JP7579838B2 - Antifreeze device for water pipes and antifreeze method for water pipes - Google Patents

Description

This disclosure relates to a device for preventing freezing of water pipes and a method for preventing freezing of water pipes.

When water in water pipes freezes, its volume expands and the pipes are damaged, so measures are taken to prevent the water in the pipes from freezing. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a method of preventing freezing in water pipes by placing an electric heater around the outer periphery of the water pipe and controlling the flow of electricity to the electric heater.

Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-18367

However, for example, in the antifreeze method described in Patent Document 1, the temperature at which power begins to be applied to the electric heater is set to a temperature relatively higher than the freezing point of water, which tends to result in high power consumption.

In view of the above circumstances, at least one embodiment of the present disclosure aims to reduce the amount of energy consumed to prevent water pipes from freezing.

(1) According to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure, there is provided a water piping anti-freezing device,
A detection container having water stored therein;
a sensor for detecting deformation of the detection vessel caused by freezing of the water in the detection vessel;
a controller configured to at least one of operate a first heating device provided in a water pipe or allow water to flow through the water pipe when a deformation of the detection container is detected; and
Equipped with.

(2) A method for preventing freezing of water piping according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure,
A method for preventing freezing of water piping, comprising:
detecting whether or not the detection vessel is deformed due to freezing of water stored inside the detection vessel;
a step of operating a first heating device provided in the water pipe or allowing water to flow through the water pipe when deformation of the detection container due to freezing of the water is detected in the detection step;
Equipped with.

At least one embodiment of the present disclosure can reduce the amount of energy consumed to prevent water pipes from freezing.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a piping system of a closed circuit. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a piping system of a water supply circuit. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a piping system of a cooling tower circuit. FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a piping system of a water supply circuit. FIG. 11 is a diagram showing another example of a piping system of a water supply circuit. FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of an arrangement of a freeze detection device. FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the arrangement of the freeze detection device. 1 is a schematic diagram for explaining an overall configuration of a freeze detection device according to an embodiment; FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a freeze detection device according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a freeze detection device according to another embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a freeze detection device according to another embodiment. 1 is a flowchart for explaining the steps of a method for preventing freezing of water piping using an anti-freeze device according to some embodiments.

Hereinafter, some embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, the dimensions, materials, shapes, relative arrangements, etc. of components described as the embodiments or shown in the drawings are merely illustrative examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the present disclosure.
For example, expressions expressing relative or absolute configuration, such as "in a certain direction,""along a certain direction,""parallel,""orthogonal,""center,""concentric," or "coaxial," not only strictly express such a configuration, but also express a state in which there is a relative displacement with a tolerance or an angle or distance to the extent that the same function is obtained.
For example, expressions indicating that things are in an equal state, such as "identical,""equal," and "homogeneous," not only indicate a state of strict equality, but also indicate a state in which there is a tolerance or a difference to the extent that the same function is obtained.
For example, expressions describing shapes such as a rectangular shape or a cylindrical shape do not only refer to rectangular shapes, cylindrical shapes, etc. in the strict geometric sense, but also refer to shapes that include uneven portions, chamfered portions, etc., to the extent that the same effect is obtained.
On the other hand, the expressions "comprise,""include,""have,""includes," or "have" of one element are not exclusive expressions excluding the presence of other elements.

In some embodiments, the anti-freeze device 50 for the water piping 10 is equipped with a freeze detection device 100 described below, and is configured to implement anti-freeze measures described below when it is detected that the water Wd for freeze detection in the detection container 120 possessed by the freeze detection device 100 has frozen.
First, several examples of the piping system 1 of the water piping 10 to which the freeze prevention device 50 for the water piping 10 and the freeze prevention method for the water piping 10 according to several embodiments are applied will be described.
FIG. 1A is a diagram showing an example of a piping system of a closed circuit.
FIG. 1B is a diagram showing an example of a piping system of a water supply circuit.
FIG. 1C is a diagram showing an example of a piping system of a cooling tower circuit.
FIG. 1D is a diagram showing an example of a piping system of a water supply circuit.
FIG. 1E is a diagram showing another example of a piping system of a water supply circuit.

(Closed circuit piping system 1A)
A piping system 1A of a closed circuit shown in FIG. 1A has a water pipe 10A provided between a refrigerator 2 and a heat exchanger 3, for example.
In a piping system 1A of a closed circuit shown in FIG. 1A, water W in a water pipe 10A can be circulated between a refrigerator 2 and a heat exchanger 3 by, for example, a pump 4A.
In the closed circuit piping system 1A shown in FIG. 1A, the operation of the pump 4A is controlled by a control device 5A configured to be able to control the operation of the pump 4A.

In the water piping 10A of the closed circuit shown in FIG. 1A, in order to prevent the water W in the water piping 10A from freezing, for example, the water W in the water piping 10A can be circulated between the refrigerator 2 and the heat exchanger 3 by driving a pump 4A.
That is, in the closed-circuit water pipe 10A shown in FIG. 1A, by allowing the water W to flow through the water pipe 10A, it is possible to prevent the water W in the water pipe 10A from freezing.

(Water supply circuit piping system 1B)
The piping system 1B of the water supply circuit shown in Fig. 1B has, for example, a water pipe 10B for replenishing water W to the water supply tank 6. In the piping system 1B of the water supply circuit shown in Fig. 1B, for example, an overflow pipe 21B is provided for overflowing surplus water W in the water supply tank 6.

In the piping system 1B of the water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1B, the supply of water W to the water supply tank 6 can be controlled by, for example, a control valve 7B provided in a water pipe 10B.
In a piping system 1B of a water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1B, the opening degree of a control valve 7B is controlled by a control device 5B configured to be able to control the opening degree of the control valve 7B.

In the water piping 10B of the water supply circuit shown in Figure 1B, in order to prevent the water W in the water piping 10B from freezing, for example, the control valve 7B can be opened to supply water W to the water supply tank 6, and the excess water W in the water supply tank 6 can be caused to overflow through the overflow piping 21B.
That is, in the water pipe 10B of the water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1B, by allowing the water W to flow through the water pipe 10B, it is possible to prevent the water W in the water pipe 10B from freezing.

(Cooling tower circuit piping system 1C)
The piping system 1C of the cooling tower circuit shown in Fig. 1C has a water piping 10C. The water piping 10C of the cooling tower circuit shown in Fig. 1C has, for example, a refill flow path 11C for refilling the water W stored in the cooling tower 8, and a circulation flow path 12 for circulating the water W stored in the cooling tower 8 within the cooling tower 8. The piping system 1C of the cooling tower circuit shown in Fig. 1C is provided with, for example, an overflow pipe 21C for allowing excess water W in the cooling tower 8 to overflow.
In the water piping 10C of the cooling tower circuit shown in Figure 1C, for example, the supply passage 11 is provided with an anti-freeze heater 9, which is a heating device serving as a first heating device 31 for preventing the water W in the supply passage 11 from freezing and which generates heat when electricity is applied.

In the piping system 1C of the cooling tower circuit shown in FIG. 1C, for example, the supply of water W to the cooling tower 8 is configured to be controlled by a ball tap 13 provided in the water piping 10C, but it can also be controlled by opening and closing a control valve 7C provided in the water piping 10C.
In the piping system 1C of the cooling tower circuit shown in FIG. 1C, the water W stored in the cooling tower 8 can be circulated within the cooling tower 8 by a pump 4C, which is, for example, a circulation pump provided in the circulation flow path 12.
In the piping system 1C of the cooling tower circuit shown in FIG. 1C, the operation of the pump 4C, the opening degree of the control valve 7C, and the supply of electricity to the anti-freeze heater 9 are controlled by a control device 5C configured to be able to control these.

1C, in order to prevent the water W in the water pipe 10C from freezing, for example, the pump 4C is operated to circulate the water W in the circulation passage 12 and the antifreeze heater 9 is energized to heat the supply passage 11C. Also, in order to prevent the water W in the supply passage 11C from freezing, the antifreeze heater 9 may be energized and the control valve 7C may be opened to circulate the water W in the supply passage 11C and the excess water W in the cooling tower 8 may be overflowed via the overflow pipe 21C.
That is, in the water piping 10C of the cooling tower circuit shown in Figure 1C, freezing of the water W in the water piping 10C can be prevented by operating the first heating device 31 and allowing the water W to flow in the water piping 10C.

(Piping system 1D of water supply circuit)
The piping system 1D of the water supply circuit shown in Fig. 1D has a water pipe 10D. The water pipe 10D of the water supply circuit shown in Fig. 1D includes a water supply pipe 16 for supplying water W in a water tank 15 installed outdoors to various locations indoors, and a return pipe 17 for returning the water W in the water supply pipe 16 to the water tank 15. A portion of the water supply pipe 16 and the return pipe 17 are disposed outdoors.

In the piping system 1D of the water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1D, water W in a water tank 15 can be supplied to various locations in a house by a pump 4D, which is a water supply pump provided in a water supply pipe 16.
In the piping system 1D of the water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1D, the return pipe 17 branches off from the water supply pipe 16 downstream of the pump 4D and is connected to the water tank 15. The return pipe 17 includes:
A control valve 7D is provided, and a configuration is made such that a portion of the water W pumped by the pump 4D can be returned to the water tank 15 by opening the control valve 7D.
In the piping system 1D of the water tower circuit shown in FIG. 1D, the operation of the pump 4D and the opening degree of the control valve 7D are controlled by a control device 5D configured to be able to control these.

In the water piping 10D of the water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1D, in order to prevent the water W in the outdoor water piping 10D (water supply piping 16, return piping 17) from freezing, for example, the pump 4D is operated and the control valve 7D is opened to allow the water W to circulate in the water supply piping 16 and the return piping 17.
That is, in the water pipe 10D of the water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1D, the water W in the water pipe 10D can be prevented from freezing by allowing the water W to flow through the water pipe 10D.

(Water supply circuit piping system 1E)
The piping system 1E of the water supply circuit shown in Fig. 1E includes a water pipe 10E. The water pipe 10E of the water supply circuit shown in Fig. 1E includes, for example, a supply passage 11E for supplying water W to a hot water tank 18, and a drain passage 19 branching off from the supply passage 11E.
In a piping system 1E of a water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1E, for example, an overflow pipe 21E is provided for allowing excess water W (hot water HW) in the hot water tank 18 to overflow.

A control valve 7E is provided in water piping 10E of the water supply circuit shown in Fig. 1E. The control valve 7E of the water piping 10E of the water supply circuit shown in Fig. 1E includes, for example, a first control valve 71 provided in a supply passage 11E downstream of a connection position of a drain passage 19, and a second control valve 72 provided in the drain passage 19.
1E, the hot water tank 18 can be replenished with water W by opening the first control valve 71 and closing the second control valve 72. In addition, in the water supply circuit shown in Fig. 1E, the water W in the supply passage 11E upstream of the connection position of the drain passage 19 can be made to flow through the drain passage 19 by closing the first control valve 71 and opening the second control valve 72.
In the piping system 1B of the water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1B, the opening degree of the control valve 7E (first control valve 71, second control valve 72) is controlled by a control device 5E configured to be able to control the opening degree of the control valve 7E.

In the water piping 10E of the water supply circuit shown in Figure 1E, in order to prevent the water W in the water piping 10E (supply passage 11E) from freezing, for example, the first control valve 71 is closed to prevent low-temperature water W from undesirably flowing into the hot water tank 18, and the second control valve 72 is opened to allow the water W in the supply passage 11E to flow through the drain passage 19.
That is, in the water pipe 10E of the water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1E, by allowing the water W to flow through the water pipe 10E, it is possible to prevent the water W within the water pipe 10E from freezing.

In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between piping system 1A, piping system 1B, piping system 1C, piping system 1D, and piping system 1E, or when piping system 1A, piping system 1B, piping system 1C, piping system 1D, and piping system 1E are referred to collectively, the alphabet at the end of the reference numeral will be omitted and they will simply be referred to as piping system 1.
Similarly, in the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between water pipes 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E, or when water pipes 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D, and 10E are referred to collectively, the alphabet at the end of the reference number will be omitted and they will simply be referred to as water pipe 10.
In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between pump 4A in piping system 1A of the closed circuit shown in FIG. 1A, pump 4C in piping system 1C of the cooling tower circuit shown in FIG. 1C, and pump 4D in piping system 1D of the water supply circuit shown in FIG. 1D, or when pump 4A, pump 4C, and pump 4D are referred to collectively, the letters at the end of the reference numerals will be omitted and they will be referred to simply as pump 4.

In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between control device 5A, control device 5B, control device 5C, control device 5D, and control device 5E, or when control device 5A, control device 5B, control device 5C, control device 5D, and control device 5E are referred to collectively, the alphabet at the end of the reference number will be omitted and they will simply be referred to as control device 5.
The control device 5 includes a processor (not shown) that executes various arithmetic processes, and a memory (not shown) that non-temporarily or temporarily stores various data processed by the processor. The processor is realized by a CPU, a GPU, an MPU, a DSP, various other arithmetic devices, or a combination of these. The memory is realized by a ROM, a RAM, a flash memory, or a combination of these.

In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between control valve 7B, control valve 7C, control valve 7D, and control valve 7E, or when control valve 7B, control valve 7C, control valve 7D, and control valve 7E are referred to collectively, the alphabet at the end of the reference numeral will be omitted and they will simply be referred to as control valve 7.

In the following description, when there is no need to distinguish between heating the water pipe 10 with the anti-freeze heater 9 and circulating the water W in the water pipe 10 to prevent the water W in the water pipe 10 from freezing, or when heating the water pipe 10 with the anti-freeze heater 9 and circulating the water W in the water pipe 10 to prevent the water W in the water pipe 10 from freezing are collectively referred to as anti-freeze measures.

(Regarding the freeze detection device 100)
Conventionally, anti-freezing measures are implemented when the temperature of the environment surrounding the water pipe 10 falls below a preset temperature. However, conventionally, the above-mentioned preset temperature is set to a temperature, for example, several degrees higher than the freezing temperature of water (0°C), and there is a discrepancy between the temperature of the environment surrounding the water pipe 10 and the temperature of the water W in the water pipe 10, so that the timing for starting the implementation of anti-freezing measures tends to be relatively early. Therefore, the power consumption consumed by implementing the anti-freezing measures tends to be relatively high.
Therefore, in some embodiments of the water piping anti-freezing device and water piping anti-freezing method, as described in detail below, anti-freezing measures are started when it is detected that the water Wd for freeze detection stored in the detection container has frozen.

FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram for explaining an example of the arrangement of the freeze detection device 100. FIG.
FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram for explaining another example of the arrangement of the freeze detection device 100. As shown in FIG.
The freeze detection device 100 according to some embodiments is placed in an environment similar to the installation environment of the water pipe 10 for which freeze prevention measures are to be implemented.
In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the freeze detection device 100 is attached to a water pipe 10 and is connected to the water pipe 10 as described below.
In the example shown in Fig. 2B, freeze detection device 100 is not connected to water pipe 10. Note that in the example shown in Fig. 2B, freeze detection device 100 is placed near water pipe 10 in various forms, such as being placed on water pipe 10, being arranged on a stand (not shown) that fixes water pipe 10, or being suspended from water pipe 10.

2A and 2B, a first heating device 31 is disposed on the outer periphery of the water pipe 10. The first heating device 31 is, for example, an anti-freeze heater 9.
In the water pipe 10 shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , a heat insulating material 33 is arranged further outside the first heating device 31 .
For convenience of illustration, the first heating device 31 and the thermal insulation material 33 are represented by dashed lines in FIGS. 2A and 2B.
In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B , the water pipe 10 is provided with a ball valve 35 .

FIG. 3A is a schematic diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a freeze detection device 100A according to one embodiment.
FIG. 3B is a schematic diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a freeze detection device 100B according to another embodiment.
FIG. 3C is a schematic diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a freeze detection device 100C according to another embodiment, and shows the state before the water Wd for freeze detection stored in the detection container 120C freezes.
FIG. 3D is a schematic diagram for explaining the overall configuration of a freeze detection device 100C according to another embodiment, and shows the state after the water Wd for freeze detection stored in the detection container 120C has frozen.

(Freezing detection device 100A)
The freeze detection device 100A shown in Figure 3A includes a detection container 120A containing water Wd for freeze detection, a sensor 130 for detecting deformation of the detection container 120A due to freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120A, and a second heating device 140 capable of heating the detection container 120A.
3A, the detection container 120A has a cylindrical shape with a bottom. The material of the detection container 120A may be metal or resin.
In the freeze detection device 100A shown in FIG. 3A, the end (open end 123) opposite to the closed end 122 where the bottom 121 of the detection container 120A is provided is open.

In the freeze detection device 100A shown in Fig. 3A, the open end 123 of the detection container 120A is connected to the water pipe 10. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 2A, the open end 123 of the detection container 120A is connected to the water pipe 10 via a T-shaped pipe joint 37 provided midway along the water pipe 10. Note that the T-shaped pipe joint 37 may be a uniform T-shaped pipe joint in which the diameters of three connection parts are equal, but it is preferable that the T-shaped pipe joint 37 is a non-uniform T-shaped pipe joint having a connection part with a smaller diameter than the other two of the three connection parts.
When the T-shaped pipe joint 37 is an irregular T-shaped pipe joint, the open end 123 of the detection container 120A is preferably connected to a connection part having a smaller diameter than the other two of the three connection parts of the irregular T-shaped pipe joint.

In the freeze detection device 100A shown in FIG. 3A, the inside of the detection container 120A is connected to the water pipe 10 via a T-shaped pipe joint 37. As a result, the water W flowing through the water pipe 10 is stored inside the detection container 120A as water Wd for freeze detection.

In the freeze detection device 100A shown in FIG. 3A, a strain gauge 131 is attached to the outer periphery of the detection container 120A as a sensor 130 for detecting deformation of the detection container 120A caused by freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120A. The strain gauge 131 is connected to the control device 5 described above via a converter (not shown).

In the freeze detection device 100A shown in FIG. 3A, a second heating device 140 is disposed on the outer surface of the detection container 120A (e.g., the outer surface of the closed end 122). The second heating device 140 is, for example, an electric heater 141 that generates heat when electricity is applied. The electric heater 141 is configured so that the power supply is controlled by the control device 5 described above.

(Freezing detection device 100B)
The freeze detection device 100B shown in Figure 3B includes a detection container 120B containing water Wd for freeze detection, a sensor 130 for detecting deformation of the detection container 120B caused by freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120B, a second heating device 140 capable of heating the detection container 120B, and a storage container 151B for storing the detection container 120B.

In the freeze detection device 100B shown in Fig. 3B, the detection container 120B is a sealed container capable of storing the freeze detection water Wd therein. The material of the detection container 120B is preferably a resin or elastomer having a degree of elasticity that makes it difficult to break even if the freeze detection water Wd is repeatedly frozen and thawed.
In the freeze detection device 100B shown in FIG. 3B, the detection container 120B is contained within a storage container 151B.

In the freeze detection device 100B shown in Fig. 3B, a strain gauge 132 is attached to the outer surface of the detection container 120B as a sensor 130 for detecting deformation of the detection container 120B caused by freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120B. This strain gauge 132 is, for example, a strain gauge configured to allow a relatively large expansion and contraction of the attachment surface of the strain gauge 132. The strain gauge 132 is connected to the above-mentioned control device 5 via a converter (not shown).
In addition, in the freeze detection device 100B shown in Figure 3B, the sensor 130 may be the same as the sensor 130 used in the freeze detection device 100C shown in Figures 3C and 3D described below, and deformation of the detection container 120B caused by the freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120B may be detected in a manner similar to that of the freeze detection device 100C shown in Figures 3C and 3D.

In the freeze detection device 100B shown in FIG. 3B, a second heating device 140 is disposed outside the detection container 120B, for example, on the outer surface of the storage container 151B. The second heating device 140 is, for example, an electric heater 141 that generates heat when electricity is applied. The electric heater 141 is configured so that the electricity applied thereto is controlled by the control device 5 described above.

(Freeze detection device 100C)
The freeze detection device 100C shown in Figures 3C and 3D comprises a detection container 120C containing water Wd for freeze detection, a sensor 130 for detecting deformation of the detection container 120C caused by freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120C, a second heating device 140 capable of heating the detection container 120C, and a storage container 151C for storing the detection container 120C.

In the freeze detection device 100C shown in Figures 3C and 3D, the detection container 120C has a bellows-like structure that is expandable in one direction, and is an airtight container capable of storing the freeze detection water Wd inside. The material of the detection container 120C is preferably a resin or elastomer that is flexible enough to be unlikely to break even if the freeze detection water Wd is repeatedly frozen and thawed.

In the freeze detection device 100C shown in Figures 3C and 3D, the detection container 120C is configured so that an end 124 on one side (the lower side as shown) in the expandable direction (the vertical direction as shown) is fixed to the bottom 152 of the storage container 151C, and an end 125 on the other side (the upper side as shown) is movable in the vertical direction as shown within the storage container 151C.
In the freeze detection device 100C shown in Figures 3C and 3D, a plate-shaped member 126, for example, is attached to the end 125 on the other side (the upper side as shown) of the detection container 120C, and the plate-shaped member 126 is configured to be able to move in the vertical direction as shown in the figure by expanding and contracting the detection container 120C.
In the freeze detection device 100C shown in FIGS. 3C and 3D, a detection container 120C and a plate-like member 126 are contained in a container 151C.

In the freeze detection device 100C shown in Figures 3C and 3D, a limit switch 133 or a photoelectric sensor 134 is attached to the inside of the detection container 120C as a sensor 130 for detecting deformation of the detection container 120C caused by freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120C. In the examples shown in Figures 3C and 3D, the diagram to the left of the dashed dotted center line shows an example in which the limit switch 133 is used as the sensor 130, and the diagram to the right of the dashed dotted center line shows an example in which the photoelectric sensor 134 is used as the sensor 130.
The photoelectric sensor 134 is a sensor configured to output a signal according to the distance to a counterpart member as a measurement target.

In the freeze detection device 100C, when the water Wd for freeze detection is melted, the overall length of the detection container 120C (the vertical dimension of the detection container 120C) is relatively short as shown in Fig. 3C. Therefore, the plate-like member 126 is located at a position relatively far from the sensor 130.
In the freeze detection device 100C, when the water Wd for freeze detection is frozen, the overall length of the detection container 120C is longer than when the water Wd for freeze detection is melted, as shown in Fig. 3D. Therefore, the plate-like member 126 is located relatively close to the sensor 130.
Furthermore, for example, if the sensor 130 is a limit switch 133, it is preferable that the plate-shaped member 126 is configured to approach the limit switch 133 to a position that activates the limit switch 133 when the freezing of the water Wd for freeze detection has progressed to a certain extent.

For example, when the sensor 130 is a limit switch 133 , the output from the limit switch 133 can be input to the control device 5 .
For example, when the sensor 130 is a photoelectric sensor 134, the photoelectric sensor 134 is connected to the above-mentioned control device 5 via a converter (not shown).

In the freeze detection device 100C shown in Figures 3C and 3D, a second heating device 140 is disposed outside the detection container 120C, for example, on the outside of the bottom surface of the storage container 151C. The second heating device 140 is, for example, an electric heater 141 that generates heat when electricity is applied. The electric heater 141 is configured so that the electricity applied thereto is controlled by the control device 5 described above.

In the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between freeze detection device 100A, freeze detection device 100B, and freeze detection device 100C, or when freeze detection device 100A, freeze detection device 100B, and freeze detection device 100C are referred to collectively, the alphabet at the end of the reference number will be omitted and they will simply be referred to as freeze detection device 100.
Similarly, in the following description, when there is no need to particularly distinguish between detection containers 120A, 120B, and 120C, or when detection containers 120A, 120B, and 120C are referred to collectively, the alphabet at the end of the reference numeral will be omitted and they will simply be referred to as detection containers 120.

(Regarding the anti-freezing device 50 for the water piping 10)
A freeze prevention device 50 for a water pipe 10 according to some embodiments includes a detection container 120 storing water Wd for freeze detection therein, and a sensor 130 for detecting deformation of the detection container 120 caused by freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120. The freeze prevention device 50 for a water pipe 10 according to some embodiments includes a control device 5 as a controller configured to perform at least one of operating a first heating device 31 provided in the water pipe 10 or permitting the flow of water W in the water pipe 10 when deformation of the detection container 120 is detected.
According to the freeze prevention device 50 for the water pipe 10 according to some embodiments, the first heating device 31 is operated or the flow of the water W in the water pipe 10 is permitted after the water Wd in the detection container 120 is frozen, so the timing for starting the operation of the first heating device 31 or the timing for permitting the flow of water in the water pipe 10 can be delayed compared to conventional freeze prevention devices. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of energy consumption required to prevent the water pipe 10 from freezing.

In the freeze prevention device 50 for the water pipe 10 according to some embodiments, the equivalent diameter of the detection container 120 may be smaller than the diameter of the water pipe 10. That is, in the freeze prevention device 50 for the water pipe 10 according to some embodiments, if the detection container 120 has a cylindrical shape, the inner diameter of the cylinder may be smaller than the inner diameter of the water pipe 10. Also, in the freeze prevention device 50 for the water pipe 10 according to some embodiments, if the detection container 120 has a tubular shape other than a cylindrical shape, the equivalent diameter of the inner circumferential surface of the tube may be smaller than the inner diameter of the water pipe 10.
In this way, by making the heat capacity of the water Wd in the detection container 120 smaller than the heat capacity of the water W present in the water pipe 10 having the same length as the detection container 120, it is possible to make the water W in the detection container 120 start to freeze before the water W in the water pipe 10 starts to freeze. This makes it possible to start implementing anti-freezing measures before the water W in the water pipe 10 starts to freeze.

When the ball valve 35 is provided in the water pipe 10 as shown in Figures 2A and 2B, if the ball valve 35 is a so-called reduced bore type, the flow path diameter inside the ball valve 35 will be smaller than the inner diameter of the water pipe 10. In such a case, it is preferable that the equivalent diameter of the detection container 120 is smaller than the smallest flow path diameter inside the ball valve 35.

In the anti-freezing device 50 for the water pipe 10 according to some embodiments, at least a portion of the detection container 120 may be exposed to the outside of the insulation material 33 as shown in, for example, FIGS. 2A and 2B.
This makes it easier for the temperature change of the water Wd in the detection container 120 to follow the temperature change of the environment in which the detection container 120 is placed, so that the water Wd in the detection container 120 can start to freeze before the water W in the water piping 10 starts to freeze. Therefore, anti-freezing measures can be started before the water W in the water piping 10 starts to freeze.

In the anti-freezing device 50 for the water pipe 10 according to some embodiments, the detection container 120 may be in communication with the water pipe 10, such as the detection container 120A shown in FIG. 3A.
As a result, the temperature of the water Wd in the detection container 120 becomes closer to the temperature of the water W in the water pipe 10, compared to when the detection container 120 is not in communication with the water pipe 10. This makes it possible to prevent, for example, the deviation between the temperature of the water W in the water pipe 10 and the temperature of the water Wd in the detection container 120 becoming large, causing the water Wd in the detection container 120 to start freezing despite the low possibility of the water W in the water pipe 10 freezing, and thus preventing the implementation of anti-freezing measures from being undesirably started.

In some embodiments of the anti-freeze device 50 for the water pipe 10, as shown in FIG. 2A, the detection container 120 may be connected to the water pipe 10 via an irregular T-shaped pipe joint (T-shaped pipe joint 37).
This makes it possible to easily connect the detection container 120 and the water pipe 10.

In some embodiments of the anti-freeze device 50 for the water piping 10, the detection container 120 may be configured to form an enclosed space in which water Wd can be stored, such as the detection containers 120B and 120C shown in Figures 3B, 3C, and 3D.
As a result, the amount of deformation of the detection container 120 due to freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 10 is greater than when the detection container 120 is connected to the water piping 10, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120.

In some embodiments of the anti-freeze device 50 for the water piping 10, the detection container 120, such as the detection container 120C shown in Figures 3C and 3D, may have a structure that is capable of deforming in response to changes in the volume of the water Wd due to freezing and thawing of the water Wd in the detection container 120.
This makes the detection container 120 more susceptible to deformation due to freezing of the water Wd within the detection container 120, thereby improving the accuracy of detecting the freezing of the water Wd within the detection container 120 and improving the durability of the detection container 120 when the water Wd within the detection container 120 is repeatedly frozen and thawed.

In some embodiments, the anti-freeze device 50 for the water pipe 10 may include a second heating device 140 capable of heating the detection container 120, such as the detection containers 120A, 120B, and 120C shown in Figures 3A, 3B, 3C, and 3D.
As a result, by detecting deformation of the detection container 120 and implementing anti-freezing measures to prevent the water W in the water pipe 10 from freezing, the detection container 120 is heated by the second heating device 140 to melt the water Wd in the detection container 120, thereby resetting the function of the detection container 120 as a detection device for detecting the possibility of the water W in the water pipe 10 freezing, and making it possible to detect the possibility of the water W in the water pipe 10 freezing again.
(Method for preventing freezing of water pipe 10)
4 is a flowchart for explaining the procedure of a method for preventing freezing of the water pipe 10 using the anti-freeze device 50 according to some embodiments. In the following explanation, the control device 5 controls each part of the piping system 1 and the second heating device 140 according to some embodiments.
In the method for preventing freezing of the water pipe 10 according to some embodiments, in step S1, the control device 5 waits until freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120 is detected based on the output signal from the sensor 130.

When freezing of the water Wd in the detection container 120 is detected, the process proceeds to step S3, and the control device 5 controls each part of the piping system 1 according to some embodiments, i.e., the pump 4, the control valve 7, and the first heating device 31, to start implementing the above-mentioned anti-freezing measures.

Next, in step S5, the control device 5 starts supplying electricity to the second heating device 140 so that heating by the second heating device 140 begins.

Next, in step S7, the control device 5 waits until melting of the water Wd in the detection container 120 is detected based on the output signal from the sensor 130.

When melting of the water Wd in the detection container 120 is detected, the process proceeds to step S9, and the control device 5 waits until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, and then proceeds to step S11, where it stops the supply of electricity to the second heating device 140 so as to stop heating by the second heating device 140.

In step S13, the control device 5 waits until a predetermined waiting time has elapsed, then proceeds to step S15, where it controls each part of the piping system 1 according to some embodiments, i.e., the pump 4, the control valve 7, and the first heating device 31, to terminate the implementation of the above-mentioned anti-freezing measures, and then returns to step S1.

Thus, the method for preventing freezing of the water piping 10 in some embodiments includes step S1 of detecting whether or not the detection container 120 has been deformed due to the freezing of the water Wd stored inside the detection container 120, and step S3 of implementing the above-mentioned anti-freezing measures if deformation of the detection container 120 due to the freezing of the water Wd is detected in step S1.
As a result, the implementation of the above-mentioned antifreeze measures is started after the water Wd in the detection container 120 freezes, so the timing at which the implementation of the above-mentioned antifreeze measures is started can be delayed compared to the conventional antifreeze device, thereby reducing the amount of energy consumption required to prevent the water pipe 10 from freezing.

In some embodiments of the method for preventing freezing of the water piping 10, it is preferable to include a step S5 in which, when deformation of the detection container 120 due to freezing of the water Wd is detected in step S1, a second heating device 140 capable of heating the detection container 120 is operated.
As a result, by detecting deformation of the detection container 120 and implementing anti-freezing measures to prevent the water W in the water pipe 10 from freezing, the detection container 120 is heated by the second heating device 140 to melt the water Wd in the detection container 120, thereby resetting the function of the detection container 120 as a detection device for detecting the possibility of the water W in the water pipe 10 freezing, and making it possible to detect the possibility of the water W in the water pipe 10 freezing again.

The present disclosure is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and includes modifications to the above-described embodiments and appropriate combinations of these modifications.
For example, in step S3 of implementing the above-mentioned anti-freezing measures, in the case where the system is configured to operate the first heating device 31 to prevent the water W in the water pipe 10C from freezing and to permit the flow of the water W in the water pipe 10C, as in the piping system 1C of the cooling tower circuit shown in Fig. 1C, both the first heating device 31 and the flow of the water W in the water pipe 10C are implemented. However, in the case where the system is configured to operate the first heating device 31 to prevent the water W in the water pipe 10C from freezing and to permit the flow of the water W in the water pipe 10C, as in the piping system 1C of the cooling tower circuit shown in Fig. 1C, either the first heating device 31 or the flow of the water W in the water pipe 10C may be implemented.

The contents described in each of the above embodiments can be understood, for example, as follows.
(1) A water piping anti-freeze device according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure comprises a detection container having water stored therein, a sensor for detecting deformation of the detection container due to freezing of the water in the detection container, and a controller configured to perform at least one of the following when deformation of the detection container is detected: operate a first heating device provided in the water pipe or allow water to flow through the water pipe.

According to the configuration of (1) above, the first heating device is operated or the flow of water in the water pipe is permitted after the water in the detection container freezes, so the timing of starting the operation of the first heating device or the timing of permitting the flow of water in the water pipe can be delayed compared to conventional anti-freeze devices. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of energy consumed to prevent the water pipe from freezing.

(2) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) above, the equivalent diameter of the detection container may be smaller than the diameter of the water pipe.

According to the configuration of (2) above, by making the heat capacity of the water in the detection container smaller than the heat capacity of the water present in a water pipe of the same length as the detection container, it is possible to make the water in the detection container start to freeze before the water in the water pipe starts to freeze. This makes it possible to operate the first heating device or allow the flow of water in the water pipe before the water in the water pipe starts to freeze.

(3) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (1) or (2) above, at least a portion of the detection container may be exposed to the outside of the insulating material.

According to the above configuration (3), the temperature change of the water in the detection container can easily follow the temperature change of the environment in which the detection container is placed, so that the water in the detection container can start to freeze before the water in the water pipe starts to freeze. This makes it possible to operate the first heating device or allow the flow of water in the water pipe before the water in the water pipe starts to freeze.

(4) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (3) above, the detection container may be in communication with the water piping.

According to the configuration of (4) above, the temperature of the water in the detection container becomes closer to the temperature of the water in the water pipe compared to when the detection container is not connected to the water pipe. This prevents, for example, the difference between the temperature of the water in the water pipe and the temperature of the water in the detection container becoming large, causing the water in the detection container to start freezing even though the possibility of the water in the water pipe freezing is low, which can prevent the first heating device from being undesirably operated or the flow of water in the water pipe from being undesirably permitted.

(5) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (4) above, the detection container may be connected to the water pipe via a special T-shaped pipe joint.

The configuration (5) above makes it easy to connect the detection container and the water piping.

(6) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (3) above, the detection container may be configured to form an enclosed space in which water can be stored.

According to the above configuration (6), the amount of deformation of the detection container due to freezing of the water in the detection container is greater than when the detection container is connected to a water pipe, improving the accuracy of detecting freezing of the water in the detection container.

(7) In some embodiments, in the configuration of (6) above, the detection container may have a structure that can deform in response to changes in the volume of the water caused by freezing and melting of the water in the detection container.

According to the configuration of (7) above, the detection container becomes more susceptible to deformation due to freezing of the water in the detection container, and therefore the accuracy of detecting freezing of the water in the detection container can be improved. In addition, according to the configuration of (7) above, the durability of the detection container can be improved when the water in the detection container is repeatedly frozen and thawed.

(8) In some embodiments, in any of the configurations (1) to (7) above, a second heating device capable of heating the detection container may be provided.

According to the configuration of (8) above, when deformation of the detection container is detected, the first heating device is operated, or the flow of water in the water pipe is permitted to prevent freezing of the water in the water pipe, and then the detection container is heated by the second heating device to melt the water in the detection container, thereby resetting the function of the detection container as a detection device for detecting the possibility of freezing of water in the water pipe, and making it possible to detect the possibility of freezing of water in the water pipe again.

(9) A method for preventing freezing of a water pipe according to at least one embodiment of the present disclosure includes a step of detecting whether or not the detection container has been deformed due to freezing of water stored inside the detection container, and, when deformation of the detection container due to freezing of the water is detected in the detection step, performing at least one of the steps of operating a first heating device provided in the water pipe or allowing water to flow through the water pipe.

According to the method (9) above, the first heating device is operated or the flow of water in the water pipe is permitted after the water in the detection container freezes, so the timing of starting the operation of the first heating device or the timing of permitting the flow of water in the water pipe can be delayed compared to conventional anti-freeze devices. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of energy consumed to prevent the water pipe from freezing.

(10) In some embodiments, the method of (9) above may further include a step of operating a second heating device capable of heating the detection vessel when deformation of the detection vessel due to freezing of water is detected in the detection step.

According to the method (10) above, when deformation of the detection container is detected, the first heating device is operated, or the flow of water in the water pipe is permitted to prevent freezing of the water in the water pipe, and then the detection container is heated by the second heating device to melt the water in the detection container, thereby resetting the function of the detection container as a detection device for detecting the possibility of freezing of water in the water pipe, and making it possible to detect the possibility of freezing of water in the water pipe again.

Reference Signs List 1 Piping system 4 Pump 5 Control device 7 Control valve 10 Water pipe 31 First heating device 37 T-shaped pipe joint 100 Freezing detection device 120 Detection container 130 Sensor 140 Second heating device

Claims (10)

a detection vessel in which water is stored and which is reversibly deformable by freezing of the water ;
a sensor for detecting a reversible deformation of the detection vessel caused by freezing of the water;
a controller configured to at least one of operate a first heating device provided in a water pipe or allow water to flow through the water pipe when a reversible deformation of the detection container is detected;
A device for preventing freezing of water pipes. The equivalent diameter of the detection container is smaller than the diameter of the water pipe.
The antifreeze device for water piping according to claim 1. At least a part of the outer surface of the detection container is not covered with a thermal insulating material.
The antifreeze device for water piping according to claim 1 or 2. The detection container is in communication with the water pipe.
The antifreeze device for water piping according to claim 1 or 2. The detection container is connected to the water pipe via a special T-shaped pipe joint.
The antifreeze device for water piping according to claim 4. The detection container forms an enclosed space in which the water can be stored.
The antifreeze device for water piping according to claim 1 or 2. The detection container has a structure capable of reversibly deforming in response to a change in the volume of the water caused by freezing and melting of the water in the detection container.
The antifreeze device for water piping according to claim 6. A second heating device capable of heating the detection vessel;
Equipped with
The antifreeze device for water piping according to claim 1 or 2. A method for preventing freezing of water piping, comprising:
detecting whether or not there is a reversible deformation of the detection vessel due to freezing of water stored inside the detection vessel;
a step of operating a first heating device provided in the water pipe or allowing water to flow through the water pipe when a reversible deformation of the detection container due to freezing of the water is detected in the detecting step;
A method for preventing freezing of water pipes comprising: a step of operating a second heating device capable of heating the detection vessel when a reversible deformation of the detection vessel caused by freezing of the water is detected in the detecting step;
Equipped with
The method for preventing freezing of water piping according to claim 9.

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