JP2019020023A - Hot water system - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a hot water system capable of favorably reducing electricity and heating expenses.SOLUTION: A hot water system 50 applied to a building 10, which is a two-family house, has a hot water supply facility 51 on a parent household side and a hot water supply facility 52 on a child household side. The hot water supply facilities 51, 52 respectively include: hot water storage tanks 60, 70; solar heat collectors 61, 71 for heating water stored in the hot water storage tanks 60, 70 by solar heat; and hot water supply pipelines 65, 75 for supplying hot water stored in the hot water storage tanks 60, 70 to water discharge ports of the households respectively. The hot water supply facilities 51, 52 are connected with each other by a connection pipeline 80 and hot water is transferrable between the households. A hot water transfer mode can be selected from among a plurality of modes, and in the case where an entire house sharing mode is preset as the transfer mode, a supply source of the hot water is determined out of the hot water supply facilities 51, 52 by using a predetermined order determined based on the generation cost of hot water.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply system.

  Some buildings such as houses are provided with a hot water supply system in which hot water heated by an outdoor hot water supply device or the like is supplied to a water outlet of a kitchen or a washroom through a pipe. As a hot water supply apparatus, a solar hot water supply system having a solar heat collector that creates hot water by absorbing solar heat, which is natural energy, has become widespread, and consideration is given to the environment and the like.

  In this type of hot water supply system, for example, there may be an event that sufficient hot water cannot be obtained when the amount of sunshine is insufficient, and it is easily affected by the weather. In view of this, a technology has been proposed that compensates for the shortage of hot water by using a backup heating unit such as a gas water heater that is relatively unaffected by the weather (see, for example, Patent Document 1). By using the backup heating unit in combination, it is possible to suppress a decrease in convenience of the hot water supply system due to environmental considerations.

JP 2012-159243 A

  In the hot water supply system described above, it is conceivable that hot water heated by solar heat can be interchanged between a plurality of households each having a hot water supply device in order to reduce the utility cost. For example, after hot water heated by solar heat is consumed due to hot water interchange, it is possible to make up for the shortage of hot water by a backup heating unit of a household that has requested hot water supply. Here, there is a possibility that the type of the backup heating unit is different depending on the family structure of each household, the user's preference, and the like, and the production cost of hot water may vary depending on the type of the backup heating unit. In this way, when it is assumed that hot water is interchanged between households with different types of backup heating units, etc., the utility cost of the multiple households can be reduced using the hot water interchange route described above. There is still room for improvement in the configuration related to hot water interchange in order to achieve reduction.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, and makes it a main objective to provide the hot-water supply system which can reduce a utility bill suitably.

  Hereinafter, effective means for solving the above-described problems will be described while showing effects and the like as necessary. In the following, for easy understanding, the corresponding configuration in the embodiment of the invention is appropriately shown in parentheses, but is not limited to the specific configuration shown in parentheses.

Means 1. A solar heating unit that heats the supplied water by solar heat, a hot water storage tank that stores the water heated by the solar heating unit as hot water, a backup heating unit that consumes purchased energy to generate hot water, and the backup heating unit And a hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water from the hot water storage tank to the water outlet,
A connecting pipe formed to connect the hot water supply facilities of each household and allow hot water to pass through;
Hot water can be exchanged between the households through the connecting pipe,
As the backup heating unit of each household, including those with different production costs for producing a unit amount of hot water,
A hot water supply system, comprising: a determination unit that determines a hot water supply facility that is a hot water supply source among the hot water supply facilities of each household using a predetermined order determined based on the generation cost.

  Solar heating-type heating units (for example, solar heat collectors) are more susceptible to weather compared to gas water heaters and electric water heaters, and the amount of hot water that can be generated varies. Then, the shortage of hot water by the influence of the weather etc. can be suppressed by using a solar heating part and a backup heating part together. About a backup heating part, a kind etc. may differ with various conditions, such as a family structure of each household, and a user preference. Here, according to this means, when hot water is used in any of a plurality of households connected by a connecting pipe, a predetermined order determined based on the generation cost (for example, the order of low generation cost) Is used to determine the hot water supply facility that is the hot water supply source. Thereby, it can contribute to the reduction of the consumption amount of purchase energy and a utility bill when it sees in the whole several household.

  Mean 2. When the hot water satisfying the required temperature is stored in at least one of the hot water storage tanks of each household, the determining means is the hot water supply facility that is a hot water supply source so that hot water is supplied from the hot water storage tank. The hot water supply system according to means 1, wherein the hot water supply system is determined.

  As shown in the means 2, by preferentially consuming the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, the reduction effect shown in the means 1 can be suitably exhibited.

Means 3. Any of the hot water supply facilities of each household is a predetermined hot water supply facility having a hot water storage type backup heating unit capable of preliminarily storing a set amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank as the backup heating unit,
The determining means includes
When the hot water in the hot water storage tank in each household cannot be used, the hot water supply facility as a hot water supply source is determined using the predetermined order, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank in each household can be used Further, among the hot water storage tanks, the hot water supply facility that is a hot water supply source so as to supply hot water in a hot water storage tank of a hot water supply facility other than the predetermined hot water supply facility in preference to hot water in the hot water storage tank of the predetermined hot water supply facility. The hot water supply system according to means 1 or means 2, wherein the hot water supply system is determined.

  If you have a backup heating unit of a type that prepares hot water in advance, preferentially use hot water other than the hot water of the predetermined hot water facility to which the backup heating unit belongs, and use the hot water of the predetermined hot water facility By adopting such a configuration, for example, even when heating is performed by a backup heating unit of a predetermined hot water supply facility for the next day, it is possible to reduce purchase energy consumed during the heating. Thereby, the reduction effect of the consumption energy and the utility cost when it sees in the whole several household can be strengthened.

Means 4. The predetermined sequence is such that when the hot water satisfying the required temperature is not stored in the hot water storage tank of each household, the predetermined hot water supply facility becomes a hot water supply source preferentially over other hot water supply facilities. Has been established,
When the hot water request is generated in a situation where hot water satisfying the required temperature is not stored in the hot water storage tank of each household, the determining means determines the required temperature and the hot water of the hot water tank of the predetermined hot water supply facility. Determination means for determining whether or not hot water at the required temperature can be supplied based on the temperature, and the predetermined means when the determination means determines that hot water at the required temperature can be supplied. A hot water supply facility is determined as a hot water supply source, and when it is determined by the determination means that hot water at the required temperature cannot be supplied, a hot water supply facility that is given priority over the predetermined hot water supply facility is determined as a hot water supply source. The hot water supply system according to means 3, characterized in that:

  For example, the unit price of purchased energy may vary depending on the time of consumption, etc. so that the power is cheaper at night than during the day. In view of such circumstances, as shown in the means 3, the type of hot water supply facility that generates hot water in advance is compared with the type of hot water supply facility that generates hot water at the timing when a hot water supply request is generated. This is advantageous in reducing utility costs. However, the type of hot water supply equipment that generates hot water in advance tends to increase the time required for hot water generation due to its characteristics. Therefore, as shown in this section, when a hot water supply request is generated, whether or not hot water supply is possible is determined based on the required temperature and the hot water temperature of the hot water storage tank, and can be handled by a predetermined hot water supply facility (backup heating unit) In such a case, hot water is supplied from a predetermined hot water supply facility, and when it is not possible, hot water is supplied from the hot water supply facility having the next highest priority so that the problem relating to such responsiveness can be suitably achieved. Can be resolved.

Means 5. As the hot water supply equipment of each household, when the hot water is used, a first hot water supply equipment having the backup heating unit for generating hot water according to the amount of use, and a hot water of a set hot water amount in the hot water storage tank in advance. A second hot water supply facility having the hot water storage type backup heating unit capable of storing,
In the case where hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank of the first hot water supply facility and the hot water storage tank of the second hot water supply facility, the determining means uses the first hot water supply facility as a hot water supply source, When hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank of the second hot water supply facility among the hot water storage tank and the hot water storage tank of the second hot water supply facility, the hot water storage source of the first hot water supply facility is the second hot water supply facility. The hot water supply system according to means 1 or means 2, wherein when no hot water is stored in either the tank or the hot water storage tank of the second hot water supply equipment, the first hot water supply equipment is used as a hot water supply source. .

  When hot water heated by the solar heating unit is stored in the hot water storage tank of the first hot water supply facility, the utility cost can be reduced by preferentially consuming the hot water.

  Here, for example, the unit price of the purchased energy may change depending on the consumption time zone so that the power is cheaper at night than during the day. In view of such circumstances, as shown in the means 3, the type of hot water supply facility that generates hot water in advance is compared with the type of hot water supply facility that generates hot water at the timing when a hot water supply request is generated. This is advantageous in reducing utility costs. Therefore, after the hot water in the hot water supply tank of the first hot water supply facility is consumed, the hot water in the hot water storage tank of the second hot water supply facility is supplied, so that the photothermal energy is compared with the case where the backup heating unit of the first hot water supply facility is operated. Costs can be suitably reduced.

  Due to the characteristics of the hot water supply equipment that generates hot water in advance, the responsiveness when hot water is generated tends to be low. Therefore, as shown in this means, after the hot water of each hot water storage tank of the first hot water supply facility and the second hot water supply facility is consumed, the first hot water supply device (more specifically, the backup heating unit) having excellent responsiveness is used. By making it a supply source, it is possible to suitably suppress a decrease in convenience when using hot water.

Means 6. The backup heating unit constituting the first hot water supply facility is a gas water heater that performs the heating by consuming gas as the purchase energy,
The hot water supply system according to claim 5, wherein the backup heating unit constituting the second hot water supply facility is a heat pump type electric water heater that performs the heating by consuming electric power as the purchase energy.

  The heat pump type electric water heater can generate hot water in a time zone where the electricity charge is low, such as at night, and can reduce the generation cost. However, on the other hand, when hot water runs out, it is difficult to perform rapid heating, and it is assumed that user convenience is reduced. If the technical idea shown in the means 5 is applied to such a combination of a heat pump type electric water heater and a gas water heater, a practically preferable configuration can be realized.

  Mean 7 The determination means is based on information storage means for acquiring and storing information relating to the generation cost of the backup heating unit of each hot water supply facility, and information stored in the information storage means when a hot water supply demand occurs. A hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a comparison means for comparing the generation costs of the hot water supply facilities is determined, and a hot water supply facility that is a hot water supply source is determined based on the comparison result. .

  The unit price of purchased energy such as gas and electric power varies depending on various factors. For this reason, for example, in the case where the backup heating unit is configured to perform heating by consuming purchased energy such as electric power and gas, the production cost of hot water may also change. Therefore, as shown in this means, the information on the generation cost is acquired and stored, and the hot water supply cost is compared based on the information stored at the start of hot water supply. The reduction effect can be suitably exhibited.

  Means 8. In the case where the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank of the predetermined household among the households is used in the predetermined household and hot water supply demand is generated in another household, And determining means for determining whether or not the remaining amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank exceeds a predetermined amount, and when the determining means determines that the remaining amount of hot water does not exceed a predetermined amount, the predetermined amount Any one of the means 1 to the means 7, wherein the hot water supply equipment of a household other than the household is determined using the predetermined order as a hot water supply equipment to supply hot water to the other household Hot water supply system as described in.

  According to the means 8, it can suppress that a supply source switches frequently. This is preferable for suppressing changes in hot water temperature and the like during supply.

Means 9. A reference amount setting means capable of setting a reference hot water amount in a household having the solar heating unit,
As an accommodation mode for accommodating hot water between the households, a non-accommodation mode in which hot water is not interchanged between households, and the amount of hot water heated by the solar heating unit is surplus with respect to the reference hot water amount used. A first interchange mode for accommodating hot water to other households within the surplus range in the household where the solar heating unit is installed, and accommodating hot water to other households within the surplus range And after the hot water is consumed, has a second interchange mode for operating any of the backup heating unit,
In any one of the means 1 to 8, the determining means determines a hot water supply facility to be a supply source using the predetermined order when the second interchange mode is set. The hot water supply system described.

  As shown in this means, it is possible to switch between the non-accommodation mode, the first accommodation mode, and the second accommodation mode, and the technical idea shown in the means 1 etc. in one of the plurality of modes (second accommodation mode) If it is the structure which implement | achieves, it will become possible to respond | correspond to the relationship between various households, and it can contribute to the spread of the hot water supply system shown to the means 1 grade | etc.,.

Schematic which shows the hot water supply system in 1st Embodiment. Schematic comparing each household. Schematic which shows the electrical structure of a hot-water supply system. Schematic which shows a hot water storage tank. The flowchart which shows an accommodation mode switching process. Schematic which shows an operation screen. Schematic which shows the priority order of each mode. Schematic which shows the relationship between the mode selected and the mode set. Schematic which shows the initial state of the motor operated valve in each mode. The flowchart which shows the electric valve control process for surplus sharing modes. The flowchart which shows the electric valve control process for surplus sharing modes. Schematic which shows the mode of interchange of hot water. Schematic which shows the mode of interchange of hot water. Schematic which shows the relationship between the supply source of hot water, a heat source, and hot water supply cost. The flowchart which shows the motor operated valve control process for whole sharing modes. Schematic which shows the state of the motor operated valve in whole sharing mode. Schematic which shows switching of a supply source in case hot water is used in a child household. Schematic which shows switching of a supply source when hot water is used in a parent household. Schematic which shows the difference in the amount of prepared hot water for every mode. The flowchart which shows the motor operated valve control process for whole sharing modes in 2nd Embodiment. The flowchart which shows the motor operated valve control process for whole sharing modes in 3rd Embodiment. Schematic which shows the switching of the supply source in whole sharing mode.

<First Embodiment>
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to FIG. In this Embodiment, it is actualized about the hot water supply system applied to buildings, such as a house. FIG. 1 is a schematic view showing a hot water supply system.

  The building 10 has a two-story structure, and is distinguished so that the first floor of the building is a hierarchy for a parent household and the second floor of the building is a hierarchy for a child household. Specifically, it is a so-called completely separate type two-family house in which each floor (each household) is provided with a bath, toilet, kitchen and the like.

  The hot water supply system 50 is provided on the parent household side hot water supply facility 51 for supplying hot water to the water outlets of the bath unit 21, shower facility 22, wash basin 23, kitchen facility 24 provided on the parent household side, and on the child household side. A bath unit 31, a shower facility 32, a wash basin 33, and a child household hot water supply facility 52 for supplying hot water to the water outlets of the kitchen facility 34 are provided, and a hot water supply facility is provided for each household.

  The hot water supply facility 51 on the parent household side uses a hot water storage tank 60, a solar heat collector 61 that heats the water in the hot water storage tank 60 by solar heat, an electric water heater 62 for backup, and hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60. A first hot water pipe 64 that leads to the water outlet of the unit 21, and a second hot water pipe that guides the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 to the water outlet of the shower facility 22, the water outlet of the wash basin 23, and the water outlet of the kitchen facility 24. 65. In addition, sensor units 66 and 67 each having a temperature sensor, a flow rate sensor, and an operation detection sensor are provided for each water outlet, and the usage status of hot water at each water outlet can be monitored.

  The sub-household-side hot water supply facility 52 includes a hot water storage tank 70, a solar heat collector 71 that heats the water in the hot water storage tank 70 by solar heat, a backup gas water heater 72, a hot water storage tank 70, and a gas water heater 72. The mixing unit 73 that can mix hot water and water when the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 is sent to the gas water heater 72 and the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 are guided to the water outlet of the bus unit 31. A first hot water supply pipe 74 and a second hot water supply pipe 75 that guides hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 to the water outlet of the shower facility 32, the water outlet of the wash basin 33, and the water outlet of the kitchen facility 34 are provided. In addition, sensor units 76 and 77 each having a temperature sensor, a flow rate sensor, and an operation detection sensor are provided for each water outlet, and the use status of hot water at each water outlet can be monitored.

  The main household-side hot water supply facility 51 and the child household-side hot water supply facility 52 have the same main configuration, but the configuration is partially different in that the capacity of the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70 and the type of the heating unit for backup are different. doing. Hereinafter, the differences between the hot water supply facilities 51 and 52 will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 2.

  The backup heating unit provided in the parent household is composed of a heat pump type electric water heater 62. About the heat pump type electric water heater 62, the hot water or water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 is heated so that the temperature and amount thereof are set to a preset temperature and preset amount. That is, even when the water in the hot water storage tank 60 is warmed by solar heat, if the temperature or amount thereof is less than the set amount, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 60 is discharged by operating the electric water heater 62. It will be heated.

  Here, the heat pump type electric water heater 62 is less responsive during heating than a gas water heater or the like due to its characteristics. On the other hand, the consumption of energy (electricity) when producing hot water is small, and it is excellent in terms of environment and economy. For example, by heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank 60 at night when the electricity rate is relatively low, the utility cost (hot water supply cost) can be suitably reduced as compared with a gas water heater. In addition, by preparing the hot water before the hot water is actually used, it is possible to suppress the deterioration of the usability of the hot water due to the responsiveness described above.

  The backup heating unit provided in the child household is constituted by a gas water heater 72. About the gas water heater 72, the hot water or water which goes to the spout from the hot water storage tank 70 is heated so that it may become a user's required temperature. For example, even when the water in the hot water storage tank 70 is warmed by solar heat, it operates when the temperature is less than the user's required temperature. The gas water heater 72 has higher responsiveness than the electric water heater due to its characteristics. Therefore, even if there is a sudden demand for a lot of hot water, it is possible to quickly respond to the demand.

  In the present embodiment, a couple is assumed as the family composition of the parent household, and a couple and a child are assumed as the family composition of the child household. Because there are more child households than the parent households, it is assumed that the variation in the amount of hot water used is also larger than that of the parent households. Therefore, by applying the gas water heater 72, consideration is given to improving user convenience. On the other hand, since the number of parent households is relatively small, the variation in the amount of hot water used is assumed to be smaller than that of the child households. As described above, by applying the heat pump type electric water heater 62 to the household on the side where the amount of hot water used is small, it is possible to reduce the number of buffers and increase the economic benefits.

  As described above, the solar heat collectors 61 and 71 are mainly used, and the solar heat collectors 61 and 71 are used alone by using a backup heating unit such as the electric water heater 62 and the gas water heater 72 together. In comparison, the convenience of hot water can be greatly improved. However, if the backup heating unit is excessively operated, there is a concern that the original purpose of enjoying the environmental and economic benefits using natural energy will not be achieved successfully. In the present embodiment, in view of such circumstances, one of the features is that a device for improving the energy efficiency of the hot water supply system 50 as a whole has been devised. Hereinafter, the configuration according to the device will be described with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 3.

  The building 10 is provided with a connecting pipe 80 so as to connect the hot water supply facilities 51 and 52 of both households. Specifically, the communication pipe 80 includes an intermediate portion (a portion between the hot water storage tank 60 and the water discharge port) of the second hot water supply pipe 65 in the parent household and an intermediate portion (the hot water storage) of the second hot water supply pipe 75 in the child household. It is connected to the tank 70 and a portion between the water outlet, and hot water can be moved between the hot water supply facilities 51 and 52 (between households).

  The connecting pipe 80 is provided with an electric valve 81 that can be switched between a closed state that prevents movement of hot water through the connecting pipe 80 and an open state that allows movement of hot water. The electric valve 81 is connected to a control device 55 that constitutes the hot water supply system 50, and is configured to switch between a closed state and an open state based on a drive signal from the control device 55.

  Further, in the second hot water supply pipe 65 of the parent household, a portion between the connecting portion of the connection pipe 80 and the hot water storage tank 60 is allowed to pass through the closed state and the hot water passing through the second hot water supply pipe 65. An electric valve 68 that can be switched to an open state is provided, and a second hot water supply is provided in a portion between the connecting portion of the connection pipe 80 and the gas water heater 72 in the second hot water supply pipe 75 of the child household. An electric valve 78 that can be switched between a closed state that prevents passage of hot water in the pipe 75 and an open state that allows passage of hot water is provided. The motor-operated valves 68 and 78 are connected to the control device 55 and are configured to be switched to a closed state / open state based on a drive signal from the control device 55.

  The sensor units 66 and 76 are connected to the input side of the control device 55, and the control device 55 grasps the hot water usage status at each outlet based on the detection information from the sensor units 66 and 76. Further, on the input side of the control device 55, a sensor unit 85 disposed in a portion between the electric hot water 68 and the hot water storage tank 60 in the second hot water supply pipe 65, and an electric valve 78 in the second hot water supply pipe 75. And the sensor unit 86 arrange | positioned by the part between gas water heaters 72 is connected. The sensor units 85 and 86 include a temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor, and the control device 55 can monitor the hot water supply status from the hot water supply facilities 51 and 52 based on the detection information from the sensor units 85 and 86. It has become. Further, sensor units 69 and 79 (temperature sensor and hot water amount sensor) attached to the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70 are connected to the input side of the control device 55. Here, with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. 4, the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70 and the arrangement of the sensor units 69 and 79 attached to the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70 will be supplementarily described.

  The hot water storage tanks 60, 70 are vertically long, and a water supply pipe is connected to the lower part thereof, and the hot water supply pipes 64, 65, 74, 75 are connected to the upper part thereof. In the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70, hot water having a relatively high temperature is easily stored in the upper part, and hot water having a relatively low temperature is easily stored in the lower part. The sensor units 69 and 79 are configured by sensor units 69A to 69H and 79A to 79H arranged at the upper end portion to the lower end portion of the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70. In the control device 55, the sensor units 69A to 69H and 79A to 79H are provided. The temperature and amount of hot water stored in each hot water storage tank 60, 70 are grasped based on the detection information from.

  In the present embodiment, the controller 55, the communication pipe 80, the motorized valves 68, 78, 81, the sensor units 66, 76, 69, 79, 85, 86 and the sensor units 82, 83 described later constitute a hot water interchange system. Has been built.

  About hot water interchange system, as hot water interchange mode (hot water supply mode), (1) Separation mode in which hot water is not interchanged between households, (2) Surplus to share surplus hot water among each household Shared mode, (3) An overall sharing mode is provided to reduce utility costs for the parent and child households more actively through the interchange of hot water than the surplus mode. The hot water supply source is determined based on the set accommodation mode.

  In each household, an operation terminal of the control device 55 is installed. The interchange mode set in the control device 55 is switched by performing an interchange mode selection operation on these operation terminals. Here, the accommodation mode switching process periodically executed by the control device 55 will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG.

  In the accommodation mode switching process, it is first determined in step S101 whether hot water is being used in any household. Specifically, the determination is performed based on detection information from the sensor units 66 and 76. If hot water is being used, an affirmative determination is made in step S101, and the interchange mode switching process is terminated. In the present embodiment, during the use of hot water, the display of an accommodation mode selection screen described later is restricted, and the accommodation mode change operation (selection operation) becomes impossible.

  If a negative determination is made in step S101, the process proceeds to step S102. In step S102, it is determined whether or not an operation for changing the accommodation mode has been performed at an operation terminal of any household. If a negative determination is made in step S102, the interchange mode switching process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S102, the process proceeds to step S103, and an accommodation mode setting process is performed. The control device 55 sets one accommodation mode as an execution mode based on the accommodation mode selected in each household. Here, with reference to the schematic diagrams of FIGS. 6 to 8, the flow of selection of the accommodation mode → setting of the accommodation mode will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 6, the operation terminals 56 (accommodation mode selection screen) of each household include the types of accommodation modes that can be selected by the household, the accommodation mode currently selected by the household, and other households. The types of accommodation modes that can be selected, the accommodation mode currently selected in other households, and the accommodation mode currently set as a mode for execution are displayed. In addition, the accommodation mode that can be selected at the operation terminal is limited to that of the own household.

  Incidentally, when the surplus sharing mode is selected by the user, the user can select the surplus determination level. Specifically, the surplus determination level setting screen is displayed on the operation terminal 56, and the user is prompted to select the surplus determination level from a plurality of levels (for example, three levels). Although details will be described later, in the process related to the surplus determination, the surplus determination is executed with reference to the selected determination level. In addition, when the high level is selected by the user, the surplus determination is executed with a margin more than when the low level is selected, and there is a shortage of hot water in the own household when surplus determination → interchange. The possibility is low.

  If the same accommodation mode is selected in both households, the selected accommodation mode is set as the execution mode, and if the selected accommodation mode is different between households, it is set in advance. The flexible mode is set according to the priority level. As shown in FIG. 7, the priority levels are higher in the order of overall sharing mode <partial sharing mode <separation mode. In other words, if the separation mode is selected in one household, the separation mode is set regardless of which accommodation mode is selected in the other household, and the surplus sharing is established in one household. When the mode is selected, the surplus sharing mode is set even when the overall sharing mode is set in the other household (see FIG. 8).

  Returning to FIG. 5 again, after executing the accommodation mode setting process in step S103, the process proceeds to step S104, and it is determined whether or not the set accommodation mode is the separation mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S104, the motorized valve opening / closing process for the separation mode / surplus sharing mode is executed in step S105, and then the accommodation mode switching process is terminated.

  In the motorized valve opening / closing process for the separation mode / surplus sharing mode, the states of the motorized valves 68, 78, 81 are switched as follows. That is, the motorized valve 78 on the child household side is opened, the motorized valve 81 of the communication pipe 80 is closed, and the motorized valve 68 on the parent household side is opened (see FIG. 9). In this state, hot water movement (accommodation) between households is not possible.

  If a negative determination is made in step S104, the process proceeds to step S106. In step S106, it is determined whether or not the set accommodation mode is the surplus sharing mode. If an affirmative determination is made in step S106, the motorized valve opening / closing process for the separation mode / surplus sharing mode is executed in step S105, and then the accommodation mode switching process is terminated.

  If a negative determination is made in step S106, an electric valve opening / closing process for the entire sharing mode is executed in step S107, and then the accommodation mode switching process is terminated. In the electric valve opening / closing process for the entire sharing mode, the states of the electric valves 68, 78, 81 are switched as follows. That is, the motorized valve 78 on the child household side is opened, the motorized valve 81 of the communication pipe 80 is opened, and the motorized valve 68 on the parent household side is closed (see FIG. 9). In this state, the hot water supply source is the child household hot water supply facility 52.

  After the motorized valves 68, 78, 81 are in a predetermined state in the interchange mode switching process, the motorized valves 68, 78 are controlled by a motorized valve control process that is executed periodically (for example, every second) by the control device 55. The states 78 and 81 are switched. The motor-operated valve control process is executed when the set sharing mode is the surplus sharing mode, and when the set sharing mode is the entire sharing mode. It is roughly divided into the electric valve control processing for the entire sharing mode. In the separation mode, the motor-operated valves 68, 78, and 81 are maintained in the initial state described above, and the motor-operated valve control process is not executed.

(About surplus sharing mode)
Regarding the motor-operated valve control process for the surplus sharing mode, when the hot water is short in one household and the hot water is surplus in the other household, the motor-operated valve 81 is switched to the open state. Equally, it is a process of accommodating hot water between households through the connecting pipe 80, the first interchange process (Fig. 10) relating to the interchange of hot water from the parent household to the child household, and the hot water from the child household to the parent household The second accommodation process (FIG. 11) related to the accommodation of

  As shown in FIG. 10, in the first accommodation process, it is first determined in step S201 whether hot water is being exchanged from the child household to the parent household. If an affirmative determination is made in step S201, the first accommodation process is terminated as it is. If a negative determination is made in step S201, the process proceeds to step S202. In step S202, it is determined whether hot water is being passed from the parent household to the child household. If a negative determination is made in step S202, the process proceeds to step S203. In step S203, it is determined based on detection information acquired from the sensor unit 76 (operation detection sensor) attached to the water outlet whether or not it is the timing when use of hot water is started in the child household.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S203, the user's requested temperature is confirmed in step S204. Specifically, the temperature (required temperature) of hot water that the user intends to use is confirmed based on detection information from the sensor unit 76 (operation detection sensor). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S203, that is, if it is determined that it is not the timing when hot water use is started in the child household, the process proceeds to step S205. In step S205, it is determined whether hot water is being supplied from the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household to the water outlet of the child household. If a negative determination is made in step S205, the first interchange process is terminated as it is.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S205 or after confirmation processing is executed in step S204, the process proceeds to step S206. In step S206, it is determined whether or not hot water at a required temperature or higher is secured in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household. That is, it is determined whether or not hot water is insufficient. If it is determined in step S206 that hot water has been secured, the processing for this accommodation is terminated as it is. In this case, the electric valve 78 remains open, and the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 is supplied to the water outlet. Even when hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 70, it is determined that the hot water is insufficient if the temperature does not reach the required temperature.

  If a negative determination is made in step S206, that is, if it is determined that there is not enough hot water in the child household, the process proceeds to step S207 and a surplus determination is performed. In the surplus determination in step S207, it is determined whether or not there is hot water (surplus hot water) that can be accommodated in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household.

  In surplus judgment, first, based on the actual usage of hot water over the past few days in the parent household (for example, the actual usage for a week), the estimated daily usage (average value + adjustment parameter) of hot water in the parent household is calculated. To do. Specifically, the average value and standard deviation of hot water usage are calculated from the usage results for one week in the parent household, and the estimated daily hot water usage in the parent household is calculated from the adjustment parameters related to the average value and standard deviation. calculate. The adjustment parameter is obtained by integrating (1 ×, 2 ×, or 3 ×) the standard deviation calculated from the actual use according to the determination level selected by the user, and the selected determination level is “1”. In this case, the estimated usage amount = average value + standard deviation × 1, and when the selected determination level is “2”, the estimated usage amount = average value + standard deviation × 2, and the selected determination level is “3”. In this case, the estimated usage amount = average value + standard deviation × 3.

  When the estimated heat collection amount on the day by the solar heat collector 61 is equal to or less than the estimated use amount, it is determined that there is no surplus. Even if the estimated amount of heat collected on the day exceeds the estimated usage, the sum of the amount of estimated heat collected on the day and the adjustment parameter minus the average value is less than the amount of accommodation to the child household on the day. In this case, it is determined that there is no surplus. On the other hand, the estimated amount of heat collected on the day exceeds the sum of the average value and the adjustment parameter, and the sum of the estimated amount of heat collected on the day and the adjustment parameter is subtracted from the average value. If the amount exceeds the accommodation amount, it is determined that there is a surplus.

  If a negative determination is made in step S207, that is, if there is no surplus hot water in the parent household, the first interchange process is terminated as it is. If there is a shortage of hot water in the child household and there is no surplus in the parent household, the operation of the gas water heater 72 in the child household is started. Thereby, the hot water heated by the gas water heater 72 is supplied to the water outlet of the child household. In this case, the electric valve 78 of the child household remains open, and the electric valve 81 attached to the connection pipe 80 remains closed.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S207, that is, if there is surplus hot water in the parent household, the process proceeds to step S208, and a motorized valve opening / closing process corresponding to the start of accommodation is performed. In the electric valve opening / closing process corresponding to the start of accommodation, the electric valve 78 of the child household is switched from the open state to the closed state. Thereby, the supply of hot water from the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household to the water outlet is regulated, and the supply of hot water from the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household to the water outlet is started.

  Here, the flow of hot water accommodation will be illustrated with reference to the schematic diagram of FIG. As shown in FIG. 12 (a1), when the user performs a hot water supply operation at the spout on the side of the child household, whether or not hot water at the required temperature (for example, 40 ° C.) is stored in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household. To check. If hot water is not stored, the temperature and amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household are checked to identify whether there is excess hot water in the parent household.

  When hot water is insufficient in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household and hot water is remaining in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household, as shown in FIG. 12 (a1) → FIG. 12 (a2), By switching the valve 78 to the closed state and the motorized valve 81 of the communication pipe 80 to the open state, hot water is interchanged from the parent household to the child household. Such interchange of hot water is one of the conditions when the use of hot water is completed in the child household, when the remaining hot water in the parent household is used up, or when the use of hot water is started in the parent household. The process ends when is established. When the use of hot water is continued in the child household, the supply source is switched from the parent household to the child household, and the operation of the gas water heater 72 as the backup heating unit is started.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 12 (b1), when the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household is being supplied to the water outlet of the child household, the motor operated valves 68 and 78 are opened. 81 is in a closed state. When hot water is used and the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 is reduced and hot water to be supplied to the spout cannot be secured, that is, when there is a shortage of hot water, the hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household. Check the temperature and amount of hot water, and identify whether there is excess hot water in the parent household.

  When there is not enough hot water in the child household and there is remaining hot water in the parent household, the motor-operated valve 81 is switched to the open state and the motor-operated valve 78 is switched as shown in FIG. 12 (b1) → FIG. 12 (b2). Switch to the closed state. Thereby, hot water is interchanged from the parent household to the child household. Such interchange of hot water is one of the conditions when the use of hot water is completed in the child household, when the remaining hot water in the parent household is used up, or when the use of hot water is started in the parent household. The process ends when is established. When the use of hot water is continued in the child household, the supply source is switched from the parent household to the child household, and the operation of the gas water heater 72 as the backup heating unit is started.

  Returning to the description of the first accommodation process shown in FIG. 10, after the motorized valve opening / closing process corresponding to the accommodation start is performed in step S208, the accommodation amount storage start process is executed in step S209, and then the first accommodation is performed. The process is terminated. Sensor units 82 and 83 each including a temperature sensor and a flow rate sensor are disposed in the communication pipe 80, and these sensor units 82 and 83 are connected to the control device 55 (see FIG. 3). The control device 55 is configured to specify the accommodation amount (heat amount) of hot water accommodated between households based on information from the sensor units 82 and 83 and to store the accommodation amount. Information about the amount of accommodation is provided to the user. By determining the utility cost to be borne by each household with reference to this information, fairness among households can be suitably secured. In other words, the configuration for storing the amount of accommodation is useful in correcting the disparity in utility costs among households. For example, it is possible to provide the user with information obtained by converting the amount of accommodation into the utility cost (area).

  Returning to the description of step S202, if an affirmative determination is made in step S202, that is, if it is determined that hot water is being accommodated from the parent household to the child household, the process proceeds to step S210. In step S210, it is determined whether the temperature requested by the user has been changed. If a positive determination is made in step S210, the process proceeds to step S211. In step S211, a temperature condition reconfirmation process is performed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household is higher than the changed required temperature.

  After performing the confirmation process of step S211, or when a negative determination is made in step S210, the process proceeds to step S212. In step S212, the reconfirmation process for the surplus in the parent household is performed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not there is a surplus of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household.

  After executing the confirmation processing in step S212, the process proceeds to step S213. In step S213, it is determined whether or not the accommodation end condition is satisfied. Specifically, when the use of hot water at the spout of the child household has been completed, or when the surplus of hot water in the parent household has been used up, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household can satisfy the user's request. When it becomes possible to deal with it, an accommodation termination condition is established. It should be noted that it is sufficient if at least the use of hot water in the child household is completed, so that accommodation is completed, and it is arbitrary whether other conditions are set as the termination conditions.

  If the accommodation termination condition is satisfied, accommodation termination processing is executed in step S214. Thereby, at least the motor-operated valve 81 is switched from the open state to the closed state, and the interchange of hot water from the parent household to the child household ends. For example, as shown in FIG. 13 (c1), in a situation where hot water is being exchanged from the parent household to the child household, the motor operated valves 68 and 81 are open and the motor operated valve 78 is closed. It is in a state. As hot water from the parent household continues, the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household decreases. As shown in FIG. 13 (c2), when the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household reaches the assumed usage amount and there is no surplus, the interchange of hot water from the parent household to the child household ends. Specifically, the motor-operated valves 68 and 81 are switched from the open state to the closed state, and the motor-operated valve 78 that has been in the closed state is switched to the open state. At the same time, the gas water heater 72 of the child household starts operation, and the hot water heated by the gas water heater 72 is supplied to the water outlet of the child household.

  Returning to the description of FIG. 10, after executing the termination process of step S214, after executing the accommodation amount storage termination process in step S215, the first accommodation process is terminated. By executing the accommodation amount storage end process, the total amount (accommodation amount) of hot water accommodated this time is calculated, and the accommodation amount is stored and held together with the past achievements. This stored information is provided to the user as appropriate upon request.

  Further, as described above, in the electric water heater 62 shown in the present embodiment, the hot water temperature and the amount of hot water are set based on the past use record. At this time, the stored accommodation amount (specifically, the accommodation amount from the parent household to the child household) is fed back to the setting. Thereby, the consumption prediction of hot water in a parent household becomes excessive, and it can suppress that the hot water produced | generated by the electric water heater 62 from the next day is wasted. Thus, grasping the consumption amount only in the parent household by feedback of the accommodation amount is preferable in order to generate the optimum amount of hot water in the parent household and to reduce the utility cost in the parent household.

  Next, the second accommodation process will be described with reference to FIG. In addition, about the 2nd accommodation process, the basic flow is the same as that of the 1st accommodation process.

  In the second accommodation process, it is first determined in step S301 whether hot water is being passed from the parent household to the child household. If an affirmative determination is made in step S301, the first accommodation process is terminated as it is. If a negative determination is made in step S301, the process proceeds to step S302. In step S302, it is determined whether hot water is being passed from the child household to the parent household. If a negative determination is made in step S302, the process proceeds to step S303. In step S303, based on detection information acquired from the sensor unit 66 (operation detection sensor) attached to the water outlet, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the use of hot water is started in the parent household.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S303, the user's requested temperature is confirmed in step S304. Specifically, the temperature of hot water that the user intends to use is confirmed based on detection information from the sensor unit 66 (operation detection sensor). On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S303, that is, if it is determined that it is not the timing when hot water use is started in the parent household, the process proceeds to step S305. In step S305, it is determined whether hot water is being supplied from the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household to the water outlet of the parent household. If a negative determination is made in step S305, the second interchange processing is terminated as it is.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S305 or after confirmation processing is executed in step S304, the process proceeds to step S306. In step S306, it is determined whether hot water of a required temperature or higher is secured in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household. That is, it is determined whether or not hot water is insufficient. If it is determined in step S306 that hot water is secured, the processing for this accommodation is terminated as it is. In this case, the electric valve 68 remains open, and hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 is supplied to the water outlet. Even if hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 60, if the temperature does not reach the required temperature, it is determined that the hot water is insufficient.

  If a negative determination is made in step S306, that is, if it is determined that hot water is insufficient in the parent household, the process proceeds to step S307. In step S307, it is determined whether or not there is hot water (surplus hot water) that can be accommodated in the parent household in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household.

  In surplus judgment, first, the estimated daily hot water usage (average value + adjustment parameter) in the child household is calculated based on the actual use of hot water in the past few days in the child household (for example, the actual usage for a week). To do. Specifically, the average value and standard deviation of hot water usage are calculated from the usage results for one week in the child household, and the estimated daily usage of hot water in the child household is calculated from the adjustment parameters related to the average value and standard deviation. calculate. The adjustment parameter is obtained by integrating (1 ×, 2 ×, or 3 ×) the standard deviation calculated from the actual use according to the determination level selected by the user, and the selected determination level is “1”. In this case, the estimated usage amount = average value + standard deviation × 1, and when the selected determination level is “2”, the estimated usage amount = average value + standard deviation × 2, and the selected determination level is “3”. In this case, the estimated usage amount = average value + standard deviation × 3.

  When the estimated heat collection amount on the day by the solar heat collector 61 is equal to or less than the estimated use amount, it is determined that there is no surplus. Even if the estimated amount of heat collected on the day exceeds the estimated amount used, the sum of the amount of estimated heat collected on the day and the adjustment parameter minus the average value is less than the amount of accommodation to the parent household on the day. In this case, it is determined that there is no surplus. On the other hand, the predicted heat collection amount for the day exceeds the sum of the average value and the adjustment parameter, and the sum of the predicted heat collection amount for the day and the adjustment parameter is subtracted from the average value. If the amount exceeds the accommodation amount, it is determined that there is a surplus.

  In the present embodiment, the amount (surplus) of hot water that can be accommodated corresponds to the “accommodation upper limit”. Note that the upper limit of accommodation does not necessarily coincide with the surplus, and may be determined at least within the range of the surplus. In addition, the “accommodation upper limit” is determined as the maximum amount of hot water that can be accommodated, but it is determined as the maximum amount of heat energy (maximum heat amount) that can be accommodated by integrating the amount of hot water and the temperature of the hot water, or by the number of times it can be accommodated. It is also possible.

  If a negative determination is made in step S307, that is, if there is no surplus hot water in the child household, the second interchange processing is terminated as it is. When hot water is insufficient in the parent household and there is no surplus in the child household, the operation of the electric water heater 62 of the parent household is started. Thereby, the hot water heated by the electric water heater 62 is supplied to the spout of the parent household. In this case, the electric valve 68 of the parent household is maintained in the open state, and the electric valve 81 attached to the connection pipe 80 is maintained in the closed state.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S307, that is, when there is surplus hot water in the child household, the process proceeds to step S308, and an electric valve opening / closing process corresponding to the start of accommodation is performed. In the electric valve opening / closing process corresponding to the interchange start, the electric valve 78 attached to the communication pipe 80 is switched from the closed state to the open state, and the electric valve 68 of the parent household is switched to the closed state. Thereby, the supply of hot water from the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household to the water outlet is regulated, and the supply of hot water from the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household to the water outlet is started.

  After performing the motorized valve opening / closing process corresponding to the accommodation start in step S308, the accommodation amount storage start process is executed in step S309, and then the second accommodation process is terminated. The accommodation amount storage start processing is the same as in step S209 described above, but the accommodation amount is different and stored for each direction because the accommodation direction is different.

  Returning to the description of step S302, if an affirmative determination is made in step S302, that is, if it is determined that hot water is being accommodated from the child household to the parent household, the process proceeds to step S310. In step S310, it is determined whether or not the temperature requested by the user has been changed. If a positive determination is made in step S310, the process proceeds to step S311. In step S311, temperature condition reconfirmation processing is performed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household is higher than the changed required temperature.

  After executing the confirmation process in step S311, or when making a negative determination in step S310, the process proceeds to step S312. In step S312, the reconfirmation process for the surplus in the child household is performed. Specifically, it is confirmed whether or not there is a surplus of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household.

  After executing the confirmation process in step S312, the process proceeds to step S313. In step S313, it is determined whether or not an accommodation end condition is satisfied. Specifically, when the use of hot water at the spout of the parent household has been completed, or when the surplus of hot water in the child household has been used up, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household can satisfy the user's request. When it becomes possible to deal with it, an accommodation termination condition is established. It should be noted that it is sufficient that the accommodation is completed at least when the use of hot water in the parent household is completed, and whether other conditions are set as the termination conditions is arbitrary.

  If the accommodation end condition is satisfied, a motorized valve opening / closing process corresponding to the end of accommodation is executed in step S314. Thereby, the motor operated valve 81 is switched from the open state to the closed state, and the interchange of hot water from the child household to the parent household is completed. After executing the termination process of step S314, after executing the accommodation amount storage termination process in step S315, the second accommodation process is terminated.

  The solar heat collectors 61 and 71 are more susceptible to the weather than a gas water heater or an electric water heater, and the amount of hot water that can be generated varies. In addition, the amount of hot water used in each household in daily life is not necessarily constant. If there is a day when the amount of hot water used increases, there are days when the amount of hot water used is low. Here, as shown in the present embodiment, if a hot water supply system 50 capable of accommodating hot water among a plurality of households is constructed, for example, when hot water is insufficient, other hot water is surplus. You can get hot water from your household. Thereby, energy consumption, such as electricity and gas at the time of hot water supply, can be suppressed. Therefore, it is possible to suitably improve the energy efficiency of a plurality of households while suppressing a decrease in usability of hot water.

  In order to accommodate hot water among households, it is possible to make hot water interchange prior to the use of hot water. However, as described above, it is uncertain how much hot water is actually used. Therefore, it is possible that the accommodated hot water is not utilized, and that the hot water is insufficient in the household on the accommodated side. At this time, the movement of returning the accommodated hot water causes a loss of heat energy (heat loss). Therefore, there is a technical significance in that the heat loss in the entire system can be reduced in the configuration in which the hot water is used when it is used.

  The communication pipe 80 is connected to a portion between the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70 and the water discharge port by hot water supply pipes 65 and 75. In this way, by connecting the connection pipe 80 to the hot water supply pipes 65 and 75 instead of the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70, the responsiveness at the time of accommodating hot water can be improved. In addition, such connection is preferable in order to alleviate a change in the way the hot water is discharged from the water outlet (hot water temperature and water pressure) when the hot water supply path is switched between interchangeable and nonconforming.

  When the hot water is insufficient and the interchange of hot water from other households cannot be expected, the configuration of heating by the backup heating unit, that is, the configuration of giving priority to the interchange of hot water heated by solar heat over the operation of the backup heating unit Is advantageous in reducing the amount of energy used in the backup heating unit, and can contribute to improvement in energy efficiency of the entire system.

  When the excess of hot water to other households exceeds the surplus, it may be necessary to operate the backup heating unit to generate hot water when using hot water in the own household. This is a factor that increases the utility cost of the household alone. In this regard, in the surplus sharing mode, each household does not interrupt the surplus portion (within a reasonable range) so that hot water can be accommodated, while suppressing the increase in utility costs of the household. It is possible to contribute to the reduction of utility costs of other households.

(About full sharing mode)
The utility cost depends on the consumption amount of purchased energy such as gas and electricity consumed by the operation of the hot water supply facilities 51 and 52 (especially the consumption amount of energy converted into heat) and the unit price of purchased energy. The hot water supply facilities 51 and 52 have different hot water supply costs (generation costs) due to differences in equipment specifications and the like. Here, the hot water supply cost will be supplementarily described with reference to FIG. The hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household is limited to sunlight, and is not heated by the gas water heater 72. Therefore, the hot water supply cost when the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 can satisfy the hot water supply demand is extremely low. On the other hand, as for the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household, the heat source is electricity consumed by sunlight and the electric water heater 62. As already described, the electric water heater 62 is a heat pump type, and is configured to operate in advance when hot water is prepared in advance when a preset time is reached. As for the electricity bill, it is generally cheaper at night than during the day, and the utility cost can be reduced by generating hot water using electricity at night.

  In the child household, a gas water heater 72 is disposed as a backup heating unit, and when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 is insufficient, the gas water heater 72 can be operated to generate hot water. The gas water heater 72 has a higher utility cost compared to the electric water heater 62 described above. That is, the gas water heater 72 shown in the present embodiment is superior to the electric water heater 62 in terms of responsiveness, but the hot water supply cost is higher than that of the electric water heater 62.

  Thus, about the hot water supply cost (generation cost in the case of producing | generating a unit amount of hot water) when comparing with the same heating amount, the hot water storage tank 70 (solar heat collector 71) of the child household side <hot water storage of the parent household side The tank 60 (the solar heat collector 61 and the electric water heater 62) <the electric water heater 62 on the parent household side <the gas water heater 72 on the child household side increases in this order.

  In the overall sharing mode described above, the electric valves 68, 78, 81 are opened and closed in order to switch the hot water supply source in order of lowest hot water costs, with some exceptions, in order to minimize the utility costs of both households. The state is switched. Hereinafter, the electric valve control process for the entire sharing mode will be described with reference to FIG. In the present embodiment, the supply source switching order based on the hot water supply cost is determined in advance (see FIG. 14), and in the general sharing mode, the hot water supply source is switched according to the determined order. It has become.

  In the electric valve control process for the entire sharing mode, first, in step S401, it is determined whether or not the use of hot water is started in either the parent household or the child household. Specifically, it is determined whether or not it is the timing when the use of hot water is started based on the detection information acquired from the sensor units 66 and 76 (operation detection sensors) attached to the water outlet.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S401, a required temperature confirmation process is performed in step S402. Specifically, the temperature (required temperature) of hot water that the user intends to use is confirmed based on detection information from the sensor units 66 and 76 (operation detection sensors). In a succeeding step S403, it is determined whether or not hot water having a required temperature or more is secured in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household. If it is determined in step S403 that hot water is secured, the process proceeds to step S404.

  In step S404, an opening / closing process is performed so that the electric valve 68 on the parent household side is closed, the electric valve 78 on the child household side is opened, and the electric valve 81 attached to the connection pipe 80 is opened. Thereby, the supply source of hot water to both households becomes the sub-household-side hot water supply facility 52 (see FIG. 16A). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a combination in which the motor operated valve 68 on the parent household side is closed, the motor operated valve 78 on the child household side is opened, and the motor operated valve 81 attached to the communication pipe 80 is opened is referred to as “pattern A”.

  Returning to the description of step S403, if a negative determination is made in step S403, that is, if hot water equal to or higher than the required temperature is not secured in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household, the process proceeds to step S405. In step S405, it is determined whether hot water of a required temperature or higher is secured in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household. If a positive determination is made in step S405, the process proceeds to step S406.

  In step S406, an opening / closing process is performed so that the motorized valve 68 on the parent household side is opened, the motorized valve 78 on the child household side is closed, and the motorized valve 81 attached to the communication pipe 80 is opened. Thereby, the hot water supply source to both households becomes the parent household hot water supply facility 51 (see FIG. 16B). Hereinafter, for convenience of explanation, a combination in which the motor operated valve 68 on the parent household side is open, the motor operated valve 78 on the child household side is closed, and the motor operated valve 81 attached to the connection pipe 80 is opened is referred to as “pattern B”.

  If a negative determination is made in step S405, that is, if it is determined that hot water equal to or higher than the required temperature is not secured in the hot water storage tank 60, the process proceeds to step S407. In step S407, it is determined whether or not the difference between the hot water temperature secured in the hot water storage tank 60 and the required temperature is within a predetermined range. In the present embodiment, the predetermined range is set based on the specifications of the electric water heater 62 and the hot water storage tank 60. In step S407, either the electric water heater 62 or the gas water heater 72 is operated with reference to the predetermined range. Decide whether to supply hot water.

  As described above, the parent household hot water supply facility 51 is provided with the heat pump type electric water heater 62 as a backup heating unit. The electric water heater 62 has low hot water responsiveness due to its characteristics. That is, when the difference is large, the time required to generate hot water having the required temperature becomes long, and the convenience for the user can be lowered. Therefore, in the present embodiment, in consideration of the hot water temperature of the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household, if the required time is estimated to exceed a predetermined time, the child hot water gas 72 is operated to operate the child water heater 72. Accommodate hot water from households to parent households. That is, for example, even after the surplus hot water in the child household has been used up, accommodation of hot water from the child household to the parent household is performed depending on the situation. The heat pump type electric water heater 62 compensates for the shortage of solar heat, and the gas water heater 72 compensates for the amount that cannot be supplemented by the electric water heater 62. It is possible to avoid the deterioration in usability due to the above.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S407, that is, when the electric water heater 62 is operated, the open / close process of step S406 is executed, and then the motor-operated valve control process is terminated. Thereby, the open / closed state of each electric valve 68, 78, 81 is the pattern B, and the hot water supply source is the sub-household-side hot water supply facility 52.

  When a negative determination is made in step S407, that is, when the gas water heater 72 is operated, the open / close process of step S407 is executed, and then the electric valve control process is terminated. Thereby, the open / closed state of each motor operated valve 68, 78, 81 is the pattern A, and the hot water supply source is the parent household hot water supply facility 51.

  Returning to the description of step S401, if a negative determination is made in step S401, that is, if it is determined that it is not the timing when the use of hot water is started, the process proceeds to step S408. In step S408, it is determined whether or not hot water is being supplied. If a negative determination is made in step S408, the entire sharing mode motor-operated valve control process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S408, an update process is executed in step S409, and then the entire shared mode motor-operated valve control process is terminated.

  In the update process in step S409, the required temperature is reconfirmed, and it is determined whether or not hot water has run out in the hot water storage tank that is the supply source. And the hot water supply equipment used as a supply source is switched based on the specified required temperature and the remaining state of hot water. Specifically, the open / close states of the motor-operated valves 68, 78, and 81 are switched to the pattern A and the pattern B so as to switch the hot water supply equipment as the supply source in the order of the hot water supply costs shown in FIG.

  Here, with reference to the schematic of FIG.17 and FIG.18, it demonstrates about the flow of the switch of the hot water supply source.

  As shown in FIG. 17A, when a hot water supply operation is performed by the user at the spout on the child household side, whether or not hot water at the required temperature (for example, 40 ° C.) is stored in the hot water storage tank 70 on the child household side. To check. When hot water is stored, the open / close state of each motor operated valve 68, 78, 81 is set to pattern A, and hot water supply is started from the sub-household-side hot water supply facility 52 (specifically, hot water storage tank 70).

  As shown in FIG. 17 (a) → FIG. 17 (b), when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 on the child household side is insufficient, the supply source is switched to the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side with the next lowest hot water supply cost. Specifically, first, it is confirmed whether or not hot water at the required temperature is stored in the hot water storage tank 60. When hot water is stored, the open / close state of each motorized valve 68, 78, 81 is set to pattern B, and hot water is supplied from the hot water supply facility 51 (specifically, hot water storage tank 60) on the parent household side.

  As shown in FIG. 17 (b) → FIG. 17 (c), when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household is insufficient, the required temperature is compared with the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 60. When the difference from the required temperature is outside the predetermined range, the supply source is switched to the sub-household-side hot water supply facility 52 (specifically, the gas water heater 72). Specifically, the open / close state of each motor operated valve 68, 78, 81 is set to pattern A, and hot water is supplied from the sub-household-side hot water supply facility 52 (specifically, the gas water heater 72).

  As shown in FIG. 18A, when a hot water supply operation is performed by the user at the spout on the parent household side, whether or not hot water at the required temperature (for example, 40 ° C.) is stored in the hot water storage tank 70 on the child household side. To check. When hot water is stored, the open / close state of each motor operated valve 68, 78, 81 is set to pattern A, and hot water is supplied from the sub-household hot water supply facility 52 (specifically, hot water storage tank 70). As already explained, in the hot water storage tank 70 on the child household side, the gas water heater 72 does not operate when hot water is heated, and the heat source is sunlight. In this way, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 having the lowest hot water supply cost is accommodated to the parent household side, thereby reducing the utility cost for both households.

  As shown in FIG. 18 (a) → FIG. 18 (b), when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 is insufficient, the supply source is switched to the parent household-side hot water supply facility 51 (specifically, the hot water storage tank 60) with the next lowest hot water supply cost. Specifically, first, it is confirmed whether or not hot water at the required temperature is stored in the hot water storage tank 60. When hot water is stored, the open / close state of each motorized valve 68, 78, 81 is set to pattern B, and hot water is supplied from the hot water supply facility 51 (specifically, hot water storage tank 60) on the parent household side.

  As shown in FIG. 18B → FIG. 18C, when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side is insufficient, the required temperature is compared with the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 60. When the difference from the required temperature is outside the predetermined range, the supply source is switched to the sub-household-side hot water supply facility 52 (specifically, the gas water heater 72). Specifically, the open / closed state of each electric valve 68, 78, 81 is set to pattern A, and hot water is supplied to the parent household from the child household-side hot water supply facility 52 (specifically, the gas water heater 72).

  As described in detail above, in the overall sharing mode, first, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 on the child household side is consumed, and when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 runs out, the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side. When the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60, 70 is consumed, and the hot water is short in both hot water storage tanks 60, 70, the electric water heater 62 is operated as long as it can be handled by the electric water heater 62. When it is difficult to respond, the gas water heater 72 of the child household operates. In this way, by sharing the hot water supply facilities 51 and 52 of each household between both households, it is possible to suitably reduce the utility costs for both households.

  The hot water stored in the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70 of each household is shared by both households, and even if hot water is used in any household, the hot water in these hot water storage tanks 60 and 70 is supplied first. It will be. Since hot water heated using solar heat has a low hot water supply cost, consumption of energy such as gas and electricity can be suppressed by preferentially consuming hot water with a low hot water supply cost. This can contribute to the reduction of utility costs seen by both households.

  Here, the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side is provided with a heat pump type electric water heater 62, and the hot water can be obtained in advance by operating the electric water heater 62 in a time zone (nighttime) when the electricity price is relatively low. It is configured to be prepared. In this embodiment, the hot water of the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household is consumed preferentially over the hot water of the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household. The heat efficiency of the heat pump type electric water heater 62 is better when the heating is started from a state where the hot water temperature is somewhat higher than when the heating is started from a state where the hot water temperature is low. That is, it is preferable to suppress the decrease in hot water temperature before the electric water heater 62 is operated in order to reduce the hot water cost and reduce the utility cost. Therefore, by setting the priority of hot water use in the hot water storage tank 60 to be lower than the hot water in the hot water storage tank 70, it is possible to increase the number of occasions when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 is carried over to the next day. This is advantageous in reducing the load on the electric water heater 62 and reducing the amount of electricity consumed by the electric water heater 62 (in reducing utility costs).

  In addition, when there is a shortage of hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 on the child household side, the hot water is generated in advance by the electric water heater 62 instead of the hot water generated by consuming the purchase energy (gas) in the gas water heater 72. Hot water generated by consuming purchased energy (electricity) is preferentially used. In other words, by preferentially consuming hot water that has already been generated by spending expenses, it is possible to suppress unnecessarily high utility costs (investment).

  If a backup heating unit having different characteristics is provided for each household and a plurality of types of backup heating units are incorporated in the system, the backup heating units can preferably complement each other's weak points. For example, when rapid heating is required, the gas water heater 72 having excellent responsiveness is used, and the energy efficiency of the entire system is improved by using the electric water heater 62 with high energy efficiency in a situation where there is a margin. It can improve suitably.

  In the heat pump type electric water heater 62, it is preferable to reduce the surplus amount in order to suppress energy consumption. Therefore, in combination with the backup heating unit having different characteristics, it is technically significant to set the heat pump type electric water heater 62 in a household (a parent household in the present embodiment) in which the expected amount of hot water used is small. There is.

(Set temperature and set amount of hot water in the electric water heater 62)
In the present embodiment, the setting pattern of the set temperature and set amount of hot water (hereinafter referred to as the prepared amount) prepared by the parent household electric water heater 62 at night is changed according to the set accommodation mode. It will be.

  When the separation mode is set as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 19, the preparation amount is set based on the past actual use of hot water (average value and adjustment parameter) in the parent household. In other words, in the separation mode, if the amount of hot water used by the parent household is large, the amount of preparation increases, and if the amount of hot water used is small, the amount of preparation decreases.

  When the surplus sharing mode is set, the preparation amount is set based on the past use of hot water in the parent household and the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household. Specifically, it is the same as in the separation mode in that the amount of prepared water increases if the parent household has a large amount of hot water used in the past, and the amount of prepared water decreases if the amount of hot water used is small. The amount of use of the next day is estimated, and the amount of preparation is adjusted according to this estimated amount. Specifically, when it is estimated that a surplus amount of hot water is generated in the child household, the preparation amount is adjusted so as to be reduced in accordance with the surplus amount of the child household.

  In the present embodiment, in particular, the absence button is provided on the operation terminal 56 of the child household. The control device 55 specifies whether or not the child household is scheduled to be absent the next day based on the operation of the absent button. Thus, when the child household is absent (when the required amount of hot water in the child household decreases), the amount of preparation of the hot water storage tank 60 decreases. In this case, the shortage of the preparation amount will be covered by accommodation from the child household.

  When the complete sharing mode is set, the preparation amount is set based on the past use of hot water in the parent household, the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household, and the result of interchange of hot water to the child household. Specifically, it is the same as in the separation mode and the surplus sharing mode in that the amount of preparation will increase if the amount of hot water used by the parent household is large, and the amount of preparation will decrease if the amount of hot water used is small. It is the same as that in the surplus sharing mode in that the usage amount is estimated and the preparation amount is adjusted according to the estimated amount. However, while the surplus sharing mode only considers the surplus of the child households, the complete sharing mode also takes into account the shortage of the child households, and the amount of preparation increases in consideration of this shortage. Moreover, in the separation mode and the surplus sharing mode, the hot water accommodated to the child household has a configuration that is not reflected in the setting of the preparation amount, and importance is placed on suppressing the increase in utility costs in the parent household. However, in the complete sharing mode, the amount of preparation will increase in consideration of the amount of hot water that has been accommodated in the child household. Thereby, it is the structure which reduces the opportunity for a supply source to become the object (gas water heater 72) with the highest hot-water supply cost.

  The relationship between households varies depending on various conditions. For example, the relationship between households can change by vacating either the first floor part or the second floor part or lending the vacant part to another family or the like. In this respect, if the interchange mode can be switched as shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to suitably cope with such a change in the relationship between households. For example, when one of the households is vacant, the hot water supply facilities on the vacant household side can be effectively used by setting the interchange mode to the complete sharing mode. In the case of lending as described above, coexistence with another family can be suitably realized by setting the interchange mode to the separation mode.

<Second Embodiment>
In the first embodiment, when the general sharing mode is set as the accommodation mode, the hot water supply source is switched in a predetermined priority order. Here, the unit price of energy (electricity or gas) consumed by the electric water heater 62 and the gas water heater 72 (corresponding to the “backup heating unit”) may vary depending on various factors. One of the features of the present embodiment is that the device is devised in consideration of such cost fluctuations. Hereinafter, with reference to FIG. 20, the characteristic configuration of the present embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing the electric valve opening / closing process for the entire sharing mode in the present embodiment. The electric valve opening / closing process for the entire sharing mode is a process executed as part of the regular process by the control device 55 when the entire sharing mode is set as the interchange mode.

  In the electric valve control process for the entire sharing mode, first, in step S501, it is determined whether or not the use of hot water is started in either the parent household or the child household. When an affirmative determination is made in step S501, a confirmation process of the required hot water temperature is performed in step S502. In a succeeding step S503, it is determined whether or not hot water of a required temperature or more is secured in the hot water storage tank 70 on the child household side. If it is determined in step S503 that hot water is secured, the process proceeds to step S504. In step S504, the open / closed states of the motor operated valves 68, 78, 81 are switched so as to be the pattern A. Thereby, the hot water supply source is the hot water storage tank 70 on the child household side. If a negative determination is made in step S503, the process proceeds to step S505. In step S505, it is determined whether hot water of a required temperature or higher is secured in the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side. Note that the processes in steps S501 to S505 are the same as the processes in steps S401 to S405 described in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  If a positive determination is made in step S505, the process proceeds to step S506. In step S506, it is determined whether the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side is heated by the electric water heater 62 or not. Specifically, in the control device 55 shown in the present embodiment, the past operation status of the electric water heater 62 is stored, and heating by the electric water heater 62 is performed on the previous day or the day based on the stored information. It is determined whether it is hot water.

  When an affirmative determination is made in step S506, the open / closed states of the motor operated valves 68, 78, 81 are switched so as to be the pattern B in step S507. Thereby, the hot water supply source is the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side. That is, when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 60 is heated by the electric water heater 62, that is, when the hot water supply cost has already occurred, the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side is set as the supply source. Become.

  If a negative determination is made in step S506, the process proceeds to step S508. In step S508, the hot water supply cost is calculated and compared. Specifically, the hot water supply cost when hot water satisfying the required temperature is generated by operating the electric water heater 62 and the hot water supply cost when hot water satisfying the required temperature is generated by operating the gas water heater 72 are calculated. Then, compare the hot water supply costs. More specifically, since the electric water heater 62 is configured to heat the hot water in the hot water storage tank 60, the hot water supply cost is calculated in consideration of the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 60. Since it is the structure which heats hot water, the hot water supply cost is calculated based on the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 70, and which hot water supply cost is lower is specified.

  Incidentally, in the present embodiment, the control device 55 can store the unit price of electricity and the unit price of gas. Specifically, the operation terminal 56 can input such information, and stores the latest input information. Then, the hot water supply cost is calculated based on the stored information. In addition, about the unit price of electricity and the unit price of gas, it is good also as a structure which memorize | stores not only the newest information but the history of the past price fluctuation.

  If the hot water supply cost in the parent household hot water supply facility 51 (electric water heater 62) is lower than the hot water supply cost in the child household hot water supply facility 52 (gas water heater 72), an affirmative determination is made in step S509 and step S507 is performed. Then, the open / close state of the motor-operated valves 68, 78, 81 is switched to be the pattern B. As a result, the hot water supply source is the parent household-side hot water supply facility 51 (electric water heater 62). On the other hand, if the hot water supply cost in the parent household hot water supply facility 51 is equal to or exceeds the hot water supply cost in the child household hot water supply facility 52, a negative determination is made in step S509 and the process proceeds to step S504. Then, the open / close state of the motorized valves 68, 78, 81 is switched to the pattern A. Thereby, the supply source of hot water becomes the sub-household-side hot water supply facility 52 (gas water heater 72).

  Returning to the description of step S501, if a negative determination is made in step S501, the process proceeds to step S510. In step S501, it is determined whether or not hot water is being supplied. If a negative determination is made in step S501, the motor-operated valve control process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S501, an update process is executed in step S511, and then the motor-operated valve control process is terminated.

  In the update process of step S511, when a hot water outage occurs in the hot water storage tank 70 on the parent household side, the supply source is changed on condition that hot water satisfying the required temperature is stored in the hot water storage tank 60 on the child household side. Switch to the hot water storage tank 60 on the child household side. Further, when the required temperature is not met and backup by the electric water heater 62 is possible and the hot water supply cost is lower than that of the gas water heater 72, the electric water heater 62 is operated and the supply source is set to the parent household. While switching to the side hot water supply facility 51, in other cases, the gas water heater 72 is operated and the supply source is switched to the sub-household side hot water supply facility 52.

  As shown in the present embodiment, it is possible to cope with cost fluctuations and to appropriately exhibit the effect of reducing utility costs by adopting a configuration that performs comparison of hot water supply costs at the start of hot water supply → determination of priority order. .

<Third Embodiment>
According to the complete sharing mode shown in the first embodiment, the hot water supply cost is reduced in order, so that the hot water supply source is sequentially switched, thereby reducing the high heat costs for both households. Can contribute. When hot water runs out during hot water supply, the consumption is reduced by switching to a supply source with the next lowest supply cost. In the present embodiment, one feature is that, when the complete sharing mode is set as the accommodation mode, a contrivance is made to reduce the chance that the hot water supply source is switched during hot water supply. Hereinafter, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 21, the electric valve opening / closing process for the complete sharing mode in the present embodiment will be described.

  In the electric valve opening / closing process for the complete sharing mode, first, in step S601, it is determined whether or not the use of hot water is started in either the parent household or the child household. If a negative determination is made in step S601, the motor-operated valve control process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S601, the required temperature is confirmed in step S602. In a succeeding step S603, it is determined whether or not hot water of a required temperature or more is secured in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household. If it is determined in step S603 that hot water is not secured, the process proceeds to step S604. In step S604, it is determined whether hot water of a required temperature or higher is secured in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household. If a negative determination is made in step S604, the process proceeds to step S605. In step S605, the open / closed states of the motor operated valves 68, 78, 81 are switched so as to be the pattern A. Thereby, the hot water supply source is the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household. If a negative determination is made in step S604, the process proceeds to step S606. In step S606, the open / close state of the motor operated valves 68, 78, 81 is switched to be the pattern B. Thereby, the hot water supply source is the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household.

  Returning to the description of step S603, if an affirmative determination is made in step S603, if it is determined that hot water at or above the required temperature is secured in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household, the process proceeds to step S607. In step S607, it is determined whether or not the current hot water demand has occurred in the child household (whether or not the use of hot water has been started in the child household). If an affirmative determination is made in step S607, the process proceeds to step S605, and the open / close state of the motor-operated valves 68, 78, 81 is switched to be the pattern A. Thereby, the hot water supply source is the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household.

  If a negative determination is made in step S607, if the parent household has started using hot water, the process proceeds to step S608. In step S608, it is determined whether hot water is being supplied from the hot water storage tank 70 of the parent household to the parent household. If a negative determination is made in step S608, the motor-operated valve opening / closing process of step S605 is executed, and then the motor-operated valve control process is terminated. Thus, the hot water supply source 70 to the parent household becomes the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household.

  If an affirmative determination is made in step S608, that is, if it is determined that supply is being made to a child household, the process proceeds to step S609. In step S609, it is determined whether or not the remaining amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount. If an affirmative determination is made in step S609, the motor-operated valve control process in step S605 is executed, and then the motor-operated valve control process is terminated. Thus, the hot water supply source 70 to the parent household becomes the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household.

  On the other hand, if a negative determination is made in step S609, that is, if it is determined that the remaining amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household is below a predetermined amount, the process proceeds to step S610. In step S610, the open / close states of the motor operated valves 68, 78, 81 are switched so as to be the pattern C. In the pattern C, the motor operated valve 68 on the parent household side is opened, the motor operated valve 78 on the child household side is opened, and the motor operated valve 81 attached to the connecting pipe 80 is closed, so that hot water exchange between households is impossible. Become.

  That is, as shown in the schematic diagram of FIG. 22 (a), when there is a demand for hot water on the parent household side in a situation where hot water is supplied from the child household side hot water supply facility 52 to the child household, At that time, whether or not to supply hot water to the parent household is determined depending on the amount of hot water accumulated in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household. In the example of FIG. 22B, the predetermined amount is 20 L, and the remaining amount of hot water exceeds this predetermined amount. For this reason, the open / closed state of the electric valves 68, 78, 81 is pattern A, and hot water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 70 to both the child household and the parent household. On the other hand, in the example of FIG. 22C, the remaining amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 is below a predetermined amount. In this case, the open / close state of the electric valves 68, 78, 81 is switched to the pattern C, and hot water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side in the parent household.

  Returning to the description of step S601, if a negative determination is made in step S601, the process proceeds to step S611 to determine whether hot water is being supplied. If a negative determination is made in step S611, the motor-operated valve control process is terminated as it is. If an affirmative determination is made in step S611, an update process is executed in step S612, and then the motor-operated valve control process is terminated. To do. In the update process of step S611, the current supply source is maintained until hot water runs out, and when hot water runs out, the hot water supply source is switched to a hot water supply facility with the next lowest hot water supply cost.

  In the configuration shown in the present embodiment, when a demand for hot water is generated in the parent household while hot water is being supplied to the child household, the parent household is in accordance with the remaining amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household. It is determined whether or not to accommodate hot water. That is, when the remaining amount of hot water is sufficiently large, hot water is accommodated to the parent household, while when the remaining amount of hot water is small, accommodation of hot water to the parent household is avoided. When hot water is used in both the parent and child households, the consumption rate of hot water is higher than in the case of only one household. That is, an event that hot water is insufficient and the hot water supply source is switched easily occurs. In this regard, according to the configuration shown in the present embodiment, when the remaining amount is small, the hot water supply cost is next supplied to the parent household side, and hot water is supplied during hot water supply. Opportunities to switch the source can be reduced. Thereby, it can suppress suitably that the hot water temperature etc. in hot water supply change based on the change of a supply destination.

  In addition, it is not limited to the description content of embodiment mentioned above, For example, you may implement as follows. Incidentally, the configuration of another embodiment described below may be applied individually to the configuration in the above embodiment, or may be applied in combination with each other.

  (1) In each of the above-described embodiments, the connecting pipe 80 is connected to an intermediate position of the second hot water supply pipe 75 that connects the water outlet and the hot water storage tank 70, and the connecting pipe 80 is connected to the connecting pipe 80 and the hot water storage tank. A back-up gas water heater 72 is disposed between 70 and 70. The arrangement of the backup gas water heater 72 is not limited to this. For example, it is also possible to arrange between the connection point with the communication pipe 80 and the water outlet.

  Further, it is sufficient that hot water can be accommodated between households through the communication pipe 80, and the connection destination of the communication pipe 80 can be the hot water storage tanks 60 and 70.

  (2) In each of the above embodiments, the heating method of the backup heat source of the parent household 20 and the heating method of the backup heat source of the child household 30 are different, but the heating method of each backup heat source is made uniform. Is also possible.

  Moreover, although the backup heat source of the parent household 20 is the gas water heater 72 and the backup heat source of the child household 30 is the electric water heater 62, this can be reversed.

  (3) When the surplus sharing mode is set as the accommodation mode, when there is no surplus amount during the accommodation, the accommodation is interrupted and the hot water supply source is switched. It is possible to adopt a configuration in which the started accommodation is continued even when the surplus amount is reduced. When the hot water supply source is suddenly changed, the hot water temperature changes abruptly, but such a temperature change can be avoided by continuing the interchange of hot water.

  (4) In each of the above embodiments, while the hot water is being accommodated, the back-up heating unit on the side where the hot water is accommodated is not operated. It is good also as a structure which operates the backup heating part of the side accommodated in the middle. In particular, in a heat pump type electric water heater with poor responsiveness, by operating the water heater during acclimatization and storing hot water, it is possible to improve the usability of the hot water after the interchange is not received.

  (5) In each of the above embodiments, hot water is available from other households when hot water is insufficient or when hot water is used in a kitchen facility, wash basin, or shower facility. However, a similar function may be applied to hot water supply (hot water filling) to the bus unit. That is, it is good also as a structure which accommodates hot water from another household, when hot water is insufficient in the situation where hot water filling is performed in a bus unit, or when hot water is insufficient.

  (6) In each of the above-described embodiments, the control device 55 sets the estimated usage amount of hot water in each home based on past performance data, but this is changed and the expected usage amount is set by the user. A configuration is also possible. Further, in the case of a configuration in which the reference usage amount is set by the control device 55, a configuration in which a design value by a manufacturer or the like is referred to may be used, and it is not always necessary to refer to past performance data.

  (7) In the above embodiments, the case where the hot water supply system 50 having an accommodation function is applied to a two-family house is illustrated, but the present invention is not limited to this. A hot water supply system having an accommodation function may be applied to a three-family house. A hot water supply system having an accommodation function may be applied to an apartment house such as an apartment. In this case, hot water and hot water supply facilities may be shared among households that have selected the same accommodation mode. For example, when there are multiple households for which the surplus sharing mode is selected, a configuration is adopted in which hot water that is a surplus of hot water is exchanged between the households, and there are multiple households for which the complete sharing mode is selected. If present, the hot water supply facilities can be shared by those households, and the hot water supply source can be switched in the order of the hot water supply cost.

  (8) In each of the above-described embodiments, the switching of the accommodation mode is restricted while hot water is being used. However, the present invention is not limited to this. The interchange mode may be switched even while hot water is being used. If the interchange mode is selected while hot water is being used, the mode is set based on the end of hot water use. It is good also as a structure by which the interchange mode which is currently made is made.

  (9) In the complete sharing mode, when there is a hot water supply facility that generates hot water by heating at least in advance, the heating is performed regardless of the hot water supply cost with other hot water supply facilities. It is good also as a structure which preferentially supplies used hot water.

  (10) In the complete sharing mode in the second embodiment, when hot water satisfying the required temperature is secured in both the hot water storage tank 60 on the parent household side and the hot water storage tank 70 on the child household side, the hot water storage tank The hot water of 70 is used preferentially, but it is also possible to change this and use the hot water of the hot water storage tank 60 preferentially.

  (11) In the third embodiment, when hot water is generated in the parent household while hot water is being supplied from the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household to the child household, the remaining amount in the hot water storage tank 70 Depending on the amount of hot water, the hot water supply source is determined to be the sub-household-side hot water supply facility 52 (hot water storage tank 70) or the parent household-side hot water supply facility 51 (hot water storage tank 60). In addition to the above, the following configuration is also possible. That is, when hot water is generated in the child household while hot water is being supplied from the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household to the parent household, the hot water supply source is set to the parent in accordance with the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank 60. It is good also as a structure which determines whether it is set as the household side hot water supply equipment 51 (hot water storage tank 60) or the child household side hot water supply equipment 52 (gas water heater 72).

  (12) The supply source switching described in the third embodiment can be performed in the surplus sharing mode. That is, even when surplus hot water is secured, it is possible to determine whether or not to perform accommodation according to the remaining amount of hot water.

  (13) When shifting to the surplus sharing mode or the entire sharing mode by changing the interchange mode, the amount of hot water in each hot water storage tank is specified at the time of shifting to each mode, and the electric valves 68, 78, 81 are determined according to the result. It is also possible to adopt a configuration that determines the open / closed state of. According to this structure, it can contribute to the improvement of the responsiveness at the time of the start of hot water use.

  (14) In the above-described nuclear embodiment, after the hot water supply is completed, the motor-operated valves 68, 78, 81 are returned to the initial state corresponding to the set interchange mode. Is not to be done. It is good also as a structure which maintains each motor operated valve 68,78,81 as it is after supply of hot water is complete | finished.

  (15) In each of the above embodiments, the mixing unit 73 is provided in the hot water storage tank 70 of the child household. However, the mixing unit can be provided in the hot water storage tank 60 of the parent household.

  (16) In each of the above embodiments, the solar water heater is disposed in each of the parent household and the child household. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It suffices that at least one household has a solar water heater, and the hot water of the household having the solar water heater can be accommodated in another household.

  (17) In each of the above embodiments, the case where the unit price of gas or electric power (corresponding to “purchased energy”) is set as the hot water supply cost (corresponding to “generation cost”) is exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. . For example, it is also possible to set the “generation cost” to a running cost such as a maintenance cost of a hot water supply facility, which is added to the hot water supply cost.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... Building, 50 ... Hot water supply system, 51 ... Parent household side hot water supply equipment, 52 ... Child household side hot water supply equipment, 55 ... Control apparatus, 56 ... Operation terminal, 60 ... Hot water storage tank, 61 ... Solar heat as "solar heating part" Heat collector 62 ... Electric water heater as "backup heating part", 66 ... Sensor unit, 68 ... Electric valve, 70 ... Hot water storage tank, 71 ... Solar heat collector as "solar heating part", 72 ... "Backup Gas water heater as “heat source”, 76... Sensor unit, 78... Motorized valve, 80 .. communication pipe as “communication pipe”, 81.

Claims (9)

A solar heating unit that heats the supplied water by solar heat, a hot water storage tank that stores the water heated by the solar heating unit as hot water, a backup heating unit that consumes purchased energy to generate hot water, and the backup heating unit And a hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water from the hot water storage tank to the water outlet,
A connecting pipe formed to connect the hot water supply facilities of each household and allow hot water to pass through;
Hot water can be exchanged between the households through the connecting pipe,
As the backup heating unit of each household, including those with different production costs for producing a unit amount of hot water,
A hot water supply system, comprising: a determination unit that determines a hot water supply facility that is a hot water supply source among the hot water supply facilities of each household using a predetermined order determined based on the generation cost.   When the hot water satisfying the required temperature is stored in at least one of the hot water storage tanks of each household, the determining means is the hot water supply facility that is a hot water supply source so that hot water is supplied from the hot water storage tank. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein: Any of the hot water supply facilities of each household is a predetermined hot water supply facility having a hot water storage type backup heating unit capable of preliminarily storing a set amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank as the backup heating unit,
The determining means includes
When the hot water in the hot water storage tank in each household cannot be used, the hot water supply facility as a hot water supply source is determined using the predetermined order, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank in each household can be used Further, among the hot water storage tanks, the hot water supply facility that is a hot water supply source so as to supply hot water in a hot water storage tank of a hot water supply facility other than the predetermined hot water supply facility in preference to hot water in the hot water storage tank of the predetermined hot water supply facility. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the hot water supply system is determined. The predetermined sequence is such that when the hot water satisfying the required temperature is not stored in the hot water storage tank of each household, the predetermined hot water supply facility becomes a hot water supply source preferentially over other hot water supply facilities. Has been established,
When the hot water request is generated in a situation where hot water satisfying the required temperature is not stored in the hot water storage tank of each household, the determining means determines the required temperature and the hot water of the hot water tank of the predetermined hot water supply facility. Determination means for determining whether or not hot water at the required temperature can be supplied based on the temperature, and the predetermined means when the determination means determines that hot water at the required temperature can be supplied. A hot water supply facility is determined as a hot water supply source, and when it is determined by the determination means that hot water at the required temperature cannot be supplied, a hot water supply facility that is given priority over the predetermined hot water supply facility is determined as a hot water supply source. The hot water supply system according to claim 3. As the hot water supply equipment of each household, when the hot water is used, a first hot water supply equipment having the backup heating unit for generating hot water according to the amount of use, and a hot water of a set hot water amount in the hot water storage tank in advance. A second hot water supply facility having the hot water storage type backup heating unit capable of storing,
In the case where hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank of the first hot water supply facility and the hot water storage tank of the second hot water supply facility, the determining means uses the first hot water supply facility as a hot water supply source, When hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank of the second hot water supply facility among the hot water storage tank and the hot water storage tank of the second hot water supply facility, the hot water storage source of the first hot water supply facility is the second hot water supply facility. 3. The hot water supply source according to claim 1, wherein when no hot water is stored in either the tank or the hot water storage tank of the second hot water supply equipment, the first hot water supply equipment is used as a hot water supply source. Hot water system. The backup heating unit constituting the first hot water supply facility is a gas water heater that performs the heating by consuming gas as the purchase energy,
The hot water supply system according to claim 5, wherein the backup heating unit constituting the second hot water supply facility is a heat pump type electric water heater that performs the heating by consuming electric power as the purchase energy.   The determination means is based on information storage means for acquiring and storing information relating to the generation cost of the backup heating unit of each hot water supply facility, and information stored in the information storage means when a hot water supply demand occurs. And a comparison means for comparing the generation costs of the hot water supply facilities, and the hot water supply facility to be a hot water supply source is determined based on the comparison result. Hot water system.   In the case where the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank of the predetermined household among the households is used in the predetermined household and hot water supply demand is generated in another household, And determining means for determining whether or not the remaining amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank exceeds a predetermined amount, and when the determining means determines that the remaining amount of hot water does not exceed a predetermined amount, the predetermined amount 8. The hot water supply facility that is a source of hot water supply to the other households is determined using the predetermined sequence in the hot water supply facility of a household other than the household of any one of claims 1 to 7. The hot water supply system as described in one. A reference amount setting means capable of setting a reference hot water amount in a household having the solar heating unit,
As an accommodation mode for accommodating hot water between the households, a non-accommodation mode in which hot water is not interchanged between households, and the amount of hot water heated by the solar heating unit is surplus with respect to the reference hot water amount used. A first interchange mode for accommodating hot water to other households within the surplus range in the household where the solar heating unit is installed, and accommodating hot water to other households within the surplus range And after the hot water is consumed, has a second interchange mode for operating any of the backup heating unit,
The said determination means determines the hot water supply equipment used as a supply source using the said predetermined order, when the said 2nd accommodation mode is set, The any one of Claim 1 thru | or 8 characterized by the above-mentioned. Hot water supply system described in one.

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