JP2000337703A - Heat pump water heater for bath - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make uniformizable temperature distribution that the temperature at the bottom is a bathtub is low but the temperature at the upper portion in the bathtub is high, and utilize warm heat of bathtub water effectively with high efficiency for heating of supply water when the warm heat of the bathtub water is utilized to perform heating operation of the hot water supply. SOLUTION: By providing a control means 15 for a bypass circuit opening/ closing valve 14 for opening and closing a bypass circuit 13 based upon operation time, in which bypass circuit a refrigerant circuit 3 is branched and is coupled with a refrigerant outlet portion of the bath heat exchanger 7, the temperature distribution in a bathtub 9 formed during operation can be uniformized. Thereby, warm heat of the bathtub water is useable effectively for heating of the supply water, and further a high efficiency of an apparatus can be obtained.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an apparatus which utilizes a heat pump to utilize atmospheric heat, solar heat or the like for heating bath water, or to utilize atmospheric heat, solar heat or the heat of bath water for heating hot water. It is related to the improvement of.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, there has been provided an apparatus which draws heat from an external heat source using a heat pump cycle to supply hot water and heat bathtub water.

[0003] Fig. 11 shows a configuration of a conventional apparatus for heating hot water or heating bath tub water by a heat pump using heat or atmospheric heat of bath tub water as a heat source. The heat pump water heater of FIG. 11 includes a compressor 1, expansion valves 2a and 2b, a refrigerant circuit 3, a hot water supply heat exchanger 4, a hot water supply circuit 5, a hot water storage tank 6, a bath heat exchanger 7, It comprises a bathtub water circuit 8, a bathtub 9, a heat collector 10 for collecting atmospheric heat or solar heat, refrigerant circuit opening / closing valves 11a, 11b, 11c for opening and closing the refrigerant circuit 3, and a bathtub water pump 12 for circulating bathwater. Have been.

[0004] When a hot-water supply heating operation is performed using the heat of bathtub water in a bathtub, the following operation is performed. First,
Bathtub water circulation pump 12 circulates bathtub water in bathtub 9 to bathtub water circuit 8 and bath heat exchanger 7. Then, the compressor 1 is operated to pressurize the refrigerant in the refrigerant circuit 3 to a high temperature and a high pressure, and send the hot water supply heat exchanger 4, the expansion valve 2a, and the bath heat exchanger 7 in this order. The refrigerant absorbs the heat of the bathtub water in the bath heat exchanger 7,
Thereafter, the water is sucked into the compressor 1 and pressurized to a high temperature and a high pressure, condensed in the hot water supply heat exchanger 4 and heated.

[0005] When heating the bathtub water in the bathtub 9,
Operate as follows. First, the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 is supplied to the bathtub water circuit 8 by the bathtub water pump 12 and the bath heat exchanger 7.
Circulate. Then, the compressor 1 is operated to operate the refrigerant circuit 3.
The refrigerant inside is pressurized to a high temperature and a high pressure and sent to the bath heat exchanger 7, the expansion valve 2b, and the heat collector 10 in this order. The refrigerant absorbs the heat of the atmosphere in the heat collector 10, and is then pressurized to a high temperature and a high pressure in the compressor 1,
The water is condensed in the bath heat exchanger 7 to heat the bath water.

In this conventional heat pump bath water heater, in order to efficiently cool and heat bath water,
For example, a method as described in Japanese Patent Publication No. 8-27079 has been proposed. Further, as an application development of a heat pump, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 9-159267 describes that the temperature of bathtub water is used for heating.

[0007]

However, in the above-described conventional configuration, it is difficult to effectively use the temperature of bathtub water for heating hot water for the following reasons.

That is, since the temperature of the bath water absorbed from the refrigerant in the bath heat exchanger 7 is lower than the temperature of the bath water in the bath 9, there is a density difference between the two bath waters, and the low temperature of the bath water is large. Of the bathtub flows toward the bottom of the bathtub 9. Therefore,
The low temperature bath water returned from the bath heat exchanger 7 forms a low temperature layer at the bottom of the bath 9 without being sufficiently stirred with the high temperature bath water of the bath 9. Therefore, the bathtub water in the bathtub has a temperature distribution in which the temperature at the bottom of the bathtub 9 is low and the temperature at the top of the bathtub is high, as shown in FIG. As the operation continues, the low-temperature layer at the bottom of the bathtub 9 increases in thickness, and when the bathtub reaches the outlet of the bathtub water, the temperature of the bathtub water flowing into the bath heat exchanger 7 drops significantly. I do. When the temperature of the bath water flowing into the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases, not only does the efficiency of the heat pump decrease, but also the circulating bath water freezes after absorbing heat, so that the heat at the upper part of the bath tub is effectively supplied. The operation of the heat pump must be terminated without being able to use for heating. Therefore, in order to effectively use the heat of the upper part of the bathtub for heating the hot water supply, the problem is that the temperature distribution formed in the bathtub 9 shown in FIG. 12 must be uniform.

[0009]

According to the present invention, there is provided a hot water supply system comprising a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, and a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between hot water and refrigerant in the heat pump circuit. A water circuit, a bath water pump, and a bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and the bath water in the heat pump circuit; and branching the refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger to form the bath heat exchanger. A heat pump bath hot water supply comprising: a bypass circuit connected to a refrigerant outlet of the heat pump, a bypass circuit on-off valve for opening and closing the bypass circuit, and control means for controlling the bypass circuit on-off valve based on an operation time. It was a chance.

According to the present invention, when performing the heating operation of hot water supply using the heat of the bathtub water, the temperature distribution at the bottom of the bathtub is low and the temperature at the top of the bathtub is high is made uniform. Can be done.

Therefore, the temperature of the bath water can be effectively and efficiently used for heating the hot water supply.

[0012]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS By adopting the constitution described in each claim of the present invention, a heat pump bath water heater of an embodiment which has achieved the object of the present invention can be realized.

That is, as set forth in claim 1, a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between hot water and refrigerant of the heat pump circuit, and a bath water pump. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which the refrigerant and bath water of the heat pump circuit exchange heat, a refrigerant circuit is branched in the bath heat exchanger, and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. The present invention provides a heat pump bath water heater characterized by comprising a bypass circuit, a bypass circuit on-off valve for opening and closing the bypass circuit, and control means for controlling the bypass circuit on-off valve based on an operation time. Can be achieved.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between hot water and a refrigerant in the heat pump circuit, and a bath water pump. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which the refrigerant and bath water of the heat pump circuit exchange heat, a refrigerant circuit is branched in the bath heat exchanger, and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. A bypass circuit, a bypass circuit opening / closing valve for opening / closing the bypass circuit, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of bath water in the bath water circuit, and controlling the bypass circuit on / off valve based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The object of the present invention can be realized by providing a heat pump bath water heater provided with a control means.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bath, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and hot water in the heat pump circuit, and a bath water pump. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which the refrigerant and bath water of the heat pump circuit exchange heat, a refrigerant circuit is branched in the bath heat exchanger, and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. A bypass circuit, a bypass circuit opening / closing valve for opening / closing the bypass circuit, and a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure at a bath water outlet of the bath heat exchanger, or a differential pressure between a bath water inlet and an outlet of the bath heat exchanger. And a control means for controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor. It can be realized.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant and hot water in the heat pump circuit, and a bathtub water pump. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which the refrigerant and bath water of the heat pump circuit exchange heat, a refrigerant circuit is branched in the bath heat exchanger, and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. A bypass circuit, a bypass circuit opening and closing valve for opening and closing the bypass circuit, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a refrigerant inlet or an outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and the bypass circuit based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. The object of the present invention can be realized by providing a heat pump bath water heater characterized by including a control means for controlling the on-off valve.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and hot water in the heat pump circuit, and a bathtub water pump. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which the refrigerant and bath water of the heat pump circuit exchange heat, a refrigerant circuit is branched in the bath heat exchanger, and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. A bypass circuit, a bypass circuit on-off valve for opening and closing the bypass circuit, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure at a refrigerant inlet or an outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and the bypass circuit on-off valve based on a detected pressure of the pressure sensor. The object of the present invention can be realized by providing a heat pump bath water heater characterized by including a control means for controlling the temperature.

[0018]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(Embodiment 1) FIG. 1 schematically shows a configuration of a heat pump bath water heater in an embodiment of the present invention. The heat pump bath water heater of the present embodiment has a compressor 1, expansion valves 2a and 2b, a refrigerant circuit 3,
In addition to the hot water supply heat exchanger 4, the hot water supply circuit 5, the hot water storage tank 6, the bath heat exchanger 7, the bathtub water circuit 8, the bathtub 9, the heat collector 10, the refrigerant circuit opening / closing valves 11a, 11b, 11c, and the bathtub water pump 12. A bypass circuit 13 in which a refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger 7 is branched and connected to an outlet,
4 and control means 15. Control means 15
Is control means for opening and closing the bypass circuit on-off valve 14 based on the operation time.

Next, the operation and operation will be described. Bathtub 9
When the hot water is heated using the temperature of the bathtub water, the same operation as in the conventional example is performed. At the start of the operation, the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is closed, and no refrigerant flows through the bypass circuit 13. . The temperature distribution as shown in FIG. 12 is formed in the bathtub 9 as the heating operation of the hot water is continued by utilizing the heat of the bathtub water. At this time, the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is changed from the closed state to the open state by the control means 15, and the bath heat exchanger 7
The refrigerant circuit in the inside is branched and the bypass circuit 13 connected to the outlet is opened. Therefore, since a part of the refrigerant flows through the bypass circuit 13, the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the bath water in the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases, and the temperature of the bath water returning to the bath 9 increases. Due to this action, the formation of a low-temperature bathtub water layer at the bottom in the bathtub 9 is suppressed, and further, due to the convection in the bathtub 9 by the bathtub water pump 9, the low-temperature bathtub water at the bottom of the bathtub 9 reduces the temperature of the surface layer. It is gradually stirred by high tub water and convection effectively. Therefore, the temperature distribution of the bathtub 9 becomes uniform over time. When the temperature distribution becomes nearly uniform, the control circuit 15 switches the bypass circuit on-off valve 14 from open to closed.

FIG. 2 shows the temperature change of the circulating bath water when the above operation is repeated. Bypass circuit on-off valve 14
By repeatedly performing the above control, the temperature of the entire bathtub water in the bathtub 9 gradually decreases, and if the system can be operated until the temperature falls below a predetermined temperature, the temperature of the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be effectively increased. This means that it could be used for heating hot water.

In this embodiment, the time a during which the bypass circuit on / off valve 14 is closed by the control means 15 is the time until the temperature distribution as shown in FIG. Time b is open
Was set to a value required until the temperature difference between the upper layer portion and the lower layer portion of the bath water reached a predetermined temperature difference.

In this embodiment, one bypass circuit is provided, but a plurality of bypass circuits may be provided. Further, the branched bathtub water circuit may be connected to the inlet of the bath heat exchanger instead of the outlet.

Further, the present embodiment can be applied to a case where bath water is heated. That is, the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be uniformly heated. Accordingly, a highly efficient heating operation of the bathtub can be performed.

Further, since the amount of refrigerant flowing through the bath heat exchanger can be controlled by opening and closing the bypass circuit, it can also be used as a means for controlling the capacity of the heat pump cycle. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat pump capacity control device at a lower cost than conventionally used inverter control.

(Embodiment 2) FIG. 3 schematically shows a configuration of a heat pump bath water heater in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. The heat pump bath water heater according to the present embodiment has, in addition to the conventional configuration, a bypass circuit 13 in which a refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger 7 is branched and connected to an outlet, a bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14, and a temperature sensor. 16, control means 17
It has. The temperature sensor 16 is a means for detecting the bathtub water temperature of the bathtub water circuit 8. The control unit 17 is a control unit that opens and closes the bypass circuit on-off valve 14 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16. In the present embodiment, a thermistor is used as the temperature sensor 16, but a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, or the like may be used instead. The installation position is the bathtub water circuit 8, and any location may be used as long as the bathtub water temperature can be measured.

Next, the operation and operation will be described. Bathtub 9
When the hot water is heated using the temperature of the bathtub water, the same operation as in the conventional example is performed. At the start of the operation, the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is closed, and no refrigerant flows through the bypass circuit 13. . The temperature distribution as shown in FIG. 12 is formed in the bathtub 9 as the heating operation of the hot water is continued by utilizing the heat of the bathtub water. At this time, when the temperature of the temperature sensor 16 becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature T1, the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is opened from the closed state by the control means 17, and the refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger 7 is branched and connected to the outlet. The opened bypass circuit 13 is opened. Therefore, since a part of the refrigerant flows through the bypass circuit 13, the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the bathtub water in the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases, and the bathtub 9 passes through the bathtub inlet 8b from the bathtub outlet 8a. The tub water temperature rises back to.

By this action, the formation of the low-temperature bathtub water layer at the bottom in the bathtub 9 is suppressed, and the low-temperature bathwater at the bottom of the bathtub 9 is removed by the convection in the bathtub 9 by the bathtub water pump 9. The water is gradually stirred by the convection with the high temperature bath water. Therefore, the temperature distribution of the bathtub 9 becomes uniform over time. As the temperature distribution becomes uniform, the temperature of the circulating bath water becomes higher. Therefore, when the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 16 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature T2, the temperature distribution of the bath water in the bathtub 9 becomes uniform. By making a determination, the control circuit 17 changes the bypass circuit on-off valve 14 from open to closed. FIG. 4 shows a temperature change of the circulating bath water when the above operation is repeated. By repeatedly controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14, the temperature of the entire bathtub water in the bathtub 9 gradually decreases, and if the system can be operated until the temperature becomes equal to or lower than a predetermined temperature,
This means that the temperature of the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be effectively used for heating hot water.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined temperatures T1 and T2 are fixed values, but may be specified as a function of the number of repetitions or the operation time, and the same effect can be obtained.

If an existing temperature sensor is installed to detect the temperature of the bathtub water in the bathtub 9, the present embodiment can be implemented by using the existing temperature sensor.

In this embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a case where bath water is heated. That is, the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be uniformly heated. Accordingly, a highly efficient heating operation of the bathtub can be performed.

Further, since the amount of refrigerant flowing through the bath heat exchanger can be controlled by opening and closing the bypass circuit, it can be used as a means for controlling the capacity of the heat pump cycle. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat pump capacity control device at a lower cost than conventionally used inverter control.

(Embodiment 3) FIG. 5 schematically shows a configuration of a heat pump bath water heater in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The heat pump bath water heater according to the present embodiment has, in addition to the conventional configuration, a bypass circuit 13, a bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14, which branches a refrigerant circuit in a bath heat exchanger 7 and connects the branch to an outlet, and a pressure sensor. 18, control means 19
It has. The pressure sensor 18 is a means for detecting a pressure difference between the bathtub water inlet pressure and the outlet pressure of the bath heat exchanger 7. The control unit 19 is a control unit that opens and closes the bypass circuit on-off valve 14 based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 18. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 18 is connected to the bath heat exchanger 7.
Although it is installed as a differential pressure gauge, the absolute pressure at the inlet or outlet of the bath water of the bath heat exchanger or the gauge pressure may be used.

Next, the operation and operation will be described. Bathtub 9
When the hot water is heated by using the temperature of the bathtub water, the same operation as in the conventional example is performed, but the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is closed and the refrigerant is not flown into the bypass circuit 13.
The temperature distribution as shown in FIG. 12 is formed in the bathtub 9 as the heating operation of the hot water is continued by utilizing the heat of the bathtub water. When the temperature of the bath water flowing into the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases, the viscosity of the bath water increases, and the pressure loss of the bath water in the bath heat exchanger 7 increases. That is, the temperature of the circulating bath water is reflected on the detected pressure of the pressure sensor 18. Therefore, the differential pressure of the pressure sensor 18 becomes the predetermined value P1
When the above is reached, the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is changed from closed to open by the control means 19, and the refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger 7 is branched to open the bypass circuit 13 connected to the outlet.

Therefore, since a part of the refrigerant flows through the bypass circuit 13, the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the bath water in the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases, and the temperature of the bath water returning to the bath 9 increases. . Due to this action, the formation of a low-temperature bathtub water layer at the bottom in the bathtub 9 is suppressed, and further, due to the convection in the bathtub 9 by the bathtub water pump 9, the low-temperature bathtub water at the bottom of the bathtub 9 reduces the temperature of the surface layer. It is gradually stirred by high tub water and convection effectively. Therefore, the temperature distribution of the bathtub 9 becomes uniform over time. When the temperature of the circulating bath water increases, the viscosity of the bath water decreases, and the pressure loss of the bath water in the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases. When the differential pressure detected by the pressure sensor 18 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined value P1, it is determined that the temperature distribution of the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 has become uniform, and the control means 19 controls the bypass circuit on-off valve 14
From open to closed. FIG. 6 shows the temperature change of the circulating bath water when the above operation is repeated. By repeatedly controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14, the temperature of the entire bathtub water in the bathtub 9 gradually decreases, and if the system can be operated until the temperature of the bathtub 9 drops below a certain predetermined temperature, the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 will be reduced. This means that the heat of water could be used effectively for heating hot water.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined pressures P1 and P2 are set to constant values, but may be specified as a function of the number of repetitions or the operation time, and the same effect is obtained.

In this embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a case where bath water is heated. That is, the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be uniformly heated. Accordingly, a highly efficient heating operation of the bathtub can be performed.

Further, since the amount of refrigerant flowing through the bath heat exchanger can be controlled by opening and closing the bypass circuit, it can be used as a means for controlling the capacity of the heat pump cycle. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat pump capacity control device at a lower cost than conventionally used inverter control.

(Embodiment 4) FIG. 7 schematically shows the configuration of a heat pump bath water heater according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The heat pump bath water heater according to the present embodiment has, in addition to the conventional configuration, a bypass circuit 13 in which a refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger 7 is branched and connected to an outlet, a bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14, and a temperature sensor. 20, control means 21
It has. The temperature sensor 20 is a means for detecting the refrigerant inlet temperature of the bath heat exchanger 7. The control unit 21 is a control unit that opens and closes the bypass circuit on-off valve 14 based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 20. In this embodiment, a thermistor is used for the temperature sensor 20, but a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, or the like may be used instead. Also,
The installation position may be a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger.

Next, the operation and operation will be described. Bathtub 9
When the hot water is heated by using the temperature of the bathtub water, the same operation as in the conventional example is performed, but the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is closed and the refrigerant is not flown into the bypass circuit 13.
The temperature distribution as shown in FIG. 12 is formed in the bathtub 9 as the heating operation of the hot water is continued by utilizing the heat of the bathtub water. When the temperature of the bath water flowing into the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases, the evaporation pressure of the heat pump circuit decreases.
The temperature of the refrigerant flowing into the bath heat exchanger 7 also decreases. That is, the temperature of the circulating bath water is reflected on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 20. Therefore, when the temperature of the temperature sensor 20 becomes equal to or lower than the predetermined temperature T3, the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is opened from the closed state by the control means 21, and the refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger 7 is branched and connected to the outlet. The bypass circuit 13 is opened. Therefore, since a part of the refrigerant flows through the bypass circuit 13, the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the bath water in the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases, and the temperature of the bath water returning to the bath 9 increases. Due to this action, the formation of a low-temperature bathtub water layer at the bottom in the bathtub 9 is suppressed, and further, due to the convection in the bathtub 9 by the bathtub water pump 9, the low-temperature bathtub water at the bottom of the bathtub 9 reduces the temperature of the surface layer. It is gradually stirred by high tub water and convection effectively. Therefore, the temperature distribution of the bathtub 9 becomes uniform over time. As the temperature distribution becomes uniform, the temperature of the circulating bath water increases, so that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 20 becomes a predetermined temperature T.
When the number becomes 4 or more, it is determined that the temperature distribution of the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 has become uniform, and the control circuit 21 switches the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 from open to closed. FIG. 8 shows a temperature change of the circulating bath water when the above operation is repeated. By repeatedly controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14, the temperature of the entire bathtub water in the bathtub 9 gradually decreases, and if the system can be operated until the temperature of the bathtub 9 drops below a certain predetermined temperature, the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 will be reduced. This means that the heat of water could be used effectively for heating hot water.

If a temperature sensor is installed at the refrigerant inlet or outlet of the bath water heat exchanger to control the heat pump cycle, the present embodiment can be implemented using this. Conversely, when the heat pump cycle is not installed, the heat pump cycle can be controlled using the temperature sensor installed in this embodiment.

In the present embodiment, the predetermined temperatures T3 and T4 are fixed values, but may be specified as a function of the number of repetitions or the operation time, and the same effect can be obtained.

In this embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a case where bath water is heated. That is, the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be uniformly heated. Accordingly, a highly efficient heating operation of the bathtub can be performed.

Since the amount of refrigerant flowing through the bath heat exchanger can be controlled by opening and closing the bypass circuit, it can be used as a means for controlling the capacity of the heat pump cycle. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat pump capacity control device at a lower cost than conventionally used inverter control.

(Embodiment 5) FIG. 9 schematically shows the configuration of a heat pump bath water heater according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. The heat pump bath water heater according to the present embodiment has, in addition to the conventional configuration, a bypass circuit 13, a bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14, which branches a refrigerant circuit in a bath heat exchanger 7 and connects the branch to an outlet, and a pressure sensor. 22, control means 23
It has. The pressure sensor 22 is a means for detecting the refrigerant inlet pressure of the bath heat exchanger 7. The control unit 23 is a control unit that opens and closes the bypass circuit on-off valve 14 based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 22. In this embodiment, the pressure sensor 22 is installed at the refrigerant inlet of the bath heat exchanger 7, but may be installed at the refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger.

Next, the operation and operation will be described. Bathtub 9
When the hot water is heated by using the temperature of the bathtub water, the same operation as in the conventional example is performed, but the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is closed and the refrigerant is not flown into the bypass circuit 13.
The temperature distribution as shown in FIG. 12 is formed in the bathtub 9 as the heating operation of the hot water is continued by utilizing the heat of the bathtub water. When the temperature of the bath water flowing into the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases, the pressure at which the refrigerant in the heat pump circuit evaporates decreases. That is, the temperature of the circulating bath water is reflected on the detected pressure of the pressure sensor 22. Therefore, the pressure sensor 2
When the detected pressure of No. 2 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined value P3, the control circuit 23 changes the bypass circuit on-off valve 14 from closed to open,
The refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger 7 is branched and the bypass circuit 13 connected to the outlet is opened. Therefore, since a part of the refrigerant flows through the bypass circuit 13, the amount of heat exchange between the refrigerant and the bath water in the bath heat exchanger 7 decreases, and the temperature of the bath water returning to the bath 9 increases. By this action, the formation of a low-temperature bathtub water layer at the bottom in the bathtub 9 is suppressed, and furthermore, due to convection in the bathtub 9 by the bathtub water pump 12,
The low-temperature bath water at the bottom of the bath 9 is gradually stirred by the convection with the high-temperature bath water at the surface layer.

Therefore, the temperature distribution in the bathtub 9 becomes uniform over time. As the temperature distribution becomes uniform,
Since the temperature of the circulating bath water increases, when the detected pressure of the pressure sensor 22 becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined value P4, it is determined that the temperature distribution of the bath water in the bathtub 9 has become uniform, and the control means 23 The bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14 is changed from open to closed. FIG. 10 shows the temperature change of the circulating bath water when the above operation is repeated. By repeatedly controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve 14, the temperature of the entire bathtub water in the bathtub 9 gradually decreases, and if the system can be operated until the temperature of the bathtub 9 drops below a certain predetermined temperature, the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 will be reduced. This means that the heat of water could be used effectively for heating hot water.

If a pressure sensor is installed at the refrigerant inlet or outlet of the bath water heat exchanger to control the heat pump cycle, the present embodiment can be implemented using this. Conversely, when the heat pump cycle is not installed, the heat pump cycle can be controlled using the pressure sensor installed in this embodiment.

In this embodiment, the predetermined pressures P3 and P4 are set to constant values. However, the predetermined pressures P3 and P4 may be specified as a function of the number of repetitions or the operation time, and the same effect is obtained.

In this embodiment, the present invention can be applied to a case where bath water is heated. That is, the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be uniformly heated. Accordingly, a highly efficient heating operation of the bathtub can be performed.

Since the amount of refrigerant flowing through the bath heat exchanger can be controlled by opening and closing the bypass circuit, it can be used as a means for controlling the capacity of the heat pump cycle. Therefore, it is possible to provide a heat pump capacity control device at a lower cost than conventionally used inverter control.

[0052]

As described above, the following effects can be obtained in the heat pump bath water heater configured as described above.

According to the first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between refrigerant and hot water in the heat pump circuit, a bathtub water pump and the heat pump. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which the refrigerant of the circuit and the bath water exchange heat, and a bypass circuit in which a refrigerant circuit is branched in the bath heat exchanger and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. When,
A heat pump bath water heater comprising: a bypass circuit opening / closing valve for opening / closing the bypass circuit; and control means for controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve based on an operation time.

With this configuration, the temperature distribution of the bath tub water, which is disadvantageous to the operation efficiency in the depth direction of the bath tub, is different between the case where the hot water supply is heated using the temperature of the bath tub water and the case where the bath tub water is heated. Even if formed, the temperature distribution of the bathtub can be made uniform by controlling the flow of the refrigerant through the bypass circuit.

Therefore, since the temperature of the bathtub water can be effectively used for heating the hot water supply, the efficiency of the heating operation of the hot water supply using the temperature of the bathtub water can be improved.

Further, since it is possible to control the capacity of the heat pump by using the bypass circuit, it is possible to provide a device which is less expensive than the conventional one.

The invention of claim 2 provides a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and hot water in the heat pump circuit, a bath water pump and A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant of the heat pump circuit and bath water, and a refrigerant circuit branched in the bath heat exchanger and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. A bypass circuit, a bypass circuit opening / closing valve for opening / closing the bypass circuit, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of bathtub water in the bathtub water circuit, and control for controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. It is a heat pump bath water heater characterized by comprising means.

With this configuration, the temperature distribution of the bath tub water, which is disadvantageous to the operation efficiency in the depth direction of the bath tub, is different between the case where the hot water supply heating operation is performed using the temperature of the bath tub water and the case where the bath tub water is heated. Even if formed, the temperature distribution of the bathtub can be made uniform by controlling the flow of the refrigerant through the bypass circuit. Therefore, since the heat of the bathtub water can be effectively used for heating the hot water supply, the efficiency of the heating operation of the hot water supply using the heat of the bathtub water can be improved.

Further, since the added temperature sensor can be used as a means for detecting the safety of the apparatus, the safety of the apparatus is improved.

If a temperature sensor is already provided for controlling the temperature of the bath water, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced by using the temperature sensor.

Further, since the temperature sensor is used, it is possible to more accurately control the bathtub water pump than to control the bathtub water pump by time, and to cope with a wide variety of bathtub types.

Further, since the capacity of the heat pump can be controlled by using the bypass circuit, an inexpensive apparatus can be provided.

The invention of claim 3 provides a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and hot water in the heat pump circuit, a bath water pump and A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant of the heat pump circuit and bath water, and a refrigerant circuit branched in the bath heat exchanger and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. A bypass circuit, a bypass circuit opening / closing valve for opening and closing the bypass circuit, a pressure at a bath water outlet of the bath heat exchanger, or a pressure sensor for detecting a differential pressure between a bath water inlet and an outlet of the bath heat exchanger. And a control means for controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve based on the pressure detected by the pressure sensor.

With this configuration, when the hot water supply heating operation is performed using the heat of the bathtub water, even if a temperature distribution of the bathtub water that is disadvantageous to the operation efficiency in the depth direction of the bathtub is formed, the refrigerant is supplied to the bypass circuit. The temperature distribution of the bathtub can be made uniform by controlling the flow of water.

Accordingly, since the temperature of the bathtub water can be effectively used for heating the hot water supply, the efficiency of the apparatus can be improved.

If the bath heat exchanger is contaminated and the pressure loss in the bathtub water channel rises, this condition can be detected by the pressure sensor. Therefore, a function of notifying the maintenance time can be provided.

Further, since it is possible to control the capacity of the heat pump by using the bypass circuit, it is possible to provide a device which is less expensive than the conventional one.

The invention of claim 4 provides a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and hot water in the heat pump circuit, a bath water pump and A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant of the heat pump circuit and bath water, and a refrigerant circuit branched in the bath heat exchanger and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. A bypass circuit, a bypass circuit opening / closing valve for opening / closing the bypass circuit, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of a refrigerant inlet or an outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and the bypass circuit opening / closing based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. A heat pump bath water heater comprising a control means for controlling a valve.

With this configuration, when the hot water supply heating operation is performed by utilizing the heat of the bathtub water, even if a temperature distribution of the bathtub water that is disadvantageous to the operation efficiency in the depth direction of the bathtub is formed, the refrigerant is supplied to the bypass circuit. The temperature distribution of the bathtub can be made uniform by controlling the flow of water.

Therefore, since the temperature of the bath water can be effectively used for heating the hot water supply, the efficiency of the apparatus can be improved.

Further, since the added temperature sensor can be used as a means for sensing the safety of the device, the safety of the device is improved.

Furthermore, the installed temperature sensor can also be used for heat pump cycle control, and by using this, the efficiency of the apparatus can be increased.

Further, since the temperature sensor is used, the control can be performed with higher accuracy than the control based on the operation time, and a wide variety of bathtubs can be handled.

If a temperature sensor is provided for controlling the heat pump cycle of the bathtub water, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced by using the temperature sensor.

The invention of claim 5 provides a heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and hot water in the heat pump circuit, a bath water pump and A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant of the heat pump circuit and bath water, and a refrigerant circuit branched in the bath heat exchanger and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger. A bypass circuit, a bypass circuit on-off valve for opening and closing the bypass circuit, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure at a refrigerant inlet or an outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and the bypass circuit on-off valve based on a detection pressure of the pressure sensor. A heat pump bath water heater comprising a control means for controlling.

With this configuration, when performing the heating operation of hot water supply using the heat of the bathtub water, even if a temperature distribution of the bathtub water that is disadvantageous to the operation efficiency in the depth direction of the bathtub is formed, the refrigerant is supplied to the bypass circuit. The temperature distribution of the bathtub can be made uniform by controlling the flow of water.

Therefore, since the temperature of the bathtub water can be effectively used for heating the hot water supply, the efficiency of the apparatus can be improved. Furthermore, since the temperature of the bathtub water changes periodically, heat shock is applied to the bacteria and the like living in the bathtub water circuit and the bathtub, and propagation can be suppressed. Therefore, dirt does not easily adhere to the bathtub, the bathtub water circuit, and the bath heat exchanger.

Further, since the added pressure sensor can be used as a means for detecting the safety of the device, the safety of the device is improved.

Furthermore, the installed pressure sensor can also be used for heat pump cycle control, and by using this, the efficiency of the apparatus can be increased.

Further, since the capacity of the heat pump can be controlled by using the bypass circuit, a device which is less expensive than the conventional one can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory view of a heat pump bath water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a relationship between an operation time of the heat pump bath water heater and a bathtub water temperature.

FIG. 3 is a configuration explanatory view of a heat pump bath water heater in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a relationship between an operation time of the heat pump bath water heater and a bathtub water temperature.

FIG. 5 is a configuration explanatory view of a heat pump bath water heater in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a relationship between an operation time of the heat pump bath water heater and a bathtub water temperature.

FIG. 7 is a configuration explanatory view of a heat pump bath water heater in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a relationship between an operation time of the heat pump bath water heater and a bathtub water temperature.

FIG. 9 is a configuration explanatory view of a heat pump bath water heater in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a relationship between an operation time of the heat pump bath water heater and a bathtub water temperature.

FIG. 11 is a configuration explanatory view of a conventional heat pump bath water heater.

FIG. 12 is a view showing a relationship between bathtub water depth and bathtub water temperature of the heat pump bath water heater.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Compressor 2a, 2b Expansion valve 3 Refrigerant circuit 4 Hot water supply heat exchanger 5 Hot water supply circuit 6 Hot water storage tank 7 Bath heat exchanger 8 Bath tub water circuit 9 Bath tub 10 Heat collector 11a, 11b, 11c Open / close valve 12 Bath water pump 13 Bypass Circuit 14 Bypass circuit on / off valve 15 Control means for controlling bypass circuit on / off valve based on operation time 16, 20 Temperature sensor 17, 21 Control means for controlling bypass circuit on / off valve based on temperature detected by temperature sensor 18, 22 Pressure Sensor 19,23 Control means for controlling a bypass circuit opening / closing valve based on a pressure detected by a pressure sensor

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. A heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bath tub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant of the heat pump circuit and hot water, a bath tub water pump, and a refrigerant and a bath tub of the heat pump circuit. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which water exchanges heat, a bypass circuit branched from a refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and the bypass circuit. A heat pump bath water heater, comprising: a bypass circuit on-off valve for opening and closing the valve; and control means for controlling the bypass circuit on-off valve based on an operation time. 2. A heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bath tub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant of the heat pump circuit and hot water, a bath tub water pump, and a refrigerant and a bath tub of the heat pump circuit. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which water exchanges heat, a bypass circuit branched from a refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and the bypass circuit. A bypass circuit opening / closing valve for opening and closing, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of bath water in the bath water circuit, and control means for controlling the bypass circuit on / off valve based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. And heat pump bath water heater. 3. A heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant and hot water in the heat pump circuit, a bathtub water pump, and a refrigerant and bathtub in the heat pump circuit. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which water exchanges heat, a bypass circuit branched from a refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and the bypass circuit. A pressure sensor for detecting a pressure at a bath water outlet of the bath heat exchanger, or a pressure difference between a bath water inlet and an outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and a detection pressure of the pressure sensor. A heat pump bath water heater comprising a control means for controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve based on the condition. 4. A heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant of the heat pump circuit and hot water, a bathtub water pump, and a refrigerant and bathtub of the heat pump circuit. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which water exchanges heat, a bypass circuit branched from a refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger and connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and the bypass circuit. A bypass circuit opening and closing valve to open and close, a refrigerant inlet of the bath heat exchanger, or, a temperature sensor to detect the temperature of the outlet,
A heat pump bath water heater, further comprising control means for controlling the bypass circuit opening / closing valve based on a temperature detected by the temperature sensor. 5. A heat pump circuit having a compressor, a bathtub, a hot water supply circuit having a hot water supply heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant of the heat pump circuit and hot water, a bathtub water pump, and a refrigerant and bathtub of the heat pump circuit. A bath water circuit having a bath heat exchanger in which water exchanges heat, a bypass circuit that branches a refrigerant circuit in the bath heat exchanger and is connected to a refrigerant outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and the bypass circuit. A bypass circuit opening and closing valve, a pressure sensor for detecting a pressure at a refrigerant inlet or an outlet of the bath heat exchanger, and control means for controlling the bypass circuit opening and closing valve based on a detected pressure of the pressure sensor. A heat pump bath water heater characterized in that: