Building heating system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a building heating system, and in particular to heating water, such as tap water and / or domestic water, in a building water supply system. The present invention also relates to a component kit for realizing such a building heating system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a building heating system according to the present invention.

Description

Technology Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a building heating system, and in particular to heating water such as tap water and / or utility water of a building water system. The present invention also relates to a kit of parts for realizing such a building heating system. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a method for controlling a building heating system according to the present invention. Background Technology

[0002] Conventional residential heating systems typically comprise a single centralized heat source, such as a gas boiler, from which heat is supplied to multiple recipients within the building. These systems are relatively inefficient due to significant losses caused by transporting heat over long distances through the building whenever a recipient initiates a heat request.

[0003] More recently, environmental aspects have become an essential consideration in the application of residential heating systems. This has led to a shift toward using green energy sources, minimizing gas consumption, and reducing the emission of harmful substances such as CO2. Generally, reducing energy usage, and more importantly, energy loss, has played a central role in the design of building heating systems.

[0004] The first objective of the present invention is to provide a building heating system that overcomes at least one disadvantage of the prior art.

[0005] The second objective of the present invention is to provide a relatively energy-efficient building heating system.

[0006] The third objective of the present invention is to provide a relatively energy-efficient building heating system that can be controlled in a flexible manner.

[0007] The fourth objective of the present invention is to provide a relatively environmentally friendly building heating system.

[0008] At least one of these objectives can be achieved by providing a building heating system comprising the following:

[0009] At least one heat pump configured to transfer heat from a source fluid, such as air, particularly outside air, to a working fluid flowing through a working fluid line, preferably an air source heat pump,

[0010] The working fluid line comprises at least two electrical heating tubes and / or at least two (alternative) auxiliary heat sources configured to heat the working fluid while the working fluid flows, and each of the heating tubes and / or at least two (alternative) auxiliary heat sources is connected or may be connected to a heat pump directly or indirectly, and the working fluid line is connected or may be connected to at least one water heat exchanger for transferring heat from the working fluid to water flowing through at least one water line of a building water supply system, in particular tap water and / or domestic water.

[0011] At least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid and / or water flowing through at least one water line,

[0012] As at least one control unit connected to or connectable to at least one temperature sensor, the control unit is configured to control electric heating tubes and / or heat pumps, preferably individually, at least partially based on the temperature detected by at least one temperature sensor.

[0013] The building heating system according to the present invention has a number of advantages. The heating system no longer requires the use of a gas boiler or an oil boiler, which reduces the emissions of the heating system according to the present invention to zero. In addition, since a heat pump is used, the working fluid can be heated in a relatively energy-efficient manner. Preferably, an air source heat pump is used, which is configured to extract thermal energy from air, preferably the outside air, and subsequently transfer at least a substantial portion of the extracted heat to the working fluid. An additional advantage of the building heating system according to the present invention is that the heating system is configured to control heat sources, such as heating tubes and / or a heat pump, modularly, particularly to turn on or off, by a control unit of the heating system. Temperatures can be measured at various locations within the heating system by one or more temperature sensors, and the measured temperatures serve as inputs for the (pre-programmed) control unit to control the heating components of the heating system, including the heating tubes and / or the heat pump, preferably individually. This enables, for example, to turn on one or more heating tubes and / or heat pumps to further heat the working fluid and / or water to a desired temperature level when the measured temperature of the working fluid and / or water is lower than a threshold value. Additionally, this enables, for example, to turn off one or more heating tubes and / or heat pumps to reduce (unnecessary) energy consumption when the measured temperature of the working fluid and / or water is higher than the threshold value. The working fluid acts as an intermediate heat transfer fluid to transfer heat from a source fluid, such as (external) air, to water flowing through at least one water line of the building's water supply system. Examples of such water lines are tap water lines and central heating lines.The working fluid may be any suitable fluid, preferably a liquid. It may be a single-component working fluid (e.g., water, glycol, or ammonia) or a multi-component working fluid, such as a mixture of water and ammonia. The working fluid line is preferably a closed circuit, and the working fluid within the working fluid line may circulate, preferably using a working fluid pump within the working fluid line. It is conceivable that the working fluid line, particularly the working fluid circuit, forms part of the central heating line of a building water supply system. In this case, the working fluid circuit may be water, and the water is heated by a heat pump and / or heating tubes and / or (alternative) auxiliary heat sources. This heated water in the working fluid line may be used directly to heat the building (at least partially) and to transfer heat to the tap water in the water supply line.

[0014] The building heating system according to the present invention can be used, for example, as a residential heating system, particularly as a heating system for houses / homes, or as a commercial heating system.

[0015] Preferably, the system includes a plurality of temperature sensors connected to or connectable to a control unit, at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heat pump and upstream of the heating tubes, and at least one other working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heating tubes. Optionally, at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the working fluid temperature of the working fluid upstream of the heat pump. The application of a plurality of working fluid sensors enables the measurement of the working fluid temperature at various locations within the working fluid line, which leads to additional input to the control unit for controlling the heating system. The aforementioned positioning of the different working fluid temperature sensors leads to information regarding the temperature of the working fluid heated by the heat pump, and, if applicable, information regarding additional heat added to the working fluid by one or more heating tubes. This also provides information regarding the heat power generated by one or more (turned on) heating tubes and the yield of the heating tubes.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors connected to or connectable to a control unit, at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid, and at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one water line of the building water supply system. By directly measuring the water temperature of at least one (high temperature) water line of the building water supply system, the control unit can conclude whether the water temperature is sufficiently high to meet specific needs or requirements. The water temperature sensor(s) may be existing water temperature sensors in a conventional building heating system already installed, or new water temperature sensor(s). The water temperature sensor(s) used in the heating system enable improved (more sophisticated) control of the heating tubes and optionally the heat pump, provided that the control unit is configured to communicate with the water temperature sensor(s), particularly to retrieve information.

[0017] The heating system preferably includes a plurality of water temperature sensors connected to or connectable to a control unit, at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one first (hot) water line, such as a (hot) tap water line, and at least one other water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one second (hot) water line, such as a central heating water line. In contrast to the tap water line, the central heating water line is generally a closed water circuit.

[0018] The heating system may include at least one pressure sensor connected to or connectable to a control unit, and at least one pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure of the working fluid. This enables the heating system to be controlled, for example, by turning off one or more heating tubes and / or heat pumps when the measured pressure of the working fluid is higher than a threshold value. The heating system may include at least one water pressure sensor connected to or connectable to a control unit, and at least one water pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure of water. This enables the water line to be refilled with water when, for example, the measured pressure of water is lower than a threshold value.

[0019] Additionally, the control unit may be configured to determine the flow of the working fluid and / or water. The control unit may determine the flow based on the temperature and / or measured pressure, respectively, measured by the temperature sensor(s) and / or pressure sensor(s). It is conceivable that the heating system includes at least one flow rate sensor connected to or connectable to the control unit, wherein at least one flow rate sensor is configured to measure the flow rate of the working fluid and / or at least one flow rate sensor is configured to measure the flow rate of water.

[0020] Preferably, at least two heating tubes are located downstream of the heat pump and upstream of at least one heat exchanger. Since the heat pump typically acts as a primary heat source and the heating tubes act as a secondary heat source to further heat the working fluid (if necessary), the placement of these components is desirable because it enables measuring the temperature of the working fluid directly downstream of the heat pump to determine whether the heating tubes also need to be turned on, and if so, which heating tubes need to be turned on to bring the temperature of the working fluid to a desired level. However, this does not exclude the possibility that at least two heating tubes may be located upstream of the heat pump and downstream of at least one heat exchanger. It is conceivable that the heating tubes act as a primary heat source and the heat pump acts as a secondary heat source to further heat the working fluid (if necessary). This enables, for example, to turn on the heat pump to further heat the working fluid and / or water to a desired temperature level when the measured temperature of the working fluid and / or water is lower than a threshold. Additionally, this enables, for example, to turn off the heat pump to reduce (unnecessary) energy consumption when the measured temperature of the working fluid and / or water is higher than a threshold. A combination can also be considered in which one or more heating tubes are located downstream of the heat pump, preferably directly, and one or more other heating tubes are located upstream of the heat pump, preferably directly. To reduce heat loss during the transfer of the heated working fluid through the working fluid line, one can consider placing one or more heating tubes upstream of and relatively close to the heat exchanger, which is advantageous from an energy perspective.To this end, being relatively close may be, for example, less than 10 meters, preferably less than 7 meters, more preferably less than 5 meters, and even more preferably less than 4, 3, 2, or 1 meter, measured along the working fluid line.

[0021] The electric heating tubes used in the heating system according to the present invention are designed for the flow-through of a working fluid. While the working fluid flows, the working fluid can be heated by the heating tubes (when activated by a control unit).

[0022] Typically, it is desirable to connect at least two heating tubes, such as two, three, or four heating tubes, in a parallel orientation within the working fluid line. Preferably, the diameter of at least one heating tube, preferably each heating tube, is smaller than the diameter of the working fluid line, preferably each adjacent (main) conduit. More preferably, the sum of the diameters of the parallel heating tubes is greater than the diameter of the working fluid line, preferably each adjacent conduit. This enables the working fluid flow rate to drop within the heating tubes, which extends the residence time of the working fluid within the heating tubes, thereby enhancing heat transfer from the heating tube(s) to the working fluid.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, it is also conceivable that at least two heating tubes are connected in series within the working fluid line. In this case, it is conceivable that various heating tubes are integrated into a single heating tube having a plurality of, preferably individually controllable, heating sections. Each heating section may be formed, for example, by a heating coil and / or may include a heating coil, and the coils are oriented in series (one coil is located downstream of another coil when viewed in the direction of the working fluid flow). Accordingly, each heating coil is preferably wound around the same tube (body).

[0024] Preferably, at least one electric heating tube is an induction heating tube. The induction heating tube is configured to heat the working fluid by induction heating. Induction heating utilizes the principle of electromagnetic field operation described by Maxwell's equations for ferromagnetic materials. An electrically conductive object, in this case an electrically conductive tube, is inserted during induction heating into the alternating electromagnetic field of an induction coil through which an alternating current passes. As a result of electromagnetic induction, swirled currents are induced within the heated tube, and these swirled currents have an orientation opposite to that of the current within the induction coil. Heating occurs due to resistive loss and hysteresis loss, and the ratio of the electrical and magnetic components depends on the electrical and magnetic properties of the heated material. Heat is generated directly within the material of the tube and subsequently transferred at least partially to the working fluid. The tube and the inductor (the surrounding coil) are not in direct mechanical contact with each other to prevent short-circuiting.

[0025] Accordingly, preferably, the induction heating tube comprises at least one coil that is connected to or capable of being connected to an alternating current source, and the at least one coil is preferably wound around an electrically conductive tube, such as a metal tube, particularly a copper tube and / or a steel tube, with a coupling distance. The induction heating tube is connected to or capable of being connected to an alternating current source, such as a mains power source (having a default frequency of 50 Hz), and at least one frequency converter is positioned between the alternating current source and the induction heating tube, and it may be preferable that the frequency converter be configured to increase the default frequency value of the alternating current source to a higher frequency value. Where applicable, the frequency converter is preferably configured to generate a frequency that is x times the default frequency of the alternating current source, where x is preferably at least 100, more preferably at least 1000.

[0026] Additionally or alternatively, at least one electric heating tube may be an electric resistance heating tube or an ohmic heating tube comprising at least one electric resistance heating element, such as a heating coil, configured to generate heat to be transferred to a working fluid flowing through the heating tube. The heating element is preferably connected to or can be connected to an electric power source. The heating element may be, for example, a heating coil or a heating strip, and may be located around and / or inside at least one heating tube for the flow-passage of the working fluid.

[0027] Each heating tube is preferably configured to generate a heating power of at least 1 kW, preferably 1 to 5 kW, and more preferably 2 to 4 kW. The entire assembly of heating tubes is configured to generate a heating power of 2 to 10 kW (or even more than 10 kW), preferably 4 to 7 kW. Each heating tube and / or the entire assembly of heating tubes (or alternative auxiliary heat sources) may be configured to generate a heating power of at least 10 kW. The heat pump is preferably configured to generate a heating power of 1 to 5 kW, preferably 1 to 3.5 kW. Preferably, the ratio of power input to power output of the heat pump is 6:11 to 1:5. The ratio of power input to power output of the heating system (heat pump, heating tubes, and control unit) is 60:61 to 2:3.

[0028] It can be conceived that the working fluid line includes at least one alternative auxiliary heat source for heating the working fluid (at least partially). The working fluid line may include at least one auxiliary heat source instead of or in addition to at least one of at least two heating tubes and / or instead of or in addition to a heat pump. Instead of at least two heating tubes, it can be conceived that the working fluid line includes at least one heat source. Preferably, the heat source is configured to heat the working fluid electrically and / or by green energy or renewable energy. However, it can also be conceived that the heat source is configured to heat the working fluid by fossil fuel. At least one auxiliary heat source may be, for example, a solar heater, a geothermal heater, an additional heat pump, etc.

[0029] The control unit is preferably configured to individually turn on and off electric heating tubes and / or one or more parts of heating tubes, depending on one or more temperature values ​​measured by one or more temperature sensors, preferably including temperature values ​​related to the temperature of the working fluid and the water heated and / or to be heated. Preferably, the control unit acts as a central and sole control unit. Preferably, the control unit is configured to communicate with each temperature sensor of the heating system. Such communication between the control unit and at least one, preferably each, temperature sensor and / or heating tubes and / or heat pump may be wired and / or wireless. The control unit is preferably (also) configured to communicate data related to the building heating system to at least one external device, such as a display, an external computer, a smartphone, and / or a tablet, to enable people to monitor the status of the heating system and optionally program the control unit, and thus modify the control of the building heating system.

[0030] The control unit may be, for example, a programmable logic controller (PLC) and / or an energy management system (EMS), and preferably is pre-programmed. Non-limiting examples of control by the control unit will be described below. Preferably, the system includes at least one water temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one first water line, such as a tap water line, and the control unit is configured to turn on at least one electric heating tube when the measured water temperature is lower than a first threshold, and to turn on at least one additional heating tube simultaneously or sequentially when the measured water temperature is lower than a second threshold, the second threshold is lower than the first threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the system preferably includes at least one water temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one first water line, such as a tap water line, as well as at least one flow sensor for measuring the flow of water through the first water line; the control unit is configured to turn on at least one electric heating tube when the measured water temperature is lower than a temperature threshold and / or when the measured water flow exceeds a flow threshold; and the control unit is further configured to turn on at least one additional heating tube simultaneously or sequentially when the measured water flow exceeds a time period, preferably a predefined time period and / or when the measured temperature increase over a predefined time period remains lower than a temperature threshold. Additionally or alternatively, the control unit may be configured to act as a PID controller and / or may include at least one PID controller for controlling one or more heating tubes and optionally a heat pump.A PID controller (proportional-integral-derivative controller) continuously calculates an error value as the difference between a desired setpoint (SP) (which can be considered a threshold) and a measured process variable (PV), and applies corrections based on proportional, integral, and derivative terms (denoted as P, I, and D, respectively). These PID output signals, which are typically analog signals, can be converted into discrete signals (ON or OFF signals) and / or used to generate discrete signals (ON or OFF signals).

[0031] The heat pump is preferably an air source heat pump. Such an air source heat pump typically comprises at least one compressor, at least one condenser, and at least one expansion device, in particular at least one expansion valve, and at least one evaporator, which are connected by fluid conduits carrying heat pump fluid, and the evaporator is provided with an air intake duct and an air outlet duct, and the heat pump preferably further comprises an air fan provided within or connected to the air inlet duct. The heat pump fluid may comprise, for example, one or more chlorofluorocarbons, one or more hydrochlorofluorocarbons, one or more fluorocarbons, propane, butane, isobutane, ammonia, sulfur dioxide, or a mixture thereof. The heat pump fluid may be a liquid, a gas, or a combination thereof. The condenser preferably has at least one working fluid duct that forms part of the working fluid line, and the working fluid duct is preferably connected to the heating tubes. The heat pump may be connected to an existing air inlet pipe and an existing air outlet pipe (e.g., an existing flue gas outlet pipe), and these inlet and outlet pipes may have previously been connected to a fuel boiler, such as a gas boiler, and are now (re)used to connect the heat pump as a more environmentally friendly option compared to the fuel boiler.Preferably, an existing flue gas exhaust pipe or an existing air intake pipe, or an assembly of an existing flue gas exhaust pipe and an existing air intake pipe, is connected to the air intake duct of the heat pump to deliver air into the heat pump. It can be conceived that the air outlet (air exhaust duct) of the heat pump may not have any connection to existing pipes and / or existing openings and may discharge cooled air directly into the building space (room) where the heat pump is located. It can be conceived, and even preferred, that at least one pipe adapter be placed between the heat pump and the existing air intake pipe and / or existing air exhaust pipe. The pipe adapter may be a branched connecting tube, such as, for example, a Y-branched connecting tube or a T-branched connecting tube. Preferably, the pipe adapter, particularly the connecting tube, comprises an inner tube portion and an outer tube portion concentrically surrounding at least a portion of the inner tube portion. Preferably, the existing air intake pipe concentrically surrounds at least a portion of the existing flue gas exhaust pipe to preheat the fresh intake air by utilizing the relatively high enthalpy of the flue gas. In a boiler-based configuration, this leads to a significant reduction in the flue gas exhaust temperature and an increase in the fresh air intake temperature. This reduces the thermal difference, and as a result, the boiler can achieve the same thermal results using less energy. When connecting a heat pump to these existing pipes (after the removal of the boiler), the existing air intake pipe (for the air to be cooled) is preferably connected to the air exhaust opening of the heat pump, and the existing air exhaust pipe (for the cooled air) is preferably connected to the air intake opening of the heat pump. Thus, compared to the boiler, the heat pump can be connected to the existing air pipe assembly in reverse.It is also conceivable that an assembly of the existing flue gas exhaust pipe and the existing air intake pipe be connected to the heat pump's air intake duct to deliver air into the heat pump. This will generally increase the air intake capacity, and thus the effective capacity of the heat pump.

[0032] It is conceivable that the heat pump comprises a housing, and at least two heating tubes are connected to and / or accommodated within the housing. This enables the combination of the heat pump and at least two heating tubes to be manufactured, sold, and installed as a heating system unit. This can significantly facilitate the installation of the heating system. The housing may be a substantially closed housing or an open housing, and may even be formed at least partially by a shared support structure to support the heat pump and heating tubes.

[0033] The heat pump is typically connected to or can be connected to an electric power source. It is conceivable that the system includes at least one solar power generator to supply power to the heat pump and heating tubes, at least partially.

[0034] The working fluid line preferably includes at least one storage container for (temporarily) storing heated working fluid, and the storage container is preferably configured for the flow-passage of the working fluid during the circulation of the working fluid within the working fluid line. The storage container may be a buffer tank and / or a storage vessel. Preferably, the storage container has a (working) fluid storage volume of at least 45 liters. The storage container may have a working fluid storage volume of 100 to 150 liters, such as, for example, 120 liters. The maximum temperature of the working fluid in the storage container is typically 95 degrees Celsius. Preferably, a portion of at least one water line is guided through the storage container to preheat the water by the working fluid in the storage container. This can preheat relatively cold water, having a minimum temperature of, for example, 10 degrees Celsius, to a temperature of 10 to 75 degrees Celsius. The transfer section of the water line surrounded by the storage container is preferably coiled in shape to increase the length of the transfer section and thus the heat transfer capacity from the working fluid to the water.

[0035] The heating system preferably includes at least one water pump for pumping water through at least one water line of the building water supply system. Typically, each water line has its own water pump. Preferably, the system includes a plurality of separate water lines of the building water supply system, and each of at least two water lines is connected to a water heat exchanger for heating water by a working fluid.

[0036] The working fluid to water heat exchanger is preferably a plate heat exchanger, more preferably a counter-flow plate heat exchanger in which the working fluid and the water to be heated are transferred in a counterflow through the plate heat exchanger. Preferably, the building water supply system includes at least one tap water line and at least one central heating water line, and each of these lines is connected to a water heat exchanger for heating water by the working fluid. Preferably, the tap water-related heat exchanger is located directly downstream of the heating tubes to enable substantially immediate delivery of hot tap water when needed. The central heating system-related heat exchanger may be located downstream of the tap water-related heat exchanger, since such central heating systems generally do not require sudden peak demand for hot water.

[0037] Preferably, the system includes at least one safety circuit for detecting overheating and / or boiling dryness of the working fluid line and for turning off the heat pump and heating tubes when overheating and / or boiling dryness of the working fluid line is detected, and the safety circuit is preferably not connected to a control unit.

[0038] The present invention also relates to a component kit for a building heating system according to the present invention, wherein the component kit comprises the following:

[0039] At least one heat pump,

[0040] At least two working fluid heating tubes that can be connected directly or indirectly to a heat pump,

[0041] At least one working fluid temperature sensor, and

[0042] As at least one control unit connectable to at least one temperature sensor, the control unit is configured to individually control electric heating tubes and optionally a heat pump based at least partially on the working fluid temperature detected by at least one working fluid temperature sensor.

[0043] The present invention further relates to a method for controlling a building heating system according to the present invention, in particular a computer-implemented method, wherein the method comprises the step of operating a control unit to individually control and / or turn on and / or turn off one or more electric heating tubes and optionally a heat pump, based at least partially on at least one temperature detected by at least one temperature sensor. Preferably, during this step, the control unit receives a plurality of temperature values ​​from different temperature sensors and optionally one or more pressure values ​​from one or more pressure sensors to control the heating tubes and optionally the heat pump. Examples of such control are presented above and are described in more detail below. For example, if the demand for hot water suddenly increases and the working fluid temperature is too low (lower than a predefined temperature threshold), one or more heating tubes are turned on by the control unit, depending on the thermal energy required at that moment. And if the demand for hot water (suddenly) decreases, the control unit may turn off one or more heating tubes. If the measured pressure in the working fluid line and / or at least one water line is too low (lower than a predefined pressure threshold), the control unit can be programmed to turn off the heating tubes and optionally the heat pump. Accordingly, the control unit is programmed with computer-readable commands configured to operate the building heating system. These commands may include all data required to enable the control unit to autonomously control the building heating system. This typically includes all basic measurement and control commands, as well as context-dependent parameters (e.g., the thermal capacity and / or diameter of the heating tubes, and the capacity of the heat pump). This data is generally stored in at least one storage medium and / or memory of the control unit.It is optional to consider that some of the data, such as situation-dependent parameters, are not stored within the control unit but are stored externally in a computer network and / or in the Internet Cloud, and that the control unit has access to this externally stored data.

[0044] The present invention further relates to a computer program product comprising a non-transitory computer-readable medium in which computer-readable instructions for a control unit for operating a building heating system according to the present invention are stored. Preferably, the computer-readable medium forms part of the control unit. These instructions typically include code for receiving sensor values ​​derived from one or more sensors, including one or more temperature sensors of the building heating system, and code for controlling heating tubes and optionally a heat pump based on the received sensor values ​​and, preferably, based on at least one decision-making algorithm, preferably individually. Optionally, such a computer program product, at least partially pre-stored in the control unit, may be optionally sold separately from the heat pump and heating tubes. Furthermore, this aspect of the present disclosure provides advantages similar to those discussed above in relation to the prior aspects of the present disclosure. Such computer-readable media may be any type of memory device, and include, for example, removable non-volatile random-access memory, a hard disk drive, a floppy disk, a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, a USB memory, an SD memory card, or one or more of similar computer-readable media known in the art.

[0045] Further embodiments of the present invention are described in the following set of non-limiting clauses.

[0046] clauses

[0047] 1. In building heating systems,

[0048] At least one air source heat pump configured to transfer heat from air, particularly ambient air, to a working fluid flowing through a working fluid line,

[0049] The working fluid line comprises at least two electric heating tubes and / or at least two (alternative) auxiliary heat sources configured to heat the working fluid while the working fluid flows, and each of the heating tubes and / or at least two (alternative) auxiliary heat sources is connected or may be connected to a heat pump directly or indirectly, and the working fluid line is connected or may be connected to at least one water heat exchanger for transferring heat from the working fluid to water flowing through at least one water line of a building water supply system, in particular tap water and / or domestic water.

[0050] At least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid and / or water flowing through at least one water line,

[0051] A building heating system comprising at least one control unit connected to or connectable to at least one temperature sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to individually control electric heating tubes and / or a heat pump based on a temperature detected by at least one temperature sensor.

[0052] 2. A heating system according to Section 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors connected to or connectable to a control unit, at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heat pump and upstream of the heating tubes, and at least one other working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heating tubes.

[0053] 3. A heating system according to Section 1 or Section 2, wherein the system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors connected to or connectable to a control unit, at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid, and at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one water line of a building water supply system.

[0054] 4. In any one of the preceding sections, the heating system comprises a plurality of water temperature sensors connected to or connectable to a control unit, wherein at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one first water line, such as a tap water line, and at least one other water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one second water line, such as a central heating water line.

[0055] 5. In any one of the preceding sections, the heating system comprises at least one pressure sensor connected to or connectable to a control unit, wherein at least one pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure of a working fluid.

[0056] 6. In any one of the preceding sections, the heating system comprises at least one water pressure sensor connected to or connectable to a control unit, wherein the at least one water pressure sensor is configured to measure the pressure of water in at least one water line of a building water supply system.

[0057] 7. A heating system in which, in any one of the preceding sections, at least two heating tubes are located on the downstream side of a heat pump and on the upstream side of at least one heat exchanger.

[0058] 8. A heating system in which, in any one of the preceding sections, at least two heating tubes are located upstream of a heat pump and downstream of at least one heat exchanger.

[0059] 9. A heating system in which, in any one of the preceding sections, at least two heating tubes are connected in a parallel orientation within a working fluid line.

[0060] 10. In any one of the preceding sections, a heating system having at least one heating tube, preferably, the diameter of each heating tube is smaller than the diameter of each adjacent conduit of the working fluid line, preferably.

[0061] 11. In any one of the preceding sections, at least two heating tubes are connected in a parallel orientation within a working fluid line, and the sum of the diameters of the parallel heating tubes is greater than the diameter of each adjacent conduit of the working fluid line, preferably.

[0062] 12. A heating system in which, in any one of the preceding sections, at least two heating tubes are connected in series within a working fluid line.

[0063] 13. A heating system in which, in any one of the preceding sections, at least one electric heating tube is an induction heating tube.

[0064] 14. In Section 13, the induction heating tube comprises at least one coil that is connected to or connectable to an alternating current power source, and at least one coil is preferably wound around an electrically conductive tube with a coupling distance.

[0065] 15. A heating system according to Section 13 or Section 14, wherein the induction heating tube is connected to or can be connected to an AC power source such as a main power source, at least one frequency converter is located between the AC power source and the induction heating tube, and the frequency converter is configured to increase the default frequency value of the AC power source to a higher frequency value.

[0066] 16. In any one of the preceding sections, a heating system wherein at least one electric heating tube is an electric resistance heating tube comprising at least one electric resistance heating element, such as a heating coil, configured to generate heat to be transferred to a working fluid flowing through the heating tube.

[0067] 17. In Section 16, a heating system in which the heating element is connected to or capable of being connected to an electric power source.

[0068] 18. In any one of the preceding sections, a heating system comprising at least one heat source, wherein the working fluid line preferably comprises at least one heat source instead of or in addition to at least one of at least two heating tubes.

[0069] 19. A heating system configured, wherein, in any one of the preceding sections, the control unit is configured to individually turn on and off electric heating tubes and / or one or more parts of heating tubes, depending on one or more temperature values ​​measured by one or more temperature sensors, preferably including temperature values ​​related to the temperature of the working fluid and the water heated and / or to be heated.

[0070] 20. In any one of the preceding sections, the system comprises at least one water temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one first water line, such as a tap water line, and the control unit is configured to turn on at least one electric heating tube when the measured water temperature is lower than a first threshold, and to turn on at least one additional heating tube simultaneously or sequentially when the measured water temperature is lower than a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is lower than the first threshold, the heating system.

[0071] 21. A heating system, wherein in any one of the preceding sections, the system comprises at least one water temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one first water line, such as a tap water line, as well as at least one flow sensor for measuring the flow of water through the first water line, and the control unit is configured to turn on at least one electric heating tube when the measured water temperature is lower than a temperature threshold and / or when the measured water flow exceeds a flow threshold, and the control unit is further configured to turn on at least one additional heating tube simultaneously or sequentially when the measured water flow exceeds a time period, preferably a predefined time period and / or when the measured temperature increase over a predefined time period remains lower than a temperature threshold.

[0072] 22. In any one of the preceding sections, the heat pump comprises at least one compressor, at least one condenser, and at least one expansion device, in particular at least one expansion valve, and at least one evaporator, the and are connected by fluid conduits that carry heat pump fluid, the evaporator is provided with an air intake duct and an air exhaust duct, and the heat pump further comprises an air fan preferably provided within or connected thereto in the air intake duct.

[0073] 23. A heating system according to Section 22, wherein the condenser comprises at least one working fluid duct forming part of a working fluid line, and the working fluid duct is preferably connected to heating tubes.

[0074] 24. In any one of the preceding sections, a heating system comprising a heat pump including a housing, and at least two heating tubes connected to the housing and / or accommodated within the housing.

[0075] 25. In any of the preceding sections, the heat pump is a heating system that is connected to or capable of being connected to an electric power source.

[0076] 26. In any one of the preceding sections, the heating system comprises a working fluid pump for pumping a working fluid through a working fluid line.

[0077] 27. In any one of the preceding sections, the heating system comprises at least three individually controllable heating tubes.

[0078] 28. A heating system in which, in any one of the preceding sections, the working fluid line is a closed working fluid circuit.

[0079] 29. In any one of the preceding sections, the working fluid line comprises at least one storage container for storing heated working fluid, and the storage container is preferably configured for the flow-passage of the working fluid during the circulation of the working fluid within the working fluid line, a heating system.

[0080] 30. In Section 29, a heating system in which at least one part of a water line is guided through a storage container to preheat water by the working fluid in the storage container.

[0081] 31. In any one of the preceding sections, the heating system comprises at least one water pump for pumping water through at least one water line of the building water supply system.

[0082] 32. In any one of the preceding sections, the system comprises a plurality of separate water lines of a building water supply system, each of at least two water lines connected to a water heat exchanger for heating water by a working fluid, a heating system.

[0083] 33. In any one of the preceding sections, the system comprises at least one safety circuit configured to detect overheating and / or boiling dryness of the working fluid line and to turn off the heat pump and heating tubes when overheating and / or boiling dryness of the working fluid line is detected, wherein the safety circuit is preferably not connected to a control unit.

[0084] 34. A heating system, wherein, in any one of the preceding sections, the control unit is a programmable logic controller (PLC) and / or an energy management system (EMS).

[0085] 35. A heating system, wherein, in any one of the preceding sections, the control unit is configured to communicate wirelessly with at least one, preferably each, temperature sensor and / or heating tube.

[0086] 36. In any one of the preceding sections, the heating system comprises at least one photovoltaic generator for supplying power to a heat pump and heating tubes.

[0087] 37. A heating system, wherein, in any one of the preceding sections, each heating tube is configured to generate a heating output of 1 to 5 kW, preferably 2 to 4 kW.

[0088] 38. A heating system, wherein, in any one of the preceding sections, the assembly of heating tubes is configured to produce a heating output of at least 2 kW, preferably 2 to 10 kW, more preferably 4 to 7 kW.

[0089] 39. A heating system, wherein, in any one of the preceding sections, the heat pump is configured to produce a heating output of 1 to 5 kW, preferably 1 to 3.5 kW.

[0090] 40. A heating system in which, in any one of the preceding sections, the ratio of power input to power output of the heat pump is 6:11 to 1:5.

[0091] 41. A heating system in which, in any one of the preceding sections, the ratio of power input to power output of the heating system is 60:61 to 2:3.

[0092] 42. In a component kit for a building heating system according to any one of the preceding sections,

[0093] At least one heat pump,

[0094] At least two working fluid heating tubes that can be connected directly or indirectly to a heat pump,

[0095] At least one working fluid temperature sensor, and

[0096] A component kit comprising at least one control unit connectable to at least one temperature sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to individually control electric heating tubes and optionally a heat pump based at least partially on the working fluid temperature detected by at least one working fluid temperature sensor. Brief explanation of the drawing

[0097] The present invention will be described based on non-limiting exemplary embodiments illustrated in the following drawings, and in the drawings, FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a first embodiment of a heating system according to the present invention, and FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a second embodiment of a heating system according to the present invention. In these drawings, similar reference numbers correspond to similar or equivalent elements or features. Specific details for implementing the invention

[0098] FIG. 1 schematically illustrates a flowchart of a heating system (1) according to the present invention. The heating system (1) includes a heat pump (2) connected to a working fluid line containing a working fluid (W). The heat pump (2) includes an inlet (3) configured to deliver the working fluid (W) through the heat pump (2), and an outlet (4) configured to discharge the working fluid (W) from the heat pump (2). The heat pump (2) is configured to heat the working fluid (W) from a first temperature (T1) to a second higher temperature (T2).

[0099] The heating system (1) of the illustrated embodiment further comprises two electric heating tubes (5). Each of the illustrated heating tubes (5) comprises a first end (7) and a second end (8). The heating tubes (5) are connected to a working fluid line. The heating tubes (5) of the illustrated embodiment are provided downstream of the heat pump (2). However, it is conceivable that the heating tubes (5) are provided upstream of the heat pump (2). The heating tubes (5) of the illustrated embodiment are provided in series with the heat pump (2). The heating tubes (5) allow the working fluid (W) of the working fluid line to pass, in particular, from the first end (7) to the second end (8). The heating tubes (5) of the illustrated embodiment are connected in a parallel orientation within the working fluid line. However, it is conceivable that the heating tubes (5) are connected in series within the working fluid line. Each of the illustrated heating tubes (5) comprises a heating element (6). The heating element (6) of the illustrated embodiment is arranged at least partially between the first end (7) and the second end (8) of the heating tube (5). It can be conceived that at least one heating tube (5) includes more than one heating element (6). The heating tubes (5) are configured to heat the working fluid (W) while the working fluid (W) flows through them. The heating tubes (5) may be configured to heat the working fluid (W) from a third temperature (T3) to a fourth higher temperature (T4). The temperature of the working fluid (W) passing through the heating tubes (5) may increase according to the number of heated tubes (5) turned on. Thus, the fourth temperature (T4) may increase according to the number of heated tubes (5) turned on. In particular, when the heating tubes (5) are provided downstream of the heat pump (2), it can be conceived that the third temperature (T3) is substantially the same as the second temperature (T2). In particular, when the heat pump (2) is provided downstream of the heating tubes (5), it can be assumed that the fourth temperature (T4) is substantially the same as the first temperature (T1).

[0100] The illustrated heating system (1) further includes a heat exchanger (8) connected to a working fluid line. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat exchanger (8) is arranged downstream of the heat pump (2) and downstream of the heating tubes (5). The heat exchanger (8) includes a first inlet (9) configured to deliver a working fluid (W) through the heat exchanger (8), and a first outlet (10) configured to discharge the working fluid (W) from the heat exchanger (8). The heat exchanger (8) further includes a second inlet (11) configured to deliver a fluid (F), such as water, through the heat exchanger (8), and a second outlet (12) configured to discharge the fluid (F) from the heat exchanger (8). The working fluid (W) and the fluid (F) are in at least partial heat exchange contact to heat the fluid (F) at least partially. It can be conceived that the working fluid (W) and the fluid (F) are in at least partial heat exchange contact within the heat exchanger (8). The working fluid (W) enters the heat exchanger (8) at a higher fifth temperature (T5) and exits the heat exchanger (8) at a lower sixth temperature (T6). The heat of the working fluid (W) is transferred at least partially to the fluid (F) during heat exchange contact between the working fluid (W) and the fluid (F). The fluid (F) enters the heat exchanger (8) at a lower seventh temperature (T7) and exits the heat exchanger (8) at a higher eighth temperature (T8) during heat transfer from the working fluid (W) to the fluid (F).

[0101] The heating system (1) further includes at least one working fluid temperature sensor (13) configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid (W) in the working fluid line. In the illustrated embodiment, the temperature sensor (13) is located between the heat pump (2) and the heating tubes (5), but it may also be additionally or alternatively desirable to place at least one working fluid temperature sensor (13) downstream of the heating tubes (5). Additionally or alternatively, the heating system (1) may include one or more water temperature sensors (not illustrated) configured to measure a seventh (water) temperature (T7) and / or—often more preferably—an eighth (water) temperature (T8). The heating system (1) further includes a control unit (14) connected directly or indirectly to the temperature sensor (13). The control unit (14) is configured to control the heating tubes (5) based on the temperature detected / measured by the working fluid temperature sensor(s) (13) and / or the water temperature sensor(s). It can be conceived that when the temperature of the working fluid (W) is lower than a (predetermined) threshold, one or more heating tubes (5) are turned on to further heat the working fluid (W) to a desired temperature. Optionally, when the detected temperature of the working fluid (W) is higher than a (predetermined) threshold, one or more heating tubes are turned off so as not to further heat the working fluid (W).

[0102] FIG. 2 schematically illustrates a second embodiment of a heating system (1) according to the present invention. The heating system (1) includes an air source heat pump (2) configured to heat the working fluid (W) in the working fluid line. It can be conceived that the illustrated heat pump (2) replaces a boiler (central heater) by utilizing the existing air delivery infrastructure of the building's heating system. In the illustrated embodiment, the heat pump (2) is connected, directly or indirectly, to an existing air inlet pipe (105) and / or an existing air inlet opening (109). In the illustrated embodiment, the air inlet opening (109) is provided on the roof (106) of the building. However, the air inlet opening (109) may be provided on any wall of the building. The illustrated heat pump (2) is also connected, directly or indirectly, to an existing flue gas exhaust pipe (104) and / or an existing flue gas exhaust opening (110). In the illustrated embodiment, the existing flue gas exhaust opening (110) is provided on the roof (106) of the building. However, the existing flue gas exhaust opening (110) may be provided in any wall of the building. In particular, the air intake duct (Ai) is connected to the existing flue gas exhaust pipe (104) and the air exhaust duct (Ao) is connected to the existing air intake pipe (105). Thus, the heat pump (2) is configured to discharge relatively cold air through the existing air intake pipe (105) and extract relatively warm or hot air through the existing flue gas exhaust pipe (104). This configuration is advantageous because the existing air intake pipe (105) is designed to deliver relatively cold air and the existing flue gas exhaust pipe (104) is designed to deliver relatively hot gas. However, it is also conceivable that the air intake duct (Ai) is connected to the existing air intake pipe (105) and the air exhaust duct (Ao) is connected to the existing flue exhaust pipe (104).

[0103] The heat pump (2) comprises a compressor (23), a condenser (24), an expansion valve (25), and an evaporator (22), which are connected by fluid conduits that carry heat pump fluid (H). The evaporator (22) is equipped with an air intake duct (Ai) and an air exhaust duct (Ao). The air intake duct (Ai) is preferably equipped with an air fan (21) or blower provided within or connected to the air intake duct (Ai). The air fan (21) is configured to guide relatively hot air into the heat pump (2). The evaporator (22) is configured to heat the heat pump fluid (H) at least partially, for example, by absorbing heat from the relatively hot air. The illustrated condenser (24) is equipped with a working fluid duct configured to connect the heat pump (2) to a working fluid line. The heat pump fluid (H) is in a state of at least partial heat exchange contact with the working fluid (W), preferably in a condenser (24), in order to heat the working fluid (W) from a first temperature (T1) to a second, higher temperature (T2). The temperature difference between the first temperature (T1) and the second temperature (T2) ) is preferably a maximum of 40 degrees Celsius.

[0104] Downstream of the heat pump (2), the illustrated heating system (1) includes three heating tubes (5). The heating tubes (5) are connected in a parallel orientation to the working fluid line (W). Between the heat pump (2) and the heating tubes (5), the heating system includes a temperature sensor (13) configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid (W) before it enters the heating tubes (5). The temperature sensor (13) is connected to or can be connected to a control unit (14). The heating tubes (5) are preferably configured to cooperatively heat the working fluid (W) to 95 degrees Celsius. Temperature difference ( ) can be defined by the difference between the temperature of the working fluid (W) before entering the heating tubes (5) and the temperature of the working fluid (W) after passing through the heating tubes (5). Preferably, the maximum temperature difference ( The temperature is 85 degrees Celsius. The working fluid (W) is preferably heated by heating tubes (5) and a heat pump (2). Preferably, the maximum temperature of the working fluid (W) passing through both the heating tubes (5) and the heat pump is 95 degrees Celsius.

[0105] The illustrated heating system (1) further includes working fluid sensors (13, 41). Temperature sensors (13) are provided at various locations configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid (W). The temperature sensors (13) may be provided, for example, downstream of the heating tubes (5) and upstream of the first heat exchanger (81). The illustrated heating system (1) further includes a pressure sensor (41) configured to measure the pressure of the working fluid (W) in the working fluid line. The pressure sensor (41) may be connected to, directly or indirectly, the control unit (14). The illustrated pressure sensor (41) is provided downstream of the heating tubes (5) and upstream of the heat exchangers (81). It can be conceived that if the pressure measured by the pressure sensor (41) is higher than a threshold value, a safety valve (37) opens to reduce the pressure in the working fluid line. The illustrated heating system (1) further includes a safety circuit (42) configured to detect overheating and / or boiling dryness of the working fluid (W) in the working fluid line. When overheating and / or boiling dryness of the working fluid (W) in the working fluid line is detected, the safety circuit (42) is configured to turn off at least one of the heat pump (2) and / or heating tubes (5).

[0106] The control unit (14) is configured to modularly control the heating tubes (5) and optionally the heat pump (2) based on the input of at least one temperature sensor (13, 131), preferably. For example, if the measured temperature of the working fluid (W) measured by the temperature sensor (13) located upstream of the heating tubes (5) is lower than a threshold value, the control unit may be configured to turn on one or more heating tubes (5) to further heat the working fluid (W) to a desired temperature.

[0107] The illustrated control unit (14) is connected to or can be connected to an external device (44), such as a display, to allow people or users to communicate data related to the building heating system and / or monitor the status of the heating system.

[0108] The heating system (1) of the illustrated embodiment downstream of the heating tubes (5) comprises two heat exchangers (81, 82) connected in series to a working fluid line. The first heat exchanger (81) comprises a first inlet (91) and a first outlet (92) configured to be connected to the working fluid line. The first heat exchanger (81) further comprises a second inlet (93) and a second outlet (94) that are connected to or connectable to a first fluid line containing a first fluid (F1). Preferably, the first fluid line is a tap water line containing tap water. Preferably, the tap water line containing tap water is heated in the first heat exchanger provided upstream of the second heat exchanger to allow the tap water to be heated relatively quickly. The first heat exchanger (81) is configured to transfer heat from the working fluid (W) to the first fluid (F1), such as water, of the first fluid line. The temperature of the first fluid (F1) before entering the first heat exchanger (81) may be between 10 and 65 degrees Celsius. It is conceivable that the first fluid (F1) is heated to 65 degrees Celsius by the first heat exchanger (81). In the illustrated embodiment, the first fluid line includes a flow sensor or a flow switch (46). The flow switch (46) is arranged upstream of the first heat exchanger (81). The flow switch (46) may be configured to monitor the flow rate and / or pressure of the first fluid (F1) within the first fluid line. Preferably, the flow switch (46) is configured to activate the first heat exchanger (81) when the first fluid (F1) exceeds a predetermined flow rate. It is conceivable that the flow switch (46) is provided in the second fluid line and / or the working fluid line. In the illustrated embodiment, a water temperature sensor (131) is provided to measure the temperature of the first fluid (F1). The illustrated temperature sensor (131) is provided downstream of the first heat exchanger (81).A temperature sensor (131) is connected to or can be connected to a control unit (14), and the control unit (14) is configured to control a first heat exchanger (81) based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (131). For example, if the measured temperature of a first fluid (F1) measured by a temperature sensor (131) located upstream of the first heat exchanger (81) is lower than a threshold value, the control unit may be configured to turn on one or more heating tubes (5) to heat the first fluid (F1) to a desired temperature (additionally).

[0109] Downstream of the first heat exchanger (81), the heating system (1) of the illustrated embodiment includes a second heat exchanger (82). Between the first heat exchanger (81) and the second heat exchanger (82), a temperature sensor (13) is provided to measure the temperature and optionally monitor possible temperature attenuation. The second heat exchanger (82) includes a first inlet (95) and a first outlet (96) configured to be connected to a working fluid line. The second heat exchanger (82) further includes a second inlet (97) and a second outlet (98) that are connected to or connectable to a second fluid line containing a second fluid (F2). Preferably, the second fluid line is a central heating water line containing central heating water. The second heat exchanger (82) is configured to transfer heat from the working fluid (W) to the second fluid (F2), such as water, of the second fluid line. The temperature of the second fluid (F2) before entering the second heat exchanger (82) may be between 10 and 65 degrees Celsius. It is conceivable that the second fluid (F2) is heated to 65 degrees Celsius by the second heat exchanger (82). The second fluid line further includes a pump (39) configured to pump the second fluid (F2) out of the second heat exchanger (82). In the illustrated embodiment, a water temperature sensor (131) is provided to measure the temperature of the second fluid (F2). The illustrated temperature sensor (131) is provided downstream of the second heat exchanger (82). The temperature sensor (131) is connected to or can be connected to a control unit (14), and the control unit (14) is configured to control the second heat exchanger (82) based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor (131). Additionally, a pressure sensor (141) may be provided in the second fluid line to measure the pressure of the second fluid (F2). For example, if the measured pressure of the second fluid (F2) is lower than a threshold value, a signal is given by the control unit to refill the second fluid line with the second fluid (F2). The illustrated pressure sensor (141) is provided downstream of the second heat exchanger (82).A temperature sensor (13) is located downstream of the second heat exchanger (82) and upstream of the storage container (30) to measure the temperature of the working fluid (W) and optionally monitor possible temperature attenuation.

[0110] The working fluid line further includes a vent (45) configured to exhaust the working fluid line to air (bubbles) or gas (bubbles). The first fluid line and / or the second fluid line may include a vent (45) configured to exhaust the first fluid line and / or the second fluid line to air (bubbles) or gas (bubbles).

[0111] The illustrated heating system (1) further includes a storage container (30), such as a buffer tank. The illustrated storage container (30) includes a first inlet (31) for transferring a working fluid (W) into the storage container (30) and a first outlet (32) for discharging the working fluid (W) from the storage container (30). The storage container (30) is configured to store a heated working fluid (W). The storage container (30) further includes a second inlet (33) and a second outlet (35) that are connected to or connectable to a first fluid line. A portion of the first fluid line is guided through the storage container (30), at least, between the second inlet (33) and the second outlet (34) of the storage container (30). The illustrated storage container (30) is configured to preheat the first fluid (F1) by transferring heat from the heated working fluid (W) to the first fluid (F1). It can be conceived that the storage container (30) is configured to heat the first fluid (F1) to at least approximately 10 degrees Celsius, preferably approximately 75 degrees Celsius. It can be conceived that the temperature of the working fluid (W) is at most 95 degrees Celsius before entering the storage container (30). The temperature of the working fluid (W) may decrease to 10 degrees Celsius when it is discharged from the storage container (30), particularly after heat has been transferred to the first fluid (F1). Optionally, the first fluid line guided through the storage container (30) includes a coiled section (35). The coiled section (35) increases the length of the transfer section, and thus the heat transfer capacity from the working fluid (W) to the first fluid (F1). The illustrated storage container (30) is provided upstream of the heat pump (2) and the heating tubes (5). The illustrated heating system (1) further includes a second storage container (38) configured to store the working fluid (W). Additionally, the depicted heating system (1) includes a working fluid pump (40) configured to pump the working fluid (W) within the working fluid line.

[0112] The inventive concepts described above are illustrated by various exemplary embodiments. It can be conceived that individual inventive concepts may be applied without applying other details of the described examples, in doing so. Since a person skilled in the art will understand that multiple inventive concepts may be (re)combined to achieve a specific application, it is not necessary to describe in detail examples of all conceivable combinations of the inventive concepts described above.

[0113] It will be apparent that the present invention is not limited to the operational examples illustrated and described herein, and that numerous variations that will be obvious to those skilled in the art are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0114] Ordinal numbers such as "1," "2," "3," and "4" used in this document are for identification purposes only. Therefore, the use of the expression "3rd temperature" does not necessarily require the coexistence of "1st temperature." The expression "heating tube" may be replaced with the expression "auxiliary heat source."

[0115] The verb "comprise" and its conjugations used in this patent publication are understood to mean not only "comprise," but also the phrases and their conjugations such as "contain," "substantially consist of," and "formed by."

Claims

Claim 1 A building heating system comprises at least one air source heat pump configured to transfer heat from air, particularly outside air, to a working fluid flowing through a working fluid line; at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of said working fluid and / or water flowing through at least one water line; and at least one control unit connected or connectable to said at least one temperature sensor, wherein the working fluid line comprises at least two electrical heating tubes configured to heat said working fluid while said working fluid flows, and each of said heating tubes is directly or indirectly connected or connectable to said heat pump, and said working fluid line is connected or connectable to at least one water heat exchanger for transferring heat from said working fluid to water, particularly tap water and / or utility water, flowing through at least one water line of a building water system, and said control unit is A building heating system configured to individually control the electric heating tubes and selectively control the heat pump based on the temperature detected by a single temperature sensor. Claim 2 A heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors connected to or connectable to the control unit, at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heat pump and upstream of the heating tubes, and at least one other working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heating tubes. Claim 3 A heating system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors connected to or connectable to the control unit, at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid, and at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one water line of the building water supply system. Claim 4 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the heating system comprises a plurality of water temperature sensors connected to or connectable to the control unit, at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one first water line, such as a tap water line, and at least one other water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one second water line, such as a central heating water line. Claim 5 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein at least two heating tubes are located on the downstream side of the heat pump and on the upstream side of the at least one heat exchanger. Claim 6 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein at least two heating tubes are connected in a parallel orientation within the working fluid line, and the sum of the diameters of the parallel heating tubes is greater than the diameter of each adjacent conduit of the working fluid line, preferably. Claim 7 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein at least one electric heating tube is an induction heating tube, said induction heating tube is connected to or can be connected to an alternating current source such as mains, preferably at least one frequency converter is located between said alternating current source and said induction heating tube, said frequency converter is configured to increase the default frequency value of said alternating current source to a higher frequency value. Claim 8 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the control unit is configured to individually turn on and off the electric heating tubes and / or one or more parts of the heating tubes according to one or more temperature values ​​measured by one or more temperature sensors, preferably comprising the working fluid and temperature values ​​associated with the temperature of the water heated and / or to be heated. Claim 9 In any one of claims 1 to 8, the system comprises at least one water temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of water flowing through at least one first water line, such as a tap water line, and the control unit is configured to turn on at least one electric heating tube when the measured water temperature is lower than a first threshold, and to turn on at least one additional heating tube simultaneously or sequentially when the measured water temperature is lower than a second threshold, wherein the second threshold is lower than the first threshold. Claim 10 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the heat pump comprises a housing, and at least two heating tubes are connected to the housing and / or accommodated within the housing. Claim 11 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the heating system comprises, in addition to the heat pump and in addition to or instead of at least one heating tube, at least one alternative auxiliary heating source. Claim 12 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the working fluid line comprises at least one storage container for storing a heated working fluid, the storage container is preferably configured to allow the working fluid to flow during the circulation of the working fluid within the working fluid line, and at least one portion of a water line is guided through the storage container to preheat the water by the working fluid within the storage container. Claim 13 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, wherein the system comprises a plurality of separate water lines of the building water supply system, and each of at least two water lines is connected to at least one water heat exchanger for heating water by the working fluid. Claim 14 A heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the system comprises at least one safety circuit configured to detect overheating and / or boiling dryness of the working fluid line and to turn off the heat pump and the heating tubes when overheating and / or boiling dryness of the working fluid line is detected, and the safety circuit is preferably not connected to the control unit. Claim 15 A kit of parts for a building heating system according to any one of claims 1 to 14, comprising at least one heat pump, at least two working fluid heating tubes directly or indirectly connectable to said heat pump, at least one working fluid temperature sensor, and at least one control unit connectable to said at least one temperature sensor, wherein the control unit is configured to individually control said electric heating tubes and optionally control said heat pump based at least partially on said working fluid temperature detected by said at least one working fluid temperature sensor.

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