JP2004116890A

JP2004116890A - Hot water storage-type hot water supply device

Info

Publication number: JP2004116890A
Application number: JP2002280675A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Masao Tomita; 冨田　賢雄; Akira Ito; 伊藤　彰; Koji Kojima; 小島　幸治; Tokujiyun Hirono; 広野　徳純; Kei Maeda; 前田　圭; Akira Matsuo; 松尾　亮
Original assignee: Corona Corp
Current assignee: Corona Corp
Priority date: 2002-09-26
Filing date: 2002-09-26
Publication date: 2004-04-15
Anticipated expiration: 2022-09-26
Also published as: JP3950032B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water storage-type hot water supply device supplying the hot water of predetermined temperature from a plurality of hot water supply ends, and effectively using the moderate water in a hot water storage tank. <P>SOLUTION: This hot water storage-type hot water supply device comprises a moderate water tapping pipe 29 tapping moderate water in the hot water storage tank 2, a moderate water mixing valve 30 mixing hot-temperature water from a tapping pipe 8 and moderate water from the moderate tapping pipe 29, to arbitrary predetermined temperature, a first mixing valve 37 mixing hot water mixed by the moderate water mixing valve 30 and low-temperature water from a first bypass pipe 38 to first hot water supply set temperature and supplying the same from a first hot water supply end, and a second mixing valve 41 mixing hot water mixed by the moderate water mixing valve 30 and low-temperature water from the second bypass pipe 43 to second hot water supply set temperature, and supplying the same from a second hot water supply end, and the arbitrary temperature in mixing by the valve 30 is higher than one of the hot water supply set temperature by a specific temperature when hot water is supplied from one of the hot water supply end, and is higher than the higher hot water supply set temperature by a specific temperature, when hot water is supplied from both hot water supply ends. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は貯湯タンク内の湯水を熱源とする熱交換器を備えた貯湯式給湯装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来よりこの種のものにおいては、本願出願人による特願２００２−３９４７８号に開示されるように貯湯タンク内に貯湯された高温水を取り出して暖房やふろの追焚きの熱源として用いるものが提案されており、熱交換によって温度低下した中温水が貯湯タンク内に戻されると共に、貯湯タンクの中間部からこの中温水を取り出して給湯に用いるものがあった。そして、この中温水は貯湯タンク上部からの高温水と合流し給湯設定温度以上の温度に混合されて給湯されるものであった。
【０００３】
なお、このような従来の貯湯式給湯装置にかかる公知の刊行物を本願出願人は発見することができないが、貯湯タンク内に貯湯された高温水を熱源として暖房を行うものとして例えば特許文献１が挙げられる。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特許２６６３６３７号（図１）
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、この従来のものは、給湯混合弁の下流側で複数の給湯端に分岐して接続され、各給湯端にて任意に給湯設定温度が設定されるものであったが、場所によって異なる給湯設定温度の給湯要求があった場合に、何れか１つの給湯設定温度の湯しか給湯することができないものであった。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
そこで、本発明はこれらの課題を解決するために、請求項１では、給水管が下端部に接続されていると共に貯湯している高温水を流出させる出湯管が上端部に接続されている貯湯タンクと、この貯湯タンク内の湯水を高温に加熱する加熱手段と、前記貯湯タンクの上部に接続された高温水往き管から取り出した高温水を循環させて熱交換器で放熱させ、生成された中温水を前記貯湯タンク下部に接続された中温水戻し管から戻すようにした熱交循環回路と、前記貯湯タンクの前記中温水戻し管よりも高く且つ前記出湯管よりも低い位置に接続され、熱交換により生成された中温水を前記貯湯タンクから流出させるための中温水出湯管と、前記出湯管からの高温水と前記中温水出湯管からの中温水を任意の所定温度に混合する中温水混合弁と、前記中温水混合弁で混合された湯と前記給水管から分岐された第１バイパス管からの低温水とを任意の第１給湯設定温度に混合して第１給湯端から給湯させる第１混合弁と、前記中温水混合弁で混合された湯と前記給水管から分岐された第２バイパス管からの低温水とを任意の第２給湯設定温度に混合して第２給湯端から給湯させる第２混合弁とを備え、前記中温水混合弁で混合される任意の所定温度を、前記第１給湯設定温度と前記第２給湯設定温度のうち高い方の温度より一定温度高い温度とするようにした。
【０００７】
これにより、その時々の任意の給湯設定温度に応じて熱源として利用した中温水を可能な限り多く使って給湯を行うことができ、しかも複数の給湯端から同時給湯の要求がある時であっても、中温水を有効に使いつつ、各々の設定温度の湯を同時に給湯できるものであり、熱源となる高温水を無駄に使用することを抑制することができ熱源としての能力を多く確保できるものである。
【０００８】
また、請求項２では、給水管が下端部に接続されていると共に貯湯している高温水を流出させる出湯管が上端部に接続されている貯湯タンクと、この貯湯タンク内の湯水を高温に加熱する加熱手段と、前記貯湯タンクの上部に接続された高温水往き管から取り出した高温水を循環させて熱交換器で放熱させ、生成された中温水を前記貯湯タンク下部に接続された中温水戻し管から戻すようにした熱交循環回路と、前記貯湯タンクの前記中温水戻し管よりも高く且つ前記出湯管よりも低い位置に接続され、熱交換により生成された中温水を前記貯湯タンクから流出させるための中温水出湯管と、前記出湯管からの高温水と前記中温水出湯管からの中温水を任意の所定温度に混合する中温水混合弁と、前記中温水混合弁で混合された湯と前記給水管から分岐された第１バイパス管からの低温水とを任意の第１給湯設定温度に混合して第１給湯端から給湯させる第１混合弁と、前記中温水混合弁で混合された湯と前記給水管から分岐された第２バイパス管からの低温水とを任意の第２給湯設定温度に混合して第２給湯端から給湯させる第２混合弁とを備え、前記中温水混合弁で混合される任意の所定温度を、一方の給湯端からの給湯の場合はこの一方の給湯設定温度より一定温度高い温度とし、両方の給湯端からの同時給湯の場合は前記第１給湯設定温度と前記第２給湯設定温度のうち高い方の温度より一定温度高い温度とするようにした。
【０００９】
これにより、その時々の任意の給湯設定温度に応じて熱源として利用した中温水を可能な限り多く使って給湯を行うことができ、給湯が行われていない側の給湯設定温度が高い場合であっても、中温水混合弁で混合される任意の所定温度を、給湯設定温度の実際に給湯されている側の給湯設定温度よりも一定温度高い温度としているので、中温水を可能な限り多く使って給湯を行うことができると共に、複数の給湯端から同時給湯の要求がある時であっても、中温水を有効に使いつつ、各々の設定温度の湯を同時に給湯できるもので、熱源となる高温水を無駄に使用することを抑制して熱源としての能力を多く確保できるものである。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
次に、本発明の一実施形態の貯湯式給湯装置を図１〜図１０に基づき説明する。なお、図２〜図１０中の貯湯タンク内にハッチングした斜線は低温水、二重斜線は中温水、三重斜線は高温水を示し、矢印は湯水の流れ方向を示すものである。
【００１１】
この貯湯式給湯装置は、時間帯別契約電力の電力単価が安価な深夜時間帯に湯水を沸き上げて貯湯し、この貯湯した湯水を給湯に用いるもので、１は湯水を貯湯する貯湯タンク２を備えた貯湯タンクユニット、３は貯湯タンク内の湯水を加熱するヒートポンプユニット、４は台所や洗面所等に設けられた第１給湯端たる給湯栓、５はこの給湯栓４の近傍に設けられた給湯リモコン、６は浴槽、７は浴室に設けられたふろリモコンである。
【００１２】
前記貯湯タンクユニット１の貯湯タンク２は、上端に出湯管８と、下端に給水管９とが接続され、さらに、下部にヒーポン往き管１０と、上部にヒーポン戻り管１１とか接続され、前記ヒートポンプユニット３によってヒーポン往き管１０から取り出した貯湯タンク２内の湯水を沸き上げてヒーポン戻り管１１から貯湯タンク２内に戻して貯湯され、給水管９からの給水により貯湯タンク２内の湯水が押し上げられて貯湯タンク２内上部の高温水が出湯管８から押し出されて給湯されるものである。
【００１３】
前記ヒートポンプユニット３は、圧縮機１２と凝縮器としての冷媒−水熱交換器１３と電子膨張弁１４と強制空冷式の蒸発器１５で構成された加熱手段としてのヒートポンプ回路１６と、貯湯タンク２内の湯水を前記ヒーポン往き管１０およびヒーポン戻り管１１を介して冷媒−水熱交換器１３に循環させるヒーポン循環ポンプ１７と、それらの駆動を制御するヒーポン制御部１８とを備えており、ヒートポンプ回路１６内には冷媒として二酸化炭素が用いられて超臨界ヒートポンプサイクルを構成しているものである。なお、冷媒に二酸化炭素を用いているので、低温水を電熱ヒータなしで約９０℃の高温まで沸き上げることが可能なものである。
【００１４】
ここで、前記冷媒−水熱交換器１３は冷媒と被加熱水たる貯湯タンク２内の湯水とが対向して流れる対向流方式を採用しており、超臨界ヒートポンプサイクルでは熱交換時において冷媒は超臨界状態のまま凝縮されるため効率良く高温まで被加熱水を加熱することができ、被加熱水の冷媒−水熱交換器１３入口温度と冷媒の出口温度との温度差が一定になるように前記減圧器１４または圧縮機１２を制御することで、被加熱水の冷媒−水熱交換器１３の入口温度が５〜２０℃程度の低い温度であるとＣＯＰ（エネルギー消費効率）が３．０以上のとても良い状態で被加熱水を加熱することが可能なものである。
【００１５】
１９は前記浴槽６の湯水を加熱するための熱交換器で、その一次側には貯湯タンク２上部に接続された高温水往き管２０と貯湯タンク２下部に接続された中温水戻り管２１とが接続されて熱交循環回路２２を構成し、中温水戻り管２１途中に設けられた熱交循環ポンプ２３の作動により貯湯タンク２から取り出した高温水を熱交換器１９に循環させ、熱交換により温度低下した中温水を再び貯湯タンク２内に戻すものである。
【００１６】
前記熱交換器１９の二次側には、浴槽６の湯水を循環可能にふろ往き管２４とふろ戻り管２５より構成されるふろ循環回路２６が接続され、ふろ戻り管２５途中に設けられたふろ循環ポンプ２７の作動により浴槽６の湯水が熱交換器１９に循環されて、一次側の高温水により加熱されて浴槽６内の湯水の保温あるいは追焚きが行われるものである。なお、２８はふろ戻り管２５を循環する浴槽６の湯水の温度を検出するふろ温度センサである。
【００１７】
次に、２９は前記中温水戻り管２１より高く前記出湯管８より低い貯湯タンク２の中間位置に接続された中温水出湯管で、前記熱交換器１９で二次側と熱交換して温度低下した中温水を貯湯タンク２から出湯するものである。
【００１８】
３０は、前記中温水出湯管２９の下流に設けられた中温水混合弁で、貯湯タンク２中間位置付近の中温水と貯湯タンク２上端に接続された出湯管８からの高温水とを、その下流の第１出湯管３１に設けた出湯温度センサ３２で検出する湯温が、給湯リモコン５またはふろリモコン７でユーザーが設定した給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）またはふろ設定温度（第２給湯設定温度）より一定温度（例えば５℃）高い温度である任意の所定温度になるように混合比率を制御するものである。
【００１９】
ここで、前記中温水出湯管２９は出湯口切換弁３３を介して貯湯タンク２の中間位置の上下に設けられた第１中温水出湯口３４と第２中温水出湯口３５に接続され、何れか一方の出湯口から貯湯タンク２の中間位置付近に貯められている中温水を中温水混合弁３０に向けて出湯するものであり、下方の第１中温水出湯口３４より少し下方の貯湯タンク２側面に設けられた中温水温度センサ３６の検出する温度に応じて出湯口切換弁３３を切換えるようにしている。
【００２０】
次に、３７は第１出湯管３１からの湯水と給水管９から分岐された第１バイパス管３８からの低温水を混合する電動ミキシング弁より構成された給湯混合弁（第１混合弁）であり、その下流の給湯管３９に設けた給湯温度センサ４０で検出した湯温が給湯リモコン５またはふろリモコン７でユーザーが設定した給湯設定温度になるように混合比率を制御するものである。
【００２１】
また、４１は前記第１出湯管３１から分岐された第２出湯管４２からの湯水と、給水管９から分岐された第２バイパス管４３からの低温水とを混合する電動ミキシング弁より構成されたふろ混合弁（第２混合弁）であり、その下流側の前記ふろ循環回路２６に連通された第２給湯端たる湯張り管４４に設けた湯張り温度センサ４５で検出した湯温がふろリモコン７でユーザーが設定したふろ設定温度になるように混合比率を制御するものである。
【００２２】
そして、前記湯張り管４４には、ふろ循環回路２６を介した浴槽６への湯張りの開始／停止を行う湯張り弁４６と、浴槽６への湯張り量をカウントするふろ流量カウンタ４７が設けられているものである。
【００２３】
次に、４８は貯湯タンク２の上下方向に複数個配置された貯湯温度センサで、この貯湯温度センサ４８が検出する温度情報によって、貯湯タンク２内にどれだけの熱量が残っているかを検知し、そして貯湯タンク２内の上下方向の温度分布を検知するものである。
【００２４】
前記給湯リモコン５およびふろリモコン７には、給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）を設定する給湯温度設定スイッチ４９、５０、およびふろ設定温度（第２給湯設定温度）を設定するふろ温度設定スイッチ５１、５２がそれぞれ設けられていると共に、浴槽６へふろ設定温度（第２給湯設定温度）の湯をふろリモコン７の湯張り量設定スイッチ（図示せず）で設定された湯張り量だけ湯張りし所定時間保温させるふろ自動スイッチ５３、５４がそれぞれ設けられているものである。
【００２５】
５５は貯湯タンクユニット１内の各センサの入力を受け各アクチュエータの駆動を制御するマイコンを有した給湯制御部である。この給湯制御部５５に前記給湯リモコン５およびふろリモコン７が無線または有線により接続されユーザーが任意の給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）およびふろ設定温度（第２給湯設定温度）を設定できるようにしているものである。
【００２６】
なお、５６は貯湯タンク２の過圧を逃す過圧逃し弁、５７は給水の温度を検出する給水温度センサ、５８は給水の圧力を減圧する減圧弁、５９は給湯する湯水の量をカウントする給湯流量カウンタである。
【００２７】
次に、この一実施形態の作動を説明する。
まず、図２に示す沸き上げ運転について説明すると、深夜電力時間帯になって貯湯温度センサ４８が貯湯タンク２内に翌日に必要な熱量が残っていないことを検出すると、給湯制御部５５はヒーポン制御部１８に対して沸き上げ開始指令を発する。指令を受けたヒーポン制御部１８は圧縮機１２を起動した後にヒーポン循環ポンプ１７を駆動開始し、貯湯タンク２下部に接続されたヒーポン往き管１０から取り出した５〜２０℃程度の低温水を冷媒−水熱交換器１３で７０〜９０℃程度の高温に加熱し、貯湯タンク２上部に接続されたヒーポン戻り管１１から貯湯タンク２内に戻し、貯湯タンク２の上部から順次積層して高温水を貯湯していく。貯湯温度センサ４８が必要な熱量が貯湯されたことを検出すると、給湯制御部５５はヒーポン制御部１８に対して沸き上げ停止指令を発し、ヒーポン制御部１８は圧縮機１２を停止すると共にヒーポン循環ポンプ１７も停止して沸き上げ動作を終了するものである。
【００２８】
次に、図３に示す給湯運転について説明すると、給湯栓４を開くと、給水管９からの給水が貯湯タンク２内に流れ込む。そしてこのとき、貯湯タンク２内の中温水温度センサ３６の位置には沸き上げられた高温水が貯められているので、中温水温度センサ３６は所定値以上の温度を検出し、給湯制御部５５によって中温水切換弁３３が下側の第１中温水出湯口３４側に切換えられて、第１中温水出湯口３４から中温水出湯管２９を介して中温水混合弁３０へ高温水が押し出される。なお、貯湯タンク２内には上部に高温水、下部に低温水が貯められているが、その温度差により比重差が発生し、温度境界層を形成して比重の軽い高温水が上部に、比重の重い低温水が下部に位置するので、互いに混じり合うことはないものである。
【００２９】
ここで、給湯制御部５５は中温水出湯管２９からの湯水と出湯管８からの湯水を混合して中温水混合弁３０にて給湯リモコン５またはふろリモコン７で設定された給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）より一定温度以上高い温度となるように中温水混合弁３０を適当な比率に調整する。なお、ここでは、中温水出湯管２９から流入する湯が高温で給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）より高いため、中温水混合弁３０の出湯管８側を閉じることとなる。
【００３０】
そして、中温水混合弁３０から流出した湯は第１出湯管３１を介して給湯混合弁（第１混合弁）３６へ流入し、第１バイパス管３８からの低温水と混合され、給湯制御部５５が給湯混合弁（第１混合弁）３６の混合比率を調整し給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）の湯が給湯栓４から給湯される。そして、給湯栓４の閉止によって給湯が終了するものである。
【００３１】
ここで、中温水温度センサ３６が所定値以下の温度を検出すると、図４に示すように給湯制御部５５が出湯口切換弁３３を上側の第２中温水出湯口３５側に切換え、第２中温水出湯口３５から高温水を出湯するようにしている。よって、下側の第１中温水出湯口３４付近に高温水あるいは中温水が貯められている場合には第１中温水出湯口３４から出湯し、第１中温水出湯口３４付近に給水管９からの低温水が貯められている場合は第２中温水出湯口３５から出湯されることとなり、貯湯タンク２内の中温水を余すことなく給湯に用いることが可能となるものである。
【００３２】
また、前記中温水混合弁３０は給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）よりも一定温度以上高い温度の湯を第１出湯管３１に供給するようにしているので、第１中温水出湯口３４および第２中温水出湯口３５から出湯する湯水の温度が給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）よりも低い場合は、図５に示すように給湯制御部５５により中温水混合弁３０の混合比率が調整されて出湯管８からの高温水を用いて給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）よりも一定温度高い温度の湯を第１出湯管３１に供給するようにし、貯湯タンク２の中間位置からの出湯を優先し、貯湯タンク２の上部に貯められている高温水の使用を最小限に留め、熱源となる高温水をより多く確保することが可能となる。
【００３３】
次に、図６に示す浴槽６への湯張り運転について説明すると、給湯リモコン５またはふろリモコン７のふろ自動スイッチ５３、５４の何れかが操作されると、給湯制御部５５が湯張り弁４６を開弁する。そして、給水管９からの給水が貯湯タンク２内に流れ込む。そしてこのとき、貯湯タンク２内の中温水温度センサ３６の位置には沸き上げられた高温水が貯められているので、中温水温度センサ３６は所定値以上の温度を検出し、給湯制御部５５によって中温水切換弁３３が下側の第１中温水出湯口３４側に切換えられて、第１中温水出湯口３４から中温水出湯管２９を介して中温水混合弁３０へ高温水が押し出される。
【００３４】
ここで、給湯制御部５５はふろ自動スイッチ５３、５４の入力を受けると、中温水出湯管２９からの湯水と出湯管８からの湯水を混合して中温水混合弁３０にて給湯リモコン５またはふろリモコン７で設定されたふろ設定温度（第２給湯設定温度）より一定温度以上高い温度となるように中温水混合弁３０を適当な比率に調整するようにしている。なお、ここでは、中温水出湯管２９から流入する湯が高温でふろ設定温度（第２給湯温度）より高い温度であるため、中温水混合弁３０の出湯管８側を閉じることとなる。
【００３５】
そして、中温水混合弁３０から流出した湯は第１出湯管３１を介して第２出湯管４２へ出湯される。そして第２出湯管４２からの高温水はふろ混合弁（第２混合弁）４１へ流入し、第２バイパス管４３からの低温水と混合され、給湯制御部５５がふろ混合弁（第２混合弁）４１の混合比率を調整し、ふろ設定温度（第２給湯設定温度）の湯が湯張り管４４からふろ循環回路２６を介して浴槽６へ湯張りされる。ここで、中温水温度センサ３６が所定値以下の温度を検出すると、図４で説明した給湯動作の場合と同じく給湯制御部５５が出湯口切換弁３３を上方の第２中温水出湯口３４側に切換え、第２中温水出湯口３４から高温水を出湯するようにしている。
【００３６】
そして、湯張り管４４途中に設けられたふろ流量カウンタ４７が所定の湯張り量をカウントすると給湯制御部５５が湯張り弁４６を閉弁して湯張り運転を終了し、中温水混合弁３０での任意の混合温度を給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）よりも一定温度高い温度となるようにするものである。
【００３７】
次に、図７に示すふろの保温運転あるいは追焚き運転について説明すると、前記の浴槽６への湯張り運転に引き続き、給湯制御部５５は一定時間毎にふろ循環ポンプ２７を駆動し、浴槽６内の湯温をふろ温度センサ２８により検出する。そしてふろ温度センサ２８の検出する温度がふろ設定温度（第２給湯設定温度）より所定値以上低下していると、給湯制御部５５は熱交循環ポンプ２３およびふろ循環ポンプ２６を駆動開始し、高温水往き管２０から取り出した高温水を熱交換器１９に流入させ、二次側の浴槽水と熱交換させふろの保温運転あるいは追焚き運転を行う。そして、熱交換により温度低下した中温水が中温水戻り管２１を介して貯湯タンク２下部に戻り、高温水と入れ替わる形で高温水と中温水の境界面を押し上げるようにして中温水が貯湯されるものである。なお、貯湯タンク２内には上部に高温水、中間部に中温水、下部に低温水が貯められているが、その温度差が２０℃程度あれば比重差が発生し、温度境界層を形成して比重の軽い高温水が上部に、中間の中間水が中間部に、比重の重い低温水が下部に位置するので、互いに混じり合うことはないものである。
【００３８】
そして、二次側では、熱交換器１９にて加熱された浴槽水が浴槽６へ戻って浴槽６内を昇温し、ふろ温度センサ２８で検出する温度がふろ設定温度（第２給湯設定温度）に達すると、給湯制御部５５は熱交循環ポンプ２３およびふろ循環ポンプ２６を駆動停止して保温運転あるいは追焚き運転を停止する。
【００３９】
次に、貯湯タンク２内に中温水が貯められた後の給湯運転について説明する。図８に示すように、第１中温水出湯口３４付近に中温水が貯められて中温水温度センサ３６が中温水を検出している場合は、出湯口切換弁３３は第１中温水出湯口３４側に切換えられ、給湯混合水栓３の開栓により、給水管９からの給水が貯湯タンク２内に流れ込むと同時に、第１中温水出湯口３４から中温水が押し出されて中温水出湯管２９を介して中温水混合弁３０へ流入する。
【００４０】
ここで、第１中温水出湯口３４から押し出される湯水の温度が給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）よりも低い場合は、中温水混合弁３０の混合比率が調整されて貯湯タンク２上端部の出湯管８からの高温水と混合されて給湯設定温度より一定温度高い温度の湯を供給するようにしている。
【００４１】
そして、中温水混合弁３０から流出した湯は第１出湯管３１を介して給湯混合弁（第１混合弁）３６へ流入し、第１バイパス管３８からの低温水と混合され、給湯制御部５５が給湯混合弁（第１混合弁）３６の混合比率を調整し給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）の湯が給湯栓４から給湯される。そして、給湯栓４の閉止によって給湯が終了するものである。
【００４２】
ここで、中温水温度センサ３６が所定値以下の温度を検出すると、図９に示すように、給湯制御部５５が出湯口切換弁３３を上側の第２中温水出湯口３５側に切換え、第２中温水出湯口３５から高温水を出湯するようにしている。よって、下側の第１中温水出湯口３４付近に高温水あるいは中温水が貯められている場合には第１中温水出湯口３４から出湯し、第１中温水出湯口３４付近に給水管９からの低温水が貯められている場合は第２中温水出湯口３５から出湯されることとなり、貯湯タンク２内の中温水を余すことなく給湯に用いることが可能となるものである。
【００４３】
また、前記中温水混合弁３０は給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）よりも一定温度以上高い温度の湯を第１出湯管３１に供給するようにしているので、第１中温水出湯口３４および第２中温水出湯口３５から出湯する湯水の温度が給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）よりも低い場合は、給湯制御部５５により中温水混合弁３０の混合比率が調整されて出湯管８からの高温水を用いて給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）よりも一定温度高い温度の湯を第１出湯管３１に供給するようにし、貯湯タンク２の中間位置からの出湯を優先し、貯湯タンク２の上部に貯められている高温水の使用を最小限に留め、熱源となる高温水をより多く確保することが可能となる。
【００４４】
次に、図１０に示す給湯動作中に湯張り運転が開始されるかまたは湯張り運転中に給湯動作が開始される同時給湯時は、給湯制御部５５が給湯設定温度（第１給湯設定温度）とふろ設定温度（第２給湯設定温度）を比較し、高い方の温度よりも一定温度高い温度を中温水混合弁３０での任意の所定温度とするようにしている。
【００４５】
このように、その時々の任意の給湯設定温度に応じて熱源として利用した中温水を可能な限り多く使って給湯を行うことができ、給湯が行われていない側の給湯設定温度が高い場合であっても、中温水混合弁で混合される任意の所定温度を、給湯設定温度の実際に給湯されている側の給湯設定温度よりも一定温度高い温度としているので、中温水を可能な限り多く使って給湯を行うことができると共に、複数の給湯端から同時給湯の要求がある時であっても、中温水混合弁３０が高い方の設定温度よりも一定温度高い温度の湯を出湯するので、中温水を有効に使いつつ各々の設定温度の湯を同時に給湯できるもので、熱源となる高温水を無駄に使用することを抑制して熱源としての能力を多く確保できるものである。
【００４６】
なお、前記中温水戻り管２１は貯湯タンク２最下端の給水管９および下部のヒーポン往き管１０よりも高い位置に接続されているため、貯湯タンク２内に熱源として使われた中温水が戻されても、給湯の使用により貯湯タンク２下端から給水管からの低温水が流入することで貯湯タンク２の最下端には低温水が確保されることとなり、次回の沸き上げの際には必ず低温水から沸き上げることができるという効果がある。
【００４７】
また、第１中温水出湯口３４および第２中温水出湯口３５が中温水戻り管２１よりも高い位置に設けられているので、中温水戻り管２１と第１中温水出湯口３４および第２中温水出湯口３５との間にある程度の容量を確保でき、熱交換器１９で温度低下した中温水をその容量分だけ一時的に貯めておくことができることとなり、中温水出湯管２９から出湯させることができない中温水を極力少なくすることができるもので、しかも、第１中温水取出し口３４及び第２中温水取出し口３５を上下に設けているため、下側の第１中温水取出し口３４よりも上に中温水が貯められても、上側の第２中温水取出し口３５で中温水を出湯させることができ、熱源として利用されてできた中温水を貯湯タンク２内に無駄に貯めてしまうことなく給湯に有効に利用することができる。
【００４８】
ここで、もし中温水戻り管２１と第１中温水出湯口３４または第２中温水出湯口３５とが同じ高さにあった場合には、中温水が中温水戻り管２１より高い位置に貯められてしまう場合があり、これを中温水戻り管２１と同じ高さにある第１中温水出湯口３４または第２中温水出湯口３５から取り出すことができないため、中温水が発生すると全く同時にこの中温水を給湯に用いる必要があり、さもなければ多量に給湯を行って中温水が貯湯タンク２上端部に接続された出湯管８にまで押し上げられるまで貯湯タンク２内に中温水が貯湯されてしまうこととなる。しかし、この一実施形態では上記のように中温水戻り管２１よりも高い位置に第１中温水出湯口３４または第２中温水出湯口３５が設けられているため、この高さの差分の容量だけ中温水の発生から利用までの容量的あるいは時間的余裕ができ、中温水をある程度の容量分発生させてから時間的間隔をおいて給湯を行っても中温水を給湯に用いることができる効果がある。
【００４９】
このように、給湯の際に熱源として利用された中温水を高温水よりも優先して貯湯タンク２の途中から取り出して給湯するので、高温水を給湯しきるまで中温水を給湯できないと行った不具合がなく、給湯を行う度に貯湯タンク２内の中温水が減って給水管９からの低温水に入れ替わって、深夜の沸き上げ動作を行う時には沸き上げ効率の悪い中温水ではなく、温度の低い低温水をヒートポンプ回路１６で沸き上げることとなり、沸き上げの効率が向上しヒートポンプ式給湯装置としてのＣＯＰ（エネルギー消費効率）が良くなるものである。
【００５０】
なお、この一実施形態では、熱交換器１９と熱交循環ポンプ２３とふろ循環ポンプ２７とを貯湯タンクユニット１内に設けているが、貯湯タンクユニット１とは別体のユニット体に設けるようにしても良く、本発明の要旨を変更しない範囲での実施形態の変更をすることを妨げるものではない。
【００５１】
また、この一実施形態では、熱交換器１９の二次側にふろ循環回路２６を設けているが、床暖房パネルや温水式温風暖房器や温水式パネルコンベクタ、温水式パネルラジエータ等の暖房循環回路を設けても良く、要は貯湯タンク１６内の高温水の熱を熱交換器１９で熱交換して利用する熱機器であれば何でも良いものである。
【００５２】
さらに、貯湯タンク２内の湯水を加熱する手段としてヒートポンプ回路１６を例示しているが、これに限られず、貯湯タンク２内に直接配置した電熱ヒータや、貯湯タンク２内の湯水を循環させて電熱ヒータで加熱するようにしても良いものである。
【００５３】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明の請求項１によれば、その時々の任意の給湯設定温度に応じて熱源として利用した中温水を可能な限り多く使って給湯を行うことができ、しかも複数の給湯端から同時給湯の要求がある時であっても、中温水を有効に使いつつ、各々の設定温度の湯を同時に給湯できるものであり、熱源となる高温水を無駄に使用することを抑制することができ熱源としての能力を多く確保できるものである。
【００５４】
また、請求項２によれば、その時々の任意の給湯設定温度に応じて熱源として利用した中温水を可能な限り多く使って給湯を行うことができ、給湯が行われていない側の給湯設定温度が高い場合であっても、中温水混合弁で混合される任意の所定温度を、給湯設定温度の実際に給湯されている側の給湯設定温度よりも一定温度高い温度としているので、中温水を可能な限り多く使って給湯を行うことができると共に、複数の給湯端から同時給湯の要求がある時であっても、中温水を有効に使いつつ、各々の設定温度の湯を同時に給湯できるもので、熱源となる高温水を無駄に使用することを抑制して熱源としての能力を多く確保できるものである。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施形態の概略構成図。
【図２】同一実施形態の沸き上げ運転の作動を説明する図。
【図３】同一実施形態の給湯運転の作動を説明する図。
【図４】同一実施形態の給湯運転の作動を説明する図。
【図５】同一実施形態の給湯運転の作動を説明する図。
【図６】同一実施形態の湯張り運転の作動を説明する図。
【図７】同一実施形態の保温／追焚き運転の作動を説明する図。
【図８】同一実施形態の貯湯タンク内に中温水が存在する場合の給湯運転の作動を説明する図。
【図９】同一実施形態の貯湯タンク内に中温水が存在する場合の給湯運転の作動を説明する図。
【図１０】同一実施形態の貯湯タンク内に中温水が存在する場合の給湯／湯張り同時運転の作動を説明する図。
【符号の説明】
２　貯湯タンク
４　給湯栓（第１給湯端）
８　出湯管
９　給水管
１６　ヒートポンプ回路（加熱手段）
１９　熱交換器
２０　高温水往き管
２１　中温水戻り管
２２　熱交循環回路
２９　中温水出湯管
３０　中温水混合弁
３７　給湯混合弁（第１給湯混合弁）
３８　第１バイパス管
４１　ふろ混合弁（第２給湯混合弁）
４３　第２バイパス管
４４　湯張り管（第２給湯端）[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hot water supply type hot water supply apparatus provided with a heat exchanger using hot water in a hot water storage tank as a heat source.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in this type, there has been proposed a method in which high-temperature water stored in a hot water storage tank is taken out and used as a heat source for heating or reheating of the bath as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 2002-39478 filed by the present applicant. In some cases, the medium-temperature water whose temperature has been lowered by heat exchange is returned to the hot water storage tank, and the medium-temperature water is taken out from an intermediate portion of the hot water storage tank and used for hot water supply. The medium-temperature water is combined with the high-temperature water from the upper part of the hot-water storage tank, mixed at a temperature equal to or higher than the hot water supply set temperature, and supplied.
[0003]
The applicant of the present application cannot find any known publication relating to such a conventional hot water supply type hot water supply apparatus. However, Patent Literature 1 discloses an example in which heating is performed using high-temperature water stored in a hot water storage tank as a heat source. Is mentioned.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
Patent No. 2663637 (FIG. 1)
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in this conventional apparatus, a plurality of hot water supply ends are branched and connected downstream of the hot water supply mixing valve, and the hot water supply set temperature is arbitrarily set at each hot water supply end. When a hot water supply at a set temperature is requested, only hot water at any one of the hot water set temperatures can be supplied.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Therefore, in order to solve these problems, according to the present invention, in claim 1, a hot water supply pipe is connected to a lower end and a tapping pipe for discharging hot water stored therein is connected to an upper end. A tank, a heating means for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank to a high temperature, and circulating the high-temperature water taken out of a high-temperature water flow pipe connected to an upper portion of the hot water storage tank to radiate heat in a heat exchanger, thereby generating the hot water. A heat exchange circuit that returns the medium-temperature water from a medium-temperature water return pipe connected to the lower part of the hot-water storage tank, and is connected to a position higher than the medium-temperature water return pipe of the hot-water storage tank and lower than the tapping pipe; A medium-temperature water tapping pipe for allowing medium-temperature water generated by heat exchange to flow out of the hot water storage tank; and medium-temperature water for mixing high-temperature water from the tapping pipe and medium-temperature water from the medium-temperature water tapping pipe to an arbitrary predetermined temperature. A mixing valve; A first mixing valve for mixing hot water mixed by the middle hot water mixing valve and low-temperature water from a first bypass pipe branched from the water supply pipe to an arbitrary first hot water supply set temperature and supplying hot water from a first hot water supply end. And mixing the hot water mixed by the intermediate-temperature water mixing valve and the low-temperature water from the second bypass pipe branched from the water supply pipe to an arbitrary second hot water supply set temperature to supply hot water from the second hot water supply end. A mixing valve, wherein an arbitrary predetermined temperature mixed by the intermediate-temperature water mixing valve is set to a temperature higher than a higher one of the first hot water supply set temperature and the second hot water supply set temperature by a certain temperature. .
[0007]
Thereby, hot water can be supplied by using as much as possible of medium-temperature water used as a heat source according to an arbitrary hot water supply set temperature at that time, and when there is a request for simultaneous hot water supply from a plurality of hot water supply ends. In addition, hot water of each set temperature can be supplied at the same time while using medium-temperature water effectively, and it is possible to suppress wasteful use of high-temperature water as a heat source and secure a large capacity as a heat source It is.
[0008]
In the second aspect, a water supply pipe is connected to a lower end and a hot water supply pipe for discharging hot water stored therein is connected to an upper end, and hot water in the hot water storage tank is heated to a high temperature. Heating means for heating, and circulating high-temperature water taken out of a high-temperature water supply pipe connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank and radiating heat with a heat exchanger, and generating the medium-temperature water connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank A heat exchange circuit configured to return the hot water from the hot water return pipe, and a hot water storage tank connected to the hot water storage tank at a position higher than the intermediate hot water return pipe and lower than the hot water return pipe; A middle-temperature water tapping pipe for flowing out of the hot-water tapping pipe, a medium-temperature water mixing valve for mixing high-temperature water from the tapping pipe and medium-temperature water from the medium-temperature water tapping pipe to an arbitrary predetermined temperature, and mixing by the medium-temperature water mixing valve. Hot water and water supply A first mixing valve that mixes low-temperature water from a first bypass pipe branched from the first hot-water supply set temperature and supplies hot water from a first hot-water supply end; hot water mixed by the middle-temperature water mixing valve; A second mixing valve for mixing low-temperature water from the second bypass pipe branched from the water supply pipe to an arbitrary second hot water supply set temperature and supplying hot water from the second hot water supply end; In the case of hot water supply from one of the hot water supply ends, the given predetermined temperature is set to a temperature higher by a certain temperature than this one hot water supply set temperature, and in the case of simultaneous hot water supply from both hot water supply ends, the first hot water supply set temperature and the second The temperature was set to be a certain temperature higher than the higher one of the two hot water supply set temperatures.
[0009]
This makes it possible to supply hot water using as much of the medium-temperature water used as a heat source as much as possible according to an arbitrary hot water supply set temperature at that time, which is a case where the hot water supply set temperature on the non-hot water supply side is high. However, since any given temperature mixed by the middle-temperature water mixing valve is set to a temperature that is higher than the actual hot-water supply set temperature of the hot-water supply set temperature by a predetermined temperature, use as much of the medium-temperature water as possible. Hot water can be supplied at the same time, and even when there is a demand for simultaneous hot water supply from a plurality of hot water supply ends, hot water of each set temperature can be supplied at the same time while using middle-temperature water effectively. The use of high-temperature water is suppressed, and a large capacity as a heat source can be secured.
[0010]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Next, a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 10, hatched lines in the hot water storage tank indicate low-temperature water, double oblique lines indicate medium-temperature water, triple oblique lines indicate high-temperature water, and arrows indicate flow directions of hot water.
[0011]
This hot-water storage type hot water supply apparatus uses hot water to boil hot water at late night hours when the unit price of contracted power by time is low and uses the stored hot water for hot water supply, and 1 is a hot water storage tank 2 for storing hot water. , A heat pump unit for heating hot water in the hot water storage tank, 4 a hot water supply end serving as a first hot water supply end provided in a kitchen or a washroom, etc., and 5 provided near the hot water supply tap 4. A hot water supply remote control, 6 is a bathtub, and 7 is a bath remote control provided in the bathroom.
[0012]
The hot water storage tank 2 of the hot water storage tank unit 1 has an upper end connected to a tapping pipe 8, a lower end connected to a water supply pipe 9, a lower part connected to a heapon going pipe 10, and an upper part connected to a heapon return pipe 11. The hot water in the hot water storage tank 2 taken out from the heapon outgoing pipe 10 is boiled by the unit 3 and returned to the hot water storage tank 2 from the heapon return pipe 11 to be stored therein. The hot water in the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 2 is pushed out of the tapping pipe 8 and supplied.
[0013]
The heat pump unit 3 includes a heat pump circuit 16 as a heating means including a compressor 12, a refrigerant-water heat exchanger 13 as a condenser, an electronic expansion valve 14, and a forced air-cooled evaporator 15, and a hot water storage tank 2. A heat pump including a heap circulation pump 17 that circulates the hot and cold water in the refrigerant-water heat exchanger 13 through the heap going pipe 10 and the heap returning pipe 11, and a heap control unit 18 that controls the driving of the pump. In the circuit 16, carbon dioxide is used as a refrigerant to constitute a supercritical heat pump cycle. Since carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant, low-temperature water can be heated to a high temperature of about 90 ° C. without an electric heater.
[0014]
Here, the refrigerant-water heat exchanger 13 adopts a counter flow system in which the refrigerant and the hot water in the hot water storage tank 2 that is the heated water flow in opposition to each other. The water to be heated can be efficiently heated to a high temperature because it is condensed in a supercritical state, and the temperature difference between the refrigerant-water heat exchanger 13 inlet temperature and the refrigerant outlet temperature of the heated water becomes constant. By controlling the decompressor 14 or the compressor 12, the COP (energy consumption efficiency) becomes 3. If the inlet temperature of the refrigerant-water heat exchanger 13 to be heated is a low temperature of about 5 to 20C. It is possible to heat the heated water in a very good condition of 0 or more.
[0015]
Reference numeral 19 denotes a heat exchanger for heating the hot water in the bathtub 6. On its primary side, a high-temperature water feed pipe 20 connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 2 and a medium-temperature water return pipe 21 connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 2 are provided. Is connected to form a heat exchange circulation circuit 22, and the high-temperature water taken out of the hot water storage tank 2 is circulated to the heat exchanger 19 by the operation of the heat exchange circulation pump 23 provided in the middle-temperature water return pipe 21 to perform heat exchange. The medium-temperature water whose temperature has been lowered by the above operation is returned to the hot water storage tank 2 again.
[0016]
On the secondary side of the heat exchanger 19, a bath circulation circuit 26 composed of a bath pipe 24 and a bath return tube 25 is connected so as to be able to circulate hot and cold water in the bathtub 6, and is provided in the bath return tube 25. The hot water in the bathtub 6 is circulated to the heat exchanger 19 by the operation of the bath circulation pump 27, and is heated by the high-temperature water on the primary side so that the hot water in the bathtub 6 is kept warm or refired. Reference numeral 28 denotes a bath temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot and cold water in the bathtub 6 circulating through the bath return pipe 25.
[0017]
Next, reference numeral 29 denotes a middle-temperature water tapping pipe connected to an intermediate position of the hot water storage tank 2 higher than the middle-temperature water return pipe 21 and lower than the tapping pipe 8, and heat exchanges with the secondary side in the heat exchanger 19 to change the temperature. The lowered middle-temperature water is discharged from the hot water storage tank 2.
[0018]
Reference numeral 30 denotes a middle-temperature water mixing valve provided downstream of the middle-temperature water tapping pipe 29. The middle-temperature water mixing valve is provided between the middle-temperature water near the middle position of the hot-water storage tank 2 and the high-temperature water from the tapping pipe 8 connected to the upper end of the hot-water storage tank 2. The hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor 32 provided on the downstream first hot water supply pipe 31 is the hot water set temperature (first hot water set temperature) or the bath set temperature (second hot water set temperature) set by the user with the hot water remote controller 5 or the bath remote controller 7. The mixing ratio is controlled so as to be an arbitrary predetermined temperature that is a certain temperature (for example, 5 ° C.) higher than the hot water supply setting temperature).
[0019]
Here, the middle temperature hot water outlet pipe 29 is connected to a first middle temperature hot water outlet 34 and a second middle temperature hot water outlet 35 provided above and below an intermediate position of the hot water storage tank 2 via a hot water outlet switching valve 33. The medium-temperature water stored in the vicinity of the intermediate position of the hot-water storage tank 2 is discharged from one of the hot-water outlets toward the intermediate-temperature water mixing valve 30, and the hot-water storage tank slightly below the lower first intermediate-temperature water outlet 34. The outlet switching valve 33 is switched according to the temperature detected by the medium-temperature water temperature sensor 36 provided on the two side surfaces.
[0020]
Next, reference numeral 37 denotes a hot water supply mixing valve (first mixing valve) composed of an electric mixing valve for mixing hot water from the first tapping pipe 31 and low-temperature water from the first bypass pipe 38 branched from the water supply pipe 9. The mixing ratio is controlled so that the hot water temperature detected by the hot water supply temperature sensor 40 provided in the hot water supply pipe 39 downstream of the hot water supply pipe 39 becomes the hot water supply set temperature set by the user with the hot water supply remote control 5 or the bath remote control 7.
[0021]
Reference numeral 41 denotes an electric mixing valve for mixing hot water from the second tapping pipe 42 branched from the first tapping pipe 31 and low-temperature water from the second bypass pipe 43 branched from the water supply pipe 9. It is a bath mixing valve (second mixing valve), and the hot water temperature detected by a hot water temperature sensor 45 provided in a hot water pipe 44 serving as a second hot water supply end, which is connected to the hot water circulation circuit 26 on the downstream side, is used as the hot water. The mixing ratio is controlled so that the bath set temperature set by the user with the remote controller 7 is obtained.
[0022]
The filling pipe 44 is provided with a filling valve 46 for starting / stopping filling of the bath 6 through the bath circulation circuit 26 and a bath flow counter 47 for counting the filling amount of the bath 6. It is provided.
[0023]
Next, reference numeral 48 denotes a plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors arranged in the vertical direction of the hot water storage tank 2. The temperature information detected by the hot water storage temperature sensor 48 detects how much heat remains in the hot water storage tank 2. And the temperature distribution in the vertical direction in the hot water storage tank 2 is detected.
[0024]
The hot water supply remote controller 5 and the bath remote controller 7 have hot water supply temperature setting switches 49 and 50 for setting a hot water supply set temperature (first hot water supply set temperature) and a bath temperature setting switch for setting a bath hot water set temperature (second hot water supply set temperature). 51 and 52 are provided, respectively, and hot water of the bath set temperature (second hot water supply set temperature) is supplied to the bathtub 6 by a bathing amount set by a bathing amount setting switch (not shown) of the bath remote controller 7. The bath automatic switches 53 and 54 are provided to keep the tension and heat for a predetermined time.
[0025]
Reference numeral 55 denotes a hot water supply control unit having a microcomputer that receives an input from each sensor in the hot water storage tank unit 1 and controls driving of each actuator. The hot water supply remote control 5 and the bath remote controller 7 are connected to the hot water supply control unit 55 wirelessly or by wire so that the user can set a desired hot water supply set temperature (first hot water supply set temperature) and a desired bath set temperature (second hot water set temperature). It is what you are doing.
[0026]
Reference numeral 56 denotes an overpressure relief valve for releasing the overpressure of the hot water storage tank 2, reference numeral 57 denotes a supply water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the supply water, reference numeral 58 denotes a pressure reducing valve for reducing the pressure of the supply water, and reference numeral 59 denotes the amount of supplied hot water. It is a hot water supply flow counter.
[0027]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.
First, the boiling operation shown in FIG. 2 will be described. When the hot water storage temperature sensor 48 detects that the required amount of heat does not remain in the hot water storage tank 2 in the late night power time zone, the hot water supply control unit 55 A boiling start command is issued to the control unit 18. Upon receiving the command, the heap control unit 18 starts driving the heapon circulation pump 17 after starting up the compressor 12, and cools the low-temperature water of about 5 to 20 ° C. taken out from the heap go-around pipe 10 connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 2 with the refrigerant. -Heated to a high temperature of about 70 to 90 ° C. in the water heat exchanger 13, returned to the hot water storage tank 2 from the heapon return pipe 11 connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 2, and sequentially laminated from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 2 to obtain high-temperature water To store hot water. When the hot water storage temperature sensor 48 detects that the required amount of heat is stored, the hot water supply control unit 55 issues a boiling stop command to the heapon control unit 18, and the heapon control unit 18 stops the compressor 12 and circulates the heapon. The pump 17 is also stopped to end the boiling operation.
[0028]
Next, the hot water supply operation shown in FIG. 3 will be described. When the hot water tap 4 is opened, the water supply from the water supply pipe 9 flows into the hot water storage tank 2. At this time, since the boiling high-temperature water is stored at the position of the medium-temperature water temperature sensor 36 in the hot-water storage tank 2, the medium-temperature water temperature sensor 36 detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and As a result, the intermediate-temperature water switching valve 33 is switched to the lower first intermediate-temperature water outlet 34 side, and the high-temperature water is pushed out from the first intermediate-temperature water outlet 34 to the intermediate-temperature water mixing valve 30 through the intermediate-temperature water outlet pipe 29. . In the hot water storage tank 2, high-temperature water is stored in the upper part and low-temperature water is stored in the lower part. A difference in specific gravity occurs due to the temperature difference, and a high-temperature water having a low specific gravity is formed in the upper part by forming a temperature boundary layer. Since the low-temperature water having a high specific gravity is located at the lower portion, they do not mix with each other.
[0029]
Here, hot water supply control section 55 mixes hot water from hot water outlet pipe 29 with hot water from hot water outlet pipe 8, mixes hot water from water supply pipe 8 with hot water supply remote control 5 or hot water remote controller 7 at hot water mixing remote control valve 7 (first hot water supply temperature). The middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 is adjusted to an appropriate ratio so that the temperature becomes higher than a certain temperature (1 hot water supply set temperature) by a certain temperature or more. In this case, since the hot water flowing from the medium-temperature water tapping pipe 29 is high temperature and higher than the hot water supply set temperature (first hot water supply set temperature), the tapping pipe 8 side of the medium-temperature water mixing valve 30 is closed.
[0030]
Then, the hot water flowing out of the middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 flows into the hot-water supply mixing valve (first mixing valve) 36 via the first tapping pipe 31 and is mixed with the low-temperature water from the first bypass pipe 38, and is supplied to the hot-water supply control unit. 55 adjusts the mixing ratio of the hot water mixing valve (first mixing valve) 36, and hot water at the hot water set temperature (first hot water set temperature) is supplied from the hot water tap 4. The hot water supply ends when the hot water tap 4 is closed.
[0031]
Here, when the medium-temperature water temperature sensor 36 detects a temperature equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the hot water supply control unit 55 switches the tap outlet switching valve 33 to the upper second intermediate-temperature tap hole 35 as shown in FIG. High-temperature water is supplied from the medium-temperature water tap 35. Therefore, when high-temperature water or medium-temperature water is stored near the lower first medium-temperature water outlet 34, the hot water is discharged from the first medium-temperature water outlet 34, and the water supply pipe 9 is positioned near the first medium-temperature water outlet 34. When the low-temperature water is stored, the hot water is discharged from the second medium-temperature water outlet 35, so that the medium-temperature water in the hot-water storage tank 2 can be used for hot water supply without excess.
[0032]
Further, since the middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 supplies hot water having a temperature higher than a set temperature by a predetermined temperature or more to the first hot water supply pipe 31, the first middle-temperature water outlet 34 is provided. When the temperature of hot water discharged from the second medium-temperature water outlet 35 is lower than the hot water supply set temperature (first hot water supply set temperature), the mixing ratio of the medium-temperature water mixing valve 30 is controlled by the hot water supply control unit 55 as shown in FIG. Is adjusted to supply hot water having a temperature higher than a set hot water supply temperature (first hot water supply set temperature) to the first hot water supply pipe 31 by using high-temperature water from the hot water supply pipe 8, and an intermediate position of the hot water storage tank 2. Priority is given to hot water from the hot water tank, the use of high-temperature water stored in the upper part of the hot-water storage tank 2 is minimized, and more high-temperature water serving as a heat source can be secured.
[0033]
Next, the operation of filling the bathtub 6 with water shown in FIG. 6 will be described. When one of the bath automatic switches 53 and 54 of the hot water supply remote controller 5 or the bath remote control 7 is operated, the hot water supply control unit 55 causes the hot water filling valve 46 to operate. Is opened. Then, the water supply from the water supply pipe 9 flows into the hot water storage tank 2. At this time, since the boiling high-temperature water is stored at the position of the medium-temperature water temperature sensor 36 in the hot-water storage tank 2, the medium-temperature water temperature sensor 36 detects a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined value, and As a result, the intermediate-temperature water switching valve 33 is switched to the lower first intermediate-temperature water outlet 34 side, and the high-temperature water is pushed out from the first intermediate-temperature water outlet 34 to the intermediate-temperature water mixing valve 30 through the intermediate-temperature water outlet pipe 29. .
[0034]
Here, when receiving the input of the bath automatic switches 53 and 54, the hot water supply control unit 55 mixes the hot water from the hot water tapping pipe 29 and the hot water from the tapping pipe 8, and the hot water remote control 5 or The middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 is adjusted to an appropriate ratio so that the temperature is higher than a fixed temperature set by the bath remote controller 7 (second hot water supply set temperature) by a certain temperature or more. In this case, since the hot water flowing from the middle-temperature water tapping pipe 29 is high in temperature and higher than the bath set temperature (second hot water supply temperature), the tapping pipe 8 side of the middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 is closed.
[0035]
Then, the hot water flowing out of the middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 flows out to the second hot water pipe 42 via the first hot water pipe 31. Then, the high-temperature water from the second tapping pipe 42 flows into the bath mixing valve (second mixing valve) 41, is mixed with the low-temperature water from the second bypass pipe 43, and the hot-water supply control unit 55 sets the bath mixing valve (second mixing valve). The mixing ratio of the valve 41 is adjusted, and hot water at the bath set temperature (second hot water supply set temperature) is filled into the bathtub 6 from the filling tube 44 through the bath circulation circuit 26. Here, when the medium-temperature water temperature sensor 36 detects a temperature equal to or lower than the predetermined value, the hot-water supply control unit 55 moves the tap switching valve 33 to the upper side of the second medium-temperature water tap 34 as in the case of the hot-water supply operation described with reference to FIG. To discharge hot water from the second medium-temperature water tap 34.
[0036]
Then, when the bath flow rate counter 47 provided in the middle of the filling pipe 44 counts a predetermined filling amount, the hot water supply controller 55 closes the filling valve 46 to end the filling operation, and the medium-temperature water mixing valve 30 Is set to a temperature higher than the set hot water supply temperature (first hot water supply set temperature) by a certain temperature.
[0037]
Next, the warming operation or the reheating operation of the bath shown in FIG. 7 will be described. The hot water supply control unit 55 drives the bath circulation pump 27 at regular time intervals after the bathing operation for the bathtub 6 described above. The temperature of the hot water inside is detected by the bath temperature sensor 28. When the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor 28 is lower than the bath set temperature (second hot water supply set temperature) by a predetermined value or more, the hot water supply control unit 55 starts driving the heat exchange circulation pump 23 and the bath circulation pump 26, The high-temperature water taken out of the high-temperature water outflow pipe 20 flows into the heat exchanger 19, and exchanges heat with the bathtub water on the secondary side to perform a heat retaining operation or a reheating operation of the bath. Then, the middle-temperature water whose temperature has been lowered by the heat exchange returns to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 2 via the middle-temperature water return pipe 21, and the middle-temperature water is stored so as to push up the boundary surface between the high-temperature water and the middle-temperature water so as to be replaced with the high-temperature water. Things. In the hot water storage tank 2, high-temperature water is stored in the upper part, middle-temperature water is stored in the middle part, and low-temperature water is stored in the lower part. If the temperature difference is about 20 ° C., a specific gravity difference occurs, forming a temperature boundary layer. Since high-temperature water with a low specific gravity is located at the top, intermediate intermediate water is located at the middle, and low-temperature water having a high specific gravity is located at the bottom, they do not mix with each other.
[0038]
Then, on the secondary side, the bathtub water heated by the heat exchanger 19 returns to the bathtub 6 to raise the temperature inside the bathtub 6, and the temperature detected by the bath temperature sensor 28 is equal to the bath set temperature (second hot water supply set temperature). ), The hot water supply control unit 55 stops driving the heat exchange circulation pump 23 and the bath circulation pump 26 to stop the warming operation or the additional heating operation.
[0039]
Next, the hot water supply operation after the medium-temperature water is stored in hot water storage tank 2 will be described. As shown in FIG. 8, when medium-temperature water is stored near the first medium-temperature water tap 34 and the medium-temperature water temperature sensor 36 detects medium-temperature water, the tap switching valve 33 sets the first medium-temperature water tap. When the hot water mixing faucet 3 is opened, the water supply from the water supply pipe 9 flows into the hot water storage tank 2, and at the same time, the medium-temperature water is pushed out from the first medium-temperature water outlet 34, so that the medium-temperature water outlet pipe is provided. It flows into the middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 through 29.
[0040]
Here, when the temperature of the hot water pushed out from the first hot water outlet 34 is lower than the hot water set temperature (the first hot water set temperature), the mixing ratio of the middle hot water mixing valve 30 is adjusted, and the upper end of the hot water storage tank 2 is adjusted. Is mixed with high-temperature water from the hot water supply pipe 8 to supply hot water having a temperature higher than the set hot water supply temperature by a certain temperature.
[0041]
Then, the hot water flowing out of the middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 flows into the hot-water supply mixing valve (first mixing valve) 36 via the first tapping pipe 31 and is mixed with the low-temperature water from the first bypass pipe 38, and is supplied to the hot-water supply control unit. 55 adjusts the mixing ratio of the hot water mixing valve (first mixing valve) 36, and hot water at the hot water set temperature (first hot water set temperature) is supplied from the hot water tap 4. The hot water supply ends when the hot water tap 4 is closed.
[0042]
Here, when the medium-temperature water temperature sensor 36 detects a temperature equal to or lower than a predetermined value, as shown in FIG. 9, the hot-water supply control unit 55 switches the tap outlet switching valve 33 to the upper second intermediate-temperature tap hole 35 side. (2) High-temperature water is supplied from the medium-temperature water tap 35. Therefore, when high-temperature water or medium-temperature water is stored near the lower first medium-temperature water outlet 34, the hot water is discharged from the first medium-temperature water outlet 34, and the water supply pipe 9 is positioned near the first medium-temperature water outlet 34. When the low-temperature water is stored, the hot water is discharged from the second medium-temperature water outlet 35, so that the medium-temperature water in the hot-water storage tank 2 can be used for hot water supply without excess.
[0043]
Further, since the middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 supplies hot water having a temperature higher than a set temperature by a predetermined temperature or more to the first hot water supply pipe 31, the first middle-temperature water outlet 34 is provided. And when the temperature of the hot water discharged from the second medium-temperature water outlet 35 is lower than the hot water supply set temperature (first hot water supply set temperature), the mixing ratio of the medium-temperature water mixing valve 30 is adjusted by the hot water supply control unit 55, and the tapping pipe is provided. Using the high-temperature water from No. 8, hot water having a temperature higher than a set hot water supply temperature (first hot water supply set temperature) is supplied to the first tapping pipe 31, and the tapping of hot water from an intermediate position of the hot water storage tank 2 is prioritized. The use of high-temperature water stored in the upper part of the hot-water storage tank 2 can be minimized, and more high-temperature water serving as a heat source can be secured.
[0044]
Next, at the time of simultaneous hot water supply in which the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water supply operation shown in FIG. 10 or the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water supply operation, the hot water supply control unit 55 sets the hot water supply set temperature (the first hot water supply set temperature). ) Is compared with the bath set temperature (second hot water supply set temperature), and a temperature higher than the higher temperature by a certain temperature is set as an arbitrary predetermined temperature in the middle-temperature water mixing valve 30.
[0045]
In this manner, hot water can be supplied using as much of the medium-temperature water used as a heat source as much as possible according to the desired hot water supply set temperature at that time, and when the hot water supply set temperature on the non-hot water supply side is high. Even if there is, the predetermined temperature that is mixed by the middle-temperature water mixing valve is set to a temperature that is higher than the actual hot-water supply set temperature of the hot-water supply set temperature by a fixed temperature, so that as much medium-temperature water as possible is used. The hot water can be supplied using the hot water supply, and even when there is a request for simultaneous hot water supply from a plurality of hot water supply ends, the middle-temperature water mixing valve 30 supplies hot water at a temperature higher than the higher set temperature by a certain temperature. The hot water of each set temperature can be supplied at the same time while the medium-temperature water is effectively used, so that it is possible to suppress the wasteful use of the high-temperature water as the heat source and to secure a large capacity as the heat source.
[0046]
Since the middle-temperature water return pipe 21 is connected to a position higher than the water supply pipe 9 at the lowermost end of the hot-water storage tank 2 and the heapon going pipe 10 at the bottom, the medium-temperature water used as a heat source in the hot-water storage tank 2 returns. Even when the hot water is used, low-temperature water flows from the lower end of the hot-water storage tank 2 to the low-temperature water from the lower end of the hot-water storage tank 2 so that low-temperature water is secured at the lowermost end of the hot-water storage tank 2. It has the effect that it can be boiled from low-temperature water.
[0047]
Also, since the first middle-temperature water outlet 34 and the second middle-temperature water outlet 35 are provided at a position higher than the middle-temperature water return pipe 21, the middle-temperature water return pipe 21, the first medium-temperature water outlet 34, and the second A certain amount of capacity can be secured between the hot water outlet 35 and the hot water whose temperature has been lowered by the heat exchanger 19 can be temporarily stored by the capacity, and the hot water is discharged from the hot water outlet pipe 29. The first medium-temperature water outlet 34 and the second medium-temperature water outlet 35 are provided above and below the first medium-temperature water outlet 34 and the first medium-temperature water outlet 34 on the lower side. Even if the medium-temperature water is stored above, the medium-temperature water can be discharged from the upper second medium-temperature water outlet 35, and the medium-temperature water generated as a heat source is wastefully stored in the hot-water storage tank 2. Effective for hot water supply without getting lost It can be used.
[0048]
Here, if the medium-temperature water return pipe 21 and the first medium-temperature water outlet 34 or the second medium-temperature water outlet 35 are at the same height, the medium-temperature water is stored at a position higher than the medium-temperature water return pipe 21. This may not be taken out from the first hot water outlet 34 or the second hot water outlet 35 at the same height as the hot water return pipe 21, so that the hot water is generated at the same time as the hot water is generated. It is necessary to use the medium-temperature water for hot water supply, otherwise, a large amount of hot water is supplied and the medium-temperature water is stored in the hot water storage tank 2 until the medium-temperature water is pushed up to the tapping pipe 8 connected to the upper end of the hot water storage tank 2. Will be lost. However, in this embodiment, as described above, the first medium-temperature water outlet 34 or the second medium-temperature water outlet 35 is provided at a position higher than the medium-temperature water return pipe 21, and thus the capacity of the difference between the heights is provided. The capacity or time allowance from the generation to use of the medium-temperature water can be provided only, and the effect that the medium-temperature water can be used for hot water supply even if the medium-temperature water is generated for a certain capacity and hot water is supplied at time intervals There is.
[0049]
As described above, the medium-temperature water used as a heat source at the time of hot water supply is taken out of the middle of the hot water storage tank 2 in preference to the high-temperature water and is supplied, so that the medium-temperature water cannot be supplied until the high-temperature water is completely supplied. Every time hot water is supplied, the medium-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 2 decreases and is replaced by low-temperature water from the water supply pipe 9. The low-temperature water is boiled by the heat pump circuit 16, so that the efficiency of the boil-up is improved and the COP (energy consumption efficiency) as the heat pump type hot water supply device is improved.
[0050]
In this embodiment, the heat exchanger 19, the heat exchange circulation pump 23, and the bath circulation pump 27 are provided in the hot water tank unit 1. However, the heat exchanger 19, the heat exchange circulation pump 23, and the bath circulation pump 27 are provided in a unit body separate from the hot water storage tank unit 1. However, this does not prevent the embodiment from being changed without changing the gist of the present invention.
[0051]
Further, in this embodiment, although the bath circulation circuit 26 is provided on the secondary side of the heat exchanger 19, a floor heating panel, a hot water type hot air heater, a hot water type panel convector, a hot water type panel radiator, etc. A heating circulation circuit may be provided. In short, any heating device may be used as long as it uses heat of the high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 16 by exchanging heat with the heat exchanger 19.
[0052]
Further, the heat pump circuit 16 is illustrated as a means for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank 2. However, the heat pump circuit 16 is not limited to this, and the electric heater disposed directly in the hot water storage tank 2 or the hot water in the hot water storage tank 2 is circulated. Heating may be performed by an electric heater.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, hot water can be supplied using as much medium-temperature water used as a heat source as much as possible according to a given hot water supply temperature at that time. Even when there is a demand for simultaneous hot water supply from the end, hot water of each set temperature can be supplied at the same time while using medium-temperature water effectively, thereby suppressing wasteful use of high-temperature water as a heat source. It can secure much capacity as a heat source.
[0054]
According to the second aspect, hot water can be supplied using as much medium-temperature water used as a heat source as much as possible in accordance with a given hot water supply set temperature at that time, and the hot water supply setting on a side where hot water is not supplied is provided. Even if the temperature is high, the arbitrary predetermined temperature mixed by the intermediate-temperature water mixing valve is set to a temperature that is higher than the actual hot-water supply set temperature of the hot-water supply set temperature by a fixed temperature, so that Hot water can be supplied using as much as possible, and even when there is a demand for simultaneous hot water supply from multiple hot water supply ends, hot water of each set temperature can be supplied simultaneously while using medium-temperature water effectively. It is possible to suppress the wasteful use of high-temperature water as a heat source and secure a large capacity as a heat source.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a view for explaining the operation of the boiling operation of the same embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the hot water supply operation of the same embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating the operation of the hot water supply operation of the same embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a view for explaining the operation of the hot water supply operation of the same embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a view for explaining the operation of the filling operation of the same embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a view for explaining the operation of the heat retention / reheating operation of the same embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a view for explaining the operation of the hot water supply operation when medium-temperature water is present in the hot water storage tank of the same embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a view for explaining the operation of the hot water supply operation when medium-temperature water is present in the hot water storage tank of the same embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation of simultaneous operation of hot water supply and hot water filling when medium-temperature water is present in the hot water storage tank of the same embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
2 Hot water storage tank
4 hot water taps (first hot water supply end)
8 tapping pipe
9 Water supply pipe
16 Heat pump circuit (heating means)
19 heat exchanger
20 Hot water pipe
21 Medium hot water return pipe
22 Heat exchange circuit
29 Medium-temperature water tap
30 Middle temperature water mixing valve
37 Hot water supply mixing valve (first hot water mixing valve)
38 1st bypass pipe
41 Bath mixing valve (second hot water mixing valve)
43 Second bypass pipe
44 Hot water pipe (second hot water supply end)

Claims

A hot water storage tank connected to the upper end thereof, and a heating means for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank to a high temperature; The high-temperature water taken out of the high-temperature water supply pipe connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank is circulated and radiated by the heat exchanger, and the generated medium-temperature water is returned from the medium-temperature water return pipe connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank. Heat exchange circuit and a medium-temperature water connected to a position higher than the medium-temperature water return pipe and lower than the tapping pipe of the hot-water storage tank, and for discharging the medium-temperature water generated by heat exchange from the hot-water storage tank. A tapping pipe, a hot water mixing valve for mixing high-temperature water from the tapping pipe and medium-temperature water from the medium-temperature tapping pipe to an arbitrary predetermined temperature, and hot water mixed by the medium-temperature water mixing valve and the water supply pipe. The first branched A first mixing valve that mixes low-temperature water from an ipass pipe with an arbitrary first hot water supply set temperature and supplies hot water from a first hot water supply end; hot water mixed by the middle-temperature water mixing valve; and a branch from the water supply pipe A second mixing valve for mixing low-temperature water from the second bypass pipe with an optional second hot water supply set temperature and supplying hot water from the second hot water supply end; A hot water supply apparatus characterized in that the temperature is higher by a certain temperature than the higher of the first set temperature and the second set temperature.

A hot water storage tank connected to the upper end thereof, and a heating means for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank to a high temperature; The high-temperature water taken out of the high-temperature water supply pipe connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank is circulated and radiated by the heat exchanger, and the generated medium-temperature water is returned from the medium-temperature water return pipe connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank. Heat exchange circuit and a medium-temperature water connected to a position higher than the medium-temperature water return pipe and lower than the tapping pipe of the hot-water storage tank, and for discharging the medium-temperature water generated by heat exchange from the hot-water storage tank. A tapping pipe, a hot water mixing valve for mixing high-temperature water from the tapping pipe and medium-temperature water from the medium-temperature tapping pipe to an arbitrary predetermined temperature, and hot water mixed by the medium-temperature water mixing valve and the water supply pipe. The first branched A first mixing valve that mixes low-temperature water from an ipass pipe with an arbitrary first hot water supply set temperature and supplies hot water from a first hot water supply end; hot water mixed by the middle-temperature water mixing valve; and a branch from the water supply pipe A second mixing valve for mixing low-temperature water from the second bypass pipe with an optional second hot water supply set temperature and supplying hot water from the second hot water supply end; In the case of hot water supply from one of the hot water supply ends, the temperature is set to be a certain temperature higher than the one hot water supply set temperature, and in the case of simultaneous hot water supply from both hot water supply ends, of the first hot water supply set temperature and the second hot water supply set temperature, A hot-water storage type hot water supply device characterized in that the temperature is higher by a certain temperature than the higher temperature.