JP2012180972A - Hot water supply device - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a hot water supply device that can detect a circulation flow rate of bathtub water circulated in a reheating circulation circuit, with a structure not inducing cavitation, and detect a water level in a bathtub.SOLUTION: The hot water supply device includes a pressure sensor 2a (first pressure detecting means) detecting a gauge pressure in a first pressure measuring pipe 1a having an opening 1c of which a central line is in parallel with a flow line of the bathtub water circulated in the reheating circulation circuit, a pressure sensor 2b (second pressure detecting means) detecting a gauge pressure in a second pressure measuring pipe 1b having an opening 1d of which a central line is vertical to the flow line of the bathtub water circulated in the reheating circulation circuit, a circulation flow rate detecting means detecting a circulation flow rate of the bathtub water on the basis of the total pressure detected by the pressure sensor 2a, and a static pressure detected by the pressure sensor 2b when the bathtub water is circulated, and a bathtub water level detecting means detecting a water level in the bathtub on the basis of the pressure detected by the pressure sensor 2a or the pressure sensor 2b when the bathtub water is not circulated.

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus provided with a memory circulation circuit that circulates bathtub water in a bathtub to a heat exchanger.

  A hot water supply apparatus including a heat exchanger that heats bathtub water in the bathtub is widely used. In such a hot water supply device, a heat source circulation circuit that supplies a fluid as a heat source to the heat exchanger, and the bathtub water in the bathtub is sent to the heat exchanger and the bathtub water heated by the heat exchanger is returned to the bathtub. A memorial circuit is further provided. In controlling the reheating operation of heating the bathtub water in the bathtub by the heat exchanger, a flow rate detecting device for detecting the flow rate of the bathtub water circulating in the additional circulation circuit is provided, and the circulating flow rate of the bathtub water can be detected. It is desirable to do so.

  Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-228688 has a means for measuring a differential pressure between two points after an orifice arranged in a fluid passage, and detects a flow rate of a fluid flowing through the fluid passage based on the measurement result. Is disclosed. In this apparatus, the differential pressure measuring means is a pressure sensor provided between the A chamber and the B chamber, and the A chamber has an enlarged pipe line immediately after the orifice, which is one of the two points after the orifice. The pressure at a location is led, and the B chamber is configured to guide the pressure at a location downstream as another one of the two points after the orifice.

Japanese Patent No. 4082789

  Since the flow rate detection device described in Patent Literature 1 has a structure that does not have a movable portion, it can suppress a failure caused by foreign matters such as dust and hair flowing from the bathtub. However, in the flow rate detection device described in Patent Document 1, there is a possibility that the orifice causes cavitation in the pipe and noise is generated, and erosion and corrosion due to cavitation may occur. There is also a problem that the piping structure becomes complicated by providing the orifice.

  Moreover, in the hot water supply apparatus which supplies hot water to a bathtub, in order to perform various automatic control, it is desired to be able to detect the water level in a bathtub. In general, a pressure sensor for detecting the gauge pressure in the additional circulation circuit is provided, and the water level in the bathtub is detected based on the pressure value of the pressure sensor. However, since the pressure sensor provided in the flow rate detection device described in Patent Document 1 detects a differential pressure between the A chamber and the B chamber, it cannot be used to detect the water level in the bathtub. In the case of the configuration described in Patent Document 1, it is necessary to separately provide a pressure sensor for detecting the gauge pressure in order to detect the water level in the bathtub, so that the structure becomes complicated and the cost increases.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and can detect the circulation flow rate of bathtub water circulating in the memorial circulation circuit with a structure that does not induce cavitation. It aims at providing the hot-water supply apparatus which can also detect the water level in the inside.

  A hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention includes a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange between bathtub water and a heat source fluid, a heat source circulation circuit that supplies the heat source fluid to the heat exchanger, and an operation of a bath circulation pump, thereby Is sent to the heat exchanger and the bath water heated by the heat exchanger is returned to the bathtub. Is installed in the piping of the recirculation circuit, and the circulating water line of the first pressure measuring pipe having a parallel opening, first pressure detecting means for detecting the gauge pressure in the first pressure measuring pipe, On the other hand, when the bath water is circulating in the second pressure measuring pipe having an opening whose center line is vertical, the second pressure detecting means for detecting the gauge pressure in the second pressure measuring pipe, and the additional circulation circuit, The total pressure detected by the first pressure detecting means and the second pressure detecting means Detected by the first pressure detecting means or the second pressure detecting means when the bath water is not circulating in the circulating circulation circuit and the circulating flow detecting means for detecting the circulating flow of the bath water based on the static pressure. And a bathtub water level detecting means for detecting the water level in the bathtub based on the pressure.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to accurately detect the circulation flow rate of bathtub water with a structure having no movable part or orifice. For this reason, it is possible to prevent troubles caused by foreign matters such as dust and hair adhering to the movable part and harmful effects (noise, erosion / corrosion pipe erosion, etc.) caused by the orifice. Moreover, when the bathtub water is not circulating, the water level in the bathtub can be detected based on the gauge pressure detected by the first pressure detection means or the second pressure detection means. For this reason, since it is not necessary to provide the sensor for detecting the water level in a bathtub separately, it contributes to cost reduction.

It is a block diagram of the chasing part with which the hot water supply apparatus of Embodiment 1 of this invention is provided. It is a figure which expands and shows the pressure and flow volume measurement part with which the hot-water supply apparatus shown in FIG. 1 is provided. It is a flowchart of the control operation | movement which produces initial characteristic data. It is a figure which shows the example of a system initial characteristic file. It is a graph which shows a pump speed characteristic. It is a graph which shows a pressure characteristic. It is a flowchart of control operation | movement of the calorie | heat amount calculation process performed at the time of a chasing operation. It is a figure which shows the example of the file which recorded the heat exchange amount. It is a flowchart of control operation which diagnoses the state of a bathtub and piping system. It is a graph which shows a pressure characteristic curve and the determination curve which shows the appropriate area | region corresponding to it.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the element which is common in each figure, and the overlapping description is abbreviate | omitted.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a remedy section 200 provided in the hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the chasing part 200 in the hot water supply apparatus of this embodiment is provided with the heat exchanger 7 for chasing the bathtub 9 (including heat insulation, the same shall apply hereinafter). A memorial circuit 10 and a heat source circuit 13 are connected to the heat exchanger 7. The memory circulation circuit 10 is a circuit that sends the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 to the heat exchanger 7 and returns the bathtub water heated by the heat exchanger 7 to the bathtub 9 again. The memorial circulation circuit 10 includes a bath circulation pump 8 for supplying bathtub water, a pressure / flow rate measuring unit 100 described later, and a heat exchanger primary side temperature for detecting the temperature of bathtub water flowing into the heat exchanger 7. A sensor 12 (temperature detection means before heating) and a heat exchanger secondary side temperature sensor 11 (temperature detection means after heating) for detecting the temperature of the bath water flowing out from the heat exchanger 7 are further provided.

  The heat source circulation circuit 13 is a circuit that supplies a fluid such as hot water serving as a heat source for heating the bath water to the heat exchanger 7 by the operation of the heat source circulation pump 14. This hot water supply apparatus includes one or both of a hot water storage tank (not shown) for storing hot water and a boiler type or heat pump type heater (not shown) for generating hot water. During the reheating operation of the bathtub 9, hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank or the heater flows through the heat source circulation circuit 13 by the operation of the heat source circulation pump 14 and is supplied to the heat exchanger 7. Further, during the chasing operation of the bathtub 9, the bath water in the bathtub 9 flows through the chasing circulation circuit 10 clockwise in FIG. In the heat exchanger 7, the bathtub water is heated by the heat of the hot water, and the heated bathtub water returns into the bathtub 9. Thus, the temperature of the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be raised.

  A pouring pipe 4 for pouring hot water into the bathtub 9 is connected to the memorial circuit 10. In the middle of the pouring pipe 4, an electromagnetic valve 5 and a flow rate sensor 6 for detecting the pouring amount are provided. When the bathtub 9 is filled with water, the solenoid valve 5 is opened, and the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank or the heater is adjusted to the set temperature and flows into the pouring pipe 4. Hot water that has flowed into the pouring pipe 4 passes through the piping of the recirculation circuit 10 and is poured into the bathtub 9.

  The hot water supply apparatus further includes a control device 15 having an arithmetic device and a storage device. Various devices including the actuators and sensors in FIG. 1 described above are electrically connected to the control device 15. The operation of the hot water supply device is controlled by the control device 15. In FIG. 1, the hot water storage tank and the heater described above are not shown, and a pipe for connecting the hot water storage tank and the heater and the remedy section 200, and a drive for circulating hot water through the pipe. The illustrations are also omitted for a source pump, a temperature sensor such as a thermistor that measures the temperature of hot water, and a user interface such as a remote controller that the user instructs to operate.

  FIG. 2 is an enlarged view of the pressure / flow rate measuring unit 100 provided in the hot water supply apparatus shown in FIG. The pressure / flow rate measuring unit 100 has a double pipe 1 inserted into an elbow pipe 3 which is a part of the piping of the memorial circuit 10. The elbow pipe 3 has an L-shape having straight portions on both sides of a bent portion bent at a right angle or an angle close to a right angle, and the double pipe 1 is inserted in parallel to one of the straight portions. Yes. The double tube 1 has a double structure of an inner first pressure measuring tube 1a and an outer second pressure measuring tube 1b. An opening 1c is formed at the tip of the first pressure measuring tube 1a. The base end side of the first pressure measuring tube 1a communicates with the pressure sensor 2a (first pressure detecting means). The pressure sensor 2a can detect the gauge pressure in the first pressure measuring tube 1a. On the other hand, the tip of the second pressure measuring tube 1b is closed, and an opening 1d is formed on the side surface of the second pressure measuring tube 1b. The base end side of the second pressure measuring tube 1b communicates with the pressure sensor 2b (second pressure detecting means). The pressure sensor 2b can detect the gauge pressure in the second pressure measuring tube 1b.

  Arrows A and B in the elbow pipe 3 shown in FIG. 2 indicate the flow direction of the fluid. An arrow A indicates a flow direction when the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 circulates in the memorial circuit 10. The opening 1c of the first pressure measuring tube 1a is positioned so that its center line (normal line of the opening surface) is parallel to the stream line of the bath water circulating in the direction of arrow A. For this reason, the gauge pressure Pa detected by the pressure sensor 2a corresponds to the total pressure of the bath water circulating in the arrow A direction. On the other hand, the opening 1d of the second pressure measuring tube 1b has its center line (normal line of the opening surface) positioned perpendicular to the stream line of the bath water circulating in the direction of arrow A. For this reason, the gauge pressure Pb detected by the pressure sensor 2b is equivalent to the static pressure of the bath water circulating in the arrow A direction. Accordingly, since the differential pressure ΔP between the total pressure Pa and the static pressure Pb corresponds to the dynamic pressure of the bath water circulating in the direction of arrow A, the flow rate of the bath water circulating in the direction of arrow A from the differential pressure ΔP according to Bernoulli's theorem. Can be calculated. By multiplying this flow rate by the cross-sectional area of the elbow pipe 3 stored in the control device 15 in advance, the circulation flow rate of the bath water can be calculated.

  According to the pressure / flow rate measuring unit 100, the circulating flow rate of the bath water circulating in the memorial circuit 10 can be detected as described above. Since such a pressure / flow rate measuring unit 100 has a structure having no movable part, it may become inoperable due to foreign matters such as dust and hair flowing on the bathtub water from inside the bathtub 9. Absent. For this reason, a failure can be suppressed. Further, since it is not necessary to provide an orifice in the pipe, it is possible to reliably prevent the occurrence of cavitation induced by the orifice. For this reason, adverse effects due to cavitation, for example, generation of noise and erosion of the pipe wall of the pipe due to erosion and corrosion can be reliably suppressed. Further, in the configuration shown in the figure, it is only necessary to insert the double pipe 1 into the pipe, so that the pipe structure becomes simple and contributes to cost reduction.

  An arrow B in FIG. 2 indicates a flow direction when pouring from the pouring pipe 4 to the bathtub 9 through the memory circulation circuit 10. Thus, in this embodiment, the flow direction of the installation location of the double pipe 1 is such that when the bath water circulates in the additional circulation circuit 10 and from the poured pipe 4 to the bathtub 9 through the additional circulation circuit 10. The direction is the opposite when hot water is used. This has the following advantages. When bathtub water circulates in the memorial circuit 10, foreign matter such as dust and hair flowing on the bathtub water from inside the bathtub 9 may be caught on the double pipe 1. Even in such a case, when hot water flows from the pouring pipe 4 into the bathtub 9 in the reverse direction, the foreign matter caught on the double pipe 1 can be pushed away and removed in the opposite direction. For this reason, it can suppress reliably that a foreign material accumulates around the double pipe 1. FIG.

  When the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 is not circulating in the memory circuit 10 and is stationary, the gauge pressure Pa detected by the pressure sensor 2a and the gauge pressure Pb detected by the pressure sensor 2b are both static. It becomes water pressure. The higher the water level in the bathtub 9, the higher the hydrostatic pressure detected by the pressure sensors 2a, 2b. Therefore, when the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 is not circulating in the memory circulation circuit 10 and is stationary, the pressure Pa detected by the pressure sensor 2a or the pressure Pb detected by the pressure sensor 2b is used. The water level in the bathtub 9 can be detected. Thus, according to the pressure / flow rate measuring unit 100, not only the circulating flow rate but also the water level in the bathtub 9 can be detected. For this reason, since it is not necessary to provide the sensor for detecting the water level in the bathtub 9 separately, a structure can be simplified and cost reduction can be aimed at.

  As a method for more reliably preventing foreign matter from accumulating around the double pipe 1, a small amount of hot water is poured from the pouring pipe 4 after the bath water in the bathtub 9 is drained. You may control to. According to this control, after the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 is drained, the foreign matter caught on the double pipe 1 can be immediately washed away and the foreign matter can be prevented more reliably. As a method for detecting that the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 has been drained, for example, when the water level in the bathtub 9 has decreased by a predetermined value or more within a certain time, it can be determined that drainage has been performed.

  Next, operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus of this embodiment comprised as mentioned above is demonstrated. In this embodiment, when the piping of the recirculation circuit 10 is in a normal state without clogging or the like (in this embodiment, the initial stage after construction of the hot water supply apparatus, that is, the piping of the recirculation circuit 10 is in a new state. The control device 15 creates initial characteristic data for a certain period. The operation at this time will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG.

  As will be described below, in the process of the initial characteristic creation mode shown in FIG. 3, when hot water is filled in the bathtub 9, the pouring amount is controlled by the solenoid valve 5 and the flow sensor 6, and a predetermined amount set in advance. Accumulated pouring amount by recording the pressure values Pa and Pb (hydrostatic pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b of the pressure / flow rate measuring unit 100 for each pouring time. The process includes associating V with the pressure values Pa and Pb (hydrostatic pressure) and sequentially storing them in the control device 15.

  In step S1 of FIG. 3, it is determined whether or not the number of fillings counted by the control device 15 is equal to or less than a designated number M (for example, M = 5) preset as a necessary and sufficient number for obtaining initial characteristic data. Is done. If YES is determined in step S1, the process proceeds to step S2, and if NO is determined, the initial characteristic creation mode is ended. In step S2, when the pouring amount Va for one time is set to a preset amount (for example, 10 liters), the number of times of pouring is calculated until the set amount of hot water (for example, 200 liters) is reached. Assign the number of times to the variable α. In the above example, α = 20. The appropriate amount of hot water varies depending on the size of the set bathtub 9 and the like, so the control device 15 can appropriately change the set amount of hot water according to the size of the bathtub 9 and the pipe length, etc. It has a function that can change each set value such as a hot water amount Va and a specified value β described later.

  After the process of step S2, the process proceeds to step S3. In step S3, in order to grasp the number of times of pouring when the pouring is executed α times, every time the loop is executed, the variable n is incremented by one. After step S3, the process proceeds to step S4. In step S4, for example, a process for detecting a state in which hot water does not accumulate in the bathtub 9 (hereinafter referred to as “no bathtub water”) due to reasons such as disconnection of the water stop valve (not shown) of the bathtub 9 is as follows. To do. If hot water is normally accumulated in the bathtub 9, the gauge pressures Pa and Pb (hydrostatic pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b increase as the number of times of pouring n increases. On the other hand, when there is no bath water, even if the number of times of pouring n increases, the gauge pressures Pa and Pb (hydrostatic pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b hardly change. For this reason, in step S4, it is determined whether or not significant increases have been confirmed in the gauge pressures Pa and Pb (hydrostatic pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b when the number of times of pouring n has reached a predetermined number of times. If a significant increase in the gauge pressures Pa and Pb (hydrostatic pressure) cannot be confirmed, the process proceeds to step S17 and it is determined that there is no bathtub water. When it is determined that there is no bathtub water, the process proceeds to step S18, and the outside is notified that there is no bathtub water. As an external notification means, for example, an error display or sound can be notified to a remote control display, an alarm lamp, a speaker or the like which is a user interface of the hot water supply apparatus.

  If it is not determined in step S4 that there is no bath water, the process proceeds to step S5. In step S5, a predetermined amount Va (10 L) set in advance is poured by the solenoid valve 5 and the flow sensor 6 that control the amount of pouring. The amount of pouring at this time is accurately measured by the flow sensor 6.

  It progresses to step S6 after the process of step S5. In step S6, the gauge pressures Pa and Pb (hydrostatic pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b after pouring are recorded. After step S6 ends, the process proceeds to step S7. In step S7, the specified amount Va is added to the accumulated pouring amount V every time of pouring. This accumulated pouring amount V can be regarded as the amount of bathtub water accumulated in the bathtub 9. It progresses to step S8 after the process of step S7. In step S8, the values of gauge pressure Pa, Pb (hydrostatic pressure) and accumulated pouring amount V recorded in the processes of steps S6 and S7 are output to a file. The file format is output in the format illustrated in FIG.

  It progresses to step S9 after the process of step S8. In step S9, it is confirmed whether or not the current pouring number n has reached the specified number α. If the current number of times of pouring n has not reached the specified number of times α, the process returns to step S3 and repeats steps S3 to S9 again. Then, after the current pouring number n reaches the specified number α, the process proceeds to step S10, and the loop from S3 to S9 is terminated.

  It progresses to step S11 after the process of step S10. In step S11, the bath circulation pump 8 is rotated at a constant voltage (for example, rated voltage) for a predetermined time (for example, 30 seconds). Further, the voltage of the bath circulating pump 8 may be rotated at several points when the rotational speed is changed by sweeping or the like.

  It progresses to step S12 after the process of step S11. In step S12, the rotational speed N of the bath circulation pump 8 detected by a rotational speed detection means (not shown) during the execution of step S11, and the pressure sensors 2a and 2b when the bath water is circulating in the remedy circulation circuit 10. The gauge pressure Pa (total pressure) and Pb (static pressure) detected by the above are recorded. It progresses to step S13 after the process of step S12. In step S13, the rotational speed N of the circulating pump 8 and the gauge pressures Pa (total pressure) and Pb (static pressure) of the pressure sensors 2a and 2b recorded in step S12 are output to a file. The format of this file is output in the format illustrated in FIG. It progresses to step S14 after the process of step S13. In step S14, the differential pressure ΔP (dynamic pressure) between the gauge pressures Pa and Pb recorded in step S13 is calculated, and the circulation flow rate Q is calculated based on the differential pressure ΔP (dynamic pressure). As described above, the circulation flow rate Q is calculated by calculating the flow velocity by Bernoulli's theorem from the differential pressure ΔP (dynamic pressure) and multiplying the flow velocity by the pipe cross-sectional area stored in the controller 15 in advance. Can do.

  It progresses to step S15 after the process of step S14. In step S15, the differential pressure ΔP and the circulation flow rate Q calculated in step S14 are output and recorded in a file illustrated in FIG. It progresses to step S16 after the process of step S15. After the variables n and α are reset in step S16, the initial characteristic creation mode ends.

  In the initial stage after the construction of the hot water supply apparatus, the process of the initial characteristic creation mode as described above is performed M times, which is the designated number of times, and the system initial characteristic file as shown in FIG. 15 is stored. The control device 15 creates a bath water amount characteristic, a pump rotation speed characteristic, and a pressure characteristic based on the data recorded in the system initial characteristic file.

  The bathtub water amount characteristic represents the relationship between the amount of bathtub water in the bathtub 9 and gauge pressures Pa and Pb (hydrostatic pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b. As described above, the accumulated pouring amount V recorded in the system initial characteristic file can be regarded as the amount of bathtub water in the bathtub 9. As shown in FIG. 4, the gauge pressure Pa, Pb (hydrostatic pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2 a, 2 b increases as the accumulated pouring amount V, that is, the amount of bathtub water in the bathtub 9 increases. The control device 15 represents the relationship between the amount of bathtub water in the bathtub 9 and the gauge pressures Pa and Pb (hydrostatic pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b based on the data recorded in the system initial characteristic file. An approximate curve is created, and the approximate curve is stored as a bathtub water quantity characteristic. The bath water amount characteristic may be created based on both data of the gauge pressure Pa detected by the pressure sensor 2a and the gauge pressure Pb detected by the pressure sensor 2b, or based on only one of the data. May be.

  In this embodiment, there are the following advantages by creating the bathtub water amount characteristic (not shown) as described above. When the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 is not circulating in the remedy circuit 10 and is stationary, the control device 15 detects the gauge pressure Pa (hydrostatic pressure) detected by the pressure sensor 2a and the pressure sensor 2b. The amount of bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be detected by checking at least one of the gauge pressure Pb (hydrostatic pressure) and the bathtub water amount characteristic. For this reason, information on the amount of bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be used for hot water supply control, and various hot water supply controls can be accurately performed. For example, even when the bather draws out and uses the bathtub water in the bathtub 9, it is possible to execute control for automatically replenishing hot water so that the amount of the bathtub water in the bathtub 9 is kept constant. . Moreover, in this embodiment, the bathtub water quantity characteristic suitable for the bathtub 9 can be created irrespective of the size and shape of the bathtub 9. For this reason, the amount of bathtub water in the bathtub 9 can be accurately detected regardless of the size and shape of the bathtub 9.

  FIG. 5 is a graph showing the pump rotational speed characteristics. As shown in FIG. 5, the pump rotation speed characteristic represents the relationship between the circulation flow rate Q (liters / minute) and the rotation speed N (rpm) of the bottom circulation pump 8. A plurality of points in the graph of FIG. 5 are points where the values recorded in the initial characteristic data creation process for each designated number M are plotted. The control device 15 creates an approximate curve as shown in FIG. 5 based on these points, and stores it as a pump speed characteristic.

  FIG. 6 is a graph showing pressure characteristics. The pressure characteristic represents the relationship between the circulation flow rate Q (liters / minute) and the dynamic pressure Pa detected by the pressure sensor 2a or the static pressure Pb detected by the pressure sensor 2b. FIG. 6 representatively shows the pressure characteristics of the static pressure Pb detected by the pressure sensor 2b. A plurality of points in the graph of FIG. 6 are points where the values recorded in the initial characteristic data creation process for each designated number M are plotted. Based on these points, the control device 15 creates an approximate curve as shown in FIG. 6 and stores it as the pressure characteristic of the static pressure Pb detected by the pressure sensor 2b. The control device 15 may similarly create an approximate curve for the relationship between the circulation flow rate Q and the dynamic pressure Pa detected by the pressure sensor 2a, and store it as a pressure characteristic of the dynamic pressure Pa.

  Each time the initial characteristic creation mode processing shown in FIG. 3 is completed once, the control device 15 creates the above-described bathtub water amount characteristic, pump rotation speed characteristic, and pressure characteristic based on the data obtained so far. Update. Then, after the processing of the designated characteristic M-th initial characteristic creation mode is completed, the bathtub water quantity characteristic, the pump rotational speed characteristic, and the pressure characteristic are determined and stored.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart of the control operation of the calorific value calculation process performed during the chasing operation. In step S19 of FIG. 7, the full circulation pump 8 is rotated at a constant voltage (for example, a rated voltage or a voltage that becomes a necessary number of revolutions) for a predetermined time. It progresses to step S20 after the process of step S19. Step S20 indicates that a loop is made when the rotation speed N of the bath circulation pump 8 is greater than 0, that is, when the bath circulation pump 8 is rotating. It progresses to step S21 after the process of step S20. In step S21, the gauge pressures Pa (total pressure) and Pb (static pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b and the heat exchanger secondary side temperature sensor 11 are detected when the bath circulation pump 8 is rotating. The post-heating temperature T1 and the pre-heating temperature T2 detected by the heat exchanger primary side temperature sensor 12 are recorded. It progresses to step S22 after the process of step S21.

  In step S22, the circulation flow rate Q is calculated from the total pressure Pa and static pressure Pb recorded in step S21 based on Bernoulli's theorem, and the heat exchange amount (heat transfer amount) Qht at each time is further calculated. The heat exchange amount (heat transfer amount) Qht is the amount of heat exchanged between the heat source fluid and the bath water in the heat exchanger 7. The heat exchange amount (heat transfer amount) Qht can be calculated by multiplying the temperature difference between the post-heating temperature T1 and the pre-heating temperature T2, the specific heat of water, and the circulation flow rate Q. It progresses to step S23 after the process of step S22. In step S23, the pressures Pa and Pb, the post-heating temperature T1, the pre-heating temperature T2 recorded in step S21, and the circulation flow rate Q and the heat exchange amount (heat transfer amount) Qht calculated in step S22 are as shown in FIG. Output to a simple file. It progresses to step S24 after the process of step S23. In step S24, the rotational speed N of the bath circulating pump 8 is detected. After the process of step S24, the process proceeds to step S25.

  In step S25, the operating state of the bath circulating pump 8 is confirmed. When the rotation speed N of the bath circulation pump 8 is not 0, that is, when the bath circulation pump 8 is not stopped, the process returns to step S20 and the loop is continued. On the other hand, when the rotation speed N of the bath circulation pump 8 is 0, that is, when the bath circulation pump 8 is stopped, the routine proceeds to step S26 and the loop is terminated. In step S27, an average value Qh of the heat exchange amount (heat transfer amount) Qht at each time is calculated. After the process of step S27, the process proceeds to step S28. In step S28, the average heat exchange amount (average heat transfer amount) Qh obtained in step S27 is output to a file as shown in FIG. A file as shown in FIG. 8 is created in the control device 15 and updated as needed.

  In the present embodiment, the amount of heat exchange (heat transfer amount) in the heat exchanger 7 can be accurately calculated by performing the above-described process during the chasing operation. For this reason, it is possible to accurately grasp the amount of heat required for the heat source (hot water storage tank or heater) in reheating operation, and by utilizing this information for operation control such as hot water storage operation of the hot water supply device, energy can be obtained. Highly efficient operation control is possible.

  FIG. 9 is a flowchart of a control operation for diagnosing the state of the bathtub / piping system. This operation is executed at the time of hot water filling after (M + 1) th time after the construction of the hot water supply apparatus.

  In step S29 of FIG. 9, a minimum amount of hot water (for example, about 10 liters) is poured and the inside of the memory circulation circuit 10 is filled with water. It progresses to step S30 after the process of step S29. In step S30, the bath circulating pump 8 is rotated for a predetermined time at a constant voltage (for example, a rated voltage or a voltage at a required rotational speed). It progresses to step S31 after the process of step S30. In step S31, the rotational speed N of the bath circulating pump 8 and the gauge pressures Pa (total pressure) and Pb (static pressure) detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b are recorded. It progresses to step S32 after the process of step S31. In step S32, the circulation flow rate Q is calculated based on Bernoulli's theorem from the total pressure Pa detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b and the static pressure Pb. It progresses to step S33 after the process of step S32.

  In step S33, the values of the static pressure Pb and the circulation flow rate Q recorded in steps S31 and S32 are compared with the pressure characteristics (FIG. 6) stored in the control device 15. It progresses to step S34 after the process of step S33.

  In step S34, it is confirmed whether or not the total pressure Pa and the static pressure Pb can be detected, and whether or not the total pressure Pa and the static pressure Pb are changed is confirmed. In the case of No determination, it is determined that there is no bathtub water indicating that there is no bathtub water in the bathtub 9 in step S43. It progresses to step S37 after the process of step S43. On the other hand, in the case of Yes determination in step S34, it is determined that there is bathtub water indicating that there is bathtub water in bathtub 9 in step S35. It progresses to step S36 after the process of step S35. In step S36, the water level of the bathtub 9 (the amount of bathtub water) is detected, and the difference from the amount of hot water specified by a user interface such as an external remote controller is calculated. It progresses to step S37 after the process of step S36.

  In step S37, the required amount of hot water is poured up to the water level indicated by the user interface such as an external remote controller. After the process of step S37, the process proceeds to step S38. In step S38, the bath circulating pump 8 is rotated for a predetermined time at a constant voltage (for example, a rated voltage or a voltage having a required rotational speed). It progresses to step S39 after the process of step S38. In step S39, the rotational speed N of the bath circulating pump 8 and the total pressure Pa and static pressure Pb detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b are recorded. It progresses to step S40 after the process of step S39.

  In step S40, the circulation flow rate Q is calculated based on Bernoulli's theorem from the total pressure Pa and static pressure Pb detected by the pressure sensors 2a and 2b. It progresses to step S41 after the process of step S40. In step S41, the values of the static pressure Pb and the circulation flow rate Q recorded in steps S39 and S40 are compared with the pressure characteristics (FIG. 6) stored in the control device 15, so that the piping of the additional circulation circuit 10 is Diagnose the condition. FIG. 10 is a graph illustrating the pressure characteristic curve illustrated in FIG. 6 and a determination curve indicating an appropriate region (for example, within ± 10%) corresponding thereto. When the values of the static pressure Pb and the circulation flow rate Q recorded in the above steps S39 and S40 are in the region A above the determination curve on the plus side in FIG. Diagnosed as clogged due to clogging. On the other hand, when the values of the static pressure Pb and the circulation flow rate Q recorded in steps S39 and S40 are in the region B below the determination curve on the minus side in FIG. It is diagnosed that the piping is broken. It progresses to step S42 after the process of step S41. In step S42, the result of diagnosis in step S41 is notified to the outside by the notification means as described above. Thereby, when the piping needs to be cleaned or repaired, it is possible to appropriately notify the user to that effect.

  In the above description, the case of diagnosing the state of the piping of the memory circulation circuit 10 based on the pressure characteristic of the static pressure Pb has been described. However, the diagnosis may be performed based on the pressure characteristic of the dynamic pressure Pa. Further, it is possible to diagnose the state of the piping of the memorial circuit 10 based on the pump speed characteristics shown in FIG. For example, when the rotational speed N of the bath circulation pump 8 is higher than the appropriate range determined from the pump rotational speed characteristics shown in FIG. 5, it is diagnosed that the piping of the memory circulation circuit 10 is blocked due to freezing or clogging with dust. Can do.

1 Double pipe 1a First pressure measuring pipe 1b Second pressure measuring pipe 1c, 1d Opening 2a, 2b Pressure sensor 3 Elbow pipe 4 Pouring pipe 5 Solenoid valve 6 Flow sensor 7 Heat exchanger 8 Bath circulation pump 9 Bath 10 Additional焚 Circuit circuit 11 Heat exchanger secondary side temperature sensor 12 Heat exchanger primary side temperature sensor 13 Heat source circulation circuit 14 Heat source circulation pump 15 Controller 100 Pressure / flow rate measurement unit 200 Remembrance unit

Claims (6)

A heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the bath water and the heat source fluid;
A heat source circulation circuit for supplying a heat source fluid to the heat exchanger;
A memorial circuit for returning bathtub water heated by the heat exchanger and returning the bathtub water in the bathtub to the heat exchanger by operating the bath circulation pump;
A first pressure measuring pipe installed in the piping of the memorial circuit and having an opening whose center line is parallel to the streamline of the circulating bath water;
First pressure detecting means for detecting a gauge pressure in the first pressure measuring tube;
A second pressure measuring pipe installed in the piping of the memorial circuit and having an opening whose center line is perpendicular to the streamline of the circulating bath water;
Second pressure detecting means for detecting a gauge pressure in the second pressure measuring tube;
Based on the total pressure detected by the first pressure detection means and the static pressure detected by the second pressure detection means when the bath water is circulating in the memory circulation circuit, A circulating flow rate detecting means for detecting the circulating flow rate;
Bath water level detection means for detecting the water level in the bathtub based on the pressure detected by the first pressure detection means or the second pressure detection means when the bath water is not circulating in the additional circulation circuit. When,
A hot water supply device comprising: A rotational speed detection means for detecting the rotational speed of the bath circulation pump;
When the piping of the additional circulation circuit is normal, the rotational speed of the bottom circulating pump detected by the rotational speed detecting means and the circulating flow rate detected by the circulating flow rate detecting means are recorded at a plurality of points. And, based on the record, pump rotational speed characteristic creating means for creating a pump rotational speed characteristic representing a normal relationship between the rotational speed of the bath circulating pump and the circulating flow rate,
By comparing the rotational speed of the bottom circulating pump detected by the rotational speed detecting means and the circulating flow rate detected by the circulating flow rate detecting means with the pump rotational speed characteristics, the piping of the additional circulation circuit Piping status diagnostic means for diagnosing the status of
The hot-water supply apparatus of Claim 1 provided with. One or both of the total pressure detected by the first pressure detection means and the static pressure detected by the second pressure detection means when the piping of the additional circulation circuit is normal, and the circulation flow rate detection The circulating flow rate detected by the means is recorded at a plurality of points, and one of the total pressure detected by the first pressure detecting means and the static pressure detected by the second pressure detecting means based on the recording Or a pressure characteristic creating means for creating a pressure characteristic representing a normal relationship between both and the circulating flow rate;
One or both of the total pressure detected by the first pressure detection means and the static pressure detected by the second pressure detection means, and the circulation flow rate detected by the circulation flow rate detection means are expressed as the pressure characteristics. By comparing the piping state diagnosis means for diagnosing the state of the piping of the additional circulation circuit,
The hot-water supply apparatus of Claim 1 provided with. A pre-heating temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the bath water flowing into the heat exchanger in the memory circulation circuit;
A post-heating temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the bath water flowing out of the heat exchanger in the memorial circuit;
Based on the circulating flow rate detected by the circulating flow rate detection unit, the temperature detected by the pre-heating temperature detection unit, and the temperature detected by the post-heating temperature detection unit, heat exchange in the heat exchanger A heat exchange amount calculating means for calculating the amount;
The hot-water supply apparatus in any one of Claims 1 thru | or 3 provided with these. Pouring means for pouring hot water into the bathtub;
A pouring amount detection means for detecting the amount of hot water poured into the bathtub by the pouring means,
The amount of pouring detected by the pouring amount detecting means and the pressure detected by the first pressure detecting means and / or the second pressure detecting means are recorded at a plurality of points, and based on the record, the bathtub Bathtub water volume characteristic creating means for creating a bathtub water volume characteristic representing the relationship between the amount of bathtub water in the tank and the pressure detected by the first pressure detection means and / or the second pressure detection means;
The said bathtub water level detection means detects the quantity of the bathtub water in the said bathtub by collating the pressure detected by the said 1st pressure detection means or the said 2nd pressure detection means with the said bathtub water quantity characteristic. The hot water supply apparatus according to any one of 4. A pouring means for pouring hot water into the bathtub through the piping of the memorial circuit,
At the position where the first pressure measuring pipe and the second pressure measuring pipe are installed, the direction of the flow when the hot water is poured into the bathtub by the pouring means and the bath water circulates in the recirculation circuit. The hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the directions of the flows when the operation is performed are opposite to each other.

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