JP2007155286A - Hot water storage water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water storage water heater capable of avoiding shortage of hot water while suppressing the water discharge amount from the hot water storage tank. <P>SOLUTION: The hot water storage water heater 1 is equipped with a hot water storage tank 110, a feed water pipe 120, a thermistor 170 for detecting the temperature of hot water inside the hot water storage tank 110, a water discharge pipe 180, a heat pump type heating unit 200, a control unit 300, and an input part 300A for inputting data including the time for using the hot water storage water heater 1 again. The control unit 300 calculates the required tapping volume at the time of using the hot water storage water heater 1 again from the data inputted in the input part 300A. When the hot water amount in the hot water storage tank 110 is determined to be short with respect to the required tapping volume based on the detected result of the thermistor 170, the control unit 300A calculates the required hot water feed amount to the hot water storage tank 110. After the hot water inside the hot water storage tank 110 is replaced by only the required hot water feed amount, the required hot water feed amount is supplied to the hot water storage tank 110 by the heating unit 200. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water storage type water heater, and more particularly to a hot water storage type water heater having a hot water storage tank.

2. Description of the Related Art A hot water storage type water heater having a hot water storage tank is conventionally known.
For example, in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-89963 (Patent Document 1), it is possible to detect and store the use state of hot water, estimate the unused time based on the data, and perform automatic hot water replacement. A hot water storage type water heater provided with a control device is disclosed.
JP 2002-89963 A

  Patent Document 1 describes replacement of hot water in a tank, but here, it is considered that the tank is once emptied by drainage.

  However, for example, as long as the temperature of hot water in the tank is maintained in a range where Legionella bacteria and the like are not generated, it is not always necessary to replace all the hot water. Therefore, in the hot water storage type water heater described in Patent Document 1, there is a case where wastewater is wasted.

  On the other hand, since the temperature of the hot water in the tank naturally decreases while the hot water heater is not used, it is necessary to reboiler the hot water in the tank. Here, for example, when the heating device is a heat pump, if the temperature of the hot water is, for example, about 45 ° C. or higher, an overload operation may occur and reboiling may not be possible. In this case, when the use of the water heater is resumed, there occurs a phenomenon that hot water of a predetermined temperature is not sufficiently supplied (hereinafter may be simply referred to as “hot water out”). This hot water outbreak is likely to occur particularly in winter when the temperature is low.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water storage type water heater capable of avoiding hot water shortage while suppressing the amount of drainage from the hot water storage tank. It is in.

  The hot water storage type hot water heater according to the present invention includes a hot water storage tank, a water supply path connected to the hot water storage tank, a water supply path opening / closing part that opens and closes the water supply path, and a temperature detection part that detects the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank. A drainage path connected to the hot water storage tank, a drainage path opening / closing part for opening / closing the drainage path, a heating device for heating hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, a water supply path opening / closing part, a drainage path opening / closing part, and a heating device. A control unit for controlling the operation and an input unit for inputting data including when the use of the water heater is resumed. The control unit includes a storage unit that stores data related to the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank, and a calculation unit that calculates a required amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank when the use of the water heater is resumed. The calculation unit calculates the required amount of hot water based on the data input to the input unit and the data stored in the storage unit, and the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank is set to the required amount of hot water based on the detection result of the temperature detection unit. On the other hand, when it is determined that the amount is insufficient, the required amount of hot water supplied to the hot water storage tank is calculated. When it is determined that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank is insufficient, the control unit operates the water supply path opening / closing part and the drainage path opening / closing part, replaces the hot water in the hot water tank by the required hot water supply amount, and then turns on the heating device. Operate and supply the required amount of hot water to the hot water storage tank.

  The “necessary amount of hot water” indicates how much temperature of hot water is needed. Further, “the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank” indicates how much amount of hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank. The “necessary hot water supply amount” indicates how much amount of hot water needs to be supplied to the hot water storage tank in order to satisfy the “necessary hot water supply amount”.

  According to the said structure, hot water shortage can be avoided, suppressing the amount of drainage from a hot water storage tank.

  In the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus, as one example, the required hot water supply amount and the required hot water supply amount coincide with each other.

Even in such a case, the amount of drainage from the hot water storage tank can be suppressed.
In the hot water storage type water heater, the heating device is preferably a heat pump.

  When the heating device is a heat pump, it is difficult to re-boil hot water having a relatively high temperature, and when hot water is expected to run out, it is often necessary to drain the hot water tank once. On the other hand, the amount of drainage can be minimized by applying the above configuration.

  In the hot water storage type hot water heater, preferably, data relating to the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank is classified for each day of the week and stored in the storage unit, and the calculation unit is used when resuming use of the water heater among the data stored in the storage unit The required amount of hot water is calculated based on data relating to the same day of the week to which the belongs.

  By accumulating data relating to the same day of the week as when the use is resumed, the required amount of hot water can be predicted more accurately, and the effect of preventing hot water shortage can be enhanced.

  According to the present invention, in the hot water storage type hot water heater, it is possible to avoid running out of hot water while suppressing the amount of drainage from the hot water storage tank.

  Below, the embodiment of the hot water storage type hot water heater based on this invention is described. Note that the same or corresponding parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof may not be repeated.

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to one embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 1, water heater 1 includes a tank unit 100, a heating unit 200, and a control unit 300. The tank unit 100 stores hot water, the heating unit 200 heats the hot water stored in the tank unit 100, and the control unit 300 controls operations of the tank unit 100 and the heating unit 200.

  The tank unit 100 includes a hot water storage tank 110, a water supply pipe 120, a water supply valve 125, a hot water supply pipe 130, a mixing valve 135, a heater forward pipe 140, a circulation pump 145, a water heat exchanger 150, It has a vessel return pipe 160, a thermistor 170, a drain pipe 180, and a drain valve 185.

  The hot water storage tank 110 is a container for storing hot water. The hot water storage tank 110 is typically filled with hot water. In a typical state, the temperature of hot water stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 110 is relatively high, and the temperature of hot water stored in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 110 is relatively low. In other words, the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 increases from the lower part to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 110.

  The water supply pipe 120 is a water supply path to the hot water storage tank 110. The water supply pipe 120 is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 110. The cold water supplied from the water pipe flows through the water supply pipe 120 in the direction of the arrow DR120, whereby water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 110. A water supply valve 125 is attached to the water supply pipe 120. By opening and closing the water supply valve 125, water supply to the hot water storage tank 110 can be started / stopped.

  Hot water supply pipe 130 is a hot water supply path from hot water storage tank 110. The hot water supply pipe 130 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 110. Hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 flows in the hot water discharge pipe 130 in the direction of the arrow DR 130, whereby hot water is supplied to the user of the hot water heater 1. The hot water supply pipe 130 is connected to the water supply pipe 120 via the mixing valve 135. By adjusting the opening / closing of the mixing valve 135, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the user of the water heater 1 is adjusted.

  The heater outgoing pipe 140 and the heater return pipe 160 are connected to the lower part and the upper part of the hot water storage tank 110, respectively. The hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank 110 into the heater outgoing pipe 140 flows in the direction of the arrow DR 140 and reaches the water heat exchanger 150 attached to the heating unit 200. Hot water flowing into the heater return pipe 160 from the water heat exchanger 150 flows in the direction of the arrow DR 160 and returns to the hot water storage tank 110. The hot water circulation is forced circulation by the circulation pump 145. In other words, the start / stop of the forced circulation can be controlled by controlling ON / OFF of the circulation pump 145.

  The thermistor 170 functions as a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110. The thermistor 170 includes a plurality of thermistors 171, 172, 173, and 174 that are arranged in the vertical direction of the hot water storage tank 110. As described above, since the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 changes in the vertical direction, by providing a plurality of thermistors arranged in the vertical direction, what temperature of hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 110 It is possible to more accurately detect whether a certain amount is stored (hereinafter, this may be referred to as “the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank”).

  The drainage pipe 180 is a drainage path from the hot water storage tank 110. The drain pipe 180 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 110. The hot water that has flowed into the drain pipe 180 flows in the drain pipe 180 in the direction of the arrow DR 180, whereby drainage from the hot water storage tank 110 is performed. A drain valve 185 is attached to the drain pipe 180. By opening and closing the drain valve 185, drainage from the hot water storage tank 110 can be started / stopped.

  The drain pipe 180 may be further provided in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 110. As a result, for example, when the water heater 1 is not used for a long period of time, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 110 can be drained and filled again when the use is resumed. In terms of hygiene, it is preferable to remove hot water from the hot water storage tank 110 when not used for a long time.

  The heating unit 200 includes a compressor 210, a condenser 220, an expansion valve 230, an air heat exchanger 240, and a blower fan 250.

The compressor 210, the condenser 220, the expansion valve 230, and the air heat exchanger 240 are connected by a refrigerant pipe to form a heat pump circuit. In addition, a blower fan 250 for promoting heat absorption from the atmosphere in the air heat exchanger 240 is disposed close to the air heat exchanger 240. In this heat pump circuit, a refrigerant such as CO ₂ circulates. The water heat exchanger 150 in the tank unit 100 is attached to the condenser 220 in the heating unit 200. Therefore, the heat generated in the condenser 220 is transferred to the water heat exchanger 150.

  The water circulating in the tank unit 100 reaches the water heat exchanger 150 via the heater outgoing pipe 140, takes heat from the water heat exchanger 150, and becomes hot water. The hot water returns to the hot water storage tank 110 through the heater return pipe 160, is stored in the hot water storage tank 110, and then is discharged from the hot water supply pipe 130.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the configuration of the control unit 300 in the water heater 1.
Referring to FIG. 2, control unit 300 includes a storage unit 310 and a calculation unit 320. An input unit 300 </ b> A is connected to the control unit 300. Data for resuming use is input to the input unit 300A when the user of the water heater 1 is away for a certain period of time.

  The storage unit 310 includes an EEPROM or the like, and stores past data (for example, the past two weeks) related to the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank 110 on a daily basis. The storage unit 310 stores data in a predetermined classification (for example, for each day of the week). In general, the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank 110 tends to appear every day of the week. Accordingly, by classifying and storing the amount of hot water from the hot water storage tank 110 for each day of the week, it becomes easier to predict the required amount of hot water on a specified day.

  Arithmetic unit 320 is included in, for example, a microcomputer, and based on the data input to input unit 300A and the data stored in storage unit 310, the temperature of hot water at which temperature of hot water heater 1 is resumed. It is calculated how much is necessary (hereinafter, this may be referred to as “necessary amount of hot water”). On the other hand, the thermistor 170 in the tank unit 100 detects the temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank 110.

  The calculation unit 320 refers to the calculation result of the required hot water amount and the detection result by the thermistor 170, and the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110 is sufficient for the required hot water amount when the hot water heater 1 is resumed. Is determined. When it is determined that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 110 is insufficient, the calculation unit 320 needs to supply the hot water tank 110 with the required amount of hot water (referred to below). This may be referred to as “necessary hot water supply amount”). In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the “necessary amount of hot water” and the “necessary hot water supply amount” match.

  By the way, for example, when a heat pump type heater is used, when the temperature of hot water input to the heater is high (for example, about 45 ° C. or more), an excessive burden is placed on the compressor in the heat pump circuit. It is known that heating of hot water becomes difficult. Therefore, in the water heater 1, when it is determined that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 110 is insufficient, the water supply valve 125 and the drain valve 185 are opened, and cold water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 110. By doing in this way, the heating by the heating unit 200 becomes possible. Then, hot water is supplied to the hot water storage tank 110.

  Next, the flow of hot water replacement and heating in the water heater 1 will be described with reference to FIGS.

  In S10, for example, when the user of the water heater 1 inputs information indicating that he / she is away for 5 days to the input unit 300A, in S20, the calculation unit 320 stores data relating to the past amount of hot water stored in the storage unit 310. The expected amount of hot water after 5 days is calculated. This is the “necessary amount of hot water”.

  When the required amount of hot water is calculated, an allowable lower limit value of the hot water temperature detected by the thermistors 171 to 174 is obtained. In S30, the hot water storage temperature in the hot water storage tank is monitored using the thermistors 171-174. If it is determined that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 110 is insufficient with respect to the required amount of hot water based on the detection results of the thermistors 171 to 174, the required amount of hot water supplied is calculated in S40. When it is determined that the required amount of hot water is satisfied, the hot water storage temperature is monitored again.

  Thereafter, in S50, cold water is supplied into the hot water storage tank 110 by the required hot water supply amount. At the same time, hot water equivalent to the amount of cold water supplied is discharged from the drain pipe 180. Here, the supply amount of the cold water is controlled using the thermistor 170. For example, when the temperature detected by the thermistor 173 is equal to the temperature of cold water supplied from the water supply pipe 120, the fact that the cold water supplied from the water supply pipe 120 has reached the position of the thermistor 173 from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 110. Can be detected. In S60, heating by the heating unit 200 is performed, and the hot water storage tank 110 is supplied with the required amount of hot water. Here, the supply amount of the hot water is controlled using the thermistor 170. For example, when the detected temperature of the thermistor 174 becomes equal to the set hot water storage temperature, it can be detected that the hot water supplied from the heater return pipe 160 has reached the position of the thermistor 174 from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 110. .

  Note that the above-described steps S30 to S60 are preferably performed immediately before the use is resumed. Thereby, it can suppress that the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 110 falls again after the boiling process mentioned above.

  The above contents are summarized as follows. That is, the water heater 1 according to the present embodiment includes a hot water storage tank 110, a water supply pipe 120 connected as a “water supply path” connected to the hot water storage tank 110, and a “water supply path open / close section” that opens and closes the water supply pipe 120. A water supply valve 125, a thermistor 170 as a “temperature detector” that detects the temperature of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110, a drain pipe 180 as a “drainage path” connected to the hot water storage tank 110, and a drain pipe 180 A drainage valve 185 as a “drainage path opening / closing section” for opening and closing the water, a heating unit 200 as a heat pump type “heating device” for heating hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 110, a water supply valve 125, a drainage valve 185 and heating A control unit 300 as a “control unit” for controlling the operation of the unit 200, and an input unit 300 to which data including the time when the hot water heater 1 is resumed is input. Provided with a door. Here, the control unit 300 includes a storage unit 310 that stores data related to the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank 110, and a calculation unit 320 that calculates a required amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank 110 when the hot water heater 1 is used again. . The calculation unit 320 calculates the required amount of hot water based on the data input to the input unit 300A and the data stored in the storage unit 310, and the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 110 is required based on the detection result of the thermistor 170. When it is determined that the amount of hot water is insufficient, the required amount of hot water supplied to the hot water storage tank 110 is calculated. When it is determined that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 110 is insufficient, the control unit 300 operates the water supply valve 125 and the drain valve 185 to replace the hot water in the hot water storage tank 110 by the required amount of hot water, and then the heating unit. 200 is operated to supply the required amount of hot water to the hot water storage tank 110.

  More specifically, in the water heater 1, data relating to the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank 110 is classified for each day of the week and stored in the storage unit 310, and the calculation unit 320 includes hot water supply among the data stored in the storage unit 310. The required amount of hot water is calculated based on the data relating to the same day of the week to which the time of resuming use of the machine 1 belongs.

  In the present embodiment, an example in which the “necessary hot water supply amount” and the “necessary hot water supply amount” substantially coincide with each other has been mainly described. There is a case. For example, when a small amount of hot water (hot water) remains in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 110, the drain pipe 180 is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 110, and the hot water remains in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 110. If drainage is performed, the “necessary hot water supply amount” is smaller than the “necessary hot water supply amount” by the amount of remaining hot water.

  According to the water heater 1 according to the present embodiment, hot water shortage can be avoided while suppressing the amount of drainage from the hot water storage tank 110.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the embodiments disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is the figure which showed the structure of the hot water storage type water heater based on one embodiment of this invention. It is a figure explaining the structure of the control unit in the hot water storage type water heater shown in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the flow of replacement and heating of hot water in the hot water storage type hot water heater according to one embodiment of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water storage type water heater, 100 tank unit, 110 Hot water storage tank, 120 Water supply pipe, 125 Water supply valve, 130 Hot water supply pipe, 135 Mixing valve, 140 Heater outgoing pipe, 145 Circulation pump, 150 Water heat exchanger, 160 Heater recovery Pipe, 170, 171 to 174 Thermistor, 180 Drain pipe, 185 Drain valve, 200 Heating unit, 210 Compressor, 220 Condenser, 230 Expansion valve, 240 Air heat exchanger, 250 Blower, 300 Control unit, 300A Input section 310 storage unit, 320 calculation unit.

Claims (4)

A hot water storage tank,
A water supply path connected to the hot water storage tank;
A water supply path opening and closing unit for opening and closing the water supply path;
A temperature detector for detecting the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank;
A drainage path connected to the hot water storage tank;
A drainage path opening and closing part for opening and closing the drainage path;
A heating device for heating hot water stored in the hot water storage tank;
A controller for controlling the operation of the water supply path opening / closing section, the drainage path opening / closing section and the heating device;
An input unit for inputting data including when the water heater is resumed,
The controller is
A storage unit for storing data relating to the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank;
A calculation unit that calculates a required amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank when resuming use of the water heater,
The calculation unit calculates the required amount of hot water based on data input to the input unit and data stored in the storage unit, and hot water in the hot water storage tank based on a detection result of the temperature detection unit. When it is determined that the amount is insufficient with respect to the required amount of hot water, the required amount of hot water supplied to the hot water storage tank is calculated,
When it is determined that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank is insufficient, the control unit operates the water supply path opening / closing part and the drainage path opening / closing part, and replaces the hot water in the hot water tank by the required hot water supply amount. After that, a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus that operates the heating device to supply the required hot water supply amount of hot water to the hot water storage tank.   The hot water storage type hot water supply device according to claim 1, wherein the required hot water supply amount and the required hot water supply amount coincide with each other.   The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the heating device is a heat pump. Data relating to the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank is classified for each day of the week and stored in the storage unit,
4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the calculation unit calculates the required amount of hot water based on data related to a day of the week that belongs to the day of resuming use of the water heater among the data stored in the storage unit. Hot water storage type hot water supply machine described in Crab

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