JP2017223404A - Connected hot water system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To detect that there is a hot water supply unit showing occurrence of abnormal state of a temperature sensor in several hot water supply units while continuing hot water supply by a connected hot water system.SOLUTION: Each of several water heaters connected in parallel to each other can heat water flowing in pipes of the water heaters to generate hot water and at the same time has a temperature sensor for detecting temperature in the pipes. Then, the detected temperatures at the temperature sensor are compared and if their temperature differences are widely different by more than a predetermined abnormal detection value, it is determined that an abnormal water heater showing abnormal state in the temperature sensor is present in the several water heaters during their heating operation. With this arrangement as above, even if the water heaters are heating water, a detected temperature of another water heater during heating operation and the detected temperature of the temperature sensor can be compared to each other, so that it becomes possible to detect that the abnormal water heater is present in the system while water heating by the connected water heater system is being continued.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a connected hot water system in which a plurality of water heaters are connected in parallel.

  There is known a connected hot water supply system in which a plurality of hot water heaters for supplying hot water by heating water flowing in a pipe are connected. The plurality of water heaters have basically the same specifications, can operate in the same manner, and are connected in parallel to each other. In addition, each water heater is equipped with a temperature sensor such as a feed water temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the inflowing water, and a tapping temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the hot water that flows out and is detected by these temperature sensors. The amount of heating is controlled based on the temperature. In such a temperature sensor, a fault (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate fault) that is output but is incorrect may occur due to a defect in the sensor element or aging. If an intermediate failure occurs, the amount of heating cannot be controlled correctly, and hot water at a temperature deviating from the set temperature may be supplied.

  As a technology to detect an intermediate failure in the temperature sensor of a water heater, it is proposed to pass water through the water heater while heating is stopped and compare the detected temperatures of multiple temperature sensors mounted on one water heater. (Patent Document 1). If heating is stopped, the same temperature should be detected by a plurality of temperature sensors. If the detected temperature differs by more than a predetermined value, it is suspected that one of the temperature sensors has an intermediate failure.

JP 2013-24503 A

  However, when the technique of Patent Document 1 is applied to the connected hot water system, even if only one water heater has an intermediate failure of the temperature sensor among a plurality of water heaters, the heating is stopped by only one. Therefore, in order to detect an intermediate failure, heating must be stopped in all the water heaters, and during that time, there is a problem that hot water cannot be supplied.

  The present invention has been made in response to the above-described problems in the prior art, and there is a water heater in which an intermediate failure of a temperature sensor occurs in a plurality of water heaters while continuing hot water supply by a connected hot water supply system. The purpose is to provide a technology capable of detecting this.

In order to solve the above-described problems, the connected hot water supply system of the present invention employs the following configuration. That is,
In a connected hot water system in which multiple water heaters are connected in parallel,
Each of the plurality of water heaters has a heating means for generating hot water by heating water flowing in the pipe of the water heater, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the pipe,
For the plurality of water heaters that are heated by the heating means, the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors are compared, and if there is a temperature difference that is more than a predetermined abnormality detection value, the heating means heats the heaters. The plurality of water heaters in which the temperature sensor is operated includes a determination unit that determines that there is an abnormal water heater in which an abnormality has occurred in the temperature sensor.

  In such a connected hot water supply system of the present invention, even if the hot water heater is being heated, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor can be compared with other hot water heaters being heated. However, it is possible to detect that there is an abnormal water heater in the system.

  In the above-described connected hot water system of the present invention, each of the plurality of water heaters is provided with a plurality of temperature sensors that detect temperatures at different positions of the pipes. The detected temperatures of the position temperature sensors are compared with each other, and if there is a temperature difference that is more than the detected abnormality value, it may be determined that there is an abnormal hot water heater among the plurality of hot water heaters that are heated.

  In this way, even when multiple temperature sensors are mounted on a single water heater, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the same position should be almost the same when compared with the water heater being heated. Based on the fact that there is a difference in the temperature difference between the two compared with the abnormality detection value, it is possible to detect the presence of the abnormal water heater in the hot water heater being heated.

  Further, in such a connected hot water supply system of the present invention, when the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is compared for a plurality of hot water heaters of three or more, other hot water heaters whose temperature difference is equal to or higher than an abnormal detection value for one hot water heater. Based on the number of water heaters, one water heater having the largest number of water heaters may be identified as an abnormal water heater.

  If three or more water heaters are compared, the abnormal water heater is likely to have the largest number of other water heaters whose compared temperature difference is equal to or greater than the abnormality detection value. Therefore, it is possible to easily identify an abnormal water heater without stopping heating of the water heater by identifying the abnormal water heater based on the number of other water heaters whose temperature difference is equal to or greater than the abnormality detection value. It becomes possible.

  Further, in the above-described connected hot water system of the present invention, when it is determined that there is an abnormal hot water heater, if a predetermined time elapses in a state where water is passed through the pipe after the heating of the plurality of hot water heaters is stopped, A water heater having a difference of a predetermined abnormality specific value or more between the detected temperatures of the plurality of compared temperature sensors may be specified as an abnormal water heater. The “predetermined time” is set to a time at which the temperature of water flowing through each position of the plurality of temperature sensors becomes uniform by passing water after the heating is stopped.

  When it is detected that there is an abnormal water heater, the temperature detected by the plurality of temperature sensors in the water heater is uniform after a predetermined time has passed after passing water through the pipe with heating stopped. Therefore, based on the fact that the detected temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors are compared for each hot water heater and there is a gap greater than the abnormal specific value, the corresponding hot water heater can be specified as the abnormal hot water heater. In this way, when the presence of an abnormal water heater is detected, the situation in which the detected temperature is compared is changed (heating is stopped), and the object whose temperature is compared is changed (comparing multiple temperature sensors for each water heater) By doing so, it is possible to improve the accuracy of specifying the abnormal water heater.

  Moreover, in the connection hot water supply system of this invention mentioned above, you may be as follows. First, each of the plurality of water heaters is provided with a tapping temperature sensor that detects the temperature of hot water flowing out of the water heater as one of the plurality of temperature sensors. And when it is judged that there is an abnormal hot water heater based on comparison between the hot water temperature sensors, when a predetermined time has passed in a state where water is passed through the pipe after the heating of the plurality of hot water heaters is stopped, A hot water heater having a difference greater than an abnormal specific value in the detected temperatures of the plurality of compared temperature sensors is specified as an abnormal hot water heater. In addition, if it is determined that there is an abnormal water heater based on a comparison between temperature sensors other than the hot water temperature sensor, if the detected temperature of the temperature sensor can be compared for more than two water heaters, On the other hand, based on the number of other hot water heaters whose temperature difference is equal to or greater than the abnormality detection value, the hot water heater having the largest number among the plurality of hot water heaters is specified as the abnormal hot water heater.

  The hot water temperature sensor is particularly important compared to other temperature sensors because it detects a temperature close to the temperature of hot water that flows out of the connected hot water supply system and is touched by the user. Therefore, by changing the method for identifying abnormal water heaters according to the importance of the temperature sensor, it is possible to simply identify abnormal water heaters for temperature sensors other than the tapping temperature sensor, and identify abnormal water heaters for the tapping temperature sensor. Accuracy can be increased.

  Further, in such a connected hot water system of the present invention, when it is determined that there is an abnormal water heater, water supply to the piping of the specified abnormal water heater and the heating are stopped, and other hot water heaters other than the abnormal water heater are stopped. It is good also as returning water flow and heating to piping about a vessel.

  If it does in this way, even if an abnormal hot water heater arises, the hot water supply by a connected hot water supply system can be continued except for an abnormal hot water heater, without stopping the whole connected hot water supply system.

It is explanatory drawing which showed the whole structure of the connection hot water supply system 1 of a present Example. It is explanatory drawing which showed the internal structure of the water heater 10 of a present Example. It is a flowchart of the temperature sensor abnormality detection process which the system controller 50 of a present Example performs. It is a flowchart of the abnormal water heater specific process performed in a temperature sensor abnormality detection process.

  FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a connected hot water supply system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the connected hot water system 1 includes a plurality of (three in the illustrated example) hot water heaters 10a, 10b, and 10c that generate hot water, a water supply pipe 2 that supplies hot water to the water heaters 10a to 10c, A hot water supply pipe 3 for supplying hot water generated by the water heaters 10a to 10c to the hot water tap 5 is provided. The three water heaters 10a to 10c are connected to each other in parallel. That is, the water supply pipe 2 is branched into three and connected to each of the water heaters 10a to 10c, and the three hot water supply pipes 3 extending from each of the water heaters 10a to 10c merge into one. And connected to the tap 5.

  The water supply pipe 2 is provided with a check valve 4 on the upstream side of the branch point, and the check valve 4 prevents a reverse flow from the hot water heaters 10a to 10c. On the other hand, a flow rate sensor 6 is provided in the hot water supply pipe 3 on the downstream side of the junction, and the flow rate of hot water flowing out by opening the hot water tap 5 can be detected. Further, in the connected hot water supply system 1 of the present embodiment, the downstream side of the check valve 4 of the water supply pipe 2 and the upstream side of the flow rate sensor 6 of the hot water supply pipe 3 are connected by a circulation pipe 7. The circulation pipe 7 is provided with a circulation pump 8 capable of sucking hot water from the hot water supply pipe 3 side and sending it to the water supply pipe 2 side.

  Furthermore, the connected hot water supply system 1 includes a system controller 50 that controls the entire system, and three hot water heaters 10 a to 10 c, a flow rate sensor 6, and a circulation pump 8 are electrically connected to the system controller 50. When the flow rate sensor 6 detects the outflow of hot water from the tap tap 5, the system controller 50 controls the water heaters 10 a to 10 c according to the flow rate of the hot water flowing out. For example, if the flow rate of hot water flowing out from the hot water tap 5 is the smallest of the three stages, only the hot water heater 10a is operated, and if it is the middle of the three stages, the two water heaters 10a and 10b are operated. If it is the maximum among the three stages, all of the three water heaters 10a to 10c are operated.

  When the flow rate sensor 6 does not detect the outflow of hot water from the hot water tap 5, the system controller 50 drives the circulation pump 8 to return hot water from the hot water piping 3 side to the water supply piping 2 side and Thermal insulation operation is performed by controlling the containers 10a to 10c. In this way, when the user opens the tap 5, hot water at a set temperature can be supplied immediately. The connected hot water supply system 1 that circulates hot water and keeps the temperature in this way is sometimes called an “immediate hot water supply type”. The three water heaters 10a to 10c have basically the same specifications and can be operated in the same manner. Therefore, in the following, unless there is a particular need to distinguish, they are simply referred to as the water heater 10. There is.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the internal configuration of the water heater 10 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the water heater 10 is first housed in a combustion chamber 11 to burn fuel gas, a gas pipe 13 for supplying fuel gas to the burner 12, and combustion air to the burner 12. A combustion fan 16 and the like are provided. The gas pipe 13 is provided with a main valve 14 for opening and closing the gas pipe 13 and a proportional valve 15 for adjusting the flow rate of the fuel gas passing through the gas pipe 13. Further, the combustion chamber 11 is provided with a spark plug 17 that ignites a fuel gas by blowing a spark, a frame rod 18 that detects ignition (flame) in the burner 12, and the like.

  A heat exchanger 19 is provided above the burner 12, and high-temperature combustion exhaust gas generated by combustion in the burner 12 is sent to the heat exchanger 19 by the blow of the combustion fan 16 and passes through the heat exchanger 19. Then, it is discharged from the exhaust pipe 20 at the top of the water heater 10 to the outside. The heat exchanger 19 has one end connected to the water supply pipe 2 and the other end connected to the hot water supply pipe 3. In the water heater 10, a water temperature sensor 21 that detects the temperature of water flowing into the water heater 10 through the water supply pipe 2 (hereinafter referred to as “water temperature”) and a flow rate that detects the flow rate of water flowing into the water heater 10. A sensor 22 and a water supply servo valve 23 that opens and closes the water supply pipe 2 are provided.

  When the water flowing into the water heater 10 by opening the water supply servo valve 23 is supplied to the heat exchanger 19, it is heated by heat exchange with the combustion exhaust of the burner 12, and then becomes hot water to the hot water supply pipe 3. And leaked. Note that the burner 12 and the heat exchanger 19 of this embodiment correspond to the “heating means” of the present invention.

  Inside the water heater 10, there is provided a heat exchange temperature sensor 24 that detects the temperature of hot water immediately after flowing out of the heat exchanger 19 (hereinafter, heat exchange temperature). Further, in the water heater 10 of the present embodiment, the water supply pipe 2 and the hot water supply pipe 3 are connected by a bypass pipe 25 that bypasses the heat exchanger 19, and the downstream side of the hot water supply pipe 3 from the connection position of the bypass pipe 25. Is provided with a hot water temperature sensor 26 for detecting the temperature of hot water flowing out of the water heater 10 (hereinafter referred to as hot water temperature). The various temperature sensors 21, 24 and 26 mounted on the water heater 10 of the present embodiment use thermistors whose electric resistance changes as the temperature changes as sensor elements.

  A part of the water flowing into the water heater 10 through the water supply pipe 2 passes through the bypass pipe 25 without being supplied to the heat exchanger 19, and the rest is supplied to the heat exchanger 19. The hot water heated by the heat exchanger 19 is mixed with the water that has passed through the bypass pipe 25 and then flows out of the water heater 10. Therefore, the temperature detected by the tapping temperature sensor 26 (tapping temperature) is lower than the temperature detected by the heat exchanger temperature sensor 24 (heat exchanger temperature). In the water heater 10 of the present embodiment, the hot water heated by the heat exchanger 19 and the water passed through the bypass pipe 25 are mixed at a constant mixing ratio. By providing a bypass servo valve, the mixing ratio may be variable.

  Further, the water heater 10 is equipped with a hot water controller 30 for controlling the entire device, and the above-mentioned main valve 14, proportional valve 15, combustion fan 16, spark plug 17, frame rod 18, feed water temperature sensor 21, flow sensor. 22, a water supply servo valve 23, a heat exchange temperature sensor 24, a hot water temperature sensor 26, and the like are electrically connected to the hot water supply controller 30. The hot water supply controller 30 is electrically connected to the system controller 50.

  The hot water supply controller 30 opens the water supply servo valve 23 under the control of the system controller 50, and controls the combustion fan 16, the main valve 14, the proportional valve 15, the spark plug 17 and the like to start combustion in the burner 12. Let Then, the hot water supply controller 30 burns in the burner 12 based on the detected flow rate of the flow rate sensor 22 and the detected temperatures (water supply temperature, heat exchange temperature, hot water temperature) of the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26 (heating amount). ) To control. For example, when the detected flow rate increases or the feed water temperature decreases, the amount of fuel gas supplied to the burner 12 is increased to increase the amount of heating so that the tapping temperature maintains the set temperature. Adjust. When the heat exchange temperature exceeds a predetermined cut temperature (for example, 95 degrees), combustion in the burner 12 is stopped in order to prevent bumping in the heat exchanger 19. Further, when the tapping temperature becomes higher than the set temperature by a predetermined allowable value or more, it is determined that there is an abnormality and combustion in the burner 12 is stopped.

  In various temperature sensors 21, 24, and 26 mounted on such a water heater 10, an output is output due to a defect in the sensor element (thermistor) or aging deterioration, but an incorrect failure (hereinafter referred to as an intermediate failure). May occur. When an intermediate failure occurs, combustion (heating amount) in the burner 12 cannot be controlled correctly, and hot water supply may continue in a state deviating from the set temperature. In particular, the hot water temperature sensor 26 detects a temperature close to the temperature of hot water that flows out from the hot water tap 5 and is touched by the user, and detection of an intermediate failure is more important than the water temperature sensor 21 and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 24. It is said.

  Therefore, in the connected hot water system 1 of the present embodiment, the system controller 50 can acquire the detected temperatures of the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26 from the hot water controller 30 of each of the three water heaters 10a to 10c. In order to detect an abnormality such as an intermediate failure of the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26, the system controller 50 executes the following temperature sensor abnormality detection process.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart of temperature sensor abnormality detection processing executed by the system controller 50 of this embodiment. This temperature sensor abnormality detection process is executed periodically at a predetermined period or when a predetermined start operation is performed by the user. In the temperature sensor abnormality detection process, first, it is determined whether heating is being performed (combusting by the burner 12) in any of the three water heaters 10a to 10c (STEP 100). If none of the three water heaters 10a to 10c is being heated (STEP 100: no), the abnormal water heater specifying process to be described later is executed (STEP 120).

  On the other hand, when any of the three water heaters 10a to 10c is being heated (STEP 100: yes), the detected temperature is compared between the temperature sensors at the same position for the water heater 10 being heated (STEP 102). As described above, the water heater 10 is provided with the three temperature sensors, namely, the feed water temperature sensor 21, the heat exchange temperature sensor 24, and the tapping temperature sensor 26, and the detected temperatures (feed water temperature, heat exchange temperature, tapping hot water temperature). Temperature) is different. In the process of STEP102, the detected temperatures of the feed water temperature sensors 21, the detected temperatures of the heat exchanger temperature sensors 24, and the detected temperatures of the tapping temperature sensors 26 are respectively compared. Further, of the three water heaters 10a to 10c, if there are two hot water heaters 10 being heated, two units are compared, and if three units are compared, three units are compared. Wait until the number of units is over. In addition, regarding the heat exchanger temperature sensor 24 and the tapping temperature sensor 26, after the heating (combustion in the burner 12) is started and the temperature is stabilized after a predetermined temperature increase time (for example, 10 seconds), the detected temperature Are to be compared.

  If the detected temperatures are compared for each of the various temperature sensors 21, 24, and 26 in this way, whether or not there is a temperature difference (absolute value) that is more than a predetermined abnormality detection value (7 degrees in this embodiment) apart from each other. (STEP 104). As described above, since the three water heaters 10a to 10c of the present embodiment basically have the same specifications, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor at the same position is compared with the hot water heater 10 being heated. Should almost match. If the temperature difference between them is less than the detected abnormality value (STEP 104: no), the hot water heater 10 being heated has an abnormality such as an intermediate failure in the temperature sensor (hereinafter referred to as abnormal hot water supply). 3) It is determined that 10x is not included, and the temperature sensor abnormality detection process in FIG.

  On the other hand, when there is a temperature difference between the abnormal detection values or more (STEP 104: yes), it is determined that the abnormal hot water heater 10x is included in the hot water heater 10 being heated, and directed to the user. Then, an error is notified (STEP 108). The notification of the error may be performed by performing a predetermined error display indicating that there is an abnormal water heater 10x on a display unit (not shown) or outputting a predetermined notification sound. Further, the system controller 50 of this embodiment that determines that there is an abnormal water heater 10x corresponds to the “determination means” of the present invention.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not the three water heaters 10a to 10c are compared in the process of STEP 104 (STEP 110). If the comparison is made with the three water heaters 10a to 10c (STEP 110: yes), the next is performed. In addition, it is determined whether or not there is an abnormality in the hot water temperature sensor 26, that is, whether or not the temperature difference is equal to or greater than the abnormal detection value by comparing the detected temperatures of the hot water temperature sensors 26 (STEP 112). And when there is no abnormality in the hot water temperature sensor 26 and there is an abnormality in the feed water temperature sensor 21 or the heat exchange temperature sensor 24 (STEP 112: no), the temperature difference between the other two units is not less than the abnormality detection value. The water heater 10 is specified as the abnormal water heater 10x (STEP 114). Note that the system controller 50 of the present embodiment that identifies the abnormal water heater 10x corresponds to the “identifying means” of the present invention.

  For example, the temperature difference of the water supply temperature sensor 21 between the water heater 10a and the water heater 10b is equal to or greater than the abnormality detection value, and the temperature difference of the water supply temperature sensor 21 between the water heater 10a and the water heater 10c is equal to or greater than the abnormality detection value. When the temperature difference of the feed water temperature sensor 21 between the water heater 10b and the water heater 10c is less than the abnormality detection value, the water heater 10a in which the temperature difference between the other two units is equal to or greater than the abnormality detection value is used as the abnormal water heater. Specify as 10x. When the abnormal water heater 10x is specified in this way, the specified abnormal water heater 10x is notified to the user (STEP 116). The notification of the abnormal water heater 10x may be performed by display or by voice.

  On the other hand, if the two hot water heaters 10 are compared in STEP 110 (STEP 110: no), or if the hot water temperature sensor 26 is abnormal in STEP 112 (STEP 112: yes), heating is in progress. The heating of the water heater 10 is stopped (STEP 118), and the following abnormal water heater specifying process is executed (STEP 120). As described above, in the determination of STEP 100 immediately after the start of the temperature sensor abnormality detection process, when none of the three water heaters 10a to 10c is being heated (STEP 100: no), the above-described STEP 102 to STEP 118 are performed. The process is omitted, and the abnormal water heater specifying process of STEP 120 is executed.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart of the abnormal water heater specifying process executed in the temperature sensor abnormality detection process. In the abnormal water heater specifying process, first, water is passed by opening the water supply servo valve 23 for the target water heater 10 while heating is stopped (STEP 130). Note that the target water heaters 10 are the water heaters 10 whose heating has been stopped by the processing of STEP 118, or all the water heaters 10 when none of the water heaters 10 are being heated in the determination of STEP 100. Further, as described above, in the connected hot water supply system 1 of this embodiment, the water supply pipe 2 and the hot water supply pipe 3 are connected by the circulation pipe 7, and the circulation pump 8 is driven even if the hot water tap 5 is not opened. By doing so, it is possible to pass water through the water heater 10.

  Subsequently, it is determined whether or not a predetermined cooling time has elapsed since the start of water flow to the water heater 10 (STEP 132). This cooling time is a time during which the temperature of water flowing through each position of the feed water temperature sensor 21, the heat exchange temperature sensor 24, and the tapping temperature sensor 26 becomes uniform by passing water while heating is stopped (that is, the heat exchange temperature and the tapping temperature). The temperature is set to the time for cooling to the feed water temperature). If the cooling time has not yet elapsed (STEP 132: no), the process waits until the cooling time has elapsed. The cooling time in this embodiment corresponds to the “predetermined time” in the present invention.

  Thereafter, when the cooling time has elapsed (STEP 132: yes), the detected temperatures of the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26 mounted on the water heater 10 are compared for each water heater 10 (STEP 134). As described above, in the water heater 10, three temperature sensors, a water supply temperature sensor 21, a heat exchange temperature sensor 24, and a tapping temperature sensor 26, are installed, and temperatures at different positions (water supply temperature, heat exchange temperature, Detect the temperature of the hot water. In the processing of STEP 134, the detected water supply temperature, heat exchange temperature, and hot water temperature are compared for each hot water heater 10.

  If the detected temperatures of the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26 are thus compared for each water heater 10, whether or not the water heater 10 whose temperature difference is equal to or greater than a predetermined abnormality specific value (for example, 7 degrees) is included. Is determined (STEP 136). As described above, since water is passed over a predetermined cooling time while heating is stopped, the temperatures (water supply temperature, heat exchange temperature, tapping temperature) detected by the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26 are as follows. Should be uniform. And when the water heater 10 whose temperature difference is more than an abnormality specific value is not included (STEP136: no), the abnormal water heater identification process of FIG. 4 and the temperature sensor abnormality detection process of FIG. 3 are complete | finished as it is. Note that if any of the water heaters 10 is not being heated in the determination of STEP 100 and the abnormal water heater specifying process is executed, the abnormal water heaters 10x are not included (all the water heaters 10 are normal). There is.

  On the other hand, when the water heater 10 whose temperature difference is equal to or greater than the abnormal specific value is included (STEP 136: yes), the corresponding water heater 10 whose temperature difference is equal to or greater than the abnormal specific value is identified as the abnormal water heater 10x ( (STEP138). When the specified abnormal water heater 10x is notified to the user (STEP 140), the abnormal water heater specifying process in FIG. 4 is terminated, and the process returns to the temperature sensor abnormality detection process in FIG. Note that the system controller 50 of the present embodiment that identifies the abnormal water heater 10x corresponds to the “identifying means” of the present invention.

  When the abnormal water heater 10x is specified as described above, the specified abnormal water heater 10x is subjected to a process of prohibiting water flow (opening of the water supply servo valve 23) and heating (combustion in the burner 12) (STEP122). ). On the other hand, with respect to the other normal water heaters 10 excluding the abnormal water heater 10x, when the process of returning water flow and heating is performed (STEP 124), the temperature sensor abnormality detection process in FIG. In addition, the system controller 50 of the present embodiment that restores water flow and heating for the normal water heater 10 corresponds to the “return means” of the present invention.

  As described above, in the connected hot water system 1 of the present embodiment, the detected temperature is detected between the temperature sensors at the same position in the hot water heater 10 among the three hot water heaters 10a to 10c connected in parallel. It comes to compare. That is, when the detected temperature between the water temperature sensors 21, the detected temperature between the heat exchanger temperature sensors 24, and the detected temperature between the hot water temperature sensors 26 are compared for the hot water heater 10 being heated, they are detected by the temperature sensors at the same position. Therefore, the abnormal hot water heater 10x is present in the hot water heater 10 being heated based on the fact that there is a temperature difference between the detected temperatures that is equal to or greater than the abnormal detection value (any hot water heater). It can be determined that an intermediate failure of the temperature sensor has occurred in the vessel 10). As a result, it is possible to detect that there is an abnormal water heater 10x in the system while continuing the hot water supply by the connected hot water system 1 (without stopping the heating of the water heater 10).

  If three or more (three in the present embodiment) water heaters 10 are compared, the abnormal water heater 10x has the largest number of other water heaters 10 with the compared temperature difference equal to or greater than the detected abnormality value. (In this embodiment, the temperature difference between the other two water heaters 10 is equal to or higher than the abnormality detection value). Therefore, by specifying the abnormal water heater 10x based on the number of other water heaters 10 whose temperature difference is equal to or greater than the abnormality detection value, the abnormal water heater 10x can be simply configured without stopping the heating of the water heater 10. It becomes possible to specify.

  Further, when it is detected that there is an abnormal water heater 10x, various temperature sensors 21, 24 in the water heater 10 are passed after passing through the water heater 10 with heating stopped and a predetermined cooling time has elapsed. 26, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 26 should be uniform. Therefore, based on the fact that the temperature difference comparing the detected temperatures of the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26 for each water heater 10 is greater than or equal to the abnormal specific value, The water heater 10 to be performed can be specified as the abnormal water heater 10x. Thus, when the presence of the abnormal water heater 10x is detected, the situation in which the detected temperature is compared is changed (heating is stopped), and the object to be compared is changed (various temperature sensors for each water heater 10). 21, 24, and 26), the accuracy of specifying the abnormal water heater 10x can be improved.

  In the connected hot water supply system 1 of the present embodiment, among the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26 mounted on the hot water heater 10, the heating of the hot water heater 10 is stopped with respect to the hot water temperature sensor 21 and the hot water temperature sensor 26. The abnormal hot water heater 10x is specified on the basis of the number of other hot water heaters 10 in which the compared temperature difference is equal to or greater than the abnormal detection value, whereas the hot water temperature sensor 26 is predetermined while heating is stopped. After passing through the cooling time, the abnormal water heater 10x is specified by comparing the detected temperatures of the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26 for each water heater 10. As described above, the hot water temperature sensor 26 detects a temperature close to the temperature of the hot water that flows out from the hot water tap 5 and touches the user, and is therefore more important than the water supply temperature sensor 21 and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 24. Therefore, by changing the method for identifying the abnormal water heater 10x according to the importance of the temperature sensor, the abnormal water heater 10x is simply identified for the water supply temperature sensor 21 and the hot water temperature sensor 26, and the hot water temperature sensor 26 is determined. The accuracy with which the abnormal water heater 10x is specified can be increased.

  Further, in the connected hot water supply system 1 of the present embodiment, when the abnormal water heater 10x is specified, the normal water heater 10 other than the abnormal water heater 10x is excluded in a state where the abnormal water heater 10x is prohibited from passing water and heated. About to return water flow and heating. Thereby, even if the abnormal hot water heater 10x occurs, the hot water supply by the connected hot water system 1 can be continued except for the abnormal hot water heater 10x without stopping the entire connected hot water system 1.

  As mentioned above, although the connection hot-water supply system 1 of a present Example was demonstrated, this invention is not restricted to said Example, In the range which does not deviate from the summary, it is possible to implement in various aspects.

  For example, in the above-described connected hot water supply system 1 of the present embodiment, the three hot water heaters 10a to 10c are connected in parallel. However, the number of the hot water heaters 10 is not limited to three as long as it is plural. Or four or more.

  Moreover, although the connection hot-water supply system 1 of the present Example mentioned above was demonstrated as what is an immediate hot-water supply type which can circulate hot water and can heat-retain, it is not restricted to an immediate hot-water supply type, The opening tap of the tap 5 Along with this, when a flow of water is generated in the water supply pipe 2, the burner 12 of the water heater 10 may start combustion. In this case, in order to pass water to the target water heater 10 in the processing of STEP 130 described above, a discharge valve for automatically discharging water from the hot water discharge pipe 3 is provided even if the hot water tap 5 is not opened. Just keep it.

  Further, in the connected hot water supply system 1 of the above-described embodiment, the system controller 50 and the hot water controller 30 of each hot water heater 10 are provided separately, but the function of the system controller 50 is the same as that of any hot water heater 10. It may be included in the hot water controller 30.

  In the embodiment described above, the method for specifying the abnormal hot water heater 10x has been changed with particular emphasis on the hot water temperature sensor 26 compared to the water temperature sensor 21 and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 24. For the sensor 21 and the heat exchanger temperature sensor 24, the specific accuracy of the abnormal water heater 10 x may be increased by the same method as that for the hot water temperature sensor 26. Furthermore, it is possible to further improve the specific accuracy of the abnormal water heater 10x by performing a double check on both of the various temperature sensors 21, 24, 26 using both of the two types of specific methods described above.

  Moreover, in the Example mentioned above, after specifying the abnormal water heater 10x, water flow and heating of the other water heaters 10 except the abnormal water heater 10x were returned. However, when it is determined that there is an abnormal hot water heater 10x in the hot water heater 10 being heated, except for the hot water heater 10 being heated (the hot water heater 10 suspected of being an abnormal hot water heater 10x). The remaining water heater 10 that is not the object of determination may be used to return water flow and heating. For example, in the connected hot water system 1 in which five water heaters 10 are connected in parallel, if it is determined that there is an abnormal water heater 10x in the two hot water heaters 10 being heated, the abnormal water heater 10x For the two hot water heaters 10 that are suspected to be heated, a process of prohibiting water flow and heating is performed, and from the three water heaters 10 that are not being heated, a process of returning water flow and heating is performed. Also good. In this way, even before the abnormal water heater 10x is identified, the hot water supply by the connected hot water system 1 can be continued except for the water heater 10 that is suspected of being an abnormal water heater 10x.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Consolidated hot-water supply system, 2 ... Water supply piping, 3 ... Hot-water supply piping,
4 ... Hot tap, 5 ... Check valve, 6 ... Flow rate sensor,
7 ... circulation piping, 8 ... circulation pump, 10 ... water heater,
11 ... Combustion chamber, 12 ... Burner, 13 ... Gas piping,
14 ... Main valve, 15 ... Proportional valve, 16 ... Combustion fan,
17 ... Spark plug, 18 ... Frame rod, 19 ... Heat exchanger,
20 ... exhaust pipe, 21 ... feed water temperature sensor, 22 ... flow rate sensor,
23 ... Water supply servo valve, 24 ... Heat exchange temperature sensor, 25 ... Bypass pipe,
26 ... Hot water temperature sensor, 30 ... Hot water controller,
50: System controller.

Claims (6)

In a connected hot water system in which multiple water heaters are connected in parallel,
Each of the plurality of water heaters has a heating means for generating hot water by heating water flowing in the pipe of the water heater, and a temperature sensor for detecting the temperature in the pipe,
For the plurality of water heaters that are heated by the heating means, the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors are compared, and if there is a temperature difference that is more than a predetermined abnormality detection value, the heating means heats the heaters. A connected hot water system, comprising: a determination unit that determines that, among the plurality of hot water heaters for which an abnormality has occurred, there is an abnormal water heater in which an abnormality has occurred in the temperature sensor. In the connected hot water supply system according to claim 1,
Each of the plurality of water heaters has a plurality of temperature sensors that detect temperatures at different positions of the piping as the temperature sensors,
The determination means compares the detected temperatures between temperature sensors at the same position among the plurality of temperature sensors, and if there is the temperature difference that is more than the abnormality detection value, heating is performed by the heating means. It is determined that the abnormal water heater is among the plurality of water heaters. The connected hot water system. In the connected hot-water supply system of Claim 1 or Claim 2,
When comparing the detected temperature of the temperature sensor for a plurality of the three or more water heaters, based on the number of other water heaters in which the temperature difference with respect to one water heater is equal to or greater than the abnormality detection value, A connected hot-water supply system comprising: a specifying unit that specifies, as the abnormal hot-water heater, one hot-water heater having the largest number among the plurality of hot-water heaters. In the connected hot water supply system according to claim 2,
When it is determined by the determining means that there is the abnormal water heater, if a predetermined time elapses in a state where water is passed through the pipe after the heating of the plurality of water heaters is stopped by the heating means, A connected hot water supply system comprising: a specifying unit that specifies, as the abnormal hot water heater, a hot water heater that has a difference of a predetermined abnormal specific value or more between the detected temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors. In the connected hot-water supply system of Claim 4,
Each of the plurality of water heaters includes a tapping temperature sensor that detects a temperature of hot water flowing out of the water heater as the plurality of temperature sensors,
The specifying means is:
When it is determined by the determination means that the abnormal hot water heater is present based on the comparison between the hot water temperature sensors, the water is passed through the pipe after the heating of the plurality of water heaters is stopped by the heating means. When the predetermined time elapses, the hot water heater having a difference greater than the abnormal specific value is identified as the abnormal hot water heater in the detected temperature of the plurality of temperature sensors compared for each hot water heater,
When it is determined by the determination means that the abnormal water heater is present based on a comparison between the temperature sensors other than the hot water temperature sensor, the detected temperature of the temperature sensor is set for three or more water heaters. If the comparison can be made, based on the number of other water heaters whose temperature difference is greater than or equal to the abnormality detection value for one water heater, the one water heater having the largest number among the plurality of water heaters is A connected hot water supply system characterized by being identified as an abnormal water heater. In the connected hot-water supply system as described in any one of Claim 3 thru | or 5,
When it is determined by the determining means that the abnormal water heater is present, the abnormal water heater is stopped in a state in which water supply to the pipe of the abnormal water heater specified by the specifying means and heating by the heating means are stopped. A connected hot-water supply system comprising a return means for returning water to the pipe and heating by the heating means with respect to other hot water heaters excluding the hot water heater.

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