DETAILED ACTION
Claims 1-20 are pending.
Notice of Pre-AIA or AIA Status
The present application, filed on or after March 16, 2013, is being examined under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA .
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 112
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(b):
(b) CONCLUSION.—The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor regards as the invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph:
The specification shall conclude with one or more claims particularly pointing out and distinctly claiming the subject matter which the applicant regards as his invention.
The following is a quotation of 35 U.S.C. 112(d):
(d) REFERENCE IN DEPENDENT FORMS.—Subject to subsection (e), a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.
The following is a quotation of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, fourth paragraph:
Subject to the following paragraph [i.e., the fifth paragraph of pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112], a claim in dependent form shall contain a reference to a claim previously set forth and then specify a further limitation of the subject matter claimed. A claim in dependent form shall be construed to incorporate by reference all the limitations of the claim to which it refers.
Claim 19 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(b) or 35 U.S.C. 112 (pre-AIA ), second paragraph, as being indefinite for failing to particularly point out and distinctly claim the subject matter which the inventor or a joint inventor (or for applications subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, the applicant), regards as the invention. Specifically, it is not clear if the terms “said heat pump”, “said at least one temperature sensor”, “said control unit”, “the auxiliary heat sources”, and “said working fluid” are referring back to the those components/elements introduced in Claim 19, or the corresponding components/elements introduced in independent claim 1.
Claim 19 is rejected under 35 U.S.C. 112(d) or pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 112, 4th paragraph, as being of improper dependent form for failing to further limit the subject matter of the claim upon which it depends, or for failing to include all the limitations of the claim upon which it depends. Since this claim is directed towards a “kit of parts”, it is not clear if the limitations/features/components recited in claim 1 are required. Furthermore, since it is directed to a “kit of parts”, the interconnection of components is not clear. Applicant may cancel the claim(s), amend the claim(s) to place the claim(s) in proper dependent form, rewrite the claim(s) in independent form, or present a sufficient showing that the dependent claim(s) complies with the statutory requirements.
Double Patenting
The nonstatutory double patenting rejection is based on a judicially created doctrine grounded in public policy (a policy reflected in the statute) so as to prevent the unjustified or improper timewise extension of the “right to exclude” granted by a patent and to prevent possible harassment by multiple assignees. A nonstatutory double patenting rejection is appropriate where the conflicting claims are not identical, but at least one examined application claim is not patentably distinct from the reference claim(s) because the examined application claim is either anticipated by, or would have been obvious over, the reference claim(s). See, e.g., In re Berg, 140 F.3d 1428, 46 USPQ2d 1226 (Fed. Cir. 1998); In re Goodman, 11 F.3d 1046, 29 USPQ2d 2010 (Fed. Cir. 1993); In re Longi, 759 F.2d 887, 225 USPQ 645 (Fed. Cir. 1985); In re Van Ornum, 686 F.2d 937, 214 USPQ 761 (CCPA 1982); In re Vogel, 422 F.2d 438, 164 USPQ 619 (CCPA 1970); In re Thorington, 418 F.2d 528, 163 USPQ 644 (CCPA 1969).
A timely filed terminal disclaimer in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(c) or 1.321(d) may be used to overcome an actual or provisional rejection based on nonstatutory double patenting provided the reference application or patent either is shown to be commonly owned with the examined application, or claims an invention made as a result of activities undertaken within the scope of a joint research agreement. See MPEP § 717.02 for applications subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA as explained in MPEP § 2159. See MPEP § 2146 et seq. for applications not subject to examination under the first inventor to file provisions of the AIA . A terminal disclaimer must be signed in compliance with 37 CFR 1.321(b).
The USPTO Internet website contains terminal disclaimer forms which may be used. Please visit www.uspto.gov/patent/patents-forms. The filing date of the application in which the form is filed determines what form (e.g., PTO/SB/25, PTO/SB/26, PTO/AIA /25, or PTO/AIA /26) should be used. A web-based eTerminal Disclaimer may be filled out completely online using web-screens. An eTerminal Disclaimer that meets all requirements is auto-processed and approved immediately upon submission. For more information about eTerminal Disclaimers, refer to www.uspto.gov/patents/process/file/efs/guidance/eTD-info-I.jsp.
Claims 1-8, 9-13, and 18-20 are rejected on the ground of nonstatutory double patenting as being unpatentable over claims 1-8, 10-12, 14-15, and 17-19, respectively, of U.S. Patent No. 12,253,269. Although the claims at issue are not identical, they are not patentably distinct from each other because the examined application claims are anticipated by the reference claims. See table below:
Patent No. 12,253,269
Instant Application
1. A building heating system, comprising:
1. Building heating system, comprising:
at least one air source heat pump configured to transfer heat from air to a working fluid conducted through a working fluid line,
at least one air source heat pump configured to transfer heat from air to a working fluid conducted through a working fluid line,
said working fluid line comprises at least two electrical heating tubes configured to heat said working fluid during flow-through of said working fluid, wherein each of said heating tubes is, directly or indirectly, connected or connectable to said heat pump, and wherein said working fluid line is connected or connectable to at least one water heat exchanger for transferring heat from said working fluid to water conducted through at least one water line of a building water system,
wherein said working fluid line comprises at least two auxiliary heat sources configured to heat said working fluid during flow-through of said working fluid, wherein each of said auxiliary heat sources is, directly or indirectly, connected or connectable to said heat pump, and wherein said working fluid line is connected or connectable to at least one water heat exchanger for transferring heat from said working fluid to water conducted through at least one water line of a building water system,
at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid and/or water conducted through at least one water line, and
at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid and/or water conducted through at least one water line,
at least one control unit connected or connectable to said at least one temperature sensor, wherein said control unit is configured to individually control the electrical heating tubes based upon the temperature detected by said at least one temperature sensor.
at least one control unit connected or connectable to said at least one temperature sensor, wherein said control unit is configured to control the auxiliary heat sources based upon the temperature detected by said at least one temperature sensor.
2. The building heating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to individually control the electrical heating tubes and the heat pump based upon the temperature detected by said at least one temperature sensor.
2. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to individually control the auxiliary heat sources and optionally the heat pump based upon the temperature detected by said at least one temperature sensor.
3. The building heating system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors connected or connectable to said control unit, wherein at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heat pump and an upstream side of the heating tubes, and wherein at least one other working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heating tubes.
3. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors connected or connectable to said control unit, wherein at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heat pump and an upstream side of the auxiliary heat sources, and wherein at least one other working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the auxiliary heat sources.
4. The building heating system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of temperature sensors connected or connectable to said control unit, wherein at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid, and wherein at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one water line of the building water system.
4. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors connected or connectable to said control unit, wherein at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid, and wherein at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one water line of the building water system.
5. The building heating system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of water temperature sensors connected or connectable to said control unit, wherein at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one first water line, and wherein at least one other water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one second water line.
5. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the heating system comprises a plurality of water temperature sensors connected or connectable to said control unit, wherein at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one first water line, and wherein at least one other water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one second water line.
6. The building heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least two heating tubes are positioned at a downstream side of the heat pump and an upstream side of the at least one heat exchanger.
6. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least two auxiliary heat sources are positioned at a downstream side of the heat pump and an upstream side of the at least one heat exchanger.
7. The building heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least two heating tubes are connected in parallel orientation in the working fluid line, and wherein the sum of diameters of the parallel heating tubes is larger than a diameter of an adjacent conduit of the working fluid line.
7. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least two auxiliary heat sources are connected in parallel orientation in the working fluid line, and wherein the sum of diameters of the parallel auxiliary heat sources is larger than a diameter of an adjacent conduit of the working fluid line.
8. The building heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one electrical heating tube is an induction heating tube, and wherein said induction heating tube is connected or a connectable to an alternating current source.
8. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one auxiliary heat source is an induction auxiliary heat source, wherein said induction auxiliary heat source is connected or a connectable to an alternating current source.
10. The building heating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to individually switch on and off the electrical heating tubes and/or one or more parts of a heating tube, dependent on one or more temperature values measured by one or more temperature sensors.
9. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to individually switch on and off the auxiliary heat sources and/or one or more parts of a auxiliary heat source, dependent on one or more temperature values measured by one or more temperature sensors.
11. The building heating system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one water temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of water conducted through at least one first water line, wherein the control unit is configured to switch on at least one electrical heating tube in case the measured water temperature is below a first threshold value and simultaneously or successively to switch on at least one further heating tube in case the measured water temperature is below a second threshold value, wherein said second threshold value is lower than said first threshold value.
10. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises at least one water temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of water conducted through at least one first water line, wherein the control unit is configured to switch on at least one auxiliary heat source in case the measured water temperature is below a first threshold value and simultaneously or successively to switch on at least one further auxiliary heat source in case the measured water temperature is below a second threshold value, wherein said second threshold value is lower than said first threshold value.
12. The building heating system according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump comprises a housing, wherein at least two heating tubes are connected to said housing and/or are accommodated within said housing.
11. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump comprises a housing, wherein at least two auxiliary heat sources are connected to said housing and/or are accommodated within said housing.
14. The building heating system according to claim 1, wherein the working fluid line comprises at least one storage container for storing heated working fluid, wherein a part of at least one water line is guided through said storage container for preheating water by said working fluid within said storage container.
12. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the working fluid line comprises at least one storage container for storing heated working fluid, wherein a part of at least one water line is guided through said storage container for preheating water by said working fluid within said storage container.
15. The building heating system according to claim 1, further comprising a plurality of separated water lines of the building water system, wherein each of at least two water lines are connected to at least one water heat exchanger for heating water by the working fluid.
13. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of separated water lines of the building water system, wherein each of at least two water lines are connected to at least one water heat exchanger for heating water by the working fluid.
17. The building heating system according to claim 1, further comprising at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one first water line as well as at least one flow sensor to measure the flow of water through said first water line, wherein control unit is configured to switch on at least one electrical heating tube in case the measured water temperature is below a temperature threshold value and/or in case the measured water flow exceeds a flow threshold value, and wherein the control unit is further configured to simultaneously or successively to switch on at least one further heating tube in case the measured water flow exceeds a predefined, period of time and/or in case the measured temperature increase over a predefined period of time remains below a temperature threshold value.
18. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one first water line as well as at least one flow sensor to measure the flow of water through said first water line, wherein control unit is configured to switch on at least one auxiliary heat source in case the measured water temperature is below a temperature threshold value and/or in case the measured water flow exceeds a flow threshold value, and wherein the control unit is further configured to simultaneously or successively to switch on at least one further auxiliary heat source in case the measured water flow exceeds a predefined, period of time and/or in case the measured temperature increase over a predefined period of time remains below a temperature threshold value.
18. A kit of parts for a building heating system according to claim 1, comprising:
19. Kit of parts for a building heating system according to claim 1, comprising:
at least one heat pump,
at least one heat pump,
at least one working fluid temperature sensor, and
at least two working fluid auxiliary heat sources connectable, directly of indirectly, to said heat pump,
at least one control unit connectable to said at least one temperature sensor, wherein said control unit is configured to individually control the electrical heating tubes at least partially based upon the working fluid temperature detected by said at least one working fluid temperature sensor.
at least one control unit connectable to said at least one temperature sensor, wherein said control unit is configured to individually control the auxiliary heat sources at least partially based upon the working fluid temperature detected by said at least one working fluid temperature sensor.
19. A computer-implemented method for controlling the building heating system according claim 1, comprising a step of operating the control unit to individually control and switch on and/or off, one or more electrical heating tubes and optionally the heat pump, at least partially based upon at least one temperature detected by said at least one temperature sensor.
20. Computer-implemented for controlling the building heating system according claim 1, comprising the step of operating the control unit to individually control and switch on and/or off, one or more auxiliary heat sources and optionally the heat pump, at least partially based upon at least one temperature detected by said at least one temperature sensor.
Claim Rejections - 35 USC § 102
In the event the determination of the status of the application as subject to AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103 (or as subject to pre-AIA 35 U.S.C. 102 and 103) is incorrect, any correction of the statutory basis for the rejection will not be considered a new ground of rejection if the prior art relied upon, and the rationale supporting the rejection, would be the same under either status.
The following is a quotation of the appropriate paragraphs of 35 U.S.C. 102 that form the basis for the rejections under this section made in this Office action:
A person shall be entitled to a patent unless –
(a)(1) the claimed invention was patented, described in a printed publication, or in public use, on sale, or otherwise available to the public before the effective filing date of the claimed invention.
Claim(s) 1-20 is/are rejected under 35 U.S.C. 102(a)(1) as being anticipated by Kim, Seong-Kyun, et al. "Field-scale evaluation of the design of borehole heat exchangers for the use of shallow geothermal energy." Energy 35.2 (2010): 491-500 (hereinafter Kim).
Regarding claims 1-20, Kim discloses all the claimed limitations, as outlined below:
CLAIM 1. Building heating system, comprising: at least one air source heat pump configured to transfer heat from air to a working fluid conducted through a working fluid line, wherein said working fluid line comprises at least two auxiliary heat sources configured to heat said working fluid during flow-through of said working fluid, wherein each of said auxiliary heat sources is, directly or indirectly, connected or connectable to said heat pump, and wherein said working fluid line is connected or connectable to at least one water heat exchanger for transferring heat from said working fluid to water conducted through at least one water line of a building water system, at least one temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid and/or water conducted through at least one water line, at least one control unit connected or connectable to said at least one temperature sensor, wherein said control unit is configured to control the auxiliary heat sources based upon the temperature detected by said at least one temperature sensor (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 2. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to individually control the auxiliary heat sources and optionally the heat pump based upon the temperature detected by said at least one temperature sensor (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 3. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors connected or connectable to said control unit, wherein at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the heat pump and an upstream side of the auxiliary heat sources, and wherein at least one other working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid downstream of the auxiliary heat sources (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 4. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of temperature sensors connected or connectable to said control unit, wherein at least one working fluid temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of the working fluid, and wherein at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one water line of the building water system (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 5. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the heating system comprises a plurality of water temperature sensors connected or connectable to said control unit, wherein at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one first water line, and wherein at least one other water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one second water line (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 6. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least two auxiliary heat sources are positioned at a downstream side of the heat pump and an upstream side of the at least one heat exchanger (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 7. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least two auxiliary heat sources are connected in parallel orientation in the working fluid line, and wherein the sum of diameters of the parallel auxiliary heat sources is larger than a diameter of an adjacent conduit of the working fluid line (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 8. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one auxiliary heat source is an induction auxiliary heat source, wherein said induction auxiliary heat source is connected or a connectable to an alternating current source (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 9. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to individually switch on and off the auxiliary heat sources and/or one or more parts of a auxiliary heat source, dependent on one or more temperature values measured by one or more temperature sensors (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 10. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises at least one water temperature sensor configured to measure the temperature of water conducted through at least one first water line, wherein the control unit is configured to switch on at least one auxiliary heat source in case the measured water temperature is below a first threshold value and simultaneously or successively to switch on at least one further auxiliary heat source in case the measured water temperature is below a second threshold value, wherein said second threshold value is lower than said first threshold value (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 11. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the heat pump comprises a housing, wherein at least two auxiliary heat sources are connected to said housing and/or are accommodated within said housing (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 12. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the working fluid line comprises at least one storage container for storing heated working fluid, wherein a part of at least one water line is guided through said storage container for preheating water by said working fluid within said storage container (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 13. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises a plurality of separated water lines of the building water system, wherein each of at least two water lines are connected to at least one water heat exchanger for heating water by the working fluid (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 14. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least one auxiliary heat source is formed by a heat source chosen from the group consisting of: a solar heater, a geothermal heater, and an additional heat pump (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 15. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the at least one auxiliary heat source is formed by an electrical heating tube (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 16. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein at least two auxiliary heating sources are connected in series in the working fluid line (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 17. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein multiple auxiliary heating sources are integrated into a single heating tube to form different controllable heating sections of said heating tube (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 18. Heating system according to claim 1, wherein the system comprises at least one water temperature sensor is configured to measure the temperature of water of conducted through at least one first water line as well as at least one flow sensor to measure the flow of water through said first water line, wherein control unit is configured to switch on at least one auxiliary heat source in case the measured water temperature is below a temperature threshold value and/or in case the measured water flow exceeds a flow threshold value, and wherein the control unit is further configured to simultaneously or successively to switch on at least one further auxiliary heat source in case the measured water flow exceeds a predefined, period of time and/or in case the measured temperature increase over a predefined period of time remains below a temperature threshold value (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 19. Kit of parts for a building heating system according to claim 1, comprising: at least one heat pump,
at least two working fluid auxiliary heat sources connectable, directly of indirectly, to said heat pump,
at least one working fluid temperature sensor, and at least one control unit connectable to said at least one temperature sensor, wherein said control unit is configured to individually control the auxiliary heat sources at least partially based upon the working fluid temperature detected by said at least one working fluid temperature sensor (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
CLAIM 20. Computer-implemented for controlling the building heating system according claim 1, comprising the step of operating the control unit to individually control and switch on and/or off, one or more auxiliary heat sources and optionally the heat pump, at least partially based upon at least one temperature detected by said at least one temperature sensor (Abstract, Page 494, and Figure 3, a heating system is implemented, monitored, and controlled. The heating system comprising a vertical closed-loop GHP system, heat pumps, fluid pumps, fluid circulating lines, temperature sensors, and BHEs).
Citation of Pertinent Prior Art
The following prior art made of record and not relied upon is considered pertinent to applicant's disclosure:
Matula, US Patent Application Publication No. 2013/0299123 relates to – a geothermal system with auxiliary pump.
Jacobi, US Patent Application Publication No. 2020/0256594 relates to – supplemental heat transfer apparatus for geothermal systems.
Brown et al., US Patent Application Publication No. 2021/0270501 relates to – geothermal-ready heat pump system.
Conclusion
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/CARLOS R ORTIZ RODRIGUEZ/ Primary Examiner, Art Unit 2119
