JP2014169812A - Tank hot water supply device, hot water supply method and hot water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To supply hot water at a required temperature by using heat from an external heat source without waste and by exhibiting capability of an external water heater.SOLUTION: A tank hot water supply device includes: a hot water storage tank (6) for storing hot water (12) heated by heat from an external heat source (4); a hot water supply pipe passage (water heater side supply pipe 56) to which hot water (14) or water is supplied from external hot water supply means (water heater 10); mixing means (mixing device 16) to which the hot water storage tank and the hot water supply pipe passage are connected, and mixing hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank and the hot water or the water flowing from the hot water supply pipe passage at a prescribed ratio to be supplied; and control means (controller 60) for outputting a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction to the external hot water supply means in accordance with a required hot water supply temperature, and controlling a valve opening of the mixing means.

Description

The present invention relates to a tank hot water supply device, a hot water supply method, and a hot water supply system that store hot water heated by heat recovered from an external heat source and use it for hot water supply.

  By collecting solar heat, exhaust heat from the engine or fuel cell, etc., heating the water in the hot water storage tank, and supplying the hot water obtained by the heating when there is a hot water request, There are some which make effective use of heat. In such a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus, since the stored hot water does not coincide with the required temperature, there is known a hot water supply whose temperature is adjusted, such as heating through an external water heater as auxiliary heating means.

With respect to such a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus, an auxiliary heat source device is connected to the downstream side of the water heater having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated via a heat collector that is an external heat source. It is known that hot water whose temperature is lowered by a mixing device is supplied (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2003-161513 A

  By the way, in the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus, the temperature of the hot water in the tank differs depending on the type of external heat source to be connected, use conditions or installation conditions. In the hot water supply apparatus, when the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank is heated by an external water heater in order to perform hot water supply at the required temperature, the heating conditions differ depending on the temperature of the hot water in the tank. In an external water heater, for example, when the temperature of hot water supplied from a hot water storage tank is high and the temperature difference from the required temperature is small, combustion control may not be performed properly or combustion processing may not be performed. . Therefore, the hot water supply apparatus has a problem that hot water supply according to the required temperature cannot be performed.

  Furthermore, when using a latent heat recovery type water heater with improved heat recovery capability from combustion gas as an external water heater, latent heat can be recovered if the temperature of the hot water or water being supplied is above a certain value. There is a problem that the hot water supply capability with high efficiency cannot be exhibited.

  In response to such heating conditions such as the feed water temperature, the hot water supply apparatus disclosed in Patent Document 1 is adjusted to a combustible temperature by mixing cold water with hot water supplied from the tank side. However, if the hot water is cooled to burn the external water heater, it is not possible to effectively use all of the heat recovered from the external heat source. In addition, the utilization rate of hot water in the tank is reduced depending on the required hot water temperature condition with respect to the temperature of the hot water in the tank, and the hot water is stored in the tank for a long time, so that the temperature decreases due to heat dissipation etc. There is a problem that heat is wasted.

Accordingly, in view of the above problems, the purpose of the tank hot water supply device, the hot water supply method and the hot water supply system of the present invention is to use the heat from the external heat source without waste, and to demonstrate the capability of the external water heater, so that the hot water supply at the required temperature is achieved. Is to make it possible.

  In order to achieve the above object, a tank hot water supply apparatus of the present invention includes a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heat of an external heat source, a hot water supply pipe to which hot water or water is supplied from an external hot water supply means, the hot water storage tank, Mixing means for connecting the hot water supply pipe and mixing hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank side with hot water or water flowing from the hot water supply pipe side at a predetermined ratio according to a set valve opening and discharging hot water, and a request Control means for outputting a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction to the external hot water supply means according to a hot water supply temperature and controlling the valve opening of the mixing means.

  In the tank hot water supply apparatus, preferably, the external hot water supply means may include a secondary heat exchanger that recovers latent heat from the combustion gas of the combustion means.

  In the tank hot water supply apparatus, preferably, the hot water supply temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the hot water on the hot water storage tank side, the flow rate detection means that detects the flow rate of the hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank side, and the mixing means Mixing temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the hot water, and the control means calculates a hot water supply temperature from the external hot water supply means side based on the detected temperature of the hot water supply temperature sensor and the detected flow rate of the flow rate detection means. While outputting a hot water supply instruction, the valve opening degree of the mixing means may be controlled based on the temperature detected by the mixing temperature detecting means.

  In the tank hot water supply device, preferably, the hot water storage tank detects a temperature of water supplied to the hot water storage tank side by the water supply means and water supply means supplied according to the amount of hot water supplied to the mixing means side. The control means compares the incoming water temperature detected by the incoming water temperature sensor with the temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank, and the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is lower than the incoming water temperature. In this case, the mixing means may stop the inflow of hot water from the hot water storage tank side.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the hot water supply method of the present invention, hot water heated by the heat of the external heat source is stored in a hot water storage tank, and the hot water storage tank is connected to mixing means to which the hot water storage tank and the hot water supply pipe of the external hot water supply means are connected. And hot water or water is supplied from the external hot water supply means, and hot water flowing in from the hot water storage tank side and hot water or water flowing in from the hot water supply pipe side are mixed at a predetermined ratio by the valve opening set in the mixing means. According to the required hot water supply temperature, a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction is output to the external hot water supply means, and the valve opening of the mixing means is controlled.

  In the hot water supply method, preferably, the temperature of the hot water on the hot water storage tank side is further detected, the flow rate of the hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank side is detected, the temperature of the hot water mixed by the mixing means is detected, and the hot water storage Based on the detected temperature and detected flow rate of hot water on the tank side, the control means outputs a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction to the external hot water supply means side, and based on the detected temperature of the mixed hot water, the control means The process which makes the said mixing means control a valve opening from may be included.

  In the hot water supply method, preferably, the hot water storage tank is supplied with water according to the amount of hot water supplied to the mixing means, and the temperature of the water flowing into the hot water storage tank is detected by an incoming water temperature sensor, and the incoming water temperature sensor When the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is lower than the incoming water temperature, the control means from the control means to the hot water tank side The process which stops the inflow of hot water from may be included.

  In order to achieve the above object, a hot water supply system of the present invention includes an external heat source that supplies heat by collecting heat or heat, an external hot water supply unit that is connected to a hot water supply pipe and supplies hot water or water, and heat of the external heat source. A hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the hot water storage tank, the hot water storage tank and the hot water supply pipe line are connected, and hot water flowing in from the hot water storage tank side and hot water or water flowing in from the hot water supply means according to a set valve opening degree. A tank provided with mixing means for mixing and discharging hot water at a predetermined ratio, and a control means for outputting a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction to the external hot water supply means according to a required hot water temperature and controlling the valve opening of the mixing means A hot water supply device is provided.

  In the hot water supply system, preferably, the external hot water supply means may include a secondary heat exchanger that recovers latent heat from the combustion gas of the combustion means.

In the hot water supply system, preferably, the tank hot water supply device includes a hot water temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of hot water on the hot water storage tank side, a flow rate detection means for detecting a flow rate of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank side, and the mixing means. Mixing temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the hot water mixed by the control means, the control means is based on the detected temperature of the hot water temperature sensor and the detected flow rate of the flow rate detection means, the hot water supply instruction on the external hot water supply means side And the valve opening degree of the mixing means may be controlled based on the temperature detected by the mixing temperature detecting means.

  According to the tank hot water supply apparatus, the hot water supply method, or the hot water supply system of the present invention, any of the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) The hot water in the hot water storage tank is mixed with hot water at the temperature required for heating to generate hot water at the required hot water supply temperature, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank is used preferentially. It can be used without wasting heat.

  (2) By not allowing hot water to flow into the external hot water supply means side, it is possible to execute the set heat treatment and recover the latent heat from the combustion gas when using a latent heat recovery type water heater. The hot water supply function of the means can be exhibited.

  (3) Hot water responsiveness at a constant temperature can be improved by directly discharging hot water from the hot water storage tank side at the start of hot water supply.

(4) In the hot water supply system, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is not allowed to flow into the external hot water supply means, but low-temperature water is supplied, so that no special adjustment processing or dedicated equipment is required. For example, an existing hot water heater can be used. Can improve convenience.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become clearer with reference to the accompanying drawings and each embodiment.

It is a figure which shows the structural example of the hot water supply system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the external heat source using a solar panel. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the external heat source using an electric power generation unit. It is a figure which shows the control structural example of a hot water supply system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a hot water supply control process. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the hot water supply system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows an example of a hot water supply control process.

  [First Embodiment]

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration example of a hot water supply system showing a first embodiment of the present invention. The configuration shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration.

  A hot water supply system 2 shown in FIG. 1 includes, for example, an external heat source 4, a tank unit 8 having a hot water storage tank 6, and a hot water heater 10, and uses hot water 12 stored in the hot water storage tank 6 to obtain a required temperature. Adjust and let the hot water come out of the tank unit 8. In this hot water supply system 2, a water supply pipe for supplying clean water W is branched into a tank unit 8 and a water heater 10, and is arranged in a so-called parallel state.

  And in the hot water supply of the hot water supply system 2, the hot water 12 from the hot water storage tank 6 of the tank unit 8 and the hot water 14 or water from the hot water heater 10 are mixed at a predetermined ratio by the mixing device 16 and discharged. In the hot water supply process, the temperature is adjusted by hot water supply or water supply from the hot water heater 10 side based on the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 with respect to the required hot water supply temperature.

  <Configuration example of external heat source 4>

  The external heat source 4 is an example of means for generating hot water 12 by generating heat or recovering thermal energy from solar heat or the like to heat water or hot water in the hot water storage tank 6. The external heat source 4 includes heat recovery means such as a heat collector. And the external heat source 4 installs the heat circuit 18 between these heat recovery means, for example, and heat-transfers it to the hot water storage tank 6 side via the heat medium which flows in this heat circuit 18.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the external heat source 4 includes a solar panel 20 as a solar heat collecting device 19 that recovers the heat from sunlight, and a heat medium as a heat circuit 18 is provided inside the solar panel 20. A heating medium circulation path 22 is provided. The heat medium circulation path 22 circulates water, antifreeze, or the like as a heat medium, for example, and the heat medium heated by solar heat collected when passing through the solar panel 20 circulates. In addition, the heat medium circulation path 22 is formed with a heat exchanging portion 24 that is partially inserted into the hot water storage tank 6 or brought into contact with the outer peripheral side to exchange heat with water or hot water in the hot water storage tank 6. In addition, the heat medium circulation path 22 includes a circulation pump 26 for circulating the heat medium.

  Further, as the external heat source 4, for example, a power generation unit 28 may be used as shown in FIG. The power generation unit 28 includes an engine 30 that generates heat by driving, for example. The engine 30 is provided with a cooling circuit 32 for cooling the engine 30 by, for example, recovering generated heat, and an exhaust pipe line 36 through which exhaust gas discharged from the engine 30 is passed. In addition, the power generation unit 28 includes a circulation path 38 that transfers heat between the hot water storage tank 6. The circulation path 38 is connected to heat exchangers 40 and 42 as heat recovery means for the cooling circuit 32 and the exhaust pipe line 36, and the circulating hot water 12 is exchanged by heat exchange with the heat exchangers 40 and 42. Heated.

  The circulation path 38 may include, for example, a switching valve 44 and a bypass pipe 46 that bypass the hot water 12 with respect to the hot water storage tank 6, and a pump 48 that circulates water or hot water 12 in the circulation path 38.

  In addition, the hot water supply system 2 may include, for example, a fuel cell device or the like as the external heat source 4, collect exhaust heat generated during power generation, and heat the hot water in the hot water storage tank 6.

  <About the tank unit 8 including the hot water storage tank 6>

  The hot water storage tank 6 is a hot water storage means for storing hot water 12 until the hot water supply is requested, and is an example of a heat storage means for converting the thermal energy recovered by the external heat source 4 into hot water for storage. This hot water storage tank 6 functions as a part of the cogeneration system together with the external heat source 4. And in the tank unit 8, the hot water 12 stored in the hot water storage tank 6 is utilized for hot water supply. In the hot water storage tank 6, for example, clean water W is supplied from an inlet pipe such as a water supply, and a certain amount of hot water 12 heated by the external heat source 4 is stored. Inside the hot water storage tank 6, for example, a heat exchanger formed in a part of the heat circuit 18 is installed to heat and heat the water or hot water 12 stored in the tank.

  The tank unit 8 is an example of a tank hot water supply device of the present invention, and supplies hot water using hot water 12 stored in the hot water storage tank 6. In the tank unit 8, for example, a tank side supply pipe 50 to which the mixing device 16 and the hot water storage tank 6 are connected is installed. For example, a flow rate sensor 52 and a tank temperature sensor 54 for detecting the flow rate of the hot water 12 flowing from the hot water storage tank 6 are installed in the tank side supply pipe 50. The tank temperature sensor 54 is an example of a hot water supply temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6. For example, a thermistor thermometer may be used.

  The mixing device 16 is an example of a mixing means for the hot water 12 on the hot water storage tank 6 side and the hot water 14 supplied from the water heater 10, and is formed to include, for example, a three-way valve as a mixing valve. In the mixing device 16, for example, a tank side supply pipe 50, a hot water supply side supply pipe 56 that is an example of a hot water supply pipe to which hot water 14 is supplied from the hot water heater 10 side, and mixed hot water are supplied to the outside of the tank unit 8. A hot water discharge pipe 58 for discharging hot water is connected. A mixed temperature sensor 55 is installed in the hot water outlet 58 as a mixed temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the hot water HW generated by mixing the hot water 12 and the hot water 14, for example.

  Further, the tank unit 8 includes a controller 60 that performs hot water supply control of the tank unit 8, an operation instruction to the connected water heater 10, and the like, and a remote controller 62 connected to the controller 60. The controller 60 is an example of a hot water supply control means for the tank unit 8, and includes a hot water temperature control for hot water discharged from the tank unit 8 and an opening / closing instruction for the mixing device 16, or an operation instruction including hot water supply and water supply instructions to the hot water heater 10 side. And so on. Information detected by the flow rate sensor 52, the tank temperature sensor 54, and the mixed temperature sensor 55 is notified to the controller 60 of the tank unit 8. The remote controller 62 is an example of a user interface, for example, and a requested hot water supply temperature or the like is input by an operation input and transmitted to the controller 60 side.

  <About water heater 10>

  The water heater 10 is an example of an external hot water supply means for the tank hot water supply apparatus of the present invention, and functions as an auxiliary heat source for the tank unit 8 for performing hot water supply at a required hot water supply temperature. The hot water heater 10 discharges hot water at a temperature necessary to warm the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 to the required hot water temperature based on, for example, a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction from the controller 60 side of the tank unit 8. .

  The water heater 10 is a latent heat recovery type water heater, and a primary heat exchanger 74 and a secondary heat exchanger 76 are arranged in the combustion chamber 70 toward the downstream side of the combustion exhaust path of the burner 72. A part of the water supply pipe 78 connected to the water supply is connected to the secondary heat exchanger 76 side, and the other part is branched to the bypass pipe 80 side and connected to the mixing valve 82 on the outlet side. Is done. The supplied water W is recovered in the secondary heat exchanger 76 by collecting latent heat from the combustion exhaust gas and heat-exchanged, and then heated on the primary heat exchanger 74 side and flows to the mixing valve 82 side.

  The mixing valve 82 mixes the hot water heated by the heat exchanger and the water that has passed through the bypass pipe 80 to adjust the temperature of the hot water 14 to the required hot water supply temperature. This temperature adjustment is performed, for example, by the control board 90 using the flow rate sensor 84 installed in the water supply pipe 78 and the detection information of the hot water temperature sensor 86 installed in the hot water supply side supply pipe 56 to adjust the mixing and burner. 72 combustion control or the like is executed. The temperature adjustment may be performed by feedback control based on detection information, for example.

  The hot water supply side of the water heater 10 is connected to a water heater side supply pipe 56, and the heated hot water 14 is supplied to the mixing device 16 side of the tank unit 8. The hot water supply system 2 may use a hot water heater installed in advance for a hot water supply target such as a house or a company facility. When using an existing water heater, the length of the hot water supply side supply pipe 56 is adjusted to be connected to the tank unit 8 with respect to the hot water outlet side of the water heater, and the controller 60 is connected to the control board of the water heater. That's fine. In the case of a facility equipped with an existing external heat source 4, the installation position of the tank unit 8 may be adjusted by the thermal circuit 18. Thereby, the hot water supply system 2 can freely set the installation position of the tank unit 8 on the basis of the installation position of the existing water heater 10 or the external heat source 4, for example.

  Control of the supply amount of clean water W to the tank unit 8 and the water heater 10 is set by a mixing device 16 that controls the hot water discharge. The hot water storage tank 6 is connected with, for example, a water supply pipe 92 for clean water W on the lower side. The hot water supply tank 92 is connected to a hot water supply pressure such as a water supply or a pressure load such as a pump (not shown) according to the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 6. Water W is supplied. Further, the flow path between the tank unit 8 and the hot water heater 10 is closed with respect to the supply side of the clean water W and the hot water supply side of the tank unit 8, so that the amount of hot water discharged from the tank unit 8 can be reduced. It corresponds to the amount of water entering the vessel 10. Therefore, the ratio of the flow rate to the water supply pipes 78 and 92 with respect to the clean water W is set by the opening degree of the mixing device 16 that determines the mixing ratio.

  Thereby, supply control of the hot water 12 with respect to the tank unit 8 of the hot water supply system 2 and the hot water 14 with respect to the water heater 10 is performed, for example, by adjusting the valve opening of the mixing device 16. The hot water supply request for auxiliary heating to the water heater 10 is based on the detected flow rate of the clean water W that has flowed in according to the set valve opening of the mixing device 16 and the combustion control or mixing control is performed by the control board 90. Done. For the detected flow rate, information detected by the flow sensor 84 may be used.

  <About the control function of the hot water supply system>

  FIG. 4 shows a configuration example of the control unit of the hot water supply system. The functional components and connection states shown in FIG. 4 are examples.

  <About the controller 60>

  The controller 60 of the tank unit 8 is electrically connected to the remote controller 62 and the control board 90 of the water heater 10 via, for example, a wire such as a communication cable or a wireless communication signal. The controller 60 takes in setting information, detection information, and the like from the remote controller 62 and the control board 90, and outputs instruction information such as permission or prohibition of combustion to the hot water heater 10 side, thereby controlling the hot water supply of the entire hot water supply system 2. I do. In this hot water supply control, adjustment of the valve opening that enables hot water supply at the required temperature and adjustment of hot water supply or water supply on the side of the water heater 10 are performed based on the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 4, the controller 60 includes a processor 100, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 102, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 104, and the like as functional components constituting the computer. The processor 100 is an example of arithmetic means for executing a hot water supply control program based on an OS (Operating System) stored in the ROM 104, for example. The processor 100 performs operation linkage control between the remote controller 62 and the hot water heater 10, determination of whether or not hot water supply by the hot water heater 10 side is necessary, and the like by arithmetic processing of the hot water control program. The RAM 102 functions as a work area for executing the hot water supply control program, and stores setting information fetched from the remote controller 62, temperature information fetched from the control board 90, flow rate information, and the like. The ROM 104 functions as a storage unit including a flash memory, for example. The ROM 104 stores, for example, an OS and a combustion control program.

  In addition, the controller 60 includes a communication unit (not shown), for example. The communication unit transmits the detected temperature information such as the incoming water temperature and the temperature of the hot water detected on the hot water heater 10 side, the detected data such as the detected water amount, the data on the way of executing the hot water control program, the communication data, etc. Communicate with.

  For example, the controller 60 takes in flow rate information from the flow rate sensor 52, temperature information of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 from the tank temperature sensor 54, and hot water temperature information of the tank unit 8 from the mixed temperature sensor 55 in order to perform hot water supply control. . In addition, the tank unit 8 may include, for example, an incoming water temperature sensor 110 that monitors the temperature of the clean water W supplied into the hot water storage tank 6. The tank unit 8 may take in temperature information detected by the incoming water temperature sensor 110 and use it for hot water control, for example. In addition, the controller 60 acquires requested hot water supply temperature information from the remote controller 62.

  Then, the controller 60 determines, for example, the required hot water temperature and the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6, and outputs a valve opening setting instruction to the mixing device 16 as a hot water instruction, and also to the hot water heater 10 side. A hot water supply request specifying the supply temperature is output. Moreover, the controller 60 may notify the remote controller 62 side of hot water supply state information, temperature information of the hot water 12, other error information, and the like as notification information.

  <About the remote controller 62>

  The remote controller 62 includes, for example, a control unit 120, an operation unit 122, and a display unit 124, and functions as a temperature setting input unit and a display unit for a user who makes a hot water supply request. The control unit 120 is an example of means for performing data input / output to / from the tank unit 8 to perform input instructions, display control, and the like, and includes, for example, a processor 126, a RAM 128, a ROM 130, and the like. The processor 126 performs processing for determining whether or not there is an operation such as a hot water supply request instruction or a required temperature input to the operation unit 122, analysis of the instruction information, communication processing with the tank unit 8, display processing on the display unit 124, and the like. Run. The RAM 128 stores the input required temperature information, information notified from the tank unit 8 side, and the like. The ROM 130 stores a control program executed by the processor 126 or past set temperature information.

  The operation unit 122 is an example of an interface for inputting a required temperature for hot water supply, and includes a keyboard and cursor keys. The display unit 124 includes, for example, a monitor device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), and sets required temperature information, hot water supply information, or operation information of the tank unit 8, and the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6. Display information.

  <Regarding the control board 90>

  The control board 90 is an example of a control unit that executes hot water supply processing in response to a hot water supply request from the tank unit 8, and includes, for example, a processor 140, a RAM 142, a ROM 144, and the like. The processor 140 is an example of a calculation unit that executes an OS, a combustion control program, an operation control program for linking with the tank unit 8, and the like stored in the ROM 144. The RAM 142 functions as a work area for executing the hot water supply control program. For example, the hot water supply request instruction from the tank unit 8, detection information by the hot water temperature sensor 86, temperature information detected by the flow sensor 84, detected flow information, It is a means for storing information such as the incoming water temperature by the water temperature sensor 150. The ROM 144 is a means for storing a hot water supply control program for operating the water heater 10 and other detection information.

  For example, as information for performing combustion control, the control board 90 takes in the flow rate information on the incoming side from the flow rate sensor 84, the temperature information on the hot water 14 in the hot water supply side supply pipe 56 on the outgoing hot water side from the hot water temperature sensor 86, and the like. . In addition, the water heater 10 may be provided with an incoming water temperature sensor 150 that takes in incoming water temperature information, for example, on a water inlet side pipe line. For example, the control board 90 takes in a hot water supply instruction from the tank unit 8 and opens the mixing valve 82 as a hot water generation process that matches the hot water supply instruction. As combustion control for the burner 72, for example, a combustion instruction is output to the original gas solenoid valve 152 that controls the supply amount of the fuel gas G.

  <About hot water supply control processing>

  FIG. 5 shows an example of the hot water supply control process. The processing contents and processing procedure shown in FIG. 5 are examples.

  The hot water supply control process shown in FIG. 5 is an example of a hot water supply control method by the hot water supply system 2 or the tank unit 8 or a hot water supply control program. In this hot water supply control, in order to adjust the hot water temperature from the tank unit 8 to the required hot water temperature based on the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6, supply of hot water 14 or water is requested from the hot water heater 10 side.

  The controller 60 acquires information on the set temperature (Tset) from the remote controller 62 and stores it in the RAM 102 or the ROM 106 (S1). And the presence or absence of the hot water request | requirement is monitored with respect to the tank unit 8 (S2). The presence or absence of a hot water supply request may be performed using the flow sensor 52, for example. That is, in the tank unit 8, for example, when a hot water valve (not shown) is opened, hot water 12 flows from the hot water storage tank 6 to the tank side supply pipe 50 in conjunction with running water generated in the hot water pipe 58. By detecting the flow of the hot water 12 with the flow sensor 52, it may be determined whether or not there is a hot water request.

  When a hot water discharge request is generated (YES in S2), it is determined whether or not the hot water temperature (Th) in the hot water storage tank 6 is equal to or higher than a set temperature (Tset) (S3). This comparison determination may be performed using temperature information detected by the tank temperature sensor 54. When the hot water temperature (Th) in the hot water storage tank 6 is equal to or higher than the set temperature (Tset) of the remote controller 62 (YES in S3), the controller 60 instructs the hot water heater 10 to prohibit combustion and adjusts the hot water temperature. In order to do this, water supply is requested (S4). The required flow rate of the water supply may be set based on, for example, the temperature difference between the hot water temperature (Th) in the tank and the set temperature (Tset) and the hot water flow rate of the hot water HW from the tank unit 8.

  Then, the controller 60 operates the mixing device 16 based on, for example, information on the hot water temperature in the tank (Th), the set temperature (Tset), and the outgoing hot water flow rate, and sets the opening (S5). Thereby, in the tank unit 8, the hot water 12 supplied from the hot water storage tank 6 so that the temperature (Tmix) of the hot water detected by the mixed temperature sensor 55 coincides with the set temperature (Tset) or falls within a predetermined range. The hot water 14 supplied through the hot water supply side supply pipe 56 is mixed.

  When the hot water temperature (Th) in the hot water storage tank 6 is lower than the set temperature (Tset) of the remote controller 62 (NO in S3), the controller 60 sets the set temperature (Tset) as a predetermined hot water temperature for the water heater 10. ), A hot water supply instruction at a temperature higher by the heating temperature (A) is output (S6). The hot water 14 required for the hot water heater 10 is set to a high temperature for mixing hot water having a set temperature (Tset) with the hot water temperature (Th) in the hot water storage tank 6 so as to be generated. Therefore, the setting of the hot water temperature of the water heater 10 may be calculated from the flow rate information of the flow sensors 52 and 84, the hot water temperature (Th) in the hot water storage tank 6, and the set temperature (Tset). In this calculation process, for example, if the flow rate from the hot water storage tank 6 side increases, the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water heater 10 side decreases in proportion to this, so the heating temperature (A) of the hot water temperature is a large value. Become. And the controller 60 outputs the permission of combustion operation with respect to the water heater 10 (S7).

  Upon receiving the combustion permission, the water heater 10 performs hot water supply processing by hot water control and combustion control by the control circuit 90. The control circuit 90 performs secondary control by combustion control of the burner 72 and opening control of the mixing valve 82 based on, for example, the flow rate of the clean water W flowing into the water heater 10 and the incoming water temperature with respect to the hot water temperature requested from the controller 60. Inflow control to the heat exchanger 76 side and the bypass line 80 side is performed. Then, the control circuit 90 performs combustion control of the burner 72 and opening degree control of the mixing valve 82 so that the temperature of the hot water temperature sensor 86 coincides with the hot water temperature requested from the controller 60 by feedback control, for example.

  And the controller 60 operates the mixing apparatus 16 based on the information of the hot water temperature (Th) in a tank, preset temperature (Tset), the hot water temperature from the hot water heater 10 side, and its hot water flow volume, and sets the opening degree, for example. (S5).

  According to such a configuration, the following effects can be obtained.

  (1) Hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 is preferentially used by mixing hot water 14 or water from the hot water heater 10 side with the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 to generate hot water HW at the required hot water temperature. As a result, the heat recovered by the external heat source 4 can be effectively used.

  (2) By not allowing hot water to flow into the water heater 10, it is possible to execute a heat treatment for setting the temperature, and when using a latent heat recovery type water heater, latent heat recovery from the combustion gas is possible. Thus, the function of the water heater 10 can be effectively exhibited.

  (3) At the start of hot water supply, the hot water of the tank unit 8 can be discharged directly to the hot water discharge pipe 58 side without flowing to the hot water heater 10 side, so that the hot water responsiveness at a constant temperature can be improved.

  (4) In the hot water supply system 2, the hot water 12 of the tank unit 8 is not allowed to flow into the hot water heater 10 side, but the low-temperature clean water W is supplied, and adjustment of the feed water temperature to the hot water heater 10 side is unnecessary. Costs and running costs can be reduced, improving convenience.

  (5) With the structure in which the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 and the hot water 14 supplied from the hot water heater 10 side are mixed to flow to the mixing device 16 side, it is not necessary to bring the tank unit 8 and the hot water heater 10 close to each other. There is freedom of installation.

  (6) The tank unit 8 may be installed with respect to the existing water heater 10, and the tank unit 8 instructs the required temperature to the water heater 10, and the water heater 10 side independently performs combustion control and hot water supply. Since the control is performed, the tank unit 8 can be easily installed.

  [Second Embodiment]

  FIG. 6 shows a hot water supply system according to the second embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 6 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. In FIG. 6, the same components as those in FIG.

  In the hot water supply system 2 shown in FIG. 6, for example, the water temperature of the supplied water W is monitored on the incoming side of the tank unit 8 and the water heater 10, and the water temperature of the hot water W and the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 are monitored. The valve opening of the mixing device 16 is set by comparing the temperature. Therefore, the tank unit 8 is provided with an incoming water temperature sensor 110 that detects the incoming water temperature, for example, on the water supply pipe 92 immediately before the hot water storage tank 6 on the incoming side. In addition, in the water heater 10, for example, an incoming water temperature sensor 150 is installed on the water supply pipe 78, and the temperature of the water W is monitored.

  Temperature information detected by the incoming water temperature sensor 110 is taken into the controller 60. Further, temperature information detected by the incoming water temperature sensor 150 is taken into the control board 90 and is notified to the controller 60 via the control board 90.

  The controller 60 of the tank unit 8 uses the detected temperature information taken in, compares the temperature with the hot water 12 stored in the hot water storage tank 6, and determines whether to use the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6. When the hot water 12 is used, the valve opening degree of the mixing device 16 is determined.

  <About hot water supply control>

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating an example of the hot water supply control process. The processing procedure and processing content shown in FIG. 7 are examples. In the processing content of FIG. 7, the description equivalent to the processing shown in FIG. 5 is omitted.

  As the hot water supply control, the controller 60 acquires information on the set temperature (Tset) set by the remote controller 62 and stores the information in the RAM 102 and the ROM 106 (S11) and monitors the hot water discharge request (S12). When a hot water discharge request is generated (YES in S12), it is determined whether or not the hot water temperature (Th) in the hot water storage tank 6 is equal to or higher than a set temperature (Tset) (S13). When the hot water temperature (Th) in the hot water storage tank 6 is equal to or higher than the set temperature (Tset) of the remote controller 62 (YES in S13), the controller 60 instructs the hot water heater 10 to prohibit combustion and adjusts the hot water temperature. In order to do this, water supply is requested (S14).

  For example, in the operation mode 1 of the mixing device 16, the controller 60 sets the mixing valve of the mixing device 16 to a constant opening so that the mixing temperature (Tmix) on the hot water side detected by the mixing temperature sensor 55 becomes equal to Tset. Set and pass water (S15). As a result, in the mixing device 16, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 6 and the clean water W are mixed at a constant rate and adjusted to the required temperature.

  Moreover, when the hot water temperature (Th) in the hot water storage tank 6 is lower than the set temperature (Tset), the process proceeds to a hot water supply request to the hot water heater 10 side. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the temperature (Th) of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 is higher than the incoming water temperature (Tw) of the clean water W supplied to the hot water storage tank 6 (S16). The controller 60 takes in the water temperature taken in from the incoming water temperature sensors 110 and 150 and the temperature detected by the tank outgoing temperature sensor 54 and compares the temperatures. From this comparison result, when the temperature of the hot water 12 stored in the hot water storage tank 6 is equal to or lower than the temperature (Tw) of the supplied water W, the process shifts to a process that does not use the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6. That is, under such temperature conditions, when the stored hot water 12 is used, the hot water heater 10 side must generate hot water at a higher temperature, resulting in poor combustion efficiency.

  Therefore, when the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 is higher than the incoming water temperature (Tw) (YES in S16), as the hot water supply processing using the hot water storage tank 6, the controller 60 supplies a predetermined hot water to the hot water heater 10. As the temperature, a hot water supply instruction at a temperature higher than the set temperature (Tset) by the heating temperature (A) is output (S17). And the controller 60 permits combustion of the water heater 10 (S18). Further, as the mixing device operation mode 2, the controller 60 sets the mixing valve of the mixing device 16 to a certain opening so that the mixing temperature (Tmix) on the hot water side becomes equal to the set temperature (Tset). And hot water 14 are passed through (S19).

  When the temperature (Th) of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 is equal to or lower than the incoming water temperature (Tw) (NO in S16), the controller 60 instructs the hot water supply device 10 to discharge hot water at the set temperature (Tset). (S20). The instruction temperature at this time is set to be equal to the set temperature (Tset) because the hot water is discharged only from the water heater 10 side.

  Then, the controller 60 outputs an instruction to permit combustion to the water heater 10 (S21) and outputs an operation instruction to the mixing device 16 (S22). In the mixing device 16 at this time, the hot water storage tank 6 side is fully closed, and the hot water heater 10 side is fully opened, so that the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 is not used.

  According to such a configuration, the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 is compared with the temperature of the tap water W. For example, when the hot water 12 is cooled or not heated due to weather conditions, By not using it, an increase in load on the water heater 10 and useless combustion processing can be avoided.

  With respect to the embodiment described above, the features and modifications thereof are listed below.

  (1) In the above embodiment, the water heater 10 is provided with the secondary heat exchanger 76 that recovers the latent heat of the combustion exhaust, but is not limited thereto. The water heater 10 may include only a primary heat exchanger 74 that recovers only sensible heat of combustion exhaust gas, for example.

  (2) In the hot water supply control of the tank unit 8 or the hot water supply system 2, for example, the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 is monitored at regular intervals or continuously during the hot water supply, and the hot water supply 10 is supplied to the hot water heater 10 according to the temperature state. What is necessary is just to perform the hot water supply instruction | indication and the opening degree adjustment of the mixing apparatus 16. FIG. In the hot water supply control, for example, when the hot water 12 stored in the hot water storage tank 6 has become below a certain temperature, the hot water storage tank 6 side is fully closed with respect to the valve opening of the mixing device 16, and the hot water supply 10 side May be switched to the fully open state. According to such a configuration, the temperature recovered during the hot water supply can be used to preferentially use the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 so that the recovered heat is not wasted and the waste of combustion by the hot water heater 10 is prevented. Can do.

  (3) In the above-described embodiment, it is determined only whether the temperature of the hot water 12 in the hot water storage tank 6 is higher or lower than the required hot water supply temperature. However, the present invention is not limited to this. You may adjust the ratio of the supply amount by 16 valve opening degree. In this hot water supply control, for example, the hot water supply amount from the hot water heater 10 side may be set so that the combustion efficiency of the hot water heater 10 becomes the best with respect to the temperature difference of the hot water 12 with respect to the required hot water supply temperature. In this hot water supply control, the valve opening degree of the mixing device 16 may be adjusted with reference to the required temperature, the incoming water temperature, the air temperature, etc. in addition to the temperature difference.

As described above, the most preferable embodiment of the present invention has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the above description, and is described in the claims or disclosed in the specification. It goes without saying that various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art based on the gist, and such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention.

The tank hot-water supply device, hot-water supply method and tank hot-water supply system of the present invention mix hot water supplied from hot water supply means with hot water in a hot water storage tank heated by heat recovered from an external heat source, and discharge the hot water at a required temperature. Effective use of recovered heat can be achieved.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 2 Hot water supply system 4 External heat source 6 Hot water storage tank 8 Tank unit 10 Water heater 12 Hot water 14 Hot water 16 Mixing device 18 Thermal circuit 20 Solar panel 24 Heat exchange part 28 Power generation unit 30 Engine 40, 42 Heat exchanger 44 Switching valve 46, 80 Bypass Pipe line 50 Tank side supply line 52, 84 Flow rate sensor 54 Tank temperature sensor 55 Mixed temperature sensor 56 Water heater side supply line 58 Hot water supply line 60 Controller 62 Remote controller 72 Burner 74 Primary heat exchanger 76 Secondary heat exchanger 78, 92 Water supply line 82 Mixing valve 86 Hot water temperature sensor 90 Control board 110, 150 Incoming water temperature sensor 120 Control unit 122 Operation unit 152 Original gas solenoid valve

Claims (10)

A hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heat of the external heat source;
A hot water supply line to which hot water or water is supplied from an external hot water supply means;
The hot water storage tank and the hot water supply pipe line are connected, and the hot water flowing in from the hot water storage tank side and the hot water flowing in from the hot water supply pipe side or water are mixed at a predetermined ratio and discharged by a set valve opening degree. Means,
A control means for outputting a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction for the external hot water supply means according to a required hot water supply temperature, and for controlling a valve opening of the mixing means;
A tank hot water supply apparatus comprising:   The tank hot water supply device, wherein the external hot water supply means includes a secondary heat exchanger that recovers latent heat from the combustion gas of the combustion means. Furthermore, a hot water supply temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water on the hot water storage tank side,
Flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank side;
Mixing temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of hot water mixed by the mixing means;
With
The control means calculates a hot water supply temperature from the external hot water supply means side based on a detection temperature of the hot water supply temperature sensor and a detected flow rate of the flow rate detection means, outputs a hot water supply instruction, and detects the mixed temperature detection means The tank hot-water supply device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a valve opening degree of the mixing means is controlled based on a temperature. The hot water storage tank is supplied with water according to the amount of hot water supplied to the mixing means,
A water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water flowing into the hot water storage tank by the water supply means;
The control means compares the incoming water temperature detected by the incoming water temperature sensor with the temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank, and if the hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank is lower than the incoming water temperature, The tank hot-water supply device according to claim 3, wherein an inflow of hot water from the hot-water storage tank side is stopped. Hot water heated by heat from an external heat source is stored in a hot water storage tank,
Hot water or water is supplied from the hot water storage tank and the external hot water supply means to the mixing means connected to the hot water storage tank and the hot water supply pipe of the external hot water supply means,
The hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank side and the hot water or water flowing from the hot water supply pipe side are mixed at a predetermined ratio according to the valve opening set in the mixing means, and the hot water is discharged.
A hot water supply method comprising a process of outputting a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction to the external hot water supply means according to a required hot water supply temperature and controlling a valve opening of the mixing means. Furthermore, the temperature of the hot water on the hot water storage tank side is detected,
Detecting the flow rate of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank side,
Detecting the temperature of hot water mixed by the mixing means;
Based on the detected temperature and detected flow rate of hot water on the hot water storage tank side, the control means outputs a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction to the external hot water supply means side, and based on the detected temperature of the mixed hot water, the control The hot water supply method according to claim 5, further comprising a process of controlling a valve opening degree from a means to the mixing means. According to the amount of hot water supplied to the mixing means side, the hot water storage tank is supplied with water,
The temperature of the water flowing into the hot water storage tank is detected by an incoming water temperature sensor,
Compare the incoming water temperature detected by the incoming water temperature sensor with the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank,
When the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is lower than the incoming water temperature, the control means causes the mixing means to stop the inflow of hot water from the hot water storage tank side,
The hot water supply method according to claim 6, further comprising a treatment. An external heat source for supplying heat by collecting or generating heat,
An external hot water supply means to which hot water supply pipes are connected and supply hot water or water;
A hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heat of the external heat source, the hot water storage tank and the hot water supply pipe line are connected, and hot water flowing in from the hot water storage tank side and inflowing from the hot water supply means with a set valve opening degree. Mixing means for mixing hot water or water at a predetermined ratio to output hot water, and outputting a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction to the external hot water supply means according to a required hot water supply temperature, and controlling the valve opening of the mixing means A tank hot water supply device comprising a control means;
Hot water supply system with   The hot water supply system according to claim 8, wherein the external hot water supply means includes a secondary heat exchanger that recovers latent heat from the combustion gas of the combustion means. The tank water heater is
Furthermore, a hot water supply temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of hot water on the hot water storage tank side,
Flow rate detecting means for detecting the flow rate of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank side;
Mixing temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of hot water mixed by the mixing means;
With
The control means outputs a hot water supply instruction or a water supply instruction on the external hot water supply means side based on the detected temperature of the hot water supply temperature sensor and the detected flow rate of the flow rate detection means, and based on the detected temperature of the mixed temperature detection means. The tank hot water supply system according to claim 8 or 9, wherein a valve opening degree of the mixing means is controlled.

Images