GB2621314A

GB2621314A - Heating system

Info

Publication number: GB2621314A
Application number: GB2210739.5A
Authority: GB
Inventors: William Phillips Gregory; Lister Brown James
Original assignee: Heatweb Ltd
Current assignee: Heatweb Ltd
Priority date: 2022-07-22
Filing date: 2022-07-22
Publication date: 2024-02-14
Also published as: GB202210739D0

Abstract

An apparatus 300, suitable for enabling connection of a plurality of modules (figure 7) of a heating system (figure 7, 10). The apparatus 300 comprises one or more groups of ports 301-308, wherein each group of ports is configured to connect to a respective one of the plurality of modules (figure 7). Ports of a respective group are positioned in a respective area of the apparatus 300. One or more ports comprise a lever 309 configured to be lifted or secured to enable insertion of a wire (figure 20A, 150a-f) or securing of an inserted wire in the respective port respectively. A visual indication (MAINS IN for example) is provided, indicating information of the one or more groups 301-308 and/or one or more ports. A plurality of connection tracks (figure 2, 401) suitable for connecting one or more ports 301-308 to one or more other ports based on a circuit plan. The group of ports may comprise port groups for a boiler, a room thermostat, input power, and a programmer (see figure 8).

Description

Heating System

Field

The present specification relates to a module of a heating system.

Background

Heating systems may have numerous interconnected modules. There remains a need for improvement in how these modules are connected and installed.

Summary

In a first aspect, this specification describes an apparatus for enabling connection of a plurality of modules of a heating system, the apparatus comprising: one or more groups of ports, wherein each group of ports is configured to connect to a respective one of the plurality of modules, wherein ports of a respective group are positioned in a respective area of the apparatus, wherein the one or more ports comprises a lever configured to be lifted or secured to enable insertion of a wire or securing of an inserted wire in the respective port respectively; visual indication indicating information of the one or more groups and/or one or more ports; and a plurality of connection tracks for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a circuit plan.

In some examples, the one or more groups of ports comprise an input power group of ports, a boiler group of ports, a programmer group of ports, and a room thermostat input group of ports; and wherein the plurality of connection tracks at least form: a connection between an input live port of the input power group of ports, an input live port of the boiler group of ports, and an input live port of the programmer group of ports; a connection between a neutral port of the input power group of ports, a neutral port of the boiler group of ports, a neutral port of the programmer group of ports, and a neutral port of the room thermostat input group of ports; and a connection between an earth port of the input power group of ports, an earth port of the boiler group of ports, and an earth port of the programmer group of ports.

In some examples, the plurality of connection tracks are implemented on a printed circuit board.

In some examples, the visual indication comprises textual indication and/or or colour indication.

In some examples, the visual indication further indicates information of one or more wires to be inserted in the one or more groups of ports respectively.

In some examples, each group of ports comprises at least one earth port corresponding to an earth connection, at least one live port corresponding to a live connection, and at least one neutral port corresponding to a neutral connection, wherein the at least one live port corresponding to the live connection comprises one or more of an input live port, output live port, switch live port and/or permanent live port.

In some examples, the connection tracks at least form connections between the at least one earth port of one or more group of ports to at least one earth port of one or more other group of ports, between the at least one neutral port of one or more group of ports to at least one neutral port of one or more other group of ports, and between the at least one live port of one or more group of ports to at least one live port of one or more other group of ports.

In some examples, the one or more groups of ports further comprise one or more of a pump group of ports, a hot water zone valve group of ports, a heating zone valve group of ports, a 3 zone valve group of ports, and a cylinder thermostat input group of ports.

In some examples: the input power group of ports are configured to be connected to an input power module of the heating system; the boiler group of ports are configured to be connected to a boiler module of the heating system; the programmer group of ports are configured to be connected to a programmer module of the heating system; the room thermostat input group of ports are configured to be connected to a room thermostat input module of the heating system; the pump group of ports are configured to be connected to a pump module of the heating system; the heating zone valve group of ports are configured to be connected to a heating zone valve module of the heating system; the hot water zone valve group of ports are configured to be connected to a hot water zone valve module of the heating system; and the cylinder thermostat input group of ports are configured to be connected to a cylinder thermostat input module of the heating system.

In some examples, the programmer module is configured to activate room heating and/or water heating based at least in part on the cylinder thermostat input module and/or the room thermostat input module respectively.

In some examples, the room heating is activated using the heating zone valve module. For example, the pump module is configured to pump heating liquid to one or more room heating systems based on the position of the heating zone valve module.

In some examples, the water heating is activated using the hot water zone valve module. For example, the pump is configured to pump heating liquid to one or more water heating systems based on the position of the hot water zone valve module.

In some examples, the circuit plan comprises a S-plan heating system circuit plan, wherein the one or more groups of ports comprises the input power group of ports, the boiler group of ports, the programmer group of ports, the room thermostat input group of ports, the pump group of ports, the hot water zone valve group of ports, the heating zone valve group of ports, and the cylinder thermostat input group of ports, and wherein the plurality of connection tracks at least form: connections between an input live port of the input power group of ports, a permanent live port of the boiler group of ports, an input live port of the programmer group of ports, a permanent live port of the heating zone valve group of ports, and a permanent live port of the hot water zone valve group of ports; connections between a neutral port of the input power group of ports, a neutral port of the boiler group of ports, a neutral port of the pump group of ports, a neutral port of the programmer group of ports, a neutral port of the heating zone valve group of ports, a neutral port of the room thermostat input group of ports, and a neutral port of the hot water zone valve group of ports; connections between an earth port of the input power group of ports, an earth connection of the boiler, an earth port of the pump group of ports, an earth port of the programmer group of ports, an earth port of the heating zone valve group of ports, and an earth port of the hot water zone valve group of ports; connections between a switch live port of the boiler group of ports, a switch output live port of the heating zone valve group of ports, a switch output live port of the hot water zone valve group of ports, and a spare switch live port of the boiler group of ports; connections between a pump live port of the boiler group of ports and a live port of the pump group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) hot-water port of the programmer group of ports and a common port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports and a live port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between a switch input live port of the heating zone valve group of ports and a switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between a switch input live port of the hot water zone valve group of ports and an off port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports.

In some examples, the circuit plan comprises a Y-plan heating system circuit plan, wherein the one or more groups of ports comprises the input power group of ports, the boiler group of ports, the programmer group of ports, the room thermostat input group of ports, the pump group of ports, the three port zone valve group of ports, and a cylinder thermostat input group of ports, and wherein the plurality of connection tracks at least form: connections between an input live port of the input power group of ports, a permanent live port of the boiler group of ports, and an input live port of the programmer group of ports; connections between a neutral port of the input power group of ports, a neutral port of the boiler group of ports, a neutral port of the pump group of ports, a neutral port of the programmer group of ports, a neutral port of the three port zone valve group of ports, and a neutral port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between an earth port of the input power group of ports, an earth port of the boiler group of ports, an earth port of the pump group of ports, an earth port of the programmer group of ports, and an earth port of the three port zone valve group of ports; connections between a switch live port of the boiler group of ports, a switch output live port of the three port zone valve group of ports, a normally open (NO) port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports; connections between a pump live port of the boiler group of ports and a live port of the pump group of ports; connections between a normally close (NC) hot water port of the programmer group of ports, a hot water input live port of the three port zone valve group of ports, and a normally close (NC) port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) hot-water port of the programmer group of ports and a common port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports and a live port of the room thermostat input group of ports; and connections between a heating input live port of the three port zone valve group of ports and a switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports.

In some examples, the circuit plan comprises a combination plan heating system circuit plan, wherein the one or more groups of ports comprises the input power group of ports, the boiler group of ports, the programmer group of ports, the room thermostat input group of ports, and wherein the plurality of connection tracks at least form: connections between an input live port of the input power group of ports, an input live port of the boiler group of ports, and an input live port of the programmer group of ports; connections between a neutral port of the input power group of ports, a neutral port of the boiler group of ports, a neutral port of the programmer group of ports, and a neutral port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between an earth port of the input power group of ports, an earth connection of the boiler, and an earth port of the programmer group of ports; connections between a switch live port of the boiler group of ports and a switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports and a live port of the room thermostat input group of ports.

In a second aspect, the specification describes a heating system comprising the apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.

In some examples, the heating system further comprises: an input power module configured to connect to the input power group of ports of the apparatus; boiler module configured to connect to the boiler group of ports of the apparatus; a programmer module configured to connect to the programmer group of ports of the apparatus; and a room thermostat input module configured to connect to the room status input group of ports of the apparatus.

In a third aspect, this specification describes a method of using an apparatus as described in the first aspect.

Some examples include installing a heating system by connecting one or more modules of the heating system to the apparatus as described in the first aspect, based, at least partially, on the one or more visual indication.

Some examples include connecting an input power module to the input power group of ports of the apparatus; connecting boiler module to the boiler group of ports of the apparatus; connecting a programmer module to the programmer group of ports of the apparatus; and connecting a room thermostat input module to the room thermostat input group of ports of the apparatus.

Brief description of the drawings

Example embodiments will now be described, by way of example only, with reference to the following schematic drawings, in which: FIG. lisa Nock diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 3 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; Figs. 4 and 5 are diagrams of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; Figs. 7 to 9 are diagrams of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. ro is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; Figs. it to 13 are diagrams of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; Figs. 14A and 1413 are diagrams of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 15 is a diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; Figs. 16 to 18 are flowcharts of algorithms in accordance with example embodiments; FIG. 19 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 20 is a circuit diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 21 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 22 is a circuit diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; FIG. 23 is a schematic diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment; and FIG. 24 is a circuit diagram of a system in accordance with an example embodiment.

Detailed description

The scope of protection sought for various embodiments of the invention is set out by the independent claims. The embodiments and features, if any, described in the specification that do not fall under the scope of the independent claims are to be interpreted as examples 15 useful for understanding various embodiments of the invention.

In the description and drawings, like reference numerals refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 is an illustration of an apparatus, indicated generally by the reference numeral 300, in accordance with an example embodiment. The apparatus 300 is suitable for enabling connection of a plurality of modules of a heating system. The apparatus 300 may comprise one or more groups of ports, such as One or more of groups 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 3o6, 307, and 308.

In one example, each group of ports may be configured to connect to a respective one of the plurality of modules. Ports of a respective group are positioned in a respective area of the apparatus. For example, a plurality of ports, such as 'live', 'earth', and 'neutral' belonging to the group 301 are placed adjacent to each other in a respective area of the apparatus 300, such that wiring from the ports of group 301 to the mains electricity may be simple and avoid wires crossing over each other.

In one example, the one or more ports comprises a lever, such as lever 309, configured to be lifted or secured to enable insertion of a wire or securing of an inserted wire in the respective port respectively.

The apparatus 300 may further comprise visual indication indicating information of the one or more groups and/or one or more ports. For example, the apparatus 300 comprises: the visual indication (e.g. a text label) MAINS IN' for indicating information of the group 301; the visual indication BOILER/HEATSOURCE' for indicating information of the group 302; the visual indication 'PUMP' for indicating information of the group 303, the visual indication 'PROGRAMMER' for indicating information of the group 304, the visual indication CYL STAY (e.g. cylinder status/ cylinder thermostat) for indicating information of the group 305, the visual indication 1-1W ZONE VALVE' (e.g. hot water zone valve) for indicating information of the group 306, the visual indication 'ROOM STAT' (e.g. room status/ room thermostat) for indicating information of thc group 307; and the visual indication 'CH ZONE VALVE' (e.g. central heating zone valve) for indicating information of the group 308. For example, the visual indication indicates which module(s) of the heating system are to be connected to the respective group of ports.

The apparatus 300 may further comprise a plurality of connection tracks for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a circuit plan. In one example, the plurality of connection tracks are implemented on a printed circuit board.

FIG. 2 is an illustration, indicated generally by the reference numeral 400, of an apparatus, such as apparatus 300, in accordance with an example embodiment. The illustration 400 may be a back view of the apparatus 300, as described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in the illustration 400, the apparatus 300 comprises a plurality of connection tracks 401 for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a circuit plan. For example, apparatus 300 comprises ports and connection tracks arranged and connected according to a S-plan heating system.

FIG. 3 is an illustration, indicated generally by the reference numeral 500, of an apparatus, such as the apparatus 300. The illustration 500 may be a side view of the apparatus 300, as described with reference to FIG. 1. As shown in the illustration 500, ports, such as port 501, may be used for connecting the apparatus 300 to one or more modules of a heating system. A lever, such as lever 502 (similar to lever 309) may be configured to be lifted to enable insertion of a wire through the port 501. The lever 502 may further be configured to be secured (e.g. pushed) for securing of an inserted wire in the port 501.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an apparatus, indicated generally by the reference numeral 600, in accordance with an example embodiment. The apparatus 600 is suitable for enabling connection of a plurality of modules of a heating system. The apparatus 600 may comprise one or more groups of ports, such as one or more of groups 601, 602, 603, 604, 6o5, 606, and 607.

In one example, each group of ports may be configured to connect to a respective one of the plurality of modules. Ports of a respective group are positioned in a respective area of the apparatus. For example, a plurality of ports, such as 'live', 'earth', and 'neutral' belonging to the group 601 are placed adjacent to each other in a respective area of the apparatus 300, such that wiring from the ports of group 6o1 to the mains electricity may be simple and avoid wires crossing over each other.

In one example, the one or more ports comprises a lever, such as lever 6o8, configured to be lifted or secured to enable insertion of a wire or securing of an inserted wire in the respective port respectively.

The apparatus 600 may further comprise visual indication indicating information of the one or more groups and/or one or more ports. For example, the apparatus 600 comprises: the visual indication (e.g. a text label) 'MAINS IN' for indicating information of the group 601; the visual indication 1301LER/HEATSOURCE' for indicating information of the group 602; the visual indication 'PROGRAMMER' for indicating information of the group 603; the visual indication 'ROOM STAT' (e.g. room status/ room thermostat) for indicating information of the group 604; the visual indication CYL STAT (e.g. cylinder status/ cylinder thermostat) for indicating information of the group 605, the visual indication 3 PORT ZONE VALVE' (e.g. three port zone valve) for indicating information of the group 6o6; and the visual indication 'PUMP' for indicating information of the group 607. For example, the visual indication indicates which module(s) of the heating system are to be connected to the respective group of ports.

The apparatus 600 may further comprise a plurality of connection tracks for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a circuit plan. FIG. 5 is an illustration, indicated generally by the reference numeral 700, of an apparatus, such as apparatus 600, in accordance with an example embodiment. The illustration 700 may be a back view of the apparatus 600, as described with reference to FIG. 4. As shown in the illustration 700, the apparatus 600 comprises a plurality of connection tracks 701 for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a circuit plan. For example, apparatus 600 comprises ports and connection tracks arranged and connected according to a Y-plan heating system.

FIG. 6 is an illustration, indicated generally by the reference numeral 800, of an apparatus, such as the apparatus 600. The illustration 800 may be a side view of the apparatus 600, as described with reference to FIG. 4. As shown in the illustration 800, ports, such as port 801, may be used for connecting the apparatus 600 to one or more modules of a heating system. A lever, such as lever 804 (in lifted position) may be configured to be lifted to enable insertion of a wire through the port 803, and the lever 804 may then be secured for securing of an inserted wire in the port 803. Similarly, lever 802 (in secured position) may be configured to be lifted to enable insertion of a wire through the port 801, and the lever 802 may then be secured for securing of an inserted wire in the port 801.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 10, in accordance to an example embodiment. The system 10 may comprise a heating system, for example, used for room heating or water heating. A central heating system, such as the system 10 may comprise various modules, including a boiler module, for room heating and/or water heating.

System 10 may comprise a first module 11, an input power module 12, a boiler module 13, a programmer module 14, and a room thermostat input module 15. The system 10 may optionally comprise one or more of a cylinder thermostat input module 16, a hot water zone valve module 17a, a heating zone valve module 17b, a pump module 18, and/or a three port zone valve module 19. In order to allow the system 10 to function, each of the modules 12 to 19 may need to be connected to one or more other modules 12 to 19 via one or more connections. For example, live, earth, and neutral connections of the input power module 12 may need to be connected to live, earth, and neutral connections of one or more other modules respectively, such that the one or more other modules have the power to function properly.

In traditional systems, the large amounts of required connections may lead the system to often be complicated or time consuming to install or repair (e.g. even for professional plumbers). For example, there may be many overlaps between wires (e.g. when the various modules are connected via a traditional connector), which may not be easy to repair in the event that any single wire gets misplaced.

The example embodiments described below relate to the first module 11. The first module 11 may facilitate the connection between one or more of the modules 12 to 19. For example, the first module 11 may be used for connecting the at least some of the modules such that the installation and/or repair of the heating system may be easier and more efficient.

In one example, the input power module 12 may be configured to provide power (e.g. from mains electricity) to the heating system. The boiler module 13 may be configured to heat liquid for room heating or for providing hot water (e.g. through taps) based on one or more of inputs from the programmer module 14. The room thermostat input module 15 may be configured to record and/or provide information regarding the temperature of one or more rooms. The cylinder thermostat input module 16 may be configured to record and/or provide information regarding the temperature of water in a water cylinder (e.g. the cylinder from which water is provided to taps/showers/etc.).

In one example, in S-plan heating systems, the hot water zone valve module ra may be configured to open or close to control the pump 18 based on whether there is a need for hot water (e.g. at one or more taps/showers). The heating zone valve module 171) may be configured to open or close to control the pump 18 based on whether there is a need for room heating (e.g. by pumping hot water to one or more room heaters). S-plan heating systems may not require the 3-port one valve module 19.

In one example, in Y-plan heating systems, the 3-port zone valve module 19 may be configured to open or dose to control the pump 18 based on whether there is a need for room heating (e.g. by pumping hot water to one or more room heaters) or whether there is a need for hot water (e.g. at one or more taps/showers). Y-plan heating systems may not require the hot water zone valve module ra and heating zone valve module 171).

The pump 18 may be configured to pump hot water either to hot water systems (e.g. taps, showers, etc.) or to room heating systems (e.g. heaters).

The programmer module 14 may be configured to control the boiler module 13 and/or other modules 15 to 19 based on one or more inputs from one or more of the modules 15 to 19. For example, the programmer module 14 may be configured to instruct the boiler module 13 to heat water, or to control the heating zone valve module 17a and/or the pump module 18 to activate room heater(s) based on inputs from the room thermostat input module 15. Alternatively, or in addition, the programmer module 14 may be configured to control the hot water zone valve module ra and/or the pump module 18 to enable hot water to become available (e.g. through taps/ shower) based on inputs from the cylinder thermostat input module 16. Alternatively, or in addition, the programmer module 14 may be configured to control the pump 18 and/or the 3-port zone valve module enable hot water to become available (e.g. through taps/ shower) or to activate room heater(s) based on inputs from the cylinder thermostat input module 16 and/or inputs from the room thermostat input module 15.

FIG. 8 is a schematic diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 20, in accordance with an example embodiment. The first module 20 may be similar to the first module ii, and may enable connection of a plurality of modules of a heating system. The first module 20 may comprise one or more groups of ports 21 to 24. Each group of ports may be configured to connect to a respective one of the plurality of modules. The one or more groups of ports may comprise an input power group of ports 21, a boiler group of ports 22, a programmer group of ports 23, and a room thermostat (e.g. Room Stat) input group of ports 24. In one example, ports of a respective group of ports may be positioned in a respective area of the first module zo.

The input power group of ports 21 may comprise an input live port 21a, an earth port 21b, and a neutral port 21C. The boiler group of ports 22 may comprise an input live port 22a, an earth port 22b, and a neutral port 22C. The programmer group of ports 23 may comprise an input live port 23a, an earth port 23b, and a neutral port 23c. The room thermostat input group of ports 24 may comprise an input live port 24a, a switch live port 24b, and a neutral port 24c.

The first module 20 may comprise a plurality of connection tracks for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a circuit plan (e.g. S plan, Y plan, or Combination plan).

In an example embodiment, the input power group of ports 21 is configured to be connected to a input power module, such as the input power module 12; the boiler group of ports 22 is configured to be connected to a boiler module, such as the boiler module 13; the programmer group of ports 23 is configured to be connected to the programmer module, such as the programmer module 14; and the room thermostat input group of ports 24 is configured to be connected to the room thermostat input module, such as the room thermostat input module 15.

For example, the plurality of connection tracks may at least form connection(s) between the input live port 2ia of the input power group of ports 21, the input live port 22a of the boiler group of ports 22, and the input live port 23a of the programmer group of ports 23. The connections between the input live ports 21a, 22a and 23a are shown with dashed lines (---).

In one example, the plurality of connection tracks may at least form connection(s) between the neutral port 21C of the input power group of ports 21, the neutral port 22C of the boiler group of ports 22, the neutral port 23c of the programmer group of ports 23, and a neutral port 24c of the room thermostat input group of ports 24. The connections between the neutral ports 21C, 22C, 23C, and 24c are shown with dotted-dashed lines In one example, the plurality of connection tracks may at least form connection(s) between the earth port 21b of the input power group of ports 21, the earth port 22b of the boiler group of ports 22, and the earth port 23b of the programmer group of ports 23. The connections between the earth ports 21b, 22b and 23b are shown with dotted lines ( ).

In one example, although the dashed lines are shown connecting the input live port 21a to each of the input live ports 22a and 23a, other combinations of connections are also possible.

For example, if the input live port 23a is connected to the input live port 21a, the input live port 22a may either be connected to the input live port 2ia directly, or may be connected to the input live port 23a, such that the input live port 22a of the boiler group of ports 22 may still connect to any possible power source (e.g. the input power module 12) through the input live port 21a and/or input live port 23a. Similarly, other combinations may be possible for the connections connecting the earth ports and/or the connections connecting the neutral ports.

In an example embodiment, the system 20 may comprise visual indication indicating information of the one or more groups and/or one or more ports. The visual indication may comprise textual indication and/or colour indication. For example, the first module 11 may comprise the text "Input Power" corresponding to the input power group of ports 21, such that it may be indicated to a user (e.g. a person installing the heating system) that the power module 12 should be connected to the input power group of ports 21. Further, one or more ports may comprise colour indication of whether a port is an input live port, an earth port, or a neutral port, such that it may indicated to a user which port an input live connection wire should be inserted in, which port an earth connection wire should be inserted in, and/or which port a neutral connection wire should be inserted in. For example, in system zo, input live ports are indicated with a dotted pattern, earth ports are indicated with a horizontal striped pattern, and neutral ports are indicated with a vertical striped pattern.

In an example embodiment, the first module 11 may comprise more groups of ports based on the circuit plan (e.g. S-plan, Y-plan, or combination plan). A group of port, such as one of the groups 21, 22, or 23 may comprise at least one earth port (21b, 22b, 23b) corresponding to an earth connection, at least one live port (21a. 22a, 23a) corresponding to a live connection, and at least one neutral port (21c, 22C, 230 corresponding to a neutral connection. In one example, the at least one live port corresponding to the live connection may comprises one or more of an input live port, output live port, switch live port and/or permanent live port (described in detail below).

In an example embodiment, the connection tracks may at least form connections between the at least one earth port (21b, 22b, 23b) of one or more group of ports (21, 22, 23) to at least one earth port (21b, 22b, 23b) of one or more other group of ports (21, 22, 23). The connection tracks may further at least form connections between the at least one neutral port (21c, 22C, 23c, 24c) of one or more group of ports to at least one neutral port of one or more other group of ports (21, 22, 23, 24). The connection tracks may further at least form connections between the at least one live port (21a, 22a, 23a) of one or more group of ports to at least one live port of one or more other group of ports (21, 22, 23).

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 30, in accordance with an example embodiment. The system 30 implement the first module 11, and maybe usable for implementing a combination plan heating system circuit plan.

The first module 30 may comprise an input power group of ports 31, a boiler group of ports 32, a programmer group of ports 33, and a room status input group of ports 34.

The input power group of ports 31 may comprise an input live port 31a, an earth port 31b, and a neutral port sic. The boiler group of ports 32 may comprise an input live port 32a, an earth port 32b, a neutral port 32c, and a switch live port 32d. The programmer group of ports 33 may comprise an input live port 33a, an earth port 33b, a neutral port 33c, and a normally open (NO) heating port 33d. The room thermostat input group of ports 34 may comprise an input live port 34a, switch live port 34b, and a neutral port 34c.

The first module 30 may comprise a plurality of connection tracks for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a combination plan heating system circuit plan.

In an example embodiment, the input power group of ports 31 is configured to be connected to a input power module, such as the input power module 12; the boiler group of ports 32 is configured to be connected to a boiler module, such as the boiler module 13; the programmer group of ports 33 is configured to be connected to the programmer module, such as the programmer module 14; and the room thermostat input group of ports 34 is configured to be connected to the room thermostat input module, such as the room thermostat input module 15.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the input live port 3ia of the input power group of ports 31, an input live port 32a of the boiler group of ports 32, and the input live port 33a of the programmer group of ports 33. The connections between the input live ports 31a, 32a and 33a are shown with dashed lines In one example, the plurality of connection tracks may at least form connection(s) between the neutral port 31c of the input power group of ports 31, the neutral port 32c of the boiler group of ports 32, the neutral port 33c of the programmer group of ports 33, and the neutral port 34c of the room status input group of ports 34. The connections between the neutral ports 31c, 32c, 33c, and 34c are shown with dotted-dashed lines ( In one example, the plurality of connection tracks may at least form connection(s) between the earth port 31b of the input power group of ports 31, the earth connection 32b of the boiler 15 32, and the earth port 33b of the programmer group of ports 33. The connections between the earth ports 31b, 32b, and 33h are shown with dotted lines ( ) In one example, the plurality of connection tracks may at least form connection(s) between the switch live port 32d of the boiler group of ports 32 and the switch live port 34b of the 20 room thermostat input group of ports 34.

In one example, the plurality of connection tracks may at least form connection(s) between the normally open (NO) heating port 33d of the programmer group of ports 33 and the live port 34a of the room thermostat input group of ports 34.

It will be appreciated that one or more groups of ports may be added or removed based on the circuit plan used for any specific heating system, such that the features of the example embodiments are not limited to the groups of ports corresponding to the combination plan heating system.

FIG. 10 is a diagram of a first module, indicated by the reference numeral 40, in accordance with the example embodiment. The first module 40 is shown as a three dimensional side view. The first module 40 comprises a plurality of ports 41 and a plurality of connection tracks 42. One or more of the plurality of ports 41 may be connected to one or more other ones of the plurality of ports 41 via the plurality of connection tracks 42 based on the connections shown in the schematic diagram of the first module 30. As such, first module 30 may physically be implemented as shown in the first module 40.

In an example embodiment, the connection tracks 42 may comprise metal tracks connecting one or more of the ports 41 based on the circuit plan. For example, the connection tracks 42 shown in the first module 40 may be based on a combination plan heating system circuit plan.

In an example embodiment, the one or more ports 41 (e.g. implementing the ports 31,32, 33, and 34) comprises a lever (shown clearly with reference to Figs. 14A and 14B). The lever may be configured to be lifted to enable insertion of a wire. For example, when the lever is lifted, a wire may easily be inserted in the port as there may be easy access to the port. The lever may also be secured to enable securing of an inserted wire in the respective port. For example, once the lever is secured (e.g. by pushing or pressing), the wire may be secured in the port, such that the wire does not mistakenly be disconnected from the port. This may assist in avoiding accidental disconnection (e.g. malfunctioning, turning off, etc.) of the heating system.

FIG. 11 is a diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 5o, in accordance with an example embodiment. The first module 50 is shown as a top view of the first module 40. The first module 50 comprises a plurality of ports (similar to the plurality of ports 41), the plurality of ports comprising an input power group of ports 51 (e.g. implementing the input power group of ports 31 comprising three ports such as input live port 3m, earth port 31b, and neutral port 31c), a boiler group of ports 52 (e.g. implementing the boiler group of ports 32 comprising four ports such as input live port 32a, earth port 32b, neutral port 32c, and switch live port 32d), a programmer group of ports 53 (e.g. implementing the programmer group of ports 33 comprising four ports such as input live port 33a, earth port 33b, neutral port 33c, and NO heating port 33d), and a room thermostat input group of ports 54 (e.g. implementing the room thermostat input group of ports 34 comprising three ports such as live port 34a, switch live port 34b, and neutral port 32c). The first module 50 further comprises a plurality of connection tracks 55 (similar to the connection tracks 42). One or more of the plurality of ports 51 to 54 may be connected to one or more other ones of the plurality of ports 51 to 54 via the plurality of connection tracks 55 based on the connections shown in the schematic diagram of the first module 30.

In one example, the plurality of ports belonging to the input power group of ports 51 may be positioned together in an area of the first module so. The plurality of ports belonging to the boiler group of ports 52 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 5o. The plurality of ports belonging to the programmer group of ports 53 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 50. The plurality of ports belonging to the room thermostat input group of ports 54 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 50.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference 5 numeral 6o, in accordance with an example embodiment. The first module 6o may implement the first module 11, and may be usable for implementing a S-plan heating system circuit plan.

The first module 6o may comprise an input power group of ports 61, a boiler group of ports 62, a pump group of ports 63, a room thermostat input group of ports 64, a programmer group of ports 65, a heating zone valve group of ports 66, a hot water zone valve group of ports 67, a cylinder thermostat input group of ports 68, and a spare boiler switch live group of ports 69.

The input power group of ports 61 may comprise an input live port 61a, an earth port 61b, and a neutral port 61c. The boiler group of ports 62 may comprise a permanent live port 62a, an earth port 62b, a neutral port 62c, a pump live port 62d, and a switch live port 62e. The pump group of ports 63 may comprise an input live port 63a, an earth port 63b, and a neutral port 63c. The room thermostat input group of ports 64 may comprise an input live port 64a, switch live port 64b, and a neutral port 64c. The programmer group of ports 65 may comprise an input live port 65a, an earth port 65b, a neutral port 65c, a normally open (NO) hot-water port 65d, and a normally open (NO) heating port 65e. The heating zone valve group of ports 66 may comprise a permanent live port 66a, an earth port 66b, a neutral port 66c, a switch input live port 66d, and a switch output live port 66e. The hot-water zone valve group of ports 67 may comprise a permanent live port 67a, an earth port 67b, a neutral port 67c, a switch input live port 67d, and a switch output live port 67e. The cylinder thermostat input group of ports 68 may comprise a common port 68a and an off port 68b. The spare boiler switch live group of ports 69 may comprise a spare switch live port 69a.

The first module 6o may comprise a plurality of connection tracks for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a S-plan heating system circuit plan.

In an example embodiment, the input power group of ports 61 is configured to be connected to a input power module, such as the input power module 12; the boiler group of ports 62 is configured to be connected to a boiler module, such as the boiler module 13; the pump group of ports 63 is configured to be connected to a pump module, such as the pump module 18; the room thermostat input group of ports 64 is configured to be connected to the room thermostat input module, such as the room thermostat input module 15; the programmer group of ports 65 is configured to be connected to the programmer module, such as the programmer module 14; the heating zone valve group of ports 66 is configured to be connected to a heating zone valve module, such as the heating zone valve module 17b; the hot water zone valve group of ports 67 is configured to be connected to a hot water zone valve module, such as the hot water zone valve module 17a; the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 68 is configured to be connected to a cylinder thermostat input module, such as the cylinder thermostat input module 16; and the spare boiler switch live group of ports 69 may be configured to be connected to a boiler module, such as the boiler module 13.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the input live port 61a of the input power group of ports 61, the permanent live port 62a of the boiler group of ports 62, the input live port 65a of the programmer group of ports 65, the permanent live port 66a of the heating zone valve group of ports 66, and a permanent live port 67a of the hot water zone valve group of ports 67. The connections between the live ports 61a, 62a, 65a, 66a, and 67a are shown with dashed lines (---).

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the neutral port 61c of the input power group of ports 61, the neutral port 62c of the boiler group of ports 62, the neutral port 63c of the pump group of ports 63, the neutral port 65c of the programmer group of ports 65, the neutral port 66c of the heating zone valve group of ports 66, the neutral port 64c of the room status input group of ports 64, and the neutral port 67c of the hot water zone valve group of ports 67. The connections between the neutral ports 61c, 62c, 63c, 64c, 65c, 66c, and 67c are shown with dotted-dashed lines ( In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the earth port 61b of the input power group of ports 61, the earth port 62b of the boiler group of ports 62, the earth port 63b of the pump group of ports 63, the earth port 65b of the programmer group of ports 65, the earth port 66b of the heating zone valve group of ports 66, and the earth port 67b of the hot water zone valve group of ports 67. The connections between the earth ports 61b, 62b, 63b, 65b, 66b, and 67b are shown with dotted lines ( ).

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the switch live port 62e of the boiler group of ports 62, the switch output live port 66e of the heating zone valve group of ports 66, the switch output live port 67e of the hot water zone valve group of ports 67, and the spare switch live port 69a of the spare boiler group of ports 69.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the pump live port 62d of the boiler group of ports 62 and the input live port 63a of the pump group of ports 63.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the NO hot-water port 65d of the programmer group of ports 65 and the common port 68a of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 68.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the NO heating port 65e of the programmer group of ports 65 and the live port 64b of the room status input group of ports 64.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the switch input live port 66d of the heating zone valve group of ports 66 and the switch live port 64a of the room status input group of ports 64.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the switch input live port 67d of the hot water zone valve group of ports 67 and an off port 68b of the cylinder status input group of ports 68.

It will be appreciated that one or more groups of ports may be added or removed based on the circuit plan used for any specific heating system, such that the features of the example embodiments are not limited to the groups of ports corresponding to the S-plan heating system.

FIG. 13 is a diagram of a first module, indicated by the reference numeral 70, in accordance with the example embodiment. The first module 70 is shown as a three dimensional top-side view. The first module 70 comprises a plurality of ports 71 and a plurality of connection tracks 72. One or more of the plurality of ports 71 may be connected to one or more other ones of the plurality of ports 71 via the plurality of connection tracks 72 based on the connections shown in the schematic diagram of the first module 60. As such, first module 60 may physically be implemented as shown in the first module 70.

In an example embodiment, the connection tracks 72 may comprise metal tracks connecting one or more of the ports 71 based on the circuit plan. For example, the connection tracks 72 shown in the first module 70 may be based on a S-plan heating system circuit plan.

In an example embodiment, the one or more ports 71 (e.g. implementing the ports 61 to 69) may comprise lever(s). As described above with reference to the first module 40, the lever(s) may be configured to be lifted or secured to enable insertion of a wire or securing of an inserted wire in the respective port respectively.

FIG. 14 is a diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 80, in accordance with an example embodiment. The first module 80 is shown as a top view of the first module 70. The first module 80 comprises a plurality of ports (similar to the plurality of ports 71). For example, ports of a respective group are positioned in a respective area of the first module.

The plurality of ports may comprise an input power group of ports 81. The input power group of ports 81 may implement the input power group of ports 61 comprising three ports such as input live port 61a, earth port 61b, and neutral port 61c. The plurality of ports belonging to the input power group of ports 81 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 80.

The plurality of ports may further comprise, a boiler group of ports 82. The boiler group of ports 82 may implement the boiler group of ports 62 comprising five ports such as a permanent live port 62a, an earth port 62b, a neutral port 62e, a pump live port 62d, and a switch live port 62e). The plurality of ports belonging to the boiler power group of ports 82 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 80.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a pump group of ports 83. The pump group of ports 83 may implement the pump group of ports 63 comprising three ports such as an input live port 63a, an earth port 63b, and a neutral port 63c. The plurality of ports belonging to the pump group of ports 83 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 80.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a room thermostat input group of ports 84. The room thermostat input group of ports 84 may implement the room thermostat input group of ports 64 comprising three ports such as an input live port 64a, switch live port 64b, and a neutral port 64c. The plurality of ports belonging to the room thermostat input power group of ports 84 maybe positioned together in an area of the first module 80.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a programmer group of ports 85. The programmer group of ports 85 may implement the programmer group of ports 65 comprising five ports such as an input live port 65a, an earth port 65b, a neutral port 65c, a NO hot-water port 65d, and a NO heating port 65e. The plurality of ports belonging to the programmer group of ports 85 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 80.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a heating zone valve group of ports 86. The heating zone valve group of ports 86 may implement the heating zone valve group of ports 66 comprising five ports such as a permanent live port 66a, an earth port 66b, a neutral port 66c, a switch input live port 66d, and a switch output live port 66e. The plurality of ports belonging to the heating zone valve group of ports 86 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 80.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a hot water zone valve group of ports 87. The hot water zone valve group of ports 87 may implement the hot-water zone valve group of ports 67 comprising five ports such as a permanent live port 67a, an earth port 67b, a neutral port 67c, a switch input live port 67d, and a switch output live port 67e. The plurality of ports belonging to the hot water zone group of ports 87 maybe positioned together in an area of the first module 80.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a cylinder thermostat input group of ports 88. The cylinder thermostat input group of ports 88 may implement the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 68 comprising two ports such as a common port 68a and an off port 68b. The plurality of ports belonging to the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 88 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 80.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a spare boiler switch live group of ports 89. spare boiler switch live group of ports 89 may implement the spare boiler switch live group of ports 69 comprising one port such as a spare switch live port 69a.

One or more of the plurality of ports 81 to 89 maybe connected to one or more other ones of the plurality of ports 81 to 89 via the plurality of connection tracks 90 based on the connections shown in the schematic diagram of the first module 6o.

FIG. 15 is a diagram of a first module, indicated by the reference numeral 91, in accordance with the example embodiment. The first module 91 is shown as a three dimensional side view. The first module 91 comprises a plurality of ports 92 and a plurality of connection tracks 93. One or more of the plurality of ports 92 may be connected to one or more other ones of the plurality of ports 92 via the plurality of connection tracks 93 based on the connections shown in the schematic diagram of the first module 60. As such, first module 60 may physically be implemented as shown in the first module 91.

FIG. 16 is a schematic diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference numeral too, in accordance with an example embodiment. The first module 100 may implement the first module ii, and may be usable for implementing a Y-plan heating system circuit plan.

The first module 100 may comprise an input power group of ports 101, a boiler group of ports 102, a pump group of ports 103, a room thermostat input group of ports 104, a programmer group of ports los, a three port zone valve group of ports 106, and a cylinder 15 thermostat input group of ports 108.

The input power group of ports no may comprise an input live port wia, an earth port imb, and a neutral port ioic. The boiler group of ports 102 may comprise a permanent live port io2a, an earth port io2b, a neutral port 102C, a pump live port 102d, and a switch live port 102e. The pump group of ports 103 may comprise an input live port 103a, an earth port io3b, and a neutral port 103c. The room thermostat input group of ports 104 may comprise an input live port 104a, switch live port 104b, and a neutral port 104c. The programmer group of ports los may comprise an input live port iosa, an earth port losb, a neutral port lose, a normally close (NC) hot water port iosd, normally open (NO) hot-water port lose, and a normally open (NO) heating port iosf. The three port zone valve group of ports 106 may comprise a heating input live port io6a, an earth port io6b, a neutral port io6c, a hot water input live port 106d, and a switch output live port io6e. The cylinder thermostat input group of ports 108 may comprise a normally close (NC) port io8a, a common port io8b, and normally open (NO) port io8c.

The first module 100 may comprise a plurality of connection tracks for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a Y-plan heating system circuit plan.

In an example embodiment, the input power group of ports 101 is configured to be connected 35 to a input power module, such as the input power module 12; the boiler group of ports 102 is configured to be connected to a boiler module, such as the boiler module 13; the pump group of ports 103 is configured to be connected to a pump module, such as the pump module 18; the room thermostat input group of ports 104 is configured to be connected to the room thermostat input module, such as the room thermostat input module 15; the programmer group of ports 105 is configured to be connected to the programmer module, such as the programmer module 14; the three port zone valve group of ports 106 is configured to be connected to a heating zone valve module, such as the three port zone valve module 19; and the cylinder thermostat input group of ports ro8 is configured to be connected to a cylinder thermostat input module, such as the cylinder thermostat input module 16.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the input live port loia of the input power group of ports 101, the permanent live port 102a of the boiler group of ports 102, and the input live port 105a of the programmer group of ports ro5. The connections between the live ports lora, ro2a, and ro5a are shown with dashed lines (---).

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks further form connections between the neutral port 101c of the input power group of ports 101, the neutral port 102C of the boiler group of ports 102, the neutral port ro3c of the pump group of ports 103, the neutral port ro5c of the programmer group of ports 105, the neutral port 1o6c of the three port zone valve group of ports 106, and the neutral port ro4c of the room thermostat input group of ports 104. The connections between the neutral ports rola, 1o2c, 103c, 104c, 105c, and ro6c are shown with dotted-dashed lines ( ).

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the earth port limb of the input power group of ports um, the earth port rozb of the boiler group of ports 102, the earth port ro3b of the pump group of ports 103, the earth port ro5b of the programmer group of ports 105, and the earth port ro6b of the three port zone valve group of ports ro6. The connections between the earth ports iorb, 1o2b, 103b, 105b, and mob are shown with dotted lines ( ).

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks further form connections between the switch live port 102e of the boiler group of ports 102, the switch output live port 106e of the three port zone valve group of ports 106, and the a normally open (NO) port io8c of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 108.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks further form connections between the pump live port 102d of the boiler group of ports 102 and the live port io3a of the pump group of ports 103.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the normally close (NC) hot water port 105d of the programmer group of ports 105, the hot water input live port 106d of the three port zone valve group of ports 106, and the normally close (NC) port 108a of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 108.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the normally open (NO) hot-water port 105e of the programmer group of ports 105 and the common port io8b of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 108.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the normally open (NO) heating port 105f of the programmer group of ports 105 and the live port 104b of the room thermostat input group of ports 104.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the heating input live port 106a of the three port zone valve group of ports 106 and the switch live port 104a of the room thermostat input group of ports 104.

It vvill be appreciated that one or more groups of ports may be added or removed based on the circuit plan used for any specific heating system, such that the features of the example embodiments are not limited to the groups of ports corresponding to the Y-plan heating system.

FIG. 17 is a diagram of a first module, indicated by the reference numeral no, in accordance 25 with the example embodiment. The first module no is shown as a three dimensional topside view. The first module no comprises a plurality of ports nt and a plurality of connection tracks 112. One or more of the plurality of ports 111 may be connected to one or more other ones of the plurality of ports in via the plurality of connection tracks 112 based on the connections shown in the schematic diagram of the first module 100. As such, first module 100 may physically be implemented as shown in the first module no. In an example embodiment, the connection tracks 112 may comprise metal tracks connecting one or more of the ports in based on the circuit plan. For example, the connection tracks 112 shown in the first module no may be based on a Y-plan heating system circuit plan.

In an example embodiment, the one or more ports in (e.g. implementing the ports 101 to 108) may comprise lever(s). As described above with reference to the first module 40 and 70, the lever(s) may be configured to be lifted or secured to enable insertion of a wire or securing of an inserted wire in the respective port respectively.

FIG. 18 is a diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 120, in accordance with an example embodiment. The first module 120 is shown as a top view of the first module no. The first module 8o comprises a plurality of ports (similar to the plurality of ports in).

The plurality of ports may comprise an input power group of ports 121. The input power group of ports 121 may implement the input power group of ports 101 comprising three ports such as input live port ima, earth port imb, and neutral port mic. The plurality of ports belonging to the input power group of ports 121 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 100.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a boiler group of ports 122. The boiler group of ports 122 may implement the boiler group of ports 102 comprising five ports such as a permanent live port 102a, an earth port io2b, a neutral port 102e, a pump live port 102d, and a switch live port 102e. The plurality of ports belonging to the boiler power group of ports 122 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 120.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a pump group of ports 123. The pump group of ports 123 may implement the pump group of ports 103 comprising three ports such as an input live port 103a, an earth port 103b, and a neutral port 103c. The plurality of ports belonging to the pump group of ports 123 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 120.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a room thermostat input group of ports 124. The room thermostat input group of ports 124 may implement the room thermostat input group of ports 104 comprising three ports such as an input live port 104a, switch live port 104b, and a neutral port 104c. The plurality of ports belonging to the room thermostat input power group of ports 124 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 120.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a programmer group of ports 125. The programmer group of ports 125 may implement the programmer group of ports 105 comprising six ports such as an input live port 105a, an earth port 105b, a neutral port 105c, a normally close (NC) hot water port 105d, normally open (NO) hot-water port 105e, and a normally open (NO) heating port 105f. The plurality of ports belonging to the programmer group of ports 125 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 120.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a three port zone valve group of ports 126. The three port zone valve group of ports 126 may implement the three port zone valve group of ports to6 comprising five ports such as a heating input live port to6a, an earth port to6b, a neutral port to6c, a hot water input live port to6d, and a switch output live port to6e. The plurality of ports belonging to the three port zone valve group of ports 126 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 120.

The plurality of ports may further comprise a cylinder thermostat input group of ports 128. The cylinder thermostat input group of ports 128 may implement the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 108 comprising three ports such as a normally close (NC) port to8a, a common port to8b, and normally open (NO) port 108c. The plurality of ports belonging to the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 128 may be positioned together in an area of the first module 120.

One or more of the plurality of ports 121 to 128 may be connected to one or more other ones of the plurality of ports 121 to 128 via the plurality of connection tracks 129 based on the connections shown in the schematic diagram of the first module loo.

FIG. 19 is a diagram of a first module, indicated by the reference numeral 130, in accordance with the example embodiment. The first module 130 is shown as a three dimensional side view. The first module 13o comprises a plurality of ports 131 and a plurality of connection tracks 132. One or more of the plurality of ports 131 may be connected to one or more other ones of the plurality of ports 131 via the plurality of connection tracks 132 based on the connections shown in the schematic diagram of the first module loo. As such, first module 100 may physically be implemented as shown in the first module 130.

FIG. 2oA is a diagram of a system, indicated generally by a reference numeral 140, in accordance with an example embodiment. The system 140 may comprises an example outer packaging 141 of a first module, such as a first module 40, 50, 70, 80, 91, 110, 120, or 130. As such the packaging 141 may comprise a plurality of ports and a plurality of connection tracks as described above with reference to the first module 40, 50, 70, 80, 91, no, 120, or 130.

In an example embodiment, as described above, the first module may comprise a plurality of groups of ports. The packaging 141 may therefore be arranged according to the plurality of groups of ports, and may optionally comprise visual indications for indicating information of the one or more groups or one or more ports. For example, the visual indication may comprise text indicating the groups of powers for "power in" (e.g. input power), "boiler", "pump", "programmer", or the like. The visual indication may further comprise colour coding or pin numbers for providing information regarding the one or more ports. For example, the first module comprised within the packaging 141 may comprise one or more of an input power group of ports 142, a boiler group of ports 143, a programmer group of ports 144, a room thermostat input group of ports 145, a pump group of ports 146, a heating zone valve group of ports 148, a hot water zone valve group of ports 148, a cylinder thermostat input group of ports 149, and/or a three-port zone valve group of ports (not shown).

In an example embodiment, one or more modules (e.g. modules 12 to 19 described with reference to FIG. 7) may be connected to the first module using one or more wires 150. Similarly, the one or more modules may be disconnected from the first module by removing one or more wires 150.

FIG. 2oB is a diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 14613, in accordance with an example embodiment. System 14oB shows part of the packaging 141 of the first module, such as a first module 40, 50, 70, 80, 91, no, 120, or 130. For example, ports of the packaging 141 may be square in shape in order to facilitate easy insertion of wires, such as the wire 151. An end of the wire 151 may be stripped, and then inserted in a port. For example, the lever 153 may be lifted to enable insertion of the wire 151 in the port, and then the lever 153 may be secured (e.g. by pushing or pressing) in order to secure the inserted wire 151.

FIG. 21 is a diagram of a system, indicated generally by the reference numeral 154, in accordance with an example embodiment. The system 154 may comprises an example housing 155 (e.g. outer packaging) of the example packaging 141 of a first module, such as a first module 40, 50, 70, 80, 91, no, 120, or 130. As described above with reference to FTGs.

20A and 2oB, the packaging 141 may comprise one or more of the plurality of groups of ports 142 to 149. The housing 155 may comprise one or more holes 156 for mounting the housing 155 on a surface (e.g. a wall). The housing 155 may further comprise holes 157 (e.g. relief holes) for allowing individual wires 150 to exit the housing 150 (e.g. the outer packaging).

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 160, in accordance with an example embodiment.

In one example, with reference to the system 10 described in FIG. 7, when the one or more modules 12 to 19 are connected via the first module 11, a programmer module 14 may be configured to activate room heating and/or water heating based at least in part on the cylinder thermostat input module 16 and/or the room thermostat input module 15 respectively.

The algorithm 166 starts at operation 161, where a room thermostat input may be received at the programmer module 14. The room thermostat input may comprise information regarding the temperature of one or more rooms.

At operation 162, the room heating may be activated based on the room thermostat input (e.g. if it is determined that the temperature of the room is below a threshold).

At operation 163, the programmer module 14 may cause the pump module 18 to pump heating liquid to one or more room heating systems, thus causing the room(s) to be heated.

In one example, in S-plan circuits, the room heating may be activated using the heating zone valve module 17b. For example the pump module 18 may be configured to pump heating liquid to one or more room heating systems based on the position of the heating zone valve module 17b.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart of an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 170, in accordance with an example embodiment.

The algorithm 170 starts at operation 171, where a cylinder thermostat input may be received at the programmer module 14. The room thermostat input may comprise information regarding the temperature of one or more water cylinders (e.g. cylinders providing hot water for taps, showers, etc.).

At operation 172, the water heating may be activated based on the cylinder thermostat input (e.g. if it is determined that the temperature of the water in the cylinder is below a threshold, or if there is a demand for hot water at the taps, showers, etc.).

At operation 173, the programmer module 14 may cause the pump module 18 to pump heating liquid (hot water) to one or more water heating systems (such as the cylinder(s) providing hot water for taps, showers, etc.), thus causing provision of hot water.

In one example, in S-plan circuits, the water heating may be activated using the hot water zone valve module ra. For example, the pump module 18 may be configured to pump heating liquid to one or more water heating systems based on the position of the hot water zone valve module ra.

In one example, in Y-plan circuits, the water heating or the room heating may be activated using the three-port zone valve module 19.

In one example, in S-plan circuits, when there is a call for heat from a room heating system, a motor inside the heating zone valve module 1713 may be turned on, thus opening the body of the heating zone valve 17b and allowing hot water to flow through the room heating system (e.g. room heaters). Once the demand is satisfied (e.g. either a room heating timer is turned off, or the room thermostat reaches the desired temperature) the power to the motor may be lost, so the valve body springs back and shuts off the flow through the valve, thus deactivating room heating. Alternatively, or in addition, when there is a call for heat at a water heating system (e.g. at a hot water cylinder), a motor inside the hot water zone valve module 17a may be turned on, thus opening the body of the hot water zone valve 17a and allowing hot water to flow towards the water heating system.

In one example, in Y-plan circuits, the three-port zone valve module 19 may be a motorised valve comprising two micro switches inside, where a first switch moves over when the valve reaches mid position, and a second switch moves over when the valve reaches Heating Only position. When the power is sent through the "Heating on" port, there may be a power supply to the motor. The motor turns until it reaches mid position and the first switch moves over (no longer sending 23ov power directly down the "heating on" port to the motor). The power may then only run through the second switch only, such that the power is converted to a DC voltage before it reaches the motor. This DC and Reduced AC voltage is enough to hold the motor in Mid Position, but not enough to move the valve any further (towards Heating Only). if the Hot water demand is satisfied, or if there was never any Hot Water demand in the first place, then the water heating is deactivated. The motor is then powered with a direct 230v power when the first switch is moved over (when the valve reaches mid position) and the 3-port zone valve will now move all the way over to the Heating Only position. The 3-port zone valve may stay in this mid-position, as there is a constant 230v Supply (until the next time that a Hot Water demand is made).

FIG. 24 is a flowchart of an algorithm, indicated generally by the reference numeral 180, in accordance with an example embodiment. The algorithm 180 may relate to a method for using an apparatus, such as the first module 11, 20, 30, 40,50, 60, 70, 80, 91, 100, 110, 120, or 130. The method for using the apparatus may comprise installing a heating system, such as the heating system 10, by connecting one or more modules, such as the modules 12 to 19, of the heating system to the apparatus (e.g. first module). For example, the installation may be performed based at least partially, on the one or more visual indication.

The algorithm i8o starts at operation 181, where an input power module (e.g. input power module 12) may be connected to an input power group of ports (21, 31, 51, 61, 81, 101, 121, or 142).

At operation 182, a boiler module (e.g. boiler module 13) may be connected to a boiler group of ports (22, 32, 52, 62, 82, 102, 122, or 143).

At operation 183, a programmer module (e.g. programmer module 14) may be connected to a programmer group of ports (23, 33, 53, 65, 85,105, 125, or 144).

At operation 184, a room thermostat input module (e.g. room thermostat input module 15) may be connected to a room thermostat input group of ports (24, 34, 54, 64, 84, 104, 124, or 145).

FIG. 25 is a schematic diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 190, in accordance with an example embodiment. The first module 190 may implement the first module 11, and may be usable for implementing an S-plan heating system circuit plan.

The first module 190 may comprise the components and connections as shown in FIG. 12, implemented on a printed circuit board (PCB). The first module 190 further comprises PCB connections 191 that are connected to the earth ports 6110, 62b, 63h, 65b, 66b. and 67b.

FIG. 26 is a circuit diagram of a system, indicted generally by reference numeral 200, in accordance with an example embodiment. The system 200 may implement the S-plan heating system, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 12. The system 200 may comprise a module 261 representing the input power group of ports 61, a module 262 representing the boiler group of ports 62, a module 263 representing the pump group of ports 63, a module 264 representing the room thermostat input group of ports 64, a module 265 representing the programmer group of ports 65, a module 266 representing the heating zone valve group of ports 66, a module 267 representing the hot water zone valve group of ports 67, and a module 268 representing the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 68. The system 200 may further comprise PCB connections 291, similar to the PCB connections 191 that are connected to the earth ports of modules 261 to 267.

FIG. 27 is a schematic diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 210, in accordance with an example embodiment. The first module 210 may implement the first module 11, and may be usable for implementing a Y-plan heating system circuit plan.

The first module 210 may comprise the components and connections as shown in FIG. 16 implemented on a PCB. The first module 210 further comprises PCB connections 211 that are connected to the earth ports imb, 102b, 103b, io5b and io6b.

FIG. 28 is a circuit diagram of a system, indicted generally by the reference numeral 220 in accordance with an example embodiment. The system 220 may implement the Y-plan heating system, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 16. The system 220 may comprise a module 2101 representing the input power group of ports 101, a module 2102 representing the boiler group of ports 102, a module 2103 representing the pump group of ports 103, a module 2104 representing the room thermostat input group of ports 104, a module 2105 representing the programmer group of ports 105, a module 2106 representing the three port zone valve group of ports io6, and a module 2108 representing the cylinder thermostat input group of ports io8. The system 220 may further comprise PCB connections 221, similar to the PCB connections 211 that are connected to the earth ports of modules 2101, 2102, 2103, 2105 and 2106.

FIG. 29 is a schematic diagram of a first module, indicated generally by the reference numeral 230, in accordance with an example embodiment. The first module 230 may implement the first module 11, and may be usable for implementing a modified S-Plan (e.g. advanced S-Plan plus) heating system circuit plan.

The first module 230 may comprise ports that are usable for one or more zones. For example, a zone may include a particular area of a building, house, flat, vessel, or any other structure that may use heating systems (e.g. S-plan heating system). As such, the first module 230 may comprise separate group of ports assigned to separate zones (e.g. zones 1 to 6).

The first module 230 may comprise an input power group of ports 231a, a heating source group of ports 231b and a pump group of ports 231c. The group of ports 231a, 231b, and 231c may be common to all zones, such as zones ito 6. The first module 230 may comprise ports 232 corresponding to zone 1, ports 233 corresponding to zone 2, ports 234 corresponding to zone 3, ports 235 corresponding to zone 4, ports 236 corresponding to zone 5, and ports 237 corresponding to zone 6. For example, ports 232 corresponding to zone 1 may comprise a zone valve group of ports 232a, a cylinder thermostat group of ports 232b and a pump group of ports 232c, a hot water return pump group of ports 232d, and a programmer group of ports 232e. The hot water return pump group of ports 232d and the programmer group of ports 232e may be shared between zone i and zone 2, such that the group of ports 232d and 232e may belong to both the ports 232 and 233. The ports 233 corresponding to zone 2 may further comprise a zone valve group of ports 233a, a cylinder thermostat group of ports 233b and a pump group of ports 233c.

In one example, the zone valve port 232a may be usable for enabling and/or disabling heating or hot water system for the zone 1, and the zone valve 233a can be used for enabling and/or disabling heating or hot water system for the zone 2. As such, providing zone valves for each zone may be beneficial for providing localized heating or hot water, such that heating may only be enabled in zones where it is required (e.g. where there are people present). This may allow energy efficiency of the system to be improved.

The first module 230 may further comprise ports 234, 235, 236, and 237 corresponding to zones 3, 4, 5, and 6 respectively. Each of the ports 234, 235, 236 and 237 may comprise at a zone valve group of ports 234a, 235a, 236a, 237a, a programmer group of ports 234b, 235b, 236b, 237b, a room thermostat input group of ports 234c, 235c, 236c, 237c, and a pump group of ports 234d, 235d, 236d, 237d.

The input power group of ports 231a may comprise an input live port, an earth port, and a neutral port. The heating source group of ports 231b may comprise a permanent live port, an earth port, a neutral port, a pump live port, and a switch live port. The pump group of ports 231c, 232c, 233c, 234d, 235d, 236d, 237d may comprise an input live port, an earth port, and a neutral port. The hot water return pump group of ports 232d may comprise an input live port, an earth port, and a neutral port. The programmer group of ports 232e may comprise an live port, an earth port, a neutral port, and a normally open (NO) hot-water port. The zone valve group of ports 232a, 233a, 234,235a, 236a, 237a may comprise a neutral port, an earth port, a switch live output port, a permanent live port, and a switch live input port. The cylinder thermostat group of ports 232h, 233b may comprise a normally open (NO) port and a common port (C). The programmer group of ports 234U, 235U, 236U, 237b may comprise a live port, a neutral port, an earth port, and a heating normally open (NO) port. The room thermostat group of ports 234c, 235c, 236c, 237c may comprise a neutral port, a live port and a switch live port.

The first module 230 may comprise a plurality of connection tracks (not shown in Fig. 29 for simplicity) for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a S-plan plus heating system circuit plan.

It will be appreciated that one or more groups of ports may be added or removed based on the circuit plan used for any specific heating system, such that the features of the example embodiments are not limited to the groups of ports corresponding to the S-plan plus heating system.

FIG. 30 is a circuit diagram of a system, indicted generally by the reference numeral 240 in accordance with an example embodiment. The circuit 240 may implement the S-plan plus heating system, for example, as described with reference to FIG. 29. The system 240 may comprise a module 2231 representing an input power group of ports 231a, a module 2231U representing heating source group of ports 2311), a module 2231c representing a pump group of ports 231c. The system 240 may further comprise ports 232 corresponding to zone 1, where ports 232 comprises a module 2232a representing zone valve group of ports 232a, a module 2232b representing cylinder thermostat group of ports 232b, a module 2232c representing a pump group of ports 232c, a module 2232d representing a hot water return pump group of ports 232d, and a module 232e representing programmer group of ports 232e. The system 240 may further comprise ports 233 corresponding to zone 2, where ports 233 comprises a module 2233a representing a zone valve group of ports 233a, a module 2233b representing a cylinder thermostat group of ports 233b, and a module 2233c representing a pump group of ports 233c.

The circuit 240 may further comprise ports corresponding to at least one more zone comprising a zone valve group of ports 234a, 235a, 236a, 237a, a programmer group of ports 2341), 235U, 236b, 237U, a room thermostat input group of ports 234c, 235c, 236c, 237c, and a pump group of ports 234d, 235d, 236d, 237d.

The circuit 240 may comprise a plurality of connection tracks for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a S-plan plus heating system.

In an example embodiment, viewing in conjunction with FIG. 7, the input power group of ports 231a corresponding to module 2231a is configured to be connected to a input power module, such as the input power module 12; the heating source group of ports 231b corresponding to 2231b is configured to be connected to a boiler module, such as the boiler module 13; the pump group of ports 231c corresponding to 2231c is configured to be connected to a pump module, such as the pump module 18; the room thermostat input group of ports 234c, 235c, 236c, 237c corresponding to 2234c, 2235c, 2236c, 2237c is configured to be connected to the room thermostat input module, such as the room thermostat input module 15; the programmer group of ports 232e, 234b, 235b, 236b, 237b corresponding to modules 2232e, 2234b, 2235b, 2236b, 2237b is configured to be connected to the programmer module, such as the programmer module 14; the zone valve group of ports 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a, 236a, 237a corresponding to modules 2232a, 2233a, 2234a, 2235a, 2236a, 2237a is configured to be connected to a heating zone valve module, such as the three port zone valve module 19; and the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 232b, 233b corresponding to modules 2232b, 2233b is configured to be connected to a cylinder thermostat input module, such as the cylinder thermostat input module 16.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the input live port of the input power group of ports 231a corresponding to module 2231a, the permanent live port of the heat source group of ports 231b corresponding to module 2231b, the input live port of the programmer group of ports 232e, 234b, 235b, 236b, 237b corresponding to modules 2232e, 2234b, 2235b, 2236b, 2237b respectively, and the input live port of the zone valve group of ports 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a, 236a, and 237a corresponding to modules 2232a, 2233a, 2234a, 2235a, 2236a, 2237a respectively.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks further form connections between the neutral port of the input power group of ports 2231a, the neutral port of the heat source group of ports 2231b, the neutral port of the pump group of ports 2231c, 2232C, 2233C, 2234C, 2235C, 2236C, 2237C, the neutral port of the programmer group of ports 2232e, 2234b, 2235b, 2236b, 2237b, the neutral port of the zone valve group of ports 2232a, 2233a, 2234a, 2235a, 2236a, 2237a, the neutral port of the hot water return pump group of ports 2232d, and the neutral port of the room thermostat input group of ports 2234c, 2235c, 2236c, 2237c.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks at least form connections between the earth port of the input power group of ports 231a corresponding to module 2231a, the earth port of the heat source group of ports 231b corresponding to module 2231b, the earth port of the pump group of ports 231c, 232c, 233c, 234c, 235c, 236c, and 237c corresponding to modules 2231c, 2232C, 2233C, 2234C, 2235C, 2236C, 2237c respectively, the earth port of the programmer group of ports 232e, 234b, 235b, 236b, and 237U corresponding to modules 2232e, 2234b, 22351], 22361], 2237b respectively, the earth port of the hot water return pump group of ports 232d corresponding to module 2232d, and the earth port of the zone valve group of ports 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a, 236a, and 237a corresponding to modules 2232a, 2233a, 2234a, 2235a, 2236a, 2237a respectively.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks further form connections between the switch live port of the heat source group of ports 231b corresponding to module 2231b, and the switch output live port of the zone valve group of ports 232a, 233a, 234a, 235a, 236a, 237a corresponding to modules 2232a, 2233a, 2234a, 2235a, 2236a, 2237a.

In an example embodiment, the plurality of connection tracks further form connections between the pump live port of the heat source group of ports 231b corresponding to module 2231b and the live port of the pump group of ports 231c corresponding to module 2231c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the normally open (NO) hot-water port of the programmer group of ports 232e corresponding to module 2232e, the live input port of the hot water return pump group of ports 232d corresponding to module 2232d, and the common port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports 23213 and 233b corresponding to modules 223213, 223313 respectively.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports 234b corresponding to module 22341) and the live port of the room thermostat input group of ports 234c corresponding to module 2234c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports 235b corresponding to module 2235b and the 30 live port of the room thermostat input group of ports 235c corresponding to module 2235c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports 236U corresponding to module 223613 and the live port of the room thermostat input group of ports 236c corresponding to module 2236c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports 237b corresponding to module 22371J and the live port of the room thermostat input group of ports 237c corresponding to module 2237c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the switch input live port of the zone valve group of ports 232a corresponding to module 2232a, the normally open (NO) port of the cylinder thermostat group of ports 232b corresponding to module 2232b and the live input port of the pump group of ports 232e corresponding to module 2232c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the switch input live port of the zone valve group of ports 233a corresponding to module 2233a, the normally open (NO) port of the cylinder thermostat group of ports 233b corresponding to module 2233b and the live input port of the pump group of ports 233c corresponding to module 2233c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the switch input live port of the zone valve group of ports 234a corresponding to module 2234a, the live input port of the pump group of ports 234d corresponding to module 2234d and the switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports 234c corresponding to module 2234c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the switch input live port of the zone valve group of ports 235a corresponding to module 2235a, the live input port of the pump group of ports 235d corresponding to module 2235d and the switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports 235c corresponding to module 2235c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the switch input live port of the zone valve group of ports 236a corresponding to module 2236a, the live input port of the pump group of ports 236d corresponding to module 2236d and the switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports 236c corresponding to module 2236c.

The connection tracks may further form connections between the switch input live port of the zone valve group of ports 237a corresponding to module 2237a, the live input port of the pump group of ports 2237d and the switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports 237c corresponding to module 2237c.

If desired, the different functions discussed herein may be performed in a different order and/or concurrently with each other. Furthermore, if desired, one or more of the above-described functions may be optional or may be combined. Similarly, it will also be appreciated that the flow diagrams of Figures 16, 17, and 18 are examples only and that various operations depicted therein may be omitted, reordered and/or combined.

It will be appreciated that the above described example embodiments are purely illustrative and are not limiting on the scope of the invention. Other variations and modifications will be apparent to persons skilled in the art upon reading the present specification.

Moreover, the disclosure of the present application should be understood to include any novel features or any novel combination of features either explicitly or implicitly disclosed herein or any generalization thereof and during the prosecution of the present application or of any application derived therefrom, new claims may be formulated to cover any such features and/or combination of such features.

Claims

Claims 1. An apparatus for enabling connection of a plurality of modules of a heating system comprising: one or more groups of ports, wherein each group of ports is configured to connect to a respective one of the plurality of modules, wherein ports of a respective group are positioned in a respective area of the apparatus, wherein the one or more ports comprises a lever configured to be lifted or secured to enable insertion of a wire or securing of an inserted wire in the respective port respectively; visual indication indicating information of the one or more groups and/or one or more ports; and a plurality of connection tracks for connecting one or more ports to one or more other ports based on a circuit plan.
2. An apparatus as claimed in claim 1, wherein the one or more groups of ports comprise an input power group of ports, a boiler group of ports, a programmer group of ports, and a room thermostat input group of ports; and wherein the plurality of connection tracks at least form: a connection between an input live port of the input power group of ports, an input live port of the boiler group of ports, and an input live port of the programmer group of ports; a connection between a neutral port of the input power group of ports, a neutral port of the boiler group of ports, a neutral port of the programmer group of ports, and a neutral port of the room thermostat input group of ports; and a connection between an earth port of the input power group of ports, an earth port of the boiler group of ports, and an earth port of the programmer group of ports.
3- An apparatus as claimed in any of claims l and 2, wherein the plurality of connection tracks are implemented on a printed circuit board.
4. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the visual indication comprises textual indication and/or or colour indication.
5. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the visual indication further indicates information of one or more wires to be inserted in the one or more groups of ports respectively.
6. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein each group of ports comprises at least one earth port corresponding to an earth connection, at least one live port corresponding to a live connection, and at least one neutral port corresponding to a neutral connection, wherein the at least one live port corresponding to the live connection comprises one or more of an input live port, output live port, switch live port and/or permanent live port.
7. An apparatus as claimed in claim 6, wherein the connection tracks at least form connections between the at least one earth port of one or more group of ports to at least one earth port of one or more other group of ports, between the at least one neutral port of one or more group of ports to at least one neutral port of one or more other group of ports, and between the at least one live port of one or more group of ports to at least one live port of one or more other group of ports.
8. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more groups of ports further comprise one or more of a pump group of ports, a hot water zone valve group of ports, a heating zone valve group of ports, a three port zone valve group of ports, and a cylinder thermostat input group of ports.
9. An apparatus as claimed in claim 8, wherein: the input power group of ports are configured to be connected to an input power module of the heating system; the boiler group of ports are configured to be connected to a boiler module of the heating system; the programmer group of ports are configured to be connected to a programmer module of the heating system; the room thermostat input group of ports are configured to be connected to a room thermostat input module of the heating system; the pump group of ports are configured to be connected to a pump module of the heating system; the heating zone valve group of ports are configured to be connected to a heating zone valve module of the heating system; the hot water zone valve group of ports are configured to be connected to a hot water 10 zone valve module of the heating system; and the cylinder thermostat input group of ports are configured to be connected to a cylinder thermostat input module of the heating system.
10. An apparatus as claimed in claim 9, wherein the programmer module is configured to activate room heating and/or water heating based at least in part on the cylinder thermostat input module and/or the room thermostat input module respectively.
An apparatus as claimed in claim 10, wherein the room heating is activated using the heating zone valve module.
12. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 11, wherein the pump module is configured to pump heating liquid to one or more room heating systems based on the position of the heating zone valve module.
13. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 10 to 12, wherein the water heating is activated using the hot water zone valve module.
14. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 9 to 13, wherein the pump is configured to pump heating liquid to one or more water heating systems based on the position of the hot 30 water zone valve module.
15. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the circuit plan comprises a S-plan heating system circuit plan, wherein the one or more groups of ports comprises the input power group of ports, the boiler group of ports, the programmer group of ports, the room thermostat input group of ports, the pump group of ports, the hot water zone valve group of ports, the heating zone valve group of ports, and the cylinder thermostat input group of ports, and wherein the plurality of connection tracks at least form: connections between an input live port of the input power group of ports, a permanent live port of the boiler group of ports, an input live port of the programmer group of ports, a permanent live port of the heating zone valve group of ports, and a permanent live port of the hot water zone valve group of ports; connections between a neutral port of the input power group of ports, a neutral port of the boiler group of ports, a neutral port of the pump group of ports, a neutral port of the programmer group of ports, a neutral port of the heating zone valve group of ports, a neutral port of the room thermostat input group of ports, and a neutral port of the hot water zone valve group of ports; connections between an earth port of the input power group of ports, an earth connection of the boiler, an earth port of the pump group of ports, an earth port of the programmer group of ports, an earth port of the heating zone valve group of ports, and an earth port of the hot water zone valve group of ports; connections between a switch live port of the boiler group of ports, a switch output Bye port of the heating zone valve group of ports, a switch output live port of the hot water zone valve group of ports, and a spare switch live port of the boiler group of ports; connections between a pump live port of the boiler group of ports and a live port of 25 the pump group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) hot-water port of the programmer group of ports and a common port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports and a live port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between a switch input live port of the heating zone valve group of ports and a switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between a switch input live port of the hot water zone valve group of ports and an off port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports.
16. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the circuit plan comprises a Y-plan heating system circuit plan, wherein the one or more groups of ports comprises the input power group of ports, the boiler group of ports, the programmer group of ports, the room thermostat input group of ports, the pump group of ports, the three port zone valve group of ports, and a cylinder thermostat input group of ports, and wherein the plurality of connection tracks at least form: connections between an input live port of the input power group of ports, a permanent live port of the boiler group of ports, and an input live port of the programmer group of ports; connections between a neutral port of the input power group of ports, a neutral port of the boiler group of ports, a neutral port of the pump group of ports, a neutral port of the programmer group of ports, a neutral port of the three port zone valve group of ports, and a neutral port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between an earth port of the input power group of ports, an earth port of the boiler group of ports, an earth port of the pump group of ports, an earth port of the programmer group of ports, and an earth port of the three port zone valve group of ports; connections between a switch live port of the boiler group of ports, a switch output live port of the three port zone valve group of ports, a normally open (NO) port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports; connections between a pump live port of the boiler group of ports and a live port of the pump group of ports; connections between a normally dose (NC) hot water port of the programmer group of ports, a hot water input live port of the three port zone valve group of ports, and a normally close (NC) port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) hot-water port of the programmer group of ports and a common port of the cylinder thermostat input group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports and a live port of the room thermostat input group of ports; and connections between a heating input live port of the three port zone valve group of ports and a switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports.
17. An apparatus as claimed in any one of claims 8 to 14, wherein the circuit plan comprises a combination plan heating system circuit plan, wherein the one or more groups of ports comprises the input power group of ports, the boiler group of ports, the programmer group of ports, the room thermostat input group of ports, and wherein the plurality of connection tracks at least form: connections between an input live port of the input power group of ports, an input Bye port of the boiler group of ports, and an input live port of the programmer group of ports; connections between a neutral port of the input power group of ports, a neutral port of the boiler group of ports, a neutral port of the programmer group of ports, and a neutral port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between an earth port of the input power group of ports, an earth connection of the boiler, and an earth port of the programmer group of ports; connections between a switch live port of the boiler group of ports and a switch live port of the room thermostat input group of ports; connections between a normally open (NO) heating port of the programmer group of ports and a live port of the room thermostat input group of ports.
18. An apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the one or more 20 groups of ports comprise ports assigned to one or more zones.
19. A heating system comprising the apparatus as claimed in any one of the preceding claims.
20. The heating system as claimed in claim 19, further comprising: an input power module configured to connect to the input power group of ports of the apparatus; boiler module configured to connect to the boiler group of ports of the apparatus; a programmer module configured to connect to the programmer group of ports of the apparatus; and a room thermostat input module configured to connect to the room status input group of ports of the apparatus.
21. A method of using an apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims ito 18.
22. A method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising installing a heating system by connecting one or more modules of the heating system to the apparatus as claimed in any one of the claims ito 18, based, at least partially, on the one or more visual indication.
23. A method as claimed in claim 21 or claim 22, further comprising: connecting an input power module to the input power group of ports of the apparatus; connecting boiler module to the boiler group of ports of the apparatus; connecting a programmer module to the programmer group of ports of the apparatus; and connecting a room thermostat input module to the room thermostat input group of ports of the apparatus.