JP2015047578A - Electrolyzer and temperature adjustment water feeder provided with the same - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To promote discharge of scale produced in electrolysis to suppress occurrence of residue of scale on the bottom surface in a container.SOLUTION: An electrolyzer 41 includes container 47 having a water inlet 43 and a water outlet 45, a plurality of electrodes 51 and 52 provided in the container 47, scale discharge means 60 of discharging scale in the container 47, together with water, out of the container 47 and control means 32 of forming a water flow in the container 47 so as to keep a scale condition of floating on water in the container 47, in discharging scale, together with water, out of the container 47 by the scale discharge means 60.

Description

  The present invention relates to an electrolyzer, and a heat pump water heater, a heat pump hot water heater, a combustion hot water heater, a combustion hot water heater, an electric water heater, a cooling tower, and the like that are equipped with the electrolysis apparatus. .

  Conventionally, a heat pump water heater has a tank for storing water, a refrigerant circuit having a water heat exchanger that heats water by heat exchange with the refrigerant, and water stored in the tank is sent to the water heat exchanger to And a conduit for returning water heated in the exchanger 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, in the water heat exchanger, water is heated to increase the temperature of the water, so that scale is likely to precipitate. 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 proposes a heat pump water heater provided with an electrolysis device for removing scale components contained in water sent to the water heat exchanger. In this heat pump water heater, part of the scale component in the water is removed in the electrolyzer, so that scale deposition in the water heat exchanger is suppressed.

JP 2012-75982 A

  By the way, as a method of discharging the scale deposited in the container in the process of removing scale components using electrolysis as described above to the outside of the container, for example, a scale discharge channel connected to the bottom of the container is provided, A method of discharging the scale together with water through the scale discharge channel is conceivable.

  However, if the scale in the container is simply discharged together with water using the action of gravity, the scale will not be fully discharged and will remain on the bottom surface of the container, and as a result, the scale will accumulate on the bottom surface of the container. It is possible to end up.

  An object of the present invention is to promote the discharge of the scale that occurs during electrolysis and to prevent the scale from remaining on the bottom surface in the container.

  The electrolyzer of this invention removes the scale component contained in the water sent to the water heat exchanger (21). The electrolyzer includes a container (47) having a water inlet (43) and a water outlet (45), a plurality of electrodes (51, 52) provided in the container (47), and the container (47). When the scale is discharged out of the container (47) together with water by the scale discharge means (60) for discharging the scale inside the container (47) together with water, the container ( 47) a control means (32) for performing a scale discharging operation for forming a flow of water in the container (47) so as to maintain a state in which the scale is suspended in the water in the water.

  In the present invention, in the scale discharging operation in which the scale is discharged out of the container (47) together with water by the scale discharging means (60), the container (47) is maintained so that the scale is suspended in the water in the container (47). ) To form a flow of water. When discharging the scale in the container together with water using the action of gravity as before, the scale settles on the bottom surface of the container when the scale is discharged, and the scale adheres to the bottom surface by friction with the bottom surface. As a result, the scale may not be sufficiently discharged and may remain on the bottom surface in the container. On the other hand, in the present invention, when the scale is discharged, an operation of forming a flow of water in the container (47) is performed so as to maintain a state in which the scale is suspended in the water in the container (47). Therefore, when the scale is discharged, it is possible to suppress the scale from being deposited and adhered to the bottom surface in the container (47) as compared with the conventional case, and promote the discharge of the scale. Thereby, it can suppress that a scale remains on the bottom face in a container (47).

  In the electrolysis apparatus, the control means (32) performs control of flowing water into the container (47) so that a flow of water is formed in the container (47) in the scale discharging operation. Is preferred.

  In this configuration, a flow of water is formed in the container (47) by allowing water to flow into the container (47), and at the same time, the scale is discharged together with water out of the container (47) by the scale discharging means (60). . Thereby, it can suppress that a scale settles on the bottom face in a container (47) at the time of scale discharge.

  The electrolyzer includes a circulation means (80) for returning a part of the water that has passed between the electrodes (51, 52) in the container (47) to the upstream side, and the control means (32) includes the scale In the discharge operation, control may be performed so that the water returned to the upstream side by the circulation means (80) flows into the container (47).

  In this configuration, the water returned to the upstream side by the circulation means (80) flows into the container (47) to form a flow of water in the container (47), and at the same time, the scale discharge means (60). To discharge the scale together with water out of the container (47). Thereby, it can suppress that a scale settles on the bottom face in a container (47) at the time of scale discharge. In this configuration, when the scale is discharged, the water in the container (47) is used, and the water is circulated to form a flow of water. Therefore, when water flows into the container (47) from the water inlet (43) Thus, it is possible to avoid an increase in the amount of water in the container (47). Thereby, it can suppress that time required to discharge | emit the water in the container 47 in scale discharge operation becomes long.

  In the electrolysis apparatus, the control means (32) may perform control of flowing water from the water inlet (43) into the container (47) in the scale discharging operation.

  In this configuration, water is caused to flow from the water inlet (43) into the container (47) to form a flow of water in the container (47), and at the same time, water is discharged outside the container (47) by the scale discharging means (60). At the same time, the scale is discharged. That is, in this configuration, it is not necessary to provide, for example, the circulation means (80) as described above as means for forming a flow of water during the scale discharging operation. For example, in the case of the heat pump water heater (11), the water inlet (43) functions as an inlet through which water from the tank (15) flows into the container (47) during the boiling operation. This water inlet (43) is used to form a flow of water in the vessel (47) in the scale discharge operation.

  In the electrolysis apparatus, when the control means (32) performs control to prevent water from flowing out of the container (47) from the water outlet (45) in the scale discharging operation, The scale floating in the water in (47) can be prevented from being sent to the water heat exchanger (21) together with water.

  When the electrolysis apparatus includes a filter (65) for capturing scale contained in water flowing out of the container (47) from the water outlet (45) in the scale discharging operation, the container (47 ) Even if the scale floating in the water flows out of the container (47) from the water outlet (45) with the water, the scale is captured by the filter (65) and sent to the water heat exchanger (21). Is prevented.

  In the electrolysis apparatus, each of the plurality of electrodes (51, 52) has a plate shape and is arranged in the container (47) at intervals in the thickness direction to form a meandering flow path. It is preferable.

  In this configuration, since the electrolysis device (41) has the meandering flow path, the flow path length of the water flow path can be increased to increase the electrolysis efficiency.

  The temperature-controlled water supply machine of the present invention includes a water heat exchanger (21) for heating water and the electrolyzer, and supplies water whose temperature is adjusted in the water heat exchanger (21).

  In this configuration, since the flow of water is formed in the container (47) so as to maintain the state in which the scale is suspended in the water in the container (47) of the electrolyzer (41), the scale is placed in the container when the scale is discharged. (47) It is possible to suppress the precipitation and adherence to the bottom surface in the inner surface, and to promote the discharge of the scale. Thereby, it can suppress that a scale remains on the bottom face in a container (47).

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to promote the discharge of the scale generated during the electrolysis and to suppress the scale from remaining on the bottom surface in the container.

It is a lineblock diagram showing a heat pump water heater provided with an electrolysis device concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a schematic perspective view which shows an example of the said electrolyzer. (A) is the IIIA-IIIA sectional view taken on the line of FIG. 2, (B) is the IIIB-IIIB sectional view of FIG. 2, (C) is the IIIC-IIIC sectional view of FIG. (D) is a top view of the electrolyzer of FIG. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the modification 1 of the said electrolyzer, (B) is sectional drawing which shows the modification 2 of the said electrolyzer. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the modification 3 of the said electrolyzer, (B) is sectional drawing which shows the modification 4 of the said electrolyzer. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the modification 5 of the said electrolyzer, (B) is sectional drawing which shows the modification 6 of the said electrolyzer. (A) is sectional drawing which shows the modification 7 of the said electrolyzer, (B) is sectional drawing which shows the modification 8 of the said electrolyzer. The modification 9 of the said electrolyzer is shown, (A) is a top view which shows the electrolyzer of the modification 9, (B) is the BB sectional drawing of (A). (A) is a front view which shows the modification of an electrode, (B) is sectional drawing which shows the other modification of an electrode. It is the schematic which shows the structure of the cooling tower provided with the said electrolyzer, a combustion type water heater, a combustion type hot water heater, or an electric water heater.

  Hereinafter, an electrolyzer according to an embodiment of the present invention and a temperature-controlled water supply device including the same will be described with reference to the drawings. The temperature-controlled water feeder is a device that supplies temperature-controlled water. Examples of the temperature control water supply machine include a heat pump water heater, a heat pump hot water heater, a combustion hot water heater, a combustion hot water heater, an electric water heater, and a cooling tower. Each of these temperature-controlled water feeders includes an electrolyzer 41 according to an embodiment to be described later, and a water heat exchanger. Below, a heat pump water heater is mainly demonstrated as an example of a temperature control water supply machine.

[Heat pump water heater]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a heat pump water heater 11 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the heat pump water heater 11 according to the present embodiment 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 main pump 31, an electrolyzer 41, a water heat exchanger 21, and water conduits 27 and 29 for connecting them. The water heat exchanger 21 has two flow paths, one flow path is included in the refrigerant circuit 10a, and the other flow path is included in the hot water storage circuit 10b. The operation of the refrigerant circuit 10a and the hot water storage circuit 10b is controlled by the control unit 32 as control means.

  The compressor 19, the water heat exchanger 21, the electric expansion valve 23, and the air heat exchanger 25 are provided in the heat pump unit 13. The tank 15 and the main pump 31 are provided in the hot water storage unit 17. The water conduits 27 and 29 include a water inlet pipe 27 that sends water from the tank 15 to the water heat exchanger 21, and a hot water outlet pipe 29 that returns water heated by exchanging heat with the water heat exchanger 21 to the tank 15.

  The main pump 31 is for sending water in the hot water storage circuit 10b, and is provided in the water inlet pipe 27 in the present embodiment, but the arrangement position of the main pump 31 is not limited to this. By the operation of the main pump 31, the water in the tank 15 flows out from the lower part of the tank 15, is sent in the order of the incoming water pipe 27, the water heat exchanger 21 and the hot water outlet pipe 29, and returns to the upper part of the tank 15.

  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. In the refrigerant circuit 10a, the refrigerant is compressed by the compressor 19 so that the high pressure of the refrigerant becomes a supercritical pressure. That is, in the refrigerant circuit 10a, a refrigeration cycle in which the high pressure is supercritical is performed. 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 provided to take out hot water stored in the tank 15 and supply 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 provided to supply low-temperature water from the water supply source into the tank 15. 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, but is not limited thereto.

  The electrolyzer 41 has a function of removing scale components contained in the water sent to the water heat exchanger 21. The electrolyzer 41 is provided at a position upstream of the water heat exchanger 21 in the incoming water pipe 27. Moreover, although the electrolyzer 41 is provided in the downstream position rather than the main pump 31, it is not restricted to this. The water inlet pipe 27 includes an upstream flow path 27A upstream of the electrolyzer 41 and a downstream flow path 27B downstream of the electrolyzer 41. Details of the electrolyzer 41 will be described later.

  The control unit 32 includes a central processing unit 33 and a memory 34. The control unit 32 is configured by a microcomputer, for example. The memory 34 stores a boiling operation schedule for boiling water in the tank 15. The control part 32 performs a boiling operation based on the schedule. Note that the boiling operation may be executed as necessary even at a time other than the scheduled time. The heating operation is preferably scheduled to be performed, for example, at night time when the amount of water used is low, or when the electricity rate is low, but is not limited thereto.

  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 in the transient heat pump water heater 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.

  Next, the operation of the heat pump water heater 11 will be described. In the boiling operation for boiling the water in the tank 15, the control unit 32 drives the compressor 19 of the heat pump unit 13 to adjust the opening of the electric expansion valve 23 and drives the main pump 31 of the hot water storage unit 17. Let 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.

[Electrolysis device]
Next, although the electrolyzer 41 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is demonstrated concretely, the electrolyzer 41 is not limited to the following embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view showing the electrolyzer 41 of the present embodiment. 3A is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIA-IIIA in FIG. 2, FIG. 3B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIB-IIIB in FIG. 2, and FIG. 3C is a cross-sectional view taken along the line IIIC- in FIG. FIG. 3D is a cross-sectional view taken along line IIIC, and FIG. 3D is a plan view of the electrolyzer of FIG. As shown in FIG. 2 and FIGS. 3A to 3D, the electrolyzer 41 includes a container 47, a plurality of electrodes 51 and 52, and a scale discharging means 60. The plurality of electrodes 51 and 52 are provided in the container 47.

  In the present embodiment, the container 47 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape, but is not limited thereto. The container 47 has a first wall portion 471 and a second wall portion 472 that face each other. The container 47 has a side wall portion that connects the first wall portion 471 and the second wall portion 472. In the present embodiment, the side wall portion includes a third wall portion (lower wall portion) 473 constituting the lower wall, a fourth wall portion (upper wall portion) 474 constituting the upper wall, and a fifth wall constituting the right wall. Including, but not limited to, a wall portion (right wall portion) 475 and a sixth wall portion (left wall portion) 476 constituting the left wall.

  The right wall portion 475 is connected to the right edge of the upper wall portion 474 and extends downward from the right edge. The left wall portion 476 is connected to the left edge of the upper wall portion 474 and extends downward from the left edge. The lower wall portion 473 is located at a position facing the upper wall portion 474 in the vertical direction with a space therebetween. The right edge of the lower wall part 473 is connected to the lower edge of the right wall part 475, and the left edge of the lower wall part 473 is connected to the lower edge of the left wall part 476.

  The container 47 has a water inlet 43 and a water outlet 45. The water inlet 43 is connected to a water inlet pipe 27 (upstream channel 27A) located on the tank 15 side shown in FIG. The water outlet 45 is connected to a water inlet pipe 27 (downstream channel 27B) located on the water heat exchanger 21 side shown in FIG. The inside of the container 47 functions as a water flow space in which water flowing into the container 47 from the water inlet 43 flows to the water outlet 45.

  In this embodiment, although the water inlet 43 of the container 47 is provided in the 1st wall part 471, it is not restricted to this. The water inlet 43 may be provided in other wall parts (for example, wall parts, such as the lower wall part 473, the upper wall part 474, the right wall part 475, and the left wall part 476). Moreover, in this embodiment, although the water outlet 45 is provided in the water outlet pipe 46, it is not restricted to this. The water outlet 45 may be provided in the second wall portion 472, the side wall portion, or the like.

  The water outlet pipe 46 is inserted through a through-hole provided in the upper wall portion 474 and is disposed between the most downstream electrode 52 and the second wall portion 472. The water outlet pipe 46 includes an outer cylindrical portion 46 a positioned outside the container 47 and an inner cylindrical portion 46 b positioned inside the container 47. The inner cylindrical portion 46 b extends downward from the upper wall portion 474. The water outlet 45 is an opening located at the lower end of the inner cylindrical portion 46b.

  In the present embodiment, the water outlet pipe 46 is provided on the upper wall portion 474, but is not limited thereto. The water outlet pipe 46 may be provided in other wall parts (for example, wall parts, such as the 2nd wall part 472, the right wall part 475, and the left wall part 476). In addition, the water outlet pipe 46 may be omitted. In this case, the water outlet 45 is a through-hole provided in a wall portion such as the upper wall portion 474, the second wall portion 472, the right wall portion 475, and the left wall portion 476. Consists of holes and the like.

  As the shapes of the electrodes 51 and 52, various shapes such as a plate shape and a rod shape can be adopted, but a plate shape is adopted in the present embodiment. Thereby, the surface area of each electrode can be increased.

  The plurality of electrodes 51 and 52 include a plurality of first electrodes 51 and a plurality of second electrodes 52. The plurality of first electrodes 51 and the plurality of second electrodes 52 are arranged in one direction (electrode thickness direction) such that the first electrodes 51 and the second electrodes 52 are alternately arranged. In the present embodiment, each electrode is arranged in a posture parallel to the vertical direction (a posture parallel to the first wall portion 471), but is not limited thereto.

  A water flow path is formed in the container 47 by a plurality of electrodes 51 and 52. A gap between the electrodes 51 and 52 functions as a flow path through which water flows. In the present embodiment, the water flow path is a continuous meandering flow path formed by the plurality of electrodes 51 and 52, but is not limited thereto. The water flow path may be a flow path that is not a meandering flow path as in a later-described modification shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B, for example. Moreover, although the meandering flow path in this embodiment meanders in the horizontal direction (left-right direction) as shown to FIG. 3 (A), it is not restricted to this. The meandering channel may meander in the up-down direction, for example.

  In the present embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the upper ends of the electrodes 51 and 52 are in contact with the upper wall portion 474. As shown in FIG. 3A, each first electrode 51 extends from the sixth wall portion 476 toward the fifth wall portion 475 side. Specifically, one side edge (left edge) of each first electrode 51 is in contact with the sixth wall portion 476, and no gap is provided between the first electrode 51 and the sixth wall portion 476. The other side edge (right edge) of each first electrode 51 is not in contact with the fifth wall portion 475, and a gap G is provided between the first electrode 51 and the fifth wall portion 475. This gap functions as a folded portion of the meandering channel. Each second electrode 52 extends from the fifth wall portion 475 toward the sixth wall portion 476 side. Specifically, one side edge (right edge) of each second electrode 52 is in contact with the fifth wall portion 475, and no gap is provided between the second electrode 52 and the fifth wall portion 475. The other side edge (left edge) of each second electrode 52 is not in contact with the sixth wall portion 476, and a gap G is provided between the second electrode 52 and the sixth wall portion 476. This gap functions as a folded portion of the meandering channel.

  In the horizontal meandering channel shown in FIG. 3A, the water that has flowed into the container 47 through the water inlet 43 passes through the water channel between the electrodes 51 and 52, for example, from the fifth wall 475 side to the sixth wall 476. And flows back in the folded portion G of the gap between the sixth wall portion 476 and the electrode 52 and flows through the water flow path between the electrodes 52 and 51 toward the fifth wall portion 475 side. Then, the water is folded at the folded portion G in the gap between the fifth wall portion 475 and the electrode 51 and flows through the water flow path between the electrodes 51 and 52 toward the sixth wall portion 476 side. Thereafter, the water is repeatedly turned back and then flows out of the container 47 through the water outlet 45. In the meandering channel in the vertical direction, folded portions are provided at the lower and upper portions in the container 47, the lower folded portion is constituted by a gap between the third wall portion 473 and the electrode, and the upper folded portion is It is comprised by the clearance gap between the 4th wall part 474 and an electrode.

  Adjacent electrodes 51 and 52 constitute an electrode pair 49. A plurality of electrodes 51 and 52 are connected to a power source 53 (FIG. 3A) so that one electrode of the electrode pair 49 functions as an anode and the other electrode functions as a cathode. As the power source, for example, a DC power source is used. In the present embodiment, the plurality of first electrodes 51 and the plurality of second electrodes 52 are connected in parallel to the power supply, but are not limited thereto.

  Each electrode is formed of a material excellent in corrosion resistance. Examples of the material mainly constituting each electrode include platinum and titanium. Specifically, it is as follows. For example, it is preferable that at least the surface of each electrode is formed of a material whose main component is platinum. Specifically, a mode in which the entirety of each electrode is formed of a material mainly composed of platinum (a material such as platinum or a platinum alloy) can be exemplified. Each electrode is made of an electrode body 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 a material mainly containing platinum on the surface of the electrode body (platinum) And a coating layer formed of a material such as a platinum alloy. Examples of the material for the electrode main body include materials mainly composed of titanium (materials such as titanium and titanium alloys). In addition, each electrode may be formed of, for example, a material mainly composed of titanium (a material such as titanium or a titanium alloy) as a material that is more easily oxidized than platinum but relatively excellent in corrosion resistance.

  In addition, the electrolyzer 41 of the present embodiment includes a gas discharge unit 70 that discharges the gas in the container 47 generated by the electrolysis to the outside of the container 47. The gas discharge unit 70 discharges the gas accumulated in the container 47 to the outside of the container 47 while preventing the water in the container 47 from being discharged. The gas discharge part 70 is provided in the upper wall part 474, for example. The gas discharge part 70 can also be omitted.

  Examples of the gas discharge unit 70 include an automatic exhaust valve having a case and a float provided in the case. The float moves up and down in accordance with the water level in the case, thereby automatically switching whether or not to discharge the gas according to the water level while preventing the water from being discharged. Moreover, the gas discharge part 70 may be comprised by the gas-permeable member of illustration abbreviation. As the gas permeable member, a film that transmits gas while preventing permeation of water, a filter that allows gas to pass while preventing permeation of water, and the like can be used. Specifically, for example, a hollow fiber membrane can be used as the gas permeable member. When a hollow fiber membrane is used, for example, by appropriately adjusting the inner diameter of the hollow fiber, the opening diameter of a large number of holes provided in the hollow fiber, etc., the characteristic of allowing gas to pass through the hollow fiber membrane while preventing water from passing therethrough Can be granted.

  A voltage is applied to the electrode pair 49 of the electrolyzer 41 during a boiling operation for boiling water in the tank 15. The electrolysis conditions of the electrolysis apparatus 41 include a condition for supplying a current having a predetermined current value to the electrode pair 49, a condition for applying a predetermined voltage to the electrode pair 49, a combination of these conditions, and the like. However, it is not limited to these.

  During the boiling operation, the scale component contained in the water until the water flowing into the container 47 from one of the water inlet 43 and the water outlet 45 flows out of the container 47 from the other of the water inlet 43 and the water outlet 45. Is deposited as a scale on the cathode of the electrode pair 49. Thereby, the water whose scale component concentration is reduced in the electrolyzer 41 can be sent to the hydrothermal exchanger 21. The scale deposited in the container 47 is discharged out of the container 47 by the scale discharging operation using the scale discharging means 60 described below.

(Scale discharging means)
In the heat pump water heater 11 of the present embodiment, scale discharge operation described later is performed using the scale discharge means 60.

  As shown in FIGS. 3 (B) and 3 (C), the scale discharging means 60 includes a pump 61 and a suction channel 62 provided with the pump 61 for allowing a part of water that has passed between the electrodes 51 and 52 to flow in. Including. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C, the suction flow path 62 is provided with an opening / closing valve 63, but the opening / closing valve 63 may be omitted.

  In the present embodiment, the container 47 is provided with an outflow port 55 that functions as a scale discharge port. The upstream end of the suction flow path 62 is connected to the outlet 55.

  In the present embodiment, the outlet 55 is provided at the bottom (lower wall 473) of the container 47, but is not limited thereto. The outflow port 55 that functions as a scale discharge port does not necessarily have to be provided at the bottom of the container 47. For example, the outflow port 55 is provided at the lower part of the wall such as the wall 471, the wall 472, the wall 475, and the wall 476. It may be.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the outlet 55 is provided at a position directly below the electrode, but is not limited thereto. In other words, the outflow port 55 is disposed at a position facing the one or more electrodes in the vertical direction, but is not limited thereto. The outflow port 55 may be provided directly below the downstream space S1 in the container 47 as in a modification example shown in FIG. 4B and a modification example shown in FIG. The downstream space S1 is a space between an electrode located on the most downstream side of the water flow and a wall portion (second wall portion 472 in the present embodiment) facing the electrode. When the flow rate of water in the container 47 is relatively high, the scale deposited in the container 47 tends to flow into the downstream space S1 due to the flow of the water. Therefore, in this case, since the outlet 55 is provided directly below the downstream space S1, the scale collected in the downstream space S1 can be efficiently discharged through the outlet 55. For the same reason, the outlet 55 is preferably provided directly below the downstream space S1 rather than immediately below the upstream space S2. The upstream space S2 is a space between an electrode located on the most upstream side of the water flow and a wall portion (the first wall portion 471 in the present embodiment) facing the electrode.

  As the on-off valve 63, for example, a valve that can open and close a flow path such as an electromagnetic valve, an opening-adjustable valve such as an electric valve, and the like can be used, but not limited thereto.

(Control of scale discharge operation)
In the present embodiment, when the scale is discharged out of the container 47 together with the water by the scale discharging means 60, the control unit 32 maintains the state in which the scale is suspended in the water in the container 47. The scale discharge operation that forms the flow of The scale discharging operation is an operation for discharging the scale deposited in the container 47 by electrolysis in the boiling operation (normal operation) to the outside of the container 47 together with water. The scale discharge operation is performed, for example, after the completion of the boiling operation and before the start of the boiling operation, but is not limited thereto.

  In the scale discharge operation, as the floating state maintaining means (means for forming a flow of water in the container 47 so as to maintain the state in which the scale is suspended in the water in the container 47), for example, the main pump 31 is operated. A method of flowing water from the water inlet 43 into the container 47 can be mentioned. However, the floating state maintaining means is not limited to the inflow of water from the water inlet 43 into the container 47 by the main pump 31. As the floating state maintaining means, for example, a method using a circulating means 80 as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B described later, a method using a stirring means as shown in FIGS. Other methods can also be used.

  The scale discharging operation in this embodiment shown in FIGS. 3B and 3C will be specifically described. In the present embodiment, in the scale discharge operation, the control unit 32 controls the main pump 31 so that water flows into the container 47 from the water inlet 43 and opens the on-off valve 63 so that the on-off valve 63 is opened. The pump 61 is controlled so that the water in the container 47 is sucked into the suction flow path 62 through the outlet 55. In this scale discharging operation, no voltage is applied between the electrodes 51 and 52.

  When the operation of the pump 61 is started, the water in the container 47 is sucked into the suction channel 62 through the outlet 55, so that the water level in the container 47 gradually decreases. If the operation is performed such that water does not flow into the container 47 from the water inlet 43 during scale discharge (operation in the reference example), the water in the container 47 is mainly in the direction in which the water level decreases, that is, in the downward direction. It shows the movement behavior. Therefore, the scale deposited on the bottom surface in the container 47 maintains the state of adhering to the bottom surface and hardly changes to a state of floating in water.

  On the other hand, in the present embodiment, an operation for flowing water into the container 47 from the water inlet 43 at the time of discharging the scale is performed. When water flows into the container 47 from the water inlet 43, the water flow rate at the height position where the water inlet 43 is provided is higher than the water flow rate at the height position where the water inlet 43 is not provided. That is, in this embodiment, since the flow velocity difference of water arises in a height direction, the water in the container 47 is disturbed compared with the driving | operation of the said reference example. Therefore, a part or all of the scale that has settled on the bottom surface in the container 47 is floated by the disturbed flow of water.

  In the present embodiment shown in FIG. 3B, the water inlet 43 is provided at the lower part of a wall portion (specifically, the first wall portion 471) that stands upward from the lower wall portion 473. That is, the water inlet 43 is provided at a height position closer to the lower wall portion 473 than to the upper wall portion 474 in the wall portion (first wall portion 471). In this embodiment, water flows into the container 47 from the water inlet 43 in a direction along the bottom surface of the container 47 (substantially horizontal direction). Therefore, in this embodiment, it is easy to form a flow of water having a relatively high flow velocity near the bottom surface in the container 47. Thereby, the effect which floats the scale which has settled on the bottom face in the container 47 can be heightened more. In particular, in this embodiment, the water inlet 43 is provided at the lowermost portion of the first wall portion 471, and the height position of the water inlet 43 is the height of the bottom surface in the container 47 (the upper surface of the lower wall portion 473). Since it almost coincides with the position, the effect of floating the scale can be further enhanced. However, the height position of the water inlet 43 is not limited to the height position shown in FIG.

  When the discharge of the scale is completed, the control unit 32 performs control to stop the pump 61 and the main pump 31 and performs control to close the on-off valve 63.

  In the scale discharge operation, it is preferable to perform control to prevent water from flowing out of the container 47 from the water outlet 45. In order to prevent water from flowing out from the water outlet 45 to the outside of the container 47 in the scale discharging operation, the control unit 32, for example, allows the flow rate of water discharged through the suction channel 62 to enter the container 47 through the water inlet 43. The pump 61 and the main pump 31 are controlled so as to be larger than the flow rate of the inflowing water. In order to prevent water from flowing out from the water outlet 45 to the outside of the container 47, it is possible to adopt configurations such as modified examples 1 and 2 shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B described later. preferable.

  Further, in the scale discharge operation, the scale may be discharged from the outlet 55 to the outside of the container 47 together with water while the water is discharged from the water outlet 45 to the outside of the container 47. In this case, FIG. It is preferable to adopt the configuration as in the modified examples 3 and 4 shown in FIGS.

[Modification 1]
FIG. 4A is a cross-sectional view showing a first modification of the electrolyzer 41. In the first modification, an on-off valve 64 that can prevent water from flowing out of the container 47 from the water outlet 45 is provided. The on-off valve 64 only needs to be provided in the water flow path between the water outlet 45 and the water heat exchanger 21, and the arrangement position is not particularly limited. In Modification 1 shown in FIG. 4A, the on-off valve 64 is provided in the downstream flow path 27 </ b> B connected to the water outlet 45.

(Control of scale discharge operation)
4A, in the scale discharging operation, the control unit 32 controls the main pump 31 so that water flows into the container 47 from the water inlet 43, and the on-off valve 63 is opened. The on / off valves 63 and 64 are controlled so that the on / off valve 64 is closed, and the pump 61 is controlled so that the water in the container 47 is sucked into the suction flow path 62 through the outlet 55. When the discharging of the scale is completed, the control unit 32 performs control to stop the pump 61 and the main pump 31, and performs control to close the on-off valve 63 and open the on-off valve 64. In the scale discharging operation, the control unit 32 controls the pump 61 and the main pump 31 so that the flow rate of water discharged through the suction flow path 62 is larger than the flow rate of water flowing into the container 47 through the water inlet 43. Control.

[Modification 2]
FIG. 4B is a cross-sectional view showing a second modification of the electrolyzer 41. This modified example 2 is different from the modified example 1 shown in FIG. 4A in that the outlet 55 is provided directly below the downstream space S1 in the container 47. The scale deposited in the container 47 tends to flow into the downstream space S1 due to the flow of water when the flow rate of water in the container 47 is relatively large. It is preferable to be provided directly under the downstream space S1.

[Modification 3]
FIG. 5A is a cross-sectional view showing a third modification of the electrolyzer 41. In this modified example 3, in the scale discharge operation, water is introduced from the water inlet 43 into the container 47 and water is allowed to flow out of the container 47 from the water outlet 45, while the scale is brought out of the container 47 from the outlet 55. Discharge. In the third modification, a filter 65 that captures the scale contained in the water flowing out of the container 47 from the water outlet 45 in the scale discharge operation is provided.

  The filter 65 should just be provided in the water flow path between the water outlet 45 and the water heat exchanger 21, and an arrangement position is not specifically limited. In Modification 3 shown in FIG. 5A, the filter 65 is provided in the downstream flow path 27 </ b> B connected to the water outlet 45.

(Control of scale discharge operation)
5A, in the scale discharge operation, the control unit 32 controls the main pump 31 so that water flows into the container 47 from the water inlet 43, and the on-off valve 63 is in the open state. The on-off valve 63 is controlled so that the water in the container 47 is sucked into the suction flow path 62 through the outlet 55. In the third modification, in the scale discharge operation in which the scale in the container 47 is discharged together with water from the outlet 55, the water flow from the water inlet 43 toward the water outlet 45 is formed, so that the water in the container 47 is Therefore, the scale is kept floating in the water in the container 47.

  The water flowing out from the water outlet 45 to the outside of the container 47 contains a scale, but this scale is captured by the filter 65 and is thus prevented from being sent to the water heat exchanger 21. When the discharge of the scale is completed, the control unit 32 performs control to stop the pump 61 and the main pump 31 and performs control to close the on-off valve 63.

  In the scale discharge operation of the third modification, the flow rate of water discharged through the suction flow path 62 may be larger than or equal to the flow rate of water flowing into the container 47 through the water inlet 43. It may be smaller than the flow rate of water flowing into the container 47 through.

[Modification 4]
FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth modification of the electrolyzer 41. This modified example 4 is different from the modified example 3 shown in FIG. 5A in that the outlet 55 is provided directly below the downstream space S1 in the container 47. The scale deposited in the container 47 tends to flow into the downstream space S1 due to the flow of water when the flow rate of water in the container 47 is relatively large. It is preferable to be provided directly under the downstream space S1.

[Modification 5]
FIG. 6A is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth modification of the electrolyzer 41. The electrolysis apparatus 41 of this modification 5 includes a circulation means 80 (floating state maintaining means) for returning part of the water that has passed between the electrodes 51 and 52 in the container 47 to the upstream side. Then, in the scale discharging operation, the control unit 32 performs control to cause the water returned to the upstream side by the circulating means 80 to flow into the container 47 while discharging the scale together with the water by the scale discharging means 60. . That is, in the modified example 5, in the scale discharging operation, the circulation unit 80 forms a flow of water in the container 47 so as to maintain a state in which the scale is suspended in the water in the container 47.

  In Modification 5 shown in FIG. 6A, the circulation means 80 includes a circulation channel 82 and a circulation pump 81 provided in the circulation channel 82. The container 47 is provided with an outlet 54 and an inlet 56. The upstream end of the circulation channel 82 is connected to the outflow port 54, and the downstream end of the circulation channel 82 is connected to the inflow port 56. In the modified example 5, the outflow port 54 functions as an outflow port for a circulation flow from which a part of the water in the container 47 flows out in the scale discharge operation, and the inflow port 56 is the water flowing through the circulation channel 82 in the scale discharge operation. Has a function of re-injecting the liquid into the container 47.

  In the fifth modification shown in FIG. 6, the outflow port 54 and the inflow port 56 are provided at the bottom portion (lower wall portion 473) of the container 47, but are not limited thereto. The outflow port 54 may be provided in the second wall portion 472, for example, or may be provided in the downstream channel 27B as in Modification 6 shown in FIG. 6B described later. The inflow port 56 that functions as an inflow port for the circulation flow may be provided in the first wall portion 471, for example, and is provided in the upstream flow path 27A as in Modification 6 shown in FIG. It may be.

  In the modified example 5, the upstream end of the circulation flow path 82 is located on the downstream side of the flow of water in the container 47 with respect to the upstream end of the suction flow path 62. It may be located on the side. In other words, the outflow port 54 that functions as the outflow port of the circulating flow is located on the downstream side of the water flow in the container 47 with respect to the outflow port 55 that functions as the scale discharge port. It may be located on the side. The downstream end of the circulation channel 82 is located upstream of the water flow in the container 47 with respect to the upstream end of the circulation channel 82 and the upstream end of the suction channel 62. In other words, the circulation flow inlet 56 is located upstream of the water flow in the container 47 with respect to the outlets 54 and 55.

  More specifically, in the modified example 5 shown in FIG. 6A, the outflow port 54 is provided directly below the downstream space S1 in the container 47, but is not limited thereto. However, since the outlet 54 is provided in the downstream space S1, a part of the water after passing through the flow path between all the electrodes 51 and 52 can be circulated. Moreover, in the modification 5 shown to FIG. 6 (A), although the inflow port 56 is provided directly under the upstream space S2 in the container 47, it is not restricted to this. Moreover, in the modification 5 shown to FIG. 6 (A), although the outflow port 55 is provided in the position right under an electrode, it is not restricted to this. In other words, the outflow port 55 is disposed at a position facing the one or more electrodes in the vertical direction, but is not limited thereto. For example, the outflow port 55 may be provided directly below the downstream space S <b> 1 in the container 47.

(Control of scale discharge operation)
In the modified example 5 shown in FIG. 6A, in the scale discharge operation, the control unit 32 controls the circulation pump 81 so that water flows into the container 47 by the circulation means 80, and the on-off valve 63 is opened. The on-off valve 63 is controlled so that the water in the container 47 is sucked into the suction flow path 62 through the outlet 55.

  As described above, in the fifth modified example, when the scale is discharged, the operation of causing water to flow into the container 47 by the circulation means 80 is performed. The water (circulating flow) flowing into the container 47 from the inlet 56 disturbs the flow of water in the container 47. Therefore, a part or all of the scale that has settled on the bottom surface in the container 47 is floated by the disturbed flow of water.

  In the modified example 5, the inflow port 56 is preferably provided in the lower part of the container 47. That is, the inflow port 56 is preferably provided at a height position closer to the lower wall portion 473 than to the upper wall portion 474. In this case, a flow of water having a relatively high flow velocity can be formed in the place where the circulating flow flowing into the container 47 from the inlet 56 is close to the bottom surface in the container 47. Thereby, the effect which floats the scale which has settled on the bottom face in the container 47 can be heightened more.

  In particular, in Modification 5 shown in FIG. 6A, since the inflow port 56 is provided in the lower wall portion 473, the circulating flow flows upward into the container 47 from the inflow port 56. Therefore, since the upper water flow is partially formed in the container 47, the effect of floating the scale that has settled on the bottom surface in the container 47 can be further enhanced. However, the position where the inflow port 56 is provided is not limited to the position shown in FIG.

  When the discharging of the scale is completed, the control unit 32 performs a control to stop the pump 61 and the circulation pump 81, and performs a control to close the on-off valve 63.

  In the scale discharge operation, the flow rate of the circulation flow that flows through the circulation flow path 82 is not particularly limited, but is preferably larger than the flow rate of water discharged through the suction flow path 62. When the flow rate of the circulation flow is larger than the flow rate of the water discharged through the suction flow path 62, the effect of disturbing the flow of water in the vessel 47 by the circulation flow can be enhanced. The effect of floating can be enhanced.

[Modification 6]
FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view showing a sixth modification of the electrolyzer. In Modification 6 shown in FIG. 6B, an outlet 54 that functions as a circulating flow outlet is provided not in the container 47 but in the downstream flow path 27B, and an inlet 56 that functions as a circulating flow inlet is provided. 6 is different from Modification 5 shown in FIG. 6A in that it is provided not in the container 47 but in the upstream flow path 27A, and the other configuration is the same as that in Modification 5. In the modified example 6, the control of the scale discharge operation is the same as that of the modified example 5, and thus the description thereof is omitted.

[Modification 7]
FIG. 7A is a cross-sectional view showing a seventh modification of the electrolyzer 41. As shown in FIG. 7 (A), the electrolysis apparatus 41 of the modified example 7 is different from the electrolysis apparatus 41 shown in FIG. 3 (B) in that it includes a stirring means 90 as a floating state maintaining means. The other configuration is the same as that of the electrolyzer 41 shown in FIG.

  The agitation means 90 forms a flow of water in the container 47 so as to maintain a state in which the scale is suspended in the water in the container 47 in the scale discharging operation. Agitation means 90 includes an impeller 91 and a motor 92 that rotates the impeller 91. The impeller 91 can be provided on the wall of the container 47, for example. The motor 92 is controlled by the control unit 32. In Modification 7 shown in FIG. 7A, the impeller 91 is provided on the side wall (for example, the right wall 475, the left wall 476, etc.), and is located between the electrode 51 and the electrode 52. Yes. Therefore, when the impeller 91 rotates, a water flow in a direction (substantially horizontal direction) along the bottom surface in the container 47 is formed in the water flow path between the electrodes 51 and 52 in the container 47. The scale that has settled on the bottom of the water tends to float in the water.

(Control of scale discharge operation)
In the modified example 7 shown in FIG. 7A, in the scale discharging operation, the control unit 32 controls the motor 92 so that the impeller 91 rotates, and sets the on-off valve 63 so that the on-off valve 63 is opened. The pump 61 is controlled so that the water in the container 47 is sucked into the suction flow path 62 through the outlet 55. When the discharging of the scale is completed, the control unit 32 performs control to stop the pump 61 and the motor 92, and performs control to close the on-off valve 63.

[Modification 8]
FIG. 7B is a cross-sectional view showing Modification 8 of the electrolyzer 41. In this modified example 8, the position where the stirring means 90 is provided is different from the modified example 7 shown in FIG. In the modified example 8, the stirring means 90 is provided at the bottom of the container 47. Specifically, the impeller 91 of the stirring means 90 is provided on the lower wall portion 473 of the container 47 and is located between the electrode 51 and the electrode 52. Therefore, when the impeller 91 rotates, an upper water flow is formed in the water flow path between the electrodes 51 and 52 in the container 47, so that the scale precipitated on the bottom surface in the container 47 floats in the water. It becomes easy.

[Modification 9]
Although the electrolyzer 41 described above has a meandering channel, the water channel is not necessarily a meandering channel. 8A and 8B show a ninth modification of the electrolyzer 41. FIG. FIG. 8A is a plan view showing an electrolyzer 41 of Modification 9, and FIG. 8B is a cross-sectional view taken along the line BB in FIG. 8A. In the modification 9, the plurality of electrodes 51 and 52 are arranged in a posture substantially parallel to the direction from the water inlet 43 side to the water outlet 45 side, and in the direction from the water inlet 43 side to the water outlet 45 side. A plurality of water flow paths that are substantially parallel (parallel to the electrodes) are formed.

  Also in this modified example 9, the scale discharging means 60 as shown in FIGS. 3A, 3B to 7A, 7B is provided, and the scale discharging operation as described above is performed. Is called.

[Summary of Embodiment]
In the embodiment and each modification, in the scale discharge operation in which the scale is discharged out of the container 47 together with the water by the scale discharge means 60, the scale 47 is suspended in the water in the container 47 so as to maintain the state in which the scale is suspended. Form a water stream. When discharging the scale in the container together with water using the action of gravity as before, the scale settles on the bottom surface of the container when the scale is discharged, and the scale adheres to the bottom surface by friction with the bottom surface. As a result, the scale may not be sufficiently discharged and may remain on the bottom surface in the container. On the other hand, in the present invention, since the flow of water is formed in the container 47 so as to keep the scale suspended in the water in the container 47, the scale is deposited on the bottom surface in the container 47 when the scale is discharged. It is possible to suppress the occurrence of such a state as compared with the conventional case and promote the discharge of the scale. Thereby, it can suppress that a scale remains on the bottom face in the container 47.

  In the embodiment and the first to sixth and ninth modified examples, the control unit 32 performs control for flowing water into the container 47 so that a flow of water is formed in the container 47 in the scale discharging operation. In this configuration, the scale is discharged together with the water out of the container 47 by the scale discharging means 60 while water is introduced into the container 47 to form a flow of water in the container 47. Thereby, it can suppress that a scale settles on the bottom face in the container 47 at the time of scale discharge.

  In the modified examples 5 and 6, the electrolyzer 41 includes the circulation means 80 for returning a part of the water that has passed between the electrodes 51 and 52 in the container 47 to the upstream side, and the control unit 32 performs the scale discharging operation. Then, control is performed so that the water returned to the upstream side by the circulation means 80 flows into the container 47. In this configuration, water returned to the upstream side by the circulation means 80 flows into the container 47 to form a flow of water in the container 47, and the scale is discharged together with the water to the outside of the container 47 by the scale discharge means 60. . Thereby, it can suppress that a scale settles on the bottom face in the container 47 at the time of scale discharge. In this configuration, when the scale is discharged, the water in the container 47 is used, and the water is circulated to form a flow of water. Therefore, the water in the container 47 is introduced into the container 47 from the water inlet 43. It can be avoided that the amount of water increases. Thereby, it can suppress that the time which scale discharge operation requires becomes long.

  In the embodiment and the modified examples 1 to 4 and 9, the control unit 32 performs control to allow water to flow into the container 47 from the water inlet 43 in the scale discharging operation. In this configuration, water is introduced from the water inlet 43 into the container 47 to form a flow of water in the container 47, and the scale is discharged out of the container 47 together with the water by the scale discharging means 60. Thereby, it can suppress that a scale settles on the bottom face in the container 47 at the time of scale discharge.

  In the embodiment and the first and second modifications, the control unit 32 performs control for preventing water from flowing out of the container 47 from the water outlet 45 in the scale discharging operation. In this configuration, the scale floating in the water in the container 47 can be prevented from being sent to the water heat exchanger 21 together with water.

  In the said modification 3, 4, the filter 65 which capture | acquires the scale contained in the water which flows out out of the container 47 from the water outlet 45 in scale discharge operation | movement is provided. In this configuration, even if the scale floating in the water in the container 47 flows out of the container 47 from the water outlet 45 together with water, the scale is captured by the filter 65 and sent to the water heat exchanger 21. Be blocked.

  In the embodiment and the first to eighth modifications, each of the plurality of electrodes 51 and 52 has a plate shape and is arranged in the container 47 at intervals in the thickness direction to form a meandering flow path. Yes. In this configuration, since the electrolyzer 41 has the meandering channel, the length of the water channel can be increased to increase the efficiency of electrolysis.

[Other variations]
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.

  The electrodes 51 and 52 in the electrolyzer 41 may have a form such as a modification of the electrodes 51 and 52 shown in FIG. In this modified example, the electrolyzer 41 includes electrodes 51 and 52 provided with a plurality of water passage holes C1 penetrating in the thickness direction. In this modification, in a water flow path such as a meandering flow path in the container 47, a part of the water flowing in the water flow path (first water flow path) between the electrodes 51 and 52 is partly adjacent to the water flow path (electrodes 51 and 52). In this case, the effect of stirring the water flowing through the second water channel can be further enhanced. Therefore, when the scale is discharged out of the container 47 together with water by the scale discharging means 60, the water flow is disturbed in the water flow path between the electrodes 51 and 52 in the container 47, whereby the scale is submerged in the water in the container 47. The effect of maintaining the floating state can be further enhanced.

  Further, the electrodes 51 and 52 in the electrolyzer 41 may be in a form such as a modification of the electrodes 51 and 52 shown in FIG. 9B, for example. In the modification shown in FIG. 9B, the electrodes 51 and 52 are provided with at least one of a plurality of concave portions C2 and a plurality of convex portions C3. In this modification, the water flowing through the water flow path between the electrodes 51 and 52 is agitated by the plurality of concave portions C2 and the plurality of convex portions C3. Therefore, when the scale is discharged out of the container 47 together with water by the scale discharging means 60, the water flow is disturbed in the water flow path between the electrodes 51 and 52 in the container 47, whereby the scale is submerged in the water in the container 47. The effect of maintaining the floating state can be further enhanced.

  In the said embodiment, although the case where the temperature control water supply machine was the heat pump water heater 11 was illustrated, it is not limited to this. As temperature control water supply machine, it can be applied to other applications that need to remove scale components, such as heat pump hot water heater, combustion hot water heater, combustion hot water heater, electric water heater, cooling tower, etc. it can.

  In the heat pump hot water heater, for example, in the configuration diagram shown in FIG. 1, high-temperature water stored in the tank 15 is used for heating and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the combustion type hot water heater and the combustion type hot water heater include an electrolyzer 41 as described above and a water heat exchanger 21 </ b> A provided on the downstream side of the electrolyzer 41. Prepare. In the combustion-type hot water heater and the combustion-type hot water heater, water is heated using heat energy obtained by burning fuel gas or the like in the water heat exchanger 21A.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 10, the electric water heater includes an electrolyzer 41 as described above and a water heat exchanger 21 </ b> A provided on the downstream side of the electrolyzer 41. In the electric water heater, water is heated using electric energy in the water heat exchanger 21A.

  For example, as shown in FIG. 10, the cooling tower includes an electrolysis device 41 as described above and a water heat exchanger 21 </ b> A provided on the downstream side of the electrolysis device 41. In the cooling tower, water is heated in the water heat exchanger 21A by exchanging heat generated by other devices with a fluid that has been conveyed.

  In the embodiment, in the flow path of the water of the heat pump water heater 11, as an example, the electrolyzer 41 is provided in the water inlet pipe 27 located downstream of the main pump 31 and upstream of the water heat exchanger 21. Although described above, 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 main pump 31, and is provided in the water supply pipe 37 that supplies water to the tank 15 from the water supply source. Also good.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where the container 47 has a substantially rectangular parallelepiped shape has been described as an example. 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.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Heat pump water heater 15 Tank 21 Water heat exchanger 27 Inlet piping 27A Upstream flow path 27B Downstream flow path 31 Main pump 32 Control part 41 Electrolyzer 43 Water inlet 45 Water outlet 46 Water outlet pipe 47 Container 49 Electrode pair 51 , 52 Electrode 54, 55 Outlet 56 Inlet 60 Scale discharge means 61 Pump 62 Suction flow path 63, 64 On-off valve 65 Filter 80 Circulation means 81 Circulation pump 82 Circulation flow path 90 Stirring means 91 Impeller 92 Motor

Claims (8)

An electrolyzer for removing scale components contained in water sent to the water heat exchanger (21),
A container (47) having a water inlet (43) and a water outlet (45);
A plurality of electrodes (51, 52) provided in the container (47);
Scale discharging means (60) for discharging the scale in the container (47) together with water to the outside of the container (47);
When discharging the scale together with water to the outside of the container (47) by the scale discharging means (60), the inside of the container (47) is maintained so that the scale is suspended in the water in the container (47). And a control means (32) for performing a scale discharging operation for forming a flow of water.   The said control means (32) performs control which flows in water in the said container (47) so that the flow of water may be formed in the said container (47) in the said scale discharge operation | movement. Electrolysis device. A circulation means (80) for returning a part of the water that has passed between the electrodes (51, 52) in the container (47) to the upstream side;
The electrolysis according to claim 2, wherein the control means (32) performs control for causing the water returned to the upstream side by the circulation means (80) to flow into the container (47) in the scale discharging operation. apparatus.   The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 2 or 3, wherein the control means (32) performs control of flowing water into the container (47) from the water inlet (43) in the scale discharging operation.   The electrolysis apparatus according to claim 4, wherein the control means (32) performs control for preventing water from flowing out of the container (47) from the water outlet (45) in the scale discharging operation.   The electrolyzer according to claim 4, further comprising a filter (65) for capturing scale contained in water flowing out of the container (47) from the water outlet (45) in the scale discharge operation.   The plurality of electrodes (51, 52) each have a plate shape and are arranged in the container (47) at intervals in the thickness direction to form a meandering flow path. The electrolyzer of any one of -6. A water heat exchanger (21) for heating the water;
An electrolyzer (41) according to any one of claims 1 to 7, and a temperature-adjusted water supply device for supplying water whose temperature is adjusted in the water heat exchanger (21).

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