JP2011052915A - Hot water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water supply system capable of contributing to energy saving and cost saving. <P>SOLUTION: A hot water supply system 1 for making a user use hot water from a hot water storage tank 7 receiving hot water supply from water heaters 2a1, ..., 2an or a mixture of the hot water from the hot water storage tank 7 with supplied water includes a reheating means 9, a determination part for amount of first remaining hot water, and a control execution part. The reheating means 9 can reheat hot water from the hot water storage tank 7 and can return the hot water to the hot water storage tank 7. The determination part for amount of first remaining hot water determines whether a hot water remaining amount in the hot water storage tank 7 is less than a first prescribed hot water amount or not. The control execution part executes first control for raising the temperature of the hot water from the hot water storage tank by the reheating means 9 when the determination part for amount of first remaining hot water determines that the hot water remaining amount is less than the first prescribed amount. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply system.

  Conventionally, as described in Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-248003), a hot water heater that heats supplied water, and an open type that receives supply of hot water heated by a water heater via a hot water supply pipe. A large hot water supply system for business / industrial use has been proposed which has a hot water storage tank and supplies hot water stored in the hot water storage tank to suppliers such as hospitals, public baths and hotels.

  In the hot water supply system as described above, the hot water heater is operated in a time zone in which night electricity can be used in consideration of the cost, and the hot water amount based on the predicted hot water amount predicted to be used by the user on the day is stored in the hot water storage tank. Often stored.

  On the other hand, in the hot water supply system as described above, since the hot water storage tank is an open type, it is assumed that the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank decreases due to energy loss due to heat dissipation. In such a case, a control process for increasing the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank by operating the water heater and adding hot water is often employed.

  However, it is considered that the addition water is basically performed in a time zone other than the time zone in which nighttime power can be used. For this reason, it is considered that it is necessary to always operate a water heater separately when the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is lowered only by having a control process for adding hot water, from the viewpoint of energy saving and cost saving. Is considered undesirable.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply system that can contribute to energy saving and cost saving.

  A hot water supply system according to the first invention is a hot water supply system that allows a user to use hot water from a hot water storage tank that receives hot water from a water heater, or to mix hot water from a hot water storage tank with hot water, A reheating unit, a first remaining hot water amount determination unit, and a control execution unit are provided. The reheating means can reheat the hot water discharged from the hot water tank and return it to the hot water tank. A 1st remaining hot water amount determination part determines whether the remaining hot water amount in a hot water storage tank became less than the 1st predetermined hot water amount. When the first remaining hot water amount determination unit determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the first predetermined hot water amount, the control execution unit executes first control for raising the temperature of the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank by the reheating means.

  In the hot water supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the hot water temperature in the hot water tank can be raised by executing the first control. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of hot water which should be taken out from a hot water storage tank. Therefore, it can contribute to energy saving and cost saving.

  A hot water supply system according to the second invention is a hot water supply system that allows a user to use hot water from a hot water tank that receives hot water from a water heater, or to mix hot water from a hot water tank with hot water, A reheating unit, a first remaining hot water amount determination unit, and a control execution unit are provided. The reheating means can reheat the hot water discharged from the hot water tank and return it to the hot water tank. A 1st remaining hot water amount determination part determines whether the remaining hot water amount in a hot water storage tank became less than the 1st predetermined hot water amount. The control execution unit has a first control for raising the temperature of the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank by the reheating means, and a second control for requesting the hot water supply to supply the hot water to the hot water storage tank. When the part determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the first predetermined hot water amount, the first control and / or the second control is executed.

  In the hot water supply system according to the second invention, the control execution unit can execute not only the second control but also the first control, thereby contributing to energy saving and cost saving.

  A hot water supply system according to a third aspect of the present invention is the hot water supply system according to the second aspect of the present invention, further comprising a time determination unit and a second remaining hot water amount determination unit. The time determination unit determines whether or not the time has passed a predetermined time. The second remaining hot water amount determination unit determines whether or not the remaining hot water amount is less than a second predetermined hot water amount that is less than the first predetermined hot water amount. When the first remaining hot water amount determination unit determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the first predetermined hot water amount and the time determination unit determines that the time has passed the predetermined time, the second remaining hot water amount determination unit When it is determined that the remaining hot water amount is less than the second predetermined hot water amount, or the time determining unit determines that the time has passed the predetermined time, and the second remaining hot water amount determining unit determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the second predetermined hot water amount. If so, the first control is executed.

  A hot water supply system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention is the hot water supply system according to the second aspect of the present invention, wherein hot water supply to the hot water storage tank of the water heater is performed in a predetermined time zone, and includes a time determination unit and a second remaining hot water amount determination unit. Further prepare. The time determination unit determines whether or not the time until the predetermined time zone is equal to or shorter than the predetermined time. The second remaining hot water amount determination unit determines whether or not the remaining hot water amount is less than a second predetermined hot water amount that is less than the first predetermined hot water amount. The control execution unit determines that the first remaining hot water amount determination unit determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the first predetermined hot water amount, and the time determination unit determines that the time until the predetermined time period is equal to or less than the predetermined time. 2 When the remaining hot water amount determination unit determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the second predetermined hot water amount, or the time determination unit determines that the time is less than the predetermined time, and the second remaining hot water amount determination unit determines that the remaining hot water amount is the second. When it is determined that the amount of hot water is less than the predetermined amount, the first control is executed.

  Here, for example, the predetermined time zone means a time zone in which nighttime power with relatively low cost can be used.

  In the hot water supply system according to the third and fourth inventions, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank is increased while contributing to energy saving and cost saving by performing the first control when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Can do.

  A hot water supply system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the hot water supply system according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the control execution unit determines that the time determination unit does not pass the predetermined time, and the first remaining hot water amount determination unit determines the remaining hot water amount. Is determined to be less than the first predetermined amount of hot water, the second control is executed without executing the first control.

  In the hot water supply system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the remaining hot water amount is determined to be less than the first predetermined hot water amount, the second control is executed, whereby an absolute shortage of the hot water amount in the hot water storage tank can be prevented.

  A hot water supply system according to a sixth aspect of the present invention is the hot water supply system according to the third or fourth aspect of the present invention, further comprising a remaining hot water amount prediction unit. The remaining hot water amount prediction unit predicts whether or not the remaining hot water amount is less than a third predetermined hot water amount that is less than the second predetermined hot water amount. When executing the first control and the second control, the control execution unit first executes the first control, and when the remaining hot water amount prediction unit predicts that the remaining hot water amount is less than the third predetermined hot water amount, The second control is executed instead of the control or in addition to the first control.

  Here, for example, the third predetermined amount of hot water means the amount of hot water to be stored at least in the hot water storage tank.

  In the hot water supply system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when it is predicted that the amount will be less than the third predetermined amount of hot water, the first control is switched to the second control, or the first control and the second control are executed, thereby Can prevent the lack of absolute amount of hot water.

  A hot water supply system according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is the hot water supply system according to any of the first to sixth aspects of the invention, wherein the hot water storage tank is an open type hot water storage tank. The reheating means can return the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank to the hot water storage tank, and is interposed in a pipe for supplying the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank to the user.

  In the hot water supply system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the reheating means is capable of returning the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank to the hot water storage tank and interposed in a pipe for supplying the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank to the user. Thus, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank can be maintained without the hot water supply from the water heater, and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank can be increased.

  In the hot water supply system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the hot water temperature in the hot water tank can be raised by executing the first control. Thereby, it becomes possible to reduce the amount of hot water which should be taken out from a hot water storage tank. Therefore, it can contribute to energy saving and cost saving.

  In the hot water supply system according to the second invention, the control execution unit can execute not only the second control but also the first control, thereby contributing to energy saving and cost saving.

  In the hot water supply system according to the third and fourth inventions, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank is increased while contributing to energy saving and cost saving by performing the first control when the predetermined condition is satisfied. Can do.

  In the hot water supply system according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, when the remaining hot water amount is determined to be less than the first predetermined hot water amount, the second control is executed, whereby an absolute shortage of the hot water amount in the hot water storage tank can be prevented.

  In the hot water supply system according to the sixth aspect of the present invention, when it is predicted that the amount will be less than the third predetermined amount of hot water, the first control is switched to the second control, or the first control and the second control are executed, thereby Can prevent the lack of absolute amount of hot water.

  In the hot water supply system according to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the reheating means is capable of returning the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank to the hot water storage tank, and is interposed in a pipe for supplying the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank to the user. Thus, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank can be maintained without the hot water supply from the water heater, and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank can be increased.

1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The schematic block diagram of a water heater. The schematic block diagram of a reheater. The schematic block diagram of a controller. The schematic block diagram of a reservation management server. The schematic block diagram of a remote management server. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of regular hot-water supply control. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of temporary control. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of temporary hot-water supply control. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the temporary control (when time is considered) which concerns on the modification (E) of 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of a process of the temporary control (when time is not considered) which concerns on the modification (E) of 1st Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the flow of the process of the temporary control which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the controller which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. The schematic block diagram of the hot water supply system which concerns on the modification (K) of 1st Embodiment.

  Hereinafter, a hot water supply system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  The following embodiments are specific examples of the present invention and do not limit the technical scope of the present invention.

<First Embodiment>
<Schematic configuration of hot water supply system 1>
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a hot water supply system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. The hot water supply system 1 is a so-called heat pump hot water supply system that is used to supply hot water to a large facility (specifically, a user who uses the large facility) such as a hotel, a hospital, or a public bath. It is. The hot water supply system 1 mainly includes a plurality of hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an, a reheater 9, a controller 110, a reservation management server 140, and a remote management server 180. The reheater 9 reheats the hot water discharged from the open hot water tank 7 for storing hot water supplied from the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an and returns it to the open hot water tank 7. The controller 110 controls and monitors the water heaters 2a1, ..., 2an, the reheater 9, and the like. The reservation management server 140 manages information on users who use the facilities. The remote management server 180 remotely manages the water heaters 2a1, ..., 2an, the reheater 9, and the like. The hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an are installed outside the facility. The controller 110 and the reservation management server 140 are installed in a room where a manager in the facility exists. The remote management server 180 is installed in a remote management center 170 operated by an organization that provides a remote management service for remotely managing the water heaters 2a1,.

  In this hot water supply system 1, the hot water used by the user on the day is basically a time zone in which night power from the previous day to the day can be used in consideration of cost (hereinafter referred to as night power available time zone). Are generated by an appropriate number of water heaters 2a1,..., 2an and stored in the open-type hot water tank 7 (for example, the time zone from 22:00 to 8:00). This is hereinafter referred to as regular hot water supply). Therefore, in principle, the amount of hot water used by the user on the day is supplemented by the amount of hot water generated by an appropriate number of water heaters 2a1,.

  Here, the control related to the regular hot water supply is hereinafter referred to as the regular hot water control, and the control is performed by the control execution unit 129 described later. In addition, a time zone in which the regular hot water supply is performed in the night power available time zone is referred to as a regular hot water supply time zone.

  Further, in the hot water supply system 1, a circulation cycle 12 is formed in which hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is returned again into the open-type hot water storage tank 7 so that hot water can be provided to the user at all times. The circulation cycle 12 is connected to a supply hot water supply pipe 13 connected to a faucet or a shower (not shown) in a room or the like of the facility, and hot water circulating in the circulation cycle 12 when the faucet is twisted in the room or the like. Is supplied to the living room or the like through the supply hot water supply pipe 13.

  Note that the temperature of hot water in the open-type hot water tank 7 (hereinafter referred to as hot water temperature in the hot water tank) is maintained at about 60 ° C. from the viewpoint of hygiene. However, since the temperature of hot water generally used by a user is considered to be about 30 ° C. to 45 ° C., in the hot water supply system 1, a mixing tap that mixes a certain amount of water near a faucet in a living room or the like (see FIG. Not shown). Hot water having a temperature suitable for the use of the user is provided to the user by mixing the hot water and water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 with the mixing tap. However, when the hot water supply system 1 is used in a large bath, the hot water discharged from the open hot water tank 7 without being supplied with water may be used as it is. The hot water temperature in the hot water tank is detected by a hot water temperature sensor 71 (see FIG. 4) provided in the open hot water tank 7.

  Hereinafter, each component of the hot water supply system 1 will be described.

<Configuration of each part>
(1) Configuration of the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an Hereinafter, the water heaters 2a1,. Although only the hot water heater 2a1 will be described here, the hot water heaters 2a2, ..., 2an have the same configuration as the hot water heater 2a1.

  The water heater 2a1 is mainly composed of a heat source unit (not shown) and a sealed hot water tank unit (not shown). The heat source unit has refrigerant circuit constituent devices including a compressor, a water heat exchanger, an expansion valve, a heat exchanger, and the like, and these are connected in a ring shape. The sealed hot water tank unit mainly includes a sealed hot water tank and a water circulation pump, which are connected in an annular shape. In this sealed hot water tank unit, the water discharged from the sealed hot water tank is converted into hot water by heat exchange with the refrigerant in the water heat exchanger in the heat source unit, and is returned to the sealed hot water tank again. It has a configuration. Hot water stored in the sealed hot water tank is supplied to the open hot water tank 7 via the hot water supply pipe 11.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 2, the water heater 2a1 has a water heater controller 20a1 mainly composed of a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and a communication unit 21a1.

  The water heater controller 20a1 transmits device data related to the water heater 2a1 to the controller 110 at a predetermined interval, or receives a control command transmitted from the controller 110.

  Here, the device data includes data representing the operation status of the water heater 2a1 (referred to as first operation status data), data relating to an abnormality in the water heater 2a1 (referred to as first abnormality data), and generation per unit time of the water heater 2a1. Data of possible hot water amount (hereinafter referred to as “amount of hot water that can be supplied (the calculation method will be described later)”) and the like are included.

  The first abnormality data is supplied from various sensors provided in the water heater 2a1 (for example, a water temperature sensor 25a1 for detecting the temperature of water supplied to the water heater 2a1 (that is, a water temperature) and the water heater 2a1. Hot water temperature sensor 26a1 for detecting the temperature of hot water (ie, hot water temperature), refrigerant temperature sensor 27a1 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant at a predetermined position of the refrigerant circuit, and refrigerant pressure sensor for detecting the pressure at the predetermined position of the refrigerant circuit 28a1 etc.) is a data created by the water heater controller 20a1 when an abnormality such as exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected by comparing the numerical value acquired from the predetermined threshold.

  In addition, the water heater controller 20a1 controls the operation of the water heater 2a1 based on a control command input from the administrator via the controller 110. Specifically, the operation control is control of operations of various devices such as the rotation speed of the compressor and the fan, the opening degree of the expansion valve, and the like. The control command is, for example, an operation / stop command in the regular hot water control, or the appropriate hot water heaters 2a1,. This is an operation / stop command or the like in the temporary hot water supply control (described later) for performing hot water supply.

  The water heater controller 20a1 also controls the operation of the water heater 2a1 based on a control command input from the administrator via the remote controller 135. The remote controller 135 is installed in the facility in order to receive an operation command input from the administrator to the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an, and is connected to the controller 110 and the local area network 5 (hereinafter LAN5). Are connected via).

  Furthermore, the hot water heater control unit 20a1 is configured to have an elapsed time (hereinafter, referred to as “hot water heater 2a1”) operating at a time other than the water supply temperature, the outside air temperature, the hot water supply temperature, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water supply pipe 11, and the regular hot water supply time zone. The amount of hot water supply that can be supplied is calculated based on the second elapsed time), the COP value, and any combination thereof. The outside air temperature is detected by an outside air temperature sensor 17 (see FIG. 4) installed outside the water heater 2a1. In addition, the temperature of hot water in the hot water supply pipe 11 is detected by a hot water temperature sensor 18 (see FIG. 4) in the hot water supply pipe 11 disposed in the hot water supply pipe 11. The second elapsed time is measured by a second timer that constitutes a timer 115 described later.

  The communication unit 21a1 is an interface that enables the water heater 2a1 to communicate with other devices such as the controller 110. The communication unit 21a1 and the controller 110 are connected via the LAN 5.

(2) Configuration of Reheater 9 The reheater 9 is a device that is disposed in the circulation cycle 12 and reheats the hot water that has been removed from the open hot water tank 7 and circulated in the circulation cycle 12.

  Since the reheater 9 has substantially the same configuration as the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an, differences from the water heaters 2a1,. The reheater 9 differs from the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an mainly in that the hot water discharged from the open hot water tank 7 is reheated and returned to the open hot water tank 7. The temperature of the hot water flowing into the hot water 9 is higher than the temperature of the water flowing into the hot water heaters 2a1,. Here, as shown in FIG. 1, in the hot water supply system 1, the hot water reheated by the reheater 9 flows into the open hot water tank 7, so that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank is dissipated. It becomes possible to raise the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank without operating the hot water heaters 2a1,. Thereby, in principle, it is possible to suppress operating the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an in a time zone other than the night power available time zone, which contributes to energy saving and can reduce the cost. Moreover, although it is considered that there is a possibility that sanitary problems may occur due to a decrease in hot water temperature in the hot water tank, this situation can be avoided. Further, since the hot water in the open hot water tank 7 can be kept warm without providing a heater for keeping the temperature of the hot water in the open hot water tank 7 constant in the open hot water tank 7, the COP can be improved. Can be achieved.

  Moreover, the reheater 9 has the reheater control part 90 mainly comprised from CPU, ROM, and RAM, and the communication part 91, as shown in FIG.

  The reheater control unit 90 transmits device data related to the reheater 9 to the controller 110 at a predetermined interval, or receives a control command sent from the controller 110 via the LAN 5. Here, the equipment data includes data representing the operating status of the reheater 9 (referred to as second operating status data), data relating to an abnormality in the reheater 9 (referred to as second abnormal data), and the like.

  The second abnormality data is similar to the first abnormality data. Various sensors provided in the reheater 9 (for example, a reheater hot water temperature sensor 92 that detects the temperature of hot water flowing into the reheater 9, A reheater hot water temperature sensor 93 for detecting the temperature of hot water discharged from the reheater 9 (referred to as reheater hot water temperature), a refrigerant temperature sensor 94 for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant at a predetermined position of the refrigerant circuit, It is created by the reheater control unit 90 when an abnormality such as exceeding a predetermined threshold is detected by comparing a numerical value acquired from a refrigerant pressure sensor 95 or the like that detects pressure at a predetermined position with a predetermined threshold. Data.

  Further, the reheater control unit 90 controls the operation of various devices in the reheater 9 based on a control command sent from the controller 110 via the LAN 5. Specifically, the reheater control unit 90 basically rotates the number of rotations of the compressor and the fan so as to keep the hot water discharged from the open-type hot water tank 7 and circulating in the circulation cycle 12 at 60 ° C. or higher. Etc. are controlled to be constant (referred to as reheater normal control). However, under a predetermined situation, the reheater control unit 90 sets the temperature of the hot water that has been taken out of the open-type hot water tank 7 and flowing into the reheater 9 to 80 ° C. Thus, control such as increasing the number of rotations of the compressor and the fan is performed (referred to as reheater temporary control). The reheater temporary control is control performed in the temporary temperature increase control performed by the control unit 116 of the controller 110. The temporary temperature rise control will be described in detail later.

  The communication unit 91 is an interface that enables the reheater 9 to communicate with other devices such as the controller 110.

(3) Configuration of Controller 110 The controller 110 is provided in the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an, the reheater 9, and other shut-off valves 14 (see FIG. 1) provided in the hot water supply pipe 11 or in the circulation cycle 12. It has a function of controlling and monitoring various devices such as a circulating pump 15 (see FIG. 1). As shown in FIG. 4, the controller 110 mainly includes a communication unit 111, an input unit 112, a storage unit 113, a time measurement unit 114, a timer 115, and a control unit 116.

(A) Communication unit 111
The communication unit 111 is an interface that enables the controller 110 to communicate with the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an, the reheater 9, the reservation management server 140, the remote management server 180, and the like. The controller 110 can receive various data of each of the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an and the reheater 9 through the communication unit 111, or can issue a control command from the control unit 116 of the controller 110 to each water heater. 2a1,..., 2an, reheater 9 and the like can be transmitted.

  Further, the communication unit 111 enables communication with the remote controller 135. Thereby, operation command data input to the remote controller 135 by the administrator is transmitted to the controller 110 via the LAN 5.

(B) Input unit 112
The input unit 112 mainly includes a mouse and a keyboard, and is used by an administrator to input an operation command to the controller 110.

(C) Storage unit 113
The storage unit 113 stores control data and control programs for controlling the water heaters 2a1,. Specifically, the storage unit 113 includes a water heater data storage region 113a, a reheater data storage region 113b, a weather information storage region 113c, a user information storage region 113d, and a minimum hot water storage amount storage region 113e. A remaining hot water amount data storage area 113f, a regular hot water information storage area 113g, and a temporary control information storage area 113h are secured.

(C-1) Water heater data storage area 113a
In the water heater data storage area 113a, device data relating to each of the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an sent from the water heater controllers 20a1,. Is stored.

(C-2) Reheater data storage area 113b
In the reheater data storage area 113b, device data related to the reheater 9 sent from the reheater control unit 90 at a predetermined interval in accordance with an instruction from the control unit 116 of the controller 110 is stored.

(C-3) Weather information storage area 113c
The weather information storage area 113c stores the latest daily weather information sent from the remote management server 180 to the controller 110 via the Internet 6.

(C-4) User information storage area 113d
In the user information storage area 113d, data of user information, which is daily information of a user who uses the facility, is sent from the reservation management server 140 to the controller 110 via the LAN 5. Here, for example, when the hot water supply system 1 is used for an accommodation facility such as a hotel or an inn, the user information mainly includes the number of reservations, the age group of the reservations, the sex ratio of the reservations, the number of reservations, etc. is there.

(C-5) Minimum hot water storage area 113e
The minimum hot water storage area 113e stores data of the minimum hot water storage (corresponding to the third predetermined hot water volume) that should be stored in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 at the minimum. The minimum hot water storage amount is an arbitrary value determined by the administrator, and is stored as data in the minimum hot water storage amount storage area 113e when the administrator inputs it via the input unit 112 of the controller 110.

  Note that the minimum hot water storage amount is not limited to that determined by the manager, and may be a value determined by the control unit 116 based on past performance (for example, an average value obtained from past operation performance). However, the value may be changed according to the usage tendency of hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 or the amount of remaining hot water.

(C-6) Remaining hot water amount data storage area 113f
In the remaining hot water amount data storage area 113f, the remaining hot water amount in the open hot water storage tank 7 detected by the water pressure sensor 72 is accumulated as data periodically (for example, every minute). Note that the remaining hot water amount data stored in the remaining hot water amount data storage area 113f is displayed on a liquid crystal display unit (not shown) of the remote controller 135 as, for example, remaining hot water amount data. Therefore, the administrator can know the amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7, and can know the usage tendency and the decrease rate of hot water by the user.

(C-7) Regular hot water information storage area 113g
In the regular hot water supply information storage area 113g, various data and control programs necessary for the control execution unit 129 to execute the regular hot water supply control are stored.

(C-8) Temporary control information storage area 113h
The temporary control information storage area 113h is used for execution of temporary hot water control and temporary temperature increase control (hereinafter, both controls are collectively referred to as temporary control) performed in a time zone other than the regular hot water supply time zone. Various necessary data and control programs are stored.

  Specifically, the various types of data are an open type that is set in advance by the administrator via the input unit 112 of the controller 110 in order to be used as a determination condition for starting the temporary heating control or the temporary hot water supply control. Control start determination hot water amount (corresponding to the first predetermined hot water amount) and second hot water amount (corresponding to the second predetermined hot water amount), which is the amount of hot water in the hot water tank 7, as well as determination for starting the temporary hot water control and the temporary temperature rise control Data of the first time which is a time set in advance by the administrator for use as a condition. Note that the control start determination hot water amount is larger than the second hot water amount.

  The control start determination hot water volume, the second hot water volume, and the first time have been described as arbitrary values set by the administrator. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It may be a value to be determined (for example, an average value obtained from past operation results), or may be a value that is changed according to the hot water usage tendency or the amount of remaining hot water in the open hot water tank 7.

(D) Time measuring unit 114
The time measuring unit 114 has a sundial function and measures time.

(E) Timer 115
The timer 115 includes a first timer and a second timer.

  The first timer is an elapsed time (hereinafter referred to as a first elapsed time) from a regular hot water start time, which is a time at which the appropriate hot water heaters 2a1,. Time). The second timer measures the second elapsed time.

  The regular hot water supply start time is calculated by a control execution unit 129 that constitutes the control unit 116 (the calculation method will be described later) and is stored in a regular hot water information storage area 113g secured in the storage unit 113.

(F) Control unit 116
The control unit 116 mainly includes a CPU, a ROM, and a RAM, and includes a data acquisition unit 121, a data transmission unit 122, a first remaining hot water amount determination unit 123, a second remaining hot water amount determination unit 124, and a remaining hot water amount. Prediction unit 125, time determination unit 126, flow rate determination unit 127, periodic hot water supply start time determination unit 128, and control execution unit 129 that executes periodic hot water supply control, temporary temperature rise control, and temporary hot water supply control. Yes.

(F-1) Data acquisition unit 121
The data acquisition unit 121 acquires data in various devices of the hot water supply system 1. Specifically, the data acquisition unit 121 supplies the device data of the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an and the device data of the reheater 9, respectively, and the water heater control units 20a1,. From the controller 90 at predetermined intervals. In addition, the data acquisition unit 121 obtains data on the amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 detected by the water pressure sensor 72 and data on the hot water temperature in the hot water tank detected by the hot water temperature sensor 71 in the hot water tank at predetermined intervals (main book). In an embodiment, every minute). In addition, the data acquisition unit 121 acquires user information data transmitted from the reservation management server 140 and weather information data transmitted from the remote management server 180 at predetermined intervals (in this embodiment, every day). Furthermore, the data acquisition unit 121 acquires time data measured by the time measurement unit 114 and data of various times measured by the timer 115 at predetermined intervals.

  Note that the various types of data acquired by the data acquisition unit 121 are each stored in a predetermined storage area secured in the storage unit 113 as described above.

(F-2) Data transmission unit 122
The data transmission unit 122 uses the remote management server 180 so that some data stored in a predetermined storage area secured in the storage unit 113 is used for various remote management services executed by the remote management server. Send to. Specifically, the data transmission unit 122 stores the first operation status data of each of the water heaters 2a1, ..., 2an and the second operation status data of the reheater 9 stored in the water heater data storage area 113a. It is transmitted to the remote management server 180 once a day. Moreover, the data transmission part 122 will be immediately remote if it acquires the 1st abnormality data of each of the water heaters 2a1, ..., 2an and the second abnormality data of the reheater 9 from the water heater control parts 20a1, ... 20an. It transmits to the management server 180.

(F-3) 1st remaining hot water amount determination part 123
The first remaining hot water amount determination unit 123 periodically monitors the remaining hot water amount stored in the remaining hot water amount data storage region 113e, and determines the remaining hot water amount and the control start determination hot water amount stored in the temporary control information storage region 113h. In comparison, it is determined whether or not the remaining hot water amount is less than the control start determination hot water amount.

(F-4) Second remaining hot water determination unit 124
The second remaining hot water amount determination unit 124 periodically monitors the remaining hot water amount stored in the remaining hot water amount data storage region 113e, and compares the remaining hot water amount with the second hot water amount stored in the temporary control information storage region 113h. Then, it is determined whether or not the remaining hot water amount is less than the second hot water amount.

(F-5) Remaining hot water amount prediction unit 125
The remaining hot water amount predicting unit 125 periodically monitors the remaining hot water amount stored in the remaining hot water amount data storage area 113e, and compares the remaining hot water amount with the lowest hot water storage amount stored in the lowest hot water storage amount storage area 113e. The remaining hot water amount is predicted to be less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time.

(F-6) Time determination unit 126
The time determination unit 126 monitors the time measured by the time measurement unit 114, compares the time with the first time stored in the temporary control information storage area 113h, and the time passes the first time. It is determined whether or not.

(F-7) Flow rate determination unit 127
In the temporary hot water control, the flow rate determination unit 127 determines the amount of hot water to be supplied from the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an that perform temporary hot water supply to the open hot water tank 7 (hereinafter referred to as temporary hot water supply amount). It is determined whether or not. It should be noted that the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water heaters 2 a 1,..., 2 an that perform temporary hot water supply is detected by a flow sensor 16 provided in the hot water supply pipe 11.

(F-8) Regular hot water start time determination unit 128
Periodic hot water supply start time determination unit 128 determines whether or not the time measured by time measuring unit 114 has reached the regular hot water supply start time in the periodic hot water supply control.

(F-9) Control execution unit 129
The control execution unit 129 mainly controls the operation of the water heaters 2a1, ..., 2an and the reheater 9. Specifically, the control execution unit 129 executes regular hot water control for causing the appropriate hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an to perform hot water supply to the open-type hot water storage tank 7 every day during the regular hot water supply time period, The heater control unit 90 is caused to perform normal reheater control.

  Moreover, the control execution part 129 is suitable water heaters 2a1,... At a time other than regular hot water supply under a predetermined condition (for example, when the amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is small). Temporary warming control (equivalent to the second control) that operates 2an to perform hot water supply to the open-type hot water storage tank 7 or temporary heating control that causes the reheater control unit 90 to perform reheater temporary control (Corresponding to the first control).

  Further, the control execution unit 129 controls devices such as the closing valve 14 and the circulation pump 15. Specifically, the control execution unit 129 is closed to determine whether or not the hot water generated in the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an that performs regular hot water supply or temporary hot water supply is supplied to the open hot water tank 7. Open / close control of the valve 14 is performed. Further, the control execution unit 129 controls the number of revolutions of the circulation pump 15 in order to adjust the amount of hot water discharged from the open hot water tank 7. Specific control by the control execution unit 129 will be described in detail later.

(4) Configuration of Reservation Management Server 140 The reservation management server 140 includes a storage unit 141, a communication unit 142, a control unit 143, and an input unit 144, as shown in FIG.

  The storage unit 141 is composed of a hard disk or the like. User information is stored in a predetermined area secured in the storage unit 141.

  The communication unit 142 enables communication with the controller 110 of the reservation management server 140.

  The control unit 143 transmits user information data stored in a predetermined area secured in the storage unit 141 to the controller 110.

  The input unit 144 mainly includes a keyboard and operation buttons, and is used by an administrator to input user information of the user.

(5) Configuration of Remote Management Server 180 The remote management server 180 has a function of controlling and monitoring the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an and the reheater 9, and as shown in FIG. 181, an input unit 182, a storage unit 183, and a control unit 184.

  The communication unit 181 is responsible for the communication function of the remote management server 180, and enables the remote management server 180 to connect to the Internet 6, that is, to communicate with the water heaters 2a1, ..., 2an and the reheater 9. ing.

  The input unit 182 mainly includes a keyboard and operation buttons, and is used by an operator of the remote management server 180 to input an operation command to the remote management server 180.

  In the storage unit 183, a water heater data storage area 183a, a reheater data storage area 183b, and a weather information storage area 183c are mainly secured.

  In the water heater data storage area 183a, device data of each of the water heaters 2a1, ..., 2an sent from the controller 110 to the remote management server 180 is stored.

  In the reheater data storage area 183b, device data of the reheater 9 sent from the controller 110 is stored.

  The weather information storage area 183c stores the latest daily weather information sent from a weather company (site).

  The control unit 184 checks abnormalities in the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an based on various data stored in the storage unit 183, and uses the hot water heaters 2a1,. To create reports and proposals for senior citizens. Further, the control unit 184 transmits the weather information stored in the weather information storage area 183c to the control unit 116 of the controller 110.

<Control of the control execution unit 129>
Hereinafter, specific control of the control execution unit 129 will be described with reference to FIGS.

(Processing flow for regular hot water control)
First, the flow of the regular hot water supply control process executed by the control execution unit 129 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S1, the predicted amount of hot water that is predicted to be used by the user on the day is calculated from the user information stored in the user information storage area 113d. Specifically, the predicted hot water volume is calculated based on a table indicating the relationship between the user information and the predicted hot water volume, which is stored in a predetermined area secured in the storage unit 113 in advance. The predicted amount of hot water used is stored as data in the periodic hot water supply information storage area 113g.

  Note that, in calculating the predicted hot water usage, not only the user information but also the season, date, day of the week, outside air temperature, and the like may be considered. Further, the control execution unit 129 may automatically calculate the predicted amount of hot water used by learning the past results of regular hot water supply.

  In step S2, a target hot water storage amount to be stored in the open hot water tank 7 is calculated. Specifically, the target is obtained by adding the predicted hot water amount stored in the periodic hot water supply information storage region 113g to the minimum hot water storage amount stored in the minimum hot water storage amount storage region 113e secured in the storage unit 113. Calculate the amount of hot water storage. This target hot water storage amount is stored as data in the regular hot water supply information storage area 113g secured in the storage unit 113.

  In addition, you may consider the thermal radiation characteristic of the open type hot water storage tank 7 in calculation of this target hot water storage amount.

  In step S3, hot water is supplied into the open-type hot water tank 7 by subtracting the remaining hot water amount stored in the remaining hot water amount data storage area 113g from the target hot water storage amount stored in the regular hot water information storage area 113f. A necessary hot water supply amount (that is, a hot water supply amount to be generated by an appropriate hot water heater 2a1,..., 2an that performs regular hot water supply) is calculated. The required hot water supply amount is stored as data in the regular hot water information storage area 113g of the storage unit 113.

  In step S4, the required hot water supply amount data stored in the regular hot water supply information storage area 113g secured in the storage unit 113 and each of the hot water heater data storage areas 113a secured in the storage unit 113 are stored. Based on the device data of the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an (specifically, the first operation status data and the data on the amount of hot water that can be supplied for each of the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an) The number of hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an that cause regular hot water supply from the heaters 2a1,. The number of units is preferably one from the viewpoint of energy saving measures. However, if one unit of hot water heaters 2a1,... I do not care. The number of hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an that perform regular hot water supply to the open-type hot water tank 7 and the number of hot water heaters 2a1,. It is stored as data in the storage area 113g.

  In step S5, the required hot water supply amount data stored in the periodic hot water supply information storage region 113g and the hot water supply amount that can be supplied to the hot water heaters 2a1,. , 2an for performing regular hot water supply, that is, the first elapsed time is calculated. The first elapsed time is stored as data in the regular hot water supply information storage area 113g secured in the storage unit 113.

  In step S6, the regular hot water supply start time is calculated from the first elapsed time stored in the regular hot water information storage area 113g and the time when the nighttime power ends. Specifically, the regular hot water supply start time is calculated by subtracting the first elapsed time from the time obtained by subtracting α (time) from the time when the nighttime power available time period ends. The regular hot water supply start time is stored as data in the regular hot water information storage area 113 g secured in the storage unit 113. The time at which the nighttime power usage time period ends is stored in the regular hot water supply information storage area 113g.

  Here, in order to calculate the regular hot water supply start time, the first elapse from the time when the night power use time period ends (specifically, the time obtained by subtracting α time from the time when the night power use time period ends). The reason for subtracting time is to prevent energy loss due to heat dissipation. Moreover, it is because the efficiency of the water heaters 2a1,.

  In step S7, based on various data stored in the regular hot water information storage area 113g, for example, “1:55 to 6 hours, three hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an perform regular hot water supply. Is stored in the periodic hot water supply information storage area 113g, and the program is executed. When the control execution unit 129 executes the program, the three water heaters 2a1,..., 2an water heater control units 20a1,. .., Send operation command to 20an.

  Next, when the first timer measures 6 hours of the first elapsed time (that is, when it reaches 7:55), as shown in step S8, the three water heaters 2a1,. , 20an is sent a command to stop regular hot water supply.

  The program is updated every day by manual update in which the administrator inputs a new program via the input unit 112 of the controller 110 or by automatic update by the control execution unit 129.

(Processing flow for temporary temperature rise control and temporary hot water supply control)
(1) Process Flow of Temporary Temperature Raising Control Next, the flow of the temporary temperature increase control process executed by the control execution unit 129 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S11, the first remaining hot water amount determination unit 123 determines whether or not the remaining hot water amount is less than the control start determination hot water amount. When the 1st remaining hot water amount determination part 123 determines with the remaining hot water amount being less than the control start determination hot water amount, it transfers to step S12. On the other hand, when the 1st remaining hot water amount determination part 123 determines with the remaining hot water amount not being less than the control start determination hot water amount, step S11 is repeated.

  Here, the control start determination hot water amount is set in the temporary control information storage area 113h in advance if the remaining hot water amount in the open type hot water storage tank 7 is equal to or greater than the control start determination hot water amount. This is because there is no need to perform extra temperature rise control and extra hot water supply control since the amount of hot water is contained in the hot water.

  In step S12, the time determination unit 126 determines whether or not the time has passed the first time. When the time determination unit 126 determines that the time has passed the first time, the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the second remaining hot water amount determination unit 124 determines whether or not the remaining hot water amount is less than the second hot water amount. When the 2nd remaining hot water amount determination part 124 determines with the remaining hot water amount being less than the 2nd hot water amount, it transfers to step S14. On the other hand, when the 2nd remaining hot water amount determination part 124 determines with the remaining hot water amount not being less than the 2nd hot water amount, step S13 is repeated.

  In step S14, temporary temperature rise control is started. That is, the control execution unit 129 transmits a control command to the effect of starting the temporary heating control to the reheater control unit 90. Reheater control unit 90 receives a control command sent from control unit 116 of controller 110, stops reheater normal control, and starts reheater temporary control.

  Note that the timing of starting the temporary temperature rise control may be determined by the control execution unit 129 based on the usage trend of hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 or the like, or the administrator may input the input unit 112 in advance. It may be set in the storage unit 113. For example, if the amount of remaining hot water is not less than the minimum hot water storage amount when the nighttime power available time period starts, consider the energy and cost savings, and then enter the nighttime power available time zone to temporarily increase the temperature. Processing such as starting control may be performed.

  Here, when the control execution unit 129 starts the temporary temperature increase control, the reheater hot water temperature rises to 80 ° C., so that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank maintained at 60 ° C. gradually rises. As a result, the amount of hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 increases by the amount of hot water Qa (g) × temperature rise t (° C.) = Qat (cal) in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 at that time. By increasing the amount of heat of the hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7, the inclination of the decrease in the amount of hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 can be moderated.

  Briefly, in the hot water supply system 1, hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is mixed with a certain amount of water Q1 (g) by a mixing plug. For example, the amount of heat necessary to raise the temperature of the water supply of Q1 (g) by t (° C.) to 40 ° C. is Q1 t (cal). In this case, for example, when the temperature of the hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is 60 ° C. and the amount of hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is Q2 (g), the amount of heat released by the hot water is 20Q2 ( cal). For example, when the temperature of the hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is 70 ° C. and the amount of hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is Q3 (g), the amount of heat released by the hot water is 30Q3 (cal). is there. Therefore, since Q1t = 20Q2 = 30Q3 holds, the relational expression of Q3 = 2 / 3Q2 holds.

  That is, when the hot water temperature in the hot water tank rises, the amount of hot water to be taken out from the open hot water tank 7 can be reduced.

  As described above, when the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank rises, the amount of hot water to be discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 can be reduced. Therefore, the control execution unit 129 controls the rotation speed of the circulation pump 15 in the temporary temperature increase control. Control to lower.

  In step S15, the remaining hot water amount prediction unit 125 predicts whether or not the remaining hot water amount becomes less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time. When the remaining hot water amount prediction unit 125 predicts that the remaining hot water amount is not less than the minimum hot water storage amount, the process proceeds to step S16. On the other hand, when the remaining hot water amount predicting unit 125 predicts that the remaining hot water amount is less than the minimum hot water storage amount, the process proceeds to step S18.

  In step S16, regular hot water supply start time determination unit 128 determines whether or not the time has reached the regular hot water supply start time. When the regular hot water supply start time determination unit 128 determines that the time has reached the regular hot water supply start time, the process proceeds to step S17, and when it is determined that the time has not reached the regular hot water supply start time, step S16 is repeated. Here, when the amount of remaining hot water does not become less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time, only temporary heating control is performed, thereby contributing to energy saving and cost saving.

  In step S17, the temporary temperature increase control is terminated. That is, the control execution unit 129 transmits a control command to the effect of termination of the temporary heating control to the reheater control unit 90. The reheater control unit 90 receives the control command, ends the reheater temporary control, and resumes the reheater normal control.

  In step S18, the temporary temperature increase control is terminated. Specifically, after finishing the temporary temperature rise control, the temporary hot water supply control described in detail below is started. Note that the term “after the temporary temperature rise control is ended” includes the same timing as the end of the temporary temperature rise control.

(2) Process flow of temporary hot water supply control In the hot water supply system 1, basically, the control execution unit 129 executes the temporary temperature rise control so that the remaining hot water amount in the open hot water tank 7 is the lowest hot water storage at the periodic hot water supply start time. When it is possible to prevent the amount from becoming less than the amount, the temporary hot water supply control is not executed from the viewpoint of energy saving and cost saving.

  However, as an exception, when the time determination unit 126 determines in step S12 in FIG. 8 that the time has not passed the first time, the control execution unit 129 executes the temporary hot water supply control. If the remaining hot water amount prediction unit 125 predicts that the remaining hot water amount is less than the minimum hot water storage amount in step S15 in FIG. 8, the control execution unit 129 ends the temporary temperature increase control in step S18, and the temporary temperature increase control. Instead, the temporary hot water supply control is started.

  In the former case, there may be a case where there is a large discrepancy between the presumed hot water usage tendency and the actual hot water usage tendency. That is, even if the control execution unit 129 performs the temporary heating control, it is considered that the remaining hot water amount in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 becomes less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time, so the temporary heating control is not performed temporarily from the beginning. This means that hot water control is performed. In the latter case, from the viewpoint of energy saving and cost saving, it is basically preferable to suppress the decrease in the amount of remaining hot water only by executing the temporary heating control until the start time of regular hot water supply. Since the remaining hot water amount is predicted to be less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the start time, the temporary hot water supply control is performed instead of the temporary temperature increase control.

  The reason why the remaining hot water amount does not become less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time is to prevent an absolute shortage of the remaining hot water amount and to prevent a shortage of hot water provided to the user.

  Hereinafter, the flow of the temporary hot water supply control process executed by the control execution unit 129 will be described with reference to FIG.

  In step S31, the amount of temporary hot water to be temporarily supplied into the open hot water tank 7 is calculated. This temporary hot water supply amount is the amount of hot water that is supplementarily supplied so that the remaining hot water amount does not become less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the start time of regular hot water supply. The amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7, the user's usage tendency of hot water obtained from the data of the remaining hot water at a predetermined time, a combination thereof, or an arbitrary combination of these and the temperature of hot water, etc.) Calculated. The temporary hot water supply amount data is stored in a temporary control information storage area 113h secured in the storage unit 113.

  Note that the temporary hot water supply amount is not limited to the calculation based on the usage status by the user, and may be an arbitrary hot water amount determined in advance based on past results or the like.

  In step S32, the hot water heater 2a1 that performs the temporary hot water out of the plurality of hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an from the data on the temporary hot water amount and the data on the amount of hot water that can be supplied from each of the water heaters 2a1,. , ..., 2an is determined. The number of hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an performing temporary hot water and the number of water heaters 2a1,..., 2an performing temporary hot water are stored in the temporary control information storage area 113h.

  In step S33, a control command for starting the temporary hot water supply is transmitted to the hot water heater controllers 20a1,..., 20an of the hot water heaters 2a1,. At this time, the control execution unit 129 controls the closing valve 14 to be in an open state.

  In step S34, the flow rate determination unit 127 determines whether or not the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an performing the temporary hot water has reached the temporary hot water amount stored in the temporary control information storage area 113h. To do. When the flow rate determination unit 127 determines that the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an that performs temporary hot water supply has reached the temporary hot water supply amount, the process proceeds to step S35. On the other hand, when the flow rate determination unit 127 determines that the amount of hot water delivered from the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an that perform temporary hot water supply has not reached the temporary hot water supply amount, step S34 is repeated.

  In step S35, since the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an that perform the temporary hot water supply has reached the temporary hot water supply amount, the control execution unit 129 controls the closing valve 14 to be in a closed state. In addition, a stop command is transmitted to the water heater controllers 20a1,..., 20an of the water heaters 2a1,.

  Note that the timing of starting the temporary hot water supply control is variable as is the case with the timing of starting the temporary heating control.

  As described above, when the first remaining hot water amount determination unit 123 determines that the remaining hot water amount in the open hot water storage tank 7 is less than the control start determination hot water amount, the control execution unit 129 at least in the open hot water storage tank 7. Temporary temperature rise control and / or temporary hot water supply control is executed based on the remaining hot water amount and time. That is, depending on whether or not at least the amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 and the time satisfy a predetermined condition, the control execution unit 129 performs temporary heating control, temporary hot water control, temporary heating control, and temporary hot water control. It is determined which one to execute.

<Characteristics of the hot water supply system 1 according to the first embodiment>
(1)
Conventionally, as in the hot water supply system of Patent Document 1 (Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-248003), a circulation path for circulating only hot water discharged from an open-type hot water storage tank for storing hot water is provided, and hot water is placed in the circulation path. By providing reheating means for reheating, it is possible to always supply hot water having a predetermined temperature or higher to users who use the facility.

  Many of the hot water supply systems as described above are provided with a heater for keeping the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank in an open type hot water tank, but the heat loss is affected by the external environment. It is conceivable that the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is lowered. At this time, for example, the hot water heater is operated to add hot water, and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank is raised.

  On the other hand, it is considered that hot water stays in the hot water supply pipe connecting the hot water heater and the hot water storage tank. When the frequency of the hot water is low (when the operating rate of the hot water heater is low), the temperature of the hot water staying in the hot water supply pipe may be lowered. For this reason, when performing additional hot water as mentioned above, the hot water (water) which fell in the hot water supply piping with the hot water produced | generated with a water heater will be sent in a hot water storage tank. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the amount of additional hot water in order to increase the temperature of hot water (water) staying in the hot water supply pipe.

  However, it is considered that the additional hot water is performed at a time other than the time zone in which the nighttime power with a relatively low cost can be used. Therefore, it is desirable to suppress as much as possible in view of energy saving and cost saving.

  Therefore, the hot water supply system 1 according to the present embodiment adopts a configuration in which the hot water reheated by the reheater 9 flows again into the open hot water tank 7.

  Accordingly, it is possible to keep the hot water in the open-type hot water tank 7 without providing a heater for keeping the hot water temperature in the hot water tank constant in the open-type hot water tank 7. Therefore, COP can be improved as compared with the case where a heater is separately provided in the open-type hot water tank 7 and the heater is operated.

  Moreover, even if the hot water temperature in the hot water tank decreases due to heat dissipation loss, it is possible to raise the hot water temperature in the hot water tank without operating the hot water heaters 2a1,.

  Therefore, it can contribute to energy saving and cost saving.

(2)
In general, in a hot water supply system in which hot water is stored in a hot water tank during the time when night electricity can be used the day before and this hot water is used for the user's day, the remaining hot water volume in the hot water tank is less than the minimum hot water storage volume on that day. Then, there are many things that add hot water by operating a water heater.

  However, as described above, it is preferable that adding hot water can be suppressed as much as possible in consideration of energy saving and cost saving.

  By the way, in the hot water supply system 1 in the present embodiment, as described above, a mixing plug is provided near a faucet or shower in a hotel room or the like, and the hot water discharged from the open hot water tank 7 is constant by the mixing plug. Mixed with the amount of water supply.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, by using the amount of water supplied in the mixing tap, the amount of hot water in the open hot water tank 7 is increased (that is, the control execution unit 129 executes temporary temperature increase control). The decreasing rate of the amount of hot water discharged from the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is reduced.

  Accordingly, in principle, it is possible to prevent the remaining hot water amount in the open hot water tank 7 from becoming less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time without separately operating the hot water heaters 2a1, ..., 2an. .

  Moreover, it can contribute to energy saving and cost saving.

<The modification of the hot water supply system 1 which concerns on 1st Embodiment>
(A)
In the above embodiment, the temporary temperature rise control is ended when the time reaches the regular hot water supply start time, but the timing of the end of the temporary temperature rise control is not limited to this.

  For example, from the past operation performance data or the like, the execution time for executing the temporary temperature increase control according to the hot water usage tendency in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is set in the storage unit 113 in advance, and from the current time The temporary temperature increase control may be terminated when the third elapsed time obtained by subtracting the start time of the temporary temperature increase control has passed the execution time.

  In this case, the timer 115 has a third timer for measuring the third elapsed time.

  Here, in the temporary temperature rise control, it is considered that the energy loss due to heat dissipation increases as the temperature difference from the outside air temperature increases due to the rise in the hot water temperature in the hot water tank. Therefore, it is desirable that the execution time is a minimum necessary time so that the remaining hot water amount in the open hot water storage tank 7 does not become less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time.

  Further, for example, the hot water temperature in the hot water tank may be monitored, and the temporary temperature increase control may be terminated when a predetermined time has elapsed since the hot water temperature in the hot water tank reached a predetermined temperature (for example, 70 ° C.). In this case, the control unit 116 includes a hot water tank temperature determining unit that determines whether or not the hot water temperature in the hot water tank has reached a predetermined temperature, and the timer 115 is configured so that the hot water temperature in the hot water tank reaches the predetermined temperature. The fourth timer for measuring the elapsed time is used. Further, in this case, it is not limited to determining whether or not to proceed to the next processing stage by directly monitoring the hot water temperature in the hot water tank detected by the hot water temperature sensor 71 in the hot water tank. Whether or not the administrator preliminarily sets the time assumed to be 70 ° C. or higher in the storage unit 113 via the input unit 112 and shifts to the next processing stage depending on whether or not the time has passed. You may decide.

  In addition, for example, the control unit 116 includes a prediction unit that performs prediction of the remaining hot water amount in the open hot water tank 7 every predetermined time (for example, every minute), and the remaining hot water amount predicted by the prediction unit is the lowest hot water storage amount. The determination unit that determines that the amount exceeds the minimum amount may be configured to end the temporary temperature increase control when determining that the amount exceeds the minimum hot water storage amount.

(B)
In the temporary heating control of the above embodiment, the reheater control unit 90 has been described as controlling so that the reheater tapping temperature becomes 80 ° C., but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the reheater control unit 90 may control the reheater hot water temperature so as to increase by a certain temperature (for example, 5 ° C.) calculated from past operation results, or open-type hot water storage You may control so that it may change according to the amount of remaining hot water in the tank 7, or the usage tendency of hot water.

(C)
In the above embodiment, it is executed when it is determined in step S12 in FIG. 8 that the time has not passed the first time, or when it is predicted that the remaining hot water amount will be less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time in step S15. However, the present invention is not limited to this. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  As a general rule, when performing temporary hot water control after the determination in step S12 or step S15, it is predicted that the remaining hot water amount will not be less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water start time, but the faucet is kept twisted, In the case where the user frequently uses hot water, the temporary hot water control or the temporary temperature rise control may be executed after the temporary hot water control.

(D)
In the above embodiment, when the remaining hot water amount predicting unit 125 predicts that the remaining hot water amount is less than the minimum hot water storage amount, it has been described that the temporary heating control is stopped and the temporary hot water supply control is started, but the present invention is not limited thereto. Is not something For example, when there is much use by the user, etc., although it is somewhat inferior in terms of energy saving, a process of starting the temporary hot water supply control may be performed in addition to continuing the temporary temperature increase control.

  Thereby, the shortage of the absolute amount of hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 can be prevented. In this case, in step S31 in the temporary hot water supply control, the temporary hot water supply amount is calculated in consideration of the fact that the hot water amount to be discharged from the open hot water tank 7 can be reduced by executing the temporary temperature increase control.

(E)
In the above embodiment, when the remaining hot water amount in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is less than the control start determination hot water amount, the temporary hot water control can be performed. However, with regard to the temporary temperature rise control, the time remains after the first time. It cannot be executed unless the amount of hot water is less than the amount of second hot water. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and after the remaining hot water amount becomes less than the control start determination hot water amount, execution / non-execution of the temporary temperature increase control is performed in consideration of only the remaining hot water amount without considering the time. You may judge.

  Specifically, for example, as shown in FIG. 11, it is determined in step S11 that the remaining hot water amount is less than the control start determination hot water amount without performing the process of step S12 in FIG. A process configuration (referred to as a first process) for starting the temporary temperature increase control when determining that the amount is less than the amount of hot water may be used.

  In this case, the configuration is simpler than that of the first embodiment, for example, it is not necessary to provide the time determination unit 126 that determines whether or not the time has passed the first time. Along with this, costs can be suppressed.

  For example, after the remaining hot water amount becomes less than the control start determination hot water amount, execution / non-execution of the temporary temperature increase control may be determined in consideration of only the time without considering the remaining hot water amount. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 10, without performing the process of step S13 in FIG. 8, it is determined in step S11 that the remaining hot water amount is less than the control start determination hot water amount, and the time passes the second time in step S42. The process configuration (referred to as the second process) that starts the temporary temperature increase control when it is determined that it has been determined. However, considering the energy loss due to heat dissipation, it is preferable that the temporary temperature increase control time is shorter, so the second time is set longer than the first time.

  Even in this case, the configuration can be simplified and the cost can be reduced.

  In addition, a program for the first process and the second process may be assembled in the storage unit 113 in advance, and a control process in which an administrator selects either of the processes in advance via the input unit 112 may be employed. A control process in which the control unit 116 selects either of the two processes according to the usage trend of hot water in the open hot water tank 7 may be adopted.

(F)
In the above-described embodiment, the end of the regular hot water supply control has been described as the time when the first elapsed time measured by the first timer has ended, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when the amount of hot water discharged from the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an for performing periodic hot water detection reaches the required hot water amount detected by the flow sensor 16 provided in the hot water supply pipe 11, the control processing for terminating the regular hot water supply control. It is good.

(G)
In the above embodiment, the time point for determining whether or not the amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is less than the minimum hot water storage amount is the regular hot water supply start time, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, the start time of the night power available time zone may be added to the determination time point, or only the start time may be set as the determination time point.

  In the former case, it is possible to further strengthen prevention of insufficient supply of hot water to users. In the latter case, it is possible to reduce the amount of hot water produced by the hot water heaters 2a1,. In this case, it is possible to compensate with the minimum amount of stored hot water from the start time of the nighttime power available time period to the start time of regular hot water supply.

(H)
In the above embodiment, when the second remaining hot water amount determination unit 124 determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the second hot water amount in step S13, the temporary temperature increase control is started in step S14. The process of step S15 may be performed after step S13 and before the process of step S14.

(I)
In the above embodiment, the termination condition of the temporary hot water supply control is that the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 16 reaches the temporary hot water supply amount. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the time is the regular hot water supply start time. It is good also as an end condition.

(J)
In the above embodiment, the hot water heater 2a1 has been described as having a sealed hot water storage tank unit, but the present invention is not limited to this, and a configuration without a sealed hot water storage tank unit may be employed. In this case, the water supplied to the water heater 2a1 is heated by exchanging heat with the refrigerant in the water heat exchanger in the heat source unit and heated to be supplied to the open-type hot water tank 7 via the hot water supply pipe 11. It has come to be.

(K)
In the said embodiment, although hot water reheated by the reheater 9 demonstrated returning in the open type hot water storage tank 7, this invention is not limited to this.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 14, a pipe 12 a that flows hot water from the reheater 9 through a pipe connecting the open hot water tank 7 and the supply hot water pipe 13, the reheater 9 and the open hot water tank And a three-way valve 19 that is connected to the pipe 12a and intervenes in the pipe connecting the pipe 7 to the pipe 7, and by controlling the switching of the three-way valve 19, the hot water discharged from the reheater 9 is opened. It may be determined whether to return to 7 or not.

  Thereby, it is possible to raise the temperature by the necessary amount of hot water during the temporary temperature raising control. Therefore, it contributes to energy saving and cost saving.

(L)
The temporary temperature rise control and the temporary hot water supply control by the control execution unit 129 are not limited to the control in the above embodiment.

  For example, only the determination that the first remaining hot water amount determination unit 123 determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the control start determination hot water amount may be a condition for starting the temporary temperature rise control and / or the temporary hot water supply control.

  Specifically, when the first remaining hot water amount determination unit 123 determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the control start determination hot water amount, the hot water usage tendency prediction unit (not shown) predicts the hot water usage tendency by the user. Then, when the remaining hot water amount predicting unit 125 predicts that the remaining hot water amount is less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time based on the prediction result, the temporary hot water temperature control and / or the temporary hot water supply control are executed. There may be.

  In addition, the hot water supply system 1, for example, when the first remaining hot water amount determination unit 123 determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the control start determination hot water amount, the temporary heating control, the temporary hot water control, the temporary heating control, and the temporary It is good also as a structure which further provided the control determination part (not shown) which determines which of hot-water supply control is performed.

  In this case, for example, the control determination unit executes the temporary temperature rise control or the temporary hot water supply control according to the degree of urgency (degree of tightness) of the remaining hot water in the open hot water tank 7, or the temporary temperature rise It is determined whether to perform control and temporary hot water supply control. Specifically, the control determination unit performs the temporary heating control, the temporary hot water control, the temporary heating control, and the temporary hot water control in ascending order of the urgency (degree of tightness) of remaining hot water in the open hot water tank 7 in ascending order. Is determined to be executed.

  It should be noted that the urgency (degree of tightness) of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 is determined at the regular hot water start time when the remaining hot water amount predicting unit 125 predicts that it will be less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water start time. It is determined by the amount of hot water difference between the amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 and the minimum hot water storage amount. That is, the greater the difference in hot water volume, the higher the urgency of running out of hot water. In addition, the amount of remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 at the regular hot water supply start time can be calculated based on the remaining hot water amount in the open-type hot water storage tank 7 at a certain time and the usage tendency of the remaining hot water in the open-type hot water storage tank 7. .

  In addition, the control determination unit uses, for example, the system COP of each control as a condition for determining which of temporary heating control, temporary hot water control, temporary heating control and temporary hot water control is performed. Also good. The system COP includes, for example, a COP of the hot water heaters 2a1,..., 2an, a COP of the reheater 9, a heat dissipation loss of the open-type hot water storage tank 7, and a hot water supply pipe 11 during a period from a certain time to a regular hot water start time. Calculated from the amount of heat supplemented by heat dissipation loss.

Second Embodiment
Subsequently, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the following description, components common to the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted. The main difference between the first embodiment and the second embodiment is that in the first embodiment, in step S12, the time determination unit 126 determines whether or not the time has passed the first time, and moves to the next step. In the first embodiment, by monitoring the time of the difference between the current time and the regular hot water supply start time (that is, how many hours until the regular hot water supply start time), the following is performed. The point is to determine whether or not to proceed to the step.

  Hereinafter, components and control processes different from those of the first embodiment will be briefly described with reference to FIG.

  In 2nd Embodiment, the control part 116 has the 3rd time calculation part 225 which calculates 3rd time by subtracting the present | current time from regular hot-water supply start time, and also the time determination part 126 of 1st Embodiment. Instead, it has a time determination unit 226 that determines whether or not the third time is less than or equal to a predetermined set time (hereinafter referred to as the first set time). Note that the first set time is a time during which the remaining hot water amount is considered not to be less than the minimum hot water storage amount at the regular hot water supply start time even if only the temporary temperature rise control is executed, and is managed via the input unit 112 of the controller 110. Any value entered by the user. The first set time is not limited to the one input by the administrator, and may be, for example, the time learned from the past driving record (for example, the average time obtained from the past driving record) or open. The variable value which the control execution part 129 changes according to the usage tendency etc. of the hot water in the type | mold hot water tank 7 may be sufficient.

  As shown in FIG. 12, the flow of control processing in the second embodiment proceeds to step S62 when the first remaining hot water amount determination unit 123 determines in step S11 that the remaining hot water amount is less than the control start determination hot water amount. . In step S62, the time determination unit 226 determines whether or not the third time is equal to or shorter than the first set time. When the time determination unit determines that the third time is equal to or shorter than the first set time, the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, when it is determined that the third time is not equal to or shorter than the first set time, the temporary hot water supply control is started.

<Features of Second Embodiment>
In the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the control execution unit 129 can execute the temporary heating control in addition to the temporary hot water supply control. In addition, since it is possible to suppress operating the water heaters 2a1,..., 2an, it is possible to contribute to energy saving and cost saving.

  The present invention is useful because it can contribute to energy saving and cost saving.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water supply system 2a1, ..., 2an Water heater 7 Open type hot water tank (hot water tank)
9 Reheater (reheating means)
12 Circulation cycle (piping)
123 1st remaining hot water amount determination part 124 2nd remaining hot water amount determination part 125 Remaining hot water amount prediction part 126 Time determination part 129 Control execution part 226 Time determination part

JP 2007-248003 A

Claims (7)

Hot water from the hot water tank (7) that receives hot water from the hot water heaters (2a1,..., 2an) or hot water from the hot water tank (7) is mixed with the hot water for use by users. A hot water supply system (1),
Reheating means (9) capable of reheating the hot water discharged from the hot water tank (7) and returning it to the hot water tank (7);
A first remaining hot water amount determination unit (123) for determining whether or not the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank (7) is less than a first predetermined hot water amount;
When the first remaining hot water amount determination unit (123) determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the first predetermined hot water amount, the reheating means (9) raises the temperature of the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank (7). A control execution unit (129) for executing the first control,
A hot water supply system (1). Hot water from the hot water tank (7) that receives hot water from the hot water heaters (2a1,..., 2an) or hot water from the hot water tank (7) is mixed with the hot water for use by users. A hot water supply system (1),
Reheating means (9) capable of reheating the hot water discharged from the hot water tank (7) and returning it to the hot water tank (7);
A first remaining hot water amount determination unit (123) for determining whether or not the remaining hot water amount in the hot water storage tank (7) is less than a first predetermined hot water amount;
First control for raising the temperature of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank (7) by the reheating means (9), and supply of hot water to the hot water storage tank (7) to the hot water heaters (2a1, ..., 2an). And when the first remaining hot water amount determination unit (123) determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the first predetermined hot water amount, the first control and / or the first control. A control execution unit (129) for executing 2 control;
A hot water supply system (1). A time determination unit (126) for determining whether or not the time has passed a predetermined time;
A second remaining hot water amount determination unit (124) for determining whether or not the remaining hot water amount is less than a second predetermined hot water amount that is less than the first predetermined hot water amount;
Further comprising
The control execution unit (129)
When the first remaining hot water amount determination unit (123) determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the first predetermined hot water amount, and the time determination unit (126) determines that the time has passed the predetermined time,
When the second remaining hot water amount determining unit (124) determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the second predetermined hot water amount,
Or
When the time determination unit (126) determines that the time has passed the predetermined time, and the second remaining hot water amount determination unit (124) determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the second predetermined hot water amount,
The first control is executed on
The hot water supply system (1) according to claim 2. The hot water supply to the hot water storage tank (7) of the water heater (2a1, ..., 2an) is performed in a predetermined time zone,
A time determination unit (226) for determining whether or not a time until the predetermined time period is a predetermined time or less;
A second remaining hot water amount determination unit (124) for determining whether or not the remaining hot water amount is less than a second predetermined hot water amount that is less than the first predetermined hot water amount;
Further comprising
The control execution unit (129)
The first remaining hot water amount determination unit (123) determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the first predetermined hot water amount, and the time determination unit (226) determines that the time until the predetermined time zone is equal to or shorter than a predetermined time. If you want to
When the second remaining hot water amount determining unit (124) determines that the remaining hot water amount is less than the second predetermined hot water amount,
Or
The time determination unit (226) determines that the time until the predetermined time zone is equal to or less than a predetermined time, and the second remaining hot water amount determination unit (124) makes the remaining hot water amount less than the second predetermined hot water amount. When judging that
The first control is executed on
The hot water supply system (1) according to claim 2. The control execution unit (129) determines that the time determination unit (126) does not pass the predetermined time, and the first remaining hot water amount determination unit (123) determines that the remaining hot water amount is the first predetermined hot water amount. If it is determined that it has become less than, execute the second control without executing the first control,
The hot water supply system (1) according to claim 3. A remaining hot water amount prediction unit (125) for predicting whether the remaining hot water amount is less than a third predetermined hot water amount that is less than the second predetermined hot water amount;
When executing the first control and the second control, the control execution unit (129) first executes the first control, and the remaining hot water amount prediction unit (125) sets the remaining hot water amount to the third predetermined amount. When it is predicted that the amount of hot water will be less than the first control, the second control is executed instead of the first control or in addition to the first control.
The hot water supply system (1) according to claim 3 or 4. The hot water tank (7) is an open type hot water tank,
The said reheating means (9) can return the hot water taken out from the said hot water storage tank (7) to the said hot water storage tank (7), and supplies the hot water taken out from the said hot water storage tank (7) to the said user. Intervening in the pipe (12) for
The hot water supply system (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.

Images