JP2013184097A - Electrolytic apparatus, and heat pump hot-water supply machine equipped therewith - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an electrolytic apparatus capable of suppressing making water quality easily depositing scales while reducing the maintenance of an electrode as much as possible, and a heat pump hot-water supply machine.SOLUTION: An electrolytic apparatus 41 includes a plurality of first electrodes 51 housed in a container 47 and formed of a material at least of which the surface is based on platinum and at least one second electrode 52 housed in the container 47 and formed of a material larger than platinum in ionization tendency. The plurality of the first electrodes 51 are arranged so that the mutual first electrodes 51 contain adjacent parts. The plurality of the first electrodes 51 and the at least one second electrode 52 are arranged in one direction and ones of the adjacent electrodes function as anodes while the other ones of the adjacent electrodes function as cathodes and the second electrode 52 functioning as an anode is contained in the at least one second electrode 52.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolysis apparatus and a heat pump water heater provided with the same.

  Generally, a heat pump water heater is a refrigerant circuit having a water heat exchanger that heats water by heat exchange with a refrigerant, and water stored in a tank is sent to the water heat exchanger, and the water heated in the water heat exchanger And a hot water storage circuit for returning the water to the tank. In this heat pump water heater, the water stored in the tank usually uses tap water or well water as a water supply source.

  Tap water and well water contain components such as calcium ions and magnesium ions that cause scales (hereinafter referred to as scale components). Therefore, scales such as calcium salt and magnesium salt are deposited in the heat pump water heater. In particular, groundwater such as well water may have a water quality in which the concentration of the scale component is higher than that of tap water and scale is likely to occur. Moreover, in a water heat exchanger, since water is heated and the temperature of water becomes high, a scale tends to precipitate especially. If the scale is deposited and deposited on the inner surface of the pipe in the water heat exchanger, there may be a problem that the heat transfer performance of the water heat exchanger is lowered or the flow path of the pipe is narrowed.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a combustion-type water heater provided with means for preventing scale generation. This water heater includes a plurality of electrodes and means (power source) for applying a current between the electrodes. And in patent document 1, the material of "Pt, C, Al, Ir, Ti, etc." can be used as an electrode material, and the cathode and the anode may be made of the same material or different materials. (See paragraphs 0009 and 0011 of Patent Document 1). In general, in an electrolysis apparatus, copper having a relatively high corrosion resistance is used as an electrode material.

JP 2001-317817 A

  By the way, even when titanium or copper having relatively high corrosion resistance is used as the electrode material, this electrode gradually corrodes (oxidizes) on the anode side. As electrode corrosion progresses, the surface area of the electrode becomes smaller, which lowers the efficiency of electrolysis. Therefore, maintenance is required to periodically replace the corroded electrode. In order to eliminate such maintenance work as much as possible, it is conceivable to use platinum which is further excellent in corrosion resistance as an electrode material.

  However, while the platinum electrode has the merit that it is excellent in corrosion resistance, it has the demerit that the pH of water in the container is increased (made alkaline) by the catalytic ability of platinum. Alkaline water has a strong tendency for scale precipitation, and therefore scale tends to precipitate in the water heat exchanger.

  Therefore, the present invention has been made in view of the above points, and an object of the present invention is an electrolysis capable of suppressing the water quality from which the scale easily precipitates while minimizing the maintenance of the electrode as much as possible. It is providing a device and a heat pump water heater provided with the same.

  (1) The electrolysis apparatus of the present invention is for removing scale components contained in water. The electrolyzer includes a container (47) having a water inlet (43) and a water outlet (45), and a plurality of the electrodes formed in the container (47) and having at least a surface made of platinum as a main component. The first electrode (51) and at least one second electrode (52) formed of a material that is accommodated in the container (47) and has a higher ionization tendency than platinum. The plurality of first electrodes (51) are arranged so as to include a portion where the first electrodes (51) are adjacent to each other. The plurality of first electrodes (51) and the at least one second electrode (52) are arranged in one direction, and one of the adjacent electrodes functions as an anode, and the other of the adjacent electrodes functions as a cathode. The at least one second electrode (52) includes a second electrode (52) that functions as an anode.

  In this configuration, since the plurality of first electrodes (51) are formed of a material whose main component is platinum, at least the surface thereof is excellent in corrosion resistance, and maintenance work like an electrode formed of titanium, copper, or the like can be performed. Rarely needed. Moreover, in this configuration, the plurality of first electrodes (51) are arranged so that the first electrodes (51) include adjacent portions, so that both the anode and the cathode are configured by the first electrode (51). There will always be an electrode pair. Therefore, even when the corrosion of the second electrode (52) has progressed by using the electrolysis apparatus for a long period of time, the electrode pair constituted by the first electrode (51) has the second electrode (52). Such corrosion hardly proceeds and the surface area of the electrode is hardly reduced, so that the ability to remove scale components is maintained.

  On the other hand, in the second electrode (52) functioning as an anode, corrosion progresses by using the electrolyzer for a long period of time, and the surface area of the second electrode (52) becomes small. As long as the two electrodes (52) are not lost, hydrogen ions continue to be generated when the second electrode (52) is corroded (oxidized). Therefore, even if the pH of the water around the first electrode (51) temporarily increases due to the catalytic ability of platinum contained in the first electrode (51), the water is not removed from the second electrode (52). The pH decreases due to hydrogen ions generated in Thereby, it can suppress that the water which flows out from the water outlet (45) of a container (47) becomes the water quality in which a scale precipitates easily. Moreover, it is not necessary to replace the second electrode (52) when the second electrode (52) exhibits a pH lowering effect due to the anodizing reaction, and when the corrosion of the second electrode (52) has progressed considerably. Therefore, maintenance of the electrode (second electrode) can be reduced as much as possible.

  (2) In the electrolysis apparatus, the at least one second electrode (52) includes a plurality of second electrodes (52), and the plurality of second electrodes (52) includes the second electrode (52). It is preferable that they are arranged so as to include adjacent portions.

  In this configuration, since a plurality of second electrodes (52) are provided, the amount of hydrogen ions generated during electrolysis can be increased. In this configuration, the plurality of second electrodes (52) are arranged so as to include a portion where the second electrodes (52) are adjacent to each other. Therefore, one of the adjacent second electrodes (52) is connected to the positive electrode of the power source (53), and the other of the adjacent second electrodes (52) is connected to the negative electrode of the power source (53), There will always be a functioning second electrode (52). By adopting such a configuration, for example, even when control is performed to periodically invert the anode and the cathode in the plurality of first electrodes 51 and the plurality of second electrodes 52, the second electrode that functions as the anode. (52) can always exist.

  (3) In the electrolyzer, the number of electrodes in the plurality of first electrodes (51) is preferably larger than the number of electrodes in the plurality of second electrodes (52).

  In this configuration, even if the corrosion of the second electrode (52) proceeds by using the electrolyzer for a long time, the number of the first electrodes (51) that hardly cause the corrosion is the second electrode (52). ), The decrease in the ability to remove scale components can be further reduced.

  (4) In the electrolyzer, the at least one second electrode (52) includes a second electrode (52) having a size larger than that of the first electrode (51). preferable.

  In this configuration, even when the corrosion of the second electrode (52) proceeds by using the electrolyzer for a long period of time, the second electrode (52 having a size larger than the size of the first electrode (51)). ) Can maintain the function of generating hydrogen ions during electrolysis (the function of lowering the pH by an anodic oxidation reaction) over a longer period of time, so that the maintenance of the electrode (second electrode) can be further reduced.

  (5) In the electrolysis apparatus, the at least one second electrode (52) includes a second electrode (52) disposed on the most downstream side of the water flow in the container (47). Is preferred.

  In this configuration, even if the pH of the water before reaching the second electrode (52) arranged on the most downstream side is temporarily increased due to the catalytic ability of platinum contained in the first electrode (51), this water Flows out of the container (47) after the pH is reduced by the hydrogen ions generated in the second electrode (52) arranged on the most downstream side. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the effect of suppressing water having a high pH from flowing out of the container (47).

  (6) In the electrolysis apparatus, it is preferable that the plurality of first electrodes (51) are arranged in the uppermost stream of water in the container (47).

  In this configuration, the pH of water around the first electrode (51) temporarily increases due to the catalytic ability of platinum contained in the first electrode (51) during electrolysis, but the plurality of first electrodes (51) Is disposed at the uppermost stream of the water flow in the container (47), so that the pH of the water is increased by hydrogen ions generated at the second electrode (52) disposed downstream of the first electrode (51). Becomes smaller. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the effect of suppressing water having a high pH from flowing out of the container (47).

  (7) In the electrolysis apparatus, the plurality of first electrodes (51) and the at least one second electrode (52) have a plate shape, and the plurality of first electrodes (51) and the at least one one The second electrode (52) preferably forms a meandering flow path in which water flows while meandering in the container (47).

  In this configuration, the water flowing into the container (47) from the water inlet (43) flows along the path meandering from the upstream side to the downstream side, so that the contact area between the electrode and the water increases, and the scale The removal efficiency of components can be further improved.

  (8) The heat pump water heater of the present invention has a water heat exchanger (21) for heating water, a heat pump unit (13) in which the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant pipe, and a tank (15 ), A feed side flow path for sending water from the tank (15) to the water heat exchanger (21), and a return side flow for returning water heated by the water heat exchanger (21) to the tank (15). The hot water storage unit (17) which has a path | route, and the said electrolyzer (41) for removing the scale component contained in the water sent to the said water heat exchanger (21) are provided.

  In this configuration, the electrolysis device (41) as described above is provided. Therefore, in the electrolysis apparatus (41), it is possible to suppress the water quality from which the scale easily precipitates while minimizing the maintenance of the electrode as much as possible. And it can suppress that a scale precipitates in a water heat exchanger (21) by suppressing that it becomes the water quality which is easy to deposit a scale.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided an electrolyzer capable of suppressing the water quality from which scale is likely to precipitate while minimizing electrode maintenance as much as possible, and a heat pump water heater provided with the same. be able to.

It is a lineblock diagram showing the heat pump water heater concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is a perspective view which shows the electrolyzer based on one Embodiment of this invention used for the said heat pump water heater. (A) is sectional drawing when the said electrolyzer is cut | disconnected by the plane parallel to a perpendicular direction, (B) is sectional drawing when the said electrolyzer is cut | disconnected by the plane parallel to a horizontal direction. is there. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification 1 of the said electrolyzer. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification 2 of the said electrolyzer. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification 3 of the said electrolyzer. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification 4 of the said electrolyzer. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification 5 of the said electrolyzer. It is sectional drawing which shows the modification 6 of the said electrolyzer.

<Heat pump water heater>
Hereinafter, a heat pump water heater 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat pump water heater 11 according to this embodiment includes a heat pump unit 13, a hot water storage unit 17, an electrolyzer 41, and a controller 32 that controls them.

  The hot water storage unit 17 includes a tank 15 that stores water, a pump 31, and water conduits 27 and 29. The tank 15 and the water heat exchanger 21 are connected by water conduits 27 and 29. The water conduits 27 and 29 return the water that has been heated by exchanging heat with the water heat exchanger 21 and returning to the tank 15 with the incoming water pipe 27 having a feed-side flow path for sending water from the tank 15 to the water heat exchanger 21. And a hot water supply pipe 29 having a side flow path. The water intake pipe 27 is provided with a pump 31 for feeding water. The pump 31 causes the water in the tank 15 to flow out from the lower part of the tank 15 to the incoming water pipe 27, feeds water in the order of the incoming water pipe 27, the water heat exchanger 21 and the hot water outlet pipe 29, and returns it to the upper part of the tank 15.

  The heat pump water heater 11 includes a refrigerant circuit 10a and a hot water storage circuit 10b. The refrigerant circuit 10a includes a compressor 19, a water heat exchanger 21, an electric expansion valve 23 as an expansion mechanism, an air heat exchanger 25, and a refrigerant pipe connecting them. The hot water storage circuit 10b includes a tank 15, a pump 31, a water heat exchanger 21, an electrolyzer 41, and water conduits 27 and 29 that connect them.

  In the present embodiment, carbon dioxide is used as the refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10a, but the present invention is not limited to this. The refrigerant circulating in the refrigerant circuit 10a exchanges heat with water circulating in the hot water storage circuit 10b in the water heat exchanger 21 to heat the water, and heat exchange with outside air in the air heat exchanger 25 absorbs heat from the outside air. To do.

  A water supply pipe 37 and a hot water supply pipe 35 are connected to the tank 15. The hot water supply pipe 35 is connected to the upper part of the tank 15. The hot water supply pipe 35 is for taking out hot water stored in the tank 15 and supplying hot water to a bathtub or the like. The water supply pipe 37 is connected to the bottom of the tank 15. The water supply pipe 37 is for supplying low-temperature water into the tank 15 from a water supply source. As a water supply source for supplying water to the tank 15, for example, tap water or ground water such as well water can be used. The water heater 11 of the present embodiment is a transient water heater that does not return the hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 35 to the tank 15.

  The electrolyzer 41 is provided at a position upstream of the water heat exchanger 21 in the water inlet pipe 27 at a position downstream of the pump 31. Details of the electrolyzer 41 will be described later.

  The controller 32 includes a control unit 33 and a memory (storage unit) 34. The controller 33 controls the boiling operation of boiling water in the tank 15 based on the boiling operation schedule stored in the memory 34. Further, the control unit 33 controls a power supply 53 that energizes an electric circuit of the electrolyzer 41 described later. As the power source 53, for example, a DC power source is used.

  Next, the operation of the heat pump water heater 11 will be described. In the boiling operation for boiling water in the tank 15, the control unit 33 drives the compressor 19 of the heat pump unit 13 to adjust the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 23 and drives the pump 31 of the hot water storage unit 17. . Thereby, as shown in FIG. 1, low-temperature water in the tank 15 is sent to the water heat exchanger 21 through the inlet pipe 27 from the water outlet provided at the bottom of the tank 15, and is heated in the water heat exchanger 21. The The heated high-temperature water is returned into the tank 15 from a water inlet provided in the upper part of the tank 15 through the hot water supply pipe 29. Thereby, hot water is stored in the tank 15 in order from the upper part. In this boiling operation, scale components contained in water are removed by the electrolyzer 41.

  The heat pump water heater 11 of the present embodiment is a transient water heater. In the transient hot water heater 11, the water (hot water) supplied from the hot water supply pipe 35 is used by the user and does not return to the tank 15. Accordingly, the same amount of water supplied from the tank 15 through the hot water supply pipe 35 is supplied to the tank 15 from the water supply source through the water supply pipe 37. That is, the tank 15 is frequently replenished with water containing scale components from a water supply source such as tap water or well water, and the amount of replenishment is also large. Therefore, in the case of a transient heat pump water heater, it is necessary to remove scale components more efficiently than a circulating cooling water circulation device or a circulating water heater.

<Electrolysis device>
FIG. 2 is a perspective view showing the electrolyzer 41. 3A is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzer 41 cut along a plane parallel to the vertical direction, and FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view of the electrolyzer 41 cut along a plane parallel to the horizontal direction. is there. The electrolyzer 41 according to this embodiment is for removing scale components contained in the water sent to the water heat exchanger 21. The electrolyzer 41 includes a container 47 having a water inlet 43 and a water outlet 45, and a plurality of first electrodes 51 and a plurality of second electrodes 52 accommodated in the container 47. In the present embodiment, a plurality of second electrodes 52 are provided, but the present invention is not limited to this, and at least one second electrode 52 may be provided. However, when only one second electrode 52 is provided, the second electrode 52 functions as an anode.

  Each first electrode 51 is formed of a material having at least a surface mainly composed of platinum. Specifically, a form in which the entirety of each first electrode 51 is formed of a material mainly composed of platinum (a material such as platinum or a platinum alloy) can be exemplified. Each first electrode 51 is made of a material having a higher ionization tendency than platinum (that is, a material that is more easily oxidized than platinum in water), and the surface of the electrode body has platinum as a main component. The form which has a coating layer formed with material (materials, such as platinum and a platinum alloy) can be illustrated. Examples of the material of the electrode main body include materials containing titanium as a main component (materials such as titanium and titanium alloys) and materials containing copper as a main component (materials such as copper and copper alloys).

  Each second electrode 52 is formed of a material that has a higher ionization tendency than platinum (that is, a material that is more easily oxidized than platinum in water). Specifically, each second electrode 52 is formed of, for example, a material containing titanium as a main component (a material such as titanium or a titanium alloy), a material containing copper as a main component (a material such as copper or a copper alloy), or the like. A form can be illustrated.

  The plurality of first electrodes 51 are arranged so as to include a portion where the first electrodes 51 are adjacent to each other. The plurality of second electrodes 52 are arranged so as to include a portion where the second electrodes 52 are adjacent to each other. The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are arranged in one direction (electrode thickness direction) so that one of the adjacent electrodes functions as an anode and the other of the adjacent electrodes functions as a cathode. Is connected to a power source 53.

  In the present embodiment, the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are connected in parallel to the power source 53. The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are arranged in a line in the container 47 and are alternately connected to the positive electrode and the negative electrode of the power source 53. As the power source 53, for example, a DC power source is used.

  Hereinafter, the arrangement of the electrodes will be described in more detail. In the present embodiment, the electrolyzer 41 includes a first electrode group 1 and a second electrode group 2. The first electrode group 1 includes a plurality of first electrode blocks 1A and 1B. The first electrode block 1A includes a plurality of electrode pairs. The first electrode block 1A includes a plurality of first electrodes 51, and these first electrodes 51 are arranged so that the first electrodes 51 are adjacent to each other. The first electrode block 1B includes a plurality of electrode pairs different from the first electrode block 1A. The first electrode block 1B includes a plurality of first electrodes 51 different from the first electrode block 1A, and these first electrodes 51 are arranged so that the first electrodes 51 are adjacent to each other.

  The second electrode group 2 includes a plurality of second electrode blocks 2A and 2B. The second electrode block 2A includes an electrode pair. The second electrode block 2A includes a plurality of second electrodes 52, and these second electrodes 52 are arranged so that the second electrodes 52 are adjacent to each other. The second electrode block 2B includes an electrode pair different from the second electrode block 2A. The second electrode block 2B includes a plurality of second electrodes 52 different from the second electrode block 2A, and these second electrodes 52 are arranged so that the second electrodes 52 are adjacent to each other. The number of second electrodes constituting each second electrode block is smaller than the number of first electrodes constituting each first electrode block.

  The plurality of first electrode blocks 1A, 1B and the plurality of second electrode blocks 2A, 2B are arranged so that the first electrode blocks and the second electrode blocks are alternately arranged. Among these electrode blocks 1A, 1B, 2A, 2B, the first electrode block 1A is arranged at the most upstream side of the water flow in the container 47, and at the most downstream side of the water flow in the container 47. The second electrode block 2B is disposed.

  In the present embodiment, the number of first electrodes 51 is larger than the number of second electrodes 52.

  As the shape of each electrode, for example, various shapes such as a plate shape and a rod shape can be adopted, but in this embodiment, a plate shape is adopted. Thereby, the surface area of each electrode can be increased. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes 51 and the plurality of second electrodes 52 are arranged in parallel to each other and arranged in the thickness direction of the electrodes.

  Furthermore, in the present embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes 51 and the plurality of second electrodes 52 are arranged so that a meandering flow path in which water flows while meandering in the container 47 is formed. Specifically, it is as follows.

  As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3A and 3B, the container 47 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape constituted by six wall portions. These wall portions form a water flow space through which water flows. The six wall parts include a first wall part 471, a second wall part 472, a third wall part 473, a fourth wall part 474, a fifth wall part 475, and a sixth wall part 476.

  The first wall portion 471 is located on the upstream side of the water flow, and the second wall portion 472 is located on the downstream side of the water flow in a posture parallel to the first wall portion 471. The first wall portion 471 and the second wall portion 472 are arranged in a posture parallel to the first electrodes 51 and the second electrodes 52. The third to sixth wall portions connect the peripheral portions of the first wall portion 471 and the second wall portion 472 to each other. The third wall portion 473 is positioned below, and the fourth wall portion 474 is positioned above in a posture parallel to the third wall portion 473. The fifth wall portion 475 is positioned on the right side toward the downstream side, and the sixth wall portion 476 is positioned on the left side toward the downstream side in a posture parallel to the fifth wall portion 475.

  The water inlet 43 of the container 47 is provided in the lower part of the first wall part 471, and the water outlet 45 is provided in the upper part of the second wall part 472. The water inlet 43 is connected to the water inlet pipe 27 located on the pump 31 side, and the water outlet 45 is connected to the water inlet pipe 27 located on the water heat exchanger 21 side. Water sent to the electrolyzer 41 through the water inlet pipe 27 by the pump 31 flows into the water flow space inside the container 47 from the water inlet 43. The water that has flowed into the water flow space flows toward the downstream side of the water flow, and is discharged from the water outlet 45 to the outside of the container 47.

  The plurality of electrodes 51 and 52 are arranged along the horizontal direction at intervals in the thickness direction of the electrodes. The gap between the electrodes functions as a flow path through which water flows. The plurality of electrodes 51, 52 are alternately in contact with the third wall portion 473 and in contact with the fourth wall portion 474. The electrode in contact with the third wall portion 473 extends toward the fourth wall portion 474, and a gap through which water can flow is provided between the inner surface of the fourth wall portion 474. The electrode in contact with the fourth wall portion 474 extends toward the third wall portion 473, and a gap through which water can flow is provided between the inner surface of the third wall portion 473. Thus, a meandering flow path as shown in FIG. 3A is formed in the container 47.

  In the electrolyzer 41 having the above-described structure, the scale component contained in the water is electrolyzed until the water flowing into the container 47 from the water inlet 43 flows out of the container 47 from the water outlet 45. It deposits as a scale on the cathode of the electrode pair constituted by adjacent electrodes. The scale attached to the cathode is dropped from the cathode, for example, by periodically reversing the polarities of the electrodes 51 and 52, and is deposited on the third wall portion 473 of the container 47. The sedimented scale is discharged to the outside of the container 47 through a scale discharge port (not shown) provided in the container 47, for example.

  As a mechanism for reversing the polarity, for example, a reversing mechanism 63 shown in FIG. The reversing mechanism 63 is controlled by the controller 32. The reversing mechanism 63 has a contact switching unit 71 and a contact switching unit 72, and reverses the polarities of the electrode plates 51 and 52 by switching the contact of the contact switching unit 71 and the contact of the contact switching unit 72. Can do.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the electrolyzer 41. As shown in FIG. 4, the first modification is different from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in that the size of the second electrode 52 is larger than the size of the first electrode. Specifically, it is as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 4, in the first modification, the thickness of the second electrode 52 is larger than the thickness of the first electrode 51. In the first modification, the case where the thickness of all the second electrodes 52 is larger than the thickness of the first electrode 51 is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. The second electrode 52 that is a part of the plurality of second electrodes 52 may be thicker than the first electrode 51. When only one second electrode 52 is provided, the size of the second electrode 52 may be larger than the size of the first electrode.

  Further, the means for making the size of the second electrode 52 larger than the size of the first electrode is not limited to the form of adjusting the thickness of the plate-like second electrode 52 as in the first modification. For example, the length of the second electrode 52 in the direction orthogonal to the thickness direction may be adjusted. Moreover, when the 2nd electrode 52 has a rod shape, the form which adjusts the length and width can be illustrated. Moreover, when the 2nd electrode 52 is a column-shaped rod shape, the form which adjusts the length and diameter can be illustrated.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the electrolyzer 41. As shown in FIG. 5, the second modification is different from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in the number of electrode blocks. Specifically, it is as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 5, in Modification 2, the electrolyzer 41 includes a first electrode group 1 and a second electrode group 2. The first electrode group 1 includes a plurality of first electrode blocks 1A to 1E. Each first electrode block includes one electrode pair. Each first electrode block includes a pair of first electrodes 51, and these first electrodes 51 are arranged adjacent to each other.

  The second electrode group 2 includes a plurality of second electrode blocks 2A to 2E. Each second electrode block includes one electrode pair. Each second electrode block includes a pair of second electrodes 52, and these second electrodes 52 are arranged adjacent to each other. The number of the second electrodes constituting each second electrode block is the same as the number of the first electrodes constituting each first electrode block, but is not limited thereto.

  The plurality of first electrode blocks 1A to 1E and the plurality of second electrode blocks 2A to 2E are arranged so that the first electrode blocks and the second electrode blocks are alternately arranged. In the second modification, the number of the first electrodes 51 is the same as the number of the second electrodes 52, but is not limited thereto.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a third modification of the electrolyzer 41. Modification 3 is different from Modification 2 in that the size of the second electrode 52 is larger than the size of the first electrode 51. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 6, in Modification 3, the thickness of the second electrode 52 is larger than the thickness of the first electrode 51.

  FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modification of the electrolyzer 41. The fourth modification is different from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in the number of electrode blocks. Specifically, it is as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 7, in Modification 4, the electrolysis device 41 includes a first electrode group 1 and a second electrode group 2. The first electrode group 1 includes one first electrode block. The second electrode group 2 includes one second electrode block. The first electrode block includes a plurality of electrode pairs. The first electrode block includes a plurality of first electrodes 51 and is continuously arranged in the thickness direction without the second electrode 52 interposed. The second electrode block includes a plurality of electrode pairs. The second electrode block includes a plurality of second electrodes 52 and is continuously arranged in the thickness direction without the first electrode 51 interposed.

  The first electrode block (first electrode group 1) is disposed on the upstream side of the water flow with respect to the second electrode block (second electrode group 2). In the second modification, the number of first electrodes 51 is the same as the number of second electrodes 52. It is not limited to this.

  FIG. 8 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth modification of the electrolyzer 41. As shown in FIG. 8, this modified example 5 is different from the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B in that it does not have a meandering flow path. Specifically, it is as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the electrolyzer 41 includes a container 47 having a water inlet 43 and a water outlet 45, a plurality of first electrodes 51 accommodated in the container 47, and a plurality of elements accommodated in the container 47. The second electrode 52 is provided. The plurality of first electrodes 51 are arranged so that the first electrodes 51 are adjacent to each other, and the plurality of second electrodes 52 are arranged so that the second electrodes 52 are adjacent to each other. The plurality of first electrodes 51 and the plurality of second electrodes 52 are connected to a power source 53 so that one of the adjacent electrodes functions as an anode and the other of the adjacent electrodes functions as a cathode.

  In this modified example 5, the lower end portion of each electrode is separated from the bottom surface of the container 47, and the upper end portion of each electrode is separated from the upper surface of the container 47. Not done. Therefore, the water that has flowed into the container 47 from the water inlet 43 flows in the container 47 to some extent at random, and the scale component is removed in the process of passing through the gap between the adjacent electrodes while flowing toward the water outlet 45.

  FIG. 9 is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth modification of the electrolyzer 41. As shown in FIG. 9, the modification 6 is different from the modification 5 in that the number of the second electrodes 52 is one. In the sixth modification, the second electrode 52 is disposed on the most downstream side of the water flow in the container 47. The plurality of first electrodes 51 are disposed upstream of the second electrode 52 in the water flow in the container 47.

  In the sixth modification, the second electrode 52 functions as an anode, the adjacent first electrode 51 functions as a cathode, and the remaining first electrode 51 functions as an anode.

  As described above, in the embodiment and each modification shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the plurality of adjacent first electrodes 51 are formed of a material whose surface is mainly platinum. Therefore, it has excellent corrosion resistance and hardly requires maintenance work such as an electrode formed of titanium or copper. In addition, in this configuration, since the plurality of first electrodes 51 are arranged so as to include a portion where the first electrodes 51 are adjacent to each other, an electrode pair in which both the anode and the cathode are constituted by the first electrode 51 is always provided. Exists. Therefore, even when the corrosion of the second electrode 52 has progressed by using the electrolyzer for a long period of time, the electrode pair constituted by the first electrode 51 is hardly corroded as the second electrode 52. Since it does not progress and the surface area of the electrode is hardly reduced, the ability to remove scale components is maintained.

On the other hand, in the second electrode 52 functioning as an anode, corrosion progresses by using the electrolyzer 41 for a long period of time, and the surface area of the second electrode 52 becomes small. Unless this occurs, hydrogen ions continue to be generated during the corrosion (oxidation) of the second electrode 52. Therefore, even if the pH of the water around the first electrode 51 temporarily increases due to the catalytic ability of platinum contained in the first electrode 51, the water is pH adjusted by the hydrogen ions generated at the second electrode 52. Decreases. Thereby, it can suppress that the water which flows out from the water outlet 45 of the container 47 becomes the water quality in which a scale tends to precipitate. In addition, the replacement of the second electrode 52 is not necessary when the second electrode 52 exhibits a pH lowering action due to the anodic oxidation reaction, and may be performed when the corrosion of the second electrode 52 has progressed considerably. Maintenance of the (second electrode) can be reduced as much as possible. Specifically, when the second electrode 52 is mainly composed of titanium, for example, the anodic oxidation reaction of the second electrode 52 is represented by an example of a reaction formula of “Ti + 2H ₂ O → TiO ₂ + 4H ⁺ + 4e ⁻ ”. The

  3A and 3B and Modifications 1 to 5 are provided with a plurality of second electrodes 52, so that the amount of hydrogen ions generated during electrolysis is increased. can do. The plurality of second electrodes 52 are arranged so as to include a portion where the second electrodes 52 are adjacent to each other. Therefore, one of the adjacent second electrodes 52 is connected to the positive electrode of the power supply 53, and the other of the adjacent second electrodes 52 is connected to the negative electrode of the power supply 53, so that the second electrode 52 functioning as the anode is always present. Will exist. By adopting such a configuration, for example, even when control is performed to periodically invert the anode and the cathode in the plurality of first electrodes 51 and the plurality of second electrodes 52, the second electrode that functions as the anode. 52 can always exist.

  In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B and Modifications 1 and 6, even when the corrosion of the second electrode 52 proceeds by using the electrolyzer 41 for a long period of time, the corrosion hardly occurs. Since the number of the first electrodes 51 that do not occur is larger than the number of the second electrodes 52, it is possible to further reduce the reduction in the ability to remove scale components.

  In the modified examples 1 and 3, even when the corrosion of the second electrode 52 has progressed by using the electrolyzer 41 for a long time, the size of the second electrode 52 is larger than the size of the first electrode 51. Since the large thing is used, the function which can produce | generate a hydrogen ion at the time of electrolysis can be maintained further. Thereby, the maintenance of the electrode (second electrode) can be further reduced.

  In the embodiment and each modification shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, one or a plurality of second electrodes 52 include a second electrode 52 disposed at the most downstream side of the water flow in the container 47. include. Therefore, even if the pH of the water before reaching the second electrode 52 arranged on the most downstream side temporarily increases due to the catalytic ability of platinum contained in the first electrode 51, this water is arranged on the most downstream side. After the pH is reduced by the hydrogen ions generated in the second electrode 52, it flows out from the container 47. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the effect of suppressing water having a high pH from flowing out of the container 47.

  In the modified example 4, during electrolysis, the pH of water around the first electrode 51 temporarily increases due to the catalytic ability of platinum contained in the first electrode 51, but the plurality of first electrodes 51 are contained in the container 47. Since it is arrange | positioned in the uppermost stream of the flow of water, pH of water becomes small with the hydrogen ion which arises in the 2nd electrode 52 arrange | positioned downstream from these 1st electrodes 51. FIG. Therefore, it is possible to further enhance the effect of suppressing water having a high pH from flowing out of the container 47.

  In the embodiment and the first to fourth modifications shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the plurality of first electrodes 51 and the second electrodes 52 have a plate shape, and the plurality of first electrodes 51 and the plurality of second electrodes. The electrode 52 forms a meandering flow path in which water flows while meandering in the container 47. Accordingly, the water that has flowed into the container 47 from the water inlet 43 flows along a path meandering from the upstream side to the downstream side, so that the contact area between the electrode and the water is increased, and the scale component removal efficiency is further increased. Can be improved.

  Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit of the present invention.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the plurality of electrodes 51 and 52 form a meandering flow path that meanders in the vertical direction in the container 47 is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the form which forms the meandering flow path in which the some electrodes 51 and 52 meander in other directions, such as a horizontal direction, in the container 47 may be sufficient. In order to obtain a meandering flow path meandering in the horizontal direction, for example, in the electrolysis apparatus 41 shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the fifth wall portion 475 is located below and the sixth wall portion 476 is located above. What is necessary is just to arrange | position so that it may be located in.

  In the said embodiment, the case where the electrolyzer 41 is provided in the inflow piping 27 located downstream from the pump 31 and upstream from the water heat exchanger 21 in the water flow path of the heat pump water heater 11 is given as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The electrolyzer 41 may be provided upstream of the water heat exchanger 21 in the water flow path. Specifically, the electrolyzer 41 may be provided, for example, in the incoming water pipe 27 upstream of the pump 31, or may be provided in the water supply pipe 37 that supplies water to the tank 15 from the water supply source. Good.

  In the embodiment, the case where the container 47 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape has been described as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The container 47 may have a prismatic shape other than a rectangular parallelepiped or a cylindrical shape.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the transient hot water heater was mentioned as an example and demonstrated, it is not limited to this. The present invention can also be applied to, for example, a water heater of a type in which a part of water (hot water) supplied from the hot water supply pipe 35 is returned to the tank 15 again.

  In the said embodiment, although the case where the heat pump water heater 11 was used for the use for supplying hot water to a bathtub etc. was illustrated, it is not limited to this. The heat pump water heater 11 can also be applied when high-temperature water stored in the tank 15 is used for heating purposes. That is, the heat pump water heater 11 is an apparatus that supplies water by changing it to hot water, and can be used as a hot water heater in a heat pump hot water heater.

  The electrolysis apparatus of the present invention can also be applied to other uses where it is necessary to remove scale components, such as cooling towers, combustion hot water heaters, and electric water heaters.

  Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where the 2nd electrode 52 was arrange | positioned in the most downstream of the flow of the water in the container 47 was illustrated, it is not limited to this. The first electrode 51 may be disposed on the most downstream side.

  Moreover, although the case where the plurality of first electrodes 51 are arranged in the uppermost stream of the water flow in the container 47 is illustrated in the embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. The second electrode 52 may be disposed on the uppermost stream.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Heat pump water heater 13 Heat pump unit 15 Tank 17 Hot water storage unit 21 Water heat exchanger 41 Electrolyzer 43 Water inlet 45 Water outlet 47 Container 51 1st electrode 52 2nd electrode

Claims (8)

An electrolysis device for removing scale components contained in water,
A container (47) having a water inlet (43) and a water outlet (45);
A plurality of first electrodes (51) housed in the container (47) and having at least a surface formed of a material mainly composed of platinum;
Including at least one second electrode (52) housed in the container (47) and formed of a material having a higher ionization tendency than platinum,
The plurality of first electrodes (51) are arranged so as to include a portion where the first electrodes (51) are adjacent to each other,
The plurality of first electrodes (51) and the at least one second electrode (52) are arranged in one direction, and one of the adjacent electrodes functions as an anode, and the other of the adjacent electrodes functions as a cathode. The electrolysis apparatus, wherein the at least one second electrode (52) includes a second electrode (52) that functions as an anode. The at least one second electrode (52) is composed of a plurality of second electrodes (52),
The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of second electrodes (52) are arranged so as to include a portion where the second electrodes (52) are adjacent to each other.   The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the number of electrodes in the plurality of first electrodes (51) is larger than the number of electrodes in the plurality of second electrodes (52).   The said at least 1 2nd electrode (52) includes the 2nd electrode (52) which has a size larger than the size of the said 1st electrode (51), The any one of Claims 1-3 The electrolyzer described in 1.   The said at least 1 2nd electrode (52) includes the 2nd electrode (52) arrange | positioned in the most downstream of the flow of the water in the said container (47), The one of Claims 1-4 The electrolyzer according to item 1.   The electrolysis apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the plurality of first electrodes (51) are arranged in the uppermost stream of water in the container (47). The plurality of first electrodes (51) and the at least one second electrode (52) have a plate shape,
The plurality of first electrodes (51) and the at least one second electrode (52) form a meandering flow path through which water meanders in the container (47). The electrolyzer according to any one of the above. A heat pump unit (13) having a water heat exchanger (21) for heating water and circulating the refrigerant through the refrigerant pipe;
A tank (15) in which water is stored, a feed-side channel for sending water from the tank (15) to the water heat exchanger (21), and water heated by the water heat exchanger (21) A hot water storage unit (17) having a return-side flow path returned to (15);
The electrolysis apparatus (41) of any one of Claims 1-7 for removing the scale component contained in the water sent to the said water heat exchanger (21), The heat pump water heater provided with.

Images