Energy system

Abstract

An energy system (10) comprising a heat pump apparatus (100) which defines a first working fluid flow path (110). The heat pump apparatus (100) may comprise a compressor module (200) which defines a portion of the first working fluid flow path (110). The heat pump apparatus (100) may comprise a first heat exchanger unit (300) which comprises a first heat transfer path (310) which defines part of the first working fluid flow path (110). The heat pump apparatus (100) may comprise a flow duct (120) extending between a compressor module outlet (204) and a first heat exchanger inlet (320). The energy system (10) may further comprise a thermal energy store (400). The thermal energy store (400) may be in fluid communication with the flow duct (120) via a thermal energy store outlet duct (406) which extends from a thermal energy store flow outlet port (432) to an inlet port (408) on the flow duct (120). The thermal energy store (400) may define a first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) which extends between a thermal energy store flow inlet port (430) to a thermal energy store flow outlet port (432).

Description

[0001] ENERGY SYSTEM

[0002] The present disclosure relates to an energy system.

[0003] Background

[0004] As is well known, there are environmental benefits to utilising sources of heat that would otherwise be wasted, for example heat from manufacturing processes or sources in the environment (e.g. from the sun, air, ground etc). Many different systems have been developed to utilise such sources of heat.

[0005] For example, air source heat pumps are commonly used in buildings for heating air and / or water. In some cases (for example in long periods of cold weather) such systems may be inadequate for the demands placed upon them. In other cases, other sources of heat energy may (or could) be made available in sufficiently close proximity to where the heating of air and / or water is required, but its delivery to where needed would require a secondary system. Incorporating two energy systems, which operate on two different principles, requires extra cost and space, neither of which may be desirable by an end user or organisation running the systems.

[0006] Hence a single energy system which is able to reliably meet a heating demand and which utilises more than one “waste” heat sources, thereby reducing dependency on burning of fossil fuels (e.g. gas, oil, wood, coal), is highly desirable.

[0007] Summary

[0008] According to the present disclosure there is provided an apparatus and method as set forth in the appended claims. Other features of the invention will be apparent from the dependent claims, and the description which follows.

[0009] Accordingly there may be provided an energy system (10). The energy system (10) may comprise a heat pump apparatus (100) which defines a first working fluid flow path (110).

[0010] The heat pump apparatus (100) may comprise a compressor module (200) which defines a portion of the first working fluid flow path (110). The compressor module (200) may have a compressor module inlet (202) and a compressor module outlet (204).

[0011] The heat pump apparatus (100) may comprise a first heat exchanger unit (300) which comprises a first heat transfer path (310) which defines part of the first working fluid flow path (1 10). The first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310) may have an inlet (320) and an outlet (322). The heat pump apparatus (100) may comprise a flow duct (120) extending between the compressor module outlet (204), and the first heat exchanger inlet (320).

[0012] The energy system (10) may comprise a thermal energy store (400. The thermal energy store (400) may have a flow inlet port (430) and a flow outlet port (432). The thermal energy store (400) may be in fluid communication with the flow duct (120) via a thermal energy store outlet duct (406) which extends from the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432) to an inlet port (408) on the flow duct (120).

[0013] The thermal energy store (400) may define a first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) which extends between the thermal energy store flow inlet port (430) to the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432).

[0014] The thermal energy store (400) my be in fluid communication with the flow duct (120) via a first thermal energy store inlet duct (402) which extends from an outlet port (404) on the flow duct (120) to the thermal energy store flow inlet port (430).

[0015] The thermal energy store (400) may define a first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) which extends between the first thermal energy store inlet duct (402) to the thermal energy store outlet duct (406).

[0016] The flow duct outlet port (404) may be provided on the flow duct (120) along the first working fluid flow path (110) between the compressor module outlet (204) and the flow duct inlet port (408). The flow duct inlet port (408) may be provided on the flow duct (120) along the first working fluid flow path (110) between the flow duct outlet port (404) and first heat exchanger inlet (320). The flow duct outlet port (404) and flow duct inlet port (408) may be spaced apart by a first subsection (122) of the flow duct (120).

[0017] The thermal energy store flow inlet port (430) may be in fluid communication with a second source (434) of the first working fluid (112) such that the first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) is configured to receive the first working fluid (112) from the second source (434) of the first working fluid (112) and transfer heat to the first working fluid (112) as it passes through the thermal energy store (400).

[0018] A first flow control valve (420) may be provided which is operable to control the flow of the first working fluid (112) through the flow inlet port (430).

[0019] A second flow control valve (422) may be provided in the flow duct (120).

[0020] A third flow control valve (424) may be provided in the thermal energy store outlet duct (406).

[0021] The energy system (10) may comprise a control system (500) operable to control the first flow control valve (420), second flow control valve (422) and / or the third flow control valve (424) to thereby control the flow rate of the first working fluid (112) therethrough. The control system (500) may be operable to control the first flow control valve (420), second flow control valve (422) and / or the third flow control valve (424) in response to the temperature at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet (320).

[0022] The energy system (10) may comprise a temperature sensor (328) provided to generate a signal (S) from which the temperature of the first working fluid (112) at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet (320) is determined. The control system (500) may be operable to control the flow rate of a first working fluid (112) through the first sub-section (122) of the flow duct (120) and operable to control the flow rate of a first working fluid (112) through the thermal energy store outlet duct (406) in dependence of the temperature of the first working fluid (112) at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet (320).

[0023] The control system (500) may be operable to control the first flow control valve (420), the second flow control valve (422) and the third flow control valve (424) to control to the flow rate of a first working fluid (1 12) through the first sub-section (122) of the flow duct (120) relative to the flow rate of a first working fluid (112) through the thermal energy store outlet duct (406) to thereby maintain the temperature at the inlet (320) to the first heat exchanger (300) to within a predetermined temperature range.

[0024] The energy system (10) may be operable such that when the first flow control valve (420) is open, the third flow control valve (424) is open and the second third flow control valve (422) is closed.

[0025] The energy system (10) may be operable such that when the first flow control valve (420) is closed, the third flow control valve (424) is closed and the second third flow control valve (422) is open.

[0026] The control system (500) may be operable to actuate the first flow control valve (420) and the second flow control valve (422).

[0027] The third flow control valve (424) may be a non-return valve.

[0028] The third flow control valve (424) may be operable to open in response to the flow of the first working fluid (112) through the first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) from the first thermal energy store inlet duct (402).

[0029] The third flow control valve (424) may be operable to close in response to the pressure of the first working fluid (112) between the flow duct inlet port (408) and the third flow control valve (424) being greater than the pressure of the fluid in the thermal energy store (400).

[0030] The first heat exchanger unit (300) may comprise a second heat transfer path (312) which defines part of a second working fluid flow path (314).

[0031] The first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310) may be fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (312). The first heat exchanger unit (300) may comprise a third heat transfer path (330) which defines part of a third working fluid flow path (334). The first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310), the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (312) and the first heat exchanger unit third heat transfer path (330) may be fluidly isolated from, and may be in heat transfer communication with, each other.

[0032] The first heat exchanger (300) may comprise a heat storage reservoir (650) for storage of a heat storage medium (680), the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310) extending through the heat storage reservoir (650), such that the heat storage medium (680) provided in the heat storage reservoir (650) is fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310).

[0033] The energy system (10) may further comprise a third heat exchanger unit (600). The third heat exchanger unit (600) may comprise a fourth heat transfer path (612) and a fifth heat transfer path (614). The fourth heat transfer path (612) may form part of a heat storage medium flow path (634) for recirculation of the heat storage medium (680). The heat storage reservoir (650) may have a first reservoir outlet (654) and a first reservoir inlet (652). The heat storage medium flow path (634) may extend, in series, from the heat storage reservoir (650), through the first reservoir outlet (654), through the fourth heat transfer path (612), through the first reservoir inlet (652) and back to the heat storage reservoir (650).

[0034] The fifth heat transfer path (614) may define part of a fifth working fluid flow path (638). The fifth heat transfer path (614) may be in fluid communication with a fifth working fluid source (660) of a fifth working fluid (636), and may extend, in series, from the fifth working fluid source (660), through the third heat exchanger unit (600) along the fifth heat transfer path (614), and to a fifth working fluid flow path outlet (662). The third heat exchanger unit fourth heat transfer path (612) may be fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the third heat exchanger unit fifth heat transfer path (614).

[0035] The heat storage reservoir (650) may be provided with second reservoir outlet (658), and a second reservoir inlet (656). There may be provided a sixth working fluid flow path (670) in fluid communication with a heat storage medium source (672) of the heat storage medium (680). The sixth working fluid flow path (670) may extend, in series, from the heat storage medium source (672) of the heat storage medium (680), through the first heat exchanger unit (300) to a heat storage medium flow path outlet (676).

[0036] The energy system (10) may comprise a fourth heat exchanger unit (700). The fourth heat exchanger unit (700) may comprise a seventh heat transfer path (712) and an eighth heat transfer path (714).

[0037] The eighth heat transfer path (714) may define part of an eighth working fluid flow path (718). The fourth heat exchanger unit seventh heat transfer path (712) may be fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the fourth heat exchanger unit eighth heat transfer path (714).

[0038] The seventh heat transfer path (712) may form part of the fifth working fluid flow path (638), wherein a portion of the fifth working fluid flow path (638) extends, in series, through the third heat exchanger unit (600), along the fifth heat transfer path (614), through the fourth heat exchanger unit (700) along the seventh heat transfer path (712); and backto third heat exchanger unit (600).

[0039] The eighth heat transfer path (714) may be in fluid communication with an eighth working fluid source (730) of a eighth working fluid (720), and may extend, in series, from the eighth working fluid source (730), through the fourth heat exchanger unit (700) along the eighth heat transfer path (714), and to an eighth working fluid flow path outlet (732).

[0040] The heat storage reservoir (650) may have a first reservoir outlet (654) and a first reservoir inlet (652). The thermal energy store (400) may define a second thermal energy store heat transfer path (418) which extends between a second thermal energy store heat transfer path inlet (412) and a second thermal energy store heat transfer path outlet (414).

[0041] The second thermal energy store heat transfer path (418) may form part of a ninth working fluid flow path (690). The ninth working fluid flow path (690) may be in fluid communication with a heat storage medium source (672) of a heat storage medium (680), and may extend, in series, from the source (672) of the heat storage medium (680), through the first reservoir inlet (652) and the second reservoir outlet (654), through the second thermal energy store heat transfer path inlet (412), along the second thermal energy store heat transfer path (418) and out of the second thermal energy store heat transfer path outlet (414) to a ninth working fluid flow path outlet (676).

[0042] The first heat exchanger unit (300) may comprise a second heat transfer path (312) which defines part of a second working fluid flow path (314). The first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310), the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (312) and ninth working fluid flow path (690) may be being fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with each other.

[0043] The second working fluid flow path (314) may be in fluid communication with a second working fluid source (360) of a second working fluid (316), and may extend, in series, from the second working fluid source (360), through the first heat exchanger unit (300) along the second working fluid flow path (314), and to a second working fluid flow path outlet (362).

[0044] The heat pump apparatus (100) may comprise a second heat exchanger unit (900), a turbine module (950), a flow inlet port (12) and a flow outlet port (14).

[0045] The turbine module (950) may have a turbine module inlet (952) and a turbine module outlet (954). The second heat exchanger unit (900) may comprise a first heat transfer path (910) and a second heat transfer path (912), the second heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (910) being fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the second heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (912).

[0046] The first working fluid flow path (110) may extend, in series, through: the flow inlet port (12), the second heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (910), the compressor module inlet (202), the compressor module outlet (204), the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310), the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (912), the turbine module inlet (952), the turbine module outlet (954) and the flow outlet port (14).

[0047] The energy system (10) may comprise a cold thermal storage unit (800) in fluid communication with turbine module outlet (954) so as to receive the first working fluid (112) exhausted from the turbine module outlet (954).

[0048] The first working fluid (112) may be air.

[0049] The second working fluid (316) may comprise water, antifreeze and / or glycol.

[0050] There may be provided a facility defined at least in part by a wall (16) which defines a space in which an energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 20 to 23 is located, wherein the flow inlet port (12) and the flow outlet port (14) are provided in and / or extend through the wall (16).

[0051] There may be provided a method of operation of an energy system (10). The energy system (10) may comprise a heat pump apparatus (100) comprising a flow duct (120) which defines part of a first working fluid flow path (110); a thermal energy store (400) having a flow inlet port (430) and a flow outlet port (432); the thermal energy store (400) being in fluid communication with the flow duct (120) via a thermal energy store outlet duct (406) which extends from the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432) to an inlet port (408) on the flow duct (120); the thermal energy store (400) defining a first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) which extends between the first thermal energy store flow inlet port (430) to the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432); a first flow control valve (420) is provided operable to control the flow of the first working fluid (112) through the flow inlet port (430); a second flow control valve (422) is provided in the first sub-section (122) of the flow duct (120); and a third flow control valve (424) is provided in the thermal energy store outlet duct (406), and the method may comprise controlling the first flow control valve (420), the second flow control valve (422) and / or the third flow control valve (424) to thereby control the flow rate of a first working fluid (112) therethrough.

[0052] Hence there is provided an energy system which is able to reliably meet a heating demand and which utilises more than one heat energy source, thereby reducing dependency on burning of fossil fuels (e.g. gas, oil, wood, coal) thus making it an attractive alternative to conventional fossil fuel heating solutions. Brief Description of the Drawings

[0053] Examples of the present disclosure will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0054] Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a first example of an energy system according to the present disclosure installed in an example structure;

[0055] Figure 2 is a representation of parts of the energy system according to the present disclosure;

[0056] Figure 3 shows a diagrammatic representation of a second example of an energy system according to the present disclosure;

[0057] Figure 4 shows a diagrammatic representation of a third example of an energy system according to the present disclosure;

[0058] Figure 5 shows a diagrammatic representation of a fourth example of an energy system according to the present disclosure;

[0059] Figure 6 shows a diagrammatic representation of a fifth example of an energy system according to the present disclosure;

[0060] Figure 7 shows a diagrammatic representation of a sixth example of an energy system according to the present disclosure;

[0061] Detailed Description

[0062] The present disclosure relates to an energy system. The energy system may be provided as a heating system. The energy system may additionally comprise a cooling system. The present disclosure relates to a heat pump apparatus. The present disclosure relates to a facility which comprises an energy system. The present disclosure relates to a facility which comprises an energy system comprising a heat pump apparatus. The heat pump apparatus may be an air source heat pump apparatus or an air cycle machine.

[0063] Figure 1 shows a diagrammatic representation of a facility which comprises an energy system according to the present disclosure. Such a facility may be a building (for example a house, block of flats, office block), but it may be provided as any building or structure, for example a vehicle, a building, or part of a vehicle or building, a manufacturing plant, a food processing plant or a drinks manufacturing plant.

[0064] For the avoidance of doubt, the relative positions of the components of the apparatus shown in the figures are purely diagrammatic, provided to illustrate how the different components are functionally linked, as will be described below. As shown in the figures, and as common to all of the examples of the present disclosure, the energy system 10 may comprise a heat pump apparatus 100 which defines a first working fluid flow path 110 for a first working fluid 112 to flow there along.

[0065] The heat pump apparatus 100 may comprise a compressor module 200, a turbine module 950, a first heat exchanger unit 300, a second heat exchanger unit 900, a flow inlet port 12 and a flow outlet port 14. The compressor module 200 may define a portion of the first working fluid flow path 110. The compressor module 200 may have a compressor module inlet 202 and a compressor module outlet 204.

[0066] The “compressor module” may be provided as any suitable flow displacement device, for example a fan or pump (and hence may not compress the first working fluid 112 or may only slightly compress and / or do a small amount of work on the first working fluid 112). The term “compressor module” may be taken to mean an apparatus configured to compress a first working fluid 112. The turbine module 950 may be configured to expand the first working fluid 112. Each of the first heat exchanger unit 300, the second heat exchanger unit 900, the compressor module 200 and the turbine module 950 define a portion of a first working fluid flow path 110 through which, in operation, the first working fluid 1 12 flows. Each of the first heat exchanger unit 300, the second heat exchanger unit 900, the compressor module 200 and the turbine module 950 may each be provided with a cover or housing. The first working fluid 112 may be air.

[0067] The turbine module 950 may have a turbine module inlet 952 and a turbine module outlet 954.

[0068] As illustrated in figures 1 to 7, the first heat exchanger unit 300 may comprise and / or define a first heat transfer path 310 which defines part of the first working fluid flow path 110. The first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310 may have an inlet 320 and an outlet 322. That is to say, the first heat exchanger unit 300 may comprise a first heat transfer path inlet 320 and a first heat transfer path outlet 322.

[0069] The second heat exchanger unit 900 may comprise a first heat transfer path 910 and a second heat transfer path 912, the second heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 910 being fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the second heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path 912.

[0070] The first working fluid flow path 110 may extend, in series, through the flow inlet port 12, the second heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 910, the compressor module inlet 202, the compressor module outlet 204, the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310, the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path 912, the turbine module inlet 952, the turbine module outlet 954 and the flow outlet port 14.

[0071] As illustrated in figure 1 , there may be provided a facility defined at least in part by a wall 16 which defines a space in which at least part of the energy system 10 of the present disclosure (for example the heat pump apparatus 100) is located, wherein the flow inlet port 12 and the flow outlet port 14 are provided in and / or extend through the wall 16.

[0072] There may be provided a flow duct 120 extending between the compressor module outlet 204 and the first heat exchanger inlet 320. The flow duct 120 may define part of the first working fluid flow path 110.

[0073] Common to all of the examples of the present disclosure, and as shown in figures 1 to 7, the energy system 10 may further comprise a thermal energy store 400. The thermal energy store may be of any conventional kind, for example comprising a bed of sand or pebbles at high temperature (granite I quartz I ceramic), ceramic bricks, molten salt, phase change materials, thermochemical energy store (salts). These may operate at a range of temperatures from up to 1200degC and down to 40degC.

[0074] Heat may be supplied to the thermal energy store 400 one or more input means 440 (for example a solar source, or using electricity). Heat may also be added to the thermal energy store 400 via the first heat exchanger unit 300 (for example by having a heat transfer which extends from the first heat exchanger unit 300 to the thermal energy store 400). In this way heat from the environment (e.g. air or other heat source used by the heat pump apparatus) could be stored in the thermal energy store for later use, for example utilising warm air during the daytime for heating at nighttime.

[0075] The thermal energy store 400 may have a flow inlet port 430 and a flow outlet port 432. The thermal energy store 400 may define a first thermal energy store heat transfer path 410 which extends between the thermal energy store flow inlet port 430 to the thermal energy store flow outlet port 432.

[0076] As illustrated in figures 1 to 7 the thermal energy store 400 may be in fluid communication with the flow duct 120 (and hence the compressor module 200) via a first thermal energy store inlet duct 402 which extends from an outlet port 404 on the flow duct 120 to the thermal energy store flow inlet port 430. Hence the first thermal energy store inlet duct 402 may be configured to deliver the first working fluid 112 to the thermal energy store 400 from the compressor 200 via the flow duct 120.

[0077] The flow duct outlet port 404 may be provided on the flow duct 120 along the first working fluid flow path 110 between the compressor module outlet 204 and the flow duct inlet port 408. The flow duct inlet port 408 may be provided on the flow duct 120 along the first working fluid flow path 110 between the flow duct outlet port 404 and first heat exchanger inlet 320. The flow duct outlet port 404 and flow duct inlet port 408 may be spaced apart by a first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120.

[0078] The thermal energy store 400 may be in fluid communication with the flow duct 120 via a thermal energy store outlet duct 406 which extends from the thermal energy store flow outlet port - I Q -

[0079] 432 to an inlet port 408 on the flow duct 120. Hence the thermal energy store outlet duct 406 may be configured to deliver the first working fluid 112 from the thermal energy store 400 to the flow duct 120, for onward delivery to the first heat exchanger 300.

[0080] The thermal energy store 400 may define a first thermal energy store heat transfer path 410 which extends between the first thermal energy store inlet duct 402 to the thermal energy store outlet duct 406.

[0081] That is to say, the first thermal energy store heat transfer path 410 may be configured to receive the first working fluid 112 from the compressor module 200 via the first working fluid flow path 110 and transfer heat to the first working fluid 112 as it passes through the thermal energy store 400, and then deliver it back to the first working fluid flow path 1 10 via the to the thermal energy store outlet duct 406, for onward delivery to the first exchanger unit 300.

[0082] Alternatively or additionally, as shown in figure 1 , the thermal energy store flow inlet port 430 may be in fluid communication with a second source 434 of the first working fluid 112, for example via a second thermal energy store inlet duct 436. For example a supply of first working fluid 112 may be delivered by being pumped (e.g. by a pump or compressor), blown (e.g. by a fan) or forced by some appropriate means along the second thermal energy store inlet duct 436 such that the first thermal energy store heat transfer path 410 is configured to receive the first working fluid 112 from the second source 434 of the first working fluid 112 and transfer heat to the first working fluid 112 as it passes through the thermal energy store 400 and then deliver it to the first working fluid flow path 110 via the to the thermal energy store outlet duct 406, for onward delivery to the first exchanger unit 300.

[0083] Hence the thermal energy store 400 may be in fluid communication with the second source 434 of the first working fluid 112 via the second thermal energy store inlet duct 436 which extends to the inlet port 408 on the flow duct 120. Hence the thermal energy store outlet duct 406 may be configured to deliver the first working fluid 112 from the second source 434 via the thermal energy store 400 to the flow duct 120, for onward delivery to the first heat exchanger 300.

[0084] As will be described with reference to figures 1 to 7, the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310 is provided in heat flow communication with further systems and / or apparatus. Hence heat energy may be provided from the heat pump apparatus 100 and / or the thermal store 400 to the systems and / or apparatus via the first heat exchanger unit 300. Hence the present disclosure relates to an energy system in which a heat pump apparatus 100 and a thermal energy store 400 are combined so that systems and / or apparatus in heat flow communication with the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310 via the first heat exchanger unit 300 may be supplied with heat from the heat pump apparatus 100 and / or the thermal store 400.

[0085] As illustrated in figures 1 to 7, a first flow control valve 420 may be provided which is operable to control the flow of the first working fluid 112 through the flow inlet port 430. The first flow control valve 420 may be provided in any suitable location to control the flow of the first working fluid 112 through the thermal energy store flow inlet port 430. For example, in examples in which the first thermal energy store inlet duct 402 is provided, the first flow control valve 420 may be provided in the first thermal energy store inlet duct 402. In examples in which the second thermal energy store inlet duct 436 is provided, the first flow control valve 420 may be provided in the second thermal energy store inlet duct 436. In examples in which there is both a first thermal energy store inlet duct 402 (e.g. in fluid communication with the flow duct 120) and a second thermal energy store inlet duct 436 (e.g. in fluid communication with the second source 434 of the first working fluid 112) then control valves 420 may be provided in both, configured to operate to supply first working fluid 112 to the thermal energy store 400 to the flow duct 120, for onward delivery to the first heat exchanger 300.

[0086] A second flow control valve 422 may be provided in the flow duct 120. The second flow control valve 422 may be provided to regulate flow in the flow duct 120. The second flow control valve 422 may be provided in the first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120 between the flow duct outlet port 404 to the flow duct inlet port 408, operable to control the flow of the first working fluid 112 therethrough.

[0087] A third flow control valve 424 is provided to regulate flow through the thermal energy store flow outlet port 432. The third flow control valve 424 may be provided in the thermal energy store outlet duct 406 operable to control the flow of the first working fluid 112 therethrough.

[0088] The energy system 10 may comprise a control system 500 operable to control (e.g. actuate, adjust, open and close) the first flow control valve 420, second flow control valve 422 and / or the third flow control valve 424 to thereby control the flow rate and / or the flow path of the first working fluid 112 therethrough. The control system may be operated in any conventional manner, for example, it may be manually operated, operated via an electronic user interface, and / or operated by a computer.

[0089] The first flow control valve 420, second flow control valve 422 and / or the third flow control valve 424 may each be actuated (e.g. adjusted, open and closed) by any suitable mechanism (e.g. by a mechanical means, operated manually and / or by a motor).

[0090] In examples in which the first flow control valve 420, the second flow control valve 422 and / orthe third flow control valve 424 are present, the energy system may be controlled according to a method comprising controlling (e.g. actuating, adjusting flow area of, opening and / or closing) the first flow control valve 420, the second flow control valve 422 and / or the third flow control valve 424 to thereby control the flow rate of a first working fluid 112 therethrough.

[0091] The energy system 10 may be operable (e.g. configured) such that when the first flow control valve 420 is open the third flow control valve 424 is open and the second third flow control valve 422 is closed, there is no flow along the first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120 and the first working fluid 112 is directed along the first thermal energy store heat transfer path 410. The energy system 10 may be operable (e.g. configured) such that when the first flow control valve 420 is closed, the third flow control valve 424 is closed and the second third flow control valve 422 is open, there is no flow along the first thermal energy store heat transfer path 410 and the first working fluid 112 is directed along the first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120.

[0092] In other examples, the control system 500 may be operable to actuate the first flow control valve 420 and the second flow control valve 422, and the third flow control valve 424 may be a non-return valve. The third flow control valve 424 may be operable to open in response to the flow of the first working fluid 112 through the first thermal energy store heat transfer path 410 from the first thermal energy store inlet duct 402. The third flow control valve 424 may be operable to close in response to the pressure of the first working fluid 112 between the flow duct inlet port 408 and the third flow control valve 424 being greater than the pressure of the fluid in the thermal energy store 400.

[0093] For example, the third flow control valve 424, when provided as a non-return valve, may only allow flow in a direction from the thermal energy store 400 to the first heat exchanger 300, and will close when the pressure on the first heat exchanger 300 side of the third flow control valve 424 is greater than the pressure on the thermal energy store 400 side of the third flow control valve 424.

[0094] Hence, in such an example, when the first flow control valve 420 is open, and the second flow control valve 422 is closed (such that there is no flow along the first sub-section 122) the pressure on the first heat exchanger 300 side of the third flow control valve 424 is lower than the pressure on the thermal energy store 400 side of the third flow control valve 424, and hence the third flow control valve 424 will be open and the first working fluid 112 will pass from the thermal energy store 400 to the flow duct 120, for onward delivery to the first heat exchanger 300.

[0095] Also in such an example, when the first flow control valve 420 is closed, and the second flow control valve 422 is open, the pressure on the first heat exchanger 300 side of the third flow control valve 424 is higher than the pressure on the thermal energy store 400 side of the third flow control valve 424, and hence the third flow control valve 424 will be closed and prevent the passage of the first working fluid 112 therethrough, with all of the first working fluid 112 being passed along the first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120 to the first heat exchanger 300, bypassing the thermal energy store 400.

[0096] Hence, in such an example, although the control system 500 does not directly control (e.g. actuate, adjust, open and close) the third flow control valve 424, the control of the first flow control valve 420 and second flow control valve 422 operate the third flow control valve 424, and hence the control system 500 is operable to thereby control the flow rate of the first working fluid 112 through the third flow control valve 424.

[0097] The control system 500 may be operable to control (e.g. actuate, adjust, open and close) the first flow control valve 420, second flow control valve 422 and / or the third flow control valve 424 in response to the temperature at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet 320. The control system 500 may be operable to control (e.g. actuate, adjust, open and close) the first flow control valve 420, second flow control valve 422 and / or the third flow control valve 424 in response to the temperature of the first working fluid 112 at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet 320.

[0098] Alternatively and / or additionally, the control system 500 may be operable (e.g. configured) to control the first flow control valve 420, the second flow control valve 422 and the third flow control valve 424 to control to the flow rate of a first working fluid 112 through the first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120 relative to the flow rate of a first working fluid 112 through the thermal energy store outlet duct 406 to thereby maintain the temperature at the inlet 320 to the first heat exchanger 300 to within a predetermined temperature range.

[0099] As illustrated in figure 1 , the energy system 10 may comprise a temperature sensor 328 provided / located to generate a signal S from which the temperature of the first working fluid 1 12 at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet 320 may be determined (e.g. either directly or inferred).

[0100] The control system 500 may be operable to control the flow rate of a first working fluid 1 12 through the first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120 and operable to control the flow rate of a first working fluid 112 through the thermal energy store outlet duct 406 in dependence of the temperature signal S.

[0101] The control system 500 may be operable to control the flow rate of a first working fluid 1 12 through the first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120 and operable to control the flow rate of a first working fluid 112 through the thermal energy store outlet duct 406 in dependence of the determined temperature of the first working fluid 112 at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet 320.

[0102] The control system 500 may be operable (e.g. configured) to control the first flow control valve 420, the second flow control valve 422 and the third flow control valve 424 such that there is flow of a first working fluid 112 through the first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120 and flow of a first working fluid 112 through the thermal energy store outlet duct 406, and to control to the flow rate of the first working fluid 112 through the first sub-section 122 of the flow duct 120 relative to the flow rate of a first working fluid 1 12 through the thermal energy store outlet duct 406 to thereby maintain the temperature at the inlet 320 to the first heat exchanger 300 to within a predetermined temperature range.

[0103] Hence, for example, in a scenario in which the first flow control valve 420 and the third flow control valve 424 are open such that there is a flow of first working fluid 1 12 passing through, and being heated by, the thermal energy store 400, where the temperature of the first working fluid 112 leaving the thermal energy store 400 is above a predetermined temperature range, then the third flow control valve 424 may be opened such that there is a sufficient flow of first working fluid 112 from the compressor module 300 which is below the predetermined temperature range so that the mix of first working fluid 112 from the thermal energy store 400 and the compressor module 300 is at or below the predetermined temperature range. Sensors may be provided to measure the temperature of the first working fluid 112 leaving the compressor module 300 and leaving the thermal energy store 400, and the sensors are configured to provide temperature measurements to the control system 500, and the control system 500 is operable to determine the relative flow rate of first working fluid 1 12 from the thermal energy store 400 and the compressor module 300 to deliver the mix of first working fluid 112 to the first heat exchanger 300 at or below the predetermined temperature range.

[0104] In a scenario in which the third flow control valve 424 is open such that there is a flow of first working fluid 112 leaving the compressor module 300 which is below a predetermined temperature range, then the first flow control valve 420 and second flow control valve for 422 may be opened such that there is a sufficient flow of first working fluid 1 12 from the thermal energy store 400 which is above the predetermined temperature range so that the mix of first working fluid 112 from the thermal energy store 400 and the compressor module 300 is at or above the predetermined temperature range. Sensors may be provided to measure the temperature of the first working fluid 112 leaving the compressor module 300 and leaving the thermal energy store 400, and the sensors are configured to provide temperature measurements to the control system 500, and the control system 500 is operable to determine the relative flow rate of first working fluid 112 from the thermal energy store 400 and the compressor module 300 to deliver the mix of first working fluid 112 to the first heat exchanger 300 at or above the predetermined temperature range.

[0105] Hence the present disclosure relates to an energy system in which a heat pump apparatus 100 and a thermal energy store 400 are combined so that systems and / or apparatus in heat flow communication with the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310 via the first heat exchanger unit 300 may be supplied with heat from the heat pump apparatus 100 and / or the thermal store 400, controlled by operation of the first flow control valve 420, the second flow control valve 422 and the third flow control valve 424.

[0106] As illustrated in figures 1 , 3, 4, 7 the first heat exchanger unit 300 may comprise / define a second heat transfer path 312 which defines part of a second working fluid flow path 314 for a second working fluid 316. The second heat transfer path 312 may have a second heat transfer path inlet 324 and a second heat transfer path outlet 326. The second working fluid 316 may comprise water, antifreeze, alcohol, glycol, ammonia, R134a, propane or any other appropriate fluid (including but not limited to those being heated as part of a manufacturing or food processing process - e.g. ingredients in spirits, brewing, milk). Hence the second working fluid may be different to the first working fluid 112. As illustrated in the examples of figures 1 , 3, 4, a first heat sink 1000 may form part of the second heat transfer path 312, and hence the first heat sink 1000 may define part of a second working fluid flow path 314 for a second working fluid 316. The first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310 may be fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path 312.

[0107] In the examples of figures 1 , 3, 4, the second working fluid flow path 314 extends, in series, through the first heat exchanger unit 300, the first heat sink 1000 and back to the first heat exchanger unit 300.

[0108] As illustrated in the example of figure 3, the first heat exchanger unit 300 may comprise / define a third heat transfer path 330 and a second heat sink 2000 which defines part of a third working fluid flow path 334 for a third working fluid 336, which may be the same as or different to the second working fluid 316. By way of non-limiting example, this arrangement could be used for maintaining a fluid at a desired temperature, for example alcohol during a distilling process, wort as part of a brewing process or a foodstuff (for example milk, soup) during a pasteurisation process.

[0109] The third heat transfer path 330 may extend, in series, through the first heat exchanger unit 300, the second heat sink 2000 and back to the first heat exchanger unit 300. The first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310, the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path 312 and the first heat exchanger unit third heat transfer path 330 may be fluidly isolated from, and be in heat transfer communication with, each other.

[0110] Hence the second working fluid flow path 314 is provided in parallel to the third working fluid flow path 334. Hence the heat sinks 1000, 2000 may draw the same or different amounts of heat from the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310 (i.e. from the first working fluid flow path 110) during operation of the system. Further in parallel working fluid flow paths and heat sinks may also be added to the example shown in figure 3, as required by the installation.

[0111] The first heat sink 1000, second heat sink 2000 and or any additional heat sinks may comprise a heat radiator, a heat radiator flow circuit, a hot water tank, or a thermal energy storage unit containing phase change material. They may be used for heating and / or drying.

[0112] As illustrated in the example of figure 4, but also equally applicable to other examples of the present disclosure, the energy system 10 may further comprise a cold thermal storage unit 800 in fluid communication with a turbine module outlet 954 so as to receive the first working fluid 112 exhausted from the turbine module outlet 954. Any suitable cold thermal storage unit 800 may be used. The cold may be captured by spraying water into the turbine air flow which can be collected as ice after it exits at turbine module outlet 954, or used as chilled water.

[0113] The examples of figures 1 , 3, 4 may have particular efficacy as part of a large network (e.g. a district heating arrangement), in factories, office blocks, blocks of flats etc where the heat pump apparatus 100 and the thermal energy store 400 supply heating to one or more heat sinks 1000, 2000 etc be used immediately or stored for use at a later time. The thermal energy store may be utilised for cooling (e.g. for cooling air and / or water).

[0114] As shown in the examples of figures 5, 6 the first heat exchanger 300 may comprise (i.e. define) a heat storage reservoir (e.g. a tank) 650 for storage of a heat storage medium 680. The first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310 may extend through (e.g. be located in) the heat storage reservoir 650 such that the heat storage medium 680 provided in the heat storage reservoir 650 is fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310.

[0115] In this example, the first heat exchanger unit 300 may be configured as a thermal energy storage tank. The thermal energy tank may be configured for containing a heat storage medium 680 (i.e. a thermal energy storage material) comprising hydrated salts, organic phase change materials e.g. paraffin wax type, wax and water combinations, or phase change material blocks.

[0116] As shown in the examples of figures 5, 6, the energy system 10 may comprise a third heat exchanger unit 600. The third heat exchanger unit 600 may comprise a fourth heat transfer path 612 and a fifth heat transfer path 614. The fourth heat transfer path 612 may form part of a heat storage medium flow path 634 for recirculation of the heat storage medium 680, the heat storage reservoir 650 having a first reservoir outlet 654 and a first reservoir inlet 652. The fourth heat transfer path 612 may comprise a fourth heat transfer path inlet 602 and a fourth heat transfer path outlet 604. The fifth heat transfer path 614 may comprise a third heat transfer path inlet 606 and a third heat transfer path outlet 608.

[0117] The heat storage medium flow path 634 may extend, in series, from the heat storage reservoir 650, through the first reservoir outlet 654, through the fourth heat transfer path 612, through the first reservoir inlet 652 and back to the heat storage reservoir 650.

[0118] Hence the example of figures 5, 6 are configured such that heat from the first working fluid flow path 110 may be transmitted to the heat storage medium 680 in the heat storage reservoir 650, and transmitted to the fifth heat transfer path 614 via the fourth heat transfer path 612.

[0119] The fifth heat transfer path 614 may define part of a fifth working fluid flow path 638, for a fifth working fluid 636, e.g. hot water. The fifth heat transfer path 614 may be in fluid communication with a fifth working fluid source 660 of a fifth working fluid 636, and extend, in series, from the fifth working fluid source 660, through the third heat exchanger unit 600 along the fifth heat transfer path 614, and to a fifth working fluid flow path outlet 662. Hence the fifth heat transfer path 614 may provide hot water for washing, drinking etc.

[0120] The third heat exchanger unit fourth heat transfer path 612 may be fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the third heat exchanger unit fifth heat transfer path 614. As illustrated in the examples of figures 5, 6, the heat storage reservoir 650 may be provided with a second reservoir outlet 658, and a second reservoir inlet 656. In the same examples, there may be provided a sixth working fluid flow path 670 in fluid communication with a heat storage medium source 672 of the heat storage medium 680, and the sixth working fluid flow path 670 extending, in series, from the heat storage medium source 672 of the heat storage medium 680, through the first heat exchanger unit 300 to a heat storage medium flow path outlet 676. Hence the sixth working fluid flow path 670 may provide hot water for washing, drinking etc.

[0121] As illustrated in the example of figure 6, the energy system 10 may further comprise a fourth heat exchanger unit 700. The fourth heat exchanger unit 700 may comprise a seventh heat transfer path 712 and an eighth heat transfer path 714.

[0122] The eighth heat transfer path 714 may define part of an eighth working fluid flow path 718 for an eighth working fluid 720, which may be the same as or different to the second working fluid 316. The second working fluid 316 and eighth working fluid 720 may be the same fluid on a different part of a process (for example two parallel processing lines in a factory having different water qualities or additives at different stages of a process). In another example the second working fluid 316 and eighth working fluid 720 may relate to separate heating systems for different office blocks, flats or houses. In another example one of the second working fluid 316 and eighth working fluid 720 may be water in a domestic hot water system and the other drinking water. In another example the second working fluid 316 and eighth working fluid 720 may relate to the same fluid in different stages of a distillation I brewing process.

[0123] The fourth heat exchanger unit seventh heat transfer path 712 may be fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the fourth heat exchanger unit eighth heat transfer path 714.

[0124] The seventh heat transfer path 712 may form part of the fifth working fluid flow path 638, wherein a portion of the fifth working fluid flow path 638 extends, in series, through the third heat exchanger unit 600, along the fifth heat transfer path 614, through the fourth heat exchanger unit 700 along the seventh heat transfer path 712 and back to third heat exchanger unit 600.

[0125] The eighth heat transfer path 714 may be in fluid communication with an eighth working fluid source 730 of an eighth working fluid 720, and extending, in series, from the eighth working fluid source 730, through the fourth heat exchanger unit 700 along the eighth heat transfer path 714, and to an eighth working fluid flow path outlet 732.

[0126] The seventh heat transfer path 712 may comprise a seventh heat transfer path inlet 702 and a seventh heat transfer path outlet 704. The eighth heat transfer path 714 may comprise an eighth heat transfer path inlet 706 and a eighth heat transfer path outlet 708.

[0127] Valves may be provided at entry to and / or at exit from the seventh heat transfer path 712 to control the flow rate therethrough. The fourth heat exchanger unit 700 may be provided as a radiator (e.g. for heating a space / room), and hence the valve(s) at entry to and / or at exit from the seventh heat transfer path 712 may be operable to control the amount of heat delivered to the radiator. Alternatively, the fourth heat exchanger unit 700 may be provided as a control for a hot water system, and hence the valve(s) at entry to and / or at exit from the seventh heat transfer path 712 may be operable to control the amount of heat delivered to the hot water system.

[0128] As illustrated in the example of figure 7, the heat storage reservoir 650 may have a first reservoir outlet 654 and a first reservoir inlet 652. The thermal energy store 400 may define a second thermal energy store heat transfer path 418 which extends between a second thermal energy store heat transfer path inlet 412 and a second thermal energy store heat transfer path outlet 414. The second thermal energy store heat transfer path 418 may form part of a ninth working fluid flow path 690.

[0129] The ninth working fluid flow path 690 may be in fluid communication with a heat storage medium source 672 of a heat storage medium 680, and extend, in series, from the source 672 of the heat storage medium 680, through the first reservoir inlet 652 and the second reservoir outlet 654, through the second thermal energy store heat transfer path inlet 412, along the second thermal energy store heat transfer path 418 and out of the second thermal energy store heat transfer path outlet 414 to a ninth working fluid flow path outlet 676.

[0130] In this way, the thermal energy store 400 may be used as a pre-heater for the heat storage medium 680 passing therethrough (for example, to be heated either to its final temperature before use, or to be heated partially so that less energy is needed to heat it before its ultimate use - for example making steam in for an industrial use). In this example the heat storage medium 680 may be water.

[0131] As illustrated in the example of figure 7, the first heat exchanger unit 300 may comprise / define a second heat transfer path 312 which defines part of a second working fluid flow path 314 for a second working fluid 316. The first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path 310, the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path 312 and ninth working fluid flow path 690 may be fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with each other.

[0132] The second working fluid flow path 314 may be in fluid communication with a second working fluid source 360 of a second working fluid 316, and extending, in series, from the second working fluid source 360, through the first heat exchanger unit 300 along the second working fluid flow path 314, and to a second working fluid flow path outlet 362. In this way, the first heat exchanger unit 300 may be used to heat a fluid for use by a user. For example, the second working fluid source 360 may be a source of water, and the first heat exchanger unit 300 is used to heat water for drinking and / or washing.

[0133] Pumps may be provided as part of any one of the working fluid flow paths of any of the examples to displace the respective fluid therethough. Hence there is provided an energy system which is able to reliably meet a heating demand and which utilises a range of variable I time dependent heat sources, thereby reducing dependency on burning of fossil fuels (e.g. gas, oil, wood, coal) thus making it an attractive alternative to conventional fossil fuel heating solutions.

[0134] Combining a heat pump apparatus and a thermal energy store according to the present disclosure enables the utilisation of multiple heat sources to provide heating, hot water and / or steam. This enables the provision of heating, hot water and / or steam to be overall more reliable than being reliant on one system, as well as avoiding the impact of, and reliance on, fossil fuels for this purpose.

[0135] An energy system according to the present disclosure also enables the utilisation of variable energy inputs (e.g. from renewables to generate heat which is stored in the Thermal Energy Store) and output a constant and / or regular cycle of heat demand via the first heat exchanger unit 300. This can make use of renewable energy inputs (e.g. from wind, solar, wave) which may otherwise be curtailed when available.

[0136] The use of a thermal energy store also means that heat may be generated from electricity for the thermal energy store during periods of low demand, and stored it for use later (e.g. later the same day, week or month) in the system of the present disclosure.

[0137] Attention is directed to all papers and documents which are filed concurrently with or previous to this specification in connection with this application and which are open to public inspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papers and documents are incorporated herein by reference.

[0138] All of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), and / or all of the steps of any method or process so disclosed, may be combined in any combination, except combinations where at least some of such features and / or steps are mutually exclusive.

[0139] Each feature disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings) may be replaced by alternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose, unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a generic series of equivalent or similar features.

[0140] The invention is not restricted to the details of the foregoing embodiment(s). The invention extends to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the features disclosed in this specification (including any accompanying claims, abstract and drawings), or to any novel one, or any novel combination, of the steps of any method or process so disclosed.

Claims

AMENDED CLAIMS received by the International Bureau on 17 February 2026 (17.02.2026)CLAIMS1 An energy system (10) comprising: a heat pump apparatus (100) which defines a first working fluid flow path (1 10); the heat pump apparatus (100) comprising: a compressor module (200) which defines a portion of the first working fluid flow path (110); the compressor module (200) having a compressor module inlet (202) and a compressor module outlet (204); a first heat exchanger unit (300) which comprises a first heat transfer path (310) which defines part of the first working fluid flow path (110); the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310) having an inlet (320) and an outlet (322); and a flow duct (120) extending between the compressor module outlet (204), and the first heat exchanger inlet (320); the energy system (10) further comprising a thermal energy store (400); the thermal energy store (400) having a flow inlet port (430) and a flow outlet port (432); the thermal energy store (400) being in fluid communication with the flow duct (120) via a thermal energy store outlet duct (406) which extends from the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432) to an inlet port (408) on the flow duct (120); the thermal energy store (400) defining a first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) which extends between the thermal energy store flow inlet port (430) to the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432); wherein the heat pump apparatus (100) further comprises: a second heat exchanger unit (900), a turbine module (950), a flow inlet port (12) and a flow outlet port (14); the turbine module (950) having a turbine module inlet (952) and a turbine module outlet (954); the second heat exchanger unit (900) comprises a first heat transfer path (910) and a second heat transfer path (912), the second heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (910) being fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the second heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (912); the first working fluid flow path (110) extending, in series, through: the flow inlet port (12), the second heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (910), the compressor module inlet (202), the compressor module outlet (204), the first heat exchanger unit first heatAMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)transfer path (310), the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (912), the turbine module inlet (952), the turbine module outlet (954) and the flow outlet port (14).2 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the thermal energy store (400) is in fluid communication with the flow duct (120) via a first thermal energy store inlet duct (402) which extends from an outlet port (404) on the flow duct (120) to the thermal energy store flow inlet port (430); the thermal energy store (400) defining a first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) which extends between the first thermal energy store inlet duct (402) to the thermal energy store outlet duct (406).3 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 2 wherein: the flow duct outlet port (404) is provided on the flow duct (120) along the first working fluid flow path (110) between the compressor module outlet (204) and the flow duct inlet port (408); the flow duct inlet port (408) is provided on the flow duct (120) along the first working fluid flow path (110) between the flow duct outlet port (404) and first heat exchanger inlet (320); and the flow duct outlet port (404) and flow duct inlet port (408) are spaced apart by a first sub-section (122) of the flow duct (120).4 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 1 wherein: the thermal energy store flow inlet port (430) is in fluid communication with a second source (434) of the first working fluid (112) such that the first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) is configured to receive the first working fluid (1 12) from the second source (434) of the first working fluid (1 12) and transfer heat to the first working fluid (112) as it passes through the thermal energy store (400).5 An energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 4 wherein: a first flow control valve (420) is provided which is operable to control the flow of the first working fluid (112) through the thermal energy store flow inlet port (430); a second flow control valve (422) is provided to regulate flow in the flow duct (120); and a third flow control valve (424) is provided to regulate flow through the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432).AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)6 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 5 wherein the energy system (10) further comprises a control system (500) operable to control the first flow control valve (420), second flow control valve (422) and / or the third flow control valve (424) to thereby control the flow rate and / or the flow path of the first working fluid (1 12) therethrough.7 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 6 wherein the control system (500) is operable to control the first flow control valve (420), second flow control valve (422) and / or the third flow control valve (424) in response to the temperature at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet (320).8 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 7 further comprising a temperature sensor (328) provided to generate a signal (S) from which the temperature of the first working fluid (112) at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet (320) is determined, and the control system (500) is operable to control the flow rate of a first working fluid (112) through the first sub-section (122) of the flow duct (120) and operable to control the flow rate of a first working fluid (112) through the thermal energy store outlet duct (406) in dependence of the temperature of the first working fluid (112) at the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path inlet (320).9 An energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8 wherein the control system (500) is operable to control the first flow control valve (420), the second flow control valve (422) and the third flow control valve (424) to control to the flow rate of a first working fluid (112) through the first sub-section (122) of the flow duct (120) relative to the flow rate of a first working fluid (1 12) through the thermal energy store outlet duct (406) to thereby maintain the temperature at the inlet (320) to the first heat exchanger (300) to within a predetermined temperature range.10 An energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 9 operable such that when the first flow control valve (420) is open, the third flow control valve (424) is open and the second third flow control valve (422) is closed; and when the first flow control valve (420) is closed, the third flow control valve (424) is closed and the second third flow control valve (422) is open.AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)11 An energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 5 to 10 wherein the control system (500) is operable to actuate the first flow control valve (420) and the second flow control valve (422), and the third flow control valve (424) is a non-return valve, wherein: the third flow control valve (424) is operable to open in response to the flow of the first working fluid (112) through the first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) from the first thermal energy store inlet duct (402); and the third flow control valve (424) is operable to close in response to the pressure of the first working fluid (112) between the flow duct inlet port (408) and the third flow control valve (424) being greater than the pressure of the fluid in the thermal energy store (400).12 An energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the first heat exchanger unit (300) comprises a second heat transfer path (312) which defines part of a second working fluid flow path (314); the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310) being fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (312).13 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 12 wherein: the first heat exchanger unit (300) comprises a third heat transfer path (330) which defines part of a third working fluid flow path (334); the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310), the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (312) and the first heat exchanger unit third heat transfer path (330) being fluidly isolated from, and being in heat transfer communication with, each other.14 An energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 11 wherein the first heat exchanger (300) comprises a heat storage reservoir (650) for storage of a heat storage medium (680), the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310) extending through the heat storage reservoir (650), such that the heat storage medium (680) provided in the heat storage reservoir (650) is fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310).AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)15 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 14 comprising a third heat exchanger unit (600); the third heat exchanger unit (600) comprising a fourth heat transfer path (612) and a fifth heat transfer path (614); the fourth heat transfer path (612) forming part of a heat storage medium flow path (634) for recirculation of the heat storage medium (680), the heat storage reservoir (650) having a first reservoir outlet (654) and a first reservoir inlet (652), the heat storage medium flow path (634) extending, in series, from the heat storage reservoir (650), through the first reservoir outlet (654), through the fourth heat transfer path (612), through the first reservoir inlet (652) and back to the heat storage reservoir (650); the fifth heat transfer path (614) defines part of a fifth working fluid flow path (638); the fifth heat transfer path (614) being in fluid communication with a fifth working fluid source (660) of a fifth working fluid (636), and extending, in series, from the fifth working fluid source (660), through the third heat exchanger unit (600) along the fifth heat transfer path (614), and to a fifth working fluid flow path outlet (662); the third heat exchanger unit fourth heat transfer path (612) being fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the third heat exchanger unit fifth heat transfer path (614).16 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 15 wherein the heat storage reservoir (650) is provided with second reservoir outlet (658), and a second reservoir inlet (656); and there is provided a sixth working fluid flow path (670) in fluid communication with a heat storage medium source (672) of the heat storage medium (680), and the sixth working fluid flow path (670) extending, in series, from the heat storage medium source (672) of the heat storage medium (680), through the first heat exchanger unit (300) to a heat storage medium flow path outlet (676).17 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 16 further comprising a fourth heat exchanger unit (700); the fourth heat exchanger unit (700) comprising a seventh heat transfer path (712) and an eighth heat transfer path (714); the eighth heat transfer path (714) defines part of an eighth working fluid flow path (718)AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)the fourth heat exchanger unit seventh heat transfer path (712) being fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with, the fourth heat exchanger unit eighth heat transfer path (714); the seventh heat transfer path (712) forming part of the fifth working fluid flow path (638), wherein a portion of the fifth working fluid flow path (638) extends, in series, through the third heat exchanger unit (600), along the fifth heat transfer path (614), through the fourth heat exchanger unit (700) along the seventh heat transfer path (712); and back to third heat exchanger unit (600); the eighth heat transfer path (714) being in fluid communication with an eighth working fluid source (730) of a eighth working fluid (720), and extending, in series, from the eighth working fluid source (730), through the fourth heat exchanger unit (700) along the eighth heat transfer path (714), and to an eighth working fluid flow path outlet (732).18 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 14 wherein: the heat storage reservoir (650) has a first reservoir outlet (654) and a first reservoir inlet (652), the thermal energy store (400) defines a second thermal energy store heat transfer path (418) which extends between a second thermal energy store heat transfer path inlet (412) and a second thermal energy store heat transfer path outlet (414); and the second thermal energy store heat transfer path (418) forms part of a ninth working fluid flow path (690); the ninth working fluid flow path (690) being in fluid communication with a heat storage medium source (672) of a heat storage medium (680), and extending, in series, from the source (672) of the heat storage medium (680), through the first reservoir inlet (652) and the second reservoir outlet (654), through the second thermal energy store heat transfer path inlet (412), along the second thermal energy store heat transfer path (418) and out of the second thermal energy store heat transfer path outlet (414) to a ninth working fluid flow path outlet (676).19 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 18 wherein: the first heat exchanger unit (300) comprises a second heat transfer path (312) which defines part of a second working fluid flow path (314); the first heat exchanger unit first heat transfer path (310), the first heat exchanger unit second heat transfer path (312) and ninth working fluid flow path (690) being fluidly isolated from, and in heat transfer communication with each other;AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)the second working fluid flow path (314) being in fluid communication with a second working fluid source (360) of a second working fluid (316), and extending, in series, from the second working fluid source (360), through the first heat exchanger unit (300) along the second working fluid flow path (314), and to a second working fluid flow path outlet (362).20 An energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 19 further comprising a cold thermal storage unit (800) in fluid communication with turbine module outlet (954) so as to receive the first working fluid (112) exhausted from the turbine module outlet (954).21 An energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 20 wherein the first working fluid (112) is air.22 An energy system (10) as claimed in claim 12 or claim 19 wherein the second working fluid (316) comprises water, antifreeze and / or glycol.23 A facility defined at least in part by a wall (16) which defines a space in which an energy system (10) as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 22 is located, wherein the flow inlet port (12) and the flow outlet port (14) are provided in and / or extend through the wall (16).24 A method of operation of an energy system (10), the energy system (10) comprising: a heat pump apparatus (100) comprising a flow duct (120) which defines part of a first working fluid flow path (1 10); a thermal energy store (400) having a flow inlet port (430) and a flow outlet port (432); the thermal energy store (400) being in fluid communication with the flow duct (120) via a thermal energy store outlet duct (406) which extends from the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432) to an inlet port (408) on the flow duct (120); the thermal energy store (400) defining a first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) which extends between the thermal energy store flow inlet port (430) to the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432); a first flow control valve (420) is provided operable to control the flow of the first working fluid (112) through the thermal energy store flow inlet port (430); a second flow control valve (422) is provided to regulate flow in the flow duct (120); andAMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)a third flow control valve (424) is provided to regulate flow through the thermal energy store flow outlet port (432) , and the third flow control valve (424) is a non-return valve, wherein the third flow control valve (424) is operable to open in response to the flow of the first working fluid (112) through the first thermal energy store heat transfer path (410) from the first thermal energy store inlet duct (402); and the third flow control valve (424) is operable to close in response to the pressure of the first working fluid (112) between the flow duct inlet port (408) and the third flow control valve (424) being greater than the pressure of the fluid in the thermal energy store (400); whereby the method comprises controlling the first flow control valve (420), the second flow control valve (422) and / or the third flow control valve (424) to thereby control the flow rate and / or the flow path of a first working fluid (1 12).AMENDED SHEET (ARTICLE 19)

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