JP2008002702A - Hot water storage type water heater, hot water supply method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To utilize electric power by solar power generation in hot water supply in an electric water heater according to meteorologic forecast information. <P>SOLUTION: In a system comprising: the solar power generating means 301 generating power by solar light; a CO2 heat pump water heater 1; and a remote controller 2 for controlling the water heater 1, meteorologic forecast information is acquired from a server 7 by a meteorologic information acquiring means 303, and electric power for heating water in the CO2 heat pump water heater 1 is switched and controlled to utilize electric power by solar power generation for midnight power of commercial power, when the acquired information is agreed with set conditions, thus the electric water heater is operated by electric power of natural energy, electric power is utilized while efficiently saving on energy, and electricity expense is reduced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus, a hot water storage type hot water supply method, and a program for generating hot water using electric power of solar power generation and late-night electric power of an electric power company.

  In recent years, all-electric homes have become popular, and a switch from a conventional gas water heater that produces hot water using gas to an electric water heater (hot water heater) that produces hot water using electricity has progressed. Electric water heaters (hot water heaters) use midnight power with low electricity charges to reduce the cost of making hot water, boil the hot water, store it in a hot water storage tank and use it during the day, so it is clean, safe and low cost More and more users are changing to all-electric homes.

  Recently, as a heat source used to boil hot water with electricity, a heat pump type water heater (hot water heater) using a natural refrigerant (CO 2) has been widely used from an electric heater type. Natural refrigerant heat pump water heaters (water heaters) absorb the heat of the atmosphere, compress the natural refrigerant with electricity and heat it, and make hot water from water with a heat exchanger. It is an energy-saving hot water supply system.

  On the other hand, as another hot water supply system, a system for generating hot water by the heat of sunlight has been introduced. Patent Document 1 uses a hot water supply system that generates hot water by solar heat and an electric water heater that generates hot water using midnight power in a hybrid manner, and when the hot water made by sunlight is lower than the set temperature, Furthermore, warm water is made by heating with an electric water heater. By doing so, a system has been proposed that eliminates hot water shortages during winter and bad weather, and prevents excessive hot water from being produced during summer and fine weather, further realizing energy saving and economic effects.

  As another heat source hot water supply system, Patent Document 2 proposes a cogeneration system using gas.

  This system uses the waste heat generated when electricity is generated by a gas engine to make hot water, and hot water is stored in a hot water storage tank so that the necessary amount of heat (hot water volume and hot water temperature) can be obtained by the time when hot water demand occurs. As described above, the cogeneration generator is operated in a time zone in which the overall efficiency is judged to be high in accordance with the result of the time zone power demand prediction.

  Hot water is used for heat sources such as hot water supply at home, floor heating and bathroom heating / drying, and equipment such as floor heating changes its usage depending on weather conditions. The use of floor heating etc. is predicted according to the information.

  Specifically, the on / off status of floor heating is recorded for each hour of each hour, an operation information database is created, and the weather data (temperature, precipitation, sunshine) of that hour obtained via the network. Time). Then, the operation state for each temperature in each time zone is made into a database.

And when predicting the operation status of floor heating for the next day, weather forecast data is acquired from the network, and the predicted operating temperature in the predetermined time zone from the statistics of the operation information database is the greater of the operating status ON or OFF The usage status is predicted. In this way, the on / off state for each floor heating time zone is predicted in advance based on the predicted temperature, and the cogeneration apparatus is operated with high efficiency.
JP 2005-226924 A JP 2005-265201 A

  However, the system of the above-mentioned patent document 1 requires two hot water supply systems for solar user electric water heaters, has a large economic burden on the user, and can use solar energy as a heat source only for hot water supply as an energy system.

  Moreover, since the system of patent document 2 acquires weather forecast data and predicts the hot water supply device using the hot water of the next day and the use situation of floor heating with high accuracy, the energy use efficiency of the cogeneration device is improved. Cannot be used in all-electric housing. In addition, it is not possible to reduce the use of late-night power used by electric water heaters that generate hot water by electricity, store hot water, and use hot water.

In order to solve the conventional problems, and solar power generation means for generating in sunlight, and hot water storage type hot-water supply means for making hot water using a deep night power of the commercial power, the weather information acquiring unit that acquires weather forecast information A hot water storage comprising: a power switching judgment means for judging the acquired weather prediction information and judging whether to use the daytime power generated by the solar power generation means or the midnight power to store hot water. In the hot water supply apparatus, when the weather forecast information acquired by the weather information acquisition means coincides with preset weather information, the hot water storage hot water supply means using the power of the solar power generation means instead of the midnight power It constitutes a hot water storage type hot water supply device that operates hot water to make hot water.

  Depending on the weather forecast information acquired, for example, it is better to use late-night power normally used by hot water storage hot water heaters in all-electric housing, or to store hot water using solar power that is private power generation It is possible to determine whether it is good, and on hot days and days with long sunshine hours, hot water is made using the power of solar power generation, which is private power generation. As a result, energy saving and running cost for hot water supply can be reduced.

  In order to use solar energy instead of hot water instead of electric power, for example, even when electric power becomes surplus, it can be used by household appliances for general-purpose energy. In addition, surplus power can be sold to electric power companies, thus increasing the cost of using daytime power for private power generation.

  In addition, if solar water is not used to promote the use of hot water by changing the hot water, energy use efficiency will not be reduced, and the restrictions on energy use will be reduced.

  According to the present invention, when the weather forecast information is acquired and coincides with the preset weather information, the hot water storage hot water supply means is operated using the power of solar power generation instead of the midnight power of the commercial power. Use of midnight power can be reduced. In addition, since the electricity use cost of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus is reduced and less commercial power is used, an energy saving hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus can be obtained.

A first aspect of the present invention is a solar power generation means for generating in sunlight, and hot water storage type hot-water supply means for making hot water using a deep night power of the commercial power, the weather information acquiring unit that acquires weather forecast information, and the acquired In a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus comprising a power switching judgment means for judging weather forecast information and judging whether to store hot water using daytime power generated by the photovoltaic power generation means or the midnight power. When the weather forecast information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit matches the preset weather information, the hot water storage type hot water supply unit is operated by using the power of the solar power generation unit instead of the midnight power. It is a hot water storage type hot water supply device.

  Then, the obtained weather forecast information is judged, and when the weather forecast information matches the preset weather information, the hot water storage type hot water supply device is operated by using the power of the photovoltaic power generation by the power switching judgment means. As a result, electric hot water can be supplied without using midnight power. Since the electricity use cost of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus is reduced and less commercial power is used, an energy saving hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus can be obtained.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, the weather information acquisition means acquires weather prediction information before the start time of a midnight power time zone of commercial power, and the power switching determination means is weather information in which weather prediction information for the next day is preset. Is a hot water storage type hot water supply device that switches to generate hot water using the power of the photovoltaic power generation means instead of the midnight power.

  And by making the weather information acquired and determined before the start time of the midnight power time zone, it is possible to determine the switching of power before starting the warm water generation in the midnight power time zone set by default, Since unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed, it is possible to save energy and reduce the cost of using electricity.

  3rd invention is equipped with the remaining hot water amount detection means which measures the remaining hot water amount of warm water, and the weather prediction information which the said weather information acquisition means acquired when the hot water remaining in the said hot water storage type hot water supply means is below a predetermined remaining hot water amount Is a hot water storage type hot water supply device that generates hot water with late-night power even when it coincides with preset weather information.

  And the hot water remaining in the hot water storage type hot water supply means is detected by the remaining hot water amount detection means, it is judged whether there is a set remaining hot water amount, and it is switched to the power of solar power generation, so hot water is not generated by midnight power This makes it possible to meet the demand for hot water supply in the morning, which may be insufficient, and only when there is a certain amount of hot water, the hot water used the next day can be boiled with the power of solar power generation, improving convenience. .

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a solar power generation means for generating electricity with sunlight, a hot water storage hot water supply means for producing hot water using midnight power of commercial power, a weather information acquisition means for acquiring weather prediction information, and the acquired weather Hot water supply of a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus comprising: power switching judgment means for judging prediction information and judging whether the hot water is stored using daytime power generated by the solar power generation means or the midnight power In the method, when the weather prediction information is acquired by the weather information acquisition means, and when the weather prediction information acquired by the power switching determination means matches preset weather information, In place of midnight power, a power switching determination step for determining to generate hot water using daytime power of solar power generation, and using daytime power of solar power generation according to the above determination To produce water is a hot water supply method comprising the steps of operating a hot water storage type hot-water supply means.

  Then, the acquired weather prediction information is determined, and when the weather prediction information coincides with the preset weather information, the hot water storage type hot water supply device is controlled to operate by using the power of the solar power generation by the power switching determination means. As a result, electric hot water can be supplied without using midnight power. Since the electricity use cost of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus is reduced and less commercial power is used, an energy saving hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus can be obtained.

  A fifth invention is a program for executing at least a part of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus described in the first, second or third invention.

By using the program, it is possible to easily realize at least a part of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of the present invention by cooperating the hardware resources of the electric / information device and the microcomputer. In addition, the program can be distributed / updated and installed easily by recording on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
Embodiment 1 of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing a CO2 heat pump water heater (hereinafter referred to as HP water heater) that switches between a photovoltaic power generation system and commercial power according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention according to weather information.

  The HP water heater 1 is connected to a remote controller 2 in the house, and the remote controller 2 controls hot water for a bath and hot water storage in a hot water storage tank. The remote controller 2 constitutes a multi-function Internet remote controller 2 connected to a server 7 that distributes weather forecast information via the Internet 6 that is a communication network.

  Further, the HP water heater 1 is connected to commercial power AC 200V supplied from an electric power company and supplied with electricity (FIG. 1B). The heat pump is operated by electricity to absorb heat in the atmosphere, and CO2 (dioxide dioxide) which is a natural refrigerant. The above-described refrigerant that has been heated by compressing (carbon) is passed through a heat exchanger to exchange heat, and hot water is supplied from water.

  Moreover, it is set as the structure which connects the solar cell module 3 which generate | occur | produces with sunlight to the HP water heater 1 of this Embodiment 1 via the power conditioner 4 (inverter) (FIG. 1A). Moreover, the power conditioner 4 is connected to the power meter 5, and when surplus power is generated by solar power generation, power can be supplied to the power line of the power company and sold (FIG. 1C).

  The solar cell module 3 generates power by sunlight, but the generated power is direct current, so the power conditioner 4 performs direct current to alternating current conversion, and the same alternating current as commercial power (for example, single-phase three-wire alternating current 100V / 200V). Is generated, and electric power is supplied to household appliances including the HP water heater 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the HP water heater 1 includes a CPU 1 a, a memory 1 b, various sensors 1 c such as a thermistor, a communication device 1 d that performs serial communication with the remote controller 2, a compressor and a heat exchanger for making hot water. A heat pump device 1e configured, a hot water storage tank 1f for storing boiled hot water, and hardware resources of a power supply device 1g for supplying electricity are provided. The power switching supply unit 308 and the heat pump unit as shown in FIG. 309, the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310 is operated.

  Similarly, the solar cell module 3 and the power conditioner 4 cooperate to make the solar power generation means 301 function.

  Next, the remote controller 2 will be described. The remote controller 2 has a display function and a function for connecting to the Internet, and acquires and displays content information (weather, news, area information, shop information, advertisement information, etc.) from the server 7 and uses it. . In the case of content information created in HTML, browsing is performed with a browser function provided in the remote controller 2. In addition, advertisement information and the like are also provided with a function of displaying information embedded in the control screen of the remote controller 2 to enhance convenience for the user.

  The remote controller 2 is a multi-function remote controller having a function of connecting to the Internet 2. Although not shown, the remote controller 2 has a system expansion function of connecting to a network device as required by JEMA or specific low-power radio. .

  Here, the network device is a concept indicating home appliances and equipment having a function of connecting to various networks including the Internet 6, and includes a refrigerator, a microwave oven, a washing machine, an air conditioner, a water heater, a dryer, and a dishwasher. , Vacuum cleaner, gas table, IH equipment, rice cooker, warm water washing toilet seat, electronic lock, various security sensors (human sensor, open / close sensor), net camera, lighting equipment, cogeneration system equipment, fuel cell system equipment, home server TV, video, DVD equipment, personal computer, PDA, mobile phone, FAX, telephone, audio equipment, and remote control equipment, gas meter, water meter, power meter, etc.

  In this embodiment, the remote controller 2 describes a water heater system connected to the HP water heater 1, but it can also function as a controller for the devices mentioned as examples.

  The remote controller 2 is connected to the ISP through an ADSL line or an optical fiber (not shown), and is connected to the server 7 through the Internet 6. The ISP is an Internet service provider and provides a service for connecting to the Internet. Communication is performed using TCP / IP, HTTP, or the like generally used on the Internet as a communication protocol.

  Moreover, it has a function of remotely controlling the HP water heater 1 by a mobile phone that can be connected to the Internet 6 or a telephone line network. The remote controller 2 also has a communication protocol gateway function that mutually converts a communication protocol between the HP water heater 1 and the remote controller 2 and an application protocol used in Internet communication.

  The remote controller 2 holds an ID, a password, etc. for user authentication required when connecting to the server 7.

As shown in FIG. 2, the remote controller 2 includes a CPU 2a, a memory 2b, a flash ROM (Flash Read
In addition to the external memory device 2c of ROM or hard disk, a communication device 2d that performs serial communication with the HP water heater 1, a second communication device 2e such as Ethernet (registered trademark), a display constituted by an LCD, etc. 2f hardware resources are provided in cooperation with each other, such as an out-of-home communication unit 302, a weather information acquisition unit 303, a power switching determination unit 304, an information storage unit 305, a display unit 306, and an input unit as shown in FIG. 307 is functioning.

  Next, the configuration and function of the HP water heater 1 including the HP water heater 1, the remote controller 2, and the solar power generation means 301 will be described in detail. The operation / action will be described later.

  In FIG. 3, solar power generation means 301 receives and generates sunlight, which is natural energy, generates the same AC 200 V (or 100 V) as commercial power, and supplies electric power to home electric appliances including the HP water heater 1. It is a power generation means to supply. The electric power generated by the solar power generation means 301 is sold to an electric power company through the electric power meter 5 when generating electric power that exceeds the electric power consumed in the home (FIG. 1C).

The out-of-home communication means 302 connects the remote controller 2 to the Internet 6 or an external communication network such as a telephone line and realizes a state in which data can be transmitted to and received from the server 7. Specifically, in FIG. 3, the outside communication unit 302 uses a router, AD when using an ADSL line.
A connection is made to the ISP through the SL modem, and from there, a TCP / IP connection is made to the server 7 through the Internet 6.

  The weather information acquisition unit 303 acquires the weather prediction information such as the current day and the next day accumulated in the server 7 at the set time via the outside communication unit 302, and stores the weather prediction information in the information storage unit 305 described later. Record information. The weather prediction information is weather information such as the weather, temperature, precipitation, precipitation probability, and sunshine duration of the area where the user uses the HP water heater 1.

  The power switching determination unit 304 determines the weather prediction information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 303 according to conditions such as a preset sunshine time, and the HP water heater 1 on the current day or the next day boils and stores hot water. To determine whether to supply the power to be used for solar power from the solar power generation means 301 or to use the midnight power of the commercial power of the power company, and to control the power switching supply means 308 described later to switch the power to be used It is.

  Note that switching means that when using the power of solar power generation, control is performed to boil and store hot water during the day when the sun is shining. It controls to boil hot water using midnight power and store hot water for one day in a hot water storage tank.

  The information storage unit 305 stores the weather forecast information described above. In addition, a preset default value of weather forecast information set in advance or a set value set by the user is also stored in the remote controller 2. Specifically, when making the judgment based on the sunshine hours of the weather forecast information, the sunshine hours input by the user are stored, and if the forecast is greater than the set value, hot water is boiled using the power of the photovoltaic power generation. To.

  The display unit 306 displays the acquired weather information when the acquired weather prediction information is smaller than the set value set by the user or when it is desired to determine which power the user uses every time the weather prediction information is acquired. And an input screen for which power to use is displayed on the touch panel screen.

  The input unit 307 is provided with functions by a touch panel, keys, and the like on the remote controller 2. In the case of the display / selection screen that prompts the determination of which power to use, two icons of “solar power (801 in FIG. 8)” and “midnight power (802 in FIG. 8)” are displayed on the touch panel. And let the user input.

  The power switching supply unit 308 obtains weather forecast information, and when the set condition is met, the power switching determination unit 304 causes the hot water to be boiled with the power of the solar power generation during the daytime from the use of the commercial power at midnight. The HP water heater 1 is operated with the electric power, the hot water is boiled and stored.

  The heat pump unit 309 provides a function of boiling the hot water of the HP water heater 1. It supplies solar power or midnight power of commercial power, absorbs heat from the atmosphere, and creates hot water from water by heat generated by compressing natural refrigerant with a compressor.

  The hot water supply / hot water storage means 310 includes a hot water storage tank that stores hot water generated by the heat pump means 309, and supplies hot water stored in the hot water storage tank that is piped to a bathroom, kitchen, and bath that supply hot water in the home (not shown). Provide the function to do.

  The remaining hot water amount detecting means 311 detects the remaining hot water amount of hot water stored in the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310. It has a function of detecting whether there is a remaining hot water amount set by the user using the input unit 307 and notifying the power switching determination unit 304 when the hot water amount at the set temperature is equal to or less than the set amount.

  For example, it has a function of setting 150 liters as the amount of hot water to be used in a kitchen or a washroom, detecting whether or not the set amount of hot water is 150 liters, and notifying the power switching judgment means 304 of whether or not there is a set amount or more. The temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank, for example, how much hot water is 42 ° C. or more is detected by a thermistor as temperature detecting means. It is different from the amount of water in the hot water storage tank.

  On the other hand, the server 7 determines the type of authentication request, information acquisition request, control request, etc. of the remote controller 2 transmitted from the remote controller 2, and transmits a response message of the message. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 4, hardware resources such as a CPU 4 a, a memory 4 b, an external storage device 4 c, and a second communication device 4 d are provided, and these are cooperated so that the transmission / reception means 501 shown in FIG. The determination processing unit 502, the user information database 503, the transmission information generation unit 504, and the weather information database 505 are caused to function.

  The transmission / reception means 501 establishes a transmission / reception state with the remote control 2 when there is a TCP / IP connection such as an authentication request, an information acquisition request, or a control request from the remote control 2 via the Internet 6, and authentication information, setting Information, earthquake information, control information, etc. are transmitted and received.

  The user authentication / judgment processing unit 502 performs a process of comparing and authenticating the terminal ID and password, which are authentication information of the remote controller 2 received from the remote controller 2 at the time of an authentication request, with the user information managed in the user information database 503. The terminal ID is a serial number uniquely recorded for each remote controller 2, and is transmitted to the server 7 at the time of user authentication at the time of initial setting of the remote controller 2, and other user information (phone number, password) (Password)) and so on. Further, the type of data is determined by the data identifier attached to the data.

  The user information database 503 holds a user name, address, area code, telephone number, mobile phone number, password (password), terminal ID, and the like.

  When receiving the request message from the remote controller 2, the transmission information generating means 504 generates a response message for the request message and responds. When a weather information request message is received by the server 7 from the remote controller 2, weather prediction information such as the next day of the area stored in the database is acquired and set in a response message to generate a message.

  The weather information database 505 holds weather prediction information for each region, and when a request is received from the user, the weather prediction information of the user's region retrieved from the user information database 503 is extracted. The recorded weather forecast information includes local weather such as the current day, next day, and weekly forecast, temperature, precipitation, precipitation probability, and sunshine duration.

  In FIG. 5, the server 7 is illustrated as a single device, but there may be a plurality of servers, and the user information database 503 and the weather information database 505 may be in another device or in another place. Absent.

  Next, the operation and action in this embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  FIG. 6 shows a system that uses the solar battery module 3 and the HP water heater 1, acquires weather forecast information via the Internet 6, and converts the electricity used by the HP water heater 1 from the midnight power of the commercial power of the power company to the solar power. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement which sets to switch to the electric power which the battery module 3 generated.

  The normal HP water heater 1 uses inexpensive late-night electricity (in this embodiment, from 11:00 to 7:00 in the morning) to boil hot water in the late-night time period. Hot water is stored in a hot water storage tank. And use hot water at night during the day.

  However, the system of the present invention is greatly different in that power is generated using the power of solar power generation during the day (or during the previous day) instead of midnight at the previous day according to the weather forecast information.

  The weather information acquisition means 303 controls the out-of-home communication means 302 at the time set in advance in the information storage means 305 of the remote controller 2 on the day before using hot water, for example, at 10 pm, and the server 7 via the Internet 6 Communicate with. At 10:00 pm, it is set before 11:00 pm, the start time of midnight power for boiling hot water for use the next day, and weather prediction information with higher accuracy can be acquired as close to the midnight power start time as possible.

  In addition, since the weather information is changed and updated every moment, the weather information may be acquired even in the late-night power hours.

  For example, the weather information acquired before the start of midnight power hours decided that boiling water would be boiled with midnight power due to lack of sunshine time, but if the sunshine time is sufficient according to the acquired weather information after that, hot water supply by midnight power will be stopped Then, you may switch to solar power generation. Considering this, for example, if the time when weather information is updated is known, it is necessary to acquire the weather information in accordance with the time.

  Conversely, the weather information acquired before the start of midnight power hours has sufficient sunshine hours and it has been decided to boil hot water with solar power generation. Hot water supply using electric power may be started. Considering this, it is necessary to reversely calculate the time to boil the required hot water supply amount with midnight power, and to acquire weather information at least at the time when boiling is completed by the time when the midnight power time ends.

  For example, if the time for boiling the required hot water supply with midnight power is 1 hour and the time when the midnight power time ends is 7:00 am, the weather information is reacquired at 6:00 am or slightly before that.

  When the server 7 authenticates the user who uses the remote controller 2 by the user authentication / judgment processing means 502 and determines that the communication content is a request message for obtaining weather forecast information, it is recorded in the weather information database 505. The weather forecast information of the next day is acquired, a response message containing the weather forecast information is created by the transmission information generation means 504, transmitted to the remote control 2 via the Internet 6, and the weather forecast information is acquired by the weather information acquisition means 303 And recorded in the information storage means 305 (step 601).

  The weather forecast information includes information such as weather, precipitation, precipitation probability, temperature, and sunshine duration. Information necessary for power switching on the next day is extracted from the information. In the present embodiment, the sunshine duration a (predicted time) is determined, and the amount of power generated by the solar cell module 3 during the next day is predicted. Then, the sunshine time is compared with the set time b (time) recorded in advance in the information storage means 305 of the remote controller 2 (steps 602 and 603).

  If sunshine time a> set time b, the hot water heater 1 is operated with the power generated by the solar cell module 3 during the next day without using the commercial nighttime power to store hot water. Is set (step 604). That is, switching from midnight power (commercial power) to setting of power usage of the solar battery is performed. On the next day, the HP water heater 1 operates the heat pump means 309 to heat the water and boil the hot water (step 605), store the hot water in the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310, and use the hot water (step 606).

  Further, as a result of comparison, when the sunshine time a <the set time b, that is, when the weather is bad and the sunshine time is short in the forecast, it is set to boil hot water at the power company's late-night power (the normal setting). Boil water using midnight power as you can). That is, power usage is not switched. At the time set at midnight of the electric power company (11 o'clock at night), the heat pump means 309 is operated with late-night power to boil hot water (step 607), hot water is stored in the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310, and hot water is used (step 608).

  In addition, when the predicted time of sunshine hours is off, the power of solar power generation is insufficient, and when the hot water storage tank of the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310 cannot be boiled up to a set amount, the power of the electric power company is used and the heat pump means 309 is operated, hot water is boiled and stored. Since the electric power used at this time is boiling the hot water used on the night of the day, the electric power used during the day is used to boil the hot water.

  In addition, it is possible to control to store some hot water using midnight power of the previous day, and store the remaining hot water using the power of photovoltaic power generation, up to the amount of hot water necessary for daily use. Even when the forecast is far off and the sunshine hours are not enough, it is possible to efficiently boil hot water and use it without inconvenience to the user.

  That is, hot water used in the daytime is secured by late-night power, and boiling of the remaining hot water generates hot water by the generated power of sunlight. The hot water created at this time is 80 ° C. hot water that can also be used for bath hot water, and makes 370 liters of hot water.

  In addition, instead of creating hot water in the hot water storage tank, it is possible to change the hot water capacity that is automatically created by user settings and learning functions. The learning function is to automatically increase the set amount of hot water when the shortage occurs in the set amount of hot water, and to operate the user with the optimum amount of hot water. Conversely, when there is a large amount of hot water set, the set hot water amount is automatically reduced and set and operated, so that no inconvenience occurs in the use of the user, and control can be performed to reduce power consumption as much as possible.

(Embodiment 2)
Next, when determining whether to switch electric power, if there is no remaining hot water amount set in the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310 of the HP water heater 1, even if the conditions of the weather prediction information match, an operation is performed that does not switch electric power use. Will be described. The same components as those in the above embodiment are given the same reference numerals and the description thereof is omitted.

  In this embodiment, when the hot water remaining in the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310 is equal to or lower than the set value, the user does not switch the power even when the weather prediction information matches the set value. Set up.

  This setting has no problem when using the power of solar power to boil hot water the next night, but there may be insufficient hot water to be used the next morning before solar power generation. It is a function.

  In other words, even when the weather conditions are good, the hot water used for breakfast or lunch is not enough for solar power generation. Therefore, for hot water used during the day, hot water is made with midnight power. In view of this, the power switching determination unit 304 may determine, for example, an algorithm that hot water used during the day uses late-night power and hot water used after sunset uses solar power.

And since hot water used during the day is mainly for washing and washing, it is boiled at about midnight as hot water of about 40 degrees, and hot water used after sunset is mainly bathing so that it can be heated to over 60 degrees with solar power. Temperature control may be added such as boiling.

  In this embodiment, the case where the input means 307 sets the remaining hot water amount to 100 liters will be described.

  If YES in step 603 of FIG. 6, that is, if the meteorological conditions set by the user are met, as shown in FIG. 7, the power switching determination unit 304 controls the remaining hot water amount detection unit 311 to control the hot water supply / hot water storage unit 310. The amount of remaining hot water is acquired (step 701).

  And it is confirmed whether the acquired remaining hot water amount is larger than the set remaining hot water amount (step 702).

  For example, when the acquired amount of remaining hot water is 120 liters, the amount of hot water is larger than the set amount of hot water. Therefore, the power switching determination unit 304 causes the power switching supply unit 308 to change the power for boiling water from the setting of the commercial power late-night power. Setting to switch to photovoltaic power is performed (step 703).

  When solar power generation is started, hot water is generated with the generated power and stored in the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310 (step 704).

  When the amount of remaining hot water acquired in step 701 is smaller than the set remaining hot water amount, for example, 50 liters, the power switching determination unit 304 uses the default setting of midnight power to generate hot water so as to generate hot water. Is set (step 705).

  When the midnight power start time is 11:00, the heat pump means 309 generates hot water using the midnight power and stores the hot water in the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310 (step 706).

  Note that the hot water volume determination is performed in the hot water creation power switching determination process, but the actual hot water volume is a set temperature. For example, it is determined that the hot water at 60 ° C. is 150 liters or more. A plurality of thermistors for detecting temperature are set in the hot water supply / hot water storage means 310, and the temperature for each water level stored in the hot water storage tank is detected to detect how many hot water are present.

  In the first and second embodiments, the weather forecast information has been described using the sunshine hours. However, it is also possible to add other weather forecast information to make a comprehensive judgment. The same applies to the settings performed by the user. In addition, it is possible to switch the power to be used based on the estimated amount of power generation based on sunshine hours and seasons.

  Moreover, although the amount of remaining hot water was demonstrated so that a user might set, there may exist default setting and it can also utilize the said function, even if a user does not set.

  The communication means between the remote controller 2 and the HP water heater 1 may be anything and normally performs wired serial communication, but may be wireless, power line communication, or IP communication.

  Moreover, although demonstrated as the HP water heater 1 in this Embodiment, it may be an electric heater type electric water heater, and can be similarly configured as long as it is a water heater that uses electricity to boil hot water.

  In addition, the weather forecast information has been described as being acquired from the server 7 via the Internet 6, but it may be configured to be acquired from broadcast radio waves such as digital television broadcasts and radios.

  The remote controller 2 and the server 7 have been described as being connected via the Internet 6, but the present invention is not limited to this. The communication line is a telephone line, ISDN, ADSL, CATV, optical cable (FTTH), wireless LAN, Ethernet (registration). Trademark).

  The specific configuration of each part is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  Moreover, although the weather information acquisition function was demonstrated as what was provided as a function of a remote control, you may provide in a water heater main body. In addition, a temperature sensor, a humidity sensor, a sunshine meter, a barometer, and the like for performing weather prediction may be provided to measure changes in weather conditions, and the weather prediction may be performed in the water heater body.

  Furthermore, the weather forecast information is acquired by a company that provides a weather forecast service or a server device of an electric power company, and the power switching judgment process based on the weather forecast is performed by the server device, so that the CO2 heat pump water heater of a user with a service contract is provided. On the other hand, the setting change control may be performed from the server device using communication means and broadcast means.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the weather prediction information acquired by the weather information acquisition unit 303 is determined, and when the weather prediction information matches the preset weather information, the power switching determination unit 304 Therefore, the hot water heater 1 is controlled to operate using the electric power of the solar power generation, so that the electric hot water can be supplied without using the midnight power. Moreover, since the electricity utilization cost of the HP water heater 1 is reduced and commercial power is not used more, the energy-saving HP water heater 1 can be obtained.

  In addition, the power switching determination unit 304 obtains and determines the weather prediction information before the start time of the midnight power time zone, so that the power before the start of hot water generation in the midnight power time zone set by default is set. Since switching can be determined, unnecessary power consumption can be suppressed, so that energy can be saved and the cost of using electricity can be reduced.

  In addition, hot water remaining in the hot water supply / storage means 310 is detected by the remaining hot water detection means 311 to determine whether there is a set remaining hot water amount, and is switched to the power of solar power generation. This makes it possible to meet the demand for hot water supply in the morning, which may be insufficient due to the lack of electricity, and only when there is a certain amount of hot water, the hot water used the next day can be boiled with the power of solar power generation, improving convenience To do.

  In addition, any of the embodiments can provide the same function as the program for causing the computer to function the means of the remote controller 2 or the server 7.

  By using the program, it can be realized as a partial function of a microcomputer, a personal computer, or another device, and convenience and versatility are improved, and a system can be easily constructed. In addition, the program can be distributed and installed easily by recording on a recording medium or distributing the program using a communication line.

  As described above, the present invention can be used for an energy system that obtains weather information and uses the power of solar power generation more effectively, and can be systematized with a cogeneration system and a fuel cell system.

The system block diagram of the CO2 heat pump water heater which uses photovoltaic power generation according to weather information in Embodiment 1 of the present invention Block configuration diagram of CO2 heat pump water heater and remote controller according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention The block block diagram which shows the function of CO2 heat pump water heater and remote control of Embodiment 1 of this invention Block configuration diagram of the server according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention The block block diagram which shows the function of the server of Embodiment 1 of this invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the CO2 heat pump water heater and remote control of Embodiment 1 of this invention The flowchart which shows operation | movement of the CO2 heat pump water heater and remote control of Embodiment 2 of this invention The figure which shows the electric power selection screen displayed on the remote control of Embodiment 2 of this invention

Explanation of symbols

1 CO2 heat pump water heater (hot water storage hot water supply means)
3 Solar cell module (photovoltaic power generation means)
301 Photovoltaic power generation means 303 Weather information acquisition means 304 Electric power switching judgment means 310 Hot water supply / hot water storage means (hot water storage type hot water supply means)
311 Remaining hot water amount detection means

Claims (5)

Solar power generation means for generating electricity with solar power, hot water storage hot water supply means for producing hot water using midnight power of commercial power, weather information acquisition means for acquiring weather prediction information, and determining the acquired weather prediction information, In a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus comprising power switching judgment means for judging whether to store hot water using daytime power generated by the solar power generation means or the midnight power,
When the weather forecast information acquired by the weather information acquisition means matches preset weather information, the hot water storage means is operated by using the power of the solar power generation means instead of the midnight power. Hot water storage system to make hot water. The weather information acquisition means acquires weather prediction information before the start time of the midnight power time zone of commercial power, and the power switching determination means, when the weather prediction information of the next day matches the preset weather information, The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the hot water is switched to generate hot water using electric power of the solar power generation means instead of midnight electric power. A meteorological prediction information acquired by the meteorological information acquisition unit is provided when the remaining hot water amount detecting means for measuring the remaining hot water amount is provided and the hot water remaining in the hot water storage type hot water supply means is equal to or less than a predetermined remaining hot water amount. The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein hot water is generated with midnight power even when the information coincides. Solar power generation means for generating electricity with solar power, hot water storage hot water supply means for producing hot water using midnight power of commercial power, weather information acquisition means for acquiring weather prediction information, and determining the acquired weather prediction information, In a hot water supply method for a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus comprising power switching judgment means for judging whether hot water is stored using daytime power generated by the solar power generation means or the midnight power,
When the weather forecast information is acquired by the meteorological information acquisition means, and when the weather forecast information acquired by the power switching determination means coincides with preset weather information, the commercial power is midnight according to the weather forecast information. In place of electric power, a power switching determination step for determining that hot water is generated using daytime power of solar power generation, and hot water is generated using the daytime power of solar power generation based on the determination, and hot water storage type hot water supply means is used. A hot water supply method comprising the steps of operating. The program for performing at least one part of the hot water storage type hot-water supply apparatus of any one of Claim 1, 2, or 3.

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