Abstract

Disclosed is a heating apparatus for a domestic or commercial building. The apparatus comprises a computer system for installation in the building, the computer system including a data store, a program store storing processor implementable instructions, and at least one processor coupled to the data and program stores for implementing the stored instructions to thereby produce thermal energy. The apparatus further comprises a thermal energy distribution assembly arranged for transferring the thermal energy away from the computer system for heating purposes, the thermal energy distribution assembly comprising a piped fluid circuit and at least one first heat exchanger connected to the piped fluid circuit for transferring the thermal energy from the processor to a fluid of the piped fluid circuit. The piped fluid circuit may be arranged such that, before passing through the first heat exchanger, thermal energy is transferred to the fluid from thermal energy-generating ancillary components of the computer system. The apparatus may be operated such that,in response to the determination of a need for an increased heating temperature, at least one of a rate at which the computer system produces the thermal energy and a rate at which the thermal energy distribution assembly transfers thermal energy away from the processor is controlled, such that the temperature of the processor increases.

IPC Classes  ?

• F24D 12/00 - Other central heating systems
• G06F 1/20 - Cooling means
• H05K 7/20 - Modifications to facilitate cooling, ventilating, or heating