JP5509740B2 - Hot water system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply system.

  Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-205698), a hot water heater that heats supplied water and an open type that receives supply of hot water heated by a water heater via a hot water supply pipe. A hot water supply system that has a hot water storage tank and supplies hot water stored in the hot water storage tank to a supply destination such as a hospital or a hotel has been proposed.

  In the above hot water supply system, a hot water supply circulation path is formed so that the user can always use hot water of a predetermined temperature or higher, and the reheating apparatus using a heat pump hot water supply apparatus in the hot water supply circulation path Is intervening.

  However, in the hot water supply system as described above, assuming that the usage rate of hot water by the user is low, it is conceivable that the hot water supply rate from the hot water heater is low because the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank is difficult to decrease. In this case, even if a heater for heat insulation is provided in the hot water storage tank, there is a concern that heat loss may occur due to the influence of the external environment and the like, resulting in a decrease in the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank. Since there is a concern about sanitary problems when the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is lowered, it is desirable that such a situation can be suppressed.

  Then, the subject of this invention is providing the hot-water supply system which can prevent the fall of the hot water temperature in a hot water storage tank, even when the utilization rate of the hot water by a user is low.

  A hot water supply system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a hot water supply system in which hot water is taken out from a hot water storage tank that receives supply of hot water from a water heater and used by a user via a first forward pipe, and a return pipe for the first hot water storage tank; And a reheating means and a first control means. The return pipe for the first hot water tank returns the hot water discharged from the first forward pipe to the hot water tank. The reheating means is interposed in the first hot water tank return pipe. The first control means includes: a hot water temperature in the hot water tank; a remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank; a hot water amount in the water heater; a hot water amount in the first forward pipe; and a hot water amount in the first hot water tank return pipe. Based on at least one of them, the operation / stop of the reheating means is controlled.

  In the hot water supply system according to the first invention, at least one of the hot water temperature in the hot water tank, the remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank, the hot water amount in the hot water heater, the hot water amount in the first forward pipe and the hot water amount in the return pipe for the first hot water tank. By controlling the reheating means based on one, it is possible to prevent a decrease in hot water temperature in the hot water tank even when the utilization rate of hot water by the user is low.

  A hot water supply system according to a second aspect of the present invention is the hot water supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention, further comprising a hot water tank internal hot water temperature detection unit. The hot water tank temperature detector detects the hot water temperature in the hot water tank. The first control means stops the reheating means when the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.

  Here, for example, the predetermined temperature is a temperature at which occurrence of sanitary problems can be prevented.

  In the hot water supply system according to the second aspect of the present invention, useless energy consumption can be suppressed by stopping the reheating means.

  A hot water supply system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the hot water supply system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a remaining hot water amount detection unit. The remaining hot water amount detection unit can detect an increase or decrease in the remaining hot water amount. The first control means stops the reheating means when the remaining hot water amount increases.

  In the hot water supply system according to the third aspect of the invention, if the amount of remaining hot water is increased, hot water is supplied from the water heater, so that a decrease in hot water temperature in the hot water tank can be prevented even if the reheating means is stopped. Thereby, useless consumption of energy can be suppressed.

  A hot water supply system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the hot water supply system according to any one of the first to third aspects of the present invention, further comprising a hot water supply amount detection unit. The hot water supply amount detection unit detects the amount of hot water supply. The first control means stops the reheating means when hot water is supplied from the water heater.

  In the hot water supply system according to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is considered that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank rises when hot water is supplied from the water heater. Therefore, useless energy consumption can be suppressed by stopping the reheating means.

  A hot water supply system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the hot water supply system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the present invention, further comprising a forward pipe hot water amount detection unit and a return pipe hot water amount detection unit. The forward pipe hot water amount detection unit detects the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe. The detection unit in the return pipe detects the amount of hot water in the return pipe for the first hot water tank. The first control means stops the reheating means when the difference between the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe and the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount.

  In the hot water supply system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is considered that hot water is supplied from the water heater if the difference between the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe and the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Even if the operation is stopped, it can be expected to prevent a decrease in the hot water temperature in the hot water tank. Therefore, useless energy consumption can be suppressed.

A hot water supply system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is a hot water supply system in which hot water is taken out from a hot water storage tank that receives supply of hot water from a water heater and used by a user via a second forward pipe, and a third return pipe, Means, a second forward pipe return pipe, a second hot water tank return pipe, a switching means, and a second control means. The third return pipe flows hot water discharged to the second forward pipe. The reheating means reheats the hot water that is interposed in the third return pipe and that is discharged to the second forward pipe. The return pipe for the second forward pipe returns the reheated hot water reheated by the reheating means from the third return pipe to the second forward pipe. The return pipe for the second hot water tank returns the reheated hot water from the third return pipe to the hot water tank. The switching means is connected to the return pipe for the second forward pipe and the return pipe for the second hot water tank, and is in the second state in which the reheated hot water flows to the return pipe for the second forward pipe, or the reheated hot water is returned to the second hot water tank. It is possible to switch to the third state for flowing through the tube. The second control means switches the switching means to the third state when the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank becomes lower than a predetermined temperature.

  In the hot water supply system according to the sixth aspect of the invention, when the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank becomes lower than the predetermined temperature, the reheated hot water can be caused to flow into the hot water storage tank by switching the switching means to the third state. Therefore, the fall of the hot water temperature in a hot water tank can be prevented. Further, in this hot water supply system, for example, even when the user's hot water utilization rate is low, the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank can be raised by controlling the switching means.

  In the hot water supply system according to the first invention, at least one of the hot water temperature in the hot water tank, the remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank, the hot water amount in the hot water heater, the hot water amount in the first forward pipe and the hot water amount in the return pipe for the first hot water tank. By controlling the reheating means based on one, it is possible to prevent a decrease in hot water temperature in the hot water tank even when the utilization rate of hot water by the user is low.

  In the hot water supply system according to the second aspect of the present invention, useless energy consumption can be suppressed by stopping the reheating means.

  In the hot water supply system according to the third aspect of the invention, if the amount of remaining hot water is increased, hot water is supplied from the water heater, so that a decrease in hot water temperature in the hot water tank can be prevented even if the reheating means is stopped. Thereby, useless consumption of energy can be suppressed.

  In the hot water supply system according to the fourth aspect of the invention, it is considered that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank rises when hot water is supplied from the water heater. Therefore, useless energy consumption can be suppressed by stopping the reheating means.

  In the hot water supply system according to the fifth aspect of the invention, it is considered that hot water is supplied from the water heater if the difference between the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe and the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. Even if the operation is stopped, it can be expected to prevent a decrease in the hot water temperature in the hot water tank. Therefore, useless energy consumption can be suppressed.

  In the hot water supply system according to the sixth aspect of the invention, when the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank becomes lower than the predetermined temperature, the reheated hot water can be caused to flow into the hot water storage tank by switching the switching means to the third state. Therefore, the fall of the hot water temperature in a hot water tank can be prevented. Further, in this hot water supply system, for example, even when the user's hot water utilization rate is low, the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank can be raised by controlling the switching means.

The schematic block diagram of the hot water supply system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of a water heater. The schematic block diagram of a reheater. The schematic block diagram of a controller. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a 1st control program. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a 2nd control program. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a 3rd control program. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of a 4th control program. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the control program which combined the 1st control program and 2nd control program which concern on the modification (A) of 1st Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the hot water supply system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of control in 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the hot water supply system which concerns on a reference example . The flowchart which shows the flow of control in a reference example . The flowchart which shows the flow of control which concerns on the modification (A) of a reference example . The flowchart which shows the flow of control which concerns on the modification (B) of a reference example .

  Hereinafter, a hot water supply system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
<Schematic configuration of the entire hot water supply system 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. The hot water supply system 1 is a so-called heat pump hot water supply system that is used to supply hot water to a large facility (specifically, a user who uses the large facility) such as a hotel, a hospital, or a public bath. It is.

  The hot water supply system 1 mainly includes a hot water heater 2, a reheater 9, and a controller 110. The water heater 2 is a heat pump type device that is installed outside the facility and heats water supplied from the elevated water tank 6 through the water supply pipe 11 when the first pump 15 is operated. The water heated by the water heater 2 is appropriately supplied to an open type hot water storage tank (hereinafter referred to as an open type hot water tank 7) that stores the hot water supplied from the water heater 2. The reheater 9 removes hot water that has been taken out of the open hot water tank 7 and flows through the first return pipe 14a and the second return pipe 14b into the first hot water tank return pipe 14c without being used by the user. Equipment for reheating. The controller 110 monitors and controls various devices such as the water heater 2 and the reheater 9.

  Here, the first forward pipe 13a, the forward pipe 13c for kitchen etc., the forward pipe 13d for cabin, the first return pipe 14a, the second return pipe 14b and the first hot water tank return pipe 14c are provided from the open hot water tank 7. A hot water circulation path 80 is formed in which the hot water discharged returns to the open hot water tank 7 again. Hot water discharged from the open-type hot water tank 7 and circulating through the hot water circulation path 80 is supplied to the user by twisting a faucet (not shown) in a kitchen, a guest room or the like.

  In addition, when the hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is supplied to the large bathhouse, the open-air bath, etc. via the first forward pipe 13a and the forward bath 13b for the large bathhouse, etc., the hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is used. Is configured not to return to the open hot water tank 7.

  In the hot water supply system 1, considering the cost, the hot water amount predicted to be used by the user every day is generated by operating the water heater 2 during the time period in which the night power from the previous day to the current day can be used. The open-type hot water storage tank 7 is supplied with hot water (this is called regular hot water supply). In the hot water supply system 1, basically, the amount of hot water supplied by the user on the day is supplemented by the amount of hot water supplied to the open-type hot water storage tank 7 by regular hot water supply, but in a time zone other than the time zone in which the regular hot water supply is performed, When the remaining hot water amount in the open hot water storage tank 7 is lower than the minimum hot water storage amount to be stored in the open hot water storage tank 7, hot water is supplied from the water heater 2.

  Hereinafter, each component of the hot water supply system 1 will be described.

<Configuration of each part>
(1) Configuration of the hot water heater 2 The hot water heater 2 is mainly composed of a heat source unit (not shown) and a sealed hot water tank unit (not shown). The heat source unit has refrigerant circuit components including a compressor, a water heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a heat exchanger, and the like, and these are connected in an annular shape. The sealed hot water tank unit mainly includes a sealed hot water tank and a water pump, which are connected in an annular shape. In this sealed hot water tank unit, the water discharged from the sealed hot water tank is converted into hot water by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the water heat exchanger in the heat source unit, and is returned to the sealed hot water tank again. . Hot water stored in the sealed hot water storage tank is supplied to the open hot water storage tank 7 through the hot water supply pipe 12.

  As shown in FIG. 2, various types of sensors such as a water supply temperature sensor 22, a hot water supply temperature sensor 23, a refrigerant temperature sensor 24, and a refrigerant pressure sensor 25 are attached to the water heater 2. The feed water temperature sensor 22 detects the temperature of the water supplied from the elevated water tank 6 (that is, the feed water temperature). The hot water supply temperature sensor 23 detects the temperature of hot water supplied from the water heater 2 (that is, the hot water supply temperature). The refrigerant temperature sensor 24 detects the temperature of the refrigerant at a predetermined position in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant pressure sensor 25 detects the pressure at a predetermined position of the refrigerant circuit.

  Moreover, the water heater 2 mainly includes a control unit 20 including a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and a communication unit 21.

  The control unit 20 controls various devices in the water heater 2 based on a control command input from the administrator via the controller 110. Specifically, the control of various devices is control of the rotation speed of the compressor and the fan, the opening degree of the expansion valve, and the like. The control unit 20 also controls various devices in the water heater 2 based on a control command input from an administrator via the remote controller 30. The remote controller 30 is installed in the facility in order to receive an operation command input to the water heater 2 from the administrator, and is connected to the controller 110 via the local area network 5 (hereinafter referred to as LAN 5). ing.

  In addition, the control unit 20 transmits device data related to the water heater 2 to the controller 110. The device data includes data representing the operating status of the water heater 2 (hereinafter referred to as first operating status data), data relating to an abnormality in the water heater 2 (hereinafter referred to as first abnormality data), and the like. 1st driving | running condition data are the detection values of various sensors 22-25, for example. The first abnormality data is data created when an abnormality such as a detection value exceeding the predetermined threshold value is detected by comparing the detection values of the various sensors 22 to 25 with a predetermined threshold value. The control unit 20 transmits the first driving situation data to the controller 110 at predetermined intervals, and transmits the first abnormality data to the controller 110 when an abnormality is detected.

  The communication unit 21 is an interface that enables communication with other devices of the water heater 2. Note that the communication unit 21 and the controller 110 are connected via the LAN 5.

(2) Configuration of Reheater 9 As shown in FIG. 1, the reheater 9 is interposed in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c and flows in the first return pipe 14a and the second return pipe 14b. This is a device for reheating hot water flowing into the first hot water tank return pipe 14c.

  The reheater 9 has a heat source unit (not shown) having refrigerant circuit components including a compressor, an expansion valve and the like, and hot water flowing through the first hot water tank return pipe 14c is caused by the heat source unit. It is heated.

  As shown in FIG. 3, various sensors such as a reheater hot water temperature sensor 92, a reheater hot water temperature sensor 93, a refrigerant temperature sensor 94, and a refrigerant pressure sensor 95 are attached to the reheater 9. The reheater hot water temperature sensor 92 detects the temperature of the hot water flowing into the reheater 9. The reheater hot water temperature sensor 93 detects the temperature of the hot water discharged from the reheater 9. The refrigerant temperature sensor 94 detects the temperature of the refrigerant at a predetermined position in the refrigerant circuit. The refrigerant pressure sensor 95 detects the refrigerant pressure at a predetermined position in the refrigerant circuit.

  The reheater 9 mainly includes a control unit 90 composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and a communication unit 91.

  The control unit 90 transmits device data related to the reheater 9 to the controller 110 via the LAN 5 at a predetermined interval or receives a control command sent from the controller 110 via the LAN 5. The equipment data includes data representing the operating status of the reheater 9 (hereinafter referred to as second operating status data), data relating to an abnormality in the reheater 9 (hereinafter referred to as second abnormal data), and the like. The second driving situation data is, for example, detection values of various sensors 92 to 95. The second abnormality data is data that is generated when an abnormality such as exceeding the predetermined threshold is detected by comparing the detection values of the various sensors 92 to 95 with a predetermined threshold. The control unit 90 transmits the second operation status data to the controller 110 at predetermined intervals, and transmits the second abnormality data to the controller 110 when an abnormality is detected.

  Further, the control unit 90 controls operations of the compressor, the fan, and the like in the reheater 9 based on a control command (for example, an operation / stop command) sent from the controller 110 via the LAN 5.

  In addition, when the stop instruction | command of the reheater 9 is sent from the controller 110, it is taken out from the open-type hot water tank 7, and flows through the 1st return pipe 14a and the 2nd return pipe 14b without being utilized by the user. The hot water flowing into the tank return pipe 14 c flows into the open hot water tank 7 as it is without being heated by the reheater 9.

  The communication unit 91 is an interface that enables communication with other devices of the reheater 9.

(3) Configuration of Controller 110 The controller 110 includes a hot water heater 2, a reheater 9, other first pump 15, second pump 16 (all refer to FIG. 1), closing valve 19 (refer to FIG. 1), etc. It has a function to control and monitor various devices. Further, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller 110 mainly has a communication unit 111, an input / output unit 112, a storage unit 113, and a control unit 114.

(A) Communication unit 111
The communication unit 111 is an interface that enables communication with the water heater 2 and the reheater 9 of the controller 110. The controller 110 can receive various data of the water heater 2 and the reheater 9 through the communication unit 111, or can supply the controller 110 with the control command 114 of the controller 110 to the water heater 2 and the reheater 9. Can be sent.

  The communication unit 111 enables communication with the remote controller 30. Thereby, operation command data input to the remote controller 30 by the administrator is transmitted to the controller 110 via the LAN 5.

(B) Input / output unit 112
The input / output unit 112 includes a display with a touch panel function and a speaker function. The input / output unit 112 receives an operation command input to the controller 110 by the administrator via a button on the display, or displays information required by the administrator on the display.

(C) Storage unit 113
The storage unit 113 stores control data and a control program for controlling the water heater 2, the reheater 9, and the like. Specifically, in the storage unit 113, a data information storage area 113a, a control program storage area 113b, and a set value storage area 113c are secured.

(C-1) Data information storage area 113a
In the data information storage area 113a, various data acquired by the data acquisition unit 121 described later is stored.

(C-2) Control program storage area 113b
The control program storage area 113b stores a first control program, a second control program, a third control program, and a fourth control program. The processing of these control programs will be described in detail later.

(C-3) Set value storage area 113c
The set value storage area 113c stores arbitrary set values that are input in advance by the administrator via the input / output unit 112, such as data on the minimum amount of hot water to be stored in the open-type hot water tank 7. .

(D) Control unit 114
The control unit 114 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and includes a data acquisition unit 121, a data transmission unit 122, a hot water difference calculation unit 123, a determination unit 124, a pump control unit 125, and valve control. A section 126, a program selection section 127, and a program processing section 128.

(D-1) Data acquisition unit 121
The data acquisition unit 121 acquires data in various devices of the hot water supply system 1. Specifically, for example, the data acquisition unit 121 acquires the device data of the water heater 2 and the device data of the reheater 9 sent from the control unit 20 of the water heater 2 and the control unit 90 of the reheater 9.

  In addition, for example, the data acquisition unit 121 detects data detected by the hot water tank internal temperature sensor 61, the water pressure sensor 62, the hot water supply amount sensor 63, the first forward pipe internal hot water amount sensor 64, the first hot water tank return pipe internal hot water amount sensor 65, and the like. Are acquired at predetermined intervals. The hot water tank internal temperature sensor 61 is provided in the open hot water tank 7 and detects the hot water temperature in the open hot water tank 7 (hereinafter referred to as hot water temperature in the hot water tank). The water pressure sensor 62 is provided in the open-type hot water storage tank 7, detects the water level in the open-type hot water storage tank 7, and calculates the remaining hot water amount. The hot water supply sensor 63 is provided in the hot water supply pipe 12 and detects the amount of hot water supplied from the water heater 2. The first forward pipe hot water amount sensor 64 is provided in the first forward pipe 13a and detects the amount of hot water flowing through the first forward pipe 13a. The first hot water tank return pipe internal hot water amount sensor 65 is provided in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c and detects the amount of hot water flowing through the first hot water tank return pipe 14c.

  Various types of data acquired by the data acquisition unit 121 are stored in a data information storage area 113 a secured in the storage unit 113.

(D-2) Data transmission unit 122
The data transmission unit 122 transmits control command data generated by the control unit 114 to the control units of various devices such as the hot water heater 2 and the reheater 9.

  For example, the data transmission unit 122 transmits operation command data to the control unit 20 of the water heater 2 when the determination unit 124 described later determines that the remaining hot water amount is lower than the minimum hot water storage amount.

(D-3) Hot water amount difference calculation unit 123
The hot water amount difference calculation unit 123 calculates the difference between the hot water amount in the first forward pipe 13a and the hot water amount in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c. The hot water amount difference data is stored in the data information storage area 113 a secured in the storage unit 113 by the hot water difference calculation unit 123.

(D-4) Determination unit 124
The determination unit 124 periodically stores the hot water temperature data stored in the data information storage area 113a, the hot water amount data of the water heater 2, the hot water amount in the first forward pipe 13a, and the first hot water tank return pipe 14c. The difference data with the amount of hot water in the water and the data of the remaining hot water amount are monitored, and various data are compared with various set values stored in the set value storage area 113c secured in the storage unit 113. It is determined whether or not various types of data exceed various set values. Specifically, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the hot water temperature in the hot water tank has reached 65 ° C. or more, whether or not the hot water supply amount of the water heater 2 has exceeded 0 (l), and the hot water amount in the first forward pipe 13a. It is determined whether or not the difference from the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, and whether or not the amount of remaining hot water is increasing.

  The determination unit 124 monitors the remaining hot water amount data stored in the data information storage area 113a, and compares the remaining hot water amount data with the minimum hot water storage amount data stored in the set value storage area 113c. Then, it is determined whether or not the remaining hot water amount is lower than the minimum hot water storage amount.

(D-5) Pump control unit 125
The pump control unit 125 receives the control command sent from the data transmission unit 122 and controls the rotation speeds of the first pump 15 and the second pump 16.

(D-6) Valve control unit 126
In response to the control command sent from the data transmission unit 122, the valve control unit 126 performs opening / closing control of the closing valve 19 arranged in the hot water supply pipe 12.

(D-7) Program selection unit 127
The program selection unit 127 selects one program from various control programs stored in the storage unit 113.

(D-8) Program processing unit 128
The program processing unit 128 reads and processes one control program selected by the program selection unit 127 from the control program storage area 113b secured in the storage unit 113.

  Hereinafter, the flow of processing performed by the program processing unit 128 when each control program is selected will be described with reference to FIGS.

(D-8-a) When First Control Program is Selected As shown in FIG. 5, first, in step S11, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is 65 ° C. or higher. . When it determines with the hot water temperature in a hot water tank being 65 degreeC or more, it transfers to step S12. On the other hand, when it determines with the hot water temperature in a hot water tank not being 65 degreeC or more, it transfers to step S13.

  Here, in consideration of sanitary problems, it is desirable that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is maintained at 60 ° C. or higher. Therefore, in this step, even when hot water slightly lower than 60 ° C. flows into the open-type hot water storage tank 7 when the reheater 9 is stopped (step S12 described later), the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank does not become lower than 60 ° C. In addition, the threshold value of the hot water temperature in the hot water tank used for the determination is set to 65 ° C. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, a temperature of 65 ° C. or higher may be used as the threshold value, or an average value obtained from past operation results may be used as the threshold value. Further, the threshold value may be changed according to the temperature of hot water discharged from the reheater 9.

  In step S <b> 12, the data transmission unit 122 transmits a stop command to the control unit 90 of the reheater 9. In addition, the control part 90 of the reheater 9 will control various apparatuses, such as stopping a compressor, a fan, etc., if this stop command is received.

  In step S <b> 13, the data transmission unit 122 transmits an operation command to the control unit 90 of the reheater 9. In addition, the control part 90 of the reheater 9 will control various apparatuses, such as operating a compressor, a fan, etc., if this operation command is received.

(D-8-b) When Second Control Program is Selected As shown in FIG. 6, in step S <b> 21, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the remaining hot water amount in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 has increased. To do. When it determines with the amount of remaining hot water in the open type hot water storage tank 7 increasing, it transfers to step S22. On the other hand, when it determines with the remaining hot water amount in the open type hot water storage tank 7 not increasing, it transfers to step S23.

  In step S <b> 22, the data transmission unit 122 transmits a stop command to the control unit 90 of the reheater 9. Here, the reason for stopping the operation of the reheater 9 is that the amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is increasing, that is, hot water is being supplied from the water heater 2. This is because the hot water temperature in the hot water tank rises even if the heated hot water does not flow into the open hot water tank 7.

  In step S <b> 23, the data transmission unit 122 transmits an operation command to the control unit 90 of the reheater 9.

(D-8-c) When Third Control Program is Selected As shown in FIG. 7, in step S31, the determination unit 124 determines the amount of hot water flowing through the first forward pipe 13a and the first hot water tank return pipe. It is determined whether or not the difference from the amount of hot water flowing through 14c is a predetermined amount or more. When it is determined that the difference between the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe 13a and the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S32. On the other hand, when it is determined that the difference between the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe 13a and the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c is not equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S33.

  In step S <b> 32, the data transmission unit 122 transmits a stop command to the control unit 90 of the reheater 9. Here, the operation of the reheater 9 is stopped if the difference between the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe 13a and the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount, from the water heater 2 This is because hot water can be expected to rise in the hot water tank.

  In step S <b> 33, the data transmission unit 122 transmits an operation command to the control unit 90 of the reheater 9.

(D-8-d) When the Fourth Control Program is Selected As shown in FIG. 8, first, in step S41, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the amount of hot water supplied from the water heater 2 exceeds zero. . When it determines with the amount of hot water supply from the water heater 2 exceeding 0, it transfers to step S42. On the other hand, when it determines with the amount of hot water supply from the water heater 2 not exceeding 0, it transfers to step S43.

  In step S42, the data transmission unit 122 transmits a stop command to the control unit 90 of the reheater 9. Here, the operation of the reheater 9 is stopped because the hot water temperature in the hot water tank rises as long as hot water is supplied from the hot water heater 2, so that the reheater 9 need not be operated. .

  In step S <b> 43, the data transmission unit 122 transmits an operation command to the control unit 90 of the reheater 9.

<Characteristics of the hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment>
Conventionally, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-205698), a circulation path that circulates hot water discharged from an open-type hot water storage tank so that hot water at a predetermined temperature or higher can be always provided to a user. There is proposed a hot water supply system in which a heat pump type reheating means for reheating hot water circulating in the circulation path is provided in the circulation path.

  However, paying attention to the open-type hot water storage tank, when the user does not use much hot water, hot water is not supplied from the water heater, and it is assumed that the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is lowered.

  Moreover, in the case of a hot water supply system adopting such a configuration, a heater is often provided to maintain the hot water temperature in the hot water tank above a predetermined temperature, but even if a heater is provided, There is a concern that the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank tends to decrease due to the influence of the external environment (such as a low outside air temperature). If the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is lowered, there is a concern about the occurrence of sanitary problems, so it is preferable that this situation can be suppressed.

  Therefore, in the hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment, the first hot water tank return pipe 14c for returning the hot water that has been taken out of the open hot water tank 7 and not used by the user to the open hot water tank 7 is provided. The reheater 9 is interposed in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c.

  And the hot water temperature in the hot water tank, the remaining hot water amount in the open-type hot water tank 7, the difference between the hot water amount in the first forward pipe 13a and the hot water amount in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c, and the hot water amount from the water heater 2 By controlling the operation of the reheater 9 based on any of the above (the program processing unit 128 is one of the first control program, the second control program, the third control program, and the fourth control program) By processing the control program), the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is prevented from decreasing.

  That is, when the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is 65 ° C. or higher, and when it is considered that hot water is supplied from the water heater 2, the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is not required to operate. However, the reheater 9 is stopped because the temperature exceeds the temperature at which the hygiene problem can be avoided. This contributes to energy saving and cost saving. Moreover, except the above-mentioned case, the reheater 9 is operated and the fall of the hot water temperature in a hot water tank is prevented.

<The modification of the hot water supply system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment>
(A)
In the above embodiment, it has been described that the program selection unit 127 selects one control program from among the first control program, the second control program, the third control program, and the fourth program. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Absent.

  For example, the administrator may set in advance one control program among various control programs via the input / output unit 112 of the controller 110.

  Further, for example, a control program in which the first control program, the second control program, the third control program, and the fourth program are arbitrarily combined is stored in the storage unit 113 in advance, and the program processing unit 128 stores the control program in the control program. Processing may be executed.

  For example, FIG. 9 shows a processing flow of the program processing unit 128 when a control program in which the first control program and the second control program are combined is executed.

  Briefly, when the determination unit 124 first determines whether or not the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is 65 ° C. or higher (YES in step S51), the data transmission unit 122 instructs the control unit 90 of the reheater 9 to stop. Is transmitted (step S52). When determining unit 124 determines that the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is not 65 ° C. or higher (NO in step S51), it determines whether the remaining hot water amount in open-type hot water storage tank 7 is increasing (step S53). If it determines with the amount of remaining hot water increasing (YES of step S53), the data transmission part 122 will transmit a stop command to the control part 90 of the reheater 9 (step S54). If it determines with the amount of remaining hot water not increasing (NO of step S53), the data transmission part 122 will transmit an operation command to the control part 90 of the reheater 9 (step S55).

  Note that the order of step S51 and step S53 may be reversed.

(B)
It is good also as a structure which provided the heater for heat insulation in the open type hot water tank 7 in the said embodiment.

  In this case, considering the improvement of COP, it is basically desirable not to use a heater, but it can be used supplementarily, for example, when the reheater 9 fails.

(C)
In the above embodiment, the input / output unit 112 has been described as including a display with a touch panel function and a speaker function. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the input / output unit 112 may include an input unit including a keyboard and a mouse and an output unit including a display and a speaker.

Second Embodiment
Next, the second embodiment will be described. In addition, in the following description, about the component parts, such as the water heater 2 and the reheater 9 which are common in 1st Embodiment, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Hereinafter, differences between the hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment and the hot water supply system 200 according to the second embodiment will be briefly described.

(1) About whole structure Although the hot water supply system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment has only the hot water circulation path | route 80 in which the hot water taken out from the open type hot water storage tank 7 returns into the open type hot water storage tank 7 again, In the hot water supply system 200 according to the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, in addition to the first hot water circulation path 280 in which hot water discharged from the open hot water storage tank 7 returns to the open hot water storage tank 7, the open hot water storage tank 7. Has a second hot water circulation path 281 where hot water discharged from the water returns to the first forward pipe 13a.

  The first hot water circulation path 280 includes a first outgoing pipe 13a, an outgoing pipe 13c for kitchens, an outgoing pipe 13d for passenger cabin, a first return pipe 14a, a second return pipe 14b, a third return pipe 214c, and a second hot water storage. It is constituted by a tank return pipe 214e. The second hot water circulation path 281 includes a part of the first forward pipe 13a, the forward pipe 13c for kitchens, the forward pipe 13d for the guest room, the first return pipe 14a, the second return pipe 14b, the third return pipe 214c, and It is configured by a first forward return pipe 214d.

  Further, in the hot water supply system 200, a first three-way valve 215 that is connected to the first return pipe return pipe 214d and the second hot water tank return pipe 214e and can switch which of the return pipes 214d and 214e flows hot water. Is provided. The first three-way valve 215 is switched by the control unit 114 of the controller 210, which will be described later, so that hot water flowing through the third return pipe 214c is transferred to either the first forward pipe return pipe 214d or the second hot water tank return pipe 214e. Decide whether to flow. Here, the state in which the hot water flowing through the third return pipe 214c of the first three-way valve 215 flows to the first forward pipe return pipe 214d is referred to as the second state, and the hot water flowing through the third return pipe 214c is used for the second hot water storage tank. The state flowing through the return pipe 214e is referred to as a third state.

  Moreover, in 2nd Embodiment, the control part 114 of the controller 210 does not have what corresponds to the hot water difference calculation part 123 and the program selection part 127 in 1st Embodiment. Moreover, the determination part 124 monitors the data of the hot water temperature in the hot water tank stored in the data information storage area 113a, and determines whether or not the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is less than 65 ° C. In addition, the determination part 124 in 2nd Embodiment determines whether the amount of remaining hot water in 1st Embodiment is increasing, the amount of hot water in the 1st forward pipe 13a, and the amount of hot water in the 1st hot water tank return pipe 14c. Whether or not the difference is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount and whether or not the amount of hot water supply exceeds 0 are not performed.

(2) Control In the second embodiment, unlike the first embodiment, the reheater 9 is always operated in order to keep the hot water discharged from the open hot water tank 7 at a predetermined temperature or higher. Hereinafter, the processing flow of the control program in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S210, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is lower than 65 ° C. If it is determined that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is lower than 65 ° C. (YES in step S210), the valve control unit 126 switches the first three-way valve 215 to the third state (step S220). Specifically, the data transmission unit 122 transmits a control signal to the valve control unit 126, and the valve control unit 126 supplies a voltage to the first three-way valve 215, whereby the first three-way valve 215 switches to the third state. It has been.

  Thereby, the hot water heated by the reheater 9 flows into the open hot water tank 7 via the second hot water tank return pipe 214e. Therefore, the hot water temperature in the hot water tank can be raised.

  On the other hand, when determining that the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is not less than 65 ° C. (NO in step S210), the valve control unit 126 switches the first three-way valve 215 to the second state (step S230).

<Characteristics of hot water supply system 200 according to the second embodiment>
Conventionally, as described above, a circulation path for circulating hot water discharged from an open-type hot water storage tank is provided so that hot water at a predetermined temperature or higher can be always provided to the user, and the circulation path is provided in the circulation path. There has been proposed a hot water supply system provided with a heat pump type reheating means for reheating hot water circulating inside.

  However, in such a hot water supply system, it is assumed that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank decreases.

  Therefore, in the hot water supply system 200 according to the second embodiment, the reheater 9 is always operated, and hot water flowing from the third return pipe 214c based on the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is allowed to flow to the first forward pipe return pipe 214d. Whether to flow through the second hot water tank return pipe 214e is determined. Specifically, when the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank becomes lower than 65 ° C., the valve control unit 216 switches the first three-way valve 215 to the third state, and the hot water heated by the reheater 9 is opened. It flows into the tank 7.

  Thereby, the fall of the hot water temperature in a hot water tank can be prevented. Further, in this hot water supply system 200, even when the utilization rate of hot water by the user is low (that is, when the frequency of hot water supply from the water heater 2 is low), the hot water is taken out from the open hot water tank 7 and reheated. Since it can be heated in the vessel 9 and returned to the open hot water tank 7 again, it is possible to prevent the hot water temperature in the hot water tank from decreasing.

< Reference example >
Subsequently, a reference example will be described. As in the second embodiment, in the following description, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

Hereinafter, differences between the hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment and the hot water supply system 300 according to the reference example will be briefly described.

(1) Overall configuration
As in the first embodiment, the hot water supply system 300 according to the reference example has a third hot water circulation path 380 in which hot water discharged from the open hot water tank 7 returns to the open hot water tank 7 again as shown in FIG. have. In the hot water supply system 300, the hot water discharged from the open hot water tank 7 flows into the hot water heater 2, and the hot water that has flowed into the hot water heater 2 is heated by the heat source unit and then supplied to the open hot water tank 7 again. 381. That is, in the reference example , the water heater 2 is used as having the function of the reheater 9 without providing the reheater 9 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  Further, the hot water supply system 300 is provided with a second three-way valve 315 that is connected to the return pipe 314d for the hot water heater and the return pipe 314e for the third hot water tank, and that can switch which of the return pipes 314d and 314e flows hot water. ing. The second three-way valve 315 is switched by the control unit 114 of the controller 310 to be described later, so that hot water flowing through the fourth return pipe 314c flows to either the hot water supply return pipe 314d or the third hot water tank return pipe 314e. To decide.

  Here, the state in which the hot water flowing through the fourth return pipe 314c of the second three-way valve 315 flows to the hot water supply return pipe 314d is referred to as a fourth state, and the hot water flowing through the fourth return pipe 314c is referred to as the third hot water tank return pipe. The state flowing through 314e is referred to as a fifth state.

Further, in the reference example , the control unit 114 of the controller 310 does not have anything corresponding to the hot water difference calculation unit 123 and the program selection unit 127 in the first embodiment. Moreover, the determination part 124 determines whether the closing valve 19 is out of order. Note that the determination unit 124 in the reference example determines whether or not the amount of remaining hot water in the first embodiment is increasing, and the difference between the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe 13a and the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe 14c. The determination process of whether or not the amount is greater than or equal to a predetermined amount and whether or not the amount of hot water supply exceeds 0 is not performed.

(2) Control
In the reference example , during normal operation, the valve control unit 126 controls the second three-way valve 315 to be switched to the fourth state. However, under a predetermined condition, the second three-way valve 315 is switched to the fifth state.

  Hereinafter, a specific control flow will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S310, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the closing valve 19 is abnormal. When it is determined that there is an abnormality in the closing valve 19, the process proceeds to step S320. On the other hand, when it is determined that there is no abnormality in the closing valve 19, the process proceeds to step S330.

  Here, the abnormality of the closing valve 19 means that hot water is not supplied from the water heater 2 into the open hot water tank 7 because the closing valve 19 cannot take the open state.

  In step S320, the valve control unit 126 switches the second three-way valve 315 to the fifth state. Here, the reason why the second three-way valve 315 is switched to the fifth state is to suppress a shortage of remaining hot water in the open hot water tank 7.

  In this step, the administrator is notified of the abnormality via the input / output unit 112. This is because if the shutoff valve 19 remains closed, hot water supply from the water heater 2 is not performed, and the amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is gradually reduced. Because there is. Note that the abnormality notification includes a voice notification through a speaker and a display notification through a display.

  In step S330, the valve control unit 126 switches the second three-way valve 315 to the fourth state.

<Features of Hot Water Supply System 300 According to Reference Example >
In the hot water supply system 300 according to the reference example , the hot water heater 2 is used as a heating device having the function of the reheater 9 in the first embodiment and the second embodiment.

  Thereby, the fall of the hot water temperature in a hot water tank can be prevented. Further, even when the utilization rate of hot water by the user is low, hot water can be taken out from the open hot water tank 7 and heated by the hot water heater 2 and returned to the open hot water tank 7 again. A decrease in the temperature of the indoor bath can be prevented.

<Modification of Hot Water Supply System 300 According to Reference Example >
(A)
The present invention is not limited to the execution of the control program of the above reference example , and for example, a control program as shown in FIG. 14 may be executed. Hereinafter, the flow of control processing will be described.

  First, in step S410, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is lower than 65 ° C. When it determines with the hot water temperature in a hot water tank being less than 65 degreeC, it transfers to step S420. On the other hand, when it determines with the hot water temperature in a hot water tank not being less than 65 degreeC, it transfers to step S440.

  In step S420, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the closing valve 19 has failed. When it determines with the closing valve 19 having failed, it transfers to step S430. On the other hand, if it is determined that the closing valve 19 has not failed, the process proceeds to step S450.

  In step S430, the valve control unit 126 switches the second three-way valve 315 to the fifth state. In step S440, the valve control unit 126 switches the second three-way valve 315 to the fifth state. In step S450, the valve control unit 126 switches the second three-way valve 315 to the fourth state. This is because if the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is 65 ° C. or higher, the hot water temperature in the hot water tank does not become lower than 60 ° C. even if the hot water flowing through the fourth return pipe 314c is directly introduced into the open hot water tank 7. It is.

(B)
Further, for example, the control program shown in FIG. 15 may be executed. Hereinafter, the flow of control processing will be described.

  First, in step S510, the determination unit 124 determines whether or not the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is less than 65 ° C. If it is determined that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is lower than 65 ° C. (YES in step S510), the valve control unit 126 switches the second three-way valve 315 to the fourth state (step S520). On the other hand, when determining that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is not less than 65 ° C. (NO in step S510), the valve control unit 126 switches the second three-way valve 315 to the fifth state (step S530).

  The present invention is useful because even if the utilization rate of hot water by the user is low, it is possible to prevent a decrease in hot water temperature in the hot water tank and contribute to energy saving.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water supply system 2 Water heater 7 Open type hot water tank (hot water tank)
9 Reheater (reheating means)
13a First forward pipe (first forward pipe, second forward pipe, third forward pipe)
14c Return pipe for first hot water tank 19 Shut-off valve (hot water supply amount adjusting means)
61 Hot water temperature sensor in hot water tank (hot water temperature detector in hot water tank)
62 Water pressure sensor (remaining hot water detection unit)
63 Hot-water supply sensor (hot-water supply detector)
64 1st Outgoing Pipe Hot Water Sensor (Outgoing Pipe Hot Water Detection Unit)
65 Hot water sensor in the return pipe for the first hot water storage tank (hot water quantity detector in the return pipe)
110 controller (first control means)
200 Hot water supply system 210 Controller (second control means)
214d Return pipe for the first forward pipe (return pipe for the second forward pipe)
214e Return pipe for second hot water tank 215 First three-way valve (switching means)
300 Hot water supply system 310 Controller (third control means)
314d Return pipe for water heater 314e Return pipe for third hot water tank 315 Second three-way valve (switching means)

JP 2007-205698 A

Claims (6)

A hot water supply system (1) for taking out hot water from a hot water storage tank (7) that receives supply of hot water from a water heater (2) and making it available to a user via a first forward pipe (13a),
A first hot water tank return pipe (14c) for returning hot water discharged to the first forward pipe (13a) to the hot water tank (7);
Reheating means (9) interposed in the first hot water tank return pipe (14c);
The hot water temperature in the hot water tank (7), the remaining hot water amount in the hot water tank (7), the hot water amount in the water heater (2), the hot water amount in the first forward pipe (13a), and the First control means (110) for controlling operation / stop of the reheating means (9) based on at least one of the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe (14c),
A hot water supply system (1). A hot water tank temperature detector (61) for detecting the hot water temperature in the hot water tank;
The first control means (110) stops the reheating means (9) when the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature.
The hot water supply system (1) according to claim 1. Further comprising a remaining hot water amount detection unit (62) capable of detecting an increase or decrease in the remaining hot water amount,
The first control means (110) stops the reheating means (9) when the amount of remaining hot water increases.
The hot water supply system (1) according to claim 1 or 2. A hot water supply amount detection unit (63) for detecting the hot water supply amount;
The first control means (110) stops the reheating means (9) when hot water is supplied from the water heater (2).
The hot-water supply system (1) in any one of Claims 1-3. An outward pipe hot water amount detection unit (64) for detecting the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe (13a);
A return pipe hot water amount detection unit (65) for detecting the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe (14c);
Further comprising
The first control means (110) performs the reheating when the difference between the amount of hot water in the first forward pipe (13a) and the amount of hot water in the first hot water tank return pipe (14c) is a predetermined amount or more. Stop means (9),
The hot-water supply system (1) in any one of Claims 1-4. A hot water supply system (200) for taking out hot water from a hot water tank (7) that receives supply of hot water from a water heater (2) and making it available to a user through a second forward pipe (13a),
A third return pipe (214c) for flowing hot water discharged to the second forward pipe (13a);
Reheating means (9) interposed in the third return pipe (214c) and reheating hot water discharged to the second forward pipe (13a);
A second return pipe return pipe (214d) for returning the reheated hot water reheated by the reheating means (9) from the third return pipe (214c) to the second forward pipe (13a);
A second hot water tank return pipe (214e) for returning the reheated hot water from the third return pipe (214c) to the hot water tank (7);
A second state connected to the second forward pipe return pipe (214d) and the second hot water tank return pipe (214e), and flowing the reheated hot water through the second forward pipe return pipe (214d), or Switching means (215) capable of switching to a third state in which reheated hot water flows through the second hot water tank return pipe (214e);
A second control means (210) for switching the switching means (215) to the third state when the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank (7) is lower than a predetermined temperature;
A hot water supply system (200).

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