JP6721085B2 - Hot water storage system - Google Patents

Description

The present invention relates to a hot water storage type hot water supply system.

The hot water storage type hot water supply system is a device that mainly consumes electric power to generate hot water, stores the hot water in a heat storage tank, and uses it as a heat load for hot water supply. In general, the hot water storage type hot water supply system uses a cheap electric power unit price in one day, so that all or most of the hot water required for one day is collectively boiled in a cheap time zone. Generally, electric power companies offer a plurality of electricity rate menus. The user can select one of the electricity rate menus. The time when the electricity bill is cheaper depends on the electricity bill menu.

The water heater disclosed in Patent Document 1 below is configured as follows. The names of a plurality of electricity rate menus of a plurality of electric power companies and the electricity rate setting for each time zone of each menu are stored. By operating the remote control, a list of a plurality of electric power companies and a plurality of electric charge menus is displayed, and one electric charge menu of one electric power company is selected and set. Based on the hourly electricity rate setting in the electricity rate menu that has been set, the hot water is used to boil the water.

JP, 2006-200806, A

When the user changes the contract contents with the electric power company, the electricity rate menu may be changed. Further, in the future, due to the liberalization of electric power, users may switch to another electric power company. As a result, there is a possibility that the electricity charge setting for each time zone will be changed frequently. In the water heater of Patent Document 1, when the electricity charge menu is changed, the user needs to perform an operation of changing the setting of the electricity charge menu for the water heater on the change date, which causes complication. .. If the user forgets to change the setting of the electricity bill menu for the water heater, the water heater may consume power during the time when the electricity bill becomes high in the new electricity bill menu. In that case, the electricity charge will be high.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and provides a hot water storage hot water supply system capable of reliably suppressing the electricity rate even when the hourly electricity rate setting is changed. The purpose is to

The hot water storage type hot water supply system according to the present invention includes a heating means, a heat storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means, a heat storage operation control means for controlling a heat storage operation for increasing the amount of heat stored in the heat storage tank, and a time zone electricity supply. A charge information acquisition unit that acquires charge setting information for each time period that is information related to the content of charge setting and scheduled change date information that is information about a scheduled date when the electricity charge setting for each time period is changed, and control related to heat storage operation The heat storage operation parameter, which is a parameter, is equipped with a parameter determination means for determining according to the time zone charge setting information, and a date and time detection unit having a calendar function.The scheduled date is when the contract between the user and the power company is changed. By doing so, it is the date when the electricity charge setting by time zone is changed, and the charge information acquisition means can acquire the scheduled change date information from the operation terminal that can input the scheduled change date information. Before the arrival of the, the parameter determination means determines the heat storage operation parameter according to the first time zone charge setting information, and after the arrival of the scheduled date, the parameter determination means determines the first time zone charge setting information. The heat storage operation parameter is determined according to different second time zone charge setting information.
Further, the hot water storage type hot water supply system according to the present invention includes a heating means, a heat storage tank for storing the hot water heated by the heating means, a heat storage operation control means for controlling a heat storage operation for increasing the heat storage amount of the heat storage tank, and a time zone. Charge information acquisition means for acquiring charge setting information by time zone, which is information regarding the content of separate electricity charge setting, and scheduled change date information, which is information regarding the scheduled date when the electricity charge setting by time zone is changed, and heat storage operation The heat storage operation parameter, which is a control parameter related to the heat storage operation parameter, is provided with a parameter determination unit that determines according to the time zone charge setting information, and a date and time detection unit having a calendar function. It is the date when the electricity price setting by time zone is changed due to the change, and the charge information acquisition means can acquire the scheduled change date information via the communication line, and the parameter is determined before the scheduled date arrives. The means determines the heat storage operation parameter according to the first time zone charge setting information, and after the arrival of the scheduled date, the parameter determining means determines the second time zone charge different from the first time zone charge setting information. The heat storage operation parameter is determined according to the charge setting information.

According to the hot water storage type hot water supply system of the present invention, it becomes possible to reliably suppress the electricity bill even when the electricity bill setting for each time zone is changed.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a hot water storage type hot water supply system according to a first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a signal flow in the hot water storage type hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a characteristic operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of a control device included in the hot water storage type hot water supply system according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing another example of the hardware configuration of the control device included in the hot water storage type hot water supply system according to the first embodiment.

Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. Elements common to each drawing are denoted by the same reference numerals, and overlapping description will be simplified or omitted. The numbers, arrangements, orientations, shapes, and sizes of the devices, instruments, parts, and the like in the present invention are not limited to the numbers, arrangements, orientations, shapes, and sizes shown in the drawings in principle.

Embodiment 1.
≪Device configuration≫
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a hot water storage type hot water supply system according to a first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment includes a heat storage tank 10, a heating device 2, a circulation pump 31, a reheating pump 32, a bath pump 33, a hot water temperature control valve 41, and a hot water beam. Temperature control valve 42, reheating heat exchanger 5, boiling return pipe 301a, boiling return pipe 301b, water supply pipe 302, high temperature outlet pipe 303, temperature control pipe 304, hot water pipe 305, bathtub going pipe 306a, bathtub return A pipe 306b, an additional heating pipe 307a, an additional heating pipe 307b, a control device 100 for controlling each actuator, and the like are provided. The bathtub going pipe 306 a and the bathtub returning pipe 306 b are connected to the bathtub 6. The faucet pipe 305 is connected to a faucet such as a faucet or a shower (not shown).

Hot water is stored in the heat storage tank 10. The heat storage tank 10 in the present embodiment can store hot and cold water by forming a temperature stratification in which the upper side has a high temperature and the lower side has a low temperature. The heating device 2 is an example of a heating unit that heats water to generate hot water. In the heat storage tank 10 in the present embodiment, the heat storage tank 10 can store low-temperature water before being heated and hot water after being heated by the heating device 2, that is, high-temperature water. The heating device 2 consumes electric power when heating water. As the heating device 2, for example, a heat pump type heating device is preferably used. In the present embodiment, the heating capacity of the heating device 2 (the amount of heat given to water per hour) can be variably set. In the case of the heat pump type heating device, the heating capacity can be changed by changing the operating speed of the compressor of the heat pump by, for example, inverter control. The heating device in the present invention is not limited to the one using a heat pump, but may be one using an electric heater, for example.

The low temperature water supplied from the water supply or the like flows into the lower portion of the heat storage tank 10 through the water supply pipe 302, so that the inside of the heat storage tank 10 is kept full. The heat storage operation is an operation for increasing the heat storage amount of the heat storage tank 10. At the time of heat storage operation, it becomes as follows. Water drawn out from the lower part of the heat storage tank 10 is boiled up and guided to the heating device 2 through the pipe 301a. The hot water heated by the heating device 2 flows into the upper part of the heat storage tank 10 through the boiling return pipe 301b. Inside the heat storage tank 10, the temperature boundary layer between the high temperature water and the low temperature water gradually moves downward.

The high temperature outlet pipe 303 connects the upper part of the heat storage tank 10 to the hot water faucet temperature control valve 41 and the hot water beam temperature control valve 42. The hot water stored in the heat storage tank 10 can be supplied to the hot water tap temperature control valve 41 and the hot water beam temperature control valve 42 through the high temperature outlet pipe 303. The temperature control pipe 304 branches from the water supply pipe 302. The temperature control pipe 304 is connected to the faucet temperature control valve 41 and the hot water temperature control valve 42. The low temperature water supplied from the water supply pipe 302 can be supplied to the hot water tap temperature control valve 41 and the hot water beam temperature control valve 42 by the temperature control pipe 304. By mixing the hot water supplied from the high temperature outlet pipe 303 and the low temperature water supplied from the temperature control pipe 304 with the hot water tap temperature control valve 41, the hot water supply temperature to the hot water tap can be adjusted. By mixing the hot water supplied from the high temperature outlet pipe 303 and the low temperature water supplied from the temperature adjusting pipe 304 with the hot water temperature adjusting valve 42, the hot water temperature of the bath 6 can be adjusted.

The hot water whose temperature is adjusted by the hot water temperature control valve 41 is supplied to the hot water pipe through the hot water pipe 305. The hot water temperature control valve 42 is connected to the bathtub 6 via a bathtub going pipe 306a. The reheating heat exchanger 5 reheats the hot water in the bathtub 6 by heating the hot water circulating from the bathtub 6. Reheating is intended to keep warm or warm the hot water in the bathtub 6. The secondary-side flow path of the reheating heat exchanger 5 is connected in the middle of the bathtub going pipe 306a. The bathtub return pipe 306b is branched from the bathtub going pipe 306a between the hot water temperature control valve 42 and the reheating heat exchanger 5 and connected to the bathtub 6. When hot water is poured into the bathtub 6, the hot water whose temperature has been adjusted by the hot water temperature control valve 42 is guided to the bathtub 6 through the bathtub going pipe 306a and the bathtub returning pipe 306b.

The additional heating pipe 307a connects between the upper part of the heat storage tank 10 and the inlet of the primary side flow path of the additional heating heat exchanger 5. The additional heating return pipe 307b connects between the outlet of the primary side flow path of the additional heating heat exchanger 5 and the lower portion or the intermediate portion of the heat storage tank 10. At the time of rebirth, it becomes as follows. The hot water in the bathtub 6 is guided to the additional heating heat exchanger 5 through the bathtub return pipe 306b. The hot water heated in the additional heating heat exchanger 5 returns into the bathtub 6 through the bathtub going pipe 306a. The hot water for the heat source derived from the heat storage tank 10 is guided to the additional heating heat exchanger 5 through the additional heating pipe 307a. The hot-water for the heat source whose temperature has dropped due to the heat exchange in the additional heating heat exchanger 5 returns to the heat storage tank 10 through the additional heating return pipe 307b.

It is desirable that the circulation pump 31 that circulates hot and cold water during the heat storage operation is connected in the middle of the boiling-up going pipe 301a having a relatively low temperature. The reheating pump 32, which circulates the hot water for the heat source to the reheating heat exchanger 5 at the time of reheating, is preferably connected in the middle of the reheating recirculation pipe 307b having a relatively low temperature. It is desirable that the bathtub pump 33 that circulates the hot water in the bathtub 6 to the reheating heat exchanger 5 at the time of additional heating is connected in the middle of the relatively low temperature bathtub return pipe 306b.

The control device 100 controls the operation of the heating device 2, the circulation pump 31, the reheating pump 32, the bathtub pump 33, the hot water tap temperature control valve 41, and the hot water beam temperature control valve 42. The control device 100 controls various driving operations performed by the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1. According to the present embodiment, the control device 100 controls the hot water temperature control valve 42 to enable automatic hot water welding.

The heat storage tank 10 is provided with hot water storage temperature sensors 501a to 501f at intervals in the height direction. In the illustrated configuration, the number of hot water storage temperature sensors 501a to 501f is six, but the number of hot water storage temperature sensors is not limited to this. A sufficient number of temperature sensors may be provided to measure the temperature distribution inside the heat storage tank 10 with higher accuracy.

The boiling return pipe 301b is provided with a boiling temperature sensor 502 that detects the temperature of the hot water heated by the heating device 2, that is, the boiling temperature. The water supply pipe 302 is provided with a water supply temperature sensor 504 that detects the water supply temperature. A derived temperature sensor 503 that detects the temperature of the high-temperature water that is derived from the heat storage tank 10 is provided above the heat storage tank 10. The faucet pipe 305 is provided with a faucet temperature sensor 505 that detects the temperature of the hot water supplied to the faucet.

The bathtub return pipe 306b is provided with a bathtub return temperature sensor 506 that detects the bathtub return temperature flowing from the bathtub into the additional heating heat exchanger 5. The bathtub return temperature sensor 506 may be used as means for detecting the bathtub temperature by drawing the hot water in the bathtub 6 into the bathtub return pipe 306b by the bathtub pump 33. The bathtub return temperature sensor 506 may be used as a means for detecting the hot water beam temperature during automatic hot water beaming.

The reheating heating pipe 307b is provided with a reheating heating temperature sensor 507 for detecting the temperature of the hot water returned from the heating heating exchanger 5 to the heat storage tank 10, that is, the reheating temperature. Instead of detecting the reheating temperature with the reheating temperature sensor 507, the control device 100 controls the rotation speed of the reheating pump 32, the rotation speed of the bathtub pump 33, the temperature of the hot water for the heat source, and the bathtub return temperature. The reheating temperature may be estimated from the above.

The faucet pipe 305 is provided with a faucet flow rate sensor 601 for detecting the amount of hot water used in the faucet. The bathtub outflow pipe 306a is provided with a hot water beam flow rate sensor 602 for detecting the amount of hot water supplied to the bathtub 6 by the hot water beam.

The control device 100 is connected to the remote controller 50 so as to be capable of bidirectional data communication. The remote controller 50 is an example of an operation terminal included in the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1. The communication between the control device 100 and the remote controller 50 may be wired communication or wireless communication. The remote controller 50 may be installed in, for example, a bathroom or a kitchen.

The control device 100 may be communicatively connected to another device. For example, as in the present embodiment, the control device 100 may be bidirectionally connected to a HEMS (Home Energy Management System) controller 60 so that data communication can be performed. The HEMS controller 60 is an example of a controller of an energy management system. The HEMS controller 60 is bidirectionally connected to the control device 100 and other devices (not shown) used in the house so that data communication can be performed bidirectionally. Communication between the HEMS controller 60 and each device including the control device 100 may be wired communication or wireless communication. The HEMS controller 60 can configure a system that comprehensively manages energy supply and demand in a residence by controlling the devices used in the residence as a whole. The HEMS controller 60 may be connected to an external server computer 80 in a data communicable manner via a communication line 70 such as the Internet. The server computer 80 may be able to deliver information provided by a power supply company (hereinafter, referred to as “electric power company”) that supplies electric power used by the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a signal flow in the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a characteristic operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 shows the external appearance of the remote controller 50 according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the remote controller 50 according to the present embodiment includes an operation unit 50a including switches operated by a user, and a display device 50b capable of displaying information. The remote controller 50 may include a voice announcement device or the like. By operating the operation unit 50a of the remote controller 50, the user can give instructions such as setting of hot water supply temperature, heat storage operation, hot water operation, hot water reheating operation, and reservation. Information such as the hot water supply set temperature can be displayed on the display device 50b of the remote controller 50.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 100 according to the present embodiment has a heat storage amount calculation unit 101, a required heat amount setting unit 104, a heat storage operation control unit 105, a valve control unit 106, a target temperature setting unit 107, and a pump control unit 108. A parameter determination unit 109, a date/time detection unit 110, and a charge information acquisition unit 111.

The controller 100 includes hot water storage temperature sensors 501a to 501f, a boiling temperature sensor 502, a derived temperature sensor 503, a water supply temperature sensor 504, a hot water tap temperature sensor 505, a bathtub return temperature sensor 506, a reheating temperature sensor 507, and a hot water tap. Information detected by the flow rate sensor 601 and the hot water flow rate sensor 602 is input. The control device 100 controls the heating device 2, the circulation pump 31, the reheating pump 32, the bathtub pump 33, the hot water tap temperature control valve 41, and the hot water beam temperature control valve 42 based on the input information.

The target temperature setting unit 107 controls the target hot water supply temperature to the faucet, the target temperature of hot water to be supplied to the bathtub 6, and the heat retention or additional heating of the bathtub 6 based on information input to the remote controller 50 by the user. A target temperature, that is, a target bath temperature is set. The date and time detection unit 110 has a timer function for detecting time and time and a calendar function for detecting date.

The heat storage amount calculation unit 101 calculates the heat storage amount effective for the faucet load among the heat storage amounts of the hot water in the heat storage tank 10, based on the information of the temperature distribution detected by the hot water storage temperature sensors 501a to 501f. For example, in the case of a hot water tap load, the thermal energy of the hot water in the heat storage tank 10 is mixed with the low temperature water supplied from the water supply pipe 302 to be used. In this case, the heat storage amount calculation unit 101 may calculate the heat storage amount by integrating the heat energy with respect to the volume of the heat storage tank 10 using the water supply temperature of the water supply pipe 302 as the reference temperature of the heat energy. Further, the heat storage amount calculation unit 101 may calculate the heat storage amount by integrating the thermal energy only with respect to the hot water region having a predetermined temperature (for example, 45° C.) or higher.

In addition, the heat storage amount calculation unit 101 determines, based on the information detected by the hot water storage temperature sensors 501a to 501f and the target temperature set by the target temperature setting unit 107, the heat storage amount of the hot water in the heat storage tank 10. Then, the heat storage amount effective for additional heating may be calculated. In the reheating, the high-temperature hot water introduced to the reheating heat exchanger 5 through the reheating upstream pipe 307a supplies heat to the bathtub system in the reheating heat exchanger 5 to lower the temperature, and then the reheating back pipe. It is returned to the heat storage tank 10 from 307b. Therefore, of the thermal energy of the hot water in the heat storage tank 10, the thermal energy that is effectively used in reheating is the portion obtained by subtracting the reheating temperature from the hot water storage temperature. In consideration of such matters, the heat storage amount calculation unit 101 integrates the heat energy with respect to the volume of the heat storage tank 10 by using the heating temperature returned from the heating heat exchanger 5 to the heat storage tank 10 as a reference temperature of the heat energy. Therefore, the heat storage amount effective for additional heating may be calculated.

Here, since the reheating temperature continues to change from the start to the end of the reheating, strictly speaking, in calculating the heat storage amount, a high temperature hot water of each part of the heat storage tank 10 is actually used for the reheating. It is necessary to use the boil-back temperature. However, it is difficult to predict the reheating temperature in actual operation. Therefore, the reheating temperature used for calculating the heat storage amount may be predicted based on the information detected by the target temperature setting unit 107 and the information detected by the bathtub return temperature sensor 506. For example, assuming that the bath temperature is constant at the target bath temperature, a predetermined temperature difference depending on the performance of the reheating heat exchanger may be added to this to predict the reheating temperature. In addition, assuming that the bath temperature is constant at the average value of the current bath temperature and the target bath temperature, and by adding a predetermined temperature difference depending on the performance of the reheating heat exchanger 5, The average reheating temperature may be predicted. The above-mentioned predetermined temperature difference depending on the performance of the reheating heat exchanger 5 may be set at the design stage, and assuming deterioration over time, the output of the reheating temperature sensor 507 during the reheating operation and You may make it learn by the difference with the output of the bathtub return temperature sensor 506.

The required heat amount setting unit 104 stores a heat storage amount required to avoid running out of hot water with respect to a hot water tap load based on a past hot water tap load result of a user or a predetermined design value (hereinafter, “minimum heat storage amount”). )) is set. The required heat amount setting unit 104 may set the minimum heat storage amount as follows, for example. When calculating the minimum heat storage amount based on the past hot water bath load of the user, the information detected by the hot water temperature sensor 505, the information detected by the hot water flow sensor 601 and the bath return temperature sensor 506 are detected. Based on the hot water beam temperature and the information detected by the hot water flow rate sensor 602, the daily hot water bath load performance is stored and learned at predetermined time intervals. The minimum heat storage amount may be calculated as the amount of heat that does not cause hot-water shortage for the learned hot-water tap load at predetermined time intervals. The minimum heat storage amount may be calculated in consideration of the fact that the heat storage operation with a predetermined heating capacity can be performed at the same time. The minimum heat storage amount may be calculated by subtracting the heat amount capable of storing heat in the time interval from the total load in the predetermined time interval. When setting the minimum heat storage amount based on a predetermined design value, for example, a large minimum heat storage amount is set in a time zone (for example, 17:00 to 23:00) in which a large amount of hot-water tap load is generally predicted, In other time zones, the minimum heat storage amount may be set smaller. When the minimum heat storage amount is set to be large, for example, the heat amount corresponding to 300 L in terms of 42° C. may be set as the minimum heat storage amount. When setting the minimum heat storage amount to be small, for example, the heat amount corresponding to 50 L in terms of 42° C. may be set as the minimum heat storage amount.

Further, the required heat amount setting unit 104 may predict the heat storage amount required for additional heating, based on past heating results of the user, the current temperature of the bathtub 6 and the current status of the hot water amount, or both of them. Good. The additional heating load is the amount of heat required to raise the temperature of the bathtub 6 from the current temperature to the target bathtub temperature. For the reheating load, for example, the amount of hot water in the bathtub 6 (for example, 200 L) is multiplied by the difference between the target bath temperature (for example, 40° C.) and the current bath temperature (for example, 30° C.), and the density of water (for example, 1 kg/ It can be calculated by multiplying L) and the specific heat (for example, 1 cal/g° C.).

In this case, for the amount of hot water in the bathtub 6, for example, a general value (for example, 200 L) may be used, or a value set by the user using the remote controller 50 may be used. Further, in the case of a system in which hot water is directly discharged from the heat storage tank 10 to the bathtub 6, a flow meter may be installed in the discharge path and the integrated value of the flow rate may be used as the amount of hot water in the bathtub 6. Further, in the system, for example, a water level detecting means such as a pressure sensor is provided in the bathtub return pipe 306b, and when the hot water is directly discharged from the heat storage tank 10 to the bathtub 6, the correlation between the integrated flow rate and the water level is initially learned. After that, a value that can be estimated by performing back calculation from the water level in the bathtub 6 may be used as the amount of hot water in the bathtub 6.

Further, in the case of a system that learns and stores the past reheating load, the reheating load of the day may be predicted in the form of the maximum value or the average value of the learning result in the past predetermined period. The learning of the reheating load here may be learned based on the value calculated from the amount of hot water in the bathtub 6 and the temperature difference between the start and end of the reheating operation, or the bathtub return pipe 306b or the bathtub return. The flow rate circulating in the pipe 306a is a value directly detected by a flow meter, or a value indirectly detected from a control signal to the bathtub pump 33, and a value of the inlet/outlet of the secondary side flow path of the reheating heat exchanger 5. You may learn based on the value calculated from a temperature difference. Further, when predicting the amount of heat storage required for additional heating, the additional heating load itself may be the required amount of heat storage, or a value obtained by subtracting the amount of heat that the heating device 2 can generate during the additional heating operation from the additional heating load, It may be the required heat storage amount.

The heat storage operation control unit 105 controls the heat storage operation by controlling the operations of the heating device 2 and the circulation pump 31. The heat storage operation control unit 105 may control the operating speed of the circulation pump 31 to control the circulation flow rate of water during the heat storage operation. The parameter determination unit 109 determines a heat storage operation parameter that is a control parameter related to the heat storage operation. The processing performed by the parameter determination unit 109 will be described later.

The valve control unit 106 operates the hot-water tap temperature control valve 41 so that the temperature of hot water flowing out of the hot-water tap temperature control valve 41 approaches the target hot-water supply temperature based on the target hot-water supply temperature set by the target temperature setting unit 107. To control. Further, the valve control unit 106, based on the target bath temperature set by the target temperature setting unit 107, so that the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the hot water temperature adjusting valve 42 approaches the target bath temperature, the hot water temperature adjusting valve 42. Control the behavior of. The pump control unit 108 controls the operations of the reheating pump 32 and the bathtub pump 33. The pump control unit 108 may control the circulation flow rate of the hot water for the heat source by controlling the operating speed of the reheating pump 32 during reheating. The pump control unit 108 may control the circulating flow rate of the bath water by controlling the operation speed of the bath pump 33 during reheating.

The charge information acquisition unit 111 acquires information on the content of the time-based electricity charge setting (hereinafter referred to as “time-based charge setting information”). The electricity charge setting for each time zone is usually set according to the electricity charge menu of the electric power company. In the electricity charge setting for each time zone, for example, one day, that is, 24 hours is divided into a plurality of time zones, and a different electric power unit price is set for each time zone. An example of setting electricity charges by time zone will be described below.

(Example 1) It is divided into two, a time zone from 23:00 to 7:00 and a time zone from 7:00 to 23:00. The unit price of electric energy in the time zone from 23:00 to 7:00 is A yen/kWh, and the unit price of electric energy in the time zone from 7:00 to 23:00 is B yen/kWh. In this case, A circle may be smaller than B circle.

(Example 2) It is divided into two, a time zone from 22:00 to 8:00 and a time zone from 8:00 to 22:00. The unit price of electric energy in the time period from 22:00 to 8:00 is C yen/kWh, and the unit price of electric energy in the time period from 8:00 to 22:00 is D yen/kWh. In this case, C circle may be less than D circle.

(Example 3) Four time zones, from 23:00 to 7:00, from 7:00 to 10:00, from 10:00 to 17:00, and from 17:00 to 23:00 Divide into Electricity charge unit price in the time zone from 23:00 to 7:00 is E yen/kWh, and electric power charge unit price in the time zone from 7:00 to 10:00 is F yen/kWh. Time from 10:00 to 17:00 It is assumed that the unit price of electric energy in the band is G yen/kWh, and the unit price of electric power in the time period from 17:00 to 23:00 is H yen/kWh. In this case, E circle<F circle=H circle<G circle.

(Example 4) Four time zones, from 23:00 to 7:00, from 7:00 to 13:00, from 13:00 to 16:00, and from 16:00 to 23:00 Divide into The unit price of electricity in the period from 23:00 to 7:00 is I yen/kWh, the unit price of electricity in the period from 7:00 to 13:00 is J yen/kWh, and the period from 13:00 to 16:00 It is assumed that the unit price of electric energy in the band is K yen/kWh and the unit price of electric power in the time period from 16:00 to 23:00 is L yen/kWh. In this case, I circle <J circle = L circle <K circle.

Depending on the electricity rate menu of the electric power company, there may be a contract with different electricity rate settings for different time zones depending on the season or month, such as a peak shift plan. For example, in summer (for example, July to September), the above-mentioned (example 4) hourly electricity charge setting is applied, and in other seasons (for example, October to June), the above (example 1) time is applied. There may be an electricity bill menu with a contract that applies electricity bill settings by obi.

The time-slot-specific charge setting information acquired by the charge information acquisition unit 111 may include information on the time at which the time is divided and information on the unit price of the electric energy charge for each time. The time zone-based charge setting information acquired by the charge information acquisition unit 111 may include information on the unit price of the electric energy charge for each predetermined time (for example, every one hour) of the day.

The remote controller 50 may be configured so that the user can input the hourly charge setting information by operating the remote controller 50. In that case, the charge information acquisition unit 111 can acquire the charge setting information for each time zone by communicating with the remote controller 50. The remote controller 50 may be configured so that the user can input or select from a list the name of the electric power company with which the user has a contract and the name of the electricity rate menu.

The user may operate the operation terminal (not shown) capable of communicating with the HEMS controller 60 to input the time zone-based charge setting information. In that case, the HEMS controller 60 can acquire the hourly charge setting information by the user operating the operation terminal. The operation terminal may include, for example, a portable terminal such as a tablet terminal or a smartphone. The operation terminal may be configured such that the user can input or select from a list the name of the electric power company with which the user has a contract and the name of the electricity rate menu. The HEMS controller 60 may acquire the hourly charge setting information from an external server computer 80 such as an electric power company via the communication line 70. The HEMS controller 60 collates the contents of each electricity rate menu of each electricity company received from the external server computer 80 and the like with the name of the electricity company and electricity rate menu input or selected by the user to determine the time zone. The separate charge setting information may be acquired. When the HEMS controller 60 acquires the hourly charge setting information, the fee information acquisition unit 111 can acquire the hourly charge setting information by communicating with the HEMS controller 60.

When the control device 100 is connected to the external server computer 80 via the communication line 70 so as to be capable of data communication, the charge information acquisition unit 111 receives the information received from the external server computer 80 via the communication line 70. Based on, the time zone charge setting information may be acquired. In this case, the charge information acquisition unit 111 can acquire the time zone charge setting information from the external server computer 80 without the intervention of the HEMS controller 60.

When the user changes the contract content with the electric power company, the applied electricity rate menu may be changed. The contents of the hourly electricity rate setting may change due to the change of the applied electricity rate menu. It is also possible for the user to switch the electric power company itself to another electric power company. When the electric power company with which the user contracts is changed, the contents of the hourly electricity charge setting may change. Further, as described above, depending on the electricity rate menu of the electric power company, there may be a contract in which the electricity rate setting for each time zone is different depending on the season or month. In that case, even if the user has not changed the contract content with the electric power company, the content of the hourly electricity charge setting may change depending on the season or the month. In these cases, the charge information acquisition unit 111 acquires in advance information about the scheduled date when the hourly electricity rate setting is changed (hereinafter referred to as “scheduled date information”).

The scheduled change date information acquired by the charge information acquisition unit 111 may include, for example, information on the date itself of the scheduled date when the hourly electricity charge setting is changed. The scheduled change date information acquired by the charge information acquisition unit 111 may include, for example, information on the number of days indicating how many days from today the electric charge setting for each time zone will be changed. In the following description, the scheduled date when the hourly electricity rate setting is changed will be referred to as the “scheduled scheduled date”.

The remote controller 50 may be configured so that the user can input the scheduled change date information by operating the remote controller 50. In that case, the charge information acquisition unit 111 can acquire the scheduled change date information by communicating with the remote controller 50. The remote controller 50 may be configured so that the user can input the time zone charge setting information applied after the scheduled change date. In that case, the charge information acquisition unit 111 can acquire the charge setting information for each time zone applied after the scheduled change date by communicating with the remote controller 50. The remote controller 50 may be configured so that the user can input or select from a list the name of the electric power company and the name of the electricity rate menu after the scheduled change date.

The user may input the scheduled change date information by operating the operation terminal that can communicate with the HEMS controller 60. In that case, the HEMS controller 60 can acquire the scheduled change date information by the user operating the operation terminal. The operation terminal may be configured so that the user can input the name of the electric power company and the name of the electricity rate menu after the scheduled change date or select from the list. The HEMS controller 60 may acquire the scheduled change date information from an external server computer 80 such as an electric power company via the communication line 70. When the HEMS controller 60 acquires the planned change date information, the charge information acquisition unit 111 can acquire the planned change date information by communicating with the HEMS controller 60.

The HEMS controller 60 may acquire the hourly charge setting information applied after the scheduled change date from an external server computer 80 such as an electric power company via the communication line 70. The HEMS controller 60 collates the content of each electricity rate menu of each electricity company received from the external server computer 80, etc. with the name of the electricity company and electricity rate menu input or selected by the user after the scheduled change date. By doing so, the time-slot-specific charge setting information applied after the scheduled change date may be acquired. When the HEMS controller 60 obtains the time zone-based charge setting information applied after the planned change date, the charge information acquisition unit 111 communicates with the HEMS controller 60 to apply the time zone applied after the planned change date. You can get the additional charge setting information.

When the control device 100 is connected to the external server computer 80 via the communication line 70 so as to be capable of data communication, the charge information acquisition unit 111 receives the information received from the external server computer 80 via the communication line 70. Based on the above, at least one of the scheduled change date information and the time zone charge setting information applied after the scheduled change date may be acquired. In this case, the charge information acquisition unit 111 receives at least one of the scheduled change date information and the hourly fee setting information applied after the scheduled change date from the external server computer 80 without using the HEMS controller 60. You can get it.

The configuration of the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment has been described above. Next, the operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment will be further described.
≪Basic driving operation≫
First, the basic operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described.
[Heat storage operation]
At the time of heat storage operation, it becomes as follows. The low-temperature water stored in the lower part of the heat storage tank 10 is drawn into the boiling upstream pipe 301a by the circulation pump 31 and guided to the heating device 2. It is guided to the heating device 2 through the boiling upstream pipe 301a. The heating device 2 generates high temperature hot water by heating the guided low temperature water. The target temperature of the hot water heated by the heating device 2, that is, the target value of the boiling temperature may be set as follows. The target value of the boiling temperature may be set as a temperature at which the Legionella can be sterilized. The target value of the boiling temperature may be set as a temperature at which the required amount of heat storage can be secured with a hot water storage amount limited by the capacity of the heat storage tank 10. The heat storage operation control unit 105 controls the operations of the heating device 2 and the circulation pump 31 so that the boiling temperature detected by the boiling temperature sensor 502 substantially matches the target value.

[Bulk boiling]
The heat storage operation performed by the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment includes collective boiling. The batch heating is an example of the main heat storage operation, which is the heat storage operation performed during the time period when the unit price of the amount of electricity is the lowest. In the following description, the time zone in which the unit price of the amount of electricity is the lowest is referred to as a "discount time zone". For example, in the above-mentioned (example 1), (example 3), and (example 4) time-based electricity charge settings, the time zone of 8 hours from 23:00 to 7:00 corresponds to the discount time zone. In the above-described (Example 2) time-based electricity charge setting, the time zone of 10 hours from 22:00 to 8:00 corresponds to the discounted time zone.

The heat storage amount (hereinafter, also referred to as “main heat storage amount”) to be stored by batch boiling may be set as follows. A heat storage amount that can cover the entire expected daily load may be set as the main heat storage amount. When considering the balance with energy saving, for example, about 80% of the heat storage amount that can cover the entire expected daily load may be set as the main heat storage amount. For example, the heat storage amount when the entire amount of the heat storage tank 10 is filled with hot water having a low boiling temperature of 65° C. to 70° C. may be set as the main heat storage amount. The operation end time of batch boiling may be set to the end time of the cheap time zone or a time close thereto. By setting the end time of the batch boiling operation to be as late as possible, the time for storing a large amount of hot water in the heat storage tank 10 can be shortened, so that heat dissipation loss can be suppressed.

[Minimum heat storage amount boiling]
The heat storage operation performed by the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment includes boiling of the minimum heat storage amount. The minimum heat storage amount boiling is performed in order to avoid hot water shortage in the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1. The minimum heat storage amount boiling is an example of the additional heat storage operation. When the heat storage tank of the heat storage tank 10 falls below the minimum heat storage amount set by the required heat amount setting unit 104, the heat storage operation control unit 105 starts the minimum heat storage amount boiling. When the heat storage amount of the heat storage tank 10 recovers to a value obtained by adding a predetermined additional heat storage amount to the minimum heat storage amount, the heat storage operation control unit 105 ends the minimum heat storage amount boiling. During the cheaper hours, bulk boiling is mainly performed. Therefore, the minimum heat storage amount boiling is mainly performed in a time period other than the cheaper time period.

[Hot water operation]
The hot water stored in the heat storage tank 10 flows out from the high temperature outlet pipe 303 and is guided to the hot water tap temperature control valve 41 or the hot water beam temperature control valve 42 according to a request from the load side where the hot water is used. The hot water whose temperature is adjusted by the hot water temperature control valve 41 is supplied to the hot water pipe through the hot water pipe 305. At this time, the valve control unit 106 controls the hot water tap temperature control valve 41 so that the hot water supply temperature detected by the hot water tap temperature sensor 505 becomes a temperature set by the remote controller 50 by the user. The hot water whose temperature is adjusted by the hot water temperature adjusting valve 42 is guided to the bath 6 through the bath going pipe 306a and the bath returning pipe 306b. At this time, the valve control unit 106 controls the hot water temperature control valve 42 so that the hot water temperature detected by the bathtub return temperature sensor 506 becomes a temperature set by the remote controller 50 by the user.

[Additional driving]
The hot water stored in the heat storage tank 10 is forcibly operated by the user, or automatically when the bath temperature regularly detected by the bath return temperature sensor 506 becomes smaller than a target temperature by a predetermined amount or more, In order to raise the bath temperature by the additional heating operation, it is guided to the additional heating heat exchanger 5 through the additional heating pipe 307a. At approximately the same time as this timing, the bath water stored in the bath 6 is guided to the reheating heat exchanger 5 through the bath return pipe 306b. The hot water from the heat storage tank 10 whose temperature has been lowered by applying heat to the bath water by the additional heating heat exchanger 5 returns to the heat storage tank 10 through the additional heating return pipe 307b. In addition, the bath water whose temperature has risen due to the heat received by the reheating heat exchanger 5 returns to the bath 6 through the bath passage pipe 306a. Then, the reheating operation is terminated by the user's operation, or automatically when the bath temperature detected by the bath return temperature sensor 506 exceeds the target temperature by a predetermined amount or more.

<<Characteristic operation of the first embodiment>>
The characteristic operation of the first embodiment will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3 and 4. In FIG. 3, which is a diagram for explaining the characteristic operation of hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 of the first embodiment, an example in which the user operates remote controller 50 to input hourly rate setting information and scheduled change date information Indicates. In this case, the charge information acquisition unit 111 can acquire the charge setting information for each time zone and the scheduled change date information from the remote controller 50. Not limited to this example, the charge information acquisition unit 111 may acquire the hourly charge setting information and the scheduled change date information by another method described above.

The parameter determination unit 109 determines the heat storage operation parameter according to the hourly charge setting information. In the present embodiment, the heat storage operation parameters determined by the parameter determination unit 109 according to the hourly charge setting information are the start time of batch boiling, the end time of batch boiling, the amount of heat stored in batch boiling, and the batch At least one of the heating capacity of the heating device 2 in boiling and the minimum heat storage amount additional heat storage amount in boiling is included. The heat storage operation control unit 105 controls the heat storage operation based on the heat storage operation parameter determined by the parameter determination unit 109. The heat storage operation control unit 105 in the present embodiment controls one or both of the collective heating and the minimum heat storage amount heating based on the heat storage operation parameter determined by the parameter determination unit 109.

The charge information acquisition unit 111 can acquire time-zone-based charge setting information applied before the scheduled change date and time-zone-based charge setting information applied after the scheduled change date. In the following description, the following is done. The time zone charge setting information applied before the scheduled change date is also referred to as “first time zone charge setting information”. The time zone charge setting information applied after the scheduled change date is also referred to as “second time zone charge setting information”.

In the following description, the time zone in which the unit price of electric energy is the highest is referred to as an “expensive time zone”. For example, in the above-mentioned (Example 1) time-based electricity charge setting, the time zone of 16 hours from 7:00 to 23:00 corresponds to the high time zone. In the above-mentioned (Example 2) time-based electricity charge setting, the 14-hour time period from 8:00 to 22:00 corresponds to the high-priced time zone. In the above-mentioned (Example 3) time-based electricity charge setting, the 7-hour time period from 10:00 to 17:00 corresponds to the high time period. In the above-mentioned (Example 4) time-based electricity charge setting, the time zone of 3 hours from 13:00 to 16:00 corresponds to the high-priced time zone.

The graph in FIG. 3 shows an example of the daily change in the amount of heat stored in the heat storage tank 10. The graph of the broken line shows an example of the change in heat storage amount before the scheduled change date. The solid line graph shows an example of the change in the heat storage amount after the scheduled change date. The graph in FIG. 3 shows an example in which the bargain time period after the planned change date is expanded compared to the bargain time period before the planned change date. The graph in FIG. 3 shows an example in which the premium time period after the scheduled change date is reduced compared to the premium time period before the scheduled change date. The graph in FIG. 3 shows an example in which the unit price of the electricity amount is set in two stages, as in (Example 1) or (Example 2) described above. Not limited to such an example, the unit price of electric energy may be set in three stages as in (Example 3) or (Example 4) described above. Further, the unit price of electric energy may be set in four stages or in four or more stages.

In the period before the arrival of the scheduled change date, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the heat storage operation parameter according to the first time zone charge setting information. In the period after the arrival of the scheduled change date, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the heat storage operation parameter according to the second time zone charge setting information. The content of the second time zone charge setting information is different from the content of the first time zone charge setting information. For this reason, the heat storage operation parameters determined by the parameter determination unit 109 after the arrival of the scheduled change date (in the present embodiment, the start time of batch boiling, the end time of batch boiling, the heat storage amount stored by batch boiling, the batch boiling). The value of at least one of the heating capacity of the heating device 2 and the additional heat storage amount for the minimum heat storage boiling for raising the heat storage operation parameter of the heat storage operation parameter determined by the parameter determination unit 109 before the scheduled change date arrives. It is different from the value.

As shown in FIG. 3, the pattern of the change in the amount of stored heat in the day before the scheduled change date and the pattern of the change in the amount of stored heat in the day after the scheduled change date are different patterns. This is because the value of the heat storage operation parameter determined by the parameter determination unit 109 before the scheduled change date is different from the value of the heat storage operation parameter determined by the parameter determination unit 109 after the scheduled change date. ..

According to the present embodiment, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the heat storage operation parameter according to the hourly charge setting information acquired by the fee information acquisition unit 111, so that the electricity charge setting according to the time of day is set. The timing of heat storage operation can be controlled appropriately. Therefore, it is possible to reliably reduce the electricity bill. When the electricity charge setting for each time zone is scheduled to be changed, the following control can be performed based on the scheduled change date information acquired by the charge information acquisition unit 111. In the period before the scheduled change date arrives, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the heat storage operation parameter according to the first time zone-based charge setting information (time zone-based charge setting information applied before the scheduled change date). To decide. In the period after arrival of the scheduled change date, the parameter determination unit 109 sets the heat storage operation parameter according to the second time zone-based charge setting information (time zone-based charge setting information applied after the scheduled change date). decide. Therefore, the timing of the heat storage operation can be appropriately controlled according to the change in the period before the time-based electricity charge setting is changed or in the period after the time-based electricity charge setting is changed. .. Therefore, it is possible to surely suppress the electricity charge both in the period before the time-based electricity charge setting is changed and in the period after the time-dependent electricity charge setting is changed.

According to the present embodiment, the user does not have to perform the operation of changing the setting of the electricity rate menu for hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 on the scheduled change date. The user does not have to remember the scheduled change date. Therefore, the burden on the user can be reduced.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control operation of hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. In step S4101 of FIG. 4, the date/time detection unit 110 determines whether the current date is after the scheduled change date by comparing the scheduled change date information acquired by the charge information acquisition unit 111 with the current date. To do. If the current date is before the scheduled change date, the process moves from step S4101 to step S4102. In step S4102, the parameter determination unit 109 reads the first time period charge setting information (time period charge setting information applied before the scheduled change date) acquired by the charge information acquisition unit 111. If the current date is after the scheduled change date, the process moves from step S4101 to step S4103. In step S4103, the parameter determination unit 109 reads the second time-zone-based charge setting information (time-zone-based charge setting information applied after the scheduled change date) acquired by the charge information acquisition unit 111.

The process moves from step S4102 or step S4103 to step S4104. From step S4104 to step S4107, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the heat storage operation parameter based on the time zone charge setting information read in step S4102 or step S4103. That is, when the present is before the scheduled change date, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the heat storage operation parameter based on the first time zone charge setting information read in step S4102. When the current date is after the scheduled change date, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the heat storage operation parameter based on the second time zone charge setting information read in step S4103.

In step S4104, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the heat storage amount to be stored by batch boiling. If the amount of heat stored in the batch boiling is too small, the number of times that the minimum heat storage amount is boiled in the high-priced time period increases, which may increase the electricity rate. On the other hand, in order to increase the amount of heat stored by batch boiling, it may be necessary to raise the boiling temperature and the hot water storage temperature of the heat storage tank 10. Generally, the higher the boiling temperature, the lower the efficiency of the heating device 2. The higher the hot water storage temperature of the heat storage tank 10, the greater the heat radiation loss from the heat storage tank 10. For these reasons, if the amount of heat stored in batch boiling is too large, the amount of power consumed during the cheaper hours may increase, which may increase the electricity rate.

In step S4104, the parameter determination unit 109 may determine the heat storage amount to be stored by batch boiling, that is, the main heat storage amount, as follows. In the following description, the ratio of the power unit price in the high-priced time period to the power unit price in the low-priced time period is referred to as a “highest unit price/minimum unit price ratio”. The parameter determination unit 109 may set the main heat storage amount to a lower value when the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively smaller than when the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively large. In this case, the main heat storage amount determined by the parameter determination unit 109 changes as follows before and after the scheduled change date. If the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio after the arrival of the planned change date is smaller than the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio before the arrival of the planned change date, it is changed compared to the main heat storage amount before the arrival of the planned change date. After the arrival of the scheduled date, the main heat storage amount becomes low. If the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio after the arrival of the planned change date expands compared to the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio before the arrival of the planned change date, it will be changed compared to the main heat storage amount before the arrival of the planned change date. After the arrival of the scheduled date, the main heat storage amount becomes high. By doing so, the following effects can be obtained. If the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively small, the electricity charge unit price in the high-priced hours is not so high, so even if the minimum heat storage amount boiling is increased in the high-priced hours, the electricity charge will increase. Is hard to rise. In this case, it is advantageous to suppress the boiling temperature and the hot water storage temperature of the heat storage tank 10 by setting the main heat storage amount to a relatively low value in order to suppress the electricity bill. On the other hand, when the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively large, the unit price of the electric energy in the high-priced time zone is high, so if the number of times the minimum heat storage amount boiling is increased in the high-priced zone increases Is easy to rise. In this case, the main heat storage amount is set to a relatively high value to suppress the number of times the minimum heat storage amount is boiled in the high-priced time zone, which is advantageous for suppressing the electricity bill.

The process moves from step S4104 to step S4105. In step S4105, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the heating capacity of the heating device 2 in batch boiling. The lower the heating capacity of the heating device 2, the higher the efficiency of the heating device 2. Further, the lower the heating capacity of the heating device 2 is, the lower the power consumption is, so that the power peak of the household can be suppressed. By lowering the heating capacity of the heating device 2 in batch boiling, there is the above advantage. On the other hand, if the heating capacity of the heating device 2 in batch boiling is too low, there is a possibility that the required amount of heat storage cannot be secured within the cheap time zone.

In step S4105, the parameter determination unit 109 may determine the heating capacity of the heating device 2 in batch boiling as follows. In the following description, the length of the bargain time zone is referred to as “bargain band length”. The parameter determination unit 109 may set the heating capacity of the heating device 2 in the batch boiling to a low value when the cheap band length is relatively long, compared to when the cheap band length is relatively short. In this case, the heating capacity of the heating device 2 in batch boiling determined by the parameter determination unit 109 changes as follows before and after the scheduled change date. If the bargain strip length after the scheduled change date becomes longer than the bargain strip length before the scheduled change date arrives, the scheduled change date arrives compared to the heating capacity before the scheduled change date arrives. The heating capacity afterwards becomes a low value. If the discount band length after the planned change date is shorter than the discount band length before the planned change date arrives, the planned change date arrives compared to the heating capacity before the planned change date arrives. Later heating capacity becomes high. By doing so, the following effects can be obtained. When the discount zone length is relatively long, it is easy to secure the amount of heat storage required for batch boiling in the budget time zone even if the heating capacity of the heating device 2 is relatively low. In this case, by making the heating capacity of the heating device 2 relatively low, the efficiency of the heating device 2 is improved and the electric power peak of the household can be suppressed. On the other hand, if the discount zone length is relatively short and the heating capacity of the heating device 2 is low, there is a possibility that the heat storage amount required for batch boiling cannot be secured in the budget zone. .. In this case, by setting the heating capacity of the heating device 2 to be relatively high, it is possible to secure the amount of heat storage required for batch boiling even in a relatively short discount period.

The process moves from step S4105 to step S4106. In step S4106, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the start time and the end time of batch boiling. As the start time and the end time of the batch boiling are delayed, the time for which the hot water is stored in the heat storage tank 10 becomes shorter, so that there is an advantage that the heat radiation loss from the heat storage tank 10 can be suppressed. On the other hand, in order to suppress the electricity bill, it is necessary to finish the batch boiling by the end time of the discount time zone (hereinafter, referred to as "discount belt end time").

In step S4106, the parameter determination unit 109 may determine the start time and the end time of the batch boiling as follows. When the discount zone end time is relatively early, the parameter determination unit 109 may set the batch boiling end time to be earlier than when the discount zone end time is relatively late. In this case, the end time of batch boiling, which is determined by the parameter determination unit 109, changes before and after the scheduled change date as follows. When the end time of the bargain band after the arrival of the planned change date is earlier than the end time of the bargain band before the arrival of the planned change date, it is compared with the end time of batch boiling before the arrival of the planned change date. The end time of batch boiling after the scheduled change date is early. If the end of the bargain band after the arrival of the planned change date is later than the end of the bargain band before the arrival of the planned change date, it will be compared to the end time of batch boiling before the arrival of the planned change date. The end time of batch boiling after the scheduled change date is late. The parameter determination unit 109 may determine the end time of the batch boiling as the same time as the end of the discount zone. The parameter determination unit 109 uses the main heat storage amount determined in step S4104, the heating capacity of the heating device 2 in the collective boiling determined in step S4105, and the current heat storage amount calculated by the heat storage amount calculation unit 101. Based on this, the start time of the batch boiling can be determined by back-calculating from the end time of the batch boiling. By doing so, the following effects can be obtained. The start time and end time of batch boiling can be adjusted according to the change of the end time of the bargain time zone. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the time for which the hot water is stored in the heat storage tank 10 as much as possible while suppressing the electricity bill.

The process moves from step S4106 to step S4107. In step S4107, the parameter determination unit 109 determines the additional heat storage amount for the minimum heat storage amount boiling. If the additional heat storage amount is too large, there is an increased possibility that the hot water added at the boiling of the minimum heat storage amount will be a surplus. An excess amount of hot water added by boiling the minimum heat storage amount using electricity that is not cheap is a disadvantage for electricity rate control. On the other hand, if the additional heat storage amount is too small, the number of times the minimum heat storage amount is boiled may increase. If the number of times of minimum heat storage amount boiling is increased, the number of times of starting and stopping the heating device 2 and the like increases, which may be disadvantageous in reliability of the heating device 2 and the like.

In step S4107, the parameter determination unit 109 may determine the additional heat storage amount for the minimum heat storage amount boiling in the following manner. When the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively small, the parameter determination unit 109 sets the additional heat storage amount of the minimum heat storage amount boiling to a high value as compared with the case where the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively large. Good. In this case, the additional heat storage amount determined by the parameter determination unit 109 changes before and after the scheduled change date as follows. If the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio after the arrival of the planned change date is smaller than the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio before the arrival of the planned change date, it will be changed compared to the additional heat storage amount before the arrival of the planned change date. The amount of additional heat storage after the arrival of the scheduled date becomes high. If the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio after the arrival of the planned change date expands compared to the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio before the arrival of the planned change date, it will be changed compared to the additional heat storage amount before the arrival of the planned change date. The amount of additional heat storage after the arrival of the scheduled date is low.

By determining the additional heat storage amount for the minimum heat storage amount boiling as described above, the following effects can be obtained. If the ratio of maximum unit price/minimum unit price is relatively small, the unit price of electric energy during the high-priced hours is not so high, and the hot water added by boiling the minimum heat storage amount using the electric power during the high-priced hours becomes an excess. However, the impact on rising electricity prices is relatively small. In this case, by setting the additional heat storage amount of the minimum heat storage amount boiling to a relatively high value, it is possible to suppress the number of times of performing the minimum heat storage amount boiling and reduce the load on the heating device 2 and the like. In step S4104, when the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively small, the heat storage amount for collective boiling is determined to be a relatively low value. According to the present embodiment, when the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively small, the heat storage amount for collective boiling is determined to be a relatively low value, while the minimum heat storage amount additional heat storage for boiling is stored. The quantity is determined to be a relatively high value. Therefore, it is possible to reliably suppress an increase in the number of times the minimum heat storage amount is boiled.

On the other hand, when the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively large, the unit price of the electric energy in the high-priced hours is high, so if the hot water added by boiling the minimum heat storage amount using the electric power in the high-priced hours becomes excessive, The impact on rising electricity prices is relatively large. In this case, by setting the additional heat storage amount of the minimum heat storage amount boiling to a relatively low value, it is possible to prevent the hot water added by the minimum heat storage amount boiling from becoming an excess. As a result, it is possible to more reliably suppress an increase in electricity charges. In step S4104, when the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively large, the heat storage amount for collective boiling is determined to be a relatively high value. According to the present embodiment, when the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively large, the heat storage amount for collective boiling is determined to be a relatively high value, so the minimum heat storage amount and the additional heat storage amount for boiling are compared. Even if it is determined to be a relatively low value, it is possible to reliably suppress an increase in the number of times the minimum heat storage amount boiling is performed.

Hereinafter, specific numerical examples will be described. It is assumed that the total expected daily load is 700 L in terms of predetermined temperature. When the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively small, the heat storage amount for batch boiling is set to a heat storage amount equivalent to 500 L at a predetermined temperature conversion, and the additional heat storage amount for minimum heat storage boiling is stored at a predetermined temperature conversion equivalent to 50 L. The amount. In this case, the number of times of boiling of the minimum heat storage amount expected in the time period other than the cheap time period is (700L-500L)/50L=4 times. On the other hand, when the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is relatively large, the heat storage amount for batch boiling is set to a heat storage amount equivalent to 600 L by converting the predetermined temperature, and the additional heat storage amount for minimum heat storage boiling is converted to the predetermined temperature. The heat storage amount is equivalent to 25 L. In this case, the number of times of boiling of the minimum heat storage amount expected in a time period other than the cheap time period is (700L-600L)/25L=4 times. As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to suppress an increase in the number of times the minimum heat storage amount boiling is performed, regardless of the size of the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio. When the maximum unit price/minimum unit price ratio is large, the additional heat storage amount for the minimum heat storage amount boiling can be reduced to prevent the hot water added by the minimum heat storage amount boiling from becoming an excess. Therefore, it is possible to more reliably suppress the increase in the electricity bill.

The process moves from step S4107 to step S4108. In step S4108, the heat storage operation control unit 105 determines whether the current heat storage amount calculated by the heat storage amount calculation unit 101 is equal to or more than the minimum heat storage amount. When the current heat storage amount is less than the minimum heat storage amount, the process proceeds from step S4108 to step S4109. In step S4109, the heat storage operation control unit 105 carries out the minimum heat storage amount boiling. After the start of the minimum heat storage amount boiling, the heat storage operation control unit 105 recovers the current heat storage amount calculated by the heat storage amount calculation unit 101 to a value obtained by adding the additional heat storage amount determined in step S4107 to the minimum heat storage amount. Then, the minimum heat storage amount boiling is completed.

If the current heat storage amount is equal to or more than the minimum heat storage amount in step S4108, the process proceeds to step S4110. In step S4110, the heat storage operation control unit 105 determines whether or not the minimum heat storage amount boiling is being performed. When the minimum heat storage amount boiling is being performed, the process proceeds from step S4110 to step S4111. In step S4111, the heat storage operation control unit 105 determines whether or not the current heat storage amount calculated by the heat storage amount calculation unit 101 is equal to or more than the value obtained by adding the additional heat storage amount determined in step S4107 to the minimum heat storage amount. to decide. If the current heat storage amount does not reach the value obtained by adding the additional heat storage amount to the minimum heat storage amount, the process proceeds from step S4111 to step S4112. In step S4112, the heat storage operation control unit 105 continues to boil the minimum heat storage amount.

When the minimum heat storage amount boiling is not being executed in step S4110, the process proceeds to step S4113. In step S4113, the heat storage operation control unit 105 determines whether or not collective boiling is being performed. If collective boiling is not being performed, the process moves from step S4113 to step S4114. If the current heat storage amount is equal to or more than the value obtained by adding the additional heat storage amount to the minimum heat storage amount in step S4111, the process proceeds to step S4114. In step S4114, the heat storage operation control unit 105 determines whether or not the current time is in the discount time zone. If the current time is not in the cheap time zone, the process proceeds from step S4114 to step S4117. In step S4117, the heat storage operation control unit 105 does not execute the heat storage operation. In step S4117, when the minimum heat storage amount boiling is being performed, the heat storage operation control unit 105 ends the minimum heat storage amount boiling.

If the current time is in the discount time zone in step S4114, the process advances to step S4115. In step S4115, the heat storage operation control unit 105 determines whether or not there is a record of completion of batch boiling on the current day. If the batch boiling has been completed on the day, it is not necessary to carry out the batch boiling, so the heat storage operation control unit 105 moves to step S4117 and does not carry out the batch boiling.

If it is determined in step S4115 that batch boiling has not been completed on the current day, the process advances to step S4116. In step S4116, the heat storage operation control unit 105 determines whether or not the current time is after the start time of the collective boiling determined in step S4106. If the current time is before the start time of batch boiling, it is not necessary to perform batch boiling yet, so the heat storage operation control unit 105 moves from step S4116 to step S4117, and batch heating is performed. Avoid doing this. If the current time is after the start time of batch boiling, the process moves from step S4116 to step S4118. In step S4118, the heat storage operation control unit 105 performs collective boiling.

If collective boiling is being performed in step S4113, the process moves to step S4119. In step S4119, the heat storage operation control unit 105 determines whether or not the current time is in the discount time zone. If the current time is in the discount time zone, the process moves from step S4119 to step S4120. In step S4120, the heat storage operation control unit 105 determines whether the current heat storage amount calculated by the heat storage amount calculation unit 101 is less than the main heat storage amount determined in step S4104. When the current heat storage amount is less than the main heat storage amount, the heat storage operation control unit 105 proceeds from step S4120 to step S4116 to step S4118 to continue batch boiling.

If the current time is not the cheaper time zone in step S4119, that is, if the cheaper time zone ends, or if the current heat storage amount has reached the main heat storage amount in step S4120, the process proceeds to step S4121. .. In step S4121, the heat storage operation control unit 105 records that there is a batch boiling result on the day. The process moves from step S4121 to step S4122. In step S4122, the heat storage operation control unit 105 ends the collective boiling.

The control device 100 includes information on the name of the electricity rate menu corresponding to the electricity rate setting according to the time zone, information on the time zone of the electricity rate setting according to the time zone, and the electric energy of each time zone of the electricity rate setting according to the time zone. At least one of the unit price information and change information on the scheduled change date (hereinafter referred to as “charge change information”) is notified by a notification unit such as the display device 50b of the remote controller 50 or the voice announcement device of the remote controller 50. The user may be notified. Accordingly, the user can easily know that the change in the electricity charge setting according to the time zone is properly reflected in the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1. The charge change information is, for example, information on the name of the electricity charge menu corresponding to the electricity charge setting for each time zone, information on the time zone of the electricity charge setting for each time zone, and each time zone of the electricity charge setting for each time zone. The information before and after the change may be included in at least one of the information on the unit price of electric energy.

When the control device 100 notifies the user of the charge change information by the notification means such as the display device 50b of the remote control 50 or the voice announcement device of the remote control 50, the control device 100 automatically ends the notification of the charge change information after the scheduled change date. You may. As a result, it is possible to prevent the charge change information from being unnecessarily notified after the scheduled change date and prevent the user from feeling annoyed. In this case, even if the user operates the operation unit 50a of the remote controller 50 to set the numerical value of the period (for example, 12 hours, 24 hours, 2 days, etc.) during which the notification of the charge change information is continued, it can be set in advance. Good.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a hardware configuration of the control device 100 included in the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. Each function of the control device 100 is realized by a processing circuit. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the processing circuit of the control device 100 includes at least one processor 1001 and at least one memory 1002. When the processing circuit includes at least one processor 1001 and at least one memory 1002, each function of the control device 100 is realized by software, firmware, or a combination of software and firmware. At least one of software and firmware is described as a program. At least one of software and firmware is stored in at least one memory 1002. At least one processor 1001 realizes each function of the control device 100 by reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory 1002. At least one processor 1001 is also referred to as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a central processing unit, a processing unit, an arithmetic unit, a microprocessor, a microcomputer, and a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). For example, the at least one memory 1002 includes a RAM (Random Access Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a flash memory, an EPROM (Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory), and an EEPROM (Electrically Programmable Memory). Alternatively, it is a volatile semiconductor memory, a magnetic disk, a flexible disk, an optical disk, a compact disk, a mini disk, a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc), or the like.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing another example of the hardware configuration of the control device 100 included in the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the example shown in FIG. 6, the processing circuit of the control device 100 includes at least one dedicated hardware 1003. If the processing circuit comprises at least one dedicated hardware 1003, the processing circuit may be, for example, a single circuit, a composite circuit, a programmed processor, a parallel programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field). -Programmable Gate Array), or a combination thereof. The function of each unit of the control device 100 may be realized by a processing circuit. Further, the functions of the respective units of the control device 100 may be collectively implemented by the processing circuit.

Further, regarding each function of the control device 100, a part may be realized by dedicated hardware 1003, and another part may be realized by software or firmware. The processing circuit may implement each function of the control device 100 by hardware 1003, software, firmware, or a combination thereof.

Further, the configuration is not limited to the configuration in which the operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 is controlled by a single control device, and the configuration is such that the operation of the hot water storage type hot water supply system 1 is controlled by the cooperation of a plurality of control devices. Is also good.

1 hot water supply type hot water supply system, 2 heating device, 5 additional heating heat exchanger, 6 bathtub, 10 heat storage tank, 31 circulation pump, 32 additional heating pump, 33 bath pump, 41 hot water temperature control valve, 42 hot water temperature control valve , 50 remote controller, 50a operation unit, 50b display device, 60 HEMS controller, 70 communication line, 80 server computer, 100 control device, 101 heat storage amount calculation unit, 104 required heat amount setting unit, 105 heat storage operation control unit, 106 valve control unit , 107 target temperature setting unit, 108 pump control unit, 109 parameter determination unit, 110 date and time detection unit, 111 charge information acquisition unit, 301a boiling upstream pipe, 301b boiling return pipe, 302 water supply pipe, 303 high temperature derivation pipe, 304 Temperature control pipe, 305 hot-water tap pipe, 306a bathtub return pipe, 306b bathtub return pipe, 307a additional heating pipe, 307b additional heating return pipe, 501a to 501f hot water storage temperature sensor, 502 boiling temperature sensor, 503 derived temperature sensor, 504 Water supply temperature sensor, 505 hot water temperature sensor, 506 bathtub return temperature sensor, 507 hot water return temperature sensor, 601 hot water flow sensor, 602 hot water flow sensor, 1001 processor, 1002 memory, 1003 hardware

Claims (8)

Heating means,
A heat storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means,
A heat storage operation control means for controlling heat storage operation for increasing the amount of heat storage of the heat storage tank,
A charge information acquisition unit that acquires time-slot charge setting information that is information regarding the content of the time-slot electricity charge setting and scheduled change date information that is information about the scheduled date when the time-slot electricity charge setting is changed,
A heat storage operation parameter that is a control parameter related to the heat storage operation, a parameter determination unit that determines according to the time zone charge setting information,
A date and time detection unit having a calendar function,
Equipped with
The scheduled date is a date on which the electricity charge setting by time zone is changed by changing the contract between the user and the electric power company,
The charge information acquisition means is capable of acquiring the scheduled change date information from an operation terminal capable of inputting the scheduled change date information,
Before the arrival of the scheduled date, the parameter determination means determines the heat storage operation parameter according to the first time zone charge setting information, and after the arrival of the scheduled date, the parameter determination means determines the first A hot water storage type hot water supply system that determines the heat storage operation parameter in accordance with second time zone charge setting information different from the time zone charge setting information. Heating means,
A heat storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heating means,
A heat storage operation control means for controlling heat storage operation for increasing the amount of heat storage of the heat storage tank,
A charge information acquisition unit that acquires time-slot charge setting information that is information regarding the content of the time-slot electricity charge setting and scheduled change date information that is information about the scheduled date when the time-slot electricity charge setting is changed,
A heat storage operation parameter that is a control parameter related to the heat storage operation, a parameter determination unit that determines according to the time zone charge setting information,
A date and time detection unit having a calendar function,
Equipped with
The scheduled date is a date on which the electricity charge setting by time zone is changed by changing the contract between the user and the electric power company,
The charge information acquisition means is capable of acquiring the scheduled change date information via a communication line,
Before the arrival of the scheduled date, the parameter determination means determines the heat storage operation parameter according to the first time zone charge setting information, and after the arrival of the scheduled date, the parameter determination means determines the first A hot water storage type hot water supply system that determines the heat storage operation parameter in accordance with second time zone charge setting information different from the time zone charge setting information. The heat storage operation includes a main heat storage operation performed in a time period when the unit price of the amount of electricity is the lowest,
The heat storage operation parameter is at least one of the start time of the main heat storage operation, the end time of the main heat storage operation, the amount of heat storage stored in the main heat storage operation, and the heating capacity of the heating means in the main heat storage operation. Including,
The parameter determination means, at least one of the start time of the main heat storage operation before the arrival of the scheduled date, the amount of heat storage stored in the main heat storage operation, and the heating capacity of the heating means in the main heat storage operation. The hot water storage type hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the value of the parameter after the arrival of the scheduled date is different from the value. The heat storage operation includes a main heat storage operation performed in a time period when the unit price of the amount of electricity is the lowest,
The heat storage operation parameter includes a main heat storage operation end time which is an end time of the main heat storage operation,
Regarding the cheap band end time, which is the end time of the time zone when the unit price of electric energy is the lowest, the parameter determining unit is configured to perform the operation after the arrival of the planned date as compared to the end time of the cheap band before the arrival of the scheduled date. If the end time of the discount zone is early, the end time of the main heat storage operation after the arrival of the scheduled date is earlier than the end time of the main heat storage operation before the arrival of the scheduled date, and the scheduled date is If the end of the bargain zone after the arrival of the scheduled day is later than the end of the bargain zone before the arrival of the The hot water storage type hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the main heat storage operation end time after the arrival of the scheduled date is set to a later time. The heat storage operation includes a main heat storage operation performed in a time period when the unit price of the amount of electricity is the lowest,
The heat storage operation parameter includes a heating capacity of the heating means in the main heat storage operation,
With respect to the discount zone length, which is the length of the time zone in which the unit price of the electricity amount is the lowest, the parameter determining means may compare the discount zone length before the scheduled date arrives with the discount zone length before the scheduled date arrives. When the length of the bargain belt becomes long, the heating capacity after the arrival of the scheduled date is set to be lower than the heating capacity before the arrival of the scheduled date, and the length of the bargain belt before the arrival of the scheduled date is reduced. If the discount zone length after the arrival of the scheduled date becomes shorter than that of the scheduled date, the heating capacity after the arrival of the scheduled date becomes higher than the heating capacity before the arrival of the scheduled date. The hot water storage type hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2. 6. The charge information acquisition unit according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the charge setting information for each time zone and the scheduled change date information can be acquired through a communication line. Hot water storage system for hot water. Information on the name of the electricity charge menu corresponding to the electricity charge setting by time zone, information on the time zone division of the electricity charge setting by time zone, and the electricity unit price of each time zone of the electricity charge setting by time zone 7. The hot water storage type hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising: an informing unit that informs a user of the information about the change on the scheduled date. The hot water storage type hot water supply system according to claim 7, wherein the notification means ends the notification of the change information after the scheduled date.

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