Distributed heating and cooling network system

Abstract

A distributed heating and cooling network system (100) is disclosed that comprises at least one building connected (106) to a pipe network (102) configured to supply potable water, at least one heat pump (104) disposed at the or each building (106) and connected to the pipe network (102) to receive potable water from, and to return water to, the pipe network (102), and at least one leak detection module (124) configured to detect leaks in the pipe network (102). The pipe network (102) comprises a water pipe network (110) and a gas pipe network (108). The or each heat pump (104) of a building (106) extracts thermal energy from the water and transfers thermal energy to an energy distributing system (111) of the building (106). Repurposing of existing natural gas and water pipes to create the pipe network (102) is disclosed.

Description

[0001] DISTRIBUTED HEATING AND COOLING NETWORK SYSTEM

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention generally relates to building decarbonization, and cooling and heating networks. More specifically, the present invention relates to a distributed heating and cooling network system utilizing repurposed gas and water pipe networks.

[0004] BACKGROUND

[0005] Building decarbonization is a critical process aimed at reducing or eliminating the carbon dioxide emissions that contribute to climate change from a building’s energy sources. The buildings generate greenhouse gas emissions from energy consumption required for heating, cooling and lighting buildings and from appliances being operated within the building. The heating and cooling systems predominantly rely on fossil fuels and emit substantial amounts of greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide.

[0006] Various types of methods are employed for building decarbonization and to support energyefficient heating, cooling, and water systems. One established approach involves the installation of ground source heat pumps at the building. The ground source heat pump is generally connected to a ground loop. The ground loop is typically buried about one meter beneath the surface and an antifreeze fluid is circulated through the ground loop to absorb the ground temperature. The antifreeze fluid is subsequently warmed, and then pumped back to the heat pump. The heat pump then extracts the thermal energy to provide heating and hot water within the building.

[0007] An alternative to ground loops is the drilling of boreholes and installation of vertical pipes. The boreholes facilitate the extraction of ground energy through antifreeze fluid circulated in vertically installed pipes. The boreholes could also be connected to or near water sources to harness energy from water using open or closed fluid systems. However, the boreholes system is usually more expensive. In some cases, a hybrid system combining both ground loops and borehole systems are employed. The hybrid system enables extraction of energy from both the ground and water sources.

[0008] Another preferred system for building decarbonization is Fifth Generation District Heating (5GDH) system. This system involves installing an extensive network of pipes that connects multiple buildings to a central heat source. The system integrates various sustainable technologies such as solar thermal panels, biomass, water sources, and boreholes. The system circulates heat harvested from sources, including ambient air or waste heat, to the heat pumps within the network to provide cost-effective and environmentally friendly heating and cooling solutions.

[0009] Other methods such as air-source heat pumps and solar panels also play pivotal roles in building decarbonization. The air-source heat pumps extract energy from ambient air. The solar panels, which include photovoltaic panels, evacuated tubes, or flat plate collectors, and combined photovoltaic thermal systems, convert solar energy into electricity or thermal energy.

[0010] Despite these advancements, the transition to a hydrogen network for building heating and the proposed repurposing of the gas network have faced opposition due to concerns over feasibility, safety and costs of green hydrogen.

[0011] Therefore, there is a need for a distributed heating and cooling system integrating external heat sources that support building decarbonization. The system needs to store energy and ensure the availability of energy during periods of high demand. Further, the system needs to detect leaks in the pipe network. Further, the system needs to be cost-effective and environmentally friendly, ensure sustainable building operations and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

[0012] SUMMARY

[0013] The present invention provides a distributed heating and cooling network system comprising: one or more buildings, wherein the or each building is connected to a pipe network configured to supply potable water, wherein the pipe network comprises: a water pipe network, and a gas pipe network; one or more heat pumps, wherein at least one heat pump is disposed at the or each building and is connected to said pipe network to receive potable water of a first temperature from a flow circuit of the pipe network, wherein the or each heat pump is configured to extract thermal energy from the received potable water and transfer the thermal energy to an energy distributing system of the building it is disposed at; and wherein a return circuit of the pipe network is configured to receive water of a second temperature from the or each heat pump; and at least one leak detection module configured to detect leaks in the pipe network by measuring a temperature profile of the water, wherein the leak detection module comprises a thermal imaging camera.

[0014] In an example, the or at least one of said one or more buildings further comprises at least one refrigerant engine Dynamo that is connected to the pipe network. In an example, the return circuit includes a sewage pipe network and a rainwater drainpipe network, and the flow circuit includes the gas pipe network and the water pipe network. In an example, the flow circuit includes the gas pipe network, the water pipe network, a sewage pipe network and a rainwater drainpipe network. In an example, the second temperature is higher than said first temperature. In an example, the said at least one heat pump comprises at least one heat pump installed within a building of said one or more buildings. In an example, the said at least one heat pump comprises at least one heat pump installed outside a building of said one or more buildings. In an example, the system further comprises at least one heat source, and at least one storage container connected to the at least one heat source, the pipe network and the at one or more heat pumps, wherein the at least storage container is configured to store and supply water to the heat pump, and to receive thermal energy from the heat source to heat the stored water. In an example, the at least one storage container includes at least one of: a water storage container, insulated water storage container, repurposed petroleum products containers and tanks, a repurposed natural gas storage tank, a sand battery and a thermal battery. In an example, the system comprises an energy transfer device connected to the pipe network, wherein the energy transfer device includes an air source heat pump and at least one heat pump of said one or more heat pumps.

[0015] In an example, the or at least one of said one or more buildings further comprises a waste heat recovery unit, wherein the waste heat recovery unit is configured to capture waste thermal energy generated by various processes and equipment within the building, wherein the waste heat recovery unit is connected to the pipe network and energy transfer device. In an example, said one or more buildings comprises a plurality of building each connected to the pipe network to define defines a wide area distributed heating and cooling network system. In an example, at least one said leak detection module is one of: a satellite thermal imaging device a flying thermal imaging device and handheld thermal image device. In an example, the pipe network comprises insulated pipes including at least one of: double, triple, or quadruple insulated pipes.

[0016] The present invention also provides a method of providing a distributed heating and cooling network system, comprising: identifying a building, wherein the building is connected to a pipe network configured to supply potable water, wherein the pipe network comprises: a water pipe network, and a gas pipe network; connecting a heat pump disposed at the building to said pipe network to receive potable water of a first temperature from a flow circuit of the pipe network, configuring the heat pump to extract thermal energy from the received potable water and transfer the thermal energy to an energy distributing system of the building; and configuring a return circuit of the pipe network to receive water of a second temperature from the heat pump; and configuring at least one leak detection module, the leak detection module comprising a thermal imaging camera, to detect leaks in the pipe network by measuring a temperature profile of the pipe network.

[0017] The present invention also provides a method of supplying a heat pump disposed at a building with potable water, comprising: identifying a gas pipe network, repurposing the identified gas pipe network to convey potable water, and connecting the heat pump to a pipe network comprising the repurposed gas pipe network and a water pipe network, to: receive potable water of a first temperature from a flow circuit of the pipe network, and return water of a second temperature to a return circuit of the pipe network.

[0018] The present application discloses a distributed heating and cooling network system. The system comprises a pipe network and one or more heat pumps. The pipe network is configured to supply potable water. Further, the pipe network comprises a repurposed gas pipe network, and a water pipe network. The heat pumps are connected to the pipe network. Further, at least one heat pump is disposed at each building. Each building having the heat pump connected to the pipe network defines a wide area distributed heating and cooling network system. Further, the heat pump is configured to extract thermal energy from the water and transfer the thermal energy to an energy distributing system of the building.

[0019] Further, the pipe network comprises a flow circuit and a return circuit. The flow circuit is configured to allow water of a first temperature to flow there through and into the heat pump. In an embodiment, the flow circuit includes the repurposed gas pipe network, the water pipe network, the repurposed sewage pipe network, and a rainwater drainpipe network. In another embodiment, the flow circuit includes the repurposed gas pipe network, and the water pipe network. The return circuit is configured to return water of a second temperature from the heat pump into the pipe network. Further, the return circuit includes a repurposed sewage pipe network and the rainwater drainpipe network. Further, the pipe network comprises insulated pipes including at least one of double, triple, or quadruple insulated pipes.

[0020] The system further comprises at least one leak detection module. The leak detection module is configured to detect leaks in the pipe network by measuring a temperature profile of the water. Further, the leak detection module includes at least one of a thermal imaging device, a satellite thermal imaging device a flying thermal imaging device and handheld thermal image device. The leak detection module further comprises at least one of a thermal imaging camera and a satellite with a thermal imaging camera.

[0021] The system further comprises a heat source connected to the pipe network. The heat source is configured to manage the thermal energy of the potable water being circulated at the pipe network. The heat source comprises a renewable heat source, a ground source array, gas boilers, biomass boilers, power station, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, power station using fossil fuels and nuclear power stations. Further, the heat source comprises a solar energy collection system including photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels, photovoltaic (PV) panels, thermal collectors consisting of tubes painted black to absorb solar radiation, evacuated tubes, flat plate collectors and parabolic-trough solar concentrating collectors. The heat source further includes waste heat from sources comprising data centers, air conditioners, industries, commercial kitchens, restaurants, swimming pool, lake rivers, water pipes, water mats, water storage container, water reservoir, insulated swimming pool, insulated lakes, insulated black water pipe, insulated black water mats, insulated water reservoir, fish market, ice machines, wind turbine, underground tube stations, underground rail networks, factory, industrial buildings, plants, shopping centers, shopping malls, markets, supermarket, university campuses, borehole ground arrays, building waste heat recovery units, and warm water from baths, showers, and kitchens released through drain. The heat source further includes heat generated from water treatment process, distribution of water to consumers, natural gas extraction process and distributing natural gas to consumers.

[0022] The system further comprises at least one storage container connected to the heat source, the pipe network, and the heat pumps. The storage container is configured to store and supply water to the heat pump, and receive thermal energy from the heat source to heat the stored water. In an embodiment, the storage container includes at least one of a water storage container, insulated water storage container, repurposed petroleum products containers and tanks, and a repurposed natural gas storage tank. In an embodiment, at least one leak detection module, at least one storage container, and at least one heat source are disposed at each building. The storage container further comprises a sand battery and a thermal battery.

[0023] The system further comprises an energy transfer device connected to the pipe network. In an embodiment, the energy transfer device includes an air source heat pump and the heat pump. The system further comprises a waste heat recovery unit disposed at each building. The waste heat recovery unit is configured to capture waste thermal energy generated by various processes and equipment within the building. The waste heat recovery unit is connected to the pipe network and energy transfer device. The thermal energy from the waste heat recovery unit could be used as the heat source.

[0024] The above summary contains simplifications, generalizations and omissions of detail and is not intended as a comprehensive description of the claimed subject matter but, rather, is intended to provide a brief overview of some of the functionality associated therewith. Other systems, methods, functionality, features, objects or things not listed or invented in the future, and advantages of the claimed subject matter will be or will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination of the following figures and detailed written description.

[0025] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The description of the illustrative embodiments can be read in conjunction with the accompanying figures. It will be appreciated that for simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in the figures have not necessarily been drawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements are exaggerated relative to other elements. Embodiments incorporating teachings of the present disclosure are shown and described with respect to the figures presented herein, in which:

[0027] FIG. 1 exemplarily illustrates an environment of a distributed heating and cooling network system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an environment of the distributed heating and cooling network system, according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates an environment of the distributed heating and cooling network system.

[0030] FIG. 4 exemplarily illustrates an environment of the distributed heating and cooling network system, according to yet another embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] FIG. 5 exemplarily illustrates an environment of a wide area distributed heating and cooling network system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] FIG. 6 exemplarily illustrates an environment of the wide area distributed heating and cooling network system connected to a gas pipe network, a water pipe network and an insulated pipe network, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0033] FIG. 7 exemplarily illustrates an environment of the wide area distributed heating and cooling network system connected to a water pipe network and a sewage pipe, a rainwater drainpipe network and an insulated pipe network, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] FIG. 8 exemplarily illustrates an environment of the wide area distributed heating and cooling network system connected to a heat network via insulated pipes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0035] FIG. 9 exemplarily illustrates an environment of the wide area distributed heating and cooling network system connected to different heat sources, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0036] FIG. 10 exemplarily illustrates an environment of the wide area distributed heating and cooling network system connected to different heat sources via insulated pipes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0037] FIG. 11 exemplarily illustrates an environment of the wide area distributed heating and cooling network system connected to the heat network via heat exchange pipes, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0038] FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method for treating and distributing water for use in buildings, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method of extracting natural gas and distributing natural gas for use in building, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method for transportation of gas through gas network, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] FIG. 15 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method of distribution of heat generated from water treatment process and natural gas extraction through the distributed heating and cooling network system, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0043] A description of embodiments of the present invention will now be provided with reference to the accompanying Figures. The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive on the scope of the present invention to only the embodiments described, as the scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims.

[0044] A distributed heating and cooling network system is disclosed that comprises at least one building connected to a pipe network configured to supply potable water, at least one heat pump disposed at the or each building and connected to the pipe network to receive potable water from, and to return water to, the pipe network, and at least one leak detection module configured to detect leaks in the pipe network. The pipe network comprises a water pipe network and a gas pipe network. The or each heat pump of a building extracts thermal energy from the water and transfers thermal energy to an energy distributing system of the building. Repurposing of existing natural gas and water pipes to create the pipe network is disclosed.

[0045] Referring to FIGS. 1 to 11 , a distributed heating and cooling network system 100 comprises a pipe network 102 and one or more heat pumps 104 and, optionally, at least one refrigerant engine Dynamo 105. At least one heat pump 104, and optionally, at least one refrigerant engine Dynamo 105, is disposed in each building 106 in a geographical area. Each heat pump 104 and each optional refrigerant engine Dynamo 105 is connected to the pipe network 102. In an embodiment, the pipe network 102 comprises a repurposed gas pipe network 108 and a water pipe network 110. The pipe network 102 is configured to supply potable water to the heat pump 104 and each optional refrigerant engine Dynamo 105. The heat pump 104 and each optional refrigerant engine Dynamo 105 is configured to extract thermal energy from the potable water and transfer the thermal energy to an energy distributing system of the building 106. The system 100 is a wide area distributed heating and cooling network system.

[0046] According to an embodiment of the present invention, existing gas mains and gas network of pipes are repurposed into a water pipe network 108. Further, existing water mains and water network of pipes are repurposed into the water pipe network 110. In an embodiment, potable drinking water and warmed water could be circulated through the pipe network 102 including the gas pipe network 108 and water pipe network 110 to flow into and from the buildings 106. The heat pump 104 and each optional refrigerant engine Dynamo 105 could be installed within the building 106 or outside the building 106. The water supplied to the heat pump 104 is upscaled through either the gas pipe network 108 and water pipe network 110. The heat pump 104 is configured to generate higher temperature to meet the space heating and warm water requirements of the building 106. In warmer months, the heat pump 104 is configured to remove building heat and discharge it into the pipe network. The cooled water discharged from the heat pump 104 is configured to exit through the repurposed gas pipe network 108, and a sewage pipe network and a rainwater drainpipe network 112.

[0047] The water pipe network 102 includes a flow circuit and a return circuit. The flow circuit is configured to allow water of a first temperature to flow there through and into the heat pump 104, and the return circuit is configured to return water of a second temperature from the heat pump 104 into the pipe network 102. In an embodiment, the flow circuit includes gas pipe network 108 and water pipe network 110 and the return circuit includes sewage pipe network and a rainwater drainpipe network 112. In another embodiment, the gas pipe network 108 is repurposed to supply water to the heat pump 104 during high building energy demand, and the rainwater and sewage pipe network 112 is used to make the flow circuit.

[0048] Further, the pipe network 102 enables the circulation of cooled potable water back through the pipe network 102 to the water treatment facility. The circulation cycle is repeated and captures geothermal heat energy from the earth as the water returns to the treatment plant, where the water is pumped back to the buildings 106. Further, necessary fresh, drinkable water is added to a heating and cooling network system 100 to replenish the amount of water that has been used by buildings 106 in the system 100. This ensures that the water levels in the pipe network 102 remain constant and enables continuous operation of the heating and cooling functions.

[0049] According to an embodiment of the present invention, liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks 148 are installed either inside or outside the building 106 as a temporary measure during the transition period. This setup allows for the repurposing of the existing gas pipe network. By installing LPG tanks 148 and adapting the gas nozzles on appliances within the buildings 106, these appliances could continue to operate normally using LPG tanks 148. Once the system 100 is fully operational and stable, the LPG tanks 148 and related appliances could be phased out from the building 106. The use of LPG tanks 148 ensures the process involving heating, cooling and cooking functions remains uninterrupted.

[0050] Referring to FIG. 1 , an environment 150 of the system 100 comprises the building 106 provided with the heat pump 1 04 and optional refrigerant engine Dynamo 105 coupled to the pipe network 102. The pipe network 102 comprises the repurposed gas pipe network 108, the water pipe network 110, and the sewage pipe network and a rainwater drainpipe network 112.

[0051] Referring to FIG. 2, an environment 200 comprises the building 106 provided with the heat pump 104 coupled to the pipe network 102. The pipe network 102 comprises the water pipe network 110, and the sewage pipe network and the rainwater drainpipe network 112. The building 106 can include, but not be limited to, inhabited building, uninhabited building, commercial building, domestic building or any other type of building.

[0052] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 2, the heat pump 104 and optional refrigerant engine Dynamo 105 receives water from the pipe network 102 to extract thermal energy from the potable water and transfer the thermal energy to the energy distributing system, indicated generally at 111 , of the building 106.

[0053] The system 100 further comprises a waste heat recovery unit 116 configured to capture waste heat or thermal energy generated by various processes or equipment within the building 106. The waste heat includes warm water used in baths, showers, and kitchens, which normally flushed down through the drain or waste pipe. The waste heat could come from one or more sources including, but not limited to, HVAC systems, industrial processes, electrical equipment and other operations that produce excess heat as a byproduct. The system 100 further comprises a heat network configured to receive the surplus thermal energy from the waste heat recovery unit 116.

[0054] The system 100 further comprises a storage container 118 and a heat source. In an embodiment, the storage container 118 is at least of a water storage container and insulated water storage container, repurposed petroleum products container and tanks, repurposed natural gas storage tanks, heat battery, sand battery or other storage device. In an embodiment, the heat source is a solar energy collection system 120. The solar energy collection system 120 can include, but not be limited to, photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels, photovoltaic (PV) panels, and solar thermal collectors consisting of black tubes to absorb solar radiation. The solar energy collection system 120 further comprises evacuated tubes, flat plate collectors, and parabolic-trough solar concentrating collectors.

[0055] The storage container 118 is configured to receive thermal energy from the solar energy collection system 120 to heat the stored potable water. In an embodiment, the storage container 118 includes a sand battery or any other thermal battery. The storage container 118 is connected to the heat pump 104 to circulate the potable water for extraction of thermal energy. The system 100 further comprises insulated pipes 122. The insulated pipes 122 include at least one of double, triple, or quadruple insulated pipes to transfer water or air. The insulated pipes 122 are used to reduce heat loss or gain during the transfer of fluids (such as water or air) through the insulated pipes 122. The insulated pipes 122 connect the storage container 118, the solar energy collection system 120 and the heat pump 104.

[0056] The system 100 further comprises at least one leak detection module 124 permanent or temporary at each building 106 to detect leak in the pipe network 102 by measuring a temperature profile of the water. The leak detection module 124 includes at least one of a thermal imaging device, a satellite thermal imaging device, a flying thermal imaging device and handheld thermal image device. The leak detection module 124 enables early leak detection in the pipe network 102. The leak detection module further comprises at least one of a thermal imaging camera and a satellite with a thermal imaging camera.

[0057] The system 100 enables both human operators and automated systems to locate leaks in the pipe network 102. Additionally, during periods of high heat demand, leaks can be detected when the temperature of the pipes is cooler than the surrounding soil, using infrared technology. Moreover, using warmer potable wastewater to flush the sewage system aids in dissolving fatty deposits and fatbergs, thereby enhancing the capability of infrared cameras to detect leaks within the sewage infrastructure.

[0058] Referring to FIG. 3, an environment 300 comprises a plurality of individual buildings 106 connected to the pipe network 102 comprising the water pipe network 110, and the sewage pipe network and the rainwater drainpipe network 112. Referring to FIG. 4, an environment 400 comprises a plurality of individual buildings 106 connected to the pipe network 102 comprising the water pipe network 110 and the repurposed gas pipe network 108.

[0059] Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the environment (300, 400) of the system 100 further comprises the storage container 118 and the solar energy collection system 120. The storage container 118 is connected to the water pipe network 110. The solar energy collection system 120 disposed at the building 106 is connected to the water pipe network 110. The solar energy collection system 120 is configured to supply heat energy to the water pipe network 110 to manage the thermal energy of the potable water being circulated at the pipe network 102. In an embodiment, the storage container 118 is at least one of a water storage container and insulated water storage container, repurposed petroleum products container and tanks, repurposed natural gas storage tanks, heat battery, sand battery or other storage device. In an embodiment, the heat source is the solar energy collection system 120. The solar energy collection system 120 can include, but not be limited to, photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels, photovoltaic (PV) panels, and solar thermal collectors consisting of tubes painted black to absorb solar radiation. The solar energy collection system 120 further comprises evacuated tubes, flat plate collectors, and parabolic-trough solar concentrating collectors. Referring to FIG. 5, an environment 500 of the system 100 comprises a plurality of building 106 connected to the pipe network 102 comprising the water pipe network 110 and the repurposed gas pipe network 108. The environment 500 further comprises the leak detection module 124 to detect leaks in the pipe network 102 of the environment 500.

[0060] Referring to FIG. 6, an environment 600 of the system 100 comprises the plurality of building 106 connected to the pipe network 102 comprising the water pipe network 110 and the repurposed gas pipe network 108. The environment 500 further comprises the leak detection module 124 to detect leaks in the pipe network 102 of the environment 600. The pipe network 102 is connected to the insulated pipes 122. In an embodiment, the insulated pipes 122 are connected to the heat source. The heat source is configured to supply heat energy to the water pipe network 110 to manage the thermal energy of the potable water being circulated at the pipe network 102.

[0061] Referring to FIG. 7, an environment 700 of the system 100 comprises the plurality of building 106 connected to the pipe network 102 comprising the water pipe network 110, and the sewage pipe network and the rainwater drainpipe network 112. The environment 700 further comprises the leak detection module 124 to detect leaks in the pipe network 102 of the environment 700. The pipe network 102 is connected to the insulated pipes 122. In an embodiment, the insulated pipes 122 are connected to the heat source. The heat source is configured to supply thermal energy to the water pipe network 110, and the sewage pipe network and the rainwater pipe network 112 to manage the thermal energy of the potable water being circulated at the pipe network 102.

[0062] Referring to FIG. 8, an environment 800 of the system 100 comprises the plurality of buildings 106 with a heat pump 104. The insulated pipes 122 are used to connect the heat source to the buildings. The insulated pipes 122 transfer thermal energy and water to and from each building 106 are connected to the heat network of the system 100.

[0063] Referring to FIG. 9, an environment 900 comprises the plurality of individual buildings 106. Each building 106 is connected to the pipe network 102. The pipe network 102 further comprises the water pipe network 110 and the repurposed gas pipe network 108. Further, the buildings 106 are connected to the heat source by the pipe network 102. In an embodiment, the heat source is a solar energy collecting system 120. The solar energy collecting system 120 absorbs sunlight and converts the sunlight into usable electrical and / or heat energy. Further, the solar energy collecting system 120 can include, but not be limited to, photovoltaic panels (PV), photovoltaic thermal panels (PVT), evacuated tubes, flat plate collectors, parabolic-trough solar concentrating collectors, and black tubes filled with water or air. Further, the system 100 is connected to the storage container 118 containing water, which is heated by solar energy collecting system 120. The storage container 118 could be of any type of water storage container and insulated water storage container, repurposed petroleum products container & tanks, repurposed natural gas storage tanks, heat battery, sand battery or other storage device.

[0064] Further, the system 100 comprises an energy storage device to store to excess heat and energy. The energy storage device comprises a heat battery, a sand battery or other storage battery device. The heat source further comprises a renewable energy source 114. In an embodiment, the renewable energy source 114 is a wind turbine. Further, the pipe network 102 is repurposed to form the district heat network. Further the district heat network receives heat from the heat source.

[0065] The heat source is a surplus heat energy. The surplus heat energy can include, but not be limited to, waste heat generated by various sources including data centers, air conditioners, and industries, referenced 128, geothermal energy, underground tube stations and rail networks, referenced 136, factory, and industrial buildings or plants, referenced 138, kitchens and restaurants, referenced 130, fish market and ice machines producing waste heat from chilling and freezing, and industrial processes, referenced 134, shopping malls, markets and supermarkets, referenced 140, hospitals, and university campuses, referenced 142, borehole ground arrays, referenced 144, building waste heat recovery units 116, swimming pool, lake rivers, water pipes, water mats, insulated swimming pool, insulated lakes, insulated black water pipe, insulated black water mats, and insulated water reservoir, referenced 132, and warm water from baths, showers, and kitchens released through drain. The heat source further includes gas boilers, biomass boilers, power station, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, power station using fossil fuels, nuclear power stations, biomass boilers, air source heat pumps, or a combination thereof, referenced 152. Further, the heat energy is transferred to the heat pump 104, which is distributed to the buildings 106. Further, the system 100 comprises at least one leak detection module 124. The leak detection module 124 is configured to detect leaks in the pipe network 102 using infrared technology. The Infrared technology identifies leaks in a heated water system by detecting variations in temperature The system 100 further includes an energy transfer device 126 including an air source heat pump.

[0066] Referring to FIG. 10, an environment 1000 comprises the plurality of individual buildings 106. Each building 106 is connected to the heat network of the system 100 via the insulated pipes 122. The insulated pipe 122 is configured to enable efficient and safe transportation of heat. Further, the insulated pipes 122 can include, but not be limited to, single, double, triple, or quadruple insulated pipes. The insulated pipes 122 help to trap the heat within the insulated pipes 122 that allows the warm water or warmed air or heat transfer material to reach the buildings 106 at the desired temperature. The system 100 with insulated pipes 122 ensures efficient transfer of heat without significant heat loss. Referring to FIG. 11 , an environment 1100 comprises the plurality of individual buildings 106. Each building 106 is connected to the heat network of the system 100 via heat exchange pipes 146.

[0067] Referring to FIGS. 10 and 11 , the buildings 106 are connected to the heat source. In an embodiment, the heat source is a solar energy collecting system 120. The solar energy collecting system 120 absorbs sunlight and converts the sunlight into usable electrical energy. Further, the solar energy collecting system 120 can include, but not be limited to, photovoltaic panels (PV), photovoltaic thermal panels (PVT), evacuated tubes, flat plate collectors, parabolic-trough solar concentrating collectors, and black tubes filled with water or air. The black tubes filled with water has the highest absorptivity among all the colors. Further, the black tubes filled with water increases the absorption of heat energy by the water. Further, the system 100 is connected to the storage container 118 containing water, which is heated by solar energy collecting system 120. The storage container 118 could be any type of water storage container and insulated water storage container, repurposed petroleum products container and tanks, repurposed natural gas storage tanks, heat battery, sand battery or other storage device.

[0068] Further, the system 100 comprises an energy storage device to store excess heat and energy. The energy storage device comprises a heat battery, a sand battery or other storage battery device. The heat source further comprises a renewable energy source 114. In an embodiment, the renewable energy source 114 is a wind turbine. Further, the pipe network 102 is repurposed to form the district heat network. Further, the district heat network receives heat from the heat source.

[0069] The heat source is a surplus heat energy. The surplus heat energy can include, but not be limited to, waste heat generated by various sources including data centers, air conditioners, and industries, referenced 128, geothermal energy, underground tube stations and rail networks, referenced 136, factory, and industrial buildings or plants, referenced 138, kitchens and restaurants, referenced 130, fish market and ice machines producing waste heat from chilling and freezing, and industrial processes, referenced 134, shopping malls, markets and supermarkets, referenced 140, hospitals, and university campuses, referenced 142, borehole ground arrays, referenced 144, building waste heat recovery units 116, swimming pool, lake rivers, water pipes, water mats, insulated swimming pool, insulated lakes, insulated black water pipe, insulated black water mats, and insulated water reservoir, referenced 132, and warm water from baths, showers, and kitchens released through drain. The heat source further includes gas boilers, biomass boilers, power station, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, power station using fossil fuels, nuclear power stations, biomass boilers, air source heat pumps, or a combination thereof, referenced 152. Further, the heat energy is transferred to the heat pump 104, which is distributed to the buildings 106. Further, the system 100 comprises at least one leak detection module 124. The leak detection module 124 is configured to detect leaks in the pipe network 102 using infrared technology. The Infrared technology identifies leaks in a heated water system by detecting variations in temperature The system 100 further includes an energy transfer device 126 including an air source heat pump.

[0070] FIG. 12 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method 1200 for treating and distributing water for use in buildings. At step 1202, a water source is selected. The water source can include, but not be limited to, reservoir, river, and groundwater. At step 1204, water is extracted using a water extraction process for water treatment. At step 1206, the extracted water is transported to water treatment plant for further purification purposes. At step 1208, the water further undergoes a water purification process to remove impurities, contaminants, and to ensure the safety standards of the water. At step 1210, the purified water is distributed to a specific region or city through a water distribution network. The water distribution network is a network of pipes. At step 1212, the water is subjected to local water treatment within a neighborhood to ensure water quality is maintained during distribution.

[0071] At step 1214, the purified water is pumped into a water tower for storage. The water towers act as elevated storage reservoirs that maintain water pressure and provide a reserve to store water for high demand periods. At step 1216, the water released from the water tower during a high demand period for water. The water flows down through the distribution network due to gravity, which ensures a consistent pressure throughout the water processing system. At step 1218, the treated water is connected to residential water connection. The residential water connection 1218 allows the water to be distributed to residential areas through a network of pipes. At step 1220, the building plumbing system directs the water to various outlets to reach individual building 106. At step 1222, the water could be used in buildings 106 for various purposes like drinking, cooking, and bathing.

[0072] FIG. 13 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method 1300 for natural gas extraction process and distributing natural gas for use in buildings. The natural gas extraction process uses advanced technologies and engineering techniques to access and recover the valuable energy resource from beneath the earth's surface. Further, the steps involved in the method 1300 for natural gas extraction is explained. At step 1302, the method 1300 for natural gas extraction begins with a gas exploration. The gas exploration process involves analysis of the earth's crust to identify potential natural gas reservoirs. Further, various technologies such as seismic surveys are used to create detailed maps of the subsurface, which enables to identify the natural gas reservoirs. At step 1304, after the identification of potential natural gas reservoirs, a drilling rig is set up at the chosen location of potential natural gas reservoirs. The natural gas is extracted from two types of wells including conventional wells and unconventional wells. The conventional wells are drilled vertically into porous rock formations where natural gas is trapped. Further, the natural gas can flow up the wellbore to the surface as the well reaches the target depth. The unconventional wells are formed using horizontal drilling and hydraulic fracturing. After drilling vertically to the target depth, the wellbore is turned horizontally within the gas- bearing rock formation. The hydraulic fracturing involves injecting a fluid at high pressure to create fractures in the rock and allows the natural gas to flow more freely. The fluid can include, but not be limited to, water, sand, and chemicals. At step 1306, once the well is drilled, the natural gas reservoir is accessed to extract the natural gas. The natural gas flows up towards the surface from the wellbore. Further, additional equipment such as pumps or compressors could be used to facilitate the extraction process. The extracted natural gas contains impurities such as water vapor, carbon dioxide, sulfur compounds, and other contaminants.

[0073] At step 1308, the natural gas is processed to remove the impurities to ensure that the natural gas meets quality standards before the natural gas is transported. The gas processing often takes place at the wellhead or at centralized processing facilities. At step 1310, the processed natural gas is transported through pipes or by tanker ships as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The pipes are the most common method used for transportation of natural gas. Further, the pipe covers vast distances to deliver the natural gas to distribution points, industrial facilities, or directly to consumers. At step 1312, the natural gas reaches the user through a local pipe. The user can include, but not be limited to, buildings, businesses, and industries.

[0074] Further, the natural gas is stored in underground storage facilities during the low demand period and could be withdrawn as required. At step 1314, the purified natural gas is transported over long distances through high-pressure gas transmission pipes. At step 1316, the natural gas is received at a gas distribution center to process and prepare the natural gas for local distribution. At step 1318, the natural gas is then transferred through a network of pipes that cover a specific region or city. The network of pipes is a local distribution pipe. At step 1320, the natural gas reaches the city or urban area and the natural gas is distributed through the network of pipes. At step 1322, the gas is connected to a residential gas connection. The residential gas connection enables the natural gas to be distributed to residential areas through the network of pipes. Further, the network of pipes directs the natural gas to various outlets to reach individual building 106. At step 1324, the natural gas could be used in various building appliances such as stoves, heaters, and water heaters.

[0075] FIG. 14 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method 1400 for transportation of gas through gas network. The repurposed gas pipes form a gas network. At step 1310, the gas is transported through pipes or by tanker ships as liquefied natural gas (LNG). The pipes are the most common method used for transportation of gas. Further, the pipe covers vast distances to deliver the gas to distribution points, industrial facilities, or directly to consumers. At step 1312, the gas reaches the user through a local pipe. The user can include, but not be limited to, buildings, businesses, and industries. Further, the gas is stored in underground storage facilities during the low demand period and could be withdrawn as required. At step 1314, the gas is transported over long distances through high-pressure gas transmission pipes. At step 1316, the gas is received at a gas distribution center to process and prepare the gas for local distribution. At step 1318, the gas is then transferred through a network of pipes that covers a specific region or city. The network of pipes is a local distribution pipe. At step 1320, the gas reaches the city or urban area and the gas is distributed through the network of pipes. At step 1322, the gas is connected to a building gas connection. The residential gas connection enables the gas to be distributed to residential areas through the network of pipes. Further, the network of pipe directs the gas to various outlets to reach individual building 106.

[0076] FIG. 15 exemplarily illustrates a flowchart of a method 1500 for distribution of the heat generated from water treatment process and natural gas extraction through the distributed heating and cooling network system (100 300,400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 and 1100). Steps 1502 to 1516 discloses water treatment method 1200 explained with respect to FIG. 12, and steps 1518 to steps 1530 disclose a natural gas extraction method 1300 explained with respect to FIG. 13. Method (1200, 1300) shall be referred to understand the steps 1502 to 1530. At each step 1502 to 1530 of the method 1500, heat is generated, at step 1532 which include but not be limited to heat from all the heat process numbers (106, 114, 118, 120, 126,128, 130, 132, 134, 136, 138, 140, 142, 144, 152). The generated heat is extracted from the distributed heating and cooling network system (100, 300,400, 500, 600, 700, 800, 900, 1000 and 1100) and transferred to the heat network and water source heat pump 104 for use by the buildings 106.

[0077] Advantageously, the system 100 utilizes existing natural gas and water pipes to create district heating and cooling networks, and minimizes the need for new construction and reduces the associated costs of the construction. Further, the incorporation of the water source heat pumps 104 at individual buildings 106 and utilizing repurposed pipes network 102 as conduits for thermal energy extraction from circulating potable water significantly reduces dependence on fossil fuels and lowers greenhouse gas emissions, while aligning with global goals for sustainable energy use. The distributed heating and cooling network system 100 enables circulation of potable drinking water continuously through the water pipe network 110. Further, the connection of the geothermal water source heat pump 104, internally and externally, to each building 106 ensures feasibility. Further, the extracted thermal energy could then be employed in the conventional manner of a geothermal ground source heat pump. The distributed heating and cooling system 100 integrate external heat sources and supports building decarbonization.

[0078] Additionally, the warmer potable water entering the building 106 reduces the energy required to heat the water to the desired temperature. Moreover, the system 100 includes a leak detection module 124 equipped with infrared technology, which identifies leaks in the pipe network 102 by detecting variations in temperature.

[0079] Furthermore, utility companies, including National Grid, frequently procure renewable energy from diverse sources to comply with regulatory mandates. To enhance grid stability, National Grid compensates renewable energy providers to temporarily reduce their output, thus allowing for the integration of more traditional, controllable energy generation methods. Additionally, the distributed heating and cooling network is designed to capture and store a substantial amount of excess energy. This capability significantly reduces the necessity for National Grid to deactivate renewable energy sources or compensate entities for decreased production, thereby avoiding the curtailment of wind farms and solar PV fields.

[0080] Furthermore, the system 100 provides a website platform to engage users or supporters interested in adopting the distributed heating and cooling networks. The users could enter their personal details, including postcode and address, and choose to receive updates. This website platform encourages installation of the distributed heating and cooling network system 100.

[0081] A distributed heating and cooling network system is disclosed. The system comprises a pipe network, at least one heat pump at each building, a leak detection module, a heat source, and a storage container. The pipe network supplies potable water through a repurposed gas pipe network, and a water pipe network. The heat pump connected to the pipe network extracts thermal energy from the water and transfer the thermal energy to an energy distributing system of the building. The heat source connected to the pipe network manages the thermal energy of the water. The storage container connected to the heat source, pipe network and heat pumps is configured to store and supply water to heat pump, and receive thermal energy from the heat source to heat the stored water. The system repurposes existing natural gas and water pipes to create the pipe network and district heating and cooling networks.

[0082] While the disclosure has been described with reference to exemplary embodiments, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims. It is intended that the present invention not be limited to the particular embodiments disclosed, but to include all embodiments falling within the scope of the present invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, the use of the terms first, second, etc. do not denote any order or importance, but rather the terms first, second, etc. are used to distinguish one element from another.

[0083] The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the present invention, the scope of which is defined by the scope of the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. As used herein, the singular forms “a,” “an” and “the” are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises” and / or “comprising,” when used in the present application, specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof.

[0084] The description of the present application, which has been presented for purposes of illustration and description of the present invention, is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the scope of the present invention to the specific embodiments and examples disclosed; the scope of the present invention is defined by the scope of the appended claims. Many modifications and variations will be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art without departing from the scope of the present invention as defined by the scope of the appended claims. The described embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the present invention and the practical application thereof, and to enable others of ordinary skill in the art to understand various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated and as fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

CLAIMS1 . A distributed heating and cooling network system, comprising: one or more buildings, wherein the or each building is connected to a pipe network configured to supply potable water, wherein the pipe network comprises: a water pipe network, and a gas pipe network; one or more heat pumps, wherein at least one heat pump is disposed at the or each building and is connected to said pipe network to receive potable water of a first temperature from a flow circuit of the pipe network, wherein the or each heat pump is configured to extract thermal energy from the received potable water and transfer the thermal energy to an energy distributing system of the building it is disposed at; and wherein a return circuit of the pipe network is configured to receive water of a second temperature from the or each heat pump; and at least one leak detection module configured to detect leaks in the pipe network by measuring a temperature profile of the water, wherein the leak detection module comprises a thermal imaging camera.

2. The system of claim 1 , wherein the or at least one of said one or more buildings further comprises at least one refrigerant engine Dynamo that is connected to the pipe network.

3. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the return circuit includes a sewage pipe network and a rainwater drainpipe network, and the flow circuit includes the gas pipe network and the water pipe network.

4. The system of claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the flow circuit includes the gas pipe network, the water pipe network, a sewage pipe network and a rainwater drainpipe network.

5. The system of any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein said second temperature is higher than said first temperature.

6. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the said at least one heat pump comprises at least one heat pump installed within a building of said one or more buildings.

7. The system of any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the said at least one heat pump comprises at least one heat pump installed outside a building of said one or more buildings.

8. The system of any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising: at least one heat source, and at least one storage container connected to the at least one heat source, the pipe network and the at one or more heat pumps, wherein the at least storage container is configured to store and supply water to the heat pump, and to receive thermal energy from the heat source to heat the stored water.

9. The system of claim 8, wherein the at least one storage container includes at least one of: a water storage container, insulated water storage container, repurposed petroleum products containers and tanks, a repurposed natural gas storage tank, a sand battery and a thermal battery.

10. The system of any one of claims 1 to 9, further comprising an energy transfer device connected to the pipe network, wherein the energy transfer device includes an air source heat pump and at least one heat pump of said one or more heat pumps.

11. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least one heat source, wherein the at least one heat source comprises one or more of: a renewable heat source, a ground source array, gas boilers, biomass boilers, power station, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, power station using fossil fuels, nuclear power stations, and a solar energy collection system including photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels, photovoltaic (PV) panels, thermal collectors consisting of black tubes to absorb solar radiation, evacuated tubes, flat plate collectors and parabolic-trough solar concentrating collectors.

12. The system of any one of claims 1 to 10, further comprising at least one heat source provided by waste heat generated by one or more sources from a group comprising: data centers, air conditioners, industries, commercial kitchens, restaurants, swimming pool, lake rivers, water pipes, water mats, water storage container, water reservoir, insulated swimming pool, insulated lakes, insulated black water pipe, insulated black water mats, insulated water reservoir, geothermal energy, fish market, ice machines, wind turbine, underground tube stations, underground rail networks, factory, industrial buildings, plants, shopping centers, shopping malls, markets, supermarket, university campuses, borehole ground arrays, building waste heat recovery units, and warm water from baths, showers, and kitchens released through drain.

13. The system of claim 12, wherein the group further comprises: heat generated from the ground, geothermal energy, water treatment process, distribution of water to consumers, natural gas extraction process and distributing natural gas to consumers.

14. The system of any one of claims 1 to 13, wherein the or at least one of said one or more buildings further comprises a waste heat recovery unit, wherein the waste heat recovery unit is configured to capture waste thermal energy generated by various processes and equipment within the building, wherein the waste heat recovery unit is connected to the pipe network and energy transfer device.

15. The system of claims 8 and 14 or of claims 9 and 14, wherein, said one or more buildings comprises a plurality of building each connected to the pipe network to define defines a wide area distributed heating and cooling network system.

16. The system of any one of claims 1 to 15, wherein at least one said leak detection module is one of: a satellite thermal imaging device a flying thermal imaging device and handheld thermal image device.

17. The system of any one of claims 1 to 16, wherein the pipe network comprises insulated pipes including at least one of: double, triple, or quadruple insulated pipes.

18. The system of any one of claims 1 to 17, wherein the or at least one of said one or more buildings further comprises one or more liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) tanks, wherein the one or more LPG tanks are configured to perform cooling and heating functions in the building.

19. The system of claim 18 when dependent upon claims 8, 14 and 17, wherein said at least one building comprises a plurality of buildings, in which at least one heat pump, at least one leak detection module, at least one heat source, at least one storage container, at least one waste heat recovery unit and at least one LPG tank are disposed at each building of said plurality of buildings, wherein the buildings of said plurality are connected to one another via the pipeline network, wherein the pipeline network is connected to the insulated pipes, wherein the insulated pipes are connected to one or more heat sources to supply heat energy to the pipe network to manage the thermal energy of the potable water.

20. The system of claim 18 when dependent upon claims 7, 14 and 17 or upon claims 8, 14 and 17, wherein said at least one building comprises a plurality of buildings, in which at least one heat pump, at least one leak detection module, at least one heat source, at least one storage container, at least one waste heat recovery unit and at least one LPG tank are disposed at each building of said plurality of buildings, wherein the buildings of said plurality are connected to one another via the pipeline network, wherein the pipeline network is connected to the insulated pipes, wherein the insulated pipes are connected to one or more heat sources to supply heat energy to the pipe network to manage the thermal energy of the potable water.21 . The system of claim 18 when dependent upon claim 17, wherein said at least one building comprises a plurality of buildings, in which at least one heat pump, at least one leak detection module, at least one heat source, at least one storage container, at least one waste heat recovery unit and at least one LPG tank are disposed at each building of said plurality of buildings, wherein the buildings of said plurality are connected to one another via the insulated pipes.

22. The system of claim 21 , wherein the insulated pipes are connected to the plurality of heat sources to transfer thermal energy to the buildings, wherein the plurality of heat sources comprises at least one heat source from a group comprising geothermal energy, waste heat from sources comprising data centers, air conditioners, industries, commercial kitchens, restaurants, swimming pool, lake rivers, water pipes, water mats, water storage container, water reservoir, insulated swimming pool, insulated lakes, insulated black water pipe, insulated black water mats, insulated water reservoir, fish market, ice machines, wind turbine, underground tube stations, underground rail networks, factory, industrial buildings, plants, shopping centers, shopping malls, markets, supermarket, university campuses, borehole ground arrays, building waste heat recovery units, warm water from baths, showers, and kitchens released through drain, a renewable heat source, a ground source array, gas boilers, biomass boilers, power station, combined heat and power (CHP) plants, power station using fossil fuels and nuclear power stations, and a solar energy collection system including photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels, photovoltaic (PV) panels, thermal collectors consisting of black tubes to absorb solar radiation, evacuated tubes, flat plate collectors and parabolic-trough solar concentrating collectors.

23. The system of claim 18, wherein said at least one building comprises a plurality of buildings, in which at least one heat pump, at least one leak detection module, at least one heat source, at least one storage container, at least one waste heat recovery unit and at least one LPG tank are disposed at each building of said plurality of buildings, wherein each building is connected to one another via a heat exchange pipes, wherein the heat exchange pipes are connected to the plurality of heat sources to transfer thermal energy to the buildings, wherein the plurality of heat sources comprises at least one heat source from a group comprising: geothermal energy, waste heat from sources comprising data centers, air conditioners, industries, commercial kitchens, restaurants, swimming pool, lake rivers, water pipes, water mats, water storage container, water reservoir, insulated swimming pool, insulated lakes, insulated black water pipe, insulated black water mats, insulated water reservoir, fish market, ice machines, wind turbine, underground tube stations, underground rail networks, factory, industrial buildings, plants, shopping centers, shopping malls, markets, supermarket, university campuses, borehole ground arrays, building waste heat recovery units, warm water from baths, showers, and kitchens released through drain, a renewable heat source, a ground source array, gas boilers, biomass boilers, power station,combined heat and power (CHP) plants, power station using fossil fuels and nuclear power stations and a solar energy collection system including photovoltaic thermal (PVT) panels, photovoltaic (PV) panels, thermal collectors consisting of tubes painted black to absorb solar radiation, evacuated tubes, flat plate collectors and parabolic-trough solar concentrating collectors.

24. A method of providing a distributed heating and cooling network system, comprising: identifying a building, wherein the building is connected to a pipe network configured to supply potable water, wherein the pipe network comprises: a water pipe network, and a gas pipe network; connecting a heat pump disposed at the building to said pipe network to receive potable water of a first temperature from a flow circuit of the pipe network, configuring the heat pump to extract thermal energy from the received potable water and transfer the thermal energy to an energy distributing system of the building; and configuring a return circuit of the pipe network to receive water of a second temperature from the heat pump; and configuring at least one leak detection module, the leak detection module comprising a thermal imaging camera, to detect leaks in the pipe network by measuring a temperature profile of the pipe network.

25. A method of supplying a heat pump disposed at a building with potable water, comprising: identifying a gas pipe network, repurposing the identified gas pipe network to convey potable water, and connecting the heat pump to a pipe network comprising the repurposed gas pipe network and a water pipe network, to: receive potable water of a first temperature from a flow circuit of the pipe network, and return water of a second temperature to a return circuit of the pipe network.

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