JP2004308926A

JP2004308926A - Hot water storage type hot-water supply system

Info

Publication number: JP2004308926A
Application number: JP2003098459A
Authority: JP
Inventors: Seiji Miwa; 誠治三輪; Hideki Ishida; 英樹石田
Original assignee: Denso Corp
Current assignee: Denso Corp
Priority date: 2003-04-01
Filing date: 2003-04-01
Publication date: 2004-11-04
Anticipated expiration: 2023-04-01
Also published as: JP4036126B2

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water storage type hot-water supply system capable of increasing safety by determining leakage of hot water from a hot water storage tank. <P>SOLUTION: This hot water storage type hot-water supply system 100 comprises a tank 1 storing hot water therein, a heat exchanger 2 for reheating installed in the tank 1, connected to a bathtub 12 through pipes 13 and 14, and allowing hot water in the bathtub 12 to circulate to heat-exchange between the hot water in the bathtub 12 and hot water in the tank 1, and a control device 7 controlling the supply of hot water from the tank 1 to the bathtub 12. The system also comprises a detection means detecting the temperature of the hot water in at least one of the tank 1 and the pipes 13 and 14. Based on the temperature information detected by the detection means, the control device 7 determines the leakage of hot water from the tank 1 to determine that the hot water in the tank 1 leaks from the outer shell of the tank 1. Accordingly, since a measure against leakage can be taken immediately, safety can be increased. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、タンク内に貯めた湯を浴槽に給湯する貯湯式給湯システムに関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来から、タンク内に貯めた湯を浴槽に給湯する貯湯式給湯システムにおいて、タンク内の高温の湯が浴槽に直接漏れる事を防止する技術としては、例えば特許文献１に記載されるように、浴槽用の給湯口に配置した温度センサによって、浴槽に給湯される湯の温度を測定し、所定の温度よりも高かった場合は、給湯弁を自動的に閉めると言うものがある。
【０００３】
【特許文献１】
特開２００１−１７４０５３号公報
【０００４】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかし、上述した貯湯式給湯システムでは、温度センサが給湯口の手前に備えられているので、例えばタンクの外郭の破損などからタンク内の湯がタンクの外部に漏れても、その事は検知出来ない。通常タンクは給湯システムの中に設置されているので、給湯システムが高温の湯に浸ると、補修に手間がかかる。
【０００５】
本発明は、上記の点を鑑みてなされたものである。すなわち貯湯タンクからの湯漏れを速やかに判定して安全性を高める事が可能な貯湯式給湯システムを提供する事を目的とする。
【０００６】
【課題を解決するための手段】
請求項１に記載の貯湯式給湯システムは、湯を貯湯するタンクと、前記タンク内に設置されるとともに浴槽と配管を介して接続され、前記浴槽内の湯を循環させて、前記浴槽内の湯と、前記タンク内の湯との間で熱交換する追い焚き用の熱交換器と、前記タンクより前記浴槽への給湯を制御する制御手段とを備える貯湯式給湯システムであって、前記タンク内および前記配管内の少なくとも１カ所の湯の温度を検知する検知手段を備え、前記制御手段は、前記検知手段が検知した温度情報に基づいて、前記タンクからの湯漏れを判定する事を特徴とする。
【０００７】
この発明により、タンクの外郭などからタンク内の高温湯が漏れた事を速やかに判定して、対応可能となり、安全性を高める事が可能となる。
【０００８】
請求項２に記載の貯湯式給湯システムは、前記検知手段は、前記タンク内の湯の温度を検知するタンク内温度検知手段を有し、前記制御手段は、前記タンク内温度検知手段が検知した前記タンク内の湯の温度により計算されるタンク内貯湯熱量の変化量と、第一の所定の熱量とを比較する第一の比較手段とを備え、前記第一の比較手段が、前記タンク内の湯の温度により計算されるタンク内貯湯熱量の変化量が前記所定の熱量よりも大きいと判定した場合、前記制御手段は、前記タンクからの前記湯漏れありと判定する事を特徴とする。
【０００９】
通常、タンクは常に圧力がかけられ満水状態であり、その満水状態の中でも、高温湯はタンクの上部に、冷水は下部に、両者、温度境界層を形成して貯湯されている。
【００１０】
この発明により、タンク内の湯の温度により計算されるタンク内貯湯熱量の変化量が、所定の熱量よりも大きい場合は、高温湯が通常時に貯湯されている部位、すなわちタンクの上部付近から漏れている可能性があると判定するので、その漏水に対し速やかに対応可能となり、安全性を高める事が可能となる。
【００１１】
請求項３に記載の貯湯式給湯システムは、前記検知手段は、前記熱交換器を循環して、前記浴槽へ再給湯される湯の温度を検知する追い焚き湯温度検知手段を有し、前記制御手段は、前記追い焚き湯温度検知手段が検知した追い焚き湯の温度と、第二の所定の温度と比較する第二の比較手段を備え、前記第二の比較手段が、前記追い焚き湯の温度が前記第二の所定の温度よりも高いと判定した場合、前記制御手段は、前記タンクから前記熱交換器への前記湯漏れありと判定する事を特徴とする。
【００１２】
この発明により、熱交換器と浴槽とを接続する配管の中の湯において、所定の追い焚き温度以上の温度が検知された場合は、タンク内の高温湯が熱交換器を介して直接浴槽に漏水（流入）したと判定するので、その漏水（流入）に対して速やかに対応、例えばもし漏水（流入）した高温湯が既に浴槽に貯まっていたのなら、速やかに排水する、などが可能となり、安全性を高める事が可能となる。
【００１３】
請求項４に記載の貯湯式給湯システムは、前記検知手段は、前記浴槽から前記熱交換器へ送られる浴槽湯温度を検知する浴槽湯温度検知手段と、前記熱交換器を循環して前記浴槽へ再給湯される追い焚き湯温度を検知する追い焚き湯温度検知手段とを有し、前記制御手段は、前記浴槽湯温度と、前記追い焚き湯温度との温度差を演算する温度差演算手段と、前記温度差演算手段が演算した前記温度差と、第三の所定の温度とを比較する第三の比較手段とを備え、前記第三の比較手段が、前記温度差は前記第三の所定の温度よりも高い温度であると判定した場合、前記制御手段は、前記タンクから前記熱交換器への前記湯漏れありと判定する事を特徴とする。
【００１４】
この発明により、浴槽湯温度と追い焚き湯温度との温度差を所定の温度、すなわち熱交換器が熱交換（加熱）出来る最大の温度と比較するので、もし前述の温度差が熱交換器が熱交換（加熱）出来る最大の温度以上の温度であったならば、熱交換器から高温湯が漏水（流入）していると判定するので、僅かな漏水（流入）の検知も可能となり、安全性をより高める事が可能となる。
【００１５】
請求項５に記載の貯湯式給湯システムは、前記熱交換器から前記浴槽へ再給湯する前記配管に対し、前記湯を排水する排水弁を設け、前記制御手段は、前記湯漏れありと判定した場合、前記排水弁を開放して排水する事を特徴とする。
【００１６】
この発明により、もしタンク内の高温湯が浴槽と接続される配管に漏水（流入）した事と判定した場合は、配管上にある排水弁を開放し、高温湯を排水するので、浴槽に高温湯が貯まる事自体を未然に防ぐ事が可能となり、安全性をより高める事が可能となる。
【００１７】
請求項６に記載の貯湯式給湯システムは、報知手段を備え、前記制御手段は、前記湯漏れありと判定した場合、前記報知手段からその旨を音声にて報知する事を特徴とする。
【００１８】
この発明により、判定した内容をユーザーに音声にて伝達する事が可能となるので、タンクや熱交換器の故障や破損の状況を分かりやすくする事が出来る。
【００１９】
【発明の実施の形態】
（第一実施形態）
本発明の第一の実施形態にかかる貯湯式給湯システム１００を、その構成の概略を示した図１を用いて説明する。
【００２０】
貯湯式給湯システム１００は、湯を貯湯するタンク１と、タンク１内に配置され、浴槽１２内の湯とタンク１内の湯との間で熱交換する熱交換器２と、同じくタンク１内に配置され、タンク１内の湯の温度を計測すると共に、タンク１内の湯量も計測可能にする複数個のタンク内サーミスタ３と、浴槽１２と熱交換器２とを接続する配管１３、１４と、浴槽１２の湯を熱交換器２へ送る配管１３の途中に配設され、浴槽湯温度を検知する浴槽湯温度サーミスタ５、並びに浴槽１２内の湯を熱交換器２に送る循環ポンプ６と、熱交換器２内を循環して加熱した湯を浴槽１２へ送る配管１４の途中に配設され、追い焚き湯温度を検知する追い焚き湯サーミスタ４と、タンク１内の湯を沸かす加熱手段としてのヒートポンプユニット１１と、上述した追い焚き湯サーミスタ４、浴槽湯温度サーミスタ５、循環ポンプ６、そしてヒートポンプユニット１１とを制御する制御装置７と、制御装置７を操作する為に浴槽１２の設置場所（浴室）または台所などに設置される操作パネル８と、制御装置７が異常、つまりタンク１からの湯漏れありと判定した場合に、その旨をユーザーに報知するスピーカ９とから構成されている。
【００２１】
上述した各構成要素のうち、タンク内サーミスタ３、制御装置７、スピーカ９は、請求項で示す所のタンク内温度検知手段、制御手段、報知手段にそれぞれ相当する。
【００２２】
また、本実施形態では加熱手段としてヒートポンプユニット１１を例示するが、別段これに限るものではなく、電気ヒータや石油熱源器であっても良い。
【００２３】
まず、貯湯式給湯システム１００の通常の給湯、ならびに追い焚きの作動について説明する。タンク１は、タンク１の底部と接続する水道管５０からの給水圧力によって常に内部は満水状態である。
【００２４】
この満水状態のタンク１内の水は、タンク１に隣接して配置される、加熱手段であるヒートポンプユニット１１に配管１６を介して送られ、約７０〜９０℃の高温湯に加熱され、配管１７を介して、再びタンク１に貯湯される。
【００２５】
この配管１７を介して貯湯されたタンク１内の高温湯は、給湯管１５を介して浴槽１２などの各給湯場所に給湯される。
【００２６】
この時、タンク１内の高温湯は、高温のまま給湯されるのではなく、給湯管１５と連結する図示しない水道管からの給水と混合され、所定の温度（約４０℃）にまで低下させてから給湯される。
【００２７】
この高温湯を貯湯するタンク１内には、タンク１内の湯が高温湯（７０〜９０℃）である事を利用して、浴槽１２内の浴槽湯（約４０℃）を追い焚きする熱交換器２が配置されている。
【００２８】
浴槽１２内の湯を熱交換器２にて追い焚きするには、循環ポンプ６を作動させ、浴槽１２内の湯が配管１３を介して熱交換器２内を循環し、高温湯であるタンク１内の湯と熱交換する。この追い焚きによって、浴槽湯を所定の温度まで昇温させることができる。
【００２９】
上述した一連の動作が貯湯式給湯システム１００の給湯ならびに追い焚きの作動である。
【００３０】
次に本発明の要部について説明する。上述した通り、タンク１内には所定の圧力がかかっており常に満水状態であり蛇口１８を開けたとき、水道管５０よりかけられた圧力により給湯管１５へと湯が押し出される。
【００３１】
また、例えばタンク１の外郭に破損が生じたときも同様に水道管５０よりかけられた圧力により、その破損部位から貯湯している高温湯が漏れだす。
【００３２】
しかし、正常な給湯にしろ、タンク１の破損による漏水にしろ、タンク１から失われた湯の代わりに水道水が給水されるので、タンク１内の貯湯量は徐々に少なくなってくる。
【００３３】
給湯管１５から給湯される正常な給湯の場合だと、その給湯が終われば、タンク１内の貯湯熱量は、ヒートポンプユニット１１の加熱によって、増加するが、タンク１の破損による漏水ならば、破損箇所からの漏水と水道からの給水とが同時にいつまでも行われ、そのヒートポンプユニット１１の加熱では追いつかないので、タンク１内の貯湯熱量が増加する速さが遅い。
【００３４】
これを防ぐために本発明としては、タンク１内の水温を計測するタンク内サーミスタ３を図１に示すようにタンク１内に配置し、タンク１が貯湯する湯の温度を常時計測し、計測した貯湯温度情報を制御装置７に伝達するようにする。
【００３５】
ここでタンク内サーミスタ３は、請求項で示すタンク内温度検知手段に相当する。
【００３６】
タンク１の貯湯温度情報が伝達された制御装置７は、貯湯温度情報により計算されるタンク内貯湯熱量の変化量と、第一の所定の熱量とを比較し、もし第一の所定の熱量よりタンク１の貯湯温度情報により計算されるタンク内貯湯熱量の変化量の方が大きい場合は、タンク１から漏水している可能性がある事をスピーカ９から報知する。
【００３７】
ここで言う第一の所定の熱量とは、貯湯式給湯システム１００が、給湯、追い焚きをしていない時の自然放熱による平均的な熱量低下量に余裕度を加えたものである。
【００３８】
上述した制御装置７の作用を図２のフローチャートに示す。このフローチャートのステップＳ１にて、タンク１内の貯湯温度情報をタンク内サーミスタ３から受信したか否か判定する。
【００３９】
受信したならば、ステップＳ２にて、その貯湯温度情報によりタンク内貯湯熱量の一定時間内における変化量を計算する。
【００４０】
ステップＳ３にて、上記タンク内貯湯熱量の一定時間内における変化量と所定の熱量とを比較し、ステップＳ４にて、もし上記タンク内貯湯熱量の一定時間内における変化量の方が第一の所定の熱量よりも低ければ、ステップＳ５に進み、スピーカ９からタンク１から漏水している可能性がある事を報知する。
【００４１】
ここで、図２のフローチャートのステップＳ３の処理は、請求項で示す第一の比較手段に相当する。
【００４２】
また、上述したフローでは、タンク内サーミスタ３が計測した貯湯温度情報によるタンク内貯湯熱量の一定時間内における変化量を第一の所定の熱量と比較するに止まるが、更に精度を良くする為には、例えば、タンク内貯湯熱量の一定時間内における変化量と第一の所定の熱量とを比較する前に、タンク１から給湯、追い焚きをしているか否かを判定し、もし、給湯、追い焚きをしていないにも関わらず、タンク内貯湯熱量の一定時間内における変化量が、第一の所定の熱量より低い場合に、タンク１からの漏水の可能性がある旨を報知するフローでも良い。
【００４３】
上述した構成と作用とにより、タンク１で漏水が発生した可能性がある事をユーザーに報知する事ができ、これによりユーザーに速やかな漏水箇所の補修を促す事が出来る貯湯式給湯システムを提供する事が可能となる。
【００４４】
（第二実施形態）
上述した第一実施形態の貯湯式給湯システム１００では、タンク１の漏水を検知するものであったが、漏水箇所として、具体的にタンク１内に配置される熱交換器２も考えられる。
【００４５】
タンク１内はタンクの形状や容積にもよるが、平均的には通常、約１５０〜１７０ｋＰａの圧力が掛かっているので、熱交換器２にヒビや割れなどの破損が生じると、そこからタンク１内の高温湯が熱交換器２内に漏水（流入）してしまう。
【００４６】
熱交換器２に高温湯が漏水（流入）すると、配管１４を介して、浴槽１２に漏水（流入）してしまう。すると、その事を知らないユーザーは浴槽１２に溜まっている高温湯によって不快感を与える可能性がある。
【００４７】
この事を防ぐ為に、予め高温湯が浴槽１２に漏れてしまった事を報知する必要がある。
【００４８】
その為、図１の配管１４上に追い焚き湯サーミスタ４を配置し、熱交換器２を循環し終えた追い焚き湯の温度（通常なら約６０℃）を常時計測し、制御装置７に伝達するようにする。
【００４９】
ここで追い焚き湯サーミスタ４は請求項で示す追い焚き湯温度検知手段に相当する。
【００５０】
そして、制御装置７で、追い焚き湯温度情報と第二の所定の温度とを比較し、追い焚き湯温度情報の方が第二の所定の温度より高ければ、熱交換器２に破損が生じ、その破損箇所からタンク１内に高温湯が漏水（流入）した可能性がある旨、スピーカ９から報知する。
【００５１】
上述した制御装置７の作動を図３のフローチャートに示す。このフローチャートのステップＳ１１にて制御装置７にて、追い焚きサーミスタ４から追い焚き湯温度情報を受信したか否か判定し、受信したらステップＳ１２に進み、受信した追い焚き湯温度情報と第二の所定の温度とを比較し、ステップＳ１３にて、追い焚き温度情報の方が第二の所定の温度より高ければ、ステップＳ１４にて、スピーカ９から熱交換器２に破損が生じ、タンク１内の高温湯が流入した可能性がある旨を報知する。
【００５２】
このフローチャートのステップＳ１３は請求項で示す第二の比較手段に相当する。
【００５３】
上述した構成と作用とにより、浴槽１２にタンク１内の高温湯が漏れた場合は、その旨をユーザーに報知し、ユーザーが浴槽１２に漏れてしまった高温湯によって不快感を与える事を未然に防止する事が可能な貯湯式給湯システムを提供する事が出来る。
【００５４】
（第三実施形態）
上述した第二実施形態で示した貯湯式給湯システム１００では、制御装置７で比較演算する際の第二の所定の温度に、相当な幅（５〜１０℃）を持たせなければならない。
【００５５】
何故なら、追い焚き湯温度は必ずしも約６０℃と一定ではなく、ある程度の幅、（約５５℃〜６５℃）がある事からである。
【００５６】
その為、比較演算する第二の所定の温度にも相当な幅を持たせないと、少し熱めの追い焚き湯が熱交換器２から浴槽１２に再給湯されるたびに、誤ってスピーカ９から高温湯が浴槽１２に漏水した旨の報知がなされてしまう事になる。
【００５７】
しかし、相当な幅を持った所定の温度と比較すると言う事は、高温湯漏水を検知する精度が低いと言う事を意味する。
【００５８】
第二実施形態で示した高温湯漏水の検知精度を向上させ、熱交換器２のヒビや割れなどの破損箇所からの微少な漏水（流入）をも検知する為には、更に以下の構成を追加すれば良い。
【００５９】
すなわち、図１に示すように配管１３上に浴槽湯温度サーミスタ５を配置し、浴槽１２から熱交換器２へ送り出される浴槽湯の温度を測定するとともに、第二実施形態で説明した焚き湯サーミスタ４にて追い焚き湯温度をも測定し、双方の温度情報を制御装置７に伝達する。
【００６０】
ここで言う浴槽湯温度サーミスタ５は、請求項で示す浴槽湯温度検知手段に相当する。
【００６１】
そして、制御装置７にて、浴槽湯温度情報と追い焚き湯温度情報との差を演算し、第三の所定の温度と比較する。
【００６２】
この場合の第三の所定の温度とは、熱交換器２の最大熱交換可能温度である。この最大熱交換可能温度とは、熱交換器２が熱交換する事で上昇する最大の温度の事であり、熱交換器２の能力指数の１つである。
【００６３】
熱交換器２の最大熱交換可能温度と、演算した温度差とを比較し、もし、温度差の方が最大熱交換可能温度よりも大きい場合は、熱交換器２による熱交換（温度の上昇）ではない現象（または原因）で追い焚き湯の温度が上昇した事を示すので、熱交換器２にヒビや割れなどの破損が生じ、そこからタンク１内の高温湯が流入している可能性があると推定出来る。
【００６４】
上述した作用を図４のフローチャートに示す。図４のフローチャートのステップＳ２１にて、制御装置７にて、浴槽湯温度情報を受信したか否か判定し、受信したならば次にステップＳ２２にて、追い焚き湯温度情報を受信したか否か判定し、これも受信しているならば、ステップＳ２３にて、浴槽湯温度情報と追い焚き湯温度情報との温度差を演算し、ステップＳ２４にて、ステップＳ２３にて演算した温度差と第三の所定の温度とを比較し、ステップＳ２５にて温度差の方が第三の所定の温度より高い温度であるならば、ステップＳ２６にて、スピーカ９から、熱交換器２に破損が常時、その破損箇所からタンク１内の高温湯が流入している可能性がある旨を報知する。
【００６５】
ここで、ステップＳ２３は請求項で示す温度差演算手段に相当する。また、ステップＳ２５は、請求項で示す第三の比較手段に相当する。
【００６６】
上述した構成と作用とにより、熱交換器２に生じたヒビや割れなどから微少に流入する高温湯をも検知する事が可能な貯湯式給湯システムを提供する事が出来る。
【００６７】
（変形例）
上述した第二、第三実施形態において、図５に示すように浴槽１２から再給湯する配管１４に排水弁１０を設け、熱交換器２にヒビや割れなどの破損が生じ、そこから高温湯が流入した事を検知した場合は、同時に排水弁１０を開放し、浴槽１２に高温湯が漏水（流入）する前に排水するようにする事で、ユーザーが浴槽１２に溜まった高温湯によって不快感を与える可能性を更に低くする事が可能となる。ここで用いる排水弁１０は三方弁である事が好適である。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の第一〜第三実施形態における貯湯式給湯システム１００の構成の概略を示す構成図である。
【図２】本発明の第一実施形態における貯湯式給湯システム１００の漏れ検出の作動を示すフローチャートである。
【図３】本発明の第二実施形態における貯湯式給湯システム１００の漏れ検出の作動を示すフローチャートである。
【図４】本発明の第三実施形態における貯湯式給湯システム１００の漏れ検出の作動を示すフローチャートである。
【図５】本発明の変形例における貯湯式給湯システム１００の構成の概略を示す構成図である。
【符号の説明】
１タンク
２熱交換器
３タンク内サーミスタ（タンク内温度検知手段）
４追い焚き湯サーミスタ（追い焚き湯温度検知手段）
５浴槽湯サーミスタ（浴槽湯温度検知手段）
６循環ポンプ
７制御部（制御手段）
８操作パネル
９スピーカ（報知手段）
１０排水弁
１１ヒートポンプユニット
１２浴槽
１３〜１４配管
１５給湯管
１６〜１７配管
１８蛇口[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hot water supply type hot water supply system for supplying hot water stored in a tank to a bathtub.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, in a hot water storage type hot water supply system for supplying hot water stored in a tank to a bathtub, as a technique for preventing high-temperature hot water in the tank from directly leaking into the bathtub, for example, as described in Patent Document 1, In some cases, the temperature of hot water supplied to the bathtub is measured by a temperature sensor disposed at a hot water supply port for the bathtub, and when the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the hot water supply valve is automatically closed.
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-174053 A
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above hot water storage type hot water supply system, since the temperature sensor is provided in front of the hot water supply port, even if hot water in the tank leaks outside the tank due to, for example, damage to the outer shell of the tank, it is not possible to detect the fact. Absent. Usually, the tank is installed in the hot water supply system, so that if the hot water supply system is immersed in hot water, repair is troublesome.
[0005]
The present invention has been made in view of the above points. That is, an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply type hot water supply system capable of promptly determining hot water leakage from a hot water storage tank and improving safety.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The hot water storage type hot water supply system according to claim 1 is a tank for storing hot water, which is installed in the tank and connected via a bathtub and a pipe, circulates the hot water in the bathtub, and circulates the hot water in the bathtub. A hot water storage type hot water supply system comprising: a hot water, a reheating heat exchanger for exchanging heat between hot water in the tank, and control means for controlling hot water supply from the tank to the bath tub, Detecting means for detecting the temperature of hot water in at least one of the inside of the pipe and the pipe, wherein the control means determines hot water leakage from the tank based on temperature information detected by the detecting means. And
[0007]
According to the present invention, it is possible to quickly determine that high-temperature hot water in the tank has leaked from the outer shell of the tank or the like, to deal with it, and to enhance safety.
[0008]
In the hot water supply type hot water supply system according to claim 2, the detection means has an in-tank temperature detection means for detecting a temperature of hot water in the tank, and the control means detects the in-tank temperature detection means. A change amount of the hot water stored in the tank calculated based on a temperature of the hot water in the tank, and first comparing means for comparing a first predetermined amount of heat, wherein the first comparing means includes: When it is determined that the amount of change in the amount of hot water stored in the tank calculated based on the temperature of the hot water is larger than the predetermined amount of heat, the control means determines that the hot water leaks from the tank.
[0009]
Normally, the tank is always under pressure and full of water, and in the full state of water, high-temperature hot water is stored in the upper part of the tank and cold water is formed in the lower part, both of which form a temperature boundary layer and are stored.
[0010]
According to the present invention, if the amount of change in the amount of hot water stored in the tank calculated based on the temperature of the hot water in the tank is larger than a predetermined amount of heat, the leakage from the portion where the high-temperature hot water is normally stored, that is, the vicinity of the upper part of the tank Since it is determined that there is a possibility that the water leaks, it is possible to promptly respond to the water leakage, and it is possible to enhance safety.
[0011]
The hot water supply type hot water supply system according to claim 3, wherein the detection means has a reheating hot water temperature detection means for circulating the heat exchanger and detecting a temperature of hot water re-supplied to the bathtub, The control means includes second comparing means for comparing the temperature of the additional hot water detected by the additional hot water temperature detecting means with a second predetermined temperature, and wherein the second comparing means includes the additional hot water. When it is determined that the temperature is higher than the second predetermined temperature, the control means determines that the hot water leaks from the tank to the heat exchanger.
[0012]
According to the present invention, in the hot water in the pipe connecting the heat exchanger and the bathtub, when a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined reheating temperature is detected, the high-temperature hot water in the tank is directly transferred to the bathtub via the heat exchanger. Since it is determined that water has leaked (inflow), it is possible to respond promptly to the water leakage (inflow). For example, if the hot water that has leaked (inflow) is already stored in the bathtub, it is possible to quickly drain the water. , It is possible to enhance safety.
[0013]
5. The hot water supply type hot water supply system according to claim 4, wherein the detection unit is a bathtub hot water temperature detection unit that detects a bathtub hot water temperature sent from the bathtub to the heat exchanger, and the bathtub is circulated through the heat exchanger. 6. Temperature difference calculating means for calculating a temperature difference between the temperature of the bath water and the temperature of the additional hot water, the temperature control means comprising: And a third comparison means for comparing the temperature difference calculated by the temperature difference calculation means with a third predetermined temperature, wherein the third comparison means determines that the temperature difference is the third temperature. When it is determined that the temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature, the control unit determines that the hot water leaks from the tank to the heat exchanger.
[0014]
According to the present invention, the temperature difference between the bathtub hot water temperature and the additional boiling water temperature is compared with a predetermined temperature, that is, the maximum temperature at which the heat exchanger can perform heat exchange (heating). If the temperature is equal to or higher than the maximum temperature at which heat exchange (heating) is possible, it is determined that high-temperature hot water is leaking (inflow) from the heat exchanger. It is possible to further enhance the nature.
[0015]
In the hot water storage type hot water supply system according to claim 5, a drain valve for draining the hot water is provided for the pipe that reheats the hot water from the heat exchanger to the bathtub, and the control unit determines that the hot water leaks. In this case, the drain valve is opened to discharge water.
[0016]
According to the present invention, if it is determined that the high-temperature hot water in the tank leaks (flows) into the pipe connected to the bathtub, the drain valve on the pipe is opened to discharge the high-temperature hot water. It is possible to prevent the hot water itself from being stored, and it is possible to further enhance safety.
[0017]
The hot water supply type hot water supply system according to claim 6 is provided with a notifying means, and when the control means determines that the hot water leaks, the notifying means notifies the effect by voice.
[0018]
According to the present invention, it is possible to transmit the determined content to the user by voice, so that the status of the failure or breakage of the tank or the heat exchanger can be easily understood.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(First embodiment)
A hot water storage type hot water supply system 100 according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG.
[0020]
The hot water supply type hot water supply system 100 includes a tank 1 for storing hot water, a heat exchanger 2 disposed in the tank 1, and exchanging heat between hot water in the bathtub 12 and hot water in the tank 1. And a plurality of thermistors 3 in the tank for measuring the temperature of the hot water in the tank 1 and also measuring the amount of hot water in the tank 1, and pipes 13 and 14 for connecting the bathtub 12 and the heat exchanger 2. A bath tub temperature thermistor 5 disposed in the middle of a pipe 13 for sending hot water in the bath tub 12 to the heat exchanger 2 and detecting a bath tub hot temperature, and a circulation pump 6 for feeding hot water in the bath tub 12 to the heat exchanger 2. And a hot water thermistor 4 disposed in the middle of a pipe 14 for circulating the hot water circulated in the heat exchanger 2 and feeding the hot water to the bathtub 12 and detecting the temperature of the hot water, and heating for boiling the hot water in the tank 1. A heat pump unit 11 as a means, A control device 7 for controlling the reheating water thermistor 4, the bath water temperature thermistor 5, the circulation pump 6, and the heat pump unit 11, and a control device 7 is installed in a place where the bathtub 12 is installed (bathroom) or a kitchen. When the control device 7 determines that there is an abnormality, that is, there is a leak of hot water from the tank 1, the operation panel 8 is provided with a speaker 9 that notifies the user of the determination.
[0021]
Among the components described above, the in-tank thermistor 3, the control device 7, and the loudspeaker 9 correspond to the in-tank temperature detecting means, the controlling means, and the notifying means, respectively.
[0022]
Further, in the present embodiment, the heat pump unit 11 is exemplified as the heating unit, but the heating unit is not particularly limited thereto, and may be an electric heater or a petroleum heat source unit.
[0023]
First, normal hot water supply of hot water supply type hot water supply system 100 and operation of reheating will be described. The inside of the tank 1 is always full due to the water supply pressure from the water pipe 50 connected to the bottom of the tank 1.
[0024]
The water in the tank 1 in a full state is sent via a pipe 16 to a heat pump unit 11 serving as a heating means, which is disposed adjacent to the tank 1, and is heated to high-temperature hot water of about 70 to 90 ° C. The hot water is again stored in the tank 1 via the hot water tank 17.
[0025]
The hot water stored in the tank 1 through the pipe 17 is supplied to each hot water supply place such as the bathtub 12 via the hot water supply pipe 15.
[0026]
At this time, the high-temperature hot water in the tank 1 is not supplied at a high temperature, but is mixed with water supplied from a water pipe (not shown) connected to the hot water pipe 15 to lower the temperature to a predetermined temperature (about 40 ° C.). Hot water.
[0027]
In the tank 1 for storing the high-temperature hot water, utilizing the fact that the hot water in the tank 1 is high-temperature hot water (70 to 90 ° C.), the heat for reheating the bathtub hot water (about 40 ° C.) in the bathtub 12 is used. An exchanger 2 is arranged.
[0028]
In order to reheat the hot water in the bathtub 12 with the heat exchanger 2, the circulation pump 6 is operated, and the hot water in the bathtub 12 circulates through the heat exchanger 2 via the pipe 13, and is a high-temperature hot water tank. Heat exchange with hot water in 1. By this reheating, the temperature of the bath water can be raised to a predetermined temperature.
[0029]
A series of operations described above are operations of hot water supply and reheating of the hot water supply type hot water supply system 100.
[0030]
Next, the main part of the present invention will be described. As described above, a predetermined pressure is applied to the inside of the tank 1, which is always full, and when the faucet 18 is opened, the hot water is pushed out to the hot water supply pipe 15 by the pressure applied from the water pipe 50.
[0031]
Also, for example, when the outer shell of the tank 1 is damaged, the high-temperature hot water stored therein leaks from the damaged portion due to the pressure applied from the water pipe 50.
[0032]
However, the tap water is supplied instead of the hot water lost from the tank 1 irrespective of the normal hot water supply or the water leakage due to the damage of the tank 1, so that the amount of hot water stored in the tank 1 gradually decreases.
[0033]
In the case of normal hot water supply from the hot water supply pipe 15, when the hot water supply ends, the amount of hot water stored in the tank 1 increases due to the heating of the heat pump unit 11, but if water leaks due to damage to the tank 1, damage will occur. Since the water leakage from the location and the water supply from the water supply are simultaneously performed forever and cannot be caught by the heating of the heat pump unit 11, the speed at which the amount of hot water stored in the tank 1 increases is slow.
[0034]
In order to prevent this, according to the present invention, the in-tank thermistor 3 for measuring the water temperature in the tank 1 is disposed in the tank 1 as shown in FIG. 1, and the temperature of the hot water stored in the tank 1 is constantly measured and measured. Hot water storage temperature information is transmitted to the control device 7.
[0035]
Here, the in-tank thermistor 3 corresponds to an in-tank temperature detecting means.
[0036]
The control device 7 to which the hot water storage temperature information of the tank 1 has been transmitted compares the change amount of the hot water storage amount in the tank calculated based on the hot water temperature information with a first predetermined heat amount, and if the first predetermined heat amount, When the change amount of the hot water stored in the tank calculated from the hot water storage temperature information of the tank 1 is larger, the speaker 9 notifies that there is a possibility that water is leaking from the tank 1.
[0037]
Here, the first predetermined amount of heat is obtained by adding a margin to the average amount of heat loss due to natural heat radiation when the hot water supply type hot water supply system 100 is not supplying hot water or reheating.
[0038]
The operation of the control device 7 described above is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In step S1 of this flowchart, it is determined whether or not the hot water storage temperature information in the tank 1 has been received from the thermistor 3 in the tank.
[0039]
If received, in step S2, the amount of change in the amount of hot water stored in the tank within a certain time is calculated from the stored hot water temperature information.
[0040]
In step S3, the amount of change in the amount of hot water stored in the tank within a certain period of time is compared with a predetermined amount of heat. In step S4, if the amount of change in the amount of heat of hot water in the tank within a certain period of time is the first amount If it is lower than the predetermined amount of heat, the process proceeds to step S5, and the speaker 9 is notified that there is a possibility that water is leaking from the tank 1.
[0041]
Here, the process of step S3 in the flowchart of FIG. 2 corresponds to a first comparing unit described in claims.
[0042]
In the above-described flow, the amount of change in the amount of hot water stored in the tank according to the hot water temperature information measured by the in-tank thermistor 3 is only compared with the first predetermined amount of heat, but in order to further improve the accuracy. Before, for example, before comparing the amount of change in the amount of hot water stored in the tank within a certain period of time and the first predetermined amount of heat, it is determined whether or not hot water is being supplied from the tank 1 and reheating is performed. A flow for notifying that there is a possibility of water leakage from the tank 1 when the amount of change in the amount of hot water stored in the tank within a certain period of time is lower than the first predetermined amount of heat even though reheating is not performed. But it's fine.
[0043]
With the above-described configuration and operation, it is possible to notify the user of the possibility that water leakage has occurred in the tank 1, thereby providing a hot water supply type hot water supply system that can prompt the user to repair the water leakage location promptly. It is possible to do.
[0044]
(Second embodiment)
In the hot water storage type hot water supply system 100 of the first embodiment described above, the water leak of the tank 1 is detected. However, the heat exchanger 2 that is specifically disposed in the tank 1 may be considered as the water leak location.
[0045]
Although the inside of the tank 1 depends on the shape and volume of the tank, on average, a pressure of about 150 to 170 kPa is normally applied. The high-temperature hot water in 1 leaks (flows) into the heat exchanger 2.
[0046]
When high-temperature hot water leaks (flows) into the heat exchanger 2, it leaks (flows) into the bathtub 12 via the pipe 14. Then, a user who does not know this may give discomfort due to the high-temperature hot water stored in the bathtub 12.
[0047]
In order to prevent this, it is necessary to notify in advance that hot water has leaked into the bathtub 12.
[0048]
For this reason, the additional boiling water thermistor 4 is arranged on the pipe 14 of FIG. 1, and the temperature of the additional heating water (usually about 60 ° C.) which has finished circulating through the heat exchanger 2 is constantly measured and transmitted to the controller 7. To do.
[0049]
Here, the additional hot water thermistor 4 corresponds to additional hot water temperature detection means.
[0050]
Then, the controller 7 compares the additional hot water temperature information with the second predetermined temperature. If the additional hot water temperature information is higher than the second predetermined temperature, the heat exchanger 2 is damaged. The speaker 9 informs the user that hot water may have leaked (flowed) into the tank 1 from the damaged portion.
[0051]
The operation of the control device 7 described above is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In step S11 of this flowchart, the control device 7 determines whether or not the additional hot water temperature information has been received from the additional heating thermistor 4, and if received, proceeds to step S12, where the received additional hot water temperature information and the second When the reheating temperature information is higher than the second predetermined temperature in step S13, the speaker 9 is damaged in the heat exchanger 2 from the speaker 9 in step S14. To inform that hot water may have flowed in.
[0052]
Step S13 of this flowchart corresponds to a second comparing means described in the claims.
[0053]
With the above-described configuration and operation, when high-temperature hot water in the tank 1 leaks into the bathtub 12, the user is notified of the fact, and the user is given an unpleasant sensation by the high-temperature hot water leaking into the bathtub 12. It is possible to provide a hot water storage type hot water supply system that can be prevented.
[0054]
(Third embodiment)
In the hot water supply type hot water supply system 100 shown in the second embodiment described above, the second predetermined temperature at the time of performing the comparison operation by the control device 7 must have a considerable width (5 to 10 ° C.).
[0055]
This is because the temperature of the additional boiling water is not always constant at about 60 ° C., but has a certain width (about 55 ° C. to 65 ° C.).
[0056]
Therefore, unless the second predetermined temperature used for the comparison operation has a considerable width, the loudspeaker 9 is erroneously generated each time the slightly warmer reheating water is re-supplied from the heat exchanger 2 to the bathtub 12. Therefore, it is notified that the hot water has leaked into the bathtub 12.
[0057]
However, comparing with a predetermined temperature having a considerable width means that the accuracy of detecting hot water leakage is low.
[0058]
In order to improve the detection accuracy of high-temperature hot water leakage shown in the second embodiment and to detect even minute water leakage (inflow) from a damaged portion such as a crack or a crack in the heat exchanger 2, the following configuration is further provided. Just add it.
[0059]
That is, as shown in FIG. 1, a bath tub temperature thermistor 5 is disposed on a pipe 13 to measure the temperature of the bath tub hot water sent out from the bath tub 12 to the heat exchanger 2, and to use the boiling water thermistor described in the second embodiment. At 4, the temperature of the additional hot water is also measured, and both pieces of temperature information are transmitted to the control device 7.
[0060]
The bathtub hot water temperature thermistor 5 here corresponds to a bathtub hot water temperature detecting means.
[0061]
Then, the controller 7 calculates a difference between the bathtub hot water temperature information and the additional hot water temperature information, and compares the difference with a third predetermined temperature.
[0062]
The third predetermined temperature in this case is the maximum heat exchangeable temperature of the heat exchanger 2. The maximum heat-exchangeable temperature is a maximum temperature that increases when the heat exchanger 2 performs heat exchange, and is one of the performance indexes of the heat exchanger 2.
[0063]
The maximum heat exchangeable temperature of the heat exchanger 2 is compared with the calculated temperature difference. If the temperature difference is larger than the maximum heat exchangeable temperature, the heat exchange by the heat exchanger 2 (temperature rise) ) Indicates that the temperature of the reheating water has risen due to a phenomenon (or cause) that is not the same, so that cracks or cracks may occur in the heat exchanger 2 and the hot water in the tank 1 may flow from there. It can be estimated that there is.
[0064]
The operation described above is shown in the flowchart of FIG. In step S21 of the flowchart in FIG. 4, the control device 7 determines whether or not bathtub hot water temperature information has been received, and if received, next, in step S22, determines whether or not hot water temperature information has been received. If this is also received, the temperature difference between the bathtub hot water temperature information and the additional hot water temperature information is calculated in step S23, and the temperature difference calculated in step S23 is calculated in step S24. If the temperature difference is higher than the third predetermined temperature in step S25, the speaker 9 is damaged by the speaker 9 in step S26. It is always informed that the hot water in the tank 1 may flow from the damaged portion.
[0065]
Here, step S23 corresponds to a temperature difference calculating means. Step S25 corresponds to a third comparing means described in the claims.
[0066]
With the above-described configuration and operation, it is possible to provide a hot-water storage type hot water supply system that can detect high-temperature hot water that flows in a minute amount due to cracks or cracks generated in the heat exchanger 2.
[0067]
(Modification)
In the second and third embodiments described above, the drain valve 10 is provided in the pipe 14 for re-supplying hot water from the bathtub 12, as shown in FIG. When it is detected that the hot water has flowed in, the drain valve 10 is opened at the same time so that the hot water is drained before the hot water leaks (flows) into the bath tub 12, so that the user cannot operate due to the hot water accumulated in the bath tub 12. The possibility of giving a pleasant feeling can be further reduced. The drain valve 10 used here is preferably a three-way valve.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a hot water supply type hot water supply system 100 according to first to third embodiments of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of detecting leakage of the hot water supply type hot water supply system 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation of detecting leakage of a hot water supply type hot water supply system 100 according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation of detecting leakage of a hot water supply type hot water supply system 100 according to a third embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram schematically showing a configuration of a hot water supply type hot water supply system 100 according to a modification of the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 tank 2 heat exchanger 3 tank thermistor (tank temperature detecting means)
4 Reheating water thermistor (reheating water temperature detection means)
5 Bath tub hot water thermistor (bath bath hot water temperature detecting means)
6 Circulation pump 7 Control unit (control means)
8 Operation panel 9 Speaker (notification means)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Drain valve 11 Heat pump unit 12 Bathtub 13-14 Pipe 15 Hot water supply pipe 16-17 Pipe 18 Faucet

Claims

A tank for storing hot water,
It is installed in the tank and connected via a bathtub and a pipe, circulates the hot water in the bathtub, and heat-exchanges heat between the hot water in the bathtub and the hot water in the tank. Heat exchanger,
Control means for controlling hot water supply from the tank to the bathtub, a hot water storage type hot water supply system,
A detecting unit for detecting a temperature of hot water in at least one place in the tank and the pipe,
The control means determines hot water leakage from the tank based on temperature information detected by the detection means.

The detecting means has a tank temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature of hot water in the tank,
The control means, a change amount of the hot water stored in the tank calculated by the temperature of the hot water in the tank detected by the tank temperature detecting means, and a first comparing means for comparing a first predetermined amount of heat With
When the first comparing means determines that the amount of change in the amount of hot water stored in the tank calculated based on the temperature of the hot water in the tank is larger than the predetermined amount of heat, the control means sets the temperature of the hot water from the tank. The hot water supply type hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein it is determined that there is a leak.

The detecting means circulates through the heat exchanger, and has a supplementary hot water temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of hot water re-supplied to the bathtub,
The control means includes a temperature of the additional hot water detected by the additional hot water temperature detection means, and a second comparing means for comparing the temperature with a second predetermined temperature,
When the second comparing means determines that the temperature of the additional boiling water is higher than the predetermined second temperature, the control means determines that there is a leak of the hot water from the tank to the heat exchanger. The hot water supply type hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

Bathtub hot water temperature detecting means for detecting a bathtub hot water temperature sent from the bathtub to the heat exchanger,
Having a reheating water temperature detecting means for detecting a reheating water temperature that is circulated through the heat exchanger and re-supplied to the bathtub,
The control means calculates the temperature difference between the bathtub hot water temperature and the additional boiling water temperature, the temperature difference calculated by the temperature difference calculation means, and a third predetermined temperature. And third comparing means for comparing,
When the third comparing means determines that the temperature difference is higher than the third predetermined temperature, the control means determines that the hot water leaks from the tank to the heat exchanger. The hot water supply type hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

For the pipe for re-supplying hot water from the heat exchanger to the bathtub, a drain valve for draining the hot water is provided,
The hot water supply type hot water supply system according to claim 3, wherein the control unit opens the drain valve and drains the water when it is determined that the hot water leaks.

Equipped with notification means,
The hot water supply type hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein, when the control unit determines that the hot water is leaked, the notification unit notifies the notification by voice from the notification unit. 7.