JP2004218920A

JP2004218920A - Water heater

Info

Publication number: JP2004218920A
Application number: JP2003006115A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Yoshihisa Urakawa; 芳久浦川
Original assignee: Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2003-01-14
Filing date: 2003-01-14
Publication date: 2004-08-05
Anticipated expiration: 2023-01-14
Also published as: JP4156387B2

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a water heater capable of preventing hot water of various temperature in a hot water supply tank from being mixed with each other by the flow of the water of low temperature after the heat radiation by a use-side heat exchanger, effectively using the heat of the water of low temperature after the heat radiation by the use-side heat exchanger, and storing the supplied hot water to achieve the temperature difference in hot water between an upper part and a lower part of the hot water supply tank. SOLUTION: This water heater comprises hot water supply temperature sensors 95A, 95B, 95C for detecting the temperatures of various height positions between the upper part and the lower part of the hot water supply tank 11, and return pipes 47A, 47B, 47C to the hot water supply tank of the heat source-side pipe into which the water of low temperature after the heat radiation by the use-side heat exchanger 13 flows, are mounted between the upper part and the lower part of the hot water supply tank with various heights. In the water heater, the water of low temperature from the return pipes flows into the hot water supply tank at various height positions in accordance with the temperature of the supplied hot water detected by the hot water temperature sensor. COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、給湯用熱交換器によって加熱された温水を給湯タンクの上部から流入させ、冷水は給湯タンクの下部から流入させることで、給湯タンク内の上部と下部とで湯温差が生じるように給湯水を貯留する給湯機に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来より、冷凍サイクルを用いたヒートポンプ式給湯機が提案されており、例えば冷凍サイクルを利用して給湯タンク内に温水を貯留するものや、浴槽への給湯を行うものが提案されている（例えば特許文献１、特許文献２参照）。
特に、特許文献２では、給湯タンクの天部と中間部に出湯配管を接続し、給湯タンク内の温度に応じて、中間部の出湯配管を利用することで、無駄な水道水を混ぜることなくエネルギー効率を向上させるものが提案されている。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−１３０８１９号公報
【特許文献２】
特開２００２−２４３２７４号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、特許文献２では、浴槽用熱交換器を循環させた湯を、中間部の出湯配管と同じ高さの給湯タンクの中間部に戻しており、中間部の出湯温度は、この浴槽用熱交換器で放熱した低温水の影響を受けやすく、また流入する低温水の温度変動も受けやすい。
【０００５】
そこで、本発明は、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水の流入によって給湯タンク内の温度の異なる温水が混ざり合うことを防止できるとともに、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水の熱も有効に利用することができ、給湯タンク内の上部と下部とで湯温差が生じるように給湯水を貯留することができる給湯機を提供することを目的とする。
特に、本発明は、給湯タンク内の温度分布を正確に把握でき、給湯タンク内の温度状況に応じた戻し口を選択することで、給湯タンク内の高温水が低温水と混ざり合うことを有効に防止できる給湯機を提供することを目的とする。
そして、本発明は、給湯タンクの小型化を実現でき、小型の給湯タンクであっても、高温水を有効に利用することができる給湯機を提供することを目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１記載の本発明の給湯機は、給湯用熱交換器によって加熱された温水を給湯タンクの上部から流入させ、冷水は前記給湯タンクの下部から流入させることで、前記給湯タンク内の上部と下部とで湯温差が生じるように給湯水を貯留し、前記給湯タンクに貯留した温水を利用して利用側熱交換器の利用側配管を流れる媒体を加熱する給湯機であって、前記給湯タンクの上部から流出させた温水を前記利用側熱交換器に導き、前記利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水を前記給湯タンクに流入させる熱源側配管と、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置の温度を検出する給湯温度センサとを備え、前記熱源側配管の前記給湯タンク内への戻し口を、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置となるように構成し、前記戻し口からの低温水を、前記給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度に応じて高さ位置を異ならせて前記給湯タンクに流入させることを特徴とする。
請求項２記載の本発明は、請求項１に記載の給湯機において、前記給湯温度センサを、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記戻し口を、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記戻し口から流入させる低温水の温度と複数の前記給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、前記戻し口からの低温水を、当該低温水の温度よりも高い給湯温度の位置からは流入させないことを特徴とする。
請求項３記載の本発明は、請求項１に記載の給湯機において、前記給湯温度センサを、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記戻し口を、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記戻し口から流入させる低温水の温度と複数の前記給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、前記戻し口からの低温水を、当該低温水の温度を含む給湯温度の位置から流入させることを特徴とする。
請求項４記載の本発明の給湯機は、給湯用熱交換器によって加熱された温水を給湯タンクの上部から流入させ、冷水は前記給湯タンクの下部から流入させることで、前記給湯タンク内の上部と下部とで湯温差が生じるように給湯水を貯留し、前記給湯タンクに貯留した温水を利用して利用側熱交換器の利用側配管を流れる媒体を加熱する給湯機であって、前記給湯タンクの上部から流出させた温水を前記利用側熱交換器に導き、前記利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水を前記給湯タンクに流入させる熱源側配管と、前記戻し口から流入させる低温水の温度を検出する熱源側温度センサとを備え、前記熱源側配管の前記給湯タンク内への戻し口を、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置となるように構成し、前記戻し口からの低温水を、前記熱源側温度センサで検出した温度に応じて高さ位置を異ならせて前記給湯タンクに流入させることを特徴とする。
請求項５記載の本発明は、請求項４に記載の給湯機において、給湯温度センサを、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記戻し口を、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記熱源側温度センサで検出した低温水の温度と複数の前記給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、前記戻し口からの低温水を、当該低温水の温度よりも高い給湯温度の位置からは流入させないことを特徴とする。
請求項６記載の本発明は、請求項４に記載の給湯機において、給湯温度センサを、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記戻し口を、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記熱源側温度センサで検出した低温水の温度と複数の前記給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、前記戻し口からの低温水を、当該低温水の温度を含む給湯温度の位置から流入させることを特徴とする。
請求項７記載の本発明は、請求項１から請求項６のいずれかに記載の給湯機において、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置から温水を流出させる出湯配管を設け、前記出湯配管の流出口を、前記給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度に応じて高さ位置を異ならせたことを特徴とする。
請求項８記載の本発明は、請求項７に記載の給湯機において、前記流出口を、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記出湯配管側で設定された設定出湯温度と複数の前記給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、前記流出口からの温水を、前記設定出湯温度よりも高い給湯温度で当該設定出湯温度に近い給湯温度の位置から流出させることを特徴とする。
請求項９記載の本発明は、請求項７に記載の給湯機において、前記流出口を、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、前記出湯配管側で設定された設定出湯温度と複数の前記給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、前記流出口からの温水を、前記設定出湯温度を含む給湯温度以下の位置からは流出させないことを特徴とする。
請求項１０記載の本発明の給湯機は、給湯用熱交換器によって加熱された温水を給湯タンクの上部から流入させ、冷水は前記給湯タンクの下部から流入させることで、前記給湯タンク内の上部と下部とで湯温差が生じるように給湯水を貯留する給湯機であって、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置から温水を流出させる出湯配管と、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置から温水を流入させる戻し口と、前記給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置の温度を検出する給湯温度センサとを備えたことを特徴とする。
請求項１１記載の本発明は、請求項１０に記載の給湯機において、前記出湯配管の流出口又は前記戻し口の高さ位置を、前記給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度に応じて異ならせることを特徴とする。
【０００７】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明による第１の実施の形態による給湯機は、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水を、給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度に応じて高さ位置を異ならせて給湯タンクに流入させるものである。本実施の形態によれば、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水の流入によって給湯タンク内の温度の異なる温水が混ざり合うことを防止できるとともに、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水の熱も有効に利用することができ、給湯タンク内の上部と下部とで湯温差が生じるように給湯水を貯留することができる。従って、給湯タンクの小型化を実現でき、小型の給湯タンクであっても、高温水を有効に利用することができる。
本発明による第２の実施の形態は、第１の実施の形態による給湯機において、給湯温度センサを、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、戻し口を、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、戻し口から流入させる低温水の温度と複数の給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、戻し口からの低温水を、当該低温水の温度よりも高い給湯温度の位置からは流入させないものである。本実施の形態によれば、複数の給湯温度センサによって給湯タンク内の温度分布を正確に把握でき、給湯タンク内の温度状況に応じた戻し口を選択でき、給湯タンク内の高温水が低温水と混ざり合うことを防止できる。
本発明による第３の実施の形態は、第１の実施の形態による給湯機において、給湯温度センサを、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、戻し口を、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、戻し口から流入させる低温水の温度と複数の給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、戻し口からの低温水を、当該低温水の温度を含む給湯温度の位置から流入させるものである。本実施の形態によれば、複数の給湯温度センサによって給湯タンク内の温度分布を正確に把握でき、給湯タンク内の温度状況に応じた戻し口を選択でき、給湯タンク内の高温水が低温水と混ざり合うことを防止できる。
本発明による第４の実施の形態による給湯機は、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水を、熱源側温度センサで検出した温度に応じて高さ位置を異ならせて給湯タンクに流入させるものである。本実施の形態によれば、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水の流入によって給湯タンク内の温度の異なる温水が混ざり合うことを防止できるとともに、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水の熱も有効に利用することができ、給湯タンク内の上部と下部とで湯温差が生じるように給湯水を貯留することができる。従って、給湯タンクの小型化を実現でき、小型の給湯タンクであっても、高温水を有効に利用することができる。
本発明による第５の実施の形態は、第４の実施の形態による給湯機において、給湯温度センサを、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、戻し口を、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、熱源側温度センサで検出した低温水の温度と複数の給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、戻し口からの低温水を、当該低温水の温度よりも高い給湯温度の位置からは流入させないものである。本実施の形態によれば、複数の給湯温度センサによって給湯タンク内の温度分布を正確に把握でき、給湯タンク内の温度状況に応じた戻し口を選択でき、給湯タンク内の高温水が低温水と混ざり合うことを防止できる。
本発明による第６の実施の形態は、第４の実施の形態による給湯機において、給湯温度センサを、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、戻し口を、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、熱源側温度センサで検出した低温水の温度と複数の給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、戻し口からの低温水を、当該低温水の温度を含む給湯温度の位置から流入させるものである。本実施の形態によれば、複数の給湯温度センサによって給湯タンク内の温度分布を正確に把握でき、給湯タンク内の温度状況に応じた戻し口を選択でき、給湯タンク内の高温水が低温水と混ざり合うことを防止できる。
本発明による第７の実施の形態は、第１から第６の実施の形態による給湯機において、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置から温水を流出させる出湯配管を設け、出湯配管の流出口を、給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度に応じて高さ位置を異ならせたものである。本実施の形態によれば、給湯タンクから流出させる温水も、利用側の要望にあわせた温度の温水を用いることができるため、高温水を不必要に用いることなく、給湯タンク内に、より高温の温水を温存することができる。また、給湯温度センサを給湯タンクへの流入と、給湯タンクからの流出の両方に利用することができ、給湯タンク内の温度差を確保して、より高温の温水を温存することができる。
本発明による第８の実施の形態は、第７の実施の形態による給湯機において、流出口を、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、出湯配管側で設定された設定出湯温度と複数の給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、流出口からの温水を、設定出湯温度よりも高い給湯温度で当該設定出湯温度に近い給湯温度の位置から流出させるものである。本実施の形態によれば、複数の給湯温度センサによって給湯タンク内の温度分布を正確に把握でき、設定出湯温度に応じた温水を流出することができる流出口を選択でき、給湯タンク内の高温水を温存することができる。
本発明による第９の実施の形態は、第７の実施の形態による給湯機において、流出口を、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に複数設け、出湯配管側で設定された設定出湯温度と複数の給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、流出口からの温水を、設定出湯温度を含む給湯温度以下の位置からは流出させないものである。本実施の形態によれば、複数の給湯温度センサによって給湯タンク内の温度分布を正確に把握でき、設定出湯温度に応じた温水を流出することができ、設定温度を下回る温度の温水の流出を防止することができる。
本発明による第１０の実施の形態による給湯機は、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置から温水を流出させる出湯配管と、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置から温水を流入させる戻し口と、給湯タンクの上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置の温度を検出する給湯温度センサとを備えたものである。本実施の形態によれば、給湯タンクから流出させる温水として、利用側の要望にあわせた温度の温水を用いることができるため、高温水を不必要に用いることなく、給湯タンク内に、より高温の温水を温存することができる。また、低温水の流入によって給湯タンク内の温度の異なる温水が混ざり合うことを防止できるとともに、低温水の熱も有効に利用することができ、給湯タンク内の上部と下部とで湯温差が生じるように給湯水を貯留することができる。従って、給湯温度センサを給湯タンクへの流入と、給湯タンクからの流出の両方に利用することができ、給湯タンク内の温度差を確保して、より高温の温水を温存することができ、給湯タンクの小型化を実現でき、小型の給湯タンクであっても、高温水を有効に利用することができる。
本発明による第１１の実施の形態は、第１０の実施の形態による給湯機において、出湯配管の流出口又は戻し口の高さ位置を、給湯温度センサで検出した給湯温度に応じて異ならせるものである。本実施の形態によれば、給湯温度センサによって給湯タンク内の温度分布を正確に把握でき、給湯タンク内の温度状況に応じた流出口と戻し口を選択でき、給湯タンク内の高温水が低温水と混ざり合うことを防止できる。
【０００８】
【実施例】
以下、本発明の一実施例による給湯機について図面を用いて説明する。
図１は、本実施例による給湯機の回路構成図である。
本実施例による給湯機は、給湯ユニット１０と、ヒートポンプユニット６０と、暖房ユニット８０とから構成される。
給湯ユニット１０は、温水を貯留する給湯タンク１１と、給湯タンク１１の低温水をヒートポンプユニット６０に導き、このヒートポンプユニット６０で加熱した温水を給湯タンク１１に戻すための循環ポンプ１２と、給湯タンク１１内の温水を暖房ユニット８０で利用するための暖房用熱交換器１３と、給湯タンク１１の高温水を暖房用熱交換器１３に導き、この暖房用熱交換器１３で放熱した温水を給湯タンク１１に戻すための循環ポンプ１６とを備えている。
ヒートポンプユニット６０は、圧縮機６１、給湯用熱交換器６２、膨張弁６３、蒸発器６４を配管にて環状に接続し、冷凍サイクルを構成している。給湯用熱交換器６２は、冷凍サイクルを構成する熱源側配管と給湯ユニット１０を構成する利用側配管との間で熱交換を行う。利用側配管側で高温水を得るためには、冷凍サイクルは、冷媒として二酸化炭素を用い、臨界圧を越える圧力で運転することが好ましい。
暖房ユニット８０は、例えば温水配管を備えた床暖房装置、温風装置、乾燥装置、又は除湿装置など主に暖房機能を備えた空調機器からなるユニットである。暖房ユニット８０は、暖房用熱交換器１３の利用側配管と循環ポンプ１４とともに、第２利用側配管４９にて環状に接続して構成されている。
【０００９】
給湯用配管４１は、一端が給湯タンク１１の底部に接続され、給湯用熱交換器６２の利用側配管を構成し、他端が給湯タンク１１の上部に接続され、管路中に循環ポンプ１２を備えている。循環ポンプ１２の上流側配管には、給湯用熱交換器６２の下流側配管と接続されるバイパス配管が設けられ、このバイパス配管と給湯用熱交換器６２の下流側配管との接続部には三方弁２９が設けられている。
二方弁２４は、一方に水道管等の水供給配管を接続し、他方に給湯ユニット１０内の出水配管４３を接続している。
混合弁２５は、一方の流入側接続口に出湯配管４２を接続し、他方の流入側接続口に出水配管４３を接続し、流出側接続口に第１利用側配管４４を接続している。
なお、出湯配管４２の一端は、給湯タンク１１の上部に接続されている。出湯配管４２は、給湯タンク１１の上部に接続された第１の出湯配管４２Ａの他に、給湯タンク１１の上部と下部との間に接続された、第２の出湯配管４２Ｂ及び第３の出湯配管４２Ｃとから構成される。本実施例では、給湯タンク１１の上部と下部との間に２つの出湯配管４２Ｂ、４２Ｃを設けたものを示しているが、更に多くの出湯配管を高さ方向の位置を異ならせて設けてもよい。本実施例では、第２の出湯配管４２Ｂは、第３の出湯配管４２Ｃよりも高い位置に設けている。また出湯配管４２Ａには開閉弁３１Ａを、第２の出湯配管４２Ｂには開閉弁３１Ｂを、第３の出湯配管４２Ｃには開閉弁３１Ｃを設け、これら開閉弁３１Ａ、３１Ｂ、３１Ｃの開閉動作によって少なくともいずれか一つの出湯配管４２Ａ、４２Ｂ、４２Ｃから温水を流出させている。
【００１０】
第１利用側配管４４の一端は、浴室、キッチン、又は洗面所等の給湯用の蛇口に接続されている。給水配管４５は、出水配管４３の途中から分岐し、給湯タンク１１の底部に接続されている。
熱源側配管４６は、一端が給湯タンク１１の上部に接続され、暖房用熱交換器１３の熱源側配管を構成し、他端が戻し管に接続されている。熱源側配管４６には、循環ポンプ１６と流量制御弁２６が設けられている。
戻し管は、給湯タンク１１の上部と下部との間に接続された、第１の戻し管４７Ａ及び第２の戻し管４７Ｂと、給湯タンク１１の下部に接続された第３の戻し管４７Ｃとから構成される。本実施例では、戻し管として給湯タンク１１の上部と下部との間に２つの戻し管４７Ａ、４７Ｂを設けたものを示しているが、更に多くの戻し管を高さ方向の位置を異ならせて設けてもよい。本実施例では、第１の戻し管４７Ａは、第２の戻し管４７Ｂよりも高い位置に設けている。また第１の戻し管４７Ａには開閉弁３２Ａを、第２の戻し管４７Ｂには開閉弁３２Ｂを、第３の戻し管４７Ｃには開閉弁３２Ｃを設け、これら開閉弁３２Ａ、３２Ｂ、３２Ｃの開閉動作によって少なくともいずれか一つの戻し管４７Ａ、４７Ｂ、４７Ｃから低温水を流入させている。
【００１１】
なお、熱源側配管４６は、暖房用熱交換器１３の上流側に温度センサ９１を、暖房用熱交換器１３の下流側に温度センサ９２を設けている。また、第２利用側配管４９は、暖房用熱交換器１３の上流側に温度センサ９３を設けている。また熱源側配管４６は、流量センサ９４を設けている。
また、給湯タンク１１には、異なる高さ位置の温度を検出する給湯温度センサ９５を設けている。図１では、３つの給湯温度センサ９５Ａ、９５Ｂ、９５Ｃを、給湯タンク１１の上部と下部との間で、異なる高さ位置に設けたものを示している。本実施例では、第１の給湯温度センサ９５Ａは第１の戻し管４７Ａ又は第２の出湯配管４２Ｂよりも高い位置に設けている。また第２の給湯温度センサ９５Ｂは、第２の戻し管４７Ｂ又は第３の出湯配管４２Ｃよりも高い位置に設けている。また第３の給湯温度センサ９５Ｃは、第２の戻し管４７Ｂ又は第３の出湯配管４２Ｃよりも低い位置に設けている。
【００１２】
まず給湯タンクの沸き上げ運転について説明する。
循環ポンプ１２を運転することにより、給湯タンク１１の下部から流出する水は、循環ポンプ１２、給湯用熱交換器６２を順に通り、再び給湯タンク１１の上部から流入する。
一方、ヒートポンプユニット６０も運転を行う。圧縮機６１で圧縮された冷媒は、給湯用熱交換器６２で放熱し、膨張弁６３で減圧された後、蒸発器６４にて吸熱し、ガス状態で圧縮機６１に吸入される。
従って、給湯用熱交換器６２では、冷凍サイクルを流れる冷媒の熱が給湯用配管４１を流れる水に伝達し、加熱された水は温水となり給湯タンク１１内に蓄えられる。このとき、温水は給湯タンク１１の上部から流入させ、冷水は給湯タンク１１の下部から流出させるため、給湯タンク１１内では、上層部に温水が蓄えられ、この温水層が徐々に厚くなる。そして給湯タンク１１の下部側に設けた温度センサ（図示しない）によって、給湯タンク１１内に十分な温水が蓄積された状態を検知し、沸き上げ運転を終了する。
【００１３】
次に、図２から図４を用いて暖房運転について説明する。
この暖房運転モードでは、給湯タンク１１内の温水を利用する。
循環ポンプ１６を運転することにより、給湯タンク１１の上部から流出する温水は、暖房用熱交換器１３を通り、戻し管から再び給湯タンク１１に流入する。
一方、暖房ユニット８０も運転を行う。循環用ポンプ１４を運転することで、暖房用熱交換器１３では、熱源側配管４６を流れる温水の熱が第２利用側配管４９を流れる水に伝達し、加熱された水は温水となり暖房ユニット８０側を循環する。
この暖房運転時の戻し管４７Ａ、４７Ｂ、４７Ｃの選択は、温度センサ９２で検出した温度と複数の給湯温度センサ９５Ａ、９５Ｂ、９５Ｃで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、低温水を、当該低温水の温度を含む給湯温度の位置から流入させ、当該低温水の温度よりも高い給湯温度の位置からは流入させないように、開閉弁３２Ａ、３２Ｂ、３２Ｃを開閉制御して行う。
【００１４】
なお、以下に説明する図２から図４では、ヒートポンプユニット６０の運転を継続し、高温水の貯留量が常に一定であると仮定して説明する。
図２は、給湯温度センサ９５Ａでは高温ＴＨ、給湯温度センサ９５Ｂ及び給湯温度センサ９５Ｃでは低温ＴＬを検出し、戻り水の温度を中温ＴＭとした場合を示している。
図２の条件の場合には、給湯温度センサ９５Ａと給湯温度センサ９５Ｂとの間に設けられている戻し管４７Ａを用いる。従って、開閉弁３２Ａを開、開閉弁３２Ｂ及び開閉弁３２Ｃを閉とする。
図２に示すように、戻し管４７Ｂや戻し管４７Ｃを用いないことにより、中温ＴＭの温水を温度低下させることなく給湯タンク１１内に貯留することができる。従って、図２の状態で運転することにより図３の状態にすることができる。
【００１５】
図３は、給湯温度センサ９５Ａでは高温ＴＨ、給湯温度センサ９５Ｂでは中温ＴＭ、給湯温度センサ９５Ｃでは低温ＴＬを検出し、戻り水の温度を中温ＴＭとした場合を示している。
図３の条件の場合には、給湯温度センサ９５Ｂと給湯温度センサ９５Ｃとの間に設けられている戻し管４７Ｂを用いる。従って、開閉弁３２Ｂを開、開閉弁３２Ａ及び開閉弁３２Ｃを閉とする。
図３に示すように、戻し管４７Ａを用いないことにより高温ＴＨの領域に影響を与えることを少なくし、一方、戻し管４７Ｃを用いないことにより、中温ＴＭの温水を温度低下させることなく給湯タンク１１内に貯留することができる。従って、図３の状態で運転することにより図４の状態にすることができる。
【００１６】
図４は、給湯温度センサ９５Ａでは高温ＴＨ、給湯温度センサ９５Ｂ及び給湯温度センサ９５Ｃでは中温ＴＭを検出し、戻り水の温度を中温ＴＭとした場合を示している。
図４の条件の場合には、給湯温度センサ９５Ｃよりも下方に設けられている戻し管４７Ｃを用いる。従って、開閉弁３２Ｃを開、開閉弁３２Ａ及び開閉弁３２Ｂを閉とする。
図４に示すように、特に戻し管４７Ａを用いないことにより高温ＴＨの領域に影響を与えることを少なくすることができる。また戻し管４７Ｂを用いないことにより中温ＴＨの領域での温度分離が進み、中温ＴＨ領域の上層部での高温化領域の拡大を図ることができる。
【００１７】
次に、図５から図７を用いて給湯タンク内の温水を給湯用として利用する場合について説明する。
利用側配管４４に接続された蛇口を開くことで給湯水を利用することができる。給湯温度は、混合弁２５の流入側流路の混合比を変更することで調整される。給湯温度を高くする場合には、出湯配管４２からの流入量を増加させ、給湯温度を低くする場合には、出水配管４３からの流入量を増加させる。
給湯タンク１１内は、出湯配管４２から温水が流出することで圧力が低下する。従って、出湯配管４２からの温水の流出量だけ、給水配管４５から給湯タンク１１内に水が流入する。
この給湯利用時の出湯配管４２Ａ、４２Ｂ、４２Ｃの選択は、ユーザ側で設定した設定出湯温度と複数の給湯温度センサ９５Ａ、９５Ｂ、９５Ｃで検出した給湯温度とを比較し、出湯配管４２Ａ、４２Ｂ、４２Ｃから供給する温水を、設定出湯温度よりも高い給湯温度でかつ当該設定出湯温度に近い給湯温度の位置から流出させ、設定出湯温度を含む給湯温度以下の位置からは流出させないように、開閉弁３１Ａ、３１Ｂ、３１Ｃを開閉制御して行う。
【００１８】
なお、以下に説明する図５から図７では、暖房ユニット８０の運転を継続し、高温水の貯留量が十分に補充できないと仮定して説明する。
図５は、給湯温度センサ９５Ａ及び給湯温度センサ９５Ｂでは高温ＴＨ、給湯温度センサ９５Ｃでは中温ＴＭを検出し、設定出湯温度を中低温Ｔｍとした場合を示している。
図５の条件の場合には、給湯温度センサ９５Ｂよりも下方に設けられている出湯配管４２Ｃを用いる。従って、開閉弁３１Ｃを開、開閉弁３１Ａ及び開閉弁３１Ｂを閉とする。
図５に示すように、出湯配管４２Ａや出湯配管４２Ｂを用いないことにより、高温ＴＨの温水を用いることなく給湯を行うことができる。
【００１９】
図６は、給湯温度センサ９５Ａでは高温ＴＨ、給湯温度センサ９５Ｂでは中温ＴＭ、給湯温度センサ９５Ｃでは低温ＴＬを検出し、設定出湯温度を中低温Ｔｍとした場合を示している。
図６の条件の場合には、給湯温度センサ９５Ｂと給湯温度センサ９５Ｃとの間に設けられている出湯配管４２Ｂを用いる。従って、開閉弁３１Ｂを開、開閉弁３１Ａ及び開閉弁３１Ｃを閉とする。
図６に示すように、出湯配管４２Ａを用いないことにより、高温ＴＨの温水を用いることなく給湯を行うことができる。
【００２０】
図７は、給湯温度センサ９５Ａでは中温ＴＭ、給湯温度センサ９５Ｂ及び給湯温度センサ９５Ｃでは低温ＴＬを検出し、設定出湯温度を中低温Ｔｍとした場合を示している。
図７の条件の場合には、給湯温度センサ９５Ａよりも上方に設けられている出湯配管４２Ａを用いる。従って、開閉弁３１Ａを開、開閉弁３１Ｂ及び開閉弁３１Ｃを閉とする。
図５から図７で説明したように、出湯配管４２からの流出位置を、利用側の設定出湯温度と給湯タンク内の温度によって変化させ、中温領域の温水を利用することで高温水を温存することができる。
【００２１】
以下、本発明の他の実施例による給湯機について図面を用いて説明する。なお、同一機能を有する部材には同一番号を付して説明を省略する。
図８は、本実施例による給湯機の回路構成図である。
本実施例による給湯機は、暖房用熱交換器１３をバイパスする配管を第２利用側配管４９に設け、このバイパス管に混合弁３０を設けたものである。
この混合弁３０によって、循環ポンプ１４から吐出された温水の一部は、暖房用熱交換器１３を通ることなく、暖房用熱交換器１３から流出した温水と混合され、暖房ユニット８０に流れる。
本実施例のように、暖房用熱交換器１３をバイパスするバイパス管に混合弁３０を設け、循環ポンプ１４から吐出された温水の一部を、暖房用熱交換器１３をバイパスさせることで、暖房ユニット８０では、暖房負荷に対応した運転を行うことができる。この混合弁３０は、暖房ユニット８０側で設定した温度と温度センサ９３との比較によって、設定温度より温度センサ９３での検出温度が高ければバイパス量を増加させ、温度センサ９３での検出温度が設定温度以下であれば、バイパス量を減少させる方向に制御する。
混合弁３０を制御することで、バイパス量が増加すれば、暖房用熱交換器１３での熱交換量は減少し、熱源側配管４６を流れる温水は、暖房用熱交換器１３の流出後においても温度低下は少なくなる。
従って、バイパス量を増加させる状態では、給湯タンク１１内に、より高温の温水を貯留することができるので、戻し管４７Ａ、４７Ｂ、４７Ｃを選択することで、より効率よく給湯タンク１１内に温水を貯留することができる。
【００２２】
図９は、更に他の実施例による給湯機の回路構成図である。
本実施例による給湯機は、図８に示す実施例に、更に浴槽７０内の浴槽水を加熱する沸上機能と、浴槽７０内に注湯する注湯機能と、浴室乾燥ユニット９０を設けたものである。
浴槽７０内の浴槽水を加熱する沸上機能は、浴槽７０内の浴槽水を給湯タンク１１内に配置した浴槽用熱交換器１５に導き、浴槽用熱交換器１５で加熱された温水を浴槽７０に導く浴槽用配管７２と、この浴槽用配管７２内の温水を循環させる循環ポンプ７１とによって構成されている。なお、浴槽用配管７２には、浴槽用熱交換器１５をバイパスする配管が設けられ、このバイパス管には混合弁７３を設けている。この混合弁７３によって、循環ポンプ７１から吐出された温水の一部は、浴槽用熱交換器１５を通ることなく、浴槽用熱交換器１５から流出した温水と混合され、浴槽７２に流れる。
浴槽７０内に注湯する注湯機能は、出水配管４３から分岐させた冷水側注湯用配管５４Ａと、出湯配管４２から分岐させた温水側注湯用配管５４Ｂと、冷水側注湯用配管５４Ａと温水側注湯用配管５４Ｂとを流入側接続口に接続する混合弁５３と、混合弁５３の流出側接続口に接続される注湯用配管５５と、この注湯用配管５５に設けた開閉弁５６とから構成され、注湯用配管５５は浴槽用配管７２に接続している。
浴室乾燥ユニット９０は、暖房ユニット８０と並列に設けられており、暖房用熱交換器１３の利用側配管と循環ポンプ１４とともに、第２利用側配管４９にて環状に接続して構成されている。
本実施例によれば、暖房用熱交換器１３を用いて浴室乾燥ユニット９０を運転することができるとともに、暖房用熱交換器１３を用いた暖房運転中に、浴槽７０の沸き上げや注湯を行うことができる。
【００２３】
図１０は、更に他の実施例による給湯機の回路構成図である。
本実施例による給湯機は、図９に示す実施例の中で浴槽７０内の浴槽水を加熱する沸上手段を変更したものである。
すなわち、本実施例による給湯機は、浴槽用熱交換器１５に代えて浴槽用熱交換器１３Ｂを用いる。またこの浴槽用熱交換器１３Ｂの熱源として、熱源側配管４６Ｂを用いる。
浴槽用熱交換器１３Ｂは、暖房用熱交換器１３と同一の機能を有するものであり、熱源側配管４６Ｂによって暖房用熱交換器１３と並列に設ける。
また、熱源側配管４６Ｂは、熱源側配管４６と並列に接続されており、一端が給湯タンク１１の上部に接続され、浴槽用熱交換器１３Ｂの熱源側配管を構成し、他端が戻し管に接続されている。熱源側配管４６Ｂには、循環ポンプ１６Ｂと流量制御弁２６Ｂが設けられている。
【００２４】
【発明の効果】
本発明によれば、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水の流入によって給湯タンク内の温度の異なる温水が混ざり合うことを防止できるとともに、利用側熱交換器で放熱した低温水の熱も有効に利用することができ、給湯タンク内の上部と下部とで湯温差が生じるように給湯水を貯留することができる。
そして、本発明によれば、給湯タンクの小型化を実現でき、小型の給湯タンクであっても、高温水を有効に利用することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の一実施例による給湯機の回路構成図
【図２】本実施例による給湯機の暖房運転状態を示す回路構成図
【図３】本実施例による給湯機の暖房運転状態を示す回路構成図
【図４】本実施例による給湯機の暖房運転状態を示す回路構成図
【図５】本実施例による給湯機の給湯利用状態を示す回路構成図
【図６】本実施例による給湯機の給湯利用状態を示す回路構成図
【図７】本実施例による給湯機の給湯利用状態を示す回路構成図
【図８】本発明の他の実施例による給湯機の回路構成図
【図９】本発明の更に他の実施例による給湯機の回路構成図
【図１０】本発明の更に他の実施例による給湯機の回路構成図
【符号の説明】
１０給湯ユニット
１１給湯タンク
１２循環ポンプ
１３暖房用熱交換器
１４循環ポンプ
３１開閉弁
３２開閉弁
４２出湯配管
４７Ａ戻し管
４７Ｂ戻し管
４７Ｃ戻し管
６０ヒートポンプユニット
８０暖房ユニット
９２温度センサ
９５給湯温度センサ[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention allows hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger to flow in from the upper part of the hot water supply tank and cold water to flow in from the lower part of the hot water supply tank so that a difference in hot water temperature occurs between the upper part and the lower part in the hot water supply tank. The present invention relates to a water heater for storing hot water.
[0002]
[Prior art]
BACKGROUND ART Conventionally, heat pump water heaters using a refrigeration cycle have been proposed, for example, those that store hot water in a hot water tank using a refrigeration cycle and those that supply hot water to a bathtub have been proposed (for example, Patent Documents 1 and 2).
In particular, in Patent Literature 2, a hot water supply pipe is connected to a ceiling part and a middle part of a hot water supply tank, and according to a temperature in the hot water supply tank, a hot water supply pipe is used in the middle part so that unnecessary tap water is not mixed. Those that improve energy efficiency have been proposed.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-130819 A
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2002-243274 A
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in Patent Document 2, the hot water circulated through the bathtub heat exchanger is returned to the middle part of the hot water supply tank at the same height as the hot water supply pipe in the middle part. It is susceptible to the influence of the low-temperature water radiated by the exchanger, and also to the temperature fluctuation of the low-temperature water flowing into the exchanger.
[0005]
Therefore, the present invention can prevent mixing of hot water having different temperatures in the hot water supply tank due to inflow of low-temperature water radiated by the use-side heat exchanger, and also effectively use heat of low-temperature water radiated by the use-side heat exchanger. It is an object of the present invention to provide a water heater that can store hot water so that a difference in hot water temperature occurs between an upper portion and a lower portion in a hot water tank.
In particular, the present invention makes it possible to accurately grasp the temperature distribution in the hot water tank and to select the return port according to the temperature condition in the hot water tank, thereby effectively mixing the high-temperature water in the hot water tank with the low-temperature water. It is an object of the present invention to provide a water heater that can prevent the water heater.
Further, an object of the present invention is to provide a water heater capable of realizing downsizing of a hot water supply tank and effectively utilizing high-temperature water even in a small-sized hot water supply tank.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The hot water supply apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention is configured such that hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger flows in from an upper portion of the hot water supply tank, and cold water flows in from a lower portion of the hot water supply tank. A hot water supply device for storing hot water so that a hot water temperature difference is generated between the hot water supply portion and a lower portion, and using a hot water stored in the hot water supply tank to heat a medium flowing through a use side pipe of a use side heat exchanger; A heat source side pipe that guides the hot water discharged from the upper part of the tank to the use side heat exchanger and allows the low temperature water radiated by the use side heat exchanger to flow into the hot water supply tank, and an upper part and a lower part of the hot water supply tank A hot water supply temperature sensor that detects a temperature at a different height position, and a return port of the heat source side pipe into the hot water supply tank is provided at a different height position between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank. So that The low-temperature water from the serial return port, at different height positions, characterized in that to flow into the hot water supply tank in accordance with the hot-water supply temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor.
According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the water heater according to the first aspect, a plurality of the hot water supply temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and the return port is provided. A plurality of hot water supply tanks are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and the temperature of the low-temperature water flowing from the return port is compared with the hot water supply temperature detected by the plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors. From the position of the hot water supply temperature higher than the temperature of the low-temperature water.
According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the hot water supply device according to the first aspect, a plurality of the hot water supply temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and the return port is provided. A plurality of hot water supply tanks are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and the temperature of the low-temperature water flowing from the return port is compared with the hot water supply temperature detected by the plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors. From the position of the hot water supply temperature including the temperature of the low-temperature water.
In the hot water supply apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger flows in from the upper part of the hot water supply tank, and the cold water flows in from the lower part of the hot water supply tank. A hot water supply device for storing hot water so that a hot water temperature difference is generated between the hot water supply portion and a lower portion, and using a hot water stored in the hot water supply tank to heat a medium flowing through a use side pipe of a use side heat exchanger; The hot water discharged from the upper part of the tank is guided to the use side heat exchanger, the low temperature water radiated by the use side heat exchanger flows into the hot water supply tank, and the low temperature water flows from the return port. A heat source side temperature sensor for detecting a temperature, wherein the return port of the heat source side pipe into the hot water supply tank, between the upper and lower portions of the hot water supply tank, is configured to be at different height positions, Low from the return Water, at different height positions, characterized in that to flow into the hot water supply tank in accordance with the temperature detected by the heat source-side temperature sensor.
According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the water heater according to the fourth aspect, a plurality of hot water temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water tank, and the return port is provided with the return port, A plurality of hot water supply tanks are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and the temperature of the low-temperature water detected by the heat source side temperature sensor is compared with the hot water temperature detected by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors, and the return is performed. It is characterized in that low-temperature water from the mouth is not allowed to flow in from a hot water supply temperature higher than the temperature of the low-temperature water.
According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the hot water supply apparatus according to the fourth aspect, a plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and the return port is provided with the return port, A plurality of hot water supply tanks are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and the temperature of the low-temperature water detected by the heat source side temperature sensor is compared with the hot water temperature detected by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors, and the return is performed. It is characterized in that the low-temperature water from the mouth flows in from the position of the hot water supply temperature including the temperature of the low-temperature water.
According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the water heater according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, a hot water supply pipe through which hot water flows out from different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank. The height position of the outlet of the hot water supply pipe is changed according to the hot water supply temperature detected by the hot water supply temperature sensor.
According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the water heater according to the seventh aspect, a plurality of the outlets are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and are set on the tapping pipe side. The set hot water temperature and the hot water temperature detected by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors are compared, and hot water from the outlet is positioned at a hot water temperature higher than the hot water temperature and close to the hot water temperature. Characterized by being drained from
According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the water heater according to the seventh aspect, a plurality of the outlets are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and are set on the tapping pipe side. Comparing the set hot water temperature with the hot water temperature detected by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors, and preventing the hot water from the outlet from flowing out from a position equal to or lower than the hot water temperature including the hot water temperature. .
In the hot water supply apparatus according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger is caused to flow in from an upper portion of the hot water supply tank, and the cold water is caused to flow in from a lower portion of the hot water supply tank. A hot water supply device that stores hot water so that a hot water temperature difference is generated between the hot water supply tank and a lower portion, and between a top portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, a hot water supply pipe that allows hot water to flow from a different height position; A hot water supply sensor for detecting temperatures at different heights between the upper and lower portions of the hot water supply tank between the upper portion and the lower portion; It is characterized by.
According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the water heater according to the tenth aspect, the height position of the outlet or the return port of the tapping pipe is changed according to the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor. It is characterized by.
[0007]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
A water heater according to a first embodiment of the present invention is configured to flow low-temperature water radiated by a use-side heat exchanger into a hot water tank at different heights according to a hot water temperature detected by a hot water temperature sensor. It is. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent mixing of hot water having different temperatures in the hot water supply tank due to inflow of low-temperature water radiated by the use-side heat exchanger, and to reduce heat of the low-temperature water radiated by the use-side heat exchanger. Can also be used effectively, and hot water can be stored such that a difference in hot water temperature occurs between the upper part and the lower part in the hot water supply tank. Therefore, the size of the hot water supply tank can be reduced, and high-temperature water can be effectively used even in a small-sized hot water supply tank.
A second embodiment according to the present invention is the water heater according to the first embodiment, in which a plurality of hot water temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of a hot water tank, and a return port is provided. A plurality of hot water supply tanks are provided at different heights between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and the temperature of the low temperature water flowing in from the return port is compared with the hot water temperature detected by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors. From the hot water supply temperature higher than the temperature of the low-temperature water. According to the present embodiment, the temperature distribution in the hot water tank can be accurately grasped by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors, and the return port can be selected according to the temperature condition in the hot water tank. Can be prevented from being mixed.
A third embodiment according to the present invention is the water heater according to the first embodiment, wherein a plurality of hot water temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water tank, and a return port is provided. A plurality of hot water supply tanks are provided at different heights between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and the temperature of the low temperature water flowing in from the return port is compared with the hot water temperature detected by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors. From the position of the hot water supply temperature including the temperature of the low-temperature water. According to the present embodiment, the temperature distribution in the hot water tank can be accurately grasped by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors, and the return port can be selected according to the temperature condition in the hot water tank. Can be prevented from being mixed.
A water heater according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention is configured to flow low-temperature water radiated by a use-side heat exchanger into a hot-water supply tank at different heights according to a temperature detected by a heat source-side temperature sensor. It is. According to the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent mixing of hot water having different temperatures in the hot water supply tank due to inflow of low-temperature water radiated by the use-side heat exchanger, and to reduce heat of the low-temperature water radiated by the use-side heat exchanger. Can also be used effectively, and hot water can be stored such that a difference in hot water temperature occurs between the upper part and the lower part in the hot water supply tank. Therefore, the size of the hot water supply tank can be reduced, and high-temperature water can be effectively used even in a small-sized hot water supply tank.
According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the water heater according to the fourth embodiment, a plurality of hot water temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of a hot water tank, and a return port is provided. A plurality of hot water supply tanks are provided at different heights between an upper portion and a lower portion, and the temperature of the low-temperature water detected by the heat source side temperature sensor is compared with the temperature of the hot water supplied by the plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors. Low-temperature water is not allowed to flow in from a position where the temperature of hot water is higher than the temperature of the low-temperature water. According to the present embodiment, the temperature distribution in the hot water tank can be accurately grasped by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors, and the return port can be selected according to the temperature condition in the hot water tank. Can be prevented from being mixed.
A sixth embodiment according to the present invention is the water heater according to the fourth embodiment, wherein a plurality of hot water temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water tank, and a return port is provided. A plurality of hot water supply tanks are provided at different heights between an upper portion and a lower portion, and the temperature of the low-temperature water detected by the heat source side temperature sensor is compared with the temperature of the hot water supplied by the plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors. The low-temperature water is caused to flow in from the position of the hot water supply temperature including the temperature of the low-temperature water. According to the present embodiment, the temperature distribution in the hot water tank can be accurately grasped by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors, and the return port can be selected according to the temperature condition in the hot water tank. Can be prevented from being mixed.
A seventh embodiment according to the present invention is directed to a water heater according to the first to sixth embodiments, in which hot water outlet pipes for flowing hot water from different height positions are provided between an upper portion and a lower portion of a hot water supply tank, The outlet of the hot water supply pipe has a different height position according to the hot water supply temperature detected by the hot water supply temperature sensor. According to the present embodiment, the hot water flowing out of the hot water supply tank can also be hot water having a temperature according to the demands of the user, so that the hot water can be stored in the hot water supply tank without unnecessary use of high-temperature water. Warm water can be preserved. In addition, the hot water supply temperature sensor can be used for both the inflow to the hot water supply tank and the outflow from the hot water supply tank, and the temperature difference in the hot water supply tank can be ensured to preserve hot water of higher temperature.
An eighth embodiment according to the present invention is directed to a water heater according to the seventh embodiment, in which a plurality of outlets are provided at different heights between an upper part and a lower part of a hot water tank, and set on a tapping pipe side. The set hot water temperature is compared with the hot water temperature detected by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors, and hot water from the outlet is discharged from a hot water temperature that is higher than the hot water temperature and that is close to the hot water temperature. Things. According to the present embodiment, a plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors can accurately grasp the temperature distribution in the hot water supply tank, and can select an outlet from which hot water can flow out according to the set hot water temperature, and can select a high temperature in the hot water supply tank. Water can be preserved.
A ninth embodiment according to the present invention is directed to a water heater according to the seventh embodiment, in which a plurality of outlets are provided at different height positions between the upper part and the lower part of the hot water tank and set on the tapping pipe side. The hot water supply temperature detected by the plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors is compared with the set hot water supply temperature, and hot water from the outlet is prevented from flowing out from a position lower than the hot water supply temperature including the hot water supply temperature. According to the present embodiment, the temperature distribution in the hot water supply tank can be accurately grasped by the plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors, the hot water corresponding to the set hot water temperature can flow out, and the outflow of hot water having a temperature lower than the set temperature can be prevented. Can be prevented.
A hot water supply apparatus according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention is different in a hot water supply pipe for flowing hot water from different height positions between an upper part and a lower part of a hot water supply tank, and between an upper part and a lower part of the hot water supply tank. It has a return port through which hot water flows in from a height position, and a hot water supply temperature sensor for detecting temperatures at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank. According to the present embodiment, as the hot water flowing out of the hot water supply tank, it is possible to use hot water having a temperature according to the demands of the user side. Warm water can be preserved. In addition, it is possible to prevent mixing of hot water having different temperatures in the hot water supply tank due to the inflow of low-temperature water, and it is also possible to effectively use the heat of the low-temperature water, resulting in a difference in hot water temperature between the upper part and the lower part in the hot water tank. Hot water can be stored in such a manner. Therefore, the hot water supply temperature sensor can be used for both the inflow to the hot water supply tank and the outflow from the hot water supply tank, and the temperature difference in the hot water supply tank can be secured, so that hot water of higher temperature can be preserved. The miniaturization of the tank can be realized, and even a small hot water supply tank can effectively use high-temperature water.
An eleventh embodiment according to the present invention is the water heater according to the tenth embodiment, wherein the height position of the outlet or return port of the tapping pipe is varied according to the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor. It is. According to the present embodiment, the temperature distribution in the hot water tank can be accurately grasped by the hot water temperature sensor, and the outlet and the return port can be selected according to the temperature condition in the hot water tank. It can be prevented from mixing with water.
[0008]
【Example】
Hereinafter, a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a water heater according to the present embodiment.
The hot water supply apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a hot water supply unit 10, a heat pump unit 60, and a heating unit 80.
Hot water supply unit 10 includes a hot water supply tank 11 for storing hot water, a circulation pump 12 for guiding low-temperature water in hot water supply tank 11 to heat pump unit 60 and returning the hot water heated by heat pump unit 60 to hot water supply tank 11, and a hot water supply tank. The heating heat exchanger 13 for using the hot water in the heating unit 11 in the heating unit 80 and the high-temperature water in the hot water supply tank 11 are guided to the heating heat exchanger 13, and the hot water radiated by the heating heat exchanger 13 is supplied to the hot water supply system. And a circulation pump 16 for returning to the tank 11.
In the heat pump unit 60, a compressor 61, a hot water supply heat exchanger 62, an expansion valve 63, and an evaporator 64 are connected in a ring shape by a pipe, and constitute a refrigeration cycle. The hot water supply heat exchanger 62 exchanges heat between a heat source side pipe forming the refrigeration cycle and a use side pipe forming the hot water supply unit 10. In order to obtain high-temperature water on the utilization side pipe side, it is preferable that the refrigeration cycle be operated at a pressure exceeding the critical pressure using carbon dioxide as a refrigerant.
The heating unit 80 is a unit mainly including an air conditioner having a heating function, such as a floor heating device having a hot water pipe, a hot air device, a drying device, or a dehumidifying device. The heating unit 80 is configured to be connected in a ring shape with a second use side pipe 49 together with the use side pipe of the heating heat exchanger 13 and the circulation pump 14.
[0009]
One end of the hot water supply pipe 41 is connected to the bottom of the hot water supply tank 11 to form a use side pipe of the hot water supply heat exchanger 62, and the other end is connected to the upper part of the hot water supply tank 11. It has. An upstream pipe of the circulation pump 12 is provided with a bypass pipe connected to a downstream pipe of the hot water supply heat exchanger 62, and a connection portion between the bypass pipe and a downstream pipe of the hot water supply heat exchanger 62 is provided at a connection portion. A three-way valve 29 is provided.
One side of the two-way valve 24 is connected to a water supply pipe such as a water pipe, and the other side is connected to a water discharge pipe 43 in the hot water supply unit 10.
The mixing valve 25 has a hot water outlet pipe 42 connected to one inlet side connection port, a water outlet pipe 43 connected to the other inlet side connection port, and a first usage side pipe 44 connected to the outlet side connection port.
In addition, one end of the hot water supply pipe 42 is connected to an upper part of the hot water supply tank 11. The hot water supply pipe 42 has a second hot water supply pipe 42B and a third hot water supply connected between the upper and lower parts of the hot water supply tank 11, in addition to the first hot water supply pipe 42A connected to the upper part of the hot water supply tank 11. And a pipe 42C. In this embodiment, two hot water supply pipes 42B and 42C are provided between the upper part and the lower part of the hot water supply tank 11, but more hot water supply pipes are provided at different positions in the height direction. Is also good. In the present embodiment, the second tapping pipe 42B is provided at a position higher than the third tapping pipe 42C. Further, an opening / closing valve 31A is provided in the hot water supply pipe 42A, an opening / closing valve 31B is provided in the second hot water supply pipe 42B, and an opening / closing valve 31C is provided in the third hot water supply pipe 42C. Hot water flows out of at least one of the hot water supply pipes 42A, 42B, and 42C.
[0010]
One end of the first use side pipe 44 is connected to a hot water supply faucet such as a bathroom, a kitchen, or a washroom. The water supply pipe 45 branches off from the middle of the water discharge pipe 43 and is connected to the bottom of the hot water supply tank 11.
One end of the heat source side pipe 46 is connected to the upper part of the hot water supply tank 11, constitutes a heat source side pipe of the heating heat exchanger 13, and the other end is connected to a return pipe. The heat source side pipe 46 is provided with the circulation pump 16 and the flow control valve 26.
The return pipe includes a first return pipe 47A and a second return pipe 47B connected between an upper part and a lower part of the hot water supply tank 11, and a third return pipe 47C connected to a lower part of the hot water supply tank 11. Consists of In this embodiment, two return pipes 47A and 47B are provided between the upper part and the lower part of the hot water supply tank 11 as return pipes. However, more return pipes are provided at different positions in the height direction. May be provided. In the present embodiment, the first return pipe 47A is provided at a position higher than the second return pipe 47B. The first return pipe 47A is provided with an open / close valve 32A, the second return pipe 47B is provided with an open / close valve 32B, and the third return pipe 47C is provided with an open / close valve 32C. These open / close valves 32A, 32B, and 32C are provided. The low-temperature water flows from at least one of the return pipes 47A, 47B, and 47C by the opening and closing operation.
[0011]
The heat source side pipe 46 is provided with a temperature sensor 91 upstream of the heating heat exchanger 13 and a temperature sensor 92 downstream of the heating heat exchanger 13. Further, the second use side pipe 49 is provided with a temperature sensor 93 on the upstream side of the heating heat exchanger 13. The heat source side pipe 46 is provided with a flow rate sensor 94.
The hot water supply tank 11 is provided with a hot water supply temperature sensor 95 for detecting temperatures at different height positions. FIG. 1 shows a configuration in which three hot water supply temperature sensors 95A, 95B, and 95C are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of hot water supply tank 11. In this embodiment, the first hot water supply temperature sensor 95A is provided at a position higher than the first return pipe 47A or the second hot water supply pipe 42B. Further, second hot water supply temperature sensor 95B is provided at a position higher than second return pipe 47B or third hot water supply pipe 42C. Further, third hot water supply temperature sensor 95C is provided at a position lower than second return pipe 47B or third hot water supply pipe 42C.
[0012]
First, the boiling operation of the hot water supply tank will be described.
By operating the circulation pump 12, the water flowing out from the lower part of the hot water supply tank 11 passes through the circulation pump 12 and the heat exchanger for hot water supply 62 in order, and flows in again from the upper part of the hot water supply tank 11.
On the other hand, the heat pump unit 60 also operates. The refrigerant compressed by the compressor 61 radiates heat in the hot water supply heat exchanger 62, is decompressed by the expansion valve 63, absorbs heat in the evaporator 64, and is sucked into the compressor 61 in a gaseous state.
Therefore, in the hot water supply heat exchanger 62, the heat of the refrigerant flowing through the refrigeration cycle is transmitted to the water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 41, and the heated water becomes hot water and is stored in the hot water supply tank 11. At this time, the hot water flows in from the upper part of the hot water supply tank 11 and the cold water flows out from the lower part of the hot water supply tank 11, so that the hot water is stored in the upper part of the hot water supply tank 11, and the hot water layer gradually becomes thicker. Then, a state in which sufficient hot water is accumulated in hot water supply tank 11 is detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) provided on the lower side of hot water supply tank 11, and the boiling operation is terminated.
[0013]
Next, the heating operation will be described with reference to FIGS.
In this heating operation mode, hot water in the hot water supply tank 11 is used.
By operating the circulation pump 16, the hot water flowing out of the upper part of the hot water supply tank 11 passes through the heating heat exchanger 13 and flows into the hot water supply tank 11 again from the return pipe.
On the other hand, the heating unit 80 also operates. By operating the circulation pump 14, in the heating heat exchanger 13, the heat of the hot water flowing through the heat source side pipe 46 is transmitted to the water flowing through the second usage side pipe 49, and the heated water becomes hot water and becomes a heating water. Circulate on the 80 side.
The selection of the return pipes 47A, 47B, and 47C during the heating operation is performed by comparing the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 92 with the hot water supply temperatures detected by the plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors 95A, 95B, and 95C. Open / close valves 32A, 32B, and 32C are controlled so as to flow in from a hot water supply temperature position including the temperature of water and not to flow in from a hot water temperature position higher than the low-temperature water temperature.
[0014]
2 to 4 described below, the operation of the heat pump unit 60 is continued, and the description will be made on the assumption that the stored amount of high-temperature water is always constant.
FIG. 2 shows a case where the hot water supply temperature sensor 95A detects the high temperature TH, the hot water supply temperature sensor 95B and the hot water supply temperature sensor 95C detect the low temperature TL, and the return water temperature is set to the medium temperature TM.
Under the condition of FIG. 2, a return pipe 47A provided between the hot water supply temperature sensor 95A and the hot water supply temperature sensor 95B is used. Therefore, the on-off valve 32A is opened, and the on-off valves 32B and 32C are closed.
As shown in FIG. 2, by not using the return pipe 47B or the return pipe 47C, the warm water of the intermediate temperature TM can be stored in the hot water supply tank 11 without lowering the temperature. Therefore, by operating in the state of FIG. 2, the state of FIG. 3 can be obtained.
[0015]
FIG. 3 shows a case where the hot water supply temperature sensor 95A detects the high temperature TH, the hot water supply temperature sensor 95B detects the medium temperature TM, the hot water supply temperature sensor 95C detects the low temperature TL, and the return water temperature is the medium temperature TM.
Under the condition of FIG. 3, the return pipe 47B provided between the hot water supply temperature sensor 95B and the hot water supply temperature sensor 95C is used. Therefore, the on-off valve 32B is opened, and the on-off valves 32A and 32C are closed.
As shown in FIG. 3, by not using the return pipe 47 A, the influence on the high-temperature TH region is reduced. On the other hand, by not using the return pipe 47 C, the hot water of the medium temperature TM can be supplied without lowering the temperature. It can be stored in the tank 11. Therefore, by operating in the state of FIG. 3, the state of FIG. 4 can be obtained.
[0016]
FIG. 4 shows a case where the hot water temperature sensor 95A detects the high temperature TH, the hot water temperature sensor 95B and the hot water temperature sensor 95C detect the middle temperature TM, and the return water temperature is the middle temperature TM.
Under the condition of FIG. 4, a return pipe 47C provided below the hot water supply temperature sensor 95C is used. Therefore, the on-off valve 32C is opened, and the on-off valves 32A and 32B are closed.
As shown in FIG. 4, the influence on the high-temperature TH region can be reduced by not using the return pipe 47 A. Further, by not using the return pipe 47B, the temperature separation in the medium temperature TH region progresses, and the high temperature region in the upper layer of the medium temperature TH region can be expanded.
[0017]
Next, a case where the hot water in the hot water supply tank is used for hot water supply will be described with reference to FIGS.
Hot water can be used by opening the faucet connected to the use side pipe 44. The hot water supply temperature is adjusted by changing the mixing ratio of the inflow-side flow path of the mixing valve 25. To increase the hot water supply temperature, the inflow from the hot water supply pipe 42 is increased, and to lower the hot water supply temperature, the inflow from the water discharge pipe 43 is increased.
The pressure in the hot water supply tank 11 decreases due to the hot water flowing out of the hot water supply pipe 42. Therefore, water flows into the hot water supply tank 11 from the water supply pipe 45 by the amount of hot water flowing out of the hot water supply pipe 42.
The selection of hot water supply pipes 42A, 42B, and 42C when using hot water supply is performed by comparing a hot water supply temperature set by a user with hot water supply temperatures detected by a plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors 95A, 95B, and 95C. , 42C is opened and closed so that hot water supplied from the hot water supply temperature higher than the set hot water supply temperature and close to the set hot water supply temperature is allowed to flow out of the position below the hot water supply temperature including the set hot water supply temperature. This is performed by controlling the opening and closing of the valves 31A, 31B, 31C.
[0018]
5 to 7 described below, the description will be made on the assumption that the operation of the heating unit 80 is continued and the storage amount of the high-temperature water cannot be sufficiently replenished.
FIG. 5 shows a case where the hot water supply temperature sensor 95A and the hot water supply temperature sensor 95B detect the high temperature TH, the hot water supply temperature sensor 95C detects the medium temperature TM, and the set tapping temperature is the medium and low temperature Tm.
In the case of the condition of FIG. 5, a tapping pipe 42C provided below the hot water supply temperature sensor 95B is used. Therefore, the on-off valve 31C is opened, and the on-off valves 31A and 31B are closed.
As shown in FIG. 5, hot water can be supplied without using hot water of high temperature TH by not using hot water supply pipe 42A or hot water supply pipe 42B.
[0019]
FIG. 6 shows a case in which the hot water supply temperature sensor 95A detects a high temperature TH, the hot water supply temperature sensor 95B detects a medium temperature TM, and the hot water supply temperature sensor 95C detects a low temperature TL, and sets the set outlet temperature to a medium / low temperature Tm.
In the case of the condition of FIG. 6, hot water supply pipe 42B provided between hot water temperature sensor 95B and hot water temperature sensor 95C is used. Therefore, the on-off valve 31B is opened, and the on-off valves 31A and 31C are closed.
As shown in FIG. 6, hot water can be supplied without using hot water having a high temperature TH by not using hot water supply pipe 42A.
[0020]
FIG. 7 shows a case where the hot water supply temperature sensor 95A detects the medium temperature TM, and the hot water supply temperature sensor 95B and the hot water supply temperature sensor 95C detect the low temperature TL, and the set outlet temperature is the medium / low temperature Tm.
In the case of the condition of FIG. 7, the tapping pipe 42A provided above the hot water supply temperature sensor 95A is used. Accordingly, the on-off valve 31A is opened, and the on-off valves 31B and 31C are closed.
As described with reference to FIG. 5 to FIG. 7, the outflow position from the hot water supply pipe 42 is changed according to the set hot water temperature on the use side and the temperature in the hot water supply tank, and hot water in the medium temperature area is used to conserve hot water. be able to.
[0021]
Hereinafter, a water heater according to another embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that members having the same functions are given the same numbers, and descriptions thereof are omitted.
FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram of the water heater according to the present embodiment.
In the water heater according to the present embodiment, a pipe that bypasses the heating heat exchanger 13 is provided in the second usage-side pipe 49, and the mixing valve 30 is provided in the bypass pipe.
By the mixing valve 30, a portion of the hot water discharged from the circulation pump 14 is mixed with the hot water flowing out of the heating heat exchanger 13 without passing through the heating heat exchanger 13 and flows to the heating unit 80.
As in the present embodiment, a mixing valve 30 is provided in a bypass pipe that bypasses the heating heat exchanger 13, and a part of the hot water discharged from the circulation pump 14 is caused to bypass the heating heat exchanger 13. In the heating unit 80, an operation corresponding to the heating load can be performed. By comparing the temperature set on the heating unit 80 side with the temperature sensor 93, the mixing valve 30 increases the bypass amount if the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 93 is higher than the set temperature. If the temperature is equal to or lower than the set temperature, control is performed in a direction to decrease the bypass amount.
By controlling the mixing valve 30, if the bypass amount increases, the heat exchange amount in the heating heat exchanger 13 decreases, and the hot water flowing through the heat source side pipe 46 flows out of the heating heat exchanger 13 after flowing out of the heating heat exchanger 13. Also, the temperature drop is reduced.
Therefore, in a state in which the bypass amount is increased, hot water having a higher temperature can be stored in the hot water supply tank 11, and by selecting the return pipes 47A, 47B, and 47C, the hot water can be more efficiently stored in the hot water supply tank 11. Can be stored.
[0022]
FIG. 9 is a circuit configuration diagram of a water heater according to still another embodiment.
The water heater according to the present embodiment further includes a boiling function for heating bath water in bathtub 70, a pouring function for pouring water into bathtub 70, and a bathroom drying unit 90 in addition to the embodiment shown in FIG. Things.
The boiling function for heating the bath water in the bath 70 is such that the bath water in the bath 70 is guided to the heat exchanger 15 for the bath arranged in the hot water supply tank 11, and the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 15 for the bath is supplied to the bath. A bathtub pipe 72 leading to 70 and a circulation pump 71 for circulating hot water in the bathtub pipe 72 are provided. The pipe 72 for the bathtub is provided with a pipe that bypasses the heat exchanger 15 for the bathtub, and a mixing valve 73 is provided in the bypass pipe. By the mixing valve 73, part of the hot water discharged from the circulation pump 71 is mixed with the hot water flowing out of the bathtub heat exchanger 15 without flowing through the bathtub heat exchanger 15, and flows into the bathtub 72.
The pouring function of pouring into the bathtub 70 includes a cold water-side pouring pipe 54A branched from the water discharge pipe 43, a hot water-side pouring pipe 54B branched from the hot water pipe 42, and a cold water-side pouring pipe. Mixing valve 53 connecting 54A and hot-water-side pouring pipe 54B to the inflow-side connection port; pouring pipe 55 connected to the outflow-side connection port of mixing valve 53; And a pouring pipe 55 is connected to a bathtub pipe 72.
The bathroom drying unit 90 is provided in parallel with the heating unit 80, and is configured to be connected in a ring shape with a second use side pipe 49 together with the use side pipe of the heating heat exchanger 13 and the circulation pump 14. .
According to the present embodiment, the bathroom drying unit 90 can be operated using the heating heat exchanger 13, and during the heating operation using the heating heat exchanger 13, the bathtub 70 is heated or poured. It can be performed.
[0023]
FIG. 10 is a circuit configuration diagram of a water heater according to still another embodiment.
The water heater according to the present embodiment is obtained by changing the boiling means for heating the bath water in the bath 70 in the embodiment shown in FIG.
That is, the water heater according to the present embodiment uses the bathtub heat exchanger 13B instead of the bathtub heat exchanger 15. The heat source side piping 46B is used as a heat source of the bathtub heat exchanger 13B.
The bathtub heat exchanger 13B has the same function as the heating heat exchanger 13, and is provided in parallel with the heating heat exchanger 13 by a heat source side pipe 46B.
The heat source side pipe 46B is connected in parallel with the heat source side pipe 46, one end is connected to the upper part of the hot water supply tank 11, constitutes a heat source side pipe of the bathtub heat exchanger 13B, and the other end is a return pipe. It is connected to the. The heat source side pipe 46B is provided with a circulation pump 16B and a flow control valve 26B.
[0024]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, it is possible to prevent mixing of hot water having different temperatures in the hot water supply tank due to inflow of low-temperature water radiated by the use-side heat exchanger, and heat of low-temperature water radiated by the use-side heat exchanger is also effective. The hot water can be stored such that a difference in hot water temperature occurs between an upper portion and a lower portion in the hot water supply tank.
According to the present invention, the hot water supply tank can be reduced in size, and high-temperature water can be effectively used even in a small-sized hot water supply tank.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a circuit configuration diagram of a water heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a circuit diagram showing a heating operation state of the water heater according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a heating operation state of the water heater according to the embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a circuit diagram showing a heating operation state of the water heater according to the embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a hot water supply use state of the water heater according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 6 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a hot water supply use state of the water heater according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 7 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a hot water supply use state of the water heater according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 8 is a circuit configuration diagram of a water heater according to another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a circuit diagram of a water heater according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 10 is a circuit diagram of a water heater according to still another embodiment of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Hot water supply unit
11 Hot water tank
12 Circulation pump
13 Heat exchanger for heating
14 Circulation pump
31 On-off valve
32 On-off valve
42 Hot water supply piping
47A Return pipe
47B return pipe
47C return pipe
60 heat pump unit
80 heating unit
92 Temperature sensor
95 Hot water supply temperature sensor

Claims

The hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger flows in from the upper part of the hot water supply tank, and the cold water flows in from the lower part of the hot water supply tank, so that a difference in hot water temperature occurs between the upper part and the lower part in the hot water supply tank. A water heater that heats a medium flowing through a use-side pipe of a use-side heat exchanger using hot water stored in the hot water supply tank,
A heat source side pipe that guides the hot water discharged from the upper part of the hot water supply tank to the use side heat exchanger, and allows the low temperature water radiated by the use side heat exchanger to flow into the hot water supply tank;
A hot water supply temperature sensor that detects temperatures at different height positions between an upper part and a lower part of the hot water supply tank,
A return port of the heat source side pipe into the hot water supply tank is configured to be at a different height position between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank,
A water heater, wherein the low-temperature water from the return port flows into the hot water supply tank at different height positions according to the hot water supply temperature detected by the hot water supply temperature sensor.

A plurality of the hot water supply temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and a plurality of the return ports are provided at different height positions between the upper and lower portions of the hot water supply tank. Comparing the temperature of the low-temperature water flowing from the return port with the hot-water supply temperature detected by the plurality of hot-water supply temperature sensors, and sets the low-temperature water from the return port from the position of the hot-water supply temperature higher than the temperature of the low-temperature water. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein the water is not supplied.

A plurality of the hot water supply temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and a plurality of the return ports are provided at different height positions between the upper and lower portions of the hot water supply tank. Comparing the temperature of the low-temperature water supplied from the return port with the hot-water supply temperature detected by the plurality of hot-water supply temperature sensors, and flowing the low-temperature water from the return port from the position of the hot-water supply temperature including the temperature of the low-temperature water. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein the water heater is operated.

The hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger flows in from the upper part of the hot water supply tank, and the cold water flows in from the lower part of the hot water supply tank, so that a difference in hot water temperature occurs between the upper part and the lower part in the hot water supply tank. A water heater that heats a medium flowing through a use-side pipe of a use-side heat exchanger using hot water stored in the hot water supply tank,
A heat source side pipe that guides the hot water discharged from the upper part of the hot water supply tank to the use side heat exchanger, and allows the low temperature water radiated by the use side heat exchanger to flow into the hot water supply tank;
A heat source-side temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the low-temperature water flowing from the return port, wherein a return port of the heat source-side pipe into the hot water supply tank has a different height between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank. Position,
A water heater, wherein the low-temperature water from the return port flows into the hot water supply tank at different height positions according to the temperature detected by the heat source side temperature sensor.

A plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between the upper and lower portions of the hot water supply tank, and the plurality of return ports are provided at different height positions between the upper and lower portions of the hot water supply tank, The temperature of the low-temperature water detected by the heat source-side temperature sensor is compared with the temperature of the hot water supplied by the plurality of hot-water supply temperature sensors, and the position of the low-temperature water from the return port is higher than the temperature of the low-temperature water. The hot-water supply device according to claim 4, wherein the hot-water supply device does not flow into the water heater.

A plurality of hot water supply temperature sensors are provided at different height positions between the upper and lower portions of the hot water supply tank, and the plurality of return ports are provided at different height positions between the upper and lower portions of the hot water supply tank, Compare the temperature of the low-temperature water detected by the heat source-side temperature sensor with the temperature of the hot water detected by the plurality of hot-water supply temperature sensors, and determine the low-temperature water from the return port from the position of the hot water temperature including the temperature of the low-temperature water. The hot water heater according to claim 4, wherein the hot water is supplied.

Between the upper part and the lower part of the hot water supply tank, a hot water supply pipe for discharging hot water from a different height position is provided, and an outlet of the hot water supply pipe is set at a height position according to a hot water supply temperature detected by the hot water supply temperature sensor. The water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the water heater is different.

A plurality of the outlets are provided at different heights between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and a set hot water temperature set on the hot water supply pipe side and a hot water temperature detected by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors. The hot water heater according to claim 7, wherein the hot water from the outlet is discharged at a hot water supply temperature higher than the set hot water temperature and at a hot water supply temperature close to the set hot water temperature.

A plurality of the outlets are provided at different heights between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and a set hot water temperature set on the hot water supply pipe side and a hot water temperature detected by the plurality of hot water temperature sensors. 8. The hot water heater according to claim 7, wherein, in comparison, hot water from the outlet is not discharged from a position lower than a hot water temperature including the set hot water temperature. 9.

Hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger flows in from the upper part of the hot water supply tank, and cold water flows in from the lower part of the hot water supply tank, so that a difference in hot water temperature occurs between the upper part and the lower part in the hot water supply tank. A hot water supply device for storing hot water, a hot water supply pipe for flowing hot water from a different height position between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank, and a different height position between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water tank. And a hot water supply temperature sensor for detecting temperatures at different heights between an upper portion and a lower portion of the hot water supply tank.

11. The water heater according to claim 10, wherein a height position of the outlet of the hot water pipe or the height of the return port is made different depending on a hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature sensor.