JP3642334B2

JP3642334B2 - Heat pump water heater

Info

Publication number: JP3642334B2
Application number: JP2003140121A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 竹司渡辺; 昌宏尾浜; 啓次郎國本; 龍太近藤; 宣彦藤原; 誠一安木; 立群毛; 一彦丸本
Original assignee: Panasonic Corp; Matsushita Electric Industrial Co Ltd
Current assignee: Panasonic Corp; Panasonic Holdings Corp
Priority date: 2003-05-19
Filing date: 2003-05-19
Publication date: 2005-04-27
Anticipated expiration: 2023-05-19
Also published as: JP2004340532A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ヒートポンプ給湯装置に関するものである。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
従来、この種のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、給湯温度と設定温度との差に応じて圧縮機のインバータ出力周波数を変換して給湯量を給湯温度で増減しないようにしている（例えば、特開文献１参照）。図９は特許文献１に記載されたヒートポンプ給湯装置を示すものである。
【０００３】
図９において、閉回路に構成される圧縮機１、放熱器２、減圧手段３、吸熱器４が接続された冷媒循環回路５と、放熱器２の冷媒流路と熱交換を行う水流路７を備えた熱交換器６と、この水流路７に水道水を供給する給水管８と、前記水流路７とシャワーや蛇口等の給湯端末とを接続する給湯回路９と、給湯回路９に設け給湯温度を検出する温度センサ１０と、圧縮機１の回転数を制御するインバータ１１を備え、圧縮機１を温度センサ１０の検出温度と設定温度との差に応じてインバータ１１の出力周波数を変換するようにしていた。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開平２−２２３７６７号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、上記従来例の給湯装置の構成では、給湯時における給湯負荷が一定ではない。特に流量は使用者が給湯目的によってさまざまに変化させるために給湯負荷は大きく変ってしまう。例えば家庭用の給湯の場合、シャワーや風呂への湯張りに給湯する場合は１０〜２０Ｌ／ｍｉｎの大流量となるが、台所で食器を洗う場合や洗面への給湯では３〜５Ｌ／ｍｉｎと少流量である。また、１箇所の給湯端末から出湯している場合に他の給湯端末から出湯すると出湯流量が急変する。また、季節によっても給湯負荷は大きく変わり、また季節によってインバータの出力周波数が同じでも冷媒循環回路の加熱能力が変わる。
【０００６】
こうした流量や水温の変化により大きくかわる給湯負荷を、出湯と連動して圧縮機を運転するようにした給湯システムにおいて、運転開始時に従来のヒートポンプ給湯装置のように圧縮機２を温度センサ１０の検出温度と設定温度との差に応じてインバータ１１の出力周波数を変換して給湯熱量を制御するフィードバック制御では、シャワー等の大流量の給湯負荷から台所や洗面等の小流量の給湯負荷まで対応して所定の給湯温度を短時間で得るのは困難であり、運転開始時に給湯温度および冷媒循環回路内の冷媒動作点が不安定となる。そして、運転中に給湯負荷（例えば出湯流量）が急変する場合に給湯温度を一定にするために頻繁にインバータなどによる出力変動を余儀なくされる。しかし、給湯温度はインバータ出力変動に対して遅れが生じるため、給湯温度が高温から低温まで変動して不安定になる。そして、ヒートポンプ動作点が急変し、給湯温度が高温に変動すると冷媒循環回路内の高圧側冷媒圧力が異常上昇して機器の運転を停止せざるを得ないなど、使い勝手が悪く、機器の耐久性を確保するにも課題となる。
【０００７】
以上のように従来のヒートポンプ給湯装置では温度センサの検出温度と設定温度との差に応じてインバータの出力周波数を変換して給湯熱量を制御するために給湯負荷の出湯量が変化すると出湯温度が不安定となるばかりか、圧縮機の出力周波数を頻繁に変更するために圧縮機の信頼性が損なう。そのため、幅広い給湯負荷への対応が困難であったり、応答性が悪化したり、機器の耐久性が悪化するなどの問題があった。
【０００８】
本発明は、前記従来の課題を解決するもので、幅広い給湯負荷に対して、出湯温度の制御性と耐久性の高いヒートポンプ給湯装置を提供することを目的とする。
【０００９】
【課題を解決するための手段】
本発明は上記課題を解決するために、本発明のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、給湯端末への出湯状態を検出して冷媒循環回路の運転条件を設定し、設定条件で運転をおこなう制御手段を備えたものである。これによって、幅広い給湯負荷（出湯状態）に対して、安定した出湯温度が得られるように運転条件を設定して、利便性を向上するとともに機器の耐久性が向上する。
【００１０】
【発明の実施の形態】
請求項１に記載の発明のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、圧縮機と放熱器を有する冷媒循環回路と、前記冷媒循環回路の能力を制御する能力制御手段と、前記放熱器と熱交換を行う水流路を備えた熱交換器と、前記水流路に水を供給する給水管と、前記水流路から給湯端末へと通水するように接続する給湯回路と、前記熱交換器で加熱された湯を貯湯する貯湯槽と、給湯端末への出湯状態を検出する出湯検出手段と、少なくとも出湯状態に基づき冷媒循環回路の運転条件が予め設定された記憶装置と、前記出湯検出手段により検出した出湯状態から前記運転条件に基づき前記冷媒循環回路を運転する制御手段とを有するヒートポンプ給湯機とする。
【００１１】
この発明によれば、幅広い給湯負荷（出湯状態）に対して、安定した出湯温度が得られるように運転条件を設定して、利便性を向上するとともに機器の耐久性が向上する。また、運転開始する際、検出した出湯流量に対応した最適加熱能力の冷媒循環回路で運転開始できる。また、運転中に給湯負荷、例えば、出湯流量が急変した場合でも、急変した出湯流量に対して最適加熱能力に冷媒循環回路の運転を切り換えるため、給湯温度の変動が少なく、短時間で所定温度に回復する。
【００１２】
請求項２に記載の発明のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、特に、出湯状態と外気温度と前記熱交換器の入出口水温から冷媒循環回路の運転条件を予め設定された記憶装置とを備え、制御手段は、出湯状態と検出した外気温度と入水温度と出水温度から前記運転条件に基づき前記冷媒循環回路を運転することを特徴とする請求項１記載のヒートポンプ給湯機である。
【００１３】
この発明によれば、運転開始する際、検出した出湯流量に対応した最適加熱能力の冷媒循環回路で運転開始できる。また、運転中に給湯負荷、例えば、出湯流量が急変した場合でも、急変した出湯流量に対して最適加熱能力に冷媒循環回路の運転を切り換えるため、給湯温度の変動が少なく、短時間で所定温度に回復する。
【００１４】
請求項３に記載の発明のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、特に、制御手段は、出湯が所定時間継続した場合に冷媒循環回路の運転を開始するものである。
【００１５】
この発明によれば、蛇口から短時間に頻繁に出湯をＯＮ−ＯＦＦして使われる場合、また、それを繰り返す場合、圧縮機を運転しないで貯湯槽から出湯して給湯負荷に対応する。そして、出湯が所定時間継続した場合に圧縮機を運転して、冷媒循環回路で加熱した温水を給湯端末へ通水する。したがって、圧縮機の頻繁なＯＮ−ＯＦＦを低減するため、給湯温度が安定するとともに高効率化と耐久性が向上する。
【００１６】
請求項４に記載の発明のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、特に、制御手段は、出湯を検出した時刻に基づき冷媒循環回路の運転を制御するものである。
【００１７】
この発明によれば、夏季昼間時間帯、あるいは電力負荷が大きい時間帯に出湯を検出した場合に貯湯槽から出湯して給湯負荷に対応する。また、深夜時間帯直前の午後１０時ごろに出湯を検出した場合でも貯湯槽からの出湯を優先し、深夜時間帯に貯湯槽の水を沸き上げるようにすることができる。従って、電力負荷の平準化、電力ピークカットに対応可能となるばかりか安価で比較的電力供給に余裕のある深夜時間帯に運転を遅延することができる。
【００１８】
また、給湯用途と出湯時間帯はある程度関係があり、例えば、朝６時〜８時頃は洗面、台所で出湯、昼間１２時前後は台所、夕方６時〜１１時は台所、風呂、洗面で利用される。従って、時刻から用途を判断して、用途に合った出湯流量、給湯負荷を想定し、負荷に対応した運転条件を設定して運転するため安定した出湯温度が得られる。
【００１９】
また、時刻別の出湯流量、出湯温度、出湯時間を１週間単位で学習して、その時刻に合った運転が可能となるため安定した出湯温度が得られる。
【００２０】
請求項５に記載の発明のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、特に、制御手段は、出湯流量が所定流量より多い場合に冷媒循環回路の運転を開始するものである。
【００２１】
この発明によれば、風呂への湯張り、シャワーなど、大流量で比較的長時間の給湯負荷に対して、出湯流量センサーといった簡単な検出手段で給湯負荷の用途を判断してすぐに冷媒循環回路の運転を開始することができる。したがって、低コストで給湯温度の安定化、冷媒循環回路の連続運転が多くなり効率良く利用できる。
【００２２】
請求項６に記載の発明のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、特に、制御手段は、出湯流量が所定流量より少ない場合に冷媒循環回路の運転をおこなわない、あるいは運転を停止するものである。
【００２３】
この発明によれば、台所で食器を洗う場合や洗面への給湯などの場合でも冷媒循環回路の高圧が異常上昇しない所定流量に対して、その所定流量より少ない場合、あるいは少ない流量に給湯端末の蛇口で変更が生じた場合に、冷媒循環回路の運転をおこなわない、あるいは運転を停止して冷媒循環回路内の高圧異常上昇を防止して耐久性向上をはかる。
【００２４】
請求項７に記載の発明のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、冷媒循環回路の運転中に出湯流量が急変した時に冷媒循環回路の運転能力制御を優先する優先制御手段を備えたものである。
【００２５】
この発明によれば、給湯端末からの出湯流量が急変した場合、あるいはシャワー中に台所で出湯して出湯流量が急変した場合などに、給湯温度変化に基づき冷媒循環回路の運転能力制御をする制御から出湯流量が急変したことを検出して冷媒循環回路の運転能力制御をする制御を優先することによって、給湯温度の安定化、あるいは冷媒循環回路内の冷媒圧力の異常上昇を防止して機器の耐久性向上をはかる。
【００２６】
請求項８に記載の発明のヒートポンプ給湯装置は、請求項１〜７のいずれか１に記載の冷媒循環回路は、冷媒の圧力が臨界圧力以上となる超臨界ヒートポンプサイクルであり、臨界圧力以上に昇圧された冷媒により熱交換器の水流路の流水を加熱する構成である。
【００２７】
そして、熱交換器の放熱器を流れる冷媒は、圧縮機で臨界圧力以上に加圧されているので、熱交換器の水流路の流水により熱を奪われて温度低下しても凝縮することがない。したがって熱交換器全域で冷媒と水とに温度差を形成しやすくなり、高温の湯が得られ、かつ熱交換効率を高くできる。
【００２８】
【実施例】
以下本発明の実施例について、図面を参照しながら説明する。なお、従来例および各実施例において、同じ構成、同じ動作をする部分については同一符号を付与し、詳細な説明を省略する。
【００２９】
（実施例１）
図１は本発明の実施例１におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の構成図である。図１において、５は冷媒循環回路で、圧縮機１、放熱器２、減圧手段３、吸熱器４が接続され、閉回路を構成する。そして、冷媒循環回路５は、例えば炭酸ガス（ＣＯ２）を冷媒として使用し、高圧側の冷媒圧力が冷媒の臨界圧以上となる超臨界ヒートポンプサイクルを使用している。
【００３０】
また、６は放熱器２の冷媒流路と熱交換を行う水流路７を備えた熱交換器である。１２は貯湯槽であり、熱交換器６で加熱された湯を上部から貯湯する。１３は流量制御手段であり、水流路７の流量を制御する。１４は湯温制御手段であり、熱交換器６出口の水温センサー１０の検出信号が所定信号となるように流量制御手段１３を制御する。１５は循環ポンプであり、給水管８、あるいは貯湯槽１２下部の水を熱交換器６に通水する。１６は能力制御手段であり、圧縮機１のインバータ（図示せず）駆動周波数を制御して冷媒循環回路５の能力を制御する。また、水流路７に水道水を供給する給水管８と、水流路７から給湯端末へ通水するように接続する給湯回路９が接続されている。１７は貯湯槽１２上部の湯を給湯回路９へ通水する出湯回路である。１８は温度調整手段であり、貯湯槽１２の湯と給湯回路９の湯を混合して所定温度に制御する。１９は出湯検出手段であり、給湯端末への出湯状態を検出する。例えば、給湯端末へ通水する流量を検出する、あるいは給水管８、水流路７、給湯回路９などの水圧を検出する。２０は制御手段であり、出湯検出手段１９からの出湯状態を検出して、能力制御手段１６に指令して冷媒循環回路５の能力調整とか運転ＯＮ、運転ＯＦＦなど冷媒循環回路５の運転条件を設定して運転する。２１は湯水混合手段であり、貯湯槽１２から出湯する場合など、給湯回路９に高温湯が通水する場合に給水管８の市水と混合して所定温度にミキシングして給湯端末に通水する。
【００３１】
以上のように構成されたヒートポンプ給湯装置について、以下その動作、作用について説明する。最初に、貯湯槽に貯湯する貯湯運転について述べる。圧縮機１から吐出する高温高圧冷媒が放熱器２へ流入し、循環ポンプ１５を介して貯湯槽１２下部から水流路７へ流れる水を加熱する。その際、熱交換器６の出口温度が所定温度となるように流量制御手段１３が水流路７を流れる流量を制御する。そして、所定温度に加熱された水は給湯回路９から温度調整手段１８を経て貯湯槽１２の上部に流入し貯湯される。一方、放熱器２で放熱した冷媒は減圧手段３で減圧されて吸熱器４に流入し、大気熱を吸熱して蒸発ガス化し、圧縮機１に戻る。このサイクルを繰り返しながら貯湯槽１２上部から貯湯する。
【００３２】
次に、給湯端末の蛇口が開かれて冷媒循環回路５で加熱された湯と貯湯槽１２の湯と混合して出湯する場合について述べる。蛇口が開かれると給水管から貯湯槽１２下部へ水道水が流れ込み、貯湯槽１２上部から湯が出湯する。また、出湯検出手段１９が出湯を検出して制御手段２０が冷媒循環回路５の運転を開始する。そして、検出した出湯流量を基に制御手段２０は熱交換器６で加熱される水が所定温度となるように能力制御する。そして、加熱された湯は熱交換器６出口から給湯回路９に流れ貯湯槽１２上部から出湯する湯と混合して所定温度となって給湯端末から出湯される。その際、運転開始直後は熱交換器６出口の湯温は低いが、貯湯槽１２の湯と混合して温度調整手段１８で所定温度にミキシングされて給湯端末へ通水される。そして、時間経過とともに熱交換器６の出口湯温が次第に上昇して所定温度に達する。その間、熱交換器６出口の温水温度が上昇するにつれて貯湯槽１２上部からの出湯量は次第に減少する。そして、冷媒循環回路で加熱できる最大能力時の流量より給湯端末からの出湯流量が多い場合は、冷媒循環回路で加熱する水量と貯湯槽から出湯する水量で給湯負荷を満たす。また、冷媒循環回路で加熱できる最大能力時の流量より給湯端末からの出湯流量が少ない場合は、冷媒循環回路で加熱する水量のみで給湯負荷を満たす。従って、給湯負荷の大小に関わらず、安定した出湯温度が得られる。
【００３３】
また、流量制御手段１３および循環ポンプ１５の代わりに流量可変型ポンプ（ＤＣポンプ）を用いて流量制御しても同様の効果がある。
【００３４】
また、出湯状態として出湯流量以外に給水管、水流路、給湯回路のいづれかの水圧で出湯状態を検出しても同様の効果がある。出湯流量が多い場合には水圧の低下が大きく、出湯流量が少ない場合には水圧の低下が少ないため、水圧で出湯流量を判断して能力制御しても同様の効果がある。
【００３５】
また、図２に示す如く、給水管を貯湯槽と接続して、貯湯槽から水流路に通水する構成でも同様の効果がある。
【００３６】
また、図２に示す如く、貯湯運転時には図２の実線矢印方向で表すように水流路から開閉弁２２を通じて貯湯槽上部に通水するようにして貯湯する。そして、冷媒循環回路から給湯端末へ出湯する場合は開閉弁２２を閉にして図２の破線矢印方向で表すように水回路から給湯回路に通水するようにしても同様の効果がある。さらに、この場合には、貯湯運転と貯湯槽から出湯を同時に実現できる効果がある。
【００３７】
また、ヒートポンプサイクルを、冷媒の圧力が臨界圧力以上となる超臨界ヒートポンプサイクルとしたが、もちろん一般の臨界圧力以下のヒートポンプサイクルでもよい。またこの場合、冷媒としてはフロンガス、アンモニア、ハイドロカーボンなどを用いても良い。
【００３８】
（実施例２）
図３は本発明の実施例２におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の構成図である。なお、実施例１の給湯装置と同一構造のものは同一符号を付与し、説明を省略する。図３において、２３は記憶装置であり、運転条件を設定する際に、出湯状態と外気温度と熱交換器の入出口水温から予め設定された圧縮機の駆動周波数を設定する。２４は制御手段であり、出湯を検出した時の外気温度を外気温度センサー２５で検出し、熱交換器６に流入する水温を入水温度センサー（図示省略）で検出し、熱交換器６から流出する水温を出水温度センサー（図示省略）で検出し、検出した外気温度と入水温度と出水温度から記憶装置２３に基づいた圧縮機駆動周波数で冷媒循環回路を運転する。例えば、出湯流量と熱交換器６に流入する水温および熱交換器６から流出する水温から給湯負荷を演算して、給湯負荷に相当する冷媒循環回路の能力を設定し、その時の外気温度から給湯負荷に対応する圧縮機駆動周波数を設定する。そして、給湯負荷が冷媒循環回路の最大能力より大きい場合は、圧縮機駆動周波数を最大に設定して運転する。
【００３９】
以上の構成において、その動作、作用について説明する。この実施例２によれば、冬季と夏季で圧縮機１の駆動周波数が同じでも大気熱から吸熱する能力は冬季が小さくなる。そのため冬季と夏季で同じ出湯量、かつ熱交換器の出湯温度を同じにする場合には冬季は夏季より圧縮機駆動周波数を大きくして運転する。逆に夏季は圧縮機駆動周波数を小さくして運転する。また、出湯流量が少ない場合は圧縮機駆動周波数を小さく、出湯流量が多い場合は圧縮機駆動周波数を大きくして運転する。よって、冬季でも大能力で運転開始するため、熱交換器出口の湯温が所定温度に短時間で達する。従って、冬季から夏季まで年間を通じて、大出量流量から少出湯流まで給湯負荷に対応した温水温度をスピーディに出湯できる。
【００４０】
（実施例３）
図４は本発明の実施例３におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャートである。なお、実施例１、実施例２の給湯装置と同一構造のものは同一符号を付与し、説明を省略する。図４において、２５はタイマーであり、出湯を検出してからの出湯時間を計測する。２６は制御手段であり、出湯が所定時間継続した場合に冷媒循環回路の運転を開始する。
【００４１】
以上の構成において、その動作、作用について説明する。出湯を検出してタイマーが時間を計測する。そして、タイマーが所定時間経過するまで制御手段が冷媒循環回路の運転開始を指令しないため、貯湯槽の湯を給湯端末から出湯して給湯負荷に対応する。次に、タイマーが所定時間達した時、制御手段が冷媒循環回路の運転開始を指令する。そして、冷媒循環回路で加熱した湯を給湯回路に通水して貯湯槽の湯と混合して給湯端末から出湯する。従って、洗面、台所など、頻繁に出湯のオン、オフを繰り返す場合は貯湯槽から出湯し、浴槽への湯張り、シャワーなど所定時間、連続出湯する給湯負荷の場合に冷媒循環回路の運転をおこない給湯端末から出湯する。したがって、圧縮機の頻繁なＯＮ−ＯＦＦを低減できるため耐久性が向上する。
【００４２】
また、給湯用途と出湯時間帯はある程度関係があり、例えば、朝６時〜８時頃は洗面、台所で出湯、昼間１２時前後は台所、夕方６時〜１１時は台所、風呂、洗面で利用される。そして、台所、洗面の出湯流量は３〜５Ｌ／ｍｉｎと少流量であり、シャワーや風呂への湯張りの出湯流量は１０〜２０Ｌ／ｍｉｎと大流量である。よって、出湯を検出した時刻が朝、昼の場合には、少流量の給湯負荷を想定した設定で運転する。そのため、給湯温度が安定する。従って、出湯時の時刻から用途を判断して、用途に合った出湯流量、給湯負荷を想定し、負荷に対応した運転条件を設定して運転するため安定した出湯温度が得られる。
【００４３】
また、時刻別の出湯流量、出湯温度、出湯時間を例えば１週間単位で学習して、学習機能を持たせることにより、出湯時の時刻から給湯負荷に対応した運転条件で運転が可能となるため安定した出湯温度が得られる。
【００４４】
また、シャワーや風呂への湯張りの時刻が近づく夕刻に貯湯槽へ貯湯する貯湯運転を設定することによって、湯切れの不安解消あるいは貯湯槽の小容量化を実現する。
【００４５】
（実施例４）
図５は本発明の実施例４におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャートである。なお、実施例１〜実施例３の給湯装置と同一構造のものは同一符号を付与し、説明を省略する。図５において、２７はクロック、２８は制御手段であり、出湯を検出した時刻をクロック２８から検出して、出湯時の時刻が予め設定した時間帯である場合に冷媒循環回路の運転をしない。そして、予め設定した時間帯以外の場合には冷媒循環回路の運転をおこなうように制御する。
【００４６】
以上の構成において、その動作、作用について説明する。夏季昼間時間帯、あるいは電力負荷が大きい時間帯に出湯を検出した場合、貯湯槽の湯水を出湯して給湯負荷に対応する。また、深夜時間帯直前の午後１０時ごろに出湯を検出した場合、貯湯槽から出湯して給湯負荷に対応して、深夜時間帯に達した時に貯湯槽の水を沸き上げる貯湯運転をおこなう。従って、電力負荷の平準化、電力ピークカットに対応するとともに安価で比較的電力供給に余裕のある深夜時間帯に貯湯運転をする。
【００４７】
また、集合住宅に機器を設置する場合、運転開始の時間帯を各家庭別、あるいは一定戸数のゾーン毎に運転を遅延して突入電流を下げて受電設備を有効に活用することができる。
【００４８】
（実施例５）
図６は本発明の実施例５におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャートである。なお、実施例１〜実施例４の給湯装置と同一構造のものは同一符号を付与し、説明を省略する。図６において、２９は出湯流量センサーであり、出湯流量を計測する。３０は制御手段であり、出湯流量センサー２９の検出した出湯流量が所定流量より多い場合に冷媒循環回路の運転を開始する。
【００４９】
以上の構成において、その動作、作用について説明する。この発明によれば、風呂への湯張り、シャワーなどの給湯時は比較的長時間利用され、かつ大流量である。そのような給湯負荷に対して、所定流量より多い出流量で出湯されたことを出湯流量センサー２９が検出して、制御手段３０は冷媒循環回路の運転を開始して加熱した湯を給湯回路を通水して給湯端末から出湯する。よって、出湯流量センサーといった簡単な検出手段を用いて低コストで給湯負荷の用途を判断してすぐに冷媒循環回路の運転を開始できる。したがって、低コストで給湯温度の安定化および、冷媒循環回路を連続運転できるため高効率運転が実現できる。
【００５０】
（実施例６）
図７は本発明の実施例６におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャートである。なお、実施例１〜５の給湯装置と同一構造のものは同一符号を付与し、説明を省略する。図７において、３１は制御手段であり、出湯流量センサー２９の出湯流量が所定流量より少ない場合に冷媒循環回路の運転をおこなわない、あるいは運転を停止する。
【００５１】
以上の構成において、その動作、作用について説明する。この発明によれば、台所で食器を洗う場合や洗面への給湯などにおいて、出湯流量センサー２９で出湯流量を検出し、出湯流量が所定流量より少ない場合、制御手段３１は冷媒循環回路の運転を開始しない。そして、貯湯槽の湯が給湯端末から出湯する。また、出湯中に端末の蛇口が絞られて出湯流量が所定流量より少なくなった場合、制御手段３１は出湯流量が所定流量より少ないことを検出して冷媒循環回路の運転を停止する。そして、貯湯槽の湯のみで給湯負荷に対応する。従って、放熱器の放熱量低減による冷媒循環回路内の高圧異常上昇を防止できるようになり耐久性が向上する。
【００５２】
（実施例７）
図８は本発明の実施例７におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャートである。なお、実施例１〜６の給湯装置と同一構造のものは同一符号を付与し、説明を省略する。図８において、３２は優先制御手段であり、冷媒循環回路の運転中に出湯流量が急変した時に、急変した出湯流量を基に記憶装置２３から圧縮機駆動周波数を再設定して冷媒循環回路の運転能力制御を湯温制御手段１４より優先する。
【００５３】
以上の構成において、その動作、作用について説明する。最初に、出湯流量が少ない場合から大出湯流量に急変した場合、例えば、シャワー中に台所の蛇口が開けられて同時出湯されて出湯流量が大きくなった場合について説明する。シャワー出湯時には熱交換器６出口の温水温度が所定温度となるように冷媒循環回路がされている。そして、台所で出湯されると熱交換器６を流れる水量が増加するため、熱交換器６出口の温水温度が低下する。そして、温水温度の低下を検出して温水温度を高くするように流量制御手段１３は流量を絞る。そのため、貯湯槽からの出湯量が多くなり貯湯残湯量が減少する。あるいは、熱交換器６出口の温水温度の低下を検出して冷媒循環回路の能力を上げる制御がおこなわれる。しかし、温水温度の低下を検出しながら冷媒循環回路の能力アップ制御するため、冷媒循環回路が所定能力に達するのに時間がかかる。その間、シャワー温度が低下した状態であるため、利便性が悪い。
【００５４】
次に、出湯流量が多い場合から出湯流量に急に減少した場合、例えば、シャワーと台所の同時出湯中に台所の蛇口が閉められて出湯流量が急に少なくなった場合について説明する。同時出湯中の大流量から少流量になると熱交換器６を流れる水量が減少するため、熱交換器６の出口水温が急激に上昇するとともに放熱器２で放熱量が減少して冷媒循環回路内の高圧側の冷媒圧力が急激に異常上昇する。そのため、高温水がシャワー端末から出湯するとともに機器の耐久性が課題となる。しかし、実施例７によれば、出湯流量が急変したことを検出して、検出した出湯流量を基に記憶装置２３から圧縮機駆動周波数を再設定して冷媒循環回路の運転能力を湯温制御手段１４より優先して制御する。そのため、熱交換器６の出口温度変化が少なく、所定温度に短時間で回復するとともに冷媒循環回路内の圧力が異常上昇することもない。従って、給湯温度が安定するとともに機器の耐久性が向上する。
【００５５】
【発明の効果】
以上のように、本発明によれば、幅広い給湯負荷に対して、出湯温度の制御性と耐久性の高いヒートポンプ給湯装置を提供することができる。また、運転開始する際、検出した出湯流量に対応した最適加熱能力の冷媒循環回路で運転開始できる。また、運転中に給湯負荷、例えば、出湯流量が急変した場合でも、急変した出湯流量に対して最適加熱能力に冷媒循環回路の運転を切り換えるため、給湯温度の変動が少なく、短時間で所定温度に回復する。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の実施例１におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の構成図
【図２】本発明の実施例１の他実施例を示すヒートポンプ給湯装置の構成図
【図３】本発明の実施例２におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の構成図
【図４】本発明の実施例３におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャート
【図５】本発明の実施例４におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャート
【図６】本発明の実施例５におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャート
【図７】本発明の実施例６におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャート
【図８】本発明の実施例７におけるヒートポンプ給湯装置の制御動作を示すフローチャート
【図９】従来のヒートポンプ給湯装置の構成図
【符号の説明】
１圧縮機
２放熱器
３減圧手段
４吸熱器
５冷媒循環回路
６熱交換器
７水流路
８給水管
９給湯回路
１０温度センサー
１２貯湯槽
１３流量制御手段
１４湯温制御手段
１６能力制御手段
１７出湯回路
１８温度調整手段
１９出湯検出手段
２０、２４、２６、２８、３０、３１制御手段
２１湯水混合手段
２２開閉弁
２３記憶装置
２５外気温センサー
２６タイマー
２７クロック
２９出湯流量センサー
３２優先制御手段[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
  The present invention relates to a heat pump water heater.
[0002]
[Prior art]
  Conventionally, this type of heat pump hot water supply apparatus converts the inverter output frequency of the compressor in accordance with the difference between the hot water supply temperature and the set temperature so that the hot water supply amount does not increase or decrease with the hot water supply temperature (for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H10-260260). reference). FIG. 9 shows a heat pump hot water supply apparatus described in Patent Document 1. In FIG.
[0003]
  In FIG. 9, a refrigerant circuit 5 connected to a compressor 1, a radiator 2, a decompressor 3, and a heat absorber 4 configured in a closed circuit, and a water channel 7 that exchanges heat with the refrigerant channel of the radiator 2. Provided in the hot water supply circuit 9, a water supply pipe 8 for supplying tap water to the water flow path 7, a hot water supply circuit 9 for connecting the water flow path 7 to a hot water supply terminal such as a shower or a faucet, and the like. A temperature sensor 10 that detects the hot water supply temperature and an inverter 11 that controls the rotation speed of the compressor 1 are provided. The compressor 1 converts the output frequency of the inverter 11 according to the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 10 and the set temperature. I was trying to do it.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
    JP-A-2-223767
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
  However, in the configuration of the conventional hot water supply apparatus, the hot water supply load during hot water supply is not constant. In particular, since the flow rate is varied by the user depending on the purpose of hot water supply, the hot water supply load changes greatly. For example, in the case of hot water supply for home use, a large flow rate of 10 to 20 L / min is used when supplying hot water to a shower or bath, but 3 to 5 L / min for washing dishes in the kitchen or hot water supply to the wash surface. The flow rate is small. In addition, when the hot water is discharged from one hot water supply terminal, the hot water flow rate changes suddenly when the hot water is discharged from another hot water supply terminal. Also, the hot water supply load varies greatly depending on the season, and even if the output frequency of the inverter is the same, the heating capacity of the refrigerant circulation circuit varies depending on the season.
[0006]
  In the hot water supply system in which the compressor is operated in conjunction with the hot water supply, the hot water supply load which is largely changed by the change in the flow rate and the water temperature is detected by the temperature sensor 10 at the start of operation, like the conventional heat pump hot water supply device. In feedback control that controls the amount of hot water supply by converting the output frequency of the inverter 11 according to the difference between the temperature and the set temperature, it corresponds to a hot water supply load of a large flow rate such as a shower to a small flow rate of a hot water supply load such as a kitchen or a bathroom. Thus, it is difficult to obtain a predetermined hot water supply temperature in a short time, and the hot water supply temperature and the refrigerant operating point in the refrigerant circulation circuit become unstable at the start of operation. When the hot water supply load (for example, the hot water flow rate) changes suddenly during operation, the output is frequently fluctuated by an inverter or the like in order to keep the hot water supply temperature constant. However, since the hot water supply temperature is delayed with respect to the inverter output fluctuation, the hot water supply temperature varies from a high temperature to a low temperature and becomes unstable. And if the heat pump operating point changes suddenly and the hot water supply temperature fluctuates to a high temperature, the high-pressure side refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant circulation circuit rises abnormally and the operation of the equipment has to be stopped. It is also a problem to secure.
[0007]
  As described above, in the conventional heat pump hot water supply device, the temperature of the hot water supply is changed when the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water supply load changes in order to control the hot water supply amount by converting the output frequency of the inverter according to the difference between the temperature detected by the temperature sensor and the set temperature. Not only is it unstable, but the reliability of the compressor is impaired because the output frequency of the compressor is frequently changed. For this reason, there are problems that it is difficult to cope with a wide range of hot water supply loads, the responsiveness is deteriorated, and the durability of the device is deteriorated.
[0008]
  This invention solves the said conventional subject, and it aims at providing the heat pump hot-water supply apparatus with high controllability of hot-water temperature and high durability with respect to a wide hot-water supply load.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the heat pump hot water supply apparatus of the present invention includes control means for detecting the hot water supply state to the hot water supply terminal, setting the operating condition of the refrigerant circulation circuit, and performing the operation under the set condition. Is. Accordingly, operating conditions are set so that a stable hot water temperature can be obtained with respect to a wide range of hot water supply loads (hot water conditions), thereby improving convenience and improving the durability of the device.
[0010]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
  The heat pump water heater of the invention described in claim 1 includes a refrigerant circulation circuit having a compressor and a radiator, capability control means for controlling the capability of the refrigerant circulation circuit, and a water flow path for exchanging heat with the radiator. A heat exchanger provided, a water supply pipe for supplying water to the water flow path, a hot water supply circuit connected to pass water from the water flow path to a hot water supply terminal, and hot water heated by the heat exchanger are stored. A hot water tank,Hot water detection means for detecting a hot water supply state to the hot water supply terminal, a storage device in which operating conditions of the refrigerant circulation circuit are set in advance based on at least the hot water state, and the hot water state detected by the hot water detection means based on the operating conditions. Heat pump water heater having control means for operating refrigerant circulation circuitAnd
[0011]
  According to the present invention, the operating conditions are set so that a stable hot water temperature can be obtained with respect to a wide range of hot water supply loads (hot water conditions), thereby improving convenience and improving durability of the device.Further, when the operation is started, the operation can be started with the refrigerant circulation circuit having the optimum heating capacity corresponding to the detected hot water flow rate. Even when the hot water supply load, for example, the hot water flow rate suddenly changes during operation, the operation of the refrigerant circuit is switched to the optimum heating capacity for the sudden hot water flow rate. To recover.
[0012]
  The heat pump hot water supply apparatus of the invention according to claim 2 is, in particular,A storage device in which the operating conditions of the refrigerant circulation circuit are set in advance from the hot water state, the outside air temperature, and the inlet / outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger, and the control means is based on the hot water state, the detected outside air temperature, the incoming water temperature, and the outgoing water temperature. The heat pump water heater according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant circulation circuit is operated based on the operating conditions.It is.
[0013]
  According to this invention, when the operation is started, the operation can be started with the refrigerant circulation circuit having the optimum heating capacity corresponding to the detected hot water flow rate. Even when the hot water supply load, for example, the hot water flow rate suddenly changes during operation, the operation of the refrigerant circuit is switched to the optimum heating capacity for the sudden hot water flow rate. To recover.
[0014]
  In the heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to the third aspect of the invention, in particular, the control means starts the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit when the hot water continues for a predetermined time.
[0015]
  According to the present invention, when the hot water is frequently turned on and off in a short time from the faucet, and when it is repeated, the hot water is discharged from the hot water storage tank without operating the compressor to cope with the hot water supply load. When the hot water continues for a predetermined time, the compressor is operated, and the hot water heated in the refrigerant circulation circuit is passed to the hot water supply terminal. Therefore, since the frequent ON-OFF of the compressor is reduced, the hot water supply temperature is stabilized and high efficiency and durability are improved.
[0016]
  In the heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to the fourth aspect of the invention, in particular, the control means controls the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit based on the time when the hot water is detected.
[0017]
  According to the present invention, when hot water is detected during the daytime in summer or when the power load is large, the hot water is discharged from the hot water storage tank to cope with the hot water supply load. Further, even when hot water is detected at about 10:00 pm immediately before the midnight time zone, priority is given to the hot water from the hot water tank, and the water in the hot water tank can be boiled up at midnight time zone. Accordingly, it is possible not only to cope with power load leveling and power peak cut, but also to delay the operation in the midnight time zone that is inexpensive and has a relatively large power supply.
[0018]
  Also, there is a certain degree of relationship between the hot water supply usage and the hot spring time. For example, it is a washroom around 6 am-8am, hot water in the kitchen, a kitchen around 12:00 in the daytime, a kitchen, bath, and washroom at 6 pm-11am in the evening. Used. Accordingly, the use is determined from the time, the hot water flow rate and the hot water supply load suitable for the use are assumed, and the operation condition corresponding to the load is set for operation so that a stable hot water temperature can be obtained.
[0019]
  In addition, the hot water flow rate, the hot water temperature, and the hot water time for each time are learned in units of one week, and operation according to the time becomes possible, so that a stable hot water temperature can be obtained.
[0020]
  In the heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to the fifth aspect of the invention, in particular, the control means starts the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit when the outgoing hot water flow rate is higher than a predetermined flow rate.
[0021]
  According to the present invention, for a hot water supply load with a large flow rate for a relatively long time, such as a hot water filling in a bath or a shower, the refrigerant circulation is immediately determined by determining the use of the hot water supply load with a simple detection means such as a hot water flow rate sensor. Circuit operation can begin. Therefore, the hot water supply temperature can be stabilized at a low cost and the continuous operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit can be increased so that it can be used efficiently.
[0022]
  In the heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to the sixth aspect of the invention, in particular, the control means does not operate the refrigerant circulation circuit or stops the operation when the outgoing hot water flow rate is less than a predetermined flow rate.
[0023]
  According to this invention, even when washing dishes in the kitchen or when supplying hot water to the wash surface, etc., when the high pressure of the refrigerant circulation circuit does not rise abnormally, it is less than the predetermined flow rate or less than the predetermined flow rate. When a change occurs in the faucet, the refrigerant circulation circuit is not operated, or the operation is stopped to prevent an abnormal increase in high pressure in the refrigerant circulation circuit, thereby improving durability.
[0024]
  The heat pump water heater of the invention described in claim 7 is provided with priority control means that prioritizes operation capacity control of the refrigerant circulation circuit when the hot water flow rate suddenly changes during operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit.
[0025]
  According to this invention, when the hot water flow rate from the hot water supply terminal changes suddenly, or when the hot water flow rate changes suddenly in the kitchen during showering, the control of controlling the operation capacity of the refrigerant circulation circuit based on the hot water supply temperature change Priority is given to control for controlling the operating capacity of the refrigerant circulation circuit by detecting that the hot water flow rate has suddenly changed from the hot water flow, thereby stabilizing the hot water supply temperature or preventing abnormal rise in refrigerant pressure in the refrigerant circulation circuit. Improve durability.
[0026]
  The heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is the refrigerant circulation circuit according to any one of the first to seventh aspects, wherein the refrigerant circulation circuit is a supercritical heat pump cycle in which the pressure of the refrigerant is equal to or higher than the critical pressure. It is the structure which heats the flowing water of the water flow path of a heat exchanger with the pressurized refrigerant | coolant.
[0027]
  And since the refrigerant flowing through the heat radiator of the heat exchanger is pressurized to a critical pressure or higher by the compressor, it can condense even if the temperature drops due to heat deprived by the flowing water in the water flow path of the heat exchanger. Absent. Therefore, it becomes easy to form a temperature difference between the refrigerant and water in the entire heat exchanger, high-temperature hot water can be obtained, and heat exchange efficiency can be increased.
[0028]
【Example】
  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. In the conventional example and each example, parts having the same configuration and the same operation are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof is omitted.
[0029]
  Example 1
  FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a heat pump water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 5 denotes a refrigerant circulation circuit, to which a compressor 1, a radiator 2, a decompression means 3, and a heat absorber 4 are connected to constitute a closed circuit. The refrigerant circuit 5 uses, for example, carbon dioxide (CO2) as a refrigerant, and uses a supercritical heat pump cycle in which the refrigerant pressure on the high pressure side is equal to or higher than the critical pressure of the refrigerant.
[0030]
  Reference numeral 6 denotes a heat exchanger provided with a water flow path 7 for exchanging heat with the refrigerant flow path of the radiator 2. A hot water storage tank 12 stores hot water heated by the heat exchanger 6 from above. Reference numeral 13 denotes a flow rate control means for controlling the flow rate of the water flow path 7. 14 is a hot water temperature control means, which controls the flow rate control means 13 so that the detection signal of the water temperature sensor 10 at the outlet of the heat exchanger 6 becomes a predetermined signal. A circulation pump 15 passes water in the lower portion of the water supply pipe 8 or the hot water tank 12 to the heat exchanger 6. Reference numeral 16 denotes capacity control means, which controls the drive frequency of an inverter (not shown) of the compressor 1 to control the capacity of the refrigerant circulation circuit 5. Further, a water supply pipe 8 that supplies tap water to the water flow path 7 and a hot water supply circuit 9 that is connected so as to pass water from the water flow path 7 to the hot water supply terminal are connected. Reference numeral 17 denotes a hot water discharge circuit for passing hot water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 12 to the hot water supply circuit 9. Reference numeral 18 denotes temperature adjusting means for mixing the hot water in the hot water storage tank 12 and the hot water in the hot water supply circuit 9 and controlling the temperature to a predetermined temperature. 19 is a hot water detection means for detecting the state of hot water to the hot water supply terminal. For example, the flow rate of water flowing to the hot water supply terminal is detected, or the water pressure of the water supply pipe 8, the water flow path 7, the hot water supply circuit 9, etc. is detected. Reference numeral 20 denotes a control means that detects the condition of the hot water from the hot water detection means 19 and instructs the capacity control means 16 to adjust the operating conditions of the refrigerant circulation circuit 5 such as capacity adjustment of the refrigerant circulation circuit 5, operation ON, and operation OFF. Set and drive. Reference numeral 21 denotes hot water mixing means. When hot water flows through the hot water supply circuit 9 such as when hot water is discharged from the hot water storage tank 12, the hot water is mixed with city water in the water supply pipe 8, mixed to a predetermined temperature, and passed to the hot water supply terminal. To do.
[0031]
  About the heat pump hot-water supply apparatus comprised as mentioned above, the operation | movement and an effect | action are demonstrated below. First, a hot water storage operation in which hot water is stored in a hot water tank will be described. The high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the radiator 2 and heats the water flowing from the lower part of the hot water tank 12 to the water flow path 7 via the circulation pump 15. At that time, the flow rate control means 13 controls the flow rate through the water flow path 7 so that the outlet temperature of the heat exchanger 6 becomes a predetermined temperature. Then, the water heated to a predetermined temperature flows from the hot water supply circuit 9 through the temperature adjusting means 18 into the upper part of the hot water tank 12 and is stored therein. On the other hand, the refrigerant radiated by the radiator 2 is decompressed by the decompression means 3 and flows into the heat absorber 4, absorbs atmospheric heat, evaporates, and returns to the compressor 1. Hot water is stored from the upper part of the hot water tank 12 while repeating this cycle.
[0032]
  Next, the case where the faucet of the hot water supply terminal is opened and hot water heated in the refrigerant circulation circuit 5 and hot water in the hot water storage tank 12 are mixed and discharged will be described. When the faucet is opened, tap water flows from the water supply pipe to the lower part of the hot water tank 12, and hot water is discharged from the upper part of the hot water tank 12. Further, the hot water detection means 19 detects the hot water and the control means 20 starts the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit 5. Then, based on the detected tapping flow rate, the control means 20 performs capacity control so that the water heated by the heat exchanger 6 has a predetermined temperature. The heated hot water flows from the outlet of the heat exchanger 6 to the hot water supply circuit 9 and is mixed with hot water discharged from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 12 to reach a predetermined temperature and is discharged from the hot water supply terminal. At that time, although the hot water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger 6 is low immediately after the start of operation, it is mixed with the hot water in the hot water storage tank 12, mixed at a predetermined temperature by the temperature adjusting means 18, and passed to the hot water supply terminal. And as time passes, the outlet hot water temperature of the heat exchanger 6 gradually increases and reaches a predetermined temperature. Meanwhile, the amount of hot water discharged from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 12 gradually decreases as the hot water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger 6 rises. When the hot water flow rate from the hot water supply terminal is higher than the flow rate at the maximum capacity that can be heated by the refrigerant circulation circuit, the hot water supply load is satisfied by the amount of water heated by the refrigerant circulation circuit and the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank. In addition, when the hot water flow rate from the hot water supply terminal is smaller than the flow rate at the maximum capacity that can be heated by the refrigerant circuit, the hot water supply load is satisfied only by the amount of water heated by the refrigerant circuit. Accordingly, a stable hot water temperature can be obtained regardless of the hot water supply load.
[0033]
  The same effect can be obtained by controlling the flow rate using a variable flow rate pump (DC pump) instead of the flow rate control means 13 and the circulation pump 15.
[0034]
  Further, the same effect can be obtained by detecting the hot water state as a hot water state by any one of the water pressure of the water supply pipe, water flow path, and hot water supply circuit in addition to the hot water flow rate. Since the decrease in water pressure is large when the tapping flow rate is large, and the decrease in water pressure is small when the tapping flow rate is small, the same effect can be obtained by determining the tapping flow rate based on the water pressure and controlling the capacity.
[0035]
  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2, the same effect can be obtained by connecting the water supply pipe to the hot water storage tank and passing water from the hot water storage tank to the water flow path.
[0036]
  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, during hot water storage operation, hot water is stored by passing water from the water flow path to the upper portion of the hot water tank through the on-off valve 22 as indicated by the solid arrow direction in FIG. When the hot water is discharged from the refrigerant circulation circuit to the hot water supply terminal, the same effect can be obtained by closing the on-off valve 22 and passing water from the water circuit to the hot water supply circuit as indicated by the direction of the broken arrow in FIG. Further, in this case, there is an effect that hot water storage operation and hot water discharge from the hot water storage tank can be realized simultaneously.
[0037]
  In addition, the heat pump cycle is a supercritical heat pump cycle in which the pressure of the refrigerant is equal to or higher than the critical pressure. However, the heat pump cycle may be of a general critical pressure or lower. In this case, chlorofluorocarbon gas, ammonia, hydrocarbon, or the like may be used as the refrigerant.
[0038]
  (Example 2)
  FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a heat pump hot water supply apparatus in Embodiment 2 of the present invention. In addition, the thing of the same structure as the hot water supply apparatus of Example 1 gives the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 23 denotes a storage device, which sets a compressor driving frequency set in advance from the hot water state, the outside air temperature, and the inlet / outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger when setting operating conditions. Reference numeral 24 denotes a control means, which detects the outside air temperature when the hot water is detected by the outside air temperature sensor 25, detects the water temperature flowing into the heat exchanger 6 by the incoming water temperature sensor (not shown), and flows out from the heat exchanger 6. The water temperature to be detected is detected by a water temperature sensor (not shown), and the refrigerant circulation circuit is operated at the compressor drive frequency based on the storage device 23 from the detected outside air temperature, water temperature, and water temperature. For example, the hot water supply load is calculated from the hot water flow rate, the water temperature flowing into the heat exchanger 6 and the water temperature flowing out of the heat exchanger 6, and the capacity of the refrigerant circulation circuit corresponding to the hot water load is set. Set the compressor drive frequency corresponding to the load. When the hot water supply load is larger than the maximum capacity of the refrigerant circulation circuit, the compressor driving frequency is set to the maximum and the operation is performed.
[0039]
  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described. According to the second embodiment, even if the driving frequency of the compressor 1 is the same in winter and summer, the ability to absorb heat from atmospheric heat is reduced in winter. Therefore, when the same amount of hot water is used in winter and summer and the hot water temperature of the heat exchanger is the same, the compressor is operated at a higher frequency in the winter than in the summer. Conversely, in summer, the compressor drive frequency is reduced. Further, when the discharged hot water flow rate is small, the compressor driving frequency is decreased, and when the discharged hot water flow rate is large, the compressor driving frequency is increased. Therefore, since the operation is started with high capacity even in winter, the hot water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger reaches a predetermined temperature in a short time. Therefore, the hot water temperature corresponding to the hot water supply load can be quickly discharged from a large flow rate to a small hot water flow throughout the year from winter to summer.
[0040]
  (Example 3)
  FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 3 of the present invention. In addition, the thing of the same structure as the hot-water supply apparatus of Example 1 and Example 2 gives the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. In FIG. 4, reference numeral 25 denotes a timer, which measures a hot water time after detecting hot water. Reference numeral 26 denotes control means, which starts the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit when the hot water continues for a predetermined time.
[0041]
  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described. The timer measures the time when the hot water is detected. And since a control means does not command operation start of a refrigerant circulation circuit until a predetermined time passes, a hot water in a hot water storage tank is discharged from a hot water supply terminal to cope with a hot water supply load. Next, when the timer reaches a predetermined time, the control means commands the operation start of the refrigerant circulation circuit. The hot water heated in the refrigerant circulation circuit is passed through the hot water supply circuit, mixed with the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and discharged from the hot water supply terminal. Therefore, when the hot water is frequently turned on and off repeatedly, such as in the wash basin or kitchen, the hot water is discharged from the hot water tank, and the refrigerant circulation circuit is operated in the case of a hot water supply load for continuous hot water such as filling the bathtub or showering for a predetermined time. Take out hot water from the hot water supply terminal. Therefore, since frequent ON-OFF of a compressor can be reduced, durability improves.
[0042]
  Also, there is a certain degree of relationship between the hot water supply usage and the hot spring time. For example, it is a washroom around 6 am-8am, hot water in the kitchen, a kitchen around 12:00 in the daytime, a kitchen, bath, and washroom at 6 pm-11am in the evening. Used. And the discharge water flow rate of a kitchen and a wash surface is 3-5 L / min and a small flow rate, and the hot water supply flow rate of the hot water filling to a shower and a bath is 10-20 L / min and a large flow rate. Therefore, when the time when the hot water is detected is morning or noon, the operation is performed with a setting assuming a small flow rate of hot water supply load. Therefore, the hot water supply temperature is stabilized. Accordingly, the use is judged from the time of the hot water supply, and the hot water flow rate and hot water supply load suitable for the use are assumed, and the operation condition corresponding to the load is set and the operation is performed, so that a stable hot water temperature can be obtained.
[0043]
  Also, by learning the hot water flow rate, hot water temperature, and hot water time for each week, for example, in units of one week, and having a learning function, it is possible to operate from the time of hot water under the operating conditions corresponding to the hot water supply load. A stable tapping temperature can be obtained.
[0044]
  In addition, by setting up a hot water storage operation in which hot water is stored in the hot water tank in the evening when the time of filling the shower or bath is approaching, the fear of running out of hot water or a reduction in the capacity of the hot water tank can be realized.
[0045]
  (Example 4)
  FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. In addition, the thing of the same structure as the hot-water supply apparatus of Example 1- Example 3 gives the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. In FIG. 5, 27 is a clock, and 28 is a control means. The time when the hot water is detected is detected from the clock 28, and the refrigerant circulation circuit is not operated when the time of the hot water is in a preset time zone. And it controls so that a refrigerant | coolant circulation circuit may be drive | operated in times other than the preset time slot | zone.
[0046]
  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described. When hot water is detected during the daytime in summer or when the power load is high, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is discharged to respond to the hot water supply load. In addition, when hot water is detected at about 10:00 pm immediately before the midnight time zone, hot water storage operation is performed in which the hot water is discharged from the hot water tank and the hot water is heated when the midnight time zone is reached in response to the hot water supply load. Therefore, the hot water storage operation is performed in the midnight time zone corresponding to the leveling of the electric power load and the electric power peak cut and at a low price and having a relatively large power supply.
[0047]
  In addition, when equipment is installed in an apartment house, it is possible to effectively use the power receiving equipment by reducing the inrush current by delaying the operation start time for each home or for each zone of a certain number of units.
[0048]
  (Example 5)
  FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 5 of the present invention. In addition, the thing of the same structure as the hot-water supply apparatus of Example 1-4 is provided with the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. In FIG. 6, 29 is a hot water flow rate sensor and measures the hot water flow rate. Reference numeral 30 denotes control means, which starts the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit when the hot water flow rate detected by the hot water flow rate sensor 29 is higher than a predetermined flow rate.
[0049]
  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described. According to the present invention, when hot water is supplied to a bath or when a hot water is supplied to a shower, it is used for a relatively long time and has a large flow rate. With respect to such a hot water supply load, the hot water flow rate sensor 29 detects that the hot water has been discharged at a flow rate higher than a predetermined flow rate, and the control means 30 starts the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit to supply the heated hot water to the hot water supply circuit. Pass water and leave the hot water supply terminal. Therefore, the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit can be started immediately after determining the use of the hot water supply load at low cost using a simple detection means such as a hot water flow rate sensor. Therefore, the hot water supply temperature can be stabilized and the refrigerant circulation circuit can be continuously operated at low cost, so that high efficiency operation can be realized.
[0050]
  (Example 6)
  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 6 of the present invention. In addition, the thing of the same structure as the hot-water supply apparatus of Examples 1-5 gives the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. In FIG. 7, 31 is a control means, and when the hot water flow rate of the hot water flow rate sensor 29 is less than a predetermined flow rate, the refrigerant circulation circuit is not operated or the operation is stopped.
[0051]
  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described. According to this invention, when washing dishes in the kitchen or hot water supply to the wash surface, etc., the hot water flow rate sensor 29 detects the hot water flow rate, and when the hot water flow rate is lower than the predetermined flow rate, the control means 31 operates the refrigerant circulation circuit. Do not start. Then, the hot water in the hot water tank is discharged from the hot water supply terminal. Further, when the faucet of the terminal is squeezed during the hot water and the hot water flow rate becomes lower than the predetermined flow rate, the control means 31 detects that the hot water flow rate is lower than the predetermined flow rate and stops the operation of the refrigerant circuit. And it respond | corresponds to hot water supply load only with the hot water of a hot water tank. Therefore, it becomes possible to prevent an abnormal increase in high-pressure in the refrigerant circuit due to a reduction in the heat radiation amount of the radiator, and durability is improved.
[0052]
  (Example 7)
  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 7 of the present invention. In addition, the same structure as the hot water supply apparatus of Examples 1-6 gives the same code | symbol, and abbreviate | omits description. In FIG. 8, 32 is a priority control means, and when the hot water flow rate suddenly changes during operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit, the compressor drive frequency is reset from the storage device 23 based on the suddenly changed hot water flow rate, and the refrigerant circulation circuit The driving ability control is prioritized over the hot water temperature control means 14.
[0053]
  The operation and action of the above configuration will be described. First, a case where the hot water flow rate is suddenly changed from a case where the hot water flow rate is small, for example, a case where the kitchen faucet is opened during the shower and the hot water is simultaneously discharged to increase the hot water flow rate will be described. A refrigerant circulation circuit is provided so that the hot water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger 6 becomes a predetermined temperature at the time of showering hot water. And since the amount of water which flows through the heat exchanger 6 will increase if it is tapped in the kitchen, the hot water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger 6 will decrease. And the flow control means 13 restrict | squeezes a flow volume so that the fall of warm water temperature may be detected and warm water temperature may be made high. Therefore, the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank increases and the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage decreases. Alternatively, a control for increasing the capacity of the refrigerant circulation circuit by detecting a decrease in the hot water temperature at the outlet of the heat exchanger 6 is performed. However, since the capacity increase control of the refrigerant circulation circuit is performed while detecting a decrease in the hot water temperature, it takes time for the refrigerant circulation circuit to reach a predetermined capacity. Meanwhile, since the shower temperature is in a lowered state, convenience is poor.
[0054]
  Next, a case will be described in which the tap water flow rate suddenly decreases when the tap water flow rate suddenly decreases, for example, when the faucet of the kitchen is closed during simultaneous shower and kitchen hot water. Since the amount of water flowing through the heat exchanger 6 decreases when the flow rate from the large flow rate in the simultaneous hot water is reduced, the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger 6 rises rapidly and the heat dissipation amount decreases in the radiator 2 so that the inside of the refrigerant circulation circuit. The refrigerant pressure on the high pressure side suddenly rises abnormally. For this reason, hot water is discharged from the shower terminal and the durability of the device becomes a problem. However, according to the seventh embodiment, it is detected that the hot water flow rate has changed suddenly, and the compressor driving frequency is reset from the storage device 23 based on the detected hot water flow rate to control the operating capacity of the refrigerant circulation circuit with hot water temperature. Control is given priority over the means 14. Therefore, the change in the outlet temperature of the heat exchanger 6 is small, and the pressure in the refrigerant circulation circuit does not rise abnormally while recovering to a predetermined temperature in a short time. Therefore, the hot water supply temperature is stabilized and the durability of the device is improved.
[0055]
【The invention's effect】
  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat pump hot water supply apparatus having high controllability and high durability of the hot water temperature for a wide range of hot water supply loads.Further, when the operation is started, the operation can be started with the refrigerant circulation circuit having the optimum heating capacity corresponding to the detected hot water flow rate. Even when the hot water supply load, for example, the hot water flow rate suddenly changes during operation, the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit is switched to the optimum heating capacity for the sudden hot water flow rate, so that the hot water temperature does not fluctuate little and the predetermined temperature is reached in a short time. Times Recover.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a heat pump water heater in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a heat pump water heater illustrating another embodiment of the first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a heat pump water heater in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 4 of the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 5 of the present invention.
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 6 of the present invention.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a control operation of the heat pump water heater in Embodiment 7 of the present invention.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram of a conventional heat pump water heater
[Explanation of symbols]
  1 Compressor
  2 radiators
  3 Pressure reducing means
  4 heat absorber
  5 Refrigerant circuit
  6 Heat exchanger
  7 Water channel
  8 Water supply pipe
  9 Hot water supply circuit
  10 Temperature sensor
  12 Hot water tank
  13 Flow control means
  14 Hot water temperature control means
  16 Capacity control means
  17 Hot spring circuit
  18 Temperature adjustment means
  19 Hot water detection means
  20, 24, 26, 28, 30, 31 Control means
  21 Hot water mixing means
  22 On-off valve
  23 Storage device
  25 Outside air temperature sensor
  26 Timer
  27 clock
  29 Hot water flow sensor
  32 Priority control means

Claims

A refrigerant circuit having a compressor and a radiator; capacity control means for controlling the capacity of the refrigerant circuit; a heat exchanger having a water channel for exchanging heat with the radiator; and water for the water channel. A water supply pipe to be supplied, a hot water supply circuit connected so as to pass water from the water flow path to the hot water supply terminal, a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by the heat exchanger, and a hot water supply state to the hot water supply terminal are detected. Hot water detection means, storage device in which operating conditions of the refrigerant circulation circuit are set in advance based on at least a hot water state, and control means for operating the refrigerant circulation circuit based on the operating conditions from the hot water state detected by the hot water detection means A heat pump hot water supply device having

A storage device in which the operating conditions of the refrigerant circulation circuit are set in advance from the hot water state, the outside air temperature, and the inlet / outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger, and the control means is based on the hot water state, the detected outside air temperature, the incoming water temperature and the outgoing water temperature The heat pump hot-water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the refrigerant circulation circuit is operated based on the operation conditions.

The heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control means starts the operation of the refrigerant circuit when the hot water supply to the hot water supply terminal continues for a predetermined time.

The heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the control means controls the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit based on the time when the hot water discharged to the hot water supply terminal is detected.

The heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the control means starts operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit when a hot water flow rate to the hot water supply terminal is higher than a predetermined flow rate.

The heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the control means does not perform the operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit or stops the operation when the discharged hot water flow rate to the hot water supply terminal is smaller than a predetermined flow rate.

The heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 6, further comprising priority control means for prioritizing the capacity control of the refrigerant circulation circuit over the hot water temperature control means when the hot water flow rate suddenly changes during operation of the refrigerant circulation circuit.

The refrigerant circulation circuit is a supercritical heat pump cycle in which the pressure of the refrigerant is equal to or higher than the critical pressure, and the flowing water in the water flow path of the heat exchanger is heated by the refrigerant whose pressure is increased to the critical pressure or higher. The heat pump hot-water supply apparatus of item 1.