JP2021067444A - Method for controlling hot water supply, system, program, recording medium and hot water storage system - Google Patents

Abstract

To adjust non-heated water supply to supply hot water stably in addition to preheated water supply.SOLUTION: A method for controlling hot water supply comprises: storing preheated water (PHW) in a preheated water supply unit (4) comprising two or more tank units (TU8) and discharging the preheated water according to a discharge order of hot water set in the tank units; supplying hot water from a hot water supply unit (6) according to hot water supply demand; and comparing flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank units and supplying non-heated water from a bypass path to the hot water supply unit according to the comparison result.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to, for example, a hybrid hot water supply technique in which a preheated water supply unit using a heat pump or the like as a heat source is provided, and hot water (preheated water supply) heated by the preheated water supply unit is supplied by the heating unit.

Some hot water supply systems provide efficient hot water supply by realizing so-called hybridization in which multiple heat sources are installed side by side, for example, by supplying hot water heated by using a heat pump to a water heater from a hot water storage unit.
Regarding a hot water supply system equipped with multiple water heaters, among tank type water heaters equipped with tank type hot water supply and tankless water heater, when hot water supply is started or when the hot water supply load increases, hot water supply operation is not executed. It is disclosed that if the amount of heat stored in the tank exceeds a predetermined amount of heat, the tank-type water heater performs non-combustion hot water supply operation (for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2017-133735

By the way, in the hybrid system, a heat pump or the like is used as a heat source to heat the water supply to produce hot water, and the hot water is stored in the tank unit, and the hot water is supplied from the tank unit to the hot water supply unit according to the hot water supply demand. Hot water is being supplied. That is, the water heater of the hot water supply unit provided with a plurality of water heaters is operated according to the hot water supply demand, and the hot water required for the hot water supply unit is supplied from the preheated water supply unit. For this reason, a plurality of tank units required for supplying hot water to meet the demand for hot water supply and a required amount of hot water storage are also set in the preheated water supply unit.

When hot water is supplied from the preheated water supply unit to the hot water supply unit, it is common to supply water from the tank unit in stages as the demand for hot water supply increases. A filter is provided on the water supply side of each tank unit, and if the filter is clogged, not only the amount of hot water supplied from the tank unit will decrease, but also the total amount of water supply will decrease, and the hot water supply unit will decrease. There is a problem that the amount of hot water supplied from the water heater is reduced.
From such a current situation, the inventor has obtained the finding that when the amount of water supply required for hot water supply demand is insufficient, the increase in the amount of water supply can be supplemented to suppress fluctuations in hot water supply that occur in the hot water supply section, and the convenience of hot water supply can be improved.

Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to realize stable hot water supply by adjusting the amount of non-heated water supply in addition to the hot water supply from the preheated water supply unit in view of the above problems and the above findings.
Another object of the present disclosure is to realize supplementary water supply by non-heated water supply and alert notification when the flow rate of preheated water supply is abnormal due to filter clogging or the like in view of the above problems and the above findings.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the hot water supply control method of the present disclosure, the preheated water supply unit is stored in the preheated water supply unit including two or more tank units, and the preheated water supply is discharged according to the hot water discharge order set in the tank unit. The process, the process of supplying hot water from the hot water supply unit according to the hot water supply demand, and the flow rate of the preheated water supply discharged from the tank unit are compared, and unheated water supply is supplied to the hot water supply unit from the bypass path according to the comparison result. Including steps.
In this hot water supply control method, a step of further comparing the amount of heat stored in each tank unit of the preheated water supply unit or comparing the operating time of the preheated heat source unit of each tank unit and setting the hot water discharge order in the tank unit is performed. May include.
In this hot water supply control method, a step of changing the hot water discharge order of the tank unit by comparing the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit may be further included.
In this hot water supply control method, the flow rate of the preheated water supply discharged from the tank unit is further compared, a tank unit having a flow rate of the preheated water supply equal to or less than a predetermined value is determined to be abnormal, and an alert output is generated at the time of the abnormality. The process may be included.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the hot water supply control system of the present disclosure, the preheated water supply unit is provided with two or more tank units to store the preheated water supply and to discharge the preheated water supply according to the hot water discharge order set in the tank unit. The flow rate of the preheated water supply that discharges hot water from the tank unit is compared with that of the hot water supply unit that supplies hot water from the hot water supply unit according to the hot water supply demand, and unheated water supply is supplied to the hot water supply unit from the bypass path according to the comparison result. It is equipped with a control unit.
In this hot water supply control system, the control unit further compares the amount of heat stored in each tank unit of the preheated water supply unit, or compares the operating time of the preheated heat source unit of each tank unit, and ranks the hot water supply to the tank unit. May be set.
In this hot water supply control system, the control unit may further change the hot water discharge order of the tank unit by comparing the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit.
In this hot water supply control system, the control unit further compares the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit, determines that the tank unit in which the flow rate of the preheated water is equal to or less than a predetermined value is abnormal, and at the time of the abnormality, You may generate an alert output.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the program of the present disclosure, it is a program to be realized by a computer, in which preheated water is stored in a preheated water supply unit including two or more tank units and set in the tank unit. The control function to discharge the preheated water according to the order of hot water supply, the control function to supply hot water from the hot water supply unit according to the hot water supply demand, and the flow rate of the preheated water supply to be discharged from the tank unit are compared, and the bypass path is determined according to the comparison result. The computer is provided with a control function for supplying unheated water to the hot water supply unit.
In this program, the computer further provides a function of comparing the amount of heat stored in each tank unit of the preheated water supply unit, or comparing the operating time of the preheated heat source unit of each tank unit, and setting the hot water discharge order in the tank unit. May be realized.
In this program, the computer may further have a function of comparing the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit and changing the hot water discharge order of the tank unit.
In this program, a function of comparing the flow rates of the preheated water discharged from the tank unit, determining that the tank unit whose preheated water flow rate is equal to or less than a predetermined value is abnormal, and generating an alert output at the time of the abnormality is provided. It may be realized in the computer.
In order to achieve the above object, according to the recording medium of the present disclosure, the program is stored.

In order to achieve the above object, according to the hot water storage system of the present disclosure, the preheated water is stored in the preheated water supply unit including two or more tank units, and the preheated water is discharged according to the hot water discharge order set in the tank unit. The water supply unit includes a control unit that compares the flow rates of the preheated water supplied from the tank unit and supplies unheated water from the bypass path according to the comparison result.
In this hot water storage system, the control unit further compares the amount of heat stored in each tank unit of the preheated water supply unit, or compares the operating time of the preheated heat source unit of each tank unit, and assigns the hot water discharge order to the tank unit. You may set it.
In this hot water storage system, the control unit may further change the hot water discharge order of the tank unit by comparing the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit.
In this hot water storage system, the control unit further compares the flow rates of the preheated water supplied from the tank unit, determines that the tank unit whose preheated water flow rate is equal to or less than a predetermined value is abnormal, and alerts when the abnormality occurs. You may generate output.

According to the present disclosure, any of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) When the flow rate of preheated water supply is insufficient with respect to the hot water supply demand, unheated water supply is supplied to the hot water supply unit according to the hot water supply demand, so that stable hot water supply can be realized with respect to the hot water supply demand.
(2) Fluctuations in hot water supply due to fluctuations in the flow rate of preheated water supply can be suppressed, and the reliability of hot water supply can be improved.
(3) When an abnormality occurs in the flow rate of the preheated water supply in the preheated water supply section, such as clogging of the water supply filter, the shortage of the preheated water supply can be supplemented with unheated water supply, and a decrease in the amount of hot water supply can be prevented.
(4) When an abnormality occurs in the flow rate of the preheated water supply from the preheated water supply unit, the abnormality can be notified by an alert and prompt response can be promoted.

It is a flowchart which shows the hot water supply control process which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the change process of the hot water discharge order of a tank unit. It is a flowchart which shows abnormality determination of a tank unit and alert generation. It is a figure which shows the hot water supply control system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a tank unit. It is a figure which shows an example of a heat pump. It is a figure which shows an example of a water heater. A is a diagram showing a control system of a hot water supply control system, and B is a diagram showing an example of hardware of a tank unit control unit. It is a figure which shows the control system of a tank unit. It is a figure which shows the control system of the preheating remote controller. It is a figure which shows the control system of a heat pump. It is a figure which shows the control system of a water heater. It is a figure for demonstrating the hot water discharge control of a preheated water supply part. It is a figure for demonstrating the hot water discharge control of a preheated water supply part. It is a figure for demonstrating the hot water discharge control of a preheated water supply part. It is a flowchart which shows the hot water discharge control of a preheated water supply part. It is a flowchart which shows the opening / closing control of a flow rate control valve. It is a flowchart which shows anomaly detection and alert generation. It is a figure which shows the hot water supply control system which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hot water supply control system which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the hot water supply control system which concerns on other embodiment. It is a figure which shows the tank unit which concerns on other embodiment.

[First Embodiment]
FIG. 1 shows a hot water supply control step according to the first embodiment. This hot water supply control step is an example of the hot water supply control method of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the configuration of FIG. The same reference numerals are given to common parts throughout the drawings.
In this hot water supply control step, hot water storage of hot water PHW (S101), setting of hot water discharge order of tank unit (hereinafter, simply referred to as “TU”) 8 (S102), supply of hot water supply and hot water PHW (S103), flow rate of hot water PHW. The determination (S104), the opening / closing control of the flow rate adjusting valve 22 of the bypass pipe 20 (S105), the supply of the water supply W to the hot water supply unit 6 (S106), and the hot water supply (S107) that satisfies the hot water supply demand are included.

Hot water storage of hot water PHW (S101): The preheated water supply unit 4 receives the supply of water supply W, heats the water supply W by the preheating operation, and stores hot water PHW in each TU8. The water supply W is unheated water supply, that is, is an example of unheated water supply and is tap water or the like. The hot water PHW is an example of preheated water supply, and a heat pump (hereinafter, simply referred to as “HP”) 10 or the like is used as a heat source for heating the hot water PHW. TU8 is an example of a hot water storage means for storing hot water PHW.
Setting the hot water discharge order of the TU 8 (S102): When two or more TU 8s are provided in the preheated water supply unit 4, the hot water discharge order is set in the TU 8. The tank unit control unit (TU control unit) 68 compares the amount of heat stored in each TU8, and sets the order of hot water discharge from the TU8 having the largest amount of heat storage. However, when the difference in the amount of heat storage is small, for example, if it is within 1000 kcal, the hot water discharge order of the TU8 may be set in ascending order of the operating time of the HP10 installed in the TU8. As a result, the hot water discharge order is set in the TU8.

Hot water supply and hot water PHW supply (S103): Hot water PHW is supplied to the hot water supply unit 6 from the preheated water supply unit 4 in response to the hot water supply request.
Flow rate determination of hot water PHW (S104): The TU control unit 68 compares the detected flow rates of the flow rate sensors 30 of each TU8, and determines, for example, the TU8 having the maximum flow rate Lmax as the comparison result.
Open / close control (S105) of the flow rate adjusting valve 22 of the bypass pipe 20: The TU control unit 68 receives the hot water supply demand, compares the detected flow rates of the flow rate sensor 30, and bypasses according to the comparison result, for example, the maximum flow rate Lmax. The opening / closing control of the flow rate adjusting valve 22 of the pipe 20 is performed (S105).
Supply of water supply W to the hot water supply unit 6 (S106): When the flow rate adjusting valve 22 is opened, the water supply W is supplied to the hot water supply unit 6 through the bypass pipe 20. That is, the shortage of the flow rate of the hot water PHW is supplemented by the water supply W.
Hot water supply according to hot water supply demand (S107): By supplementing the hot water supply W, the hot water supply unit 6 realizes hot water supply that satisfies the hot water supply demand.

<Setting the order of hot water for TU8>
The setting of the hot water discharge order of the TU 8 is the order setting of which of the TU 8 is preferentially discharged, and is necessary when two or more TU 8s are included in the preheated water supply unit 4. TU control units 68-1, 68-2, 68-3, 68-4 are used as an example for setting the hot water discharge order. For example, the TU control unit 68-1 is used as the master unit and the TU control unit 68-2. , 68-3, 68-4 are used as slave units to perform coordinated control of both. In this case, the master unit manages the heat storage amount information of its own unit and the heat storage amount information of the slave unit in an integrated manner, and uses the comparison results of any of the TUs 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4. Determine the order of hot water to be discharged from.
When the difference in the amount of heat storage between the TUs 8 is small with respect to the determination of the hot water discharge order, the master unit manages the heat storage information and also manages the operation time information acquired by the master unit from the HP control unit 70. , Determine the order of hot water discharge of TU8.

<Change of hot water outlet order of TU8>
FIG. 2 shows a process of changing the hot water discharge order of TU8. This correction process includes acquisition of the flow rate information of the hot water PHW (S201), comparison of the flow rate of the hot water PHW (S202), determination of the lowest flow rate TU8 (S203), and change of the hot water discharge order of the TU8 (S204).
Acquisition of flow rate information of hot water PHW (S201): The TU control unit 68 acquires the flow rate information of the hot water PHW of each TU 8 of the preheating water supply unit 4 as the above-mentioned master unit.
Comparison of flow rate of hot water PHW (S202): The TU control unit 68 compares the flow rate of the hot water PHW of each TU8 and grasps the state of the flow rate of the hot water PHW of the TU8.
Determination of minimum flow rate TU8 (S203): The control unit TU68 determines the minimum flow rate TU8 from the flow rate of the hot water PHW of each TU8.
Change of hot water discharge order of TU8 (S204): The TU control unit 68 changes the hot water discharge order such that the hot water discharge order of the TU8 having the lowest flow rate is set to the lowest. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the amount of hot water discharged due to a decrease in the flow rate of the hot water PHW.

<TU8 abnormality judgment and alert generation>
FIG. 3 shows a processing procedure for determining an abnormality in the TU8 and generating an alert, such as clogging of the water supply filter. This processing procedure includes acquisition of flow rate information of hot water PHW (S301), comparison of flow rate of hot water PHW (S302), determination of flow rate of hot water PHW (S303), abnormality determination (S304), and alert generation (S305). Is done.
Acquisition of flow rate information of hot water PHW (S301): The TU control unit 68 acquires flow rate information representing the flow rate of hot water PHW of each TU 8 of the preheating water supply unit 4.
Comparison of flow rate of hot water PHW (S302): The TU control unit 68 compares the flow rate of the hot water PHW of each TU8 and grasps the state of the flow rate of the hot water PHW of the TU8.
Determining the flow rate of the hot water PHW (S303): The TU control unit 68 determines whether the flow rate of the hot water PHW of each TU 8 is equal to or less than a predetermined value.
Abnormality determination (S304): The TU control unit 68 determines that the TU8 whose flow rate of hot water PHW that can be discharged is equal to or less than a predetermined value is abnormal.
Alert generation (S305): When any or all of TU8 is determined to be abnormal, the TU control unit 68 generates an alert and presents it to the information presentation unit 88.

<Effect of the first embodiment>
According to the first embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) Even if the flow rate of hot water PHW (preheated water supply) is insufficient with respect to the hot water supply demand, the hot water supply W can be supplied to the hot water supply unit 6 side according to the hot water supply demand, and stable hot water supply can be obtained with respect to the hot water supply demand.
(2) Fluctuations in hot water supply due to fluctuations in the flow rate of preheated water supply can be suppressed.
(3) When an abnormality occurs in the flow rate of the preheated water supply of the preheated water supply unit 4 due to clogging of the water supply filter 40 or the like, the shortage of the flow rate of the preheated water supply can be supplemented by supplying unheated water supply, and a decrease in the amount of hot water supply can be prevented. ..
(4) When an abnormality occurs in the flow rate of preheated water supply, the abnormality can be notified by an alert.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows the hot water supply control system 2 according to the second embodiment. The hot water supply control system 2 is an example of a multi-hot water supply system, and the hot water supply control system 2 includes a preheated water supply unit 4 and a hot water supply unit 6.

The preheated water supply unit 4 has two or more TUs (tank units), for example, four TUs 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4 (hereinafter, when the TU is not specified, simply "TU8". As two or more HPs (heat pumps), for example, four HP10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4 (hereinafter, simply referred to as "HP10" when HP is not specified) are included. Is done. Water supply W is supplied to each TU 8 from the water supply pipe 12 on the upstream side. Each HP10 is an example of a heat source for heating the water supply W. Hot water PHW is stored in each TU8 and heat is stored. When a hot water supply demand arises, the hot water PHW discharged from the preheated water supply unit 4 is supplied to the hot water supply unit 6 through the water supply pipe 18 on the downstream side.

As two or more water heaters in the hot water supply unit 6, for example, four water heaters 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, 14-4 (hereinafter, when the water heater is not specified, simply "water heater 14" is used. Includes). Each water heater 14 has the same specifications or different specifications, and is not limited to whether the manufacturers are the same or different.
Each water heater 14 operates selectively or all depending on the demand for hot water supply. Hot water is supplied from the hot water supply section 6 to the hot water supply pipe 16 in response to the hot water supply demand, and water is supplied to the hot water supply section 6 through the water supply pipe 18 in conjunction with this hot water supply.

A bypass pipe 20 is connected between the water supply pipe 12 on the upstream side and the water supply pipe 18 on the downstream side, and a flow rate adjusting valve 22 for opening and closing the bypass pipe 20 is installed. Water supply W is supplied from the water supply pipe 12 to the water supply pipe 18 through the bypass pipe 20 according to the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 22. As a result, the shortage of the flow rate of the hot water PHW with respect to the hot water supply demand is supplemented by the hot water supply W, and the hot water HW satisfying the hot water supply demand can be obtained.

<TU8>
FIG. 5 shows an example of each TU8. Each TU8 has a hot water storage tank 24, a distribution valve 26, a water regulation valve 28, a flow rate sensor 30, a pump 32, an HP switching valve 34, a check valve 35-1, 35-2, a temperature sensor 36-1, 36-2, 36-3, 36-4, 36-5, 36-6, 36-7, 36-8, 36-9, 36-10, 36-11 are provided.
Hot water PHW heated by HP10 is stored in the hot water storage tank 24. That is, the water supply W taken out from the lower layer side of the hot water storage tank 24 is circulated to the HP 10 through the pump 32, and the hot water PHW heated by the HP 10 is returned to the upper layer side of the hot water storage tank 24 via the HP switching valve 34. The temperature of the hot water PHW stored in the hot water storage tank 24 is detected by temperature sensors 36-3, 36-4, 36-5, 36-6, 36-7 arranged at specific intervals from the upper layer to the lower layer. Will be done.

The water supply W is supplied from the water supply pipe 12 to the water supply port 38 of the TU 8. A water supply filter 40 is installed at the inlet of the water supply port 38. The water supply W is filtered before flowing into the water supply port 38, and impurities in the water supply W are removed by the water supply filter 40. The water supply W added to the water supply port 38 is supplied to the lower layer of the hot water storage tank 24 through the check valve 35-1, the distribution valve 26 and the check valve 35-2, and is circulated to the HP 10 through the branch pipe 41. The temperature of the water supply W flowing into the TU 8 from the water supply port 38 is detected by the temperature sensor 36-1, and the flow rate thereof is detected by the flow rate sensor 30.

The temperature of the water supply W flowing out to the HP10 side or the hot water PHW before heating is detected by the temperature sensor 36-8, and the temperature of the hot water PHW after heating flowing into the TU 8 from the HP10 side is detected by the temperature sensor 36-9. The temperature inside the housing of the TU8 is detected by the temperature sensor 36-11.
When hot water supply is required, the hot water PHW of the hot water storage tank 24 is taken out from the upper layer side of the hot water storage tank 24, hot water is discharged from the water supply pipe 18 through the water regulation valve 28, and is supplied to the hot water supply unit 6. A bypass pipe 27 is provided between the distribution valve 26 and the water control valve 28, and the water supply W distributed by the distribution valve 26 is mixed with the hot water PHW. The temperature of the hot water PHW flowing through the water supply pipe 18 is detected by the temperature sensor 36-10.

<HP10>
FIG. 6 shows an example of each HP10. Each HP10 includes a heat exchanger 44, a compressor 46, a heat exchanger 48, an air heat exchanger 50, an expansion valve 52, temperature sensors 36-12, 36-13, 36-14, 36-15, 36-16. Is done.
The heat exchanger 44 heats the hot water PHW by exchanging the heat of the heat medium 45 with the water supply W or the hot water PHW before heating. The temperature sensor 36-12 detects the inlet temperature of the heat exchanger 44, and the temperature sensor 36-13 detects the outlet temperature of the heat exchanger 44.

The heat exchanger 48 exchanges heat with the cooled heat medium 45 from the heat medium 45 on the high temperature side. The air heat exchanger 50 exchanges heat of high-temperature air with the heat medium 45 to raise the temperature of the heat medium 45. The temperature sensor 36-14 detects the temperature of the air heat exchanger 50, and the temperature sensor 36-15 detects the exit temperature of the air heat exchanger 50. The compressor 46 compresses the heat medium 45 and flows it through the heat exchanger 44. The temperature sensor 36-16 detects the temperature on the exit side of the compressor 46 of the heat medium 45.

<Water heater 14>
FIG. 7 shows an example of each water heater 14. Each water heater 14 includes a heat exchanger 54, a burner 56, a distribution valve 58, a water control valve 60, a bypass pipe 62, a flow rate sensor 64, and temperature sensors 36-17, 36-18, 36-19.
The hot water PHW or water supply W supplied from the water supply pipe 18 flows through the distribution valve 58 to the heat exchanger 54, and is heated by heat exchange with the combustion heat of the burner 56. The hot water HW obtained by this heating flows to the hot water supply pipe 16 on the downstream side via the water regulation valve 60. The temperature of the hot water PHW or the water supply W entering the water heater 14 is detected by the temperature sensor 36-17, and the flow rate thereof is detected by the flow rate sensor 64.
The hot water PHW or water supply W distributed by the distribution valve 58 flows from the bypass pipe 62 to the water control valve 60 and is mixed with the hot water HW. The hot water HW is supplied to the demand location from the hot water supply pipe 16.

<Hot water supply control of hot water supply control system 2>
FIG. 8A shows the control system of the hot water supply control system 2. The preheated water supply unit 4 controls the hot water PHW to be supplied in response to the hot water supply demand generated in the hot water supply unit 6, and also controls to supplement the shortage of the hot water PHW with the water supply W, that is, the opening / closing control of the flow rate adjusting valve 22. included. For the control of the preheating water supply unit 4, for example, the TU control unit 68-1 of the master unit TU8-1 is used.
The TU control unit 68-1 includes, for example, TU control units 68-2, 68-3, 68-4 which are slave units (hereinafter, when the TU control unit is not specified, it is simply referred to as "TU control unit 68"). The heat pump (HP) control units 70-1, 70-2, 70-3, 70-4, and the preheating remote controller control unit 76 of the preheating remote controller 74 are linked and the flow rate adjusting valve control unit 66 is connected.
Since the water heater control units 72-1, 72-2, 72-3, and 72-4 having different specifications from the preheated water supply unit 4 are installed in the hot water supply unit 6, the hot water supply unit 6 is not linked with the flow rate adjusting valve control unit 66.
The flow rate adjusting valve control unit 66 controls the opening and closing of the flow rate adjusting valve 22 based on the maximum flow rate information of the TU 8 in the preheated water supply unit 4.

<Hardware such as TU control unit 68>
FIG. 8B shows an example of the hardware of the TU control unit 68. A computer having a communication function is used as the TU control unit 68, and includes a processor 78, a storage unit 80, a communication unit 82, and an input / output unit (I / O) 84.
The processor 78 performs information processing including execution of various programs such as an OS (Operating System) in the storage unit 80 and a hot water supply control program. The storage unit 80 is an example of a recording medium for storing the OS and various programs used for the hot water supply control of the present invention. A storage element such as a ROM (Read-Only Memory) or a RAM (Random-Access Memory) is used for the storage unit 80.

The communication unit 82 is used for communication with the TU control unit 68, the HP control unit 70, and the preheating remote controller control unit 76 of the slave unit, as well as communication with an external information terminal, under the control of the processor 78.
A temperature sensor, a flow rate sensor, a distribution valve, an HP switching valve, a water regulation valve, and a pump (not shown) are connected to the I / O 84, and control information is input / output under the control of the processor 78.
Although not shown, the HP control unit 70, the preheating remote controller control unit 76, and the flow rate control valve control unit 66 linked with the TU control unit 68 use the same hardware as the TU control unit 68. Is omitted.

<Control system of TU8>
FIG. 9 shows the control system of the TU8. The TU control unit 68 includes a computer having a communication function. Each detection information of the flow rate sensor 30, the temperature sensors 36-1, 36-2, ... 36-11 is taken into the TU control unit 68. Control information of the distribution valve 26, the water regulation valve 28, the pump 32 or the HP switching valve 34 is generated by the TU control unit 68.
The detection information of the flow rate sensor 30 includes the flow rate information of the hot water PHW from which the TU8 discharges hot water.

<Control system of preheating remote controller 74>
FIG. 10 shows the control system of the preheating remote controller 74. The preheating remote control control unit 76 includes a computer having a communication function. A preheating switch (SW) 86 is connected to the preheating remote controller control unit 76. The preheating SW86 is used to instruct the start of the preheating operation of the preheating water supply unit 4. The information presentation unit 88 is used for presenting control information and alerts.
Since the same hardware as the TU control unit 68 is used for the preheating remote controller control unit 76, the description thereof will be omitted.

<HP10 control system>
FIG. 11 shows the control system of HP10. The HP control unit 70 includes a computer having a communication function. The HP control unit 70 takes in the detection information of the temperature sensors 36-12, 36-13, ..., 36-16. The control information of the compressor 46 is generated by the HP control unit 70.
Since the same hardware as the TU control unit 68 is used for the HP control unit 70, the description thereof will be omitted.

<Control system of water heater 14>
FIG. 12 shows the control system of the water heater 14. The water heater control unit 72 includes a computer having a communication function. The water heater control unit 72 takes in the detection information of the temperature sensors 36-17, 36-18, 36-19, and the flow rate sensor 64. The control information of the distribution valve 58 or the water regulation valve 60 is generated by the water heater control unit 72. The water heater control unit 72 is connected to the remote controller control unit 77, but is independent of the preheating remote controller control unit 76 and the TU control unit 68.
Since the same hardware as the TU control unit 68 is used for the water heater control unit 72, the description thereof will be omitted.

<Open / close control of flow rate control valve 22>
The flow rate adjusting valve control unit 66 controls the opening and closing of the flow rate adjusting valve 22. The adjustment information of the water supply W is output from the TU control unit 68 set in the master unit, and the flow rate adjustment valve control unit 66 receives this adjustment information to open and close the flow rate adjustment valve 22. In this control, for example, the fixed valve opening degree, that is, the valve closing or opening, or a specific opening degree is switched by a current value of 4 mA (closed) to 20 mA (open).

<Hot water output control of preheated water supply unit 4 (1)>
In FIG. 13, A shows the transition of the number of hot water discharged from TU8, with the elapsed time (t) on the horizontal axis and the number of hot water discharged from TU8 on the vertical axis. Hysteresis is set between the TU8s that discharge hot water to prevent chattering.
In FIG. 13, B shows the transition of the total flow rate, with the elapsed time (t) on the horizontal axis and the total flow rate (L / min) per unit time on the vertical axis.
In FIG. 13, C shows the transition of the flow rate, with the elapsed time (t) on the horizontal axis and the flow rate (L / min) per TU on the vertical axis. The flow rate (L / min) of one TU changes according to the time transition of the number of hot water discharged from the TU and the total flow rate. If the pressure drop in the channel is the same, the flow rate will be evenly distributed. The change in the flow rate indicates the order of hot water discharge [1] → [2] → [3] → [4]. The order of hot water discharge is, for example, [1] = TU8-1, [2] = TU8-2, [3] = TU8-3, [4] = TU8-4.

FIG. 13D shows the change in the distributed flow rate per TU in the total flow rate.
E in FIG. 13 shows the transition of the number of TU8s in operation.
FIG. 13F shows the transition of the total flow rate according to the number of operating TU8s. When the pressure loss in the water passage of the hot water discharge order [2] of TU8 is large, the flow rate is unevenly distributed.
G in FIG. 13 shows the transition of the flow rate of one TU. For example, the change in the flow rate indicates that the order of hot water discharge is [1] = TU8-1, [3] = TU8-3, and [4] = TU8-4. In this case, the hot water discharge order [2] = TU8-2.

<Hot water output control of preheated water supply unit 4 (2)>
In FIG. 14, A shows the transition of the total flow rate, with the elapsed time (t) on the horizontal axis and the total flow rate on the vertical axis. The total flow rate for operating the flow rate adjusting valve 22 is 30 L / min × 4 units = 120 L / min. At this time, the flow rate of the hot water discharge order [2] does not increase. Therefore, the flow rate adjusting valve 22 does not open.
In FIG. 14, B shows the transition of the flow rate per TU, with the elapsed time (t) on the horizontal axis and the flow rate per TU on the vertical axis. The TU8 of the hot water outlet order [2] is a flow rate that is one-fourth of the TU8 of the hot water outlet order [1], [3], and [4]. However, it is until before the operation of the water regulation valve 28 (t6).
C in FIG. 14 shows the transition of the total flow rate.
D in FIG. 14 shows the number of TU hot springs.

<Hot water output control of preheated water supply unit 4 (3)>
In FIG. 15, A shows the transition of the total flow rate, with the elapsed time (t) on the horizontal axis and the total flow rate on the vertical axis.
In FIG. 15, B shows the transition of the flow rate per TU, with the elapsed time (t) on the horizontal axis and the flow rate per TU on the vertical axis. Judgment is made in the order of hot water discharge order [1], [3], [4], whichever has the highest flow rate. The flow rate adjusting valve 22 is open after t5 when the flow rate of the TU8 having the maximum flow rate Lmax ≥ 30 L / min.
C in FIG. 15 shows the transition of the total flow rate.
D in FIG. 15 shows the number of TU hot springs.

<Control of hot water output of TU8>
In the hot water supply control of the TU8, the hot water supply ranks [1] to [4] are set for the TU8-1, 8-2, 8-3, and 8-4, and the number of hot water outlets of the TU8 is switched according to the hot water supply demand. That is, the hot water order [1], the hot water order [1] + [2], the hot water order [1] + [2] + [3], the hot water order [1] + [2] + [3] + [4]. TU8 is selected to meet the demand for hot water supply.
FIG. 16 shows a processing procedure for controlling the hot water output of the TU8. This processing procedure shows the hot water discharge control of each TU 8 after setting the hot water discharge order [1], [2], [3], and [4] for each TU 8.
The TU control unit 68 determines whether the preheating SW86 of the preheating remote controller 74 is ON (S401). If the preheating SW86 is not ON (NO in S401), the TU control unit 68 controls all the water control valves 28 of the TU8 to be in the fully open state (S402).

If the preheating SW86 is ON (YES in S401), the TU control unit 68 determines the amount of heat storage from the detected temperature of each TU8 (S403). In this case, if the difference in the amount of heat storage is within a certain amount, for example, 1000 kcal, the amount of heat storage is judged to be equivalent.
The TU control unit 68 determines the hot water discharge order [1] to [4] of all TU 8 hot water in descending order of the amount of heat storage (S404). In this case, if the difference in the amount of heat storage is a certain amount, for example, 1000 kcal or less, the amount of heat storage is judged to be equivalent, and the amount of heat storage is not used to determine the order of hot water discharge. Instead of the hot water discharge order based on the heat storage amount, the hot water discharge order [1] to [4] of each TU8 is determined in the order of the shortest operating time of each HP10. The recalculation for determining the hot water order is not performed until a predetermined time, for example, 1 minute has elapsed from the determination of the hot water order.

The TU control unit 68 controls the water regulation valve 28 to be in the open state only for the TU 8 having the hot water discharge order [1] (S405).
The TU control unit 68 determines whether the detected flow rate of the TU 8 in the hot water discharge order [1] is a predetermined flow rate, for example, 1.9 L / min or more (S406).
If the detected flow rate is less than 1.9 L / min (NO in S406), the TU control unit 68 closes the water control valve 28 of each TU 8 in the next hot water discharge order [2], [3], and [4]. (S407).
If the detected flow rate is 1.9 L / min or more (YES in S406), the TU control unit 68 controls the hot water discharge of the TU 8 in the hot water discharge order [1] (S408).

Then, the TU control unit 68 determines whether the total flow rate is 12 L / min or more (S409). If the total flow rate is less than 12 L / min (NO in S409), the TU control unit 68 controls the water control valve 28 of each TU 8 in the next hot water discharge order [2], [3], and [4] to the closed state. (S407).
If the total flow rate is 12 L / min or more (YES in S409), the TU control unit 68 determines whether the total flow rate is 24 L / min or more (S410). If the total flow rate is less than 24 L / min (NO in S410), the water control valve 28 of the TU 8 in the next hot water discharge order [2] is opened to control the hot water discharge (S411). In this case, the TU control unit 68 determines whether the total flow rate is less than 6 L / min (S412). If the total flow rate is not less than 6 L / min (NO in S412), the current status is maintained, and if it is less than 6 L / min (YES in S412), the hot water discharge order [2] TU8 water control valve 28 is controlled to be closed. Then (S413), the process returns to S401.

In S410, if the total flow rate is 24 L / min or more (YES in S410), the TU control unit 68 determines whether the total flow rate is 36 L / min or more (S414). If the total flow rate is less than 36 L / min (NO in S414), the water control valve 28 of each TU 8 in the next hot water discharge order [2] and [3] is opened to control the hot water discharge (S415). In this case, the TU control unit 68 determines whether the total flow rate is less than 12 L / min (S416). If the total flow rate is not less than 12 L / min (NO in S416), the current status is maintained, and if it is less than 12 L / min (YES in S416), the water control valve 28 of TU8 in the hot water discharge order [3] is closed. Control (S417).
In S414, if the total flow rate is 36 L / min or more (YES in S414), the water control valve 28 of each TU8 of the next hot water discharge order [2], [3], and [4] is opened to control the hot water discharge. Do (S418). In this case, the TU control unit 68 determines whether the total flow rate is less than 24 L / min (S419). If the total flow rate is not less than 24 L / min (NO in S419), the current status is maintained, and if it is less than 24 L / min (YES in S419), the water control valve 28 of TU8 in the hot water discharge order [4] is closed. Control the hot water supply (S420).

<Control of flow control valve 22>
FIG. 17 shows a processing procedure for controlling the flow rate adjusting valve 22.
The TU control unit 68 determines whether the preheating SW86 of the preheating remote controller 74 is ON (S501). If the preheating SW86 is not ON (NO in S501), the TU control unit 68 controls the flow rate adjusting valve 22 to the fully open state (S502).
If the preheating SW86 is ON (YES in S501), the TU control unit 68 determines whether the flow rate of the TU8, which is the maximum flow rate value, ≥ 30 L / min (S503).
If the flow rate of the TU 8 is ≥30 L / min (YES in S503), the TU control unit 68 sets the flow rate adjusting valve 22 to open (high speed) (S504), and the flow rate of the TU 8 which is the maximum flow rate value ≤ 24 L / min. (S505). If the flow rate of the TU 8 is> 24 L / min (NO in S505), the process returns to S504, and the TU control unit 68 opens the flow rate adjusting valve 22 (high speed) (S504). If the flow rate of the TU 8 is ≦ 24 L / min (YES in S505), the process returns to S501.

In S503, when the flow rate of the TU8 having the maximum flow rate Lmax is <30 L / min (NO in S503), it is determined whether the TU8 has a flow rate of ≦ 28 L / min (S506). If the flow rate of the TU 8 is ≦ 28 L / min (YES in S506), the TU control unit 68 closes the flow rate adjusting valve 22 at a low speed (S507) and returns to S501. In S506, if the flow rate of TU8> 28 L / min (NO in S506), the process returns to S501.

<TU8 abnormality detection and alert output>
FIG. 18 shows a processing procedure for detecting an abnormality in TU8 and generating an alert output.
The TU control unit 68 determines whether the water control valve 28 of the TU 8 other than the TU 8 of the hot water discharge order [1] is in the open state (S601).
If the water control valve 28 is in the open state (YES in S601), the TU control unit 68 determines whether the open state has elapsed for a predetermined time, for example, 10 seconds (S602).
When 10 seconds have passed with the water regulation valve 28 in the open state (YES in S602), the TU control unit 68 determines each TU 8 in which the water regulation valve 28 is in the open state (S603), and determines the TU 8 having the maximum flow rate Lmax. Judgment is made (S604), and the maximum flow rate Lmax × 50% is calculated (S605).
The TU control unit 68 determines whether the flow rate Ln (n = 1, 2, 3) of each TU 8 that is not the maximum flow rate Lmax is smaller than the maximum flow rate Lmax × 50% (S606), and this state is, for example, for a predetermined time, for example. It is determined for each TU8 whether it has continued for 10 seconds (S607).
If the maximum flow rate Lmax × 50%> Ln continues for 10 seconds (YES in S607), the hot water discharge order of any of the TU8s in which the maximum flow rate Lmax × 50%> Ln is established is demoted, for example, the lowest hot water discharge order [4]. ] (S608), and output an alert indicating an abnormal state, for example, filter clogging (S609).

<Effect of the second embodiment>
According to the second embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained.
(1) The same effect as that of the first embodiment can be obtained, the convenience of having a plurality of TUs is expanded, the fluctuation of the hot water PHW with respect to the hot water supply demand is complemented by the non-heated water supply, and stable hot water supply is realized. it can.
(2) In the hot water supply control system 2 provided with the hot water supply unit 6 together with the preheated water supply unit 4 including TU8 and HP10, hot water PHW preheated water supply can be constantly stored and supplied to meet the hot water supply demand generated on the hot water supply unit 6 side. ..
(3) Even if the flow rate sensor 30 cannot detect the flow rate due to clogging of the water supply filter 40 or the like, the hot water supply demand can be met. In the unforeseen situation where the flow rate sensor 30 cannot detect the flow rate due to clogging of the water supply filter 40 or the like, it is necessary to take measures such as repair, but even before the start of the repair, the necessary hot water supply demand can be met. It is possible to avoid inconveniences such as insufficient hot water supply until repairs are made.

[Other Embodiments]
In the second embodiment, the master unit and the slave unit are set from a plurality of TU control units 68 to control the hot water discharge of the hot water PHW. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, the TU control unit 68 constituting the master unit A multi-hot water supply control unit 89 that fulfills the multi-control function assigned to the above may be provided. In this case, for example, it is left on the TU control unit 68-1 (master unit) side, and the flow rate adjusting valve control unit 66 is linked with the multi-hot water supply control unit 89.
Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the multi-hot water supply control unit 89 may be provided with an opening / closing control function of the flow rate adjusting valve 22.
In the second embodiment, the hot water supply control system 2 is provided with four TU8s and HP10s in the preheated water supply unit 4, but as shown in FIG. 21, the hot water supply control system 2 provided with two TUs8s and HP10s. The TU8 and HP10 may have a configuration of three units or a configuration of five or more units.

In the second embodiment, each of the four TU8s is provided with a single hot water storage tank 24, but as shown in FIG. 22, the hot water storage tank 90 that can be heated by a common HP10 in the TU8. A TU92 equipped with the above may be added. The temperature of the hot water PHW of the hot water storage tank 90 may be detected by the temperature sensor 36-20. In such a configuration, ports 100-102 are connected between ports 96-98 of TU8 and 92, and hot water PHW can be circulated from the TU8 side to the hot water storage tank 90 to store hot water and store heat. That is, it is possible to increase the amount of hot water stored and the amount of heat stored in the hot water PHW to respond to an increase in hot water supply demand and a sudden change.
In the second embodiment, the preheated water supply unit 4 is installed in the hot water supply control system 2, but the preheated water supply unit 4 constitutes a hot water storage system including a bypass pipe 20 and a flow rate adjusting valve 22 and is separated from the hot water supply control system 2. Or can be used independently. Further, such a hot water storage system may meet the demand for hot water supply other than the hot water supply unit 6.
In the second embodiment, the preheating remote controller 74 and the water heater remote controller 75 are separately configured, but these are installed in, for example, a single housing, and the preheating remote controller function and the water heater remote controller function are unified. It may be realized by a remote control. In this case, the preheated hot water outlet temperature (the hot water outlet temperature of the hot water PHW) may be set lower than the hot water supply set temperature set in the hot water supply unit 6 by a constant temperature (for example, −5 ° C.).

As described above, the most preferable embodiments and the like of the present disclosure have been described, but the present invention is not limited to the above description. Various modifications and modifications can be made by those skilled in the art based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the form for carrying out the invention. Needless to say, such modifications and modifications are included in the scope of the present invention.

According to the hot water control methods, systems, programs, recording media, and hot water storage systems of the present disclosure, the convenience of having multiple TUs is expanded, and fluctuations in preheated water supply with respect to hot water supply demand are complemented by unheated water supply and are stable. It is possible to realize a hot water supply.

2 Hot water supply control system 4 Preheated water supply unit 6 Hot water supply unit 8, 8-1, 8-2, 8-3, 8-4, 92 TU (tank unit)
10, 10-1, 10-2, 10-3, 10-4 HP (heat pump)
12 Water heater 14, 14-1, 14-2, 14-3, 14-4 Water heater 16 Hot water pipe 30, 64 Flow sensor 18 Water supply pipe 20 Bypass pipe 22 Flow control valve 24, 90 Hot water storage tank 26, 58 Distribution valve 27, 62 Bypass pipe 28 Water control valve 32 Pump 34 HP switching valve 35-1, 35-2 Check valve 36-1, 36-2, ..., 36-20 Temperature sensor 38 Water supply port 40 Water supply filter 41 Branch Tubes 44, 48, 54 Heat exchanger 45 Heat medium 46 Compressor 50 Air heat exchanger 52 Expansion valve 56 Burner 60 Water control valve 66 Flow control valve Control unit 68-1, 68-2, 68-3, 68-4 TU Control unit 70-1, 70-2, 70-3, 70-4 HP control unit 72-1, 72-2, 72-3, 72-4 Water heater control unit 74 Preheating remote control 76 Preheating remote control control unit 78 Processor 80 Storage unit 82 Communication unit 84 Input / output unit 86 Preheating switch 88 Information presentation unit 89 Multi-hot water supply control 96, 98, 100, 102 ports

Claims (17)

A process of storing preheated water in a preheated water supply unit including two or more tank units and discharging the preheated water according to the order of hot water set in the tank unit.
The process of supplying hot water from the hot water supply section according to the hot water supply demand,
A step of comparing the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit and supplying unheated water from the bypass path to the hot water supply unit according to the comparison result.
A hot water supply control method characterized by including. Further, the present invention includes a step of comparing the amount of heat stored in each tank unit of the preheated water supply unit, or comparing the operating time of the preheated heat source unit of each tank unit, and setting the hot water discharge order in the tank unit. , The hot water supply control method according to claim 1. The hot water supply control method according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a step of changing the hot water discharge order of the tank unit by comparing the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit. Further, it is characterized by including a step of comparing the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit, determining a tank unit having a flow rate of the preheated water of a predetermined value or less as an abnormality, and generating an alert output at the time of the abnormality. The hot water supply control method according to any one of claims 1 to 3. A preheated water supply unit equipped with two or more tank units to store preheated water and to discharge the preheated water according to the order of hot water set in the tank unit.
A hot water supply unit that supplies hot water from the hot water supply unit according to hot water supply demand,
A control unit that compares the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit and supplies unheated water from the bypass path to the hot water supply unit according to the comparison result.
A hot water supply control system characterized by being equipped with. Further, the control unit is characterized in that the heat storage amount of each tank unit of the preheating water supply unit is compared, or the operating time of the preheating heat source unit of each tank unit is compared, and the hot water discharge order is set for the tank unit. The hot water supply control system according to claim 5. The hot water supply control system according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the control unit changes the hot water discharge order of the tank unit by comparing the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit. Further, the control unit compares the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit, determines that the tank unit whose preheated water flow rate is equal to or less than a predetermined value is abnormal, and generates an alert output at the time of the abnormality. The hot water supply control system according to any one of claims 5 to 7, wherein the hot water supply control system is characterized. It ’s a program to be realized on a computer.
A control function that stores preheated water in a preheated water supply unit that includes two or more tank units and discharges the preheated water according to the order of hot water set in the tank unit.
A control function that supplies hot water from the hot water supply section according to hot water supply demand,
A control function that compares the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit and supplies unheated water from the bypass path to the hot water supply unit according to the comparison result.
A program for realizing the above-mentioned computer. Further, in order to make the computer realize a function of comparing the amount of heat stored in each tank unit of the preheated water supply unit or comparing the operating time of the preheated heat source unit of each tank unit and setting the hot water discharge order in the tank unit. The program according to claim 9. Further, the program according to claim 9 or 10, for realizing the function of changing the hot water discharge order of the tank unit by comparing the flow rates of the preheated water supplied from the tank unit to the computer. Further, the computer is equipped with a function of comparing the flow rates of the preheated water discharged from the tank unit, determining that the tank unit having a flow rate of the preheated water equal to or less than a predetermined value is abnormal, and generating an alert output at the time of the abnormality. The program according to any one of claims 9 to 11. A recording medium comprising storing the program according to any one of claims 9 to 12. A preheated water supply unit that stores preheated water in a preheated water supply unit that includes two or more tank units and discharges the preheated water supply according to the hot water discharge order set in the tank unit.
A control unit that compares the flow rates of the preheated water supplied from the tank unit and supplies unheated water from the bypass path according to the comparison result.
A hot water storage system characterized by including. Further, the control unit is characterized in that the heat storage amount of each tank unit of the preheating water supply unit is compared, or the operating time of the preheating heat source unit of each tank unit is compared, and the hot water discharge order is set for the tank unit. The hot water storage system according to claim 14. The hot water storage system according to claim 14, wherein the control unit changes the hot water discharge order of the tank unit by comparing the flow rates of the preheated water to be discharged from the tank unit. Further, the control unit compares the flow rates of the preheated water supplied from the tank unit, determines that the tank unit whose preheated water flow rate is equal to or less than a predetermined value is abnormal, and generates an alert output at the time of the abnormality. The hot water storage system according to any one of claims 14 to 16, wherein the hot water storage system is characterized.

Images