JP2003254620A - Hot water supply system and its boiling control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water supply system controlling energization to a heating means based on information of a use of hot water under an actual use condition, securing hot water conforming to the actual use of hot water, and boiling hot water corresponding to a power rate scheme and a life style. <P>SOLUTION: When the present time is out of the main energizing time zone, and if an estimated hot water use calculated based on the information of hot water use per a unit time and a using time zone of, at least, past several days is larger than the total of the amount of the residual hot water in the hot water storage tank at the present time and an amount of obtainable hot water corresponding to the boiling time from the present time to a time of integer times of the unit time, the energization to the heating means is started to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2003,JPO

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a water heater that basically uses late-night power, and more specifically, to a water heater that performs boiling according to a user's hot water usage condition, power charge form, and the like. The present invention relates to the boiling control method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art As an example of a water heater that basically uses late-night power, there is the invention disclosed in Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2-219949. The electric water heater (water heater) disclosed in Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. Hei 2-219949 has a limitation in that the electric water heater is limited to perform boiling only in a specific midnight power supply time zone designated by a conventional electric power company. In order to improve the above, the heating element of the electric water heater can be energized at any time, and when the amount of hot water used is large, it can be reheated.

That is, the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank is detected by means for detecting the amount of remaining hot water provided in the hot water storage tank to detect the presence or absence of a predetermined amount of remaining hot water, and when the amount of remaining hot water falls below a predetermined amount, the automatic reheating setting means operates. The heating element is energized to automatically start reheating and prevent hot water shortage.

[0004]

In the conventional electric water heater (water heater) as described above, is the amount of residual hot water in the hot water storage tank below a predetermined amount based on the residual hot water amount detection means provided in the hot water storage tank? The predetermined amount of the remaining hot water amount serving as the determination reference is centrally determined depending on which part of the hot water storage tank the remaining hot water amount detecting means is provided. For this reason, it is difficult to adapt to the actual use of hot water due to today's diversifying lifestyles.If the predetermined amount of remaining hot water as a criterion is too large, energy is wasted, and if it is too small. Could run out of water. Therefore, it was incomplete in that it properly boiled water corresponding to the lifestyle, which is an essential purpose, and used energy efficiently.

The present invention has been made in order to solve the above problems, and controls the energization of the heating means on the basis of information such as the amount of hot water used according to the actual use conditions, and the actual use of hot water. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a water heater and a boiling control method that can efficiently use energy by securing hot water that conforms to the regulations and boiling the hot water according to the electricity rate form and lifestyle. It is a thing.

[0006]

The boiling control method for a water heater according to the present invention detects the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank at the current time when the current time is outside the main energization time zone, and To calculate the amount of hot water that can be secured that corresponds to the boiling time from the preset time to an integer multiple of the unit time, and based on the information on the amount of hot water used per unit time for the past several days and the time of day Calculates the estimated hot water usage corresponding to the estimated usage time from the time to a time that is an integral multiple of the unit time, and starts energizing the heating means when the estimated hot water usage is greater than the sum of the remaining hot water quantity and the securable hot water quantity. Then, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is boiled.

The boiling control method of the water heater according to the present invention detects the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank at the current time when the current time is outside the main energization time zone, and sets the preset unit from the current time. Calculates the amount of hot water that can be secured corresponding to the boiling time until a time that is an integer multiple of the time, and based on the amount of hot water used per unit time for the past several days and the information of the used time zone, an integer of the unit time from the current time When the estimated hot water amount corresponding to the estimated use time up to the double time is calculated, the estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, and the current time is outside the preset energization prohibition time period. In addition, it is a method of boiling electricity in the hot water storage tank by starting to energize the heating means.

A hot water heater boiling control method according to the present invention is a method of arbitrarily setting an energization time zone including at least a main energization time zone or an energization prohibition time zone.

The boiling control method for a water heater according to the present invention is such that when the estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, or the estimated hot water amount is calculated based on the sum of the residual hot water amount and the securable hot water amount. Is large and the current time is outside the energization prohibition time zone, the control for starting energization of the heating means to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank is arbitrarily selected as needed.

A water heater according to the present invention includes a hot water storage tank, a heating means for heating hot water in the hot water storage tank, a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of hot and cold water in the hot water storage tank, and a residual hot water amount in the hot water storage tank. The remaining hot water amount detecting means and the control device for controlling the energization of the heating means based on the detection result of the temperature detecting means, and boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank, the control device, at least the past several days. A storage unit that stores a preset amount of hot water used per unit time and a period of use, a detection result of the temperature detection unit, a preset boiling temperature, a heat amount provided by the heating unit, and an integer of the unit time from the current time. A secureable hot water amount calculation unit that calculates a secureable hot water amount corresponding to the boiling time based on the boiling time up to twice the time, and at least the past several days per unit time stored in the storage unit. Estimated used hot water amount calculation unit that calculates the estimated used hot water amount corresponding to the estimated use time from the current time to the time that is an integral multiple of the unit time based on the information about the amount of hot water used and the time period used, and estimated use by the estimated used hot water amount calculation unit When the amount of hot water is greater than the sum of the amount of hot water remaining at the current time by the amount of remaining hot water detecting means and the amount of hot water that can be secured by the storable hot water amount calculation unit,
An output section is provided for starting the energization of the heating means to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank.

The water heater according to the present invention comprises a hot water storage tank, heating means for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and detection of the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank. The remaining hot water amount detecting means and the control device for controlling the energization of the heating means based on the detection result of the temperature detecting means, and boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank, the control device, at least the past several days. A storage unit that stores a preset amount of hot water used per unit time and a period of use, a detection result of the temperature detection unit, a preset boiling temperature, a heat amount provided by the heating unit, and an integer of the unit time from the current time. A secureable hot water amount calculation unit that calculates a secureable hot water amount corresponding to the boiling time based on the boiling time up to twice the time, and at least the past several days per unit time stored in the storage unit. Estimate the amount of hot water used corresponding to the estimated use time from the current time to the time that is an integer multiple of the unit time based on the information on the amount of hot water used and the time of use, and prohibit the energization of the heating means. The energization prohibition time zone storage unit that stores the energization prohibition time period, and the estimated hot water amount calculated by the estimated hot water amount calculation unit are more than the sum of the remaining hot water amount at the current time by the remaining hot water amount detection unit and the securable hot water amount ensureable by the securable hot water amount calculation unit. Provided is an output unit that is large and starts the energization of the heating means to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank when the current time is outside the energization prohibition time zone stored in the energization prohibition time zone storage unit. It is a thing.

The water heater according to the present invention is provided with setting means for arbitrarily setting an energization time zone including at least the main energization time zone or an energization prohibition time zone.

In the water heater according to the present invention, when the estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, or the estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the residual hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, and the current time. Is provided outside of the energization prohibition time zone, a selection means is provided for arbitrarily selecting control for starting energization of the heating means to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank as needed.

In the water heater according to the present invention, the setting means and the selecting means are provided in the operating means.

[0015]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram of the first embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, reference numeral 1 is a hot water storage tank, to which water is supplied by a water supply pipe (not shown) having a water pipe or the like as a water source connected to the tip thereof, and a hot water supply pipe having a water supply faucet or the like connected to the tip thereof (see FIG. Hot water is boiled up by (not shown). Reference numeral 2 denotes a heating element provided below the hot water storage tank 1 to generate heat when energized to heat the hot water in the hot water storage tank 1. A temperature sensor 3 is provided below the wall surface of the hot water storage tank 1 and detects the temperature TW and the boiling temperature T of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 1,
Reference numeral 4 denotes a residual hot water sensor which is provided from above the wall surface of the hot water storage tank 1 to an intermediate portion thereof and detects the residual hot water amount Q1 in the hot water storage tank 1 by detecting the temperature TW of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 1.

Reference numeral 5 is a timer which is a sundial, 6 is an operating switch and a display section (not shown) for performing basic settings such as the boiling temperature T and settings desired by the user such as the additional heating regardless of the time zone. It is a remote controller (remote controller) that is an operation unit provided with ().

Reference numeral 7 is a control device electrically connected to the heating element 2, the temperature sensor 3, the residual hot water sensor 4, the timer 5 and the remote controller 6, and is provided with respective parts 8 to 19 described later. The energization of the heating element 2 is controlled on the basis of the detected temperature, and the hot and cold water in the hot water storage tank 1 is boiled to a preset boiling temperature T by the remote controller 6.

Reference numeral 8 is a main energization time zone storage unit for storing a main energization time zone (for example, a low electricity rate from 23:00 to 7:00 the next morning), and 9 is a preset unit which is a reference for estimating the amount of hot water used. In the unit time storage unit that stores the time α, it is desirable to set this unit time α in consideration of a time unit that can reflect the degree of change in the amount of hot water used depending on the living time period, and here, for example, it is set to 1 hour. It may be more or less than this. 10 is based on the information from the timer 5 and the main energization time zone and the unit time α stored in the main energization time zone storage unit 8 and the unit time storage unit 9.
The current time t is the main energization time zone, or the driving time T from the time when the driving of the water heater is started to the current time t
It is a time calculation unit that calculates whether S is a unit time α or more.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a hot water amount computing section for calculating the hot water amount Q used within the unit time α, and the capacity M of the hot water storage tank 1 (for example, 370) determined by the model of the water heater.
L, 460 L, etc.), the amount Q of hot water used is calculated by subtracting the amount Q1 of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 1 detected by the remaining hot water sensor 4 (Q = M−Q1). 12 is the amount of hot water used per unit time α calculated by the hot water amount calculation unit 11 and the usage time zone TH in which the hot water is used for the past several days (may be for several weeks, for several months, etc.) The hot water amount / use time zone storage unit that stores the hot water amount Q and its use time period TH, 13 denotes the remaining hot water amount storage unit that stores the remaining hot water amount Q1 in the hot water storage tank 1 at the current time t, and 14 denotes the current time t.
To the time t1 which is an integral multiple of the unit time α, the amount of hot water that can be boiled by energizing in the boiling time T1, that is, the storable hot water amount Q2 corresponding to the boiling time T1 is calculated based on the calculation formula (1) described later. A securable hot water amount calculation unit, 15 is a securable hot water amount Q calculated by the secure hot water amount calculation unit 14.
It is a securable hot water storage unit that stores 2.

[0020]

[Equation 1]

Reference numeral 16 is based on the amount of hot water used per unit time α including the past several days stored in the hot water amount / use time zone storage unit 12 and the information such as the time zone TH in which the hot water is used. , The first estimated hot water amount q1 corresponding to the first estimated use time from the current time t to the main energization start time t0 and the second estimation from the main energization start time t0 to the time t1 which is an integral multiple of the unit time α. An estimated used hot water amount calculation unit for calculating a second estimated used hot water amount q2 corresponding to the use time, and 17 stores the first estimated used hot water amount q1 and the second estimated used hot water amount q2 calculated by the estimated used hot water amount calculating unit 16. In the estimated used hot water amount storage unit, the estimated used hot water amount in the initial state of the water heater 100 is replaced with appropriate dummy data because there is no actual usage record up to that point.

Reference numeral 18 denotes the remaining hot water amount Q1 stored in the remaining hot water amount storage unit 13, the securable hot water amount Q2 stored in the securable hot water amount storage unit 15, and the first estimated hot water amount q1 stored in the estimated hot water amount storage unit 17. And a hot water amount shortage determination unit that determines whether a hot water amount shortage occurs based on the second estimated used hot water amount q2, and 19 generates heat based on the determination result of the hot water amount shortage determination unit 18, the calculation result of the time calculation unit 10, and the like. It is an output unit that controls the power supply to the body 2. The water heater 100 is composed of the above-mentioned parts.

Next, the water heater 10 according to the first embodiment
The operation of 0 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 and Table 1. Table 1 is as follows.

[0024]

[Table 1]

First, when water is supplied from the water supply pipe into the hot water storage tank 1 and becomes full, the control unit 7 stores the information from the timer 5 and the main energization time zone storage unit 8 by the time calculation unit 10. Based on the information on the main energization time zone, it is determined whether the current time t is the main energization time zone. At the first time, the output unit 19 starts energizing the heating element 2 regardless of the time zone and the hot water storage tank 1 The water inside is heated, and based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 3, the water inside the hot water storage tank 1 is boiled to a preset boiling temperature T by the remote controller 6. After boiling, the output unit 19 of the control device 7 stops the energization of the heating element 2 so that hot water can be supplied from the hot water supply pipe. When hot water is supplied from the hot water supply pipe, at the same time, the supplied amount of water is supplied from the water supply pipe into the hot water storage tank 1, and the time calculation unit 10 of the control device 7 stores the information from the timer 5 and the main energization time zone storage. Based on the section 8, it is determined whether the current time t is the main energization time zone (step S21 of FIG. 2), and if the current time t is the main energization time zone, the heating element 2 is output by the output section 19 as described above. Is energized to heat the water and bring it to the boil (step S22).

When the current time t is not the main energization time zone,
Based on the information from the timer 5 and the information on the unit time α stored in the unit time storage unit 9, the time calculation unit 10 of the control device 7 drives the water heater 100 from the start time to the current time t. It is determined whether the time TS is equal to or longer than the unit time α (step S23). When the unit time is equal to or longer than the unit time α, the used hot water amount Q used in the unit time α is calculated by the used hot water amount calculation unit 11, and the calculated use is calculated. Information on the amount of hot water Q and its use time zone TH is used hot water amount / use time zone storage unit 12
(Step S24). Further, the drive time TS from the time when the driving of the water heater 100 is started to the current time t
Is less than the unit time α, the remaining hot water amount Q1 in the hot water storage tank 1 at the current time t is detected by the remaining hot water sensor 4, and the detected remaining hot water amount Q1 is stored in the remaining hot water amount storage unit 13 (from Table 1, When the current time t is 21:00, the residual hot water amount Q1 is 50.
L, 30L at 22:00, 0 at 23:00
L). Then, the secureable hot water amount Q2 corresponding to the boiling time T1 from the current time t to the time t1 which is an integral multiple of the unit time α is calculated by the secureable hot water amount calculation unit 14 (from Table 1, the current time t is 21:00). Amount of hot water that can be secured at the time Q2
150 L, 100 L at 22:00, 50 L at 23:00), and is stored in the securable hot water storage unit 15 (step S25).

Next, based on the amount of hot water used Q stored in the amount of hot water used / time of use storage unit 12 and the like, the estimated hot water amount calculation unit 16 of the control device 7 determines whether or not the current from the current time t to the main energization start time t0. The first estimated used hot water amount q1 corresponding to the first estimated used time and the second estimated used hot water amount q2 corresponding to the second estimated used time from the main energization start time t0 to the time t1 which is an integral multiple of the unit time α. Calculated (from Table 1,
When the current time t is 21:00, the first estimated hot water usage q1
Is 100 L, the second estimated hot water amount q2 is 60 L, the first estimated hot water amount q1 is 80 L at 22:00, the second estimated hot water amount q2 is 60 L, and the first estimated hot water amount q1 is 23:00. Is 0L, the second estimated hot water amount q2 is 60
L), the first estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2 are stored in the estimated hot water amount storage unit 17 (step S26). It should be noted that the first estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2 are the hot water amount Q per unit time α stored in the hot water amount / use time period storage unit 12 and the use time period TH, etc. Using the information, for example, the information of the past one week is compared, and the case where the amount Q of hot water used is the largest is used as the estimated amount of hot water used in the use time zone TH, or the amount Q of hot water used is calculated based on the information of multiple weeks for each day of the week. It is calculated using any of various methods such as taking an average value.

Next, by the hot water shortage determination unit 18 of the control device 7, the sum of the remaining hot water amount Q1 stored in the remaining hot water amount storage unit 13 and the securable hot water amount Q2 stored in the securable hot water amount storage unit 15 (Q1 + Q2). And the first estimated used hot water amount q1 and the second estimated used hot water amount q2 stored in the estimated used hot water amount storage unit 17.
(Q1 + q2) is compared (step S27), and the sum of the first estimated used hot water amount q1 and the second estimated used hot water amount q2 (according to Table 1 is 100 L when the current time t is 21:00).
+ 60L = 160L) is the remaining hot water amount Q1 and the securable hot water amount Q
The sum of 2 and 2 (according to Table 1, 50L + 150L = 200L at the current time t of 21:00) or less (q1 + q2
(160L) ≦ Q1 + Q2 (200L)), it is determined that the amount of hot water is sufficient at the present time, and the output unit 19 of the control device 7
Does not energize the heating element 2 (step S28),
It returns to step S21 mentioned above.

Further, the sum of the first estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2 (from Table 1, the current time t is 22
80L + 60L = 140L at the time point), the remaining hot water amount Q
1 and the available hot water amount Q2 (from Table 1, current time t
Is greater than 30L + 100L = 130L at 22:00 (q1 + q2 (140L)> Q1 + Q2
(130L)) is determined to be insufficient hot water,
In order to avoid the shortage of hot water
The output unit 19 starts energizing the heating element 2 to boil the water in the hot water storage tank 1 to a preset boiling temperature T (step S29). After boiling, the water heater 100 is ready for hot water supply, and returns to step S21 described above. Similarly, in Table 1, when the current time t is 23:00,
The sum of the estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2 becomes larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount Q1 and the securable hot water amount Q2 (q1 + q2 (60L)> Q1 + Q2 (50
L)), it is determined that the amount of hot water is insufficient, and the output unit 19 starts energizing the heating element 2 to boil the water in the hot water storage tank 1.

In this way, the sum of the first estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2 (q1 + q2) and the sum of the remaining hot water amount Q1 and the securable hot water amount Q2 (Q1 + Q2) are compared, First estimated hot water amount q1 and second estimated hot water amount q2
The sum of (q1 + q2) is the remaining hot water amount Q1 and the securable hot water amount Q.
When it is larger than the sum of 2 and (Q1 + Q2) (q1 + q2
> Q1 + Q2), it is determined that the amount of hot water is insufficient and the water in the hot water storage tank 1 is boiled. Therefore, as in the conventional hot water heater, the remaining hot water amount is centrally set at the position where the remaining hot water amount detecting means is provided, and only when the remaining hot water amount is lower than that, the heating element is energized to secure the hot water amount, not the actual hot water amount. Estimated hot water amounts q1 and q2, remaining hot water amount Q1, and storable hot water amount Q2 based on information such as hot water amount Q according to usage conditions
It is possible to avoid the shortage of hot water by controlling the energization of the heating element 2 while comparing As a result, it is possible to secure hot water that matches the actual usage of hot water due to today's diversifying lifestyles, and it is possible to boil water appropriately for the lifestyle and use energy efficiently. The water heater 100 can be obtained.

Embodiment 2. FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the configuration of the second embodiment of the present invention. This second embodiment is the same as the first embodiment.
In the water heater 100 according to the present invention, the control device 7 is provided with an energization prohibition time zone storage unit 20 in which a time zone in which it is not desired to energize the heating element 2 preset by the remote controller 6, that is, an energization prohibition time zone is stored. It is a thing. The energization prohibited time zone in the second embodiment is, for example, the midnight power time zone with the lowest power rate (23:00 to 7:00 the next morning) and the time zones before and after the midnight power time zone with a slightly low power rate (7). Except for the hours from 10:00 to 17:00 and from 17:00 to 23:00, it is the daytime hours (10:00 to 17:00) with the highest electricity charges.
It can be changed appropriately according to the needs of the user.

Next, the water heater 10 according to the second embodiment
The action of 0 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. First, as in the case described in the first embodiment, the hot water storage tank 1 is filled with water and boiled to a preset boiling temperature T so that hot water can be supplied from the hot water supply pipe.
A desired energization prohibition time zone is set by the remote controller 6, and the control device 7 stores the set energization prohibition time zone in the energization prohibition time zone storage unit 20. Then, when hot water is supplied from the hot water supply pipe, at the same time, the supplied amount of water is supplied from the water supply pipe into the hot water storage tank 1, and the time calculation unit 10 of the control device 7
Based on the information from the timer 5 and the main energization time zone storage unit 8, it is determined whether the current time t is the main energization time zone (step S31 in FIG. 3), and if the current time t is the main energization time zone. As described above, the output unit 19 of the control device 7 starts energizing the heating element 2 to heat the water and boil it (step S32).

When the current time t is not the main energization time zone,
Based on the information from the timer 5 and the information on the unit time α stored in the unit time storage unit 9, the time calculation unit 10 of the control device 7 drives the water heater 100 from the start time to the current time t. It is determined whether or not the time TS is equal to or longer than the unit time α (step S33), and when it is equal to or longer than the unit time α, the used hot water amount Q used in the unit time α is calculated by the used hot water amount calculation unit 11, and the calculated use is calculated. Information on the amount of hot water Q and its use time zone TH is used hot water amount / use time zone storage unit 12
(Step S34). Further, the drive time TS from the time when the driving of the water heater 100 is started to the current time t
Is less than the unit time α, the remaining hot water amount Q1 in the hot water storage tank 1 at the current time t is detected by the remaining hot water sensor 4, and the detected remaining hot water amount Q1 is stored in the remaining hot water amount storage unit 13. Then, the secureable hot water amount Q2 corresponding to the boiling time T1 from the current time t to the time t1 that is an integral multiple of the unit time α is calculated by the secureable hot water amount calculation unit 14 and stored in the secureable hot water amount storage unit 15 (step S35).

Next, based on the amount of hot water used / the amount Q of hot water stored in the amount of hot water used / time of use storage unit 12, the estimated hot water amount calculation unit 16 of the control device 7 determines whether or not the current from the current time t to the main energization start time t0. The first estimated used hot water amount q1 corresponding to the first estimated used time and the second estimated used hot water amount q2 corresponding to the second estimated used time from the main energization start time t0 to the time t1 which is an integral multiple of the unit time α. The calculated estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2 are stored in the estimated hot water amount storage unit 17 (step S36).

Next, the sum of the remaining hot water amount Q1 stored in the remaining hot water amount storage unit 13 and the securable hot water amount Q2 stored in the securable hot water amount storage unit 15 is calculated by the hot water shortage determination unit 18 of the control device 7 (Q1 + Q2). And the first estimated used hot water amount q1 and the second estimated used hot water amount q2 stored in the estimated used hot water amount storage unit 17.
(Q1 + q2) is compared (step S37), and the sum (q1 + q2) of the first estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2 is the sum of the remaining hot water amount Q1 and the storable hot water amount Q2 (Q1 + Q2). ) In the following case (q1 + q2 ≦ Q1 + Q
In 2), it is determined that the amount of hot water is insufficient at the present time, the output unit 19 of the control device 7 does not energize the heating element 2 (step S38), and the process returns to step S31 described above.

When the sum (q1 + q2) of the first estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2 is larger than the sum (Q1 + Q2) of the remaining hot water amount Q1 and the securable hot water amount Q2 (q1 + q2> Q1 + Q2). ) Is determined that the amount of hot water is insufficient, and the control device 7 determines whether the current time t is the energization prohibition time zone stored in the energization prohibition time zone storage unit 20 by the time calculation unit 10 (step). S3
9). When the current time t is not in the energization prohibited time zone, the output unit 19 of the control device 7 is provided in order to avoid the shortage of hot water.
Thus, the energization of the heating element 2 is started, and the water in the hot water storage tank 1 is boiled to the preset boiling temperature T (step S40). After boiling, the water heater 100 is ready for hot water supply, and the process returns to step S31 described above. If the current time t is in the energization prohibited time zone, the output unit 19 does not energize the heating element 2 (step S38) and the process returns to step S31. At this time, although there is a possibility that the shortage of hot water cannot be avoided, when the current time t is not within the energization prohibited time zone, the output unit 19 of the control device 7 immediately boiled the water to avoid the shortage of hot water.

As described above, the sum (q1 + q2) of the first estimated used hot water amount q1 and the second estimated used hot water amount q2 is the sum of the remaining hot water amount Q1 and the securable hot water amount Q2 (Q1 + Q2) except during the energization prohibition time period. ) Is larger than (q1 + q2> Q1
+ Q2), it is determined that a hot water shortage will occur and the water in the hot water storage tank 1 will be boiled up. Therefore, the shortage of hot water can be avoided and the midnight power system as part of the recent deregulation has been implemented. Depending on the diversification of the electricity tariff (for example, midnight is the cheapest electricity tariff, the hours before and after that are a little higher, the daytime tariff is extremely high, etc.) It is also possible to meet the setting needs of the user who is conscious of the electricity rate for controlling the boiling, and it is possible to obtain the water heater 100 that can respond to more detailed usage patterns and lifestyles.

In the second embodiment described above, the user arbitrarily sets the energization prohibition time period, and when it is determined that the amount of hot water is insufficient outside the energization prohibition time period, the heating element 2 is energized. Although the case has been shown where the water in the hot water storage tank is boiled up, the user may control the boiling of water by setting not only the energization prohibition period but also the energization period. Also in this case, it is possible to meet various needs of users.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the case where the heating element 2 is used for boiling hot water has been shown, but the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, heat pump system or utilization of waste heat of a fuel cell is used. As long as it is a means for obtaining heat by energization, such as a cogeneration system in the above, it can be appropriately changed, and the same effect can be obtained in these cases.

Further, in the above-described first and second embodiments, the case where a plurality of residual hot water sensors 4 are provided to detect the residual hot water amount Q1 in the hot water storage tank 1 is shown. Amount of remaining hot water Q1
May be detected.

Further, in the first and second embodiments described above, the estimated hot water usage amount calculation unit 16 causes the first estimated hot water quantity q1 corresponding to the first estimated hot time from the current time t to the main energization start time t0. And the second estimated hot water amount q2 corresponding to the second estimated hot water amount from the main energization start time t0 to the time t1 which is an integral multiple of the unit time α is calculated, and the calculated first estimated hot water amount q1 and second Sum of estimated hot water usage q2 (q
1 + q2) and the sum (Q1 + Q2) of the remaining hot water amount Q1 and the storable hot water amount Q2 are shown, but the estimated hot water amount is not divided into the first estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2. , The estimated hot water usage q corresponding to the estimated usage time from the current time t to the time t1 that is an integral multiple of the unit time α
Alternatively, the estimated hot water amount q, the residual hot water amount Q1, and the sum (Q1 + Q2) of the securable hot water amount Q2 may be compared. Also in this case, the same effect is obtained.

In the above-described first and second embodiments, the first
When the sum (q1 + q2) of the estimated hot water amount q1 and the second estimated hot water amount q2 is larger than the sum (Q1 + Q2) of the remaining hot water amount Q1 and the securable hot water amount Q2 (q1 + q2> Q1).
Although the case where water is heated to + Q2) is shown, this control may be arbitrarily selected by the user. Also in this case, it is possible to meet various needs of users.

[0043]

As described above, the boiling control method for a water heater according to the present invention detects the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank at the current time when the current time is outside the main energization time zone, and To calculate the amount of hot water that can be secured that corresponds to the boiling time from the preset time to an integer multiple of the unit time, and based on the information on the amount of hot water used per unit time for the past several days and the time of day Calculates the estimated hot water usage corresponding to the estimated usage time from the time to a time that is an integral multiple of the unit time, and starts energizing the heating means when the estimated hot water usage is greater than the sum of the remaining hot water quantity and the securable hot water quantity. Since it is a method to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank, the remaining hot water amount is centrally set at the position where the remaining hot water amount detecting means is provided as in the conventional case, and the heating means is energized only when the remaining hot water amount falls below that. Go hot water Rather than of a secure, by performing the energization control of the heating means based on hot water or the like information of the use according to the actual conditions of use, it is possible to avoid lack hot water. As a result, it becomes possible to secure hot water that matches the actual usage of hot water due to today's diversifying lifestyles, and it is possible to boil water appropriately for the lifestyle and efficiently use energy.

The boiling control method of the water heater according to the present invention detects the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank at the current time when the current time is outside the main energization time zone, and sets the preset unit from the current time. Calculates the amount of hot water that can be secured corresponding to the boiling time until a time that is an integer multiple of the time, and based on the amount of hot water used per unit time for the past several days and the information of the used time zone, an integer of the unit time from the current time When the estimated hot water amount corresponding to the estimated use time up to the double time is calculated, the estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, and the current time is outside the preset energization prohibition time period. In addition, since it is a method to start heating the heating means to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank, it is possible to avoid a shortage of hot water and to implement the late-night power system as part of the recent deregulation. In accordance with the electricity charges form through the diversification, it is possible to control the boiling in the expensive time zone.

Since the boiling control method of the water heater according to the present invention is a method of arbitrarily setting the energization time zone including at least the main energization time zone or the energization prohibition time zone, it is possible to raise the boiling time in an expensive time zone. It can be controlled and can meet the needs of users who are conscious of electricity charges.

The boiling control method of the water heater according to the present invention is such that when the estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, or the estimated hot water amount is calculated based on the sum of the residual hot water amount and the securable hot water amount. Is also large and the current time is outside the energization prohibition time zone, it is a method of starting the energization of the heating means and boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank, as it is a method of arbitrarily selecting it as necessary. It is possible to support more detailed usage patterns and lifestyles.

The water heater according to the present invention has a hot water storage tank, a heating means for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, a temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a residual hot water amount in the hot water storage tank. The remaining hot water amount detecting means and the control device for controlling the energization of the heating means based on the detection result of the temperature detecting means, and boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank, the control device, at least the past several days. A storage unit that stores a preset amount of hot water used per unit time and a period of use, a detection result of the temperature detection unit, a preset boiling temperature, a heat amount provided by the heating unit, and an integer of the unit time from the current time. A secureable hot water amount calculation unit that calculates a secureable hot water amount corresponding to the boiling time based on the boiling time up to twice the time, and at least the past several days per unit time stored in the storage unit. Estimated used hot water amount calculation unit that calculates the estimated used hot water amount corresponding to the estimated use time from the current time to the time that is an integral multiple of the unit time based on the information about the amount of hot water used and the time period used, and estimated use by the estimated used hot water amount calculation unit When the amount of hot water is greater than the sum of the amount of hot water remaining at the current time by the amount of remaining hot water detecting means and the amount of hot water that can be secured by the storable hot water amount calculation unit,
Since the output part that starts the energization of the heating means to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank is provided, the energization control to the heating means is performed based on the information such as the amount of hot water used according to the actual usage conditions. The shortage can be avoided. This allows
It becomes possible to secure hot water that matches the actual usage of hot water due to today's diversifying lifestyles, and to provide a water heater that can properly boil water according to the lifestyle and use energy efficiently. Obtainable.

The hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a hot water storage tank, heating means for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank. The remaining hot water amount detecting means and the control device for controlling the energization of the heating means based on the detection result of the temperature detecting means, and boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank, the control device, at least the past several days. A storage unit that stores a preset amount of hot water used per unit time and a period of use, a detection result of the temperature detection unit, a preset boiling temperature, a heat amount provided by the heating unit, and an integer of the unit time from the current time. A secureable hot water amount calculation unit that calculates a secureable hot water amount corresponding to the boiling time based on the boiling time up to twice the time, and at least the past several days per unit time stored in the storage unit. Estimate the amount of hot water used corresponding to the estimated use time from the current time to the time that is an integer multiple of the unit time based on the information on the amount of hot water used and the time of use, and prohibit the energization of the heating means. The energization prohibition time zone storage unit that stores the energization prohibition time period, and the estimated hot water amount calculated by the estimated hot water amount calculation unit are more than the sum of the remaining hot water amount at the current time by the remaining hot water amount detection unit and the securable hot water amount ensureable by the securable hot water amount calculation unit. Provided is an output unit that is large and starts the energization of the heating means to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank when the current time is outside the energization prohibition time zone stored in the energization prohibition time zone storage unit. Therefore, shortage of hot water can be avoided, and boiling can be controlled in an expensive time zone in accordance with the electricity charge pattern due to the diversification of the late-night electricity system as part of the recent deregulation. Water heater can be obtained.

Since the water heater according to the present invention is provided with the setting means for arbitrarily setting the energization time zone including at least the main energization time zone or the energization prohibition time zone, it is possible to meet the needs of the user who is conscious of the electricity charge. You can get a hot water heater.

In the water heater according to the present invention, when the estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, or the estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the residual hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, and the current time. The control means for starting the energization of the heating means and boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank when the power supply is not in the non-energization time zone is provided with a selection means for arbitrarily selecting it as needed, so that it is more detailed. It is possible to obtain a water heater that can be used in various usage patterns and lifestyles.

In the water heater according to the present invention, since the setting means and the selecting means are provided in the operating means, it is possible to set the energization prohibition time period and the like and to select the boiling water boiling control when there is a risk of insufficient hot water. A water heater can be obtained which can be performed by a simple operation.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a configuration explanatory diagram of a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of boiling control according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration explanatory diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of boiling control according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 hot water storage tank, 2 heating element, 3 temperature sensor, 4 remaining hot water sensor, 6 remote controller, 7 control device, 12 hot water amount / use time zone storage unit, 14 securable hot water amount calculation unit, 1
6 Estimated hot water amount calculation unit, 19 Output unit, 20 Energization prohibited time zone storage unit, 100 Hot water heater.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. When the current time is outside the main energization time zone,
The amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank at the current time is detected, and the storable hot water amount corresponding to the boiling time from the current time to a time that is an integral multiple of a preset unit time is calculated, and at least the past several days. The estimated hot water amount corresponding to the estimated use time from the current time to an integral multiple of the unit time is calculated based on information on the hot water amount per unit time and the use time zone of the minute, and the estimated hot water amount is A boiling control method for a water heater, wherein when the amount of remaining hot water and the amount of securable hot water are greater than the sum of the amount of hot water that can be secured, the heating means is energized to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank. 2. When the current time is outside the main energization time period,
The amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank at the current time is detected, and the storable hot water amount corresponding to the boiling time from the current time to a time that is an integral multiple of a preset unit time is calculated, and at least the past several days. The estimated hot water amount corresponding to the estimated use time from the current time to an integral multiple of the unit time is calculated based on information on the hot water amount per unit time and the use time zone of the minute, and the estimated hot water amount is When the current time is larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount and the securable hot water amount and the current time is outside the preset energization prohibition time, the heating means is energized to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank. A method for controlling boiling of a water heater, which is characterized in that it is performed. 3. The boiling control method for a water heater according to claim 1, wherein an energization time zone including at least a main energization time zone or an energization prohibition time zone is arbitrarily set. 4. The estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, or the estimated hot water amount is larger than the sum of the residual hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, and the current time is other than the energization prohibited time period. The control for starting the energization of the heating means and boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank at any time is arbitrarily selected according to need.
2. The boiling control method for a water heater according to any one of 1. 5. A hot water storage tank, heating means for heating hot water in the hot water storage tank, temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank, and residual hot water amount for detecting a residual hot water amount in the hot water storage tank. A detection device and a control device that controls energization to the heating device based on the detection result of the temperature detection device, and boiles the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and the control device has at least the past several days. A storage unit that stores a preset amount of hot water used per unit time and a preset time zone, a detection result of the temperature detection unit, a preset boiling temperature, a heat amount given by the heating unit, and the current time from the current time. A secureable hot water amount calculation unit that calculates a secureable hot water amount corresponding to the boiling time based on the boiling time until a time that is an integral multiple of the unit time, and at least the past stored in the storage unit. An estimated hot water usage amount calculation unit that calculates an estimated hot water usage amount corresponding to an estimated usage time from the current time to an integral multiple of the unit time based on information on the hot water usage per unit time for the day and the usage time zone, When the estimated hot water amount calculated by the estimated hot water amount calculation unit is larger than the sum of the remaining hot water amount at the current time by the remaining hot water amount detection unit and the storable hot water amount by the storable hot water amount calculation unit, energization to the heating unit is started. And a water heater for boiling water in the hot water storage tank. 6. A hot water storage tank, heating means for heating hot water in the hot water storage tank, temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank, and residual hot water amount for detecting a residual hot water quantity in the hot water storage tank. A detection device and a control device that controls energization to the heating device based on the detection result of the temperature detection device, and boiles the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and the control device has at least the past several days. A storage unit that stores a preset amount of hot water used per unit time and a preset time zone, a detection result of the temperature detection unit, a preset boiling temperature, a heat amount given by the heating unit, and the current time from the current time. A secureable hot water amount calculation unit that calculates a secureable hot water amount corresponding to the boiling time based on the boiling time until a time that is an integral multiple of the unit time, and at least the past stored in the storage unit. An estimated hot water usage amount calculation unit that calculates an estimated hot water usage amount corresponding to an estimated usage time from the current time to an integral multiple of the unit time based on information on the hot water usage per unit time for the day and the usage time zone, An energization prohibition time zone storage unit that stores an energization prohibition time period that prohibits energization of the heating unit, and an estimated hot water amount calculated by the estimated hot water amount calculation unit can be secured with the remaining hot water amount at the current time by the remaining hot water amount detecting unit. When the current time is larger than the sum of the hot water amount that can be secured by the hot water amount calculation unit and the current time is outside the power supply prohibition time zone stored in the power supply prohibition time zone storage unit, power supply to the heating means is started to A water heater characterized by being provided with an output section for boiling hot water in a hot water storage tank. 7. The water heater according to claim 5, further comprising setting means for arbitrarily setting an energization time zone including at least a main energization time zone or an energization prohibition time zone. 8. The estimated hot water amount is greater than the sum of the remaining hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, or the estimated hot water amount is greater than the sum of the residual hot water amount and the securable hot water amount, and the current time is outside the energization prohibition period. 8. At the time of, the selection means for arbitrarily selecting the control for starting the energization of the heating means to boil the hot water in the hot water storage tank according to need is provided. Water heater described in either. 9. The water heater according to claim 7, wherein the setting means and the selecting means are provided in the operating means.