JP2018204851A - Water heater - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a water heater which can supply hot water at a stable temperature, and which has excellent energy saving properties.SOLUTION: A water heater includes: a hot water storage tank 1; a medium temperature hot water tapping part 60 disposed in the hot water storage tank 1; and a plurality of temperature sensors (70a-70g) arranged in the hot water storage tank 1. The medium temperature hot water tapping part 60 at least includes: a plurality of openings (61a-61d); switching parts (63a, 63b) for changing opening areas of the plurality of openings (61a-61d); and shape memory parts (64a, 64b) for moving the switching parts based on the surrounding hot water temperature. In the medium temperature hot water tapping part 60, after mixing the hot water in the hot water storage tank 1, it is flowed out of the hot water storage tank 1. The plurality of temperature sensors (70a-70g) are arranged dispersedly in the upper direction and in the lower direction with respect to the opening 61c located on the lowest side out of the plurality of openings (61a-61d).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus that stores hot water heated by a heating means in a hot water storage tank.

  This type of hot water supply apparatus heats the water supplied from the bottom of the hot water tank to a high temperature by a heating means, and repeats a series of cycles to store it in the upper part of the hot water tank covered with a heat insulating material, thereby Or store hot water in a part. When a user uses hot water to supply hot water, the user mixes it with unheated water to make a predetermined temperature and use it at the hot water supply terminal.

  The operating efficiency of the heat pump type heating means used here depends on the outside air temperature, the boiling temperature, and the incoming water temperature, which is the temperature of the water supplied to the heating means.When the outside air temperature is high, when the boiling temperature is low, Or, when the incoming water temperature is low, the operation efficiency is improved. The outside air temperature varies depending on the season and operation time, and in addition, the incoming water temperature also varies depending on the temperature state of the hot water tank.

  In other words, water that is as low as the water supply temperature is originally present in the lower part of the hot water tank, but if the use of a heat utilization terminal occurs, the medium temperature water in the lower part of the hot water tank is heated. At this time, since the water is supplied to the heating means, the incoming water temperature rises and the efficiency is remarkably lowered.

  And in order to suppress the rise of the incoming water temperature, the hot water in the heat utilization terminal is heat-exchanged with the hot water in the hot water tank by a heat exchanger provided in the hot water tank, and the medium hot water generated by the heat exchange. However, in the configuration in which the hot water is stored in the hot water tank, a hot water outlet pipe extending in the vertical direction from the upper end of the hot water tank to the lower part is provided inside the hot water tank, and the hot water outlet pipe is opened at the intermediate hot water temperature. An operating shape valve is provided to take in warm water. In addition, the temperature sensor arrange | positioned at the hot water storage tank side surface is used for the switching of taking out of the high temperature water and the middle temperature water from the hot water storage tank upper part (for example, refer patent document 1).

JP 2006-125679 A

  However, in the above configuration, the temperature of hot water discharged from the hot water take-out pipe from the intermediate hot water take-out pipe cannot be specified, and the hot water supply temperature performance immediately after the start of hot water supply may be deteriorated. However, a method for avoiding this is not disclosed. .

  This invention solves the said subject, and it aims at providing the hot water supply apparatus which can supply hot water at the stable temperature and was excellent in energy saving property.

In order to solve the conventional problems, a hot water supply apparatus of the present invention comprises a hot water storage tank, an intermediate temperature hot water supply section disposed in the hot water storage tank, and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed in the hot water storage tank. The medium temperature hot water supply unit includes at least a plurality of openings, a switching unit that changes an opening area of the plurality of openings, a shape storage unit that moves the switching unit based on a surrounding hot water temperature, and In the hot water supply apparatus having a configuration in which hot water is mixed in the hot water storage tank and then flows out of the hot water storage tank in the intermediate temperature hot water discharge section, the plurality of temperature sensors are the most of the plurality of openings. It is characterized by being distributed in an upward direction and a downward direction with respect to the opening located on the lower side.

  Thereby, while being able to estimate the temperature discharged from an intermediate temperature hot-water supply part from the detection temperature of a some temperature sensor, hot water supply can be performed at the desired temperature which the user set with the remote control (not shown) etc. .

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the hot water supply apparatus which can supply hot water at the stable temperature and was excellent in energy saving property can be provided.

Configuration diagram of hot water supply apparatus in Embodiment 1 of the present invention (A) The temperature distribution when the horizontal axis in Embodiment 1 of the present invention is the temperature and the vertical axis is the hot water tank height (b) When the horizontal axis is the temperature and the vertical axis is the hot water tank height Diagram showing other temperature distributions (A) Explanatory drawing which shows the structure and operation | movement of the intermediate temperature hot-water part in Embodiment 1 of this invention (b) Other explanatory drawing which shows the structure and operation | movement of the intermediate-temperature hot water part (c) The structure and operation | movement of the intermediate-temperature hot water part (D) Other explanatory view showing the configuration and operation of the middle temperature hot water outlet (e) Other explanatory view showing the configuration and operation of the intermediate hot water hot water portion The figure which shows the flow of a process of the middle temperature hot water temperature estimation part in Embodiment 1 of this invention. Configuration diagram showing other hot water supply devices The figure which shows the flow of a process of the other medium temperature hot water temperature estimation part Configuration diagram showing other hot water supply devices

  1st invention is equipped with a hot water storage tank, the intermediate temperature hot-water supply part arrange | positioned in the said hot water storage tank, and the several temperature sensor arrange | positioned at the said hot water storage tank, The said intermediate temperature hot-water supply part is at least a plurality. An opening portion, a switching portion that changes an opening area of the plurality of openings, and a shape storage portion that moves the switching portion based on a surrounding hot water temperature. In the hot water supply apparatus configured to flow out of the hot water storage tank after mixing in the hot water storage tank, the plurality of temperature sensors with respect to the opening located on the lowermost side among the plurality of openings, The hot water supply apparatus is characterized by being distributed in an upward direction and a downward direction.

  Thereby, while being able to estimate the hot water temperature from a middle temperature hot-water supply part from the detection temperature of a some temperature sensor, hot water supply can be performed at the desired temperature which the user set with the remote control (not shown) etc.

  The second invention is characterized in that, in the first invention, in particular, at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors is disposed at substantially the same position as the height of the opening.

  Thereby, the hot water temperature from a middle temperature hot-water supply part can be estimated with high precision beforehand.

  The third invention is the first or second hot water pipe connected to the hot water storage tank, the second hot water pipe connected to the intermediate temperature hot water outlet, and the first hot water pipe, particularly in the first or second invention. A first mixing valve that is connected to the second hot water pipe and the second hot water pipe and changes a mixing ratio, and the first mixing valve is mixed based on the detected temperatures of the plurality of temperature sensors. A feature is that the ratio is changed.

  Thereby, the temperature of the hot water from the intermediate temperature hot water outlet, the high temperature water when the first hot water pipe is connected to the upper part of the hot water tank, and the case where the first hot water pipe is connected to the lower part of the hot water tank Since the opening of the first mixing valve that is adjusted to a predetermined temperature by mixing with low temperature water can be adjusted in advance, hot water can be supplied at a stable temperature immediately after the start of hot water supply. Moreover, desired hot-water supply temperature can be supplied in a short time, and the energy-saving effect can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the present invention is not limited to the embodiments.

(Embodiment 1)
Hereinafter, the hot water supply apparatus in Embodiment 1 of this invention is demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram illustrating a hot water supply apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  A hot water supply apparatus according to the present embodiment includes a hot water storage tank 1, heating means 2 for heating the water in the hot water storage tank 1, a hot water supply port 3 through which hot hot water (hot water) in the hot water storage tank 1 flows out, and a hot water storage tank. 1 and a heat exchanger 4 that uses high-temperature water in the hot water tank 1 as a heating source. The heat utilization terminal 5 uses the heat medium heated by the heat exchanger 4.

  A water supply pipe 11 is connected to the lower part of the hot water tank 1. The hot water storage tank 1 always maintains a constant amount of hot water with water supplied from the water supply pipe 11. The connection end 11 a of the water supply pipe 11 is a hot water tank connection position of the water supply pipe 11.

  For the heating means 2, for example, a heat pump device can be used. The hot water tank 1 and the heating means 2 are connected by a water discharge pipe 21 and a return pipe 22. The drain pipe 21 has one end connected to the lower part of the hot water tank 1 and the other end connected to the heating means 2. The return pipe 22 has one end connected to the heating means 2 and the other end connected to the upper part of the hot water tank 1.

  Low temperature hot water (low temperature water) existing in the lower part of the hot water tank 1 is guided to the heating means 2 by the water discharge pipe 21. The high temperature water heated by the heating means 2 is returned to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 1 by the return pipe 22 and stored in a temperature stratified state.

  The hot water supply port 3 is connected to the hot water tank 1 by a first hot water discharge pipe 31. The first hot water discharge pipe 31 has one end 31 a connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 1 and the other end connected to the hot water supply port 3. The high temperature water present in the upper part of the hot water tank 1 is guided to the hot water supply port 3 by the first hot water discharge pipe 31. One end 31 a of the first hot water discharge pipe 31 is a hot water tank connection position of the first hot water discharge pipe 31.

  The first outlet pipe 31 is provided with a first mixing valve 6 and a second mixing valve 7. The first mixing valve 6 is provided upstream of the second mixing valve 7, that is, on the hot water tank 1 side.

  A second hot water discharge pipe 32 is connected to the first mixing valve 6. One end of the second hot water discharge pipe 32 is connected to an intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the hot water tank 1, and the other end is connected to the first mixing valve 6. Medium temperature hot water (medium temperature water) existing in the vertical intermediate portion of the hot water tank 1 is guided to the first mixing valve 6 by the second hot water discharge pipe 32.

  A water supply branch pipe 12 is connected to the second mixing valve 7. The water supply branch pipe 12 has one end connected to the water supply pipe 11 and the other end connected to the second mixing valve 7. The low temperature water supplied from the feed water branch pipe 12 is guided to the second mixing valve 7.

High temperature water flows into the first mixing valve 6 from the first hot water discharge pipe 31, and medium hot water flows from the second hot water discharge pipe 32. The high-temperature water and medium-temperature water that flow in are mixed by the first mixing valve 6 and then second.
To the mixing valve 7.

  Hot water from the first mixing valve 6 and low-temperature water from the feed water branch pipe 12 flow into the second mixing valve 7. Hot water and low temperature water from the first mixing valve 6 are mixed by the second mixing valve 7 and then guided to the hot water supply port 3.

  The hot water tank 1 and the heat exchanger 4 are connected to each other by a heat utilization hot water discharge pipe 41 and a heat utilization return pipe 42. The heat-utilizing hot water discharge pipe 41 has one end connected to the upper part of the hot water tank 1 and the other end connected to the heat exchanger 4. The heat utilization return pipe 42 has one end connected to the heat exchanger 4 and the other end 42 a connected to the vertical intermediate portion of the hot water tank 1.

  The other end 42 a of the heat utilization return pipe 42 is a hot water tank connection position of the heat utilization return pipe 42. A circulation pump 43 is provided in the heat utilization return pipe 42. The high temperature water present in the upper part of the hot water tank 1 is guided to the heat exchanger 4 by the heat utilization hot water discharge pipe 41. The intermediate warm water radiated by the heat exchanger 4 is returned to the intermediate portion in the vertical direction of the hot water tank 1 by the heat utilization return pipe 42.

  The heat exchanger 4 and the heat utilization terminal 5 are connected by a heat medium supply pipe 51 and a heat medium return pipe 52. The heat medium supply pipe 51 has one end connected to the heat exchanger 4 and the other end connected to the heat utilization terminal 5. The heat medium return pipe 52 has one end connected to the heat utilization terminal 5 and the other end connected to the heat exchanger 4. The heat medium return pipe 52 is provided with a circulation pump 53. The heat medium of the heat utilization terminal 5 is guided to the heat exchanger 4 by the heat medium return pipe 52. The heat medium heated by the heat exchanger 4 is supplied to the heat utilization terminal 5 through the heat medium supply pipe 51.

  In the hot water tank 1, an intermediate temperature hot water supply unit 60 is disposed.

  The intermediate temperature hot water supply part 60 has a plurality of openings 61a, 61b, 61c and an extraction part 62. The plurality of openings 61a, 61b, 61c are arranged in the hot water storage tank 1 in a substantially vertical direction from the highest height. The take-out part 62 is connected to the second hot water discharge pipe 32. In addition, the taking-out part 62 is arrange | positioned in the approximate middle part of the hot water storage tank 1 in the height direction.

  All the openings 61 a, 61 b, 61 c are arranged between the hot water tank connection position 31 a of the first hot water discharge pipe 31 and the hot water tank connection position 11 a of the water supply pipe 11. By disposing the plurality of openings 61 a, 61 b, 61 c in the middle part in the vertical direction of the hot water tank 1, it is possible to take out the medium-temperature water at different temperatures.

  In addition, temperature sensors 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, and 70f that detect the temperature of hot water in the hot water tank 1 are arranged on the outer surface in the vertical direction of the hot water tank 1 in descending order of height. The mixing ratio of the first mixing valve 6 is determined based on the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 70c, 70d, and 70e. The plurality of temperature sensors 70c, 70d, and 70e are higher in height than the opening 61a that is positioned on the uppermost side among the plurality of openings 61a, 61b, and 61c provided in the medium-temperature hot water outlet 60. The opening 61c located at the lowest position and on the lowermost side is distributed in the upward and downward directions.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, the plurality of openings 61a, 61b, 61c are arranged in the hot water tank 1 in a substantially vertical direction, so that the hot water in the hot water tank 1 is removed in the vertical direction. Since hot water flows out from the opening 61c at the lowest position, hot water does not remain in the intermediate temperature hot water outlet 60. Therefore, it is possible to prevent freezing and destruction caused by remaining hot water in the intermediate temperature hot water outlet 60.

Hot water that has flowed in at a different temperature from at least two of the plurality of openings 61 a, 61 b, 61 c is mixed and flows out from the take-out portion 62 to the second hot water discharge pipe 32. The hot water storage pipe connection position 42a of the heat utilization return pipe 42 has a height between the opening 61a at the highest position and the opening 61c at the lowest position.

  In this way, the position of the hot water returning from the heat utilization return pipe 42 into the hot water storage tank 1 is set to the height between the opening 61a at the highest position and the opening 61c at the lowest position, so that heat utilization is achieved. The medium-temperature water that flows and diffuses from the return pipe 42 into the hot water tank 1 can be taken out from the openings 61a, 61b, 61c having different heights and used for hot water supply. Therefore, particularly when the heat pump device is used as the heating means 2. In addition, it is possible to provide a hot water supply apparatus that suppresses the amount of boiling of medium-temperature water whose efficiency is reduced during boiling and is excellent in energy saving.

  It is preferable that the hot water storage pipe connection position 42a of the heat utilization return pipe 42 be equal to or higher than the height of the opening 61b at the next highest position after the opening 61a at the highest position. The medium-temperature water flowing into the hot water tank 1 from the heat utilization return pipe 42 has a larger specific gravity than the high temperature water, and therefore diffuses more downward than the hot water tank connection position of the heat utilization return pipe 42.

  By providing more openings 61b and 61c disposed below the hot water storage tank connection position 42a of the heat utilization return pipe 42 than the opening 61a disposed above the hot water storage tank connection position of the heat utilization return pipe 42, more The medium temperature water can be taken out.

  All the openings 61a, 61b, 61c are arranged below the height of the extraction portion 62. By arranging all the openings 61a, 61b, 61c below the height of the take-out part 62, when taking out the medium-temperature water is stopped, the take-out part 62 has hot water at the positions of the openings 61a, 61b, 61c. Since it is filled with hot water at a high temperature, this hot water can be discharged at the initial stage of taking out the medium temperature water. Therefore, hot water at a predetermined temperature can be supplied at an early stage.

  FIG. 2 shows a temperature distribution diagram in which the horizontal axis is the temperature and the vertical axis is the hot water tank height. FIG. 2 (a) shows the case of the present embodiment, and FIG. 2 (b) shows only the opening 61b. This is an example in which hot water is taken out and the opening 61b is fully opened / closed according to a predetermined temperature (for example, the opening 61b is fully opened when the temperature is 35 ° C. to 40 ° C.).

  T1 is the feed water temperature, T2 is the upper limit temperature of the medium temperature water, Wma and Wmb are the layers of the intermediate temperature water from the feed water temperature T1 to the upper limit temperature T2 of the intermediate temperature water, the solid line is the temperature distribution before the hot water from the hot water outlet 60, and the broken line is the intermediate temperature It is a temperature distribution when the hot water is discharged from the hot water supply section 60.

  As shown in FIG. 2B, with simple switching between opening and closing depending on the temperature, the hot water existing in the vicinity of the opening 61b is taken out only when the temperature is a predetermined temperature. When the hot water is discharged, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 1 moves upward as a whole. Therefore, the hot water is taken out only when a predetermined temperature, for example, 35 to 40 ° C. hot water comes near the opening 61b. The region of medium temperature water is Wmb.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2A, in the case of the present embodiment, the hot water in the vicinity of the opening 61b and the hot water in the opening 61c are mixed, so that the temperature to be taken out is not limited. This is because even if hot water in the hot water storage tank 1 moves to the upper part, hot water is sucked up from each opening by a shape memory unit described later and mixed at a predetermined temperature.

  As a result, it can be seen that the region of the intermediate temperature water after tapping becomes Wma with less intermediate temperature water than Wmb, the intermediate temperature water can be used effectively, and the amount of the intermediate temperature water that decreases in efficiency at the time of boiling can be suppressed.

  FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing the configuration and operation of the intermediate temperature hot water outlet according to the first embodiment.

  The structure of the intermediate temperature hot water supply part 60 is demonstrated using Fig.3 (a).

  The medium temperature hot water supply part 60 includes a plurality of openings 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, a take-out part 62, and switching parts 63a, 63b that change the respective opening areas of the plurality of openings 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d, Shape storage units 64a and 64b for moving the switching units 63a and 63b based on the surrounding hot water temperature are provided. The opening 61d introduces hot water flowing from the opening 61b or the opening 61c, or hot water flowing from the opening 61b and the opening 61c, and guides it to the take-out portion 62.

  The plurality of openings 61 a, 61 b, 61 c, 61 d are formed in the tubular intermediate temperature hot water main body 65. The opening 61 c communicates with the lower end opening 65 a of the medium temperature hot water main body 65. The opening 61b is formed above the opening 61c. The opening 61d is formed above the opening 61b. The opening 61a is formed above the opening 61d.

  Mixing portions 66 a and 66 b are formed in the medium temperature hot water main body 65.

  The mixing portion 66a is formed above the opening 61a. The mixing portion 66b is formed above the opening 61b and below the opening 61d.

  The switching part 63a changes the opening area of the opening part 61a and the opening part 61d by moving in the height direction.

  A shape storage unit 64a is disposed above (downstream side) the switching unit 63a. The shape storage unit 64a moves the switching unit 63a upward when the surrounding hot water temperature becomes lower than a predetermined temperature. In addition, it is preferable to move the switching part 63a using the biasing spring 67a with the shape memory | storage part 64a like illustration. By using the urging spring 67a together with the shape memory unit 64a, the operating temperatures at the time of temperature rise and the time of temperature fall can be matched.

  The switching part 63b changes the opening area of the opening part 61b and the opening part 61c by moving in the height direction.

  A shape storage unit 64b is disposed above (downstream side) the switching unit 63b. The shape storage unit 64b moves the switching unit 63b upward when the surrounding hot water temperature becomes lower than a predetermined temperature. As shown in the figure, it is preferable to move the switching unit 63b using the biasing spring 67b together with the shape storage unit 64b. By using the urging spring 67b together with the shape memory portion 64b, the operating temperatures at the time of temperature rise and the time of temperature fall can be matched.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the medium temperature hot water main body 65 in the case where the hot water temperature in the takeout portion 62 is set to 40 ° C. will be described. In this Embodiment, the shape memory | storage parts 64a and 64b are set so that it may operate | move in the direction to shrink, when the surrounding hot water temperature falls below 40 degreeC.

  FIG. 3A shows a state where the hot water temperature at the lower end opening 65a of the intermediate temperature hot water main body 65 is 45 ° C.

  Since the hot water temperature at the lower end opening 65a is higher than 40 ° C., the shape memory unit 64b is in an extended state, and the switching unit 63b is moving downward. In a state where the switching unit 63b has moved downward, the opening 61c is open and the opening 61b is closed.

Moreover, since the shape memory | storage part 64a is a position higher than the lower end opening 65a, and the hot water temperature around the shape memory | storage part 64a is also higher than 40 degreeC, it exists in the extended state and the switch part 63a is moving below. In the state where the switching unit 63a has moved downward, the opening 61d is open and the opening 61a is closed.

  In the state of FIG. 3A, hot water in the lower end opening 65a flows from the opening 61c, and is guided to the take-out part 62 through the mixing part 66b, the opening part 61d, and the mixing part 66a in this order.

  FIG. 3B shows a state where the hot water temperature at the lower end opening 65a of the medium temperature hot water main body 65 is lowered to 20 ° C.

  When the hot water temperature at the lower end opening 65a of the intermediate temperature hot water main body 65 is lowered, the hot water temperature around the shape memory unit 64b is lowered, so that the shape memory unit 64b is contracted and the switching unit 63b is moved upward.

  As the switching unit 63b moves upward, the opening area of the opening 61c decreases, and the opening 61b starts opening. The inflow amount of 20 ° C. water decreases as the opening area of the opening 61c decreases, and the inflow amount of 60 ° C. hot water increases as the opening area of the opening 61b increases. The hot water temperature around the shape memory portion 64b rises due to the opening of the opening portion 61b, and the switching portion 63b moves so that the hot water temperature around the shape memory portion 64b becomes 40 ° C.

  In the state of FIG. 3B, hot water flows in from the opening 61c and the opening 61b, and is guided to the take-out part 62 through the mixing unit 66b, the opening 61d, and the mixing unit 66a in this order.

  FIG. 3C shows a state where the hot water temperature at the opening 61b is lowered to 40 ° C.

  When the hot water temperature at the opening 61b decreases to 40 ° C., the hot water around the shape memory unit 64b falls below 40 ° C. due to the inflow of hot water from the opening 61a, so the shape memory unit 64b shrinks and the switching unit 63b. Moves upward.

  When the switching unit 63b moves upward, the opening 61c is closed, and only the opening 61b is opened.

  In the state of FIG. 3C, the hot water flows into the opening 61d only from the opening 61b, and is guided to the take-out part 62 through the mixing part 66b, the opening 61d, and the mixing part 66a in this order.

  FIG. 3D shows a state where the hot water temperature at the opening 61b is lower than 40 ° C., for example, lowered to 20 ° C.

  When the hot water temperature at the opening 61b decreases to 20 ° C., the hot water temperature around the shape memory unit 64a falls below 40 ° C., the shape memory unit 64a shrinks, and the switching unit 63a moves upward.

  When the switching unit 63a moves upward, the opening area of the opening 61d decreases, and the opening 61a starts opening. As the opening area of the opening 61d decreases, the inflow amount of 20 ° C. water decreases, and as the opening area of the opening 61a increases, the inflow amount of 60 ° C. hot water increases. The hot water temperature around the shape memory unit 64a rises due to the opening of the opening 61a, and the switching unit 63a moves so that the hot water temperature around the shape memory unit 64a becomes 40 ° C.

  In the state of FIG. 3D, hot water flows in from the opening 61b and the opening 61a, and is guided to the take-out part 62 through the mixing part 66a.

  FIG. 3E shows a state where the hot water temperature at the opening 61a is lowered to 40 ° C.

  When the hot water temperature at the opening 61a decreases to 40 ° C., the hot water around the shape memory unit 64a falls below 40 ° C. due to the inflow of hot water from the opening 61b, so the shape memory unit 64a shrinks and the switching unit 63a. Moves upward.

  When the switching unit 63a moves upward, the opening 61d is closed and only the opening 61a is opened.

  In the state of FIG.3 (e), hot water flows in only from the opening part 61a, and is guide | induced to the extraction part 62 through the mixing part 66a.

  In the present embodiment, the operation temperature of the shape storage unit 64a and the shape storage unit 64b has been described as the same 40 ° C., but the operation temperature of the shape storage unit 64b may be set lower than that of the shape storage unit 64a. Good.

  When the extraction part 62 is positioned higher than the shape memory part 64b, when the temperature of the hot water from the opening 61b or the opening 61c is 40 ° C., it is heated by heat conduction from the surrounding hot water. Since it is mixed with hot water in the mixing part 66a and the hot water temperature exceeds 40 ° C. in the take-out part 62, the operating temperature of the shape memory part 64b is set to a temperature lower than 40 ° C. Temperature fluctuation can be suppressed.

  In addition, the operating temperature of the shape storage unit 64b can be set lower than that of the shape storage unit 64a, the temperature of the switching unit 63b can be roughly adjusted, and the temperature of the switching unit 63a can be strictly adjusted.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a process flow of the intermediate hot water temperature estimation unit according to the first embodiment. In this estimation part, among the temperature sensors 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, and 70f attached to the surface of the hot water tank 1, the position is lower in the vertical direction than the opening 61a of the medium temperature hot water 60, and the opening Processing is performed using the temperature sensors 70c, 70d, and 70e at positions higher than the temperature sensor 70e disposed at the closest position in the vertical direction of 61c.

  In FIG. 4, the operating temperature of the shape memory | storage part 64a and the shape memory | storage part 64b shall be the same temperature Ts (for example, 40 degreeC), the hot water temperature actually discharged | emitted from the extraction part 62 is Tm degreeC, and the temperature sensors 70c, 70d, and 70e. The temperatures acquired from the above are T70c ° C, T70d ° C, and T70e ° C, respectively.

  First, in Step 71, it is determined whether all temperatures T70c to T70e are equal to or higher than the operating temperature Ts. When the acquired temperatures from all the temperature sensors are equal to or higher than Ts ° C., the shape storage unit 64a and the shape storage unit 64b are in an extended state, and the switching unit 63a and the switching unit 63b are in a state of moving downward. Hot water in the hot water storage layer 1 is discharged from the extraction portion 62 only from the lower end opening 65a.

  At this time, the temperature sensor whose position in the vertical direction is close to the temperature discharged from the extraction unit 62 is the temperature sensor 70d or the temperature sensor 70e, but the temperature of the hot water discharged from the extraction unit 62 is in the vertical direction. The temperature of the temperature sensor 70e having a lower height than the opening 61c is set (Step 73).

  The temperature at which the first mixing valve 6 mixes is preferably higher because it is mixed with the low-temperature water from the feed water branch pipe 12 by the second mixing valve 7. Therefore, when calculating the mixing ratio of the first mixing valve 6, T70 e ° C., which is a lower temperature, is taken as the temperature of the extraction portion 62 so that the temperature after mixing does not decrease.

  If all the temperature sensors are not equal to or higher than Ts ° C., it is determined in step 72 whether all the temperature sensors are lower than Ts ° C. When the acquired temperatures from all the temperature sensors are lower than Ts ° C., the shape storage unit 64a and the shape storage unit 64b are in a contracted state, and the switching unit 63a and the switching unit 63b are moved upward. Hot water in the hot water storage layer 1 is discharged from the outlet 62 only from the opening 61a. At this time, since the temperature sensor whose position in the vertical direction is close to the temperature discharged from the extraction section 62 is the temperature sensor 70c, the temperature of T70c is set as the temperature discharged from the extraction section 62 (Step 74).

  Since the temperature mixed by the first mixing valve 6 is mixed with the low-temperature water from the feed water branch pipe 12 by the second mixing valve 7, a higher temperature is desirable, so that the temperature is lower than the opening 61 a in the vertical direction. When the temperature T70c ° C. of a certain temperature sensor 70c is used, the mixing ratio of the first mixing valve 6 is calculated at a lower temperature, and the hot water supply temperature is prevented from being lower than the temperature desired by the user. Can do.

  When all the temperature sensors are not equal to or higher than Ts ° C. and not lower than Ts ° C., the temperature of the extraction portion 62 is set to Ts ° C. in the next Step 75. The hot water in the hot water tank 1 near the opening 61a and the opening 61b is sandwiched between hot water having a temperature lower than Ts ° C. and hot water having a temperature not lower than Ts ° C., and the shape memory 64a or the shape memory is stored. The portion 64b expands and contracts to change the opening area, and hot water having a temperature of Ts ° C. is discharged from the extraction portion 62.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the temperature discharged from the intermediate temperature hot water supply unit 60 can be estimated from the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 70c, 70d, and 70e, the mixing of the first mixing valve 6 is performed in advance. The ratio can be changed. Therefore, hot water can be quickly supplied from the hot water outlet 3 at a desired temperature set by a user using a remote controller (not shown) or the like in response to a request to start hot water supply.

  FIG. 5 shows another hot water supply apparatus. In addition, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected to the same structural member as the hot-water supply apparatus described in FIG. 1, and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  In the present embodiment, among the temperature sensors that are provided on the outer surface of the hot water tank 1 and detect the temperature of the hot water in the hot water tank 1, the temperature sensor 70g has substantially the same height in the vertical direction as the opening 61b. It is arranged at a position.

  According to this structure, since the temperature discharged from the intermediate temperature hot water supply part 60 can be estimated from the temperature of the temperature sensors 70c, 70d, 70e, and the temperature sensor 70g, the mixing ratio of the first mixing valve 6 is set in advance. It can be changed.

  Moreover, since the temperature sensor 70g is provided in the hot water storage tank 1 at a position substantially the same height as the opening 61a, the temperature of the take-out part 62 is accurately estimated when the amount of heat stored in the hot water storage tank 1 is small. be able to.

  Therefore, in addition to being able to quickly supply hot water at a temperature set by a remote controller (not shown) or the like by a user in response to a request to start hot water supply, energy is saved because no hot water is taken out unnecessarily. Can be improved.

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a flow of processing of another medium temperature hot water temperature estimation unit. In this estimation part, among temperature sensors 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f, and 70g attached to the surface of the hot water tank 1, the position is lower in the vertical direction than the opening 61a of the intermediate temperature hot water outlet 60, and the opening The temperature sensors 70c, 70d, 70e located at the position closest to the temperature sensor 70e disposed on the lower side in the up-down direction of 61c and the opening 61b are arranged at substantially the same height in the up-down direction. The temperature sensor 70g is used for processing.

  In FIG. 6, the operating temperature of the shape memory | storage part 64a and the shape memory | storage part 64b is made into the same temperature Ts (for example, 40 degreeC), the hot water temperature actually discharged from the extraction part 62 is Tm degreeC, and the temperature sensors 70c, 70d, and 70e. The temperatures acquired from 70 g are T70c ° C., T70d ° C., T70e ° C., and T70g ° C., respectively.

  First, in Step 81, it is determined whether all temperatures T70c to T70g are equal to or higher than Ts. When the acquired temperatures from all the temperature sensors are equal to or higher than Ts ° C., the shape storage unit 64a and the shape storage unit 64b are in an extended state, and the switching unit 63a and the switching unit 63b are in a state of moving downward. Hot water in the hot water storage layer 1 is discharged from the extraction portion 62 only from the lower end opening 65a.

  At this time, the temperature sensor that is close to the temperature discharged from the take-out unit 62 in the vertical direction is the temperature sensor 70d or the temperature sensor 70e, but the temperature of the hot water discharged from the take-out unit 62 is in the vertical direction. The temperature of the temperature sensor 70e having the lower height is set (Step 83).

  The temperature at which the first mixing valve 6 mixes is preferably higher because it is mixed with the low-temperature water from the feed water branch pipe 12 by the second mixing valve 7. Therefore, when calculating the mixing ratio of the first mixing valve 6, T70 e ° C., which is a lower temperature, is taken as the temperature of the extraction portion 62 so that the temperature after mixing does not decrease.

  If all the temperature sensors are not equal to or higher than Ts ° C., it is determined in step 82 whether all the temperature sensors are lower than Ts ° C. When the acquired temperatures from all the temperature sensors are lower than Ts ° C., the shape storage unit 64a and the shape storage unit 64b are in a contracted state, and the switching unit 63a and the switching unit 63b are moved upward. Hot water in the hot water storage layer 1 is discharged from the extraction portion 62 only from the opening 61a. Since the temperature sensor 70g has the same height as the opening 61a in the vertical direction, the temperature discharged from the take-out portion 62 is T70 g ° C. (Step 84).

  When all the temperature sensors are not equal to or higher than Ts ° C. and are not lower than Ts ° C., the temperature of the extraction unit 62 is set to Ts ° C. in the next Step 85. The hot water in the hot water tank 1 near the opening 61a and the opening 61b is sandwiched between hot water having a temperature lower than Ts ° C. and hot water having a temperature not lower than Ts ° C., and the shape memory 64a or the shape The storage part 64b expands and contracts, the opening area is changed, and the hot water is discharged at the temperature Ts ° C.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, since the temperature discharged from the intermediate temperature hot water supply section 60 can be estimated from the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 70c, 70d, 70e, 70g, the first mixing valve 6 is preliminarily estimated. The mixing ratio can be changed. Therefore, hot water can be quickly supplied from the hot water outlet 3 at a desired temperature set by a user using a remote controller (not shown) or the like in response to a request to start hot water supply.

  FIG. 7 is a configuration diagram showing another hot water supply apparatus. The same components as those in the hot water supply apparatus illustrated in FIGS. 1 and 5 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

The heat exchanger 4 in this configuration is disposed in the hot water tank 1 and uses high-temperature water in the hot water tank 1 as a heating source. The heat exchanger 4 and the heat utilization terminal 5 are connected by a heat medium supply pipe 51 and a heat medium return pipe 52. The heat medium supply pipe 51 has one end connected to the heat exchanger 4 and the other end connected to the heat utilization terminal 5. The heat medium return pipe 52 has one end connected to the heat utilization terminal 5 and the other end connected to the heat exchanger 4. The heat medium return pipe 52 is provided with a circulation pump 53.

  The heat medium of the heat utilization terminal 5 is guided to the heat exchanger 4 by the heat medium return pipe 52. The heat medium heated by the heat exchanger 4 is supplied to the heat utilization terminal 5 through the heat medium supply pipe 51.

  Moreover, in this structure, the installation position of the up-down direction of the heat exchanger 4 is made into the height between the opening part 61a in the highest position, and the opening part 61c in the lowest position, so that a relatively high temperature is obtained. The hot water in the vicinity of the opening 61a in which the temperature is maintained is mixed with the opening 61b or the opening 61c in which the hot water is generated in the hot water tank 1 by heat exchange with the heat exchanger 4 and the temperature is relatively low. Since it can be used for hot water supply, particularly when a heat pump device is used as the heating means 2, it is possible to provide a hot water supply device that suppresses the amount of boiling of medium-temperature water whose efficiency is lowered during boiling and is excellent in energy saving.

  Moreover, in this structure, it is preferable that the installation position of the highest part of the heat exchanger 4 in the vertical direction be equal to or higher than the height of the opening 61b at the next highest position after the opening 61a at the highest position. The medium-temperature water generated by heat exchange with the heat exchanger 4 has a specific gravity greater than that of the high-temperature water, and therefore diffuses more below the installation position of the highest part in the vertical direction of the heat exchanger 4.

  By providing more openings 61b and 61c arranged below the hot water tank connection position of the heat return pipe 42 than the opening 61a arranged above the installation position of the highest part of the heat exchanger 4 in the vertical direction. , More medium temperature water can be taken out.

  The hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention can supply hot water at a stable temperature and is excellent in energy saving. Therefore, the hot water supply apparatus can be applied not only to a domestic hot water supply apparatus but also to a large-scale use such as business use.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Hot water storage tank 2 Heating means 3 Hot water supply port 4 Heat exchanger 5 Heat utilization terminal 6 1st mixing valve 7 2nd mixing valve 11 Water supply pipe 31 1st hot water pipe 32 2nd hot water pipe 60 Medium temperature hot water supply part 61a, 61b, 61c, 61d Opening part 62 Extraction part 63a, 63b Switching part 64a, 64b Shape storage part 65a Lower end opening 66a, 66b Mixing part 67a, 67b Energizing spring 70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70e, 70f, 70g Temperature sensor

Claims (3)

A hot water storage tank, an intermediate temperature hot water supply section disposed in the hot water storage tank, and a plurality of temperature sensors disposed in the hot water storage tank,
The intermediate temperature hot water supply section includes at least a plurality of openings, a switching section that changes an opening area of the plurality of openings, and a shape memory section that moves the switching section based on the surrounding hot water temperature. And
In the intermediate temperature hot water supply section, after mixing hot water in the hot water storage tank, the hot water supply apparatus configured to flow out of the hot water storage tank,
The plurality of temperature sensors are arranged to be distributed in an upward direction and a downward direction with respect to an opening located on a lowermost side among the plurality of openings. The hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the plurality of temperature sensors is disposed at substantially the same position as the height of the opening. Connected to the first hot water pipe connected to the hot water storage tank, the second hot water pipe connected to the intermediate temperature hot water outlet, the first hot water pipe and the second hot water pipe, and mixed And a first mixing valve for changing the ratio, wherein the first mixing valve is configured to change the mixing ratio based on temperatures detected by the plurality of temperature sensors. Or the hot water supply apparatus of 2.

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