processing a signal from at least one flow measurement device 110 by a processor 140 until at least a first flow characteristic is determined, and then closing the first one of the plurality of controllable water outlets. The opening of the first one of the plurality of controllable water outlets is preferably indicated by the processor or system controller 140 sending a message to a mobile device 150 carried by an associated technician. For example, a command can be sent by Wi-Fi telling the technician to open the hot tub faucet 136 in the master bathroom 121. The technician (carrying the mobile device 150) then goes to the master bathroom and fully opens the hot tub faucet 136. The mobile device can provide a prompt (preferably audible and with a countdown) to tell the technician when exactly to open the faucet. Alternatively, an app on the mobile device can be configured to accept input from the technician (e.g., button press or release) at the moment the faucet 136 is released. In either case, the app can capture the local time associated with the prompt or moment and then send this local time along with the identity of the associated controllable outlet to the system controller 140 or server 145. In this way, delays in the prompt reaching the mobile device 150 or delays in the timing of the instruction reaching the controller 140 or server 145 can be taken into account (the mobile device 150 and system controller 140 preferably undergo some handshaking procedure, either before or after the mapping process, so that offsets between the clocks of the two devices can either be eliminated or they can also be taken into account.

[0090] The technician can then work around the premises, select the outlet identity from a list or menu on the app, or enter an unambiguous identifier, and open each of the outlets. Alternatively, the system controller may already be provided with a list of all faucets (generally, "controllable outlets"), etc., and can prompt the technician to go to the relevant outlet by sending another message to the mobile device 150. The app preferably includes an option for the technician to send a message to the system controller 140 / server 145 that the technician is in the right location and is ready to receive instructions to open the next controllable outlet. The process is then repeated for each of the other hot water outlets until all the outlets and their flow characteristics (i.e., time delay before flow is detected, rate of rise of flow, maximum flow rate, and any other identifiable characteristics) have been captured and stored in the database. Using the characteristics stored in the database, the processor 140 can then subsequently identify the opening of a particular one of the multiple controllable water outlets based on the similarity of the detected flow characteristics with the respective flow characteristics.

[0091] The processor is also provided with some rules regarding preferred flow rates and (optionally) flow durations based on the type of outlet (bath faucet, kitchen faucet, basin faucet, cloakroom faucet) and its location (e.g., main bathroom, en-suite, children's room, adult room, cloakroom, kitchen) and uses these rules together with the outlet identity recognized from the detected flow characteristics to determine a target flow rate. The targeted flow rate is then imposed by the system controller 140 by controlling the associated flow controller 115 and preferably monitored by a corresponding flow measurement device 110. Thus, based on the identity of the associated outlet, the processor 140 can control the water supply of the identified controllable water outlet by controlling at least one flow regulator.

[0092] Each of the respective flow characteristics may include a respective stable flow rate. The method may then further include configuring the processor 140 to control the at least one flow regulator 115 to impose a cut of at least 10% of the flow rate for each of the plurality of controllable water outlets based on the respective stable flow rates. Optionally, the method may further include configuring the processor 140 to control the at least one flow regulator 115 to impose a cut of at least 10% of the flow rate for any of the plurality of controllable water outlets having a respective stable flow rate greater than 7 liters per minute based on the respective stable flow rates. This is of particular application for faucets serving basins in bathrooms, en-suites, and especially cloakrooms, where the faucet is often used primarily to provide water for hand washing, which may be effectively achieved by a very small flow rate.

[0093] The above described techniques for mapping the hot water supply installation can be used to build a database or to train logic (such as, for example, a neural network or a machine learning algorithm (MLA)) that can be used by a processor associated with the energy bank as previously described such that the processor can better identify a particular outlet or outlet type from the detected flow behavior and thus more easily estimate the demand for hot water from the hot water supply. This can then improve the efficiency of controlling the heat pump and of using the energy bank.

[0094] Having described the energy bank and its installation and operation within a hot water supply installation, we now consider how the energy bank and heat pump can be integrated into both the hot water supply system and the space heating arrangement.

[0095] FIG. 9 shows a schematic of a potential arrangement of components of an interface unit 10 according to one embodiment of the disclosure. The interface unit interfaces between a heat pump (not shown in this figure) and a hot water system in a building. The interface unit includes a heat exchanger 12, which includes an enclosure (not separately numbered) in which there is an input circuit (shown in highly simplified form as 14) for connection to the heat pump, and an output circuit (again shown in highly simplified form as 16) for connection to a hot water system in the building (not shown in this figure). The heat exchanger 12 also contains a thermal storage medium for the storage of energy, which is not shown in the figure. In the example now described with reference to FIG. 9, the thermal storage medium is a phase change material. It will be appreciated that the interface unit corresponds to the energy bank previously described. Throughout this specification (including the claims), references to energy banks, thermal storage media, energy storage media, and phase change materials should be considered interchangeable unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

[0096] Typically, the phase change material in the heat exchanger has an energy storage capacity of between 2M Joules and 5M Joules (in terms of the amount of energy stored due to the latent heat of fusion), although more energy storage is possible and may be useful. And, of course, less energy storage is possible, but generally one wants to maximize the potential for energy storage in the phase change material of interface unit 10 (subject to practical constraints based on physical size, weight, cost, and safety). More is described later in this specification about suitable phase change materials and their properties, as well as dimensions, etc.

[0097] The input circuit 14 is connected to a pipe or conduit 18 which is fed from a node 20 via a pipe 22 having a coupling 24 for connection to a feed from the heat pump. The node 20 also feeds fluid from the heat pump to a pipe 26 which terminates in a coupling 28 which is intended for connection to a heating network of the house or apartment, for example a plumbing system to an underfloor heating or radiator network or both. Thus, when the interface unit 10 is fully installed and operational, fluid heated by the heat pump (which is located outside the house or apartment) passes through the coupling 24 and along the pipe 22 to the node 20, from where, depending on the setting of the three-port valve 32, the fluid flows either along the pipe 18 to the input circuit 14 of the heat exchanger or out along the pipe 26 through the coupling 28 to the heating infrastructure of the premises.

[0098] Heated fluid from the heat pump flows through the heat exchanger input circuit 14 and out of the heat exchanger 12 along pipe 30. In use, under some circumstances, the heat carried by the heated fluid from the heat pump gives up some of its energy to the phase change material inside the heat exchanger and some to the water in the output circuit 16. Under other circumstances, as will be explained later, the fluid flowing through the heat exchanger input circuit 14 actually gains heat from the phase change material.

[0099] A pipe 30 delivers the fluid leaving the input circuit 14 to an electrically operated three-port valve 32 and then, depending on the valve's status, along a pipe 34 to a pump 36. The pump 36 serves to push the flow via a coupling 38 to an external heat pump.

[0100] The motorized three-port valve 32 also receives fluid from a pipe 40 which, via a coupling 42, receives fluid returning from the heating infrastructure of the house or apartment (eg radiators).

[0101] Three transducers are provided between the motorized three-port valve 32 and the pump 36: a temperature transducer 44, a flow transducer 46, and a pressure transducer 48. In addition, a temperature transducer 49 is provided in the pipe 22 that takes fluid from the output of the heat pump. These transducers, like all others in the interface unit 10, are operatively connected to or addressable by a processor (not shown), which is typically provided as part of the interface unit, although it may also be provided in a separate module.

[0102] Although not shown in Figure 9, an additional electric heating element may also be provided in the flow path between coupler 24, which receives fluid from the output of the heat pump. This additional electric heating element, again, may be an inductive or resistive type heating element, and is provided as a means to compensate for potential failures of the heat pump and for possible use in adding energy to the thermal storage unit (e.g., based on current energy costs and anticipated for heating and / or hot water). The additional electric heating element may, of course, be controlled by the system's processor.

[0103] Also connected to pipe 34 is an expansion vessel 50 and a valve 52 which allows a charge loop to be connected to replenish fluid into the heating circuit. Also shown as part of the interface unit heating circuit are a pressure relief valve 54 intermediate node 20 and input circuit 14, and a strainer 56 (to capture particulate contaminants) intermediate coupling 42 and three-port valve 32.

[0104] Also, the heat exchanger 12 is provided with several transducers (including at least one temperature transducer 58), but as shown, more (e.g., up to four or more) are preferably provided, and the heat exchanger 12 is also provided with a pressure transducer 60. In the example shown, the heat exchanger includes four temperature transducers, which are evenly distributed in the phase change material so that the temperature change can be determined (and thus knowledge of the state of the phase change material throughout its bulk is obtained). Such an arrangement may be beneficial during the design / implementation phase, in particular as a means to optimize the design of the heat exchanger (including optimizing additional heat transfer arrangements). However, such an arrangement may also remain beneficial in a deployed system, since having multiple sensors can provide useful information to the processor (either of the interface unit only and / or of the processor of the system including the interface unit) and to the machine learning algorithms used by the processor.

[0105] The arrangement of the cold water supply and hot water circuit of the interface unit 10 will now be described. A coupling 62 is provided for connection to the cold water supply from the water main. Typically, before the water from the water main reaches the interface unit 10, it will pass through an anti-siphon check valve, which may reduce its pressure. From the coupling 62, the cold water runs along a pipe to the output circuit 16 of the heat exchanger 12. Given the provision of a processor monitoring multiple sensors in the interface unit, the same processor can optionally be given another task to perform: monitoring the pressure at which the cold water is delivered from the water supply drawn from the mains. For this purpose, a further pressure sensor can be introduced into the cold water supply line upstream of the coupling 62 and, in particular, upstream of any pressure reduction arrangement in the premises. The processor can then continuously or periodically monitor the pressure of the water being supplied and can even prompt the owner / user to seek compensation from the water supply company if the water mains delivers water at a pressure below the legal minimum.

[0106] From the output circuit 16, the water (which may have been heated by passing it through a heat exchanger) passes along a pipe 66 to an electric heating unit 68. The electric heating unit 68 (which is under the control of the processor previously mentioned) may include a resistive or inductive heating arrangement and its heat output may be modulated according to instructions from the processor.

[0107] The processor is configured to control the electric heater based on the information about the status of the phase change material and the heat pump.

[0108] Typically, the electric heating unit 68 has a power rating of 10 kW or less, although under some circumstances a more powerful heater (eg, 12 kW) can be provided.

[0109] From the electric heater 68, the now hot water passes along pipe 70 to coupling 74 to which the hot water circuit (including controllable outlets in the house or apartment, such as a tap and shower) is connected.

[0110] A temperature transducer 76 is provided after the electric heater 68, for example at the outlet of the electric heater 68, to provide information regarding the water temperature at the outlet of the hot water system. A pressure relief valve 77 is also provided in the hot water supply, and is shown as being located between the electric heater 68 and the outlet temperature transducer 76, although, as with many of the components illustrated in Figure 9, its precise location is not critical.

[0111] Also somewhere in the hot water supply line there is a pressure transducer 79 and / or a flow transducer 81, either of which can be used by the processor to detect a demand for hot water (i.e., to detect the opening of a controllable outlet (e.g., a faucet or shower, etc.)). The flow transducer is preferably one with no moving parts, for example based on sonic or magnetic flow detection. The processor can then use the information from one or both of these transducers along with its stored logic to determine whether to signal the heat pump to start.

[0112] It will be appreciated that the processor can request the heat pump to start based on either a demand for space heating (e.g., based on a stored program in either the processor or an external controller and / or based on a signal from one or more thermostats (e.g., room stat, exterior stat, underfloor heating stat)) or a demand for hot water. Control of the heat pump can be in the form of a simple on / off command, but can also or alternatively be in the form of modulation (e.g., using ModBus®).

[0113] As with the heating circuit of the interface unit, three transducers are provided along the chilled water supply pipe 64 (a temperature transducer 78, a flow transducer 80, and a pressure transducer 82), and another temperature transducer 84 is provided in the pipe 66 intermediate the outlet of the output circuit 16 of the heat exchanger 12 and the electric heater 68. These transducers are again all operatively connected to or addressable by the processor previously described.

[0114] Also shown on the chilled water supply line 64 is a magnetic or electric water regulator 86, a motorized modulatable valve 88 (which, like all motorized valves, can be controlled by the processor previously mentioned), a check valve 90, and an expansion vessel 92. The modulatable valve 88 can be controlled to regulate the flow of chilled water to maintain a desired temperature of the hot water (e.g., as measured by temperature transducer 76).

[0115] Valves 94 and 96 are also provided for connection to external storage tanks for storage of cold and heated water, respectively. Finally, a double check valve 98 connects the hot and cold feed pipe 64 to another valve 100, which can be used in conjunction with a charging loop to connect to the previously mentioned valve 52 for charging the heating circuit with more water or a mixture of water and corrosion inhibitor.

[0116] It should be noted that while FIG. 9 shows various pipe intersections, where these intersections are not shown as nodes (such as node 20), two pipes shown as crosses do not communicate with each other, as should now be clear from the preceding description of the figure.

[0117] 9, the heat exchanger 12 can include one or more additional electric heating elements configured to pump heat into the thermal storage medium. While this may seem counterintuitive, it allows for the use of electrical energy to pre-charge the thermal storage medium when it makes economic sense to do so, as described herein.

[0118] It has long been the practice of energy suppliers to have tariffs where the cost of a unit of electricity varies according to the time of day to take into account times of increasing or decreasing demand, and to help shape customer behavior to better balance demand and supply capacity. Historically, tariff plans have been fairly coarse, reflecting both the technology of generation and consumption. However, the increasing incorporation of renewable sources of electricity (e.g., solar power (e.g., from solar cells, panels, and farms) and wind power) into countries' power generation fabrics has spurred the development of more dynamic energy pricing. This approach reflects the inherent variability of such weather-dependent generation. Initially, such dynamic pricing was primarily restricted to large-scale users, but increasingly, dynamic pricing is being offered to residential consumers as well.

[0119] The degree of pricing dynamism varies from country to country and also among different producers within a given country. At the extreme, "dynamic" pricing amounts to nothing more than offering different tariffs for different time slots within a day, which can apply for weeks, months, or seasons without change. However, some dynamic pricing regimes allow suppliers to change prices with less than a day's notice, so that, for example, a customer may be offered a price today for a 30-minute slot tomorrow. In some countries, time slots as short as 6 minutes are offered, and conceivably the lead time for informing consumers of impending tariffs could be further reduced by including "intelligence" within energy-consuming devices.

[0120] It is possible to use short-term and medium-term weather forecasts to forecast both the amount of energy likely to be produced by solar and wind facilities and the likely magnitude of electricity demand for heating and cooling, making it possible to anticipate extreme periods of demand. Some generating companies with significant renewable generating capacity are also known to offer negative charges for electricity (literally paying customers to use surplus electricity). In more cases, electricity may be provided at a small percentage of the normal rate.

[0121] Incorporating an electric heater into an energy storage unit (such as a heat exchanger of a system according to the present disclosure) allows consumers to take advantage of periods of low-cost supply and reduce their reliance on electricity during times of high energy prices. This not only benefits individual consumers, but it is also more generally beneficial because it can reduce demand at times when excess demand would have to be met by burning fossil fuels.

[0122] The processor of the interface unit has a wired and / or wireless connection to a data network (e.g., the Internet) that allows the processor to receive dynamic pricing information from the energy supplier. The processor also preferably has a data link connection (e.g., ModBus®) to the heat pump, both to send commands to the heat pump and to receive information (e.g., status and temperature information) from the heat pump. The processor has logic that allows it to learn the behavior of the home, and this, together with the dynamic pricing information, allows the processor to determine if and when to use cheaper electricity to precharge the heating system. This can be done by heating the energy storage medium using an electric element inside the heat exchanger, but alternatively, this can be done by driving the heat pump to a higher temperature than normal (e.g., 60 degrees Celsius instead of between 40 degrees Celsius and 48 degrees Celsius). When a heat pump operates at a higher temperature, its efficiency decreases, but this can be taken into account by the processor when determining how and when to best use the cheaper electricity.

[0123] *The system processor can be connected to a data network (e.g., the Internet and / or a provider's intranet, etc.) so that the local system processor can benefit from external computing power. Thus, for example, a manufacturer of interface units is likely to have a cloud presence (or an intranet) where computing power is provided for the following (e.g., anticipated) calculations: occupancy rates; activities; tariffs (short term / long term); weather forecasts (which may be preferable to publicly available weather forecasts as they can be pre-processed for easier use by local processors and they can also be very specifically tailored to the conditions, location and exposure of the property in which the interface unit is installed); Identifying false positives and / or false negatives.

[0124] To protect users from the risk of being burned by superheated water from the hot water supply system, it is advisable to provide a scald protection feature. This can take the form of providing an electrically controllable (modulatable) valve to mix cold water from the cold water supply into the hot water (as it leaves the heat exchanger output circuit) (an additional valve can be fitted between the nodes to the existing valves 94 and 96 previously mentioned).

[0125] FIG. 7 shows diagrammatically what might be considered the "heartbeats" of the interface unit, but does not show a container for these "heartbeats". An important use of the interface unit according to the present disclosure is as a means to enable a heat pump to be used as a practical contributor to the space heating and hot water requirements of a dwelling previously provided with a gas-fired combination boiler (or that which might otherwise have had such a boiler installed), and it will be recognized that it will often be convenient to provide a container for both aesthetics and safety, just as with a conventional combi-boiler. Moreover, preferably any such container will be dimensioned to fit within a form factor that allows for a direct replacement of a combi-boiler (which are typically wall mounted and often in kitchens where they coexist with kitchen cabinets). Based on the form of a generally rectangular parallelepiped (although of course curved surfaces could be used for any or all of the container's surfaces for aesthetics, ergonomics, or safety reasons), with height, width, and depth, suitable sizes can be found within the approximate ranges: Height 650mm to 800mm; Width 350mm to 550mm; Depth 260mm to 420mm; For example, 800mm high, 500mm wide, and 400mm deep.

[0126] One notable distinction of an interface unit according to the present disclosure versus a gas combi boiler is that while the container of a gas combi boiler must generally be made from non-combustible materials (such as, for example, steel) due to the presence of a high temperature combustion chamber, the internal temperature of the interface unit will generally be significantly less than 100 degrees Celsius, typically less than 70 degrees Celsius, and often less than 60 degrees Celsius. It therefore becomes practical to use combustible materials (such as, for example, wood, bamboo, or even paper) in constructing the container for the interface unit.

[0127] The lack of combustion also opens up the possibility of installing the interface unit in places that would never have been considered suitable for the installation of a gas combi boiler in general, and of course, unlike a gas combi boiler, the interface unit according to the present disclosure does not require a flue for the exhaust gases. It is therefore possible to configure the interface unit for installation under a kitchen worktop, for example, and to take advantage of the notorious dead spots represented by under-counter corners. For installation in such places, the interface unit can actually be integrated into an under-counter cupboard (preferably through collaboration with the kitchen cabinet manufacturer). However, maximum flexibility for deployment will be preserved by having the interface unit effectively sit behind some form of cabinet, the cabinet being configured to allow access to the interface unit. The interface unit will then preferably be configured to allow the circulation pump 36 to be slid out away from the heat exchanger 12 before it is disconnected from the flow path of the input circuit.

[0128] It may also be considered to utilise other space that is frequently wasted in fitted kitchens (i.e. space under under-counter cupboards). There is often much more space with a height of 150mm or more and a depth of approximately 600mm, which has a width of 300mm, 400mm, 500mm, 600mm or more (although the legs supporting the cabinets need to be taken into account). Especially for new installations or where the combi boiler is being replaced following a kitchen refurbishment, it makes sense to use these spaces to accommodate at least the heat exchanger of the interface unit (or to use more than one heat exchanger unit for a given interface unit).

[0129] Particularly with respect to interface units designed for wall mounting, it will often be desirable to design the interface unit as a number of modules, which may be beneficial regardless of the application of the interface unit. With such a design, it may be advantageous to have a heat exchanger as one of the modules, since the presence of phase change material may result in the heat exchanger alone weighing more than 25 kg. For health and safety reasons, and to facilitate one-person installation, it is desirable to ensure that the interface unit can be delivered as a set of modules, each weighing no more than about 25 kg.

[0130] Such weight constraints can be supported by making one of the modules a chassis for mounting the interface unit to a structure. For example, if the interface unit is to be wall mounted in a suitable location on an existing gas combi boiler, it may be convenient if the chassis (by which the other modules are supported) can be fixed to the wall first. Preferably, the chassis is designed to interlock with the locations of the existing fixing points used to support the combi boiler being replaced. This could potentially be done by providing a "universal" chassis, which has pre-formed fixing holes according to the spacing and location of popular gas combi boilers. Alternatively, it could be cost-effective to produce a range of chassis, each with hole locations / sizes / spacing that match those of a particular manufacturer's boiler. Then, it is simply necessary to identify the appropriate chassis to replace the boiler of the relevant manufacturer. There are several benefits to this approach. Not only does it avoid the need to drill more holes for plugs to pass the fixing bolts through, which eliminates the time required to scope, drill and clean the holes, it also avoids the need to further weaken the structure of the residence in which the installation is being performed, which can be an important consideration given the low cost construction techniques and materials often used in "starter homes" and other low cost housing.

[0131] Preferably, the heat exchanger module and the chassis module are configured to couple together, thus avoiding the need for separable fasteners, again saving installation time.

[0132] Preferably, the additional module includes a first interconnect (e.g., 62 and 74) for connecting the output circuit 16 of the heat exchanger 12 to a hot water system in a building. Preferably, the additional module also includes a second interconnect (e.g., 38 and 24) for connecting the input circuit 14 of the heat exchanger 12 to a heat pump. Preferably, the additional module also includes a third interconnect (e.g., 42 and 28) for connecting the interface unit to a thermal circuit of the premises in which the interface unit will be used. It will be appreciated that by mounting the heat exchanger to the chassis (which is itself connected directly to the wall) rather than first mounting the connections to the chassis, the weight of the heat exchanger is kept closer to the wall, reducing the effect of cantilever loads on the wall fasteners that secure the interface unit to the wall.

[0133] Phase change materials One suitable class of phase change materials is paraffin wax, which has a solid-liquid phase change at temperatures of interest for domestic hot water supplies and for use in conjunction with heat pumps. Paraffin wax is of particular interest, melting at temperatures in the range of 40 degrees Celsius to 60 degrees Celsius, within which waxes can be found that melt at different temperatures to suit particular applications. Typical latent heat capacities are between about 180 kJ / kg and 230 kJ / kg, with specific heats of perhaps 2.27 Jg in the liquid phase. -1 K -1 , and 2.1 Jg in the solid phase -1 K -1It can be seen that very large amounts of energy can be stored using the latent heat of fusion. Also, even more energy can be stored by heating the phase change liquid above its melting point. For example, when electricity costs are relatively low and it can be expected that hot water will be needed soon (perhaps when electricity is likely to be more costly, or is known to be becoming more costly), it may make sense to run a heat pump at a higher than normal temperature to "superheat" the thermal energy store.

[0134] A suitable choice of wax may be one that has a melting point of approximately 48 degrees Celsius (e.g., n-tricosane C 23 or Paraffin C 20 ~C 33 etc.). Applying a standard 3K temperature difference across the heat exchanger (between the liquid supplied by the heat pump and the phase change material in the heat exchanger) gives a heat pump liquid temperature of roughly 51 degrees Celsius. And allowing for a 3K temperature drop on the output side as well, we arrive at a water temperature of 45 degrees Celsius, which is satisfactory for typical domestic hot water (hot enough for a kitchen tap, but maybe a bit high for a shower / bathroom tap), but obviously cold water can always be added to the flow to reduce the water temperature. Of course, if the household is trained to accept lower hot water temperatures, or if they are acceptable for some other reason, phase change materials with potentially lower melting points could be considered, but generally, phase transition temperatures in the range of 45 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius are likely to be a good option. Obviously, you want to take into account the risk of legionella from storing water at such temperatures.

[0135] Although heat pumps (e.g., ground source or air source heat pumps) have operating temperatures up to 60 degrees Celsius (although by using propane as the refrigerant operating temperatures up to 72 degrees Celsius are possible), their efficiency tends to be much higher when run at temperatures in the range of 45 degrees Celsius to 50 degrees Celsius. Thus, with a phase transition temperature of 48 degrees Celsius, our 51 degrees Celsius is likely to be satisfactory.

[0136] The temperature performance of the heat pump also needs to be considered: in general, the maximum AT (the difference between the input and output temperatures of the fluid heated by the heat pump) is preferably maintained in the range of 5 degrees Celsius to 7 degrees Celsius, but it can be as high as 10 degrees Celsius.

[0137] Paraffin wax is a suitable material for use as an energy storage medium, but it is not the only suitable material. Salt hydrates are also suitable for latent heat energy storage systems (such as those of the present invention). Salt hydrates in this context are mixtures of inorganic salts and water whose phase change involves the loss of all or much of their water. In the phase transition, the hydrate crystals split into anhydrous (or less watery) salt and water. The advantage of salt hydrates is that they have a much higher thermal conductivity (2 to 5 times higher) than paraffin wax and a much smaller volume change associated with the phase transition. A salt hydrate suitable for this application is Na2S2O3.5H2O, which has a melting point of approximately 48 to 49 degrees Celsius and a latent heat of 200 / 220 kJ / kg.

[0138] For purely energy storage purposes, it may be possible to consider using PCMs with phase transition temperatures significantly above the 40-50 degree Celsius range. For example, paraffin wax is available in a wide range of melting points: n-Henicosane C, with a melting point of approximately 40 degrees Celsius 24 ; n-Docosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 44.5 degrees Celsius21 ; n-Tetracosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 52 degrees Celsius 23 ; n-Pentacosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 54 degrees Celsius 25 ; n-Hexacosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 56.5 degrees Celsius 26 ; n-Heptacosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 59 degrees Celsius 27 ; n-Octacosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 64.5 degrees Celsius 28 ; n-Nonacosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 65 degrees Celsius 29 ; n-Triacosane C, with a melting point of approximately 66 degrees Celsius 30 ; n-Hentriacosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 67 degrees Celsius 31 ; n-Dotriacosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 69 degrees Celsius 32 ; n-Triatriacosane C, which has a melting point of approximately 71 degrees Celsius 33 ; Paraffin C, which has a melting point of approximately 58 to 60 degrees Celsius 22 ~C 45 ; Paraffin C, which has a melting point of approximately 66 to 68 degrees Celsius 21 ~C 50 ; RT 70 HC, which has a melting point of approximately 69 degrees Celsius to 71 degrees Celsius. Alternatively, a salt hydrate such as CH3COONa.3H2O (which has a melting point of approximately 58 degrees Celsius and a latent heat of 226 / 265 kJ / kg can be used).

[0139] So far, thermal energy stores have been mainly described as having a single mass of phase change material in a heat exchanger with input and output circuits in the form of one or more coils or loops, respectively. However, it may also be beneficial, for example in terms of the rate of heat transfer, to encapsulate the phase change material in a number of sealed bodies, for example in a metal (e.g. copper or copper alloy) cylinder (or other elongated form), surrounded by a heat transfer liquid, and an output circuit (which is preferably used to provide hot water for a (domestic) hot water system) extracts heat from the heat transfer liquid.

[0140] With such a configuration, the heat transfer liquid can either be sealed in the heat exchanger, or, more preferably, the heat transfer liquid can be a heat transfer liquid that can flow through the energy storage and transfer heat from a green energy source (e.g., a heat pump) without the use of an input heat transfer coil in the energy storage. In this way, the input circuit can be provided simply by one (or, more generally, multiple) inlets and one or more outlets, such that the heat transfer liquid passes freely through the heat exchanger without being confined by a coil or other regular conduit, the heat transfer liquid transfers heat to or from the encapsulated PCM and then onto the output circuit (and thus to the water in the output circuit). In this way, the input circuit is defined by the one or more inlets and one or more outlets for the heat transfer liquid, and the free-form path through the encapsulated PCM and through the energy storage.

[0141] Preferably, the PCM is encapsulated within a plurality of elongated, closed-ended pipes arranged in one or more spaced apart arrangements (e.g., staggered rows of pipes, each row including a plurality of spaced apart pipes), and the heat transfer fluid is preferably arranged to flow laterally (or transversely to the length of the pipes or other encapsulation enclosure) over the pipes (either in a route from an inlet to an outlet, or, if an input coil is used, as directed by one or more impellers provided in the thermal energy storage section).

[0142] Optionally, the output circuitry may be arranged to be on top of the energy storage, positioned above and above the encapsulated PCM, and the container of the encapsulated PCM may be disposed either horizontally and above the input loop or coil (so that convection supports upward energy transfer through the energy storage), or an inlet directs the incoming heat transfer liquid towards the encapsulated PCM and optionally towards the output circuitry. If one or more impellers are used, preferably the or each impeller is magnetically coupled to an externally mounted motor so that the integrity of the energy storage enclosure is not compromised.

[0143] Optionally, the PCM can be encapsulated in an elongated tube (typically of circular cross section) having a nominal external diameter in the range of 20 mm to 67 mm (e.g., 22 mm, 28 mm, 35 mm, 42 mm, 54 mm, or 67 mm), and typically these tubes will be formed from copper suitable for plumbing use. Preferably, the pipe is of external diameter between 22 mm and 54 mm, e.g., between 28 mm and 42 mm.

[0144] The heat transfer liquid is preferably water or a water-based liquid (e.g. water mixed with one or more of flow additives, corrosion inhibitors, antifreeze agents, biocides, etc.) and may also include (suitably diluted with water) an inhibitor of the type designed for use in central heating systems (e.g. Sentinel X100 or Fernox F1 (both RTM) etc.).

[0145] Thus, throughout the description and claims of this application, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the term input circuit should be interpreted to include arrangements as described immediately above, as well as arrangements in which the path of liquid flow from the input of the input circuit to its output is not defined by a regular conduit, but rather involves substantially free-flowing liquid within the energy storage enclosure.

[0146] The PCM may be encapsulated in a plurality of elongated cylinders of circular or generally circular cross section, the cylinders preferably being spaced apart in one or more rows. Preferably, the cylinders of adjacent rows are offset from one another to facilitate heat transfer from and to the heat transfer liquid. Optionally, an input arrangement is provided in which the heat transfer liquid is introduced into the space around the encapsulation body by one or more input ports, which may be in the form of a plurality of input nozzles that direct the input heat transfer liquid towards and onto the encapsulation body fed by an input manifold. The nozzle bore at the output of the nozzle may be generally circular in cross section or may be elongated to create a jet or stream of liquid that transfers heat to the encapsulated PCM more effectively. The manifold may be fed from a single end or from opposing ends in terms of increasing flow rate and reducing pressure loss.

[0147] The heat transfer liquid can be pumped into the energy store 12 as a result of the action of a pump of the green energy source (e.g. a heat pump or solar hot water system) or as a result of the action of another system pump, or the thermal energy store can include its own pump. After emerging from the energy store at one or more outlets of the input circuit, the heat transfer liquid can be passed directly back to the energy source (e.g. a heat pump) or, through the use of one or more valves, can be switched to first pass through a heating installation (e.g. underfloor heating, radiators or some other form of space heating) before returning to the green energy source.

[0148] The encapsulating body may be disposed horizontally with the coil of the output circuitry positioned above and on the encapsulating body. It will be appreciated that this is merely one of many possible configurations and orientations. The same configuration may be positioned with the encapsulating body disposed vertically as well.

[0149] Alternatively, an energy store using PCM encapsulation could again use an elongated cylindrical encapsulation body (such as previously described), but in this case with an input circuit in the form of a conduit (e.g., in the form of a coil). The encapsulation bodies could be arranged with their long axes disposed vertically, with the input coil 14 and the output coil 18 disposed on either side of the energy store 12. However, again, this arrangement could be used in alternative orientations (e.g., the input circuit at the bottom and the output circuit at the top, with the encapsulation bodies with their long axes disposed horizontally, etc.). Preferably, one or more impellers are disposed in the energy store 12 to propel the energy transfer liquid around the input coil 14 and towards the encapsulation body. The or each impeller is preferably coupled to an externally mounted drive unit (e.g., an electric motor) via a magnetic drive system so that the enclosure of the energy storage unit 12 does not need to be drilled to accept a drive shaft, thereby reducing the risk of leaks at the point where such a shaft enters the enclosure.

[0150] Due to the fact that the PCM is encapsulated, it becomes easier to construct energy storage units that use two or more phase change materials for energy storage, which, among other things, allows the creation of energy storage units in which PCMs with different transition (e.g., melting) temperatures can be combined, thereby extending the operating temperature of the energy storage unit.

[0151] It will be appreciated that in embodiments of the type just described, energy storage portion 12 contains one or more phase change materials for storing energy as latent heat in combination with a heat transfer liquid (e.g., water or a water / inhibitor solution, etc.).

[0152] A plurality of elastic bodies configured to reduce in volume in response to an increase in pressure caused by a phase change of the phase change material, and to expand again in response to a decrease in pressure caused by a reverse phase change of the phase change material, are preferably provided encapsulating the phase change material within the body (which may also be used in energy banks using "bulk" PCMs as described elsewhere in this specification).

[0153] Metal foams (e.g., aluminum, aluminum alloy, or copper) can be used to improve the heat transfer properties of the heat storage material (especially when paraffin wax is used as the heat storage material). Alternatively, the heat transfer pipes of the input and output circuits of the heat exchanger can be provided with protrusions, blades, fingers, wires, or filaments made of a material with high thermal conductivity (e.g., copper, copper alloy, or carbon fiber, etc.), which extend into the mass of the heat storage material (e.g., wax), effectively improving the energy transfer from the fluid in the input circuit into the heat storage mass, through the entire heat storage mass, and from the heat storage mass into the water in the output circuit of the heat exchanger. Here, it is found that the input and output circuits in the enclosure of the heat exchanger are defined by tubular bodies, and that filamentary protrusions can be provided from each of the tubular bodies extending into the phase change material, the filamentary protrusions having a higher conductivity than the phase change material.

[0154] For example, copper wires, copper braids, or fingers can be attached (e.g., by welding) directly to copper pipes (the preferred choice of material for heat exchanger circuits where the use of copper predominates in domestic heating and water systems: for installations using aluminum alloy piping and radiant bodies, it may be preferred for electrochemical reasons to make the heat exchanger input and output circuits and protrusions from aluminum or its alloys as well) providing the input and output circuits, with the free end of each protrusion extending away from the pipe to which it is attached. Alternatively, each heat transfer braid, or possibly multiple heat transfer wires or fingers, can be attached to a spring-loaded clip (e.g., of phosphorus bronze), which clips onto and is thereby fixed to the pipe of one or the other of the input and output circuits of the heat exchanger.

[0155] As previously described with reference to FIG. 3, the state of the phase change material can be determined based on its internal pressure. The pressure transducer can be coupled to the processor of the interface unit. The processor of the interface unit can thus receive a signal related to the degree of solidification / liquefaction of the phase change material, which provides information about the energy storage of the phase change material. The processor of the interface unit can be programmed during or after production, based on empirical analysis of the prototype, such that the degree of solidification (more generally, the state) of the phase change material can be mapped to the pressure signal from the pressure transducer. For example, a pre-production prototype can be fitted with a glass side panel, such that the state of the phase change material can be determined by inspection / analysis, which state is mapped against the pressure signal from the pressure transducer, and knowledge of the latent heat of fusion of the phase change material used will allow the amount of latent heat stored in the heat exchanger to be calculated for each pressure measured. The data thus obtained can then be used in programming the processor for the production interface unit, as well as informing machine learning algorithms in this and possibly other processors in the system.

[0156] Also as previously described, another method of monitoring the state of a phase change material, which may be provided as an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the previously described methods, is to provide one or more optical sources for emitting optical radiation into the body of phase change material for detection by one or more appropriately positioned optical sensors (optical sensing arrangements). The one or more optical sources can operate at a single wavelength or range of wavelengths (i.e., effectively a single color), or can operate at two or more spaced apart wavelengths (i.e., different colors). The radiation can be in the visible or infrared region of the spectrum, or both, if multiple colors of light are used. The optical source can be a source of incoherent light (e.g., an LED, etc.) or can be a laser (e.g., an LED laser). The optical source can be a single red-green-blue light emitting diode. The optical sensing arrangement can be coupled to a processor (e.g., a processor of the interface unit), which is configured to estimate an amount of energy stored in the phase change material based on information received from the optical sensing arrangement.

[0157] Also as previously described, another method of monitoring the state of the phase change material, which may be provided as an alternative to or in addition to one or more of the previously described methods, would be to provide an acoustic source configured to emit sound into the phase change material in the heat exchanger, and an acoustic sensing arrangement for detecting the sound emitted from the acoustic source after the sound has passed through the phase change material. Preferably, the acoustic source is configured to produce ultrasonic waves.

[0158] As will be appreciated, the present disclosure provides an installation including a hot water system in a building including an interface unit or energy bank as described in any of the alternatives above, wherein an input circuit of a heat exchanger is connected to a heat pump and an output circuit of the heat exchanger is connected to the hot water system in the building.

[0159] The present disclosure also provides an installation including a hot water system in a building including an interface unit as described in any of the alternatives above, an electric heater, and a processor, wherein an input circuit of the heat exchanger is coupled to a heat pump, and an output circuit of the heat exchanger is coupled to a hot water system in the building having a flow sensor and a temperature sensor, the electric heater is configured to heat water for the hot water system downstream of the output circuit of the heat exchanger, the processor is operably coupled to the heat pump, the flow sensor, the temperature sensor, and the electric heater, and the processor is provided with logic for managing the use of energy from the electric heater, the heat pump, and the phase change material to reduce energy consumption.

[0160] The present disclosure further provides an installation including a hot water system in a building including an interface unit as described in any of the alternatives above, an electric heater, and a processor, wherein an input circuit of the heat exchanger is coupled to a heat pump, and an output circuit of the heat exchanger is coupled to a hot water system in the building having a flow sensor and a temperature sensor, the electric heater is configured to heat water for the hot water system downstream of the output circuit of the heat exchanger, the processor is operably coupled to the heat pump, the flow sensor, the temperature sensor, and the electric heater, and the processor is provided with logic for managing the installation to provide a flow of hot water requiring a power input greater than the power of the heat pump.

[0161] Any of these installations may further include one or more additional heat exchangers, the or each additional heat exchanger including an enclosure and including within the enclosure an input circuit coupled to the heat pump; an output circuit coupled to a hot water system in the building; and a phase change material for energy storage. Optionally, the installation may further include a pressure sensor in the cold water supply to the hot water system in the building and a processor coupled to the pressure sensor, the processor configured to generate an alert if a loss of pressure is detected. Optionally, the processor is configured to generate an alert only if the loss of pressure continues for more than a threshold time. Optionally, the installation may further include a flow sensor in the cold water supply to the hot water system in the building, the flow sensor coupled to the processor. Optionally, the processor is configured to use information from both the pressure sensor and the flow sensor in generating the alert.

[0162] The present disclosure also provides a method of replacing a gas-fired combination boiler piped into a hot water system in a building, the method comprising the steps of: removing the gas-fired combination boiler to create an installation space; installing an interface unit as described in any of the alternatives above in the installation space; connecting the output circuit of the heat exchanger to hot water in the building; and connecting the input circuit of the heat exchanger to a heat pump such that water for the hot water system in the building can be heated by the thermal phase change material and / or the heat pump. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of connecting the input circuit of the heat exchanger to a space heating system in the building. Preferably, the method further comprises the step of operably connecting a processor of the interface unit to a controller of the heat pump to enable the processor to control aspects of the behavior of the heat pump.

[0163] Optionally, during the commissioning process, the technician will be asked to define all hot water outlets (e.g., for faucets, showers, bathtubs, kitchens). The system's processor can ask the technician (via the WTRU; possibly on which an appropriate app is provided) to fully open and close the faucets at specific moments. During this process, the system will measure the water flow and add the results to the database. Based on this information, the system will be able to provide the most efficient flow into each single faucet when it is open.

[0164] The present disclosure therefore also provides a method for mapping a hot water supply installation having a plurality of controllable hot water outlets, the installation comprising: A supply of hot water; a flow measurement device and at least one flow regulator in a hot water flow path between the hot water supply and a plurality of controllable hot water outlets; a processor operably connected to the flow measurement device and to the at least one flow regulator; Including, The method comprises: opening a first one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets and processing, by a processor, a signal from the flow measurement device until at least a first flow characteristic is determined; closing a first of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets; opening a second one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets and processing, by a processor, a signal from the flow measurement device at least until a second flow characteristic is determined; closing a second of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets; repeating the opening, treating, and closing operations for each of the other controllable hot water outlets of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets and determining a respective flow characteristic for each of the controllable hot water outlets; thereafter, configuring the processor to identify an opening of a particular one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets based on a similarity of the detected flow characteristic with a respective one of the controllable hot water outlets; and, based on the identification, to control the at least one flow regulator to control a supply of hot water to the identified controllable hot water outlet. Includes.

[0165] Optionally, in the method, the processor can be coupled to a radio frequency transmitter, and the method further includes the step of the processor sending a series of signals to the radio frequency transmitter, each of the signals causing the radio frequency transmitter to transmit a signal instructing the opening of a different one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlet portions.

[0166] Optionally, the processor can be coupled to a radio frequency receiver, and the method further includes receiving, in the processor, a series of signals from the radio frequency receiver, each of the received signals corresponding to an opening of a different one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets. Optionally, each received signal includes a time stamp associated with the opening of an associated one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets.

[0167] Optionally, in any of these methods of mapping, each of the respective flow characteristics includes a respective stable flow rate. Optionally, the processor can be configured to control the at least one flow regulator to impose at least a 10% cut in flow rate for each of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets based on the respective stable flow rates. As an optional alternative, the processor can be configured to control the at least one flow regulator to impose at least a 10% cut in flow rate for any of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets having a respective stable flow rate greater than 7 liters per minute based on the respective stable flow rates. As an optional alternative, the processor can be configured to control the at least one flow regulator to limit the flow rate for each of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets to 7 liters per minute or less.

[0168] The present disclosure also provides a high temperature water supply facility, the high temperature water supply facility including: a source of high temperature water; a plurality of controllable high temperature water outlets coupled to the source of high temperature water; a flow measurement device and at least one flow regulator in a high temperature water flow path between the source of high temperature water and the plurality of controllable high temperature water outlets; a processor operatively connected to the flow measurement device and the at least one flow regulator; and a memory operatively coupled to the processor, the memory storing instructions for causing the processor to perform a method of mapping the high temperature water supply facility, the method including: processing a signal received from the flow measurement device as a result of opening a first one of the plurality of controllable high temperature water outlets until at least a first flow characteristic is determined; after closing of a first one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets, process a signal received from the flow measurement device as a result of opening of a second one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets until at least a second flow characteristic is determined; after closing of the second one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets, repeat the operation with respect to each of the other controllable hot water outlets of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets and determine a respective flow characteristic for each controllable hot water outlet; thereafter, the processor is configured to identify the opening of a particular one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets based on a similarity of the detected flow characteristic with the respective flow characteristic; and based on the identification, control the at least one flow regulator to control a supply of hot water from a source of hot water to the identified controllable hot water outlet.

[0169] Optionally, during the commissioning process, the technician can be asked to set up a temperature sensor directly under a particular water tap and open it at a particular moment. The system processor is configured to measure the flow, the difference between the outlet temperature and the supply temperature, the time delay, and preferably the outside air temperature (data provided from an external temperature sensor). This will allow the algorithm (e.g., MLA) to calculate the heat loss through the distribution system, the distance between the tap and the heat source unit, and finally accurately compensate the outlet temperature to achieve the correct tap temperature.

[0170] FIG. 10 illustrates such a method of configuring a hot water supply installation with multiple controllable hot water outlets (e.g., multiple taps and a shower outlet). To improve the efficiency of energy usage, an installation (such as one including an interface as previously described or a processor of a system (preferably of an interface unit, but additionally or alternatively of an overarching system) is used with temperature sensors 800 (although it is possible to use more than one sensor, clearly not the same one for all outlets) installed under each of the outlets in turn. The installer can have, for example, an app on a smartphone or some other wireless transmit-receive unit (WTRU), which can receive instructions from the processor telling the installer to open the relevant tap (preferably to open it to its maximum opening as quickly as possible). Thus, as shown in the flow versus time plot in FIG. 10, there is an initial time delay (from time T0 to time T1) due to the installer's reaction time before the flow through the outlets and through the hot water system (when only one outlet is open at a time) goes from zero to a maximum at T1 (the maximum may be different and specific to each outlet of the hot water system). Alternatively, the installer can use (an app on) the WTRU to provide information to the processor that the agreed / identified tap is now open. In either case, the processor also receives information from a temperature sensor on the outlet of the hot water source with an outlet having a controllable outlet temperature. The temperature sensor 800 also preferably includes an internal clock (preferably synchronized to the processor's system time) and RF (e.g., Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or IMS) capability to communicate time and temperature information to a remote processor.10 shows how the temperature sensed by sensor 800 initially remains low and then rises to reach a stable maximum at time T2 some time after time T1. It can also be seen that the maximum detected temperature sensed by sensor 800 (from time T1 to time T3) is ΔT lower than the temperature at the outlet of the source of high temperature water having a controllable outlet temperature.

[0171] The temperature sensor 800 could be configured such that the data it collects (temperature versus time) is only provided to the interface unit's (or system's) processor after an event (i.e., by a wired download process or using NFC), however, it will be appreciated that this would be less satisfactory than providing direct RF communication as already described.

[0172] The present disclosure therefore also provides a method of constructing a hot water supply installation having a plurality of controllable hot water outlets, the installation comprising: A source of hot water having an outlet with a controllable exit temperature; a flow measurement device and at least one flow regulator in a hot water flow path between the hot water source outlet and the plurality of controllable hot water outlets; a first temperature sensor for detecting an outlet temperature; a processor operatively connected to the flow measurement device, the first temperature sensor, and the at least one flow regulator; Including, The method comprises: placing an outlet temperature sensor in an outlet path for a first of the controllable hot water outlets; opening a first of the controllable hot water outlets such that water from the first of the controllable hot water outlets falls onto an outlet temperature sensor; generating data by monitoring changes over time in temperature of water from a first of the controllable hot water outlets using an outlet temperature sensor; providing data to a processor; using a processor to process the timing information, data and information from the first temperature sensor regarding the time of opening of the first of the controllable hot water outlets to determine first parameters for controlling an outlet temperature of the hot water source and, optionally, at least one flow regulator for subsequent use by the processor when detecting operation of the first of the controllable hot water outlets; Includes.

[0173] Optionally, the method includes the steps of generating corresponding data for a second of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets by placing an outlet temperature sensor in an outlet path for the second of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets; opening the second of the controllable hot water outlets such that water from the second of the controllable hot water outlets falls onto the outlet temperature sensor; generating second data by monitoring a change in temperature of the water from the first of the controllable hot water outlets over time using the outlet temperature sensor; providing the second data to a processor; and processing, using the processor, timing information about the time of opening of the second of the controllable hot water outlets, the second data, and information from the first temperature sensor, whereupon the processor determines a second parameter for controlling an outlet temperature of the hot water source for use when detecting operation of the second of the controllable hot water outlets. Further includes:

[0174] Optionally, any of these configuration methods further include the step of causing the processor to send a message indicating that the first or second of the controllable hot water outlets is to be opened.

[0175] Optionally, any of these configuration methods further include receiving, in the processor, a message indicating whether the first or second of the controllable hot water outlets is about to be opened.

[0176] Optionally, with any of these configuration methods, the facility includes a radio frequency transmitter operably connected to the processor. Optionally, in the method, the processor sends a signal to the radio frequency transmitter causing the facility's radio frequency transmitter to transmit a signal indicating that an associated controllable hot water outlet is to be closed.

[0177] The radio frequency transmitter can be located remotely, and the processor sends signals to the radio frequency transmitter through a data connection.

[0178] Optionally, the facility includes a radio frequency receiver operably connected to the processor. The temperature sensor used to monitor changes in temperature of the water from the controllable hot water outlet over time can include a sensor RF transmitter, and the method further includes using the sensor RF transmitter to transmit data to the radio frequency receiver.

[0179] In any of these configuration methods, the processor may be operatively connected to a source of information regarding external room temperature, the method further including the step of the processor using the information regarding the ambient temperature in determining the parameter.

[0180] The present disclosure also provides a method of controlling a temperature of water delivered from a controllable water outlet of a hot water supply facility, the controllable water outlet being one of a plurality of controllable hot water outlets, the facility comprising: a high temperature water source having an outlet with a controllable outlet temperature; a flow measurement device and at least one flow regulator in a high temperature water flow path between the outlet of the high temperature water source and the plurality of controllable high temperature water outlets; a first temperature sensor for detecting an outlet temperature; a memory storing parameters generated using any one of the preceding methods of configuring; and a processor operatively connected to the memory, the flow measurement device, the first temperature sensor, and the at least one flow regulator; Including, The method comprises: if one of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets is opened, using a processor; and determining, using the processor, which of the plurality of controllable hot water outlets is opened; and controlling an outlet temperature of the hot water source based on the determination, and optionally controlling at least one flow regulator according to stored parameters for the determined one of the controllable hot water outlets. Includes.

[0181] The present disclosure also provides a high temperature water supply equipment having a plurality of controllable high temperature water outlets, the equipment including: a high temperature water source with an outlet having a controllable outlet temperature; a flow measurement device and at least one flow regulator in a high temperature water flow path between the outlet of the high temperature water source and the plurality of controllable high temperature water outlets; a first temperature sensor for detecting the outlet temperature; a memory for storing parameters generated using any one of the preceding methods of configuring; and a processor operatively connected to the memory, the flow measurement device, the first temperature sensor, and the at least one flow regulator, the processor being configured to determine which of the plurality of controllable high temperature water outlets is opened when one of the plurality of controllable high temperature water outlets is opened, and then, based on the determination, to control the outlet temperature of the high temperature water source, and optionally, to control the at least one flow regulator in accordance with the stored parameters for the determined one of the controllable high temperature water outlets.

[0182] This application contains a number of self-evident interrelated aspects and embodiments, which are generally based on a common set of problems, even though many aspects have broader applicability. In particular, the logic and control methods are not necessarily limited to operation with the disclosed hardware, but may be more broadly applicable, and each is particularly suited to work with the various hardware aspects and preferred variations thereof. It will be recognized by those skilled in the art that certain aspects relate to specific examples of other features, and that preferred features described or claimed in a particular aspect may also be applied to others. If an explicit statement were made at every point of interoperability, this disclosure would be unwieldy, and those skilled in the art are expected to recognize, and are expressly directed to recognize herein, that preferred features of any aspect may be applied to any aspect, unless otherwise expressly stated or clearly inappropriate from the context. Again, to avoid repetition, many aspects and concepts may be described only in the form of a method or in the form of hardware, but the corresponding apparatus or computer program or logic should also be interpreted as being disclosed in the case of a method, or as a method of operating the hardware in the case of an apparatus discussion. As an example of what is meant by the above, there are multiple features of both hardware and software related to the combination of a fluid-based (typically air-source) heat pump, phase change materials, electric auxiliary heating elements, and control by a processor (either in the unit or remotely, or both). While this is a preferred application, most of the methods and hardware are more generally applicable to other heat pumps (thermoelectric and ground-source), as well as other renewable energy sources (e.g., pumps for solar arrays), alternative auxiliary heating (including less preferred arrangements of fired heaters (e.g., gas boilers, etc.), or even less efficient, higher temperature, lower COP heat pumps), and alternative thermal storage (including multi-temperature thermal storage arrays).Moreover, aspects that provide a particular arrangement for any of the components, or their interactions, can be freely used with aspects that focus on alternative elements of the system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0183] 10 Interface unit, energy bank 12 Enclosure, heat exchanger 14 Input side circuit 16 Heat Pump 18 Output circuits, pipes, conduits 20 nodes, chilled water supply 22 Pipe, outlet 24 Status sensors, couplings, couplers 26 Temperature sensor, pipe 28 Controller, coupling 30 processors, pipes 31 User Interface Module 32 Electric 3-port valve, controller, processor 34 Walkie-talkie, pipe 36 Transceiver, Circulation Pump 38 Flow sensor, coupling 40 Radio transmitters, walkie-talkies, pipes 42 Electric heating element, coupling 44 Temperature Transducer 46 Flow Transducer 48 Pressure Transducer 49 Temperature Transducer 50 Expansion vessel 52 Valve 54 Pressure relief valve 56 Strainer 58 Temperature Transducer 60 Pressure Transducer 62 Coupling 64 Cold water supply pipe, cold water supply line 66 Pipe 68 Electric heating unit, electric heater 70 Pipe 74 Coupling 76 Outlet temperature transducer 77 Pressure Relief Valve 78 Temperature Transducer 79 Pressure Transducer 80 Flow Transducer 81 Flow Transducer 82 Pressure Transducer 84 Different Temperature Transducers 86 Water regulator 88 Modulatable valve 90 Check valve 92 Expansion vessel 94 Valve 96 Valve 98 Double check valve 100 equipment, different valves 101 Water heating equipment 102 Controllable outlet, faucet 103 rooms 104 Energy Storage Unit 105 Renewable heat and water supply 106 Water Heater 107 Water supply section 109 Mixing valve 110 Piping, flow measurement devices, transceivers 111 Processor 112 First temperature sensor 113 Temperature Sensor 114 Pressure Sensor 115 Temperature sensor, flow regulator 116 Flow Controller 117 Further flow or pressure sensors 118 Flow controller (valve) 119 Sensing Components 121 Master Bathroom 122 1st Ensuite Shower Room 123 2nd En-suite Shower Room 124 Cloakroom 125 Kitchen 130 circuits 131 Circuit 135 Shower outlet 136 Bathtub faucet or tap 137 Faucet for sink 139 Faucet 140 Processors, System Controllers 141 Memory 142 RF Transceiver 143 Temperature Sensor 144 Internet 145 Server, Central Station 150 Mobile Devices 160 Mixing Valve 162 Temperature Sensor 170 Instant Water Heater 180 Cold water supply section 800 Temperature Sensor

Claims

1. 1. A method of sending command signals from a controllable water outlet to a water heating appliance, said controllable water outlet being supplied with water via a water supply line from said water heating appliance incorporating a renewable energy source in the form of a heat pump or solar heating arrangement, an energy store containing an energy storage medium for storing thermal energy, and an instantaneous water heater, said method comprising: monitoring the water supply line feeding the controllable water outlet; detecting a sequence of changes in a characteristic of the water supply line as a result of operation of the controllable water outlet; correlating said sequence of variations with stored patterns of variations; determining whether the sequence of changes and the stored pattern of changes match within a stored threshold; interpreting the match as the command; Including, the water heating appliance is initially configured to provide heated water in a first mode when the controllable water outlet is open, and configured to switch to a second mode when the command is received; the first mode includes an economy mode using one or both of the renewable energy source and thermal energy stored from the energy storage, the renewable energy source being used depending on the amount of thermal energy stored in the energy storage medium, and the second mode includes using the instantaneous water heater as needed to achieve a predetermined target flow rate and temperature; A method according to claim 1, wherein the purpose of the command is to vary the flow rate or temperature of the water supplied by the controllable water outlet.

2. The method of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic is a pressure sensed at a location within the water supply line.

3. The method of claim 2 , wherein the sequence includes a series of pressure variations between a high pressure and a low pressure, the low pressure being lower than the high pressure.

4. The method of claim 3 , wherein the series of pressure variations includes at least two pulses of high pressure followed by a period of low pressure.

5. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the sequence includes, in short succession, a low pressure, a high pressure, and then a low pressure.

6. 4. The method of claim 2 or 3, wherein the sequence includes, in short succession, a high pressure, a low pressure, and then a high pressure.

7. The method of claim 1 , wherein the characteristic is a flow rate of water in the water supply line feeding the controllable water outlet.

8. The method of claim 7 , wherein the sequence includes a series of flow rate variations between a high flow rate and a low flow rate, the low flow rate being lower than the high flow rate.

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the series of flow rate variations includes at least two periods of high flow rate followed by a period of low flow rate.

10. 10. The method of claim 8 or 9, wherein the sequence includes, in short succession, a high flow rate, a low flow rate, and then a high flow rate.

11. 11. The method of claim 5, 6, or 10, wherein the short succession is within an interval of less than 5 seconds.

12. The method of claim 11 , wherein the short succession is within an interval of less than 2 seconds.

13. 13. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the water heating appliance is configured to revert from the second mode to the first mode after the controllable water outlet is closed again, so that when the controllable water outlet is subsequently opened, the water heating appliance once again provides heated water in the first mode.

14. 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the water heating appliance is configured to revert from the second mode to the first mode only after the controllable water outlet is closed for more than a predetermined period of time.

15. 15. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising the step of learning the pattern of changes for a command.

16. A water heating appliance configured to supply water to a controllable water outlet port remote from the appliance, comprising: The water heating appliance incorporates a renewable energy source in the form of a heat pump or solar heating arrangement, an energy storage unit containing an energy storage medium for storing thermal energy, and an instantaneous water heater, the renewable energy source being configured to supply energy to the energy storage unit; a water supply line configured to deliver heated water from the water heating appliance to the controllable water outlet; at least one sensor for sensing a characteristic of the water supply line; coupled to the at least one sensor; processing data received from the at least one sensor to monitor a characteristic of the water supply line feeding the controllable water outlet; detecting a sequence of changes in a characteristic of the water supply line as a result of operation of the controllable water outlet; Correlating said sequence of changes with stored patterns of changes; determining whether the sequence of changes and the stored pattern of changes match within a stored threshold; Interpret the match as a command a processor configured to: Including, the water heating appliance is initially configured to provide heated water in a first mode when the controllable outlet is open and configured to switch to a second mode when a command is received; the first mode includes an economy mode using one or both of the renewable energy source and thermal energy stored from the energy storage, the renewable energy source being used depending on the amount of thermal energy stored in the energy storage medium, and the second mode includes using the instantaneous water heater to achieve a predetermined target flow rate and temperature; A water heating appliance, wherein the purpose of the command is to vary the flow rate or temperature of the water supplied by the controllable water outlet.

17. 17. The water heating appliance of claim 16, wherein the one or more sensors include a pressure sensor for sensing pressure in the water supply line.

18. 18. A water heating appliance according to claim 17, wherein the one or more sensors are located between the water heating appliance and the controllable water outlet.

19. 18. The water heating appliance of claim 17, wherein the one or more sensors include a flow sensor for measuring flow rate in the water supply line.

20. 20. A water heating appliance according to claim 19, wherein the one or more sensors are located between the water heating appliance and the controllable water outlet.

21. 20. The water heating appliance of claim 19, wherein the one or more sensors are positioned near the water outlet.

22. 22. A water heating appliance as claimed in any one of claims 16 to 21, wherein the water heating appliance includes a valve for mixing heated and cold water supplies, the valve being controlled by the processor.

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