JP3836762B2 - Cogeneration system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a cogeneration system. In particular, it relates to a technique for water filling a cogeneration system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The hot water storage tank heated by the generated heat generated by the power generation unit, the first path for supplying water to the hot water storage tank from the outside, and the second path for overflow of the hot water storage tank are connected to the hot water storage tank. A cogeneration system including a systern and an on-off valve provided in the middle of a second path is known. In this type of cogeneration system, hot water is sent to the systern via the second path, and further sent from the systern to a hot water use location (for example, a hot water heating terminal or a floor heater).
When a new cogeneration system is installed, a trial run is performed to confirm that there is no abnormality such as water leakage in the circulation piping with the exhaust heat source. In the trial operation, water filling to an empty hot water tank or route is first performed.
A technique for automatically performing water filling is described in JP-A-2002-5528. In this technique, an on-off valve and a flow sensor are provided in the middle of the path from the hot water tank to the bathtub. When starting water filling, open the on-off valve. Then, when the flow sensor detects a predetermined flow rate or more for a predetermined time or more, it is determined that the water filling has been completed and the on-off valve is closed.
[0003]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Just before the water filling is finished, water mixed with air flows through the path. The flow sensor cannot correctly detect the flow rate of water mixed with air. Therefore, in the technology described in the above publication, air does not mix with the water flowing through the hot water supply path, and the on-off valve is closed after the flow rate sensor detects the correct flow rate. For this reason, water flows into the bathtub before the on-off valve is closed.
After water filling is done, the automatic water level adjustment function of the bathtub is also confirmed. This confirmation needs to start from an empty tub. Therefore, when water is filled and water flows into the bathtub, if the drain plug of the bathtub is closed, open the drain plug to drain the water stored in the bathtub, or open the drain plug in advance. And you have to make sure that there is no water in the bathtub. The cogeneration system is generally installed outdoors away from the bathroom where the bathtub is located. Thus, when filling the water, the operator must go back and forth between the bathroom and the cogeneration system to open the tub drain tap and to verify that the drain tap is open. . For this reason, work efficiency is bad.
[0004]
This invention is made | formed in order to solve this problem, and makes it a subject to provide the cogeneration system excellent in the work efficiency of water filling.
[0005]
[Means for solving the problem, operation and effect]
The cogeneration system according to claim 1 includes a power generation unit, a hot water hot water tank heated by power generated by the power generation unit, a first path for supplying water to the hot water tank from the outside, and a hot water storage tank. A cistern communicated with the hot water storage tank by a second path through which overflow flows, an on-off valve provided in the middle of the second path, a water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the cistern, an operating means, an on-off valve and a water level detection And a controller to which the operating means is connected. The controller opens the on-off valve when the operating means is operated, and closes the on-off valve when the water level detecting means detects a predetermined water level.
In the above-mentioned cogeneration system, when the operating means is operated and the on-off valve is opened, the flow path from the first path to the systern via the hot water storage tank and the second path is opened. When the flow path is thus opened, water filling is performed on the first path, the hot water tank, and the second path by tap water pressure, and water flows into the systern. When water flows into the systern and the water level detecting means detects a predetermined water level, the on-off valve is closed and the water filling is completed. The operator only has to operate the operating means when starting the water filling, and no further work is required for the water filling. Therefore, the cogeneration system configured in this way is excellent in work efficiency.
[0006]
The cogeneration system according to claim 1, further comprising notification means connected to the controller, wherein when the water level detection means detects a predetermined water level, the controller notifies the notification means that the water filling is completed. (Claim 2).
If comprised in this way, it can know that the water filling was complete | finished by the alerting | reporting means.
[0007]
3. The cogeneration system according to claim 2, wherein the controller notifies the notifying means that the water filling is abnormal when the water level detecting means does not detect the predetermined water level even if a predetermined time has elapsed since the opening of the on-off valve. (Claim 3).
If the water level detection means does not detect the predetermined water level even after the predetermined time has elapsed, it can be determined that a water filling abnormality (for example, water leakage from the hot water supply path or the heating path) has occurred. Accordingly, the notifying means is notified that the water filling is abnormal.
[0008]
In the cogeneration system according to claim 1, 2 or 3, the controller preferably closes the on-off valve when the water level detecting means does not detect the predetermined water level even if a predetermined time elapses after the on-off valve opens. (Claim 4).
When the on-off valve is closed in this way, it is possible to stop the water leak when it occurs downstream of the on-off valve.
[0009]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
A cogeneration system 1 according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 1, the cogeneration system 1 includes a power generation unit 20 and a hot water unit 15 that recovers and uses the heat generated by the power generation unit 20. The hot water unit 15 includes a hot water storage tank 44, a mixing unit 54, a hot water heater 50, and a plurality of paths that communicate with each other. The power generation unit 20 includes a reformer 30, a fuel cell 22, a radiator 28, and the like. The reformer 30 has a function of generating hydrogen gas from hydrocarbon fuel. The reformer 30 is provided with a burner 32. By operating the burner 32 to generate heat, the reformer 30 can efficiently generate hydrogen. A combustion gas exhaust pipe 34 that communicates the reformer 30 and the heat exchanger 70 is provided. The combustion gas exhaust pipe 34 passes the combustion gas of the burner 32 through the heat exchanger 70 and exhausts the cooled combustion gas. The heat exchanger 70 also passes through a circulation path 4 described later. Hot water is circulated through the circulation path 4. The hot water flowing through the circulation path 4 is heated from the reformer 30 side by passing through the heat exchanger 70.
[0010]
The fuel cell 22 is composed of a plurality of cells. The fuel cell 22 and the reformer 30 are communicated with each other through a hydrogen supply pipe 35. The hydrogen generated in the reformer 30 flows through the hydrogen supply pipe 35 and is supplied to the fuel cell 22. The fuel cell 22 generates power by reacting hydrogen supplied from the reformer 30 with oxygen in the air. During this power generation, the fuel cell 22 generates heat for generating power.
A heat medium circulation path 24 is connected to the fuel cell 22. The heat medium circulation path 24 circulates pure water as a heat medium. The heat medium circulation path 24 forms a circulation path that returns to the heat exchanger 74 again through the heat exchanger 74, the reserve tank 26, the heat medium pump 8, and the heat medium three-way valve 36. A bypass path 25 that passes through the radiator 28 is provided. One end of the bypass path 25 is connected to the heat medium three-way valve 36, and the other end is connected to the heat medium circulation path 24 on the upstream side of the fuel cell 22.
[0011]
The heat medium three-way valve 36 is provided with one inlet 36a and two outlets 36b and 36c. The heat medium three-way valve 36 switches between communication between the inlet 36a and the outlet 36b or communication between the inlet 36a and the outlet 36c. A heat medium cooling fan 29 is provided adjacent to the radiator 28. When the heat medium cooling fan 29 is activated, cooling air is blown to the radiator. A circulation path 4 that passes through the heat exchanger 74 and connects to the hot water unit 15 is provided. The fuel cell 22, the heat medium three-way valve 36, the heat medium pump 8, and the heat medium cooling fan 29 are controlled by the controller 60.
The controller 60 is connected to a remote controller 71 operated by a user.
[0012]
When the fuel cell 22 is activated, the inlet 36a and outlet 36c of the heat medium three-way valve 36 are communicated, and the heat medium pump 8 is driven. When the heat medium pump 8 is driven, the heat medium circulates through the heat medium circulation path 24. When the heat medium circulates through the heat medium circulation path 24, when the heat medium flows through the fuel cell 22, the generated heat generated by the fuel cell 22 is recovered by the heat medium (the heat medium is heated). The generated heat recovered by the heat medium is conveyed to the heat exchanger 74 together with the heat medium, and heats the hot water flowing through the circulation path 4 through the heat exchanger 74.
[0013]
The heat medium circulation path 24 is provided with a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the temperature of the heat medium. When the temperature of the heat medium becomes too high, the heat medium three-way valve 36 is switched so as to allow the inlet 36a and the outlet 36b to communicate with each other. At the same time, the heat medium cooling fan 29 is driven. Then, the heat medium flows into the bypass path 25 from the heat medium circulation path 24, flows through the radiator 28, and then returns to the heat medium circulation path 24. When the heat medium flows in this way, heat is radiated to the outside through the radiator 28, and the heat medium is cooled. When the heat medium cooling fan 29 is driven and air is blown onto the radiator 28, the heat radiation from the radiator 28 is performed more efficiently. When cooled by the radiator 28 and the temperature of the heat medium is lowered, the heat medium three-way valve 36 is switched so that the inlet 36a and the outlet 36c are communicated again. Thus, the temperature of the heat medium is maintained within a predetermined range by repeatedly switching the flow path of the heat medium three-way valve 36.
[0014]
The hot water unit 15 is provided with a water supply path 40 through which city water is supplied. The water supply path 40 is branched into a hot water tank side path 40a and a mixing unit side path 40b. The hot water tank side path 40 a is connected to the bottom of the hot water tank 44. The mixing unit side path 40 b is connected to the water supply inlet 54 b of the mixing unit 54. A pressure reducing valve 41 is provided in the middle of the water supply path 40 on the upstream side of the branch part between the hot water tank side path 40a and the mixing unit side path 40b. The pressure reducing valve 41 is provided for maintaining the inside of the hot water storage tank 44 at a pressure resistance or less and for regulating the water supply pressure to the hot water storage tank 44 and the mixing unit 54. When the hot water in the hot water storage tank 44 decreases or the mixing unit 54 opens and the downstream pressure of the pressure reducing valve 41 becomes lower than the pressure regulation value, the pressure reducing valve 41 opens to supply water to the hot water storage tank 44 and the mixing unit 54. Is done.
[0015]
A relief valve 43 is provided above the hot water storage tank 44. The relief valve 43 is provided in order to maintain the pressure in the hot water storage tank 44 below the pressure resistance. As described above, the pressure in the hot water storage tank 44 is double-prevented by the relief valve 43 and the pressure reducing valve 41 so as not to exceed the pressure resistance. The relief valve 43 can also be manually operated. When the relief valve 43 is manually operated, the pressure in the hot water storage tank 44 is directly released to the outside. A pressure release path 45 that guides the released pressure to the outside is connected to the relief valve 43. A drainage path 37 having one end connected to the bottom of the hot water tank 44 and the other end connected midway in the pressure release path 45 is provided. A drain valve 47 is provided in the drain path 37. The drain valve 47 can be operated manually. When the drain valve 47 is opened, the water stored in the hot water tank 44 is discharged to the outside through the pressure release path 45.
[0016]
The circulation path 4 includes a circulation forward path 4 b from the hot water storage tank 44 to the power generation unit 20 and a circulation return path 4 a from the power generation unit 20 to the hot water storage tank 44. A heat storage circulation pump 49 is mounted in the middle of the circulation outward path 4b. The heat storage circulation pump 49 is connected to the controller 60. As described above, the circulation path 4 passes through the heat exchangers 70 and 74 of the power generation unit 20. When the heat storage circulation pump 49 is driven, cold water is sucked out from the bottom of the hot water storage tank 44. The cold water sucked out from the bottom of the hot water storage tank 44 passes through the heat exchangers 70 and 74 via the circulation outward path 4b. The hot water that has passed through the heat exchangers 70 and 74 is heated to rise in temperature, and is returned to the upper part of the hot water tank 44 via the circulation return path 4a. When the hot water is circulated through the circulation path 4 in this way, the hot water is stored in the upper part of the hot water tank 44 and the low temperature hot water is stored in the lower part. As will be described later, hot water used for hot water supply is sent out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 44 through the hot water supply path 53. For this reason, even when all the hot water in the hot water storage tank 44 is not at a high temperature, the hot water supply path 53 is supplied with high-temperature hot water.
[0017]
The mixing unit 54 includes a hot water supply inlet 54a, a water supply inlet 54b, and a hot water outlet 54c. The upper part of the hot water storage tank 44 and the hot water inlet 54 a of the mixing unit 54 are communicated with each other through a hot water supply path 53. As described above, the mixing unit side path 40 b branched from the water supply path 40 is connected to the water supply inlet 54 b of the mixing unit 54. The mixing unit 54 is controlled by the controller 60. The mixing unit 54 changes the degree of opening on the hot water supply inlet 54a side and the degree of opening on the water supply inlet 54b side, and adjusts the mixing ratio between the hot water from the hot water tank 44 side and the water from the city water side. When the mixing ratio of the hot water and the city water is adjusted, the temperature of the hot water sent out from the hot water outlet 54c is controlled.
[0018]
The hot water heater 50 includes burners 55 and 56, a heat exchanger 92, a replenishing water valve 48, a pouring valve 91, a cistern 51, a water level electrode 59, a water filled panel 68, and the like.
A hot water supply path 57 is connected to the hot water outlet 54 c of the mixing unit 54. The hot water supply path 57 is branched into a hot water tap side path 57a and a cistern side path 57b. A hot-water tap 46 is provided at the downstream end of the hot-water tap side passage 57a. The hot water tap 46 is disposed in, for example, a bathroom, a washroom, a kitchen, and the like. A part of the hot-water tap side passage 57 a can be heated by the burner 55. The burner 55 is controlled by the controller 60 and operates when the temperature of hot water sent from the mixing unit 54 is lower than a predetermined hot water supply temperature. When the burner 55 is activated, the temperature of the hot water supplied to the hot-water tap 46 increases.
The downstream end of the cistern side path 57 b is arranged in the cistern 51. A replenishing water valve 48 is mounted in the middle of the cistern side path 57b. The makeup water valve 48 is driven by a built-in solenoid to open and close. The makeup water valve 48 is controlled by the controller 60. When the replenishing water valve 48 is opened, the city water adjusted to a predetermined pressure by the pressure reducing valve 41 is sent to the hot water storage tank 44, and the hot water overflowing from the hot water storage tank 44 flows into the hot water supply path 53. The hot water flowing into the hot water supply path 53 is further supplied to the cistern 51 through the mixing unit 54, the hot water supply path 57, and the cistern side path 57b.
[0019]
In the cistern 51, a water level electrode 59 connected to the controller 60 is provided. The water level electrode 59 includes a rod-shaped high level switch 59a and a low level switch 59b. The high level switch 59a and the low level switch 59b output an ON signal when their lower ends are in contact with water. The systurn 51 has an upper limit (high level water level) and a lower limit (low level water level) as water levels. The lower ends of the high level switch 59a and the low level switch 59b are disposed so as to be positioned at the high level water level and the low level water level, respectively.
[0020]
Therefore, when the high level switch 59a and the low level switch 59b output the ON signal, the water level of the cistern 51 is located above the lower end of the high level switch 59a (exceeds the high level water level). ). When the high level switch 59a does not output an on signal and the low level switch 59b outputs an on signal, the water level of the systurn 51 is between the lower end of the high level switch 59a and the lower end of the low level switch 59b. Yes (between high and low water levels) When the high level switch 59a and the low level switch 59b are not outputting detection signals, the water level of the cistern 51 is located below the lower end of the low level switch 59b (below the low level water level).
The controller 60 controls the opening and closing of the makeup water valve 48 based on the water level signal from the water level electrode 59, and maintains the water level of the cistern 51 between the high level water level and the low level water level during normal operation.
[0021]
A cistern water discharge path 61 is connected to the bottom surface of the cistern 51. A hot water circulation pump 6 is mounted in the middle of the systern water discharge path 61. The cistern water discharge path 61 is branched into a high temperature water path 86 and a low temperature water path 84.
The high temperature water path 86 forms a path that passes through the hot water heating terminal 80 and returns to the systern 51. A burner 56 for heating the high-temperature water path 86 is provided. A high temperature thermistor 63 and a thermal valve 58 are mounted between a branch portion of the high temperature water path 86 with the cistern water discharge path 61 and the hot water heating terminal 80. The temperature detected by the high temperature thermistor 63 is input to the controller 60 as a signal and used for its control. The thermal valve 58 opens and closes the high temperature water path 86. The thermal valve 58 is connected to the hot water heating terminal 80 and incorporates an expansion element and an on-off valve that is mechanically coupled to the expansion element. When the operation unit provided in the hot water heating terminal 80 is turned on and a valve opening signal is input to the thermal valve 58, the expansion element is energized. The energized expansion element is heated to expand. When the expansion element expands, the on-off valve is driven and the thermal valve 58 is opened. In addition, when the operation unit of the hot water heating terminal 80 is turned on, the on signal is transmitted to the controller 60. When the controller 60 receives the ON signal, the controller 60 operates the hot water circulation pump 6.
[0022]
When the hot water circulation pump 6 is driven and the thermal valve 58 is opened, hot water is sucked out from the cistern 51. The hot water sucked out from the systern 51 passes through the hot water heating terminal 80. When the temperature of the hot water detected by the high temperature thermistor 63 is 80 ° C. or less, the burner 56 operates. When the burner 56 is activated, the hot water flowing through the high-temperature water path 86 is heated. The hot water heating terminal 80 blows out hot air by exchanging heat with the passing hot water to heat the installed room. The hot water whose temperature has decreased after passing through the hot water heating terminal 80 is returned to the systern 51 again.
[0023]
A follow-up path 88 is provided that communicates the downstream of the thermistor 63 in the hot water path 86 and the upstream of the inlet to the cistern 51 in the hot water path 86. The tracking path 88 passes through the heat exchanger 92. A thermal valve 90 controlled by the controller 60 is attached in the middle of the tracking path 88. The thermal valve 90 opens and closes the tracking path 88.
A bath circulation path 94 is provided to allow the hot water suction port 96a of the bathtub 96 to communicate with the hot water supply port 96b. The bath circulation path 94 passes through the heat exchanger 92. A pump 98 and a bath water flow switch 95 are provided in the middle of the bath circulation path 94. The pump 98 is controlled by the controller 60. The bath water flow switch 95 detects the water flow in the bath circulation path 94 and outputs a detection signal to the controller 60.
[0024]
When the thermal valve 90 is opened while the hot water circulation pump 6 is driven, the hot water flows through the follow-up path 88 and passes through the heat exchanger 92. When the pump 98 is driven in a state where the hot water is put in the bathtub 96, the hot water is sucked out from the hot water suction port 96a of the bathtub 96, and circulation that returns to the hot water supply port 96b again through the bath circulation path 94 is performed. The hot water flowing through the bath circulation path 94 passes through the heat exchanger 92. When hot water flows through the reheating path 88 and the bath circulation path 94, the hot water flowing through the bath circulation path 94 by the heat exchanger 92 is heated by the hot water flowing through the reheating path 88. In this way, the bath 96 is re chased.
[0025]
A hot-water supply path 89 that connects the hot-water tap side path 57a and the bath circulation path 94 is provided. A pouring valve 91 is attached in the middle of the bath hot water passage 89. The pouring valve 91 is driven by a built-in solenoid to open and close. The pouring valve 91 is controlled by the controller 60.
When filling the bathtub 96 with hot water, the replenishing water valve 48 is closed and the pouring valve 91 is opened. When the pouring valve 91 is opened, warm water flows into the bath circulation path 94 from the hot-water tap side path 57a. The hot water flowing into the bath circulation path 94 is supplied to the bathtub 96 from the hot water supply port 96b and the hot water suction port 96a, and hot water filling to the bathtub 96 is performed.
[0026]
A low temperature thermistor 93 that detects the temperature of the hot water flowing in the low temperature water path 84 branched from the systern water discharge path 61 is mounted. The detection signal of the low temperature thermistor 93 is input to the controller 60. The low-temperature water path 84 is branched into three branch paths 85 along the way. In the middle of the branch path 85, the thermal valves 52 are mounted. The thermal valve 52 opens and closes the branch path 85. The thermal valve 52 is controlled by the controller 60. The branch paths 85 merge after passing through the floor heater 82 and become one low-temperature water path 84 again.
A hot water three-way valve 65 is provided in the low temperature water path 84. The hot water three-way valve 65 includes one inlet 65a and two outlets 65b and 65c. The downstream end of the low temperature water path 84 is connected to the inlet 65 a of the hot water three-way valve 65. The outlet 65b of the hot water three-way valve 65 and the middle of the high temperature water path 86 are communicated with each other by a low temperature water return path 84a. The hot water three-way valve 65 is controlled by the controller 60.
[0027]
A hot water tank passage route 66 that passes through the upper part of the hot water tank 44 is provided. The hot water tank passage route 66 communicates the outlet 65c of the hot water three-way valve 65 and the middle of the low temperature water return route 84a. A coil portion 66 a formed in a coil shape is provided at a portion where the hot water tank passage route 66 passes through the hot water tank 44. The coil portion 66 a is provided for the purpose of expanding the heat transfer area between the hot water in the hot water tank 44 and the hot water flowing through the hot water tank passage path 66.
A hot water tank thermistor 75 is provided above the hot water tank 44 in the vicinity of the coil portion 66a. The hot water tank thermistor 75 detects the hot water temperature in the hot water tank 44.
The hot water three-way valve 65 switches whether the hot water flowing into the inlet 65a flows out from the outlet 65b (D1 direction) or flows out from the outlet 65C (D2 direction). That is, the hot water flowing through the low temperature water path 84 can be switched by the hot water three-way valve 65 to flow out toward the low temperature water return path 84a and bypass the hot water tank passage path 66 or out into the hot water tank passage path 66. .
[0028]
When the hot water circulation pump 6 is driven and the thermal valve 52 is opened, hot water is sucked out from the cistern 51. The hot water sucked out from the cistern 51 passes through the low temperature water path 84 and the branch path 85 to warm the floor heater 82. The temperature of the hot water that warms the floor heater 82 decreases. The controller 60 compares the temperatures detected by the low temperature thermistor 93 and the hot water tank thermistor 75 and switches the hot water three-way valve 65 according to the result. For example, when the temperature detected by the hot water tank thermistor 75 is lower than the temperature detected by the low temperature thermistor 93 by a predetermined value or more (for example, 10 ° C.), the hot water three-way valve 65 is switched to the D1 direction, and the floor heater 82 The hot water bypasses the hot water tank passage route 66, flows through the hot water return route 84 a and the hot water route 86, and is returned to the cistern 51. When the temperature detected by the hot water tank thermistor 75 is higher than the temperature detected by the low temperature thermistor 93, the hot water three-way valve 65 is switched in the D2 direction. When the hot water three-way valve 65 is switched in the D2 direction, the hot water from the floor heater 82 flows through the hot water tank passage route 66. The hot water flowing through the hot water tank passage route 66 is heated by the hot water in the hot water tank 44 and the temperature rises. The hot water whose temperature has risen through the hot water tank passage route 66 flows through the low-temperature water return route 84 a and the high-temperature water route 86 and is returned to the cistern 51. The hot water returned to the cistern 51 is again sucked into the low temperature water path 84 and warms the floor heater 82.
[0029]
A water-filled panel 68 is provided in the hot water heater 50. The water-filled panel 68 is connected to the controller 60. Here, the term “water filling” means that the hot water tank 44, the hot water supply paths 53 and 57, the mixing unit 54, and the cistern side path 57b are filled with water by being supplied from the water supply path 40.
The water filled panel 68 includes a water filled switch 68a and a water filled display 68b. When the water filling switch 68 a is turned on, the on signal is transmitted to the controller 60. The controller 60 that has received the ON signal controls the hot water unit 15 to perform a water filling operation to be described later. The water filling indicator 68b displays information relating to water filling (water filling, completion of water filling, abnormality of water filling).
[0030]
The configuration of the controller 60 and various devices connected thereto will be described with reference to the drawings.
As shown in FIG. 2, the controller 60 includes a CPU 102, a ROM 104, a RAM 106, an output port 108, an input port 110, and a bus 109 that connects these components to each other. FIG. 2 shows main devices connected to the controller 60, and other devices are not shown. The CPU 102 integrally controls various devices connected to the controller 60 according to a control program stored in the ROM 104. The RAM 106 temporarily stores data generated in accordance with processing executed by the CPU 102 and data input from various devices.
[0031]
Connected to the input port 110 are a water level electrode 59, a hot water heating terminal 80, a floor heater 82, a remote controller 71, a low temperature thermistor 93, a high temperature thermistor 63, a bath water flow switch 95, a water tension switch 68a, and a hot water tank thermistor 75. Signals output from these devices are input. The water level electrode 59 outputs the detected water level of the cistern 51. The hot water heating terminal 80 outputs an operation start signal when the operation switch is turned on, and outputs an operation end signal when the operation switch is operated off. Similarly, the floor heater 82 also outputs an operation start signal and an operation end signal. The remote controller 71 outputs an operation start signal, an operation end signal, and various setting signals (for example, a hot water supply temperature of the hot water tap 46, a hot water temperature of the bath, and a memorial temperature) of the cogeneration system 1.
[0032]
The low temperature thermistor 93, the high temperature thermistor 63, the bath water flow switch 95, and the hot water tank thermistor 75 each output a signal detected. The water filling switch 68a outputs a water filling start signal when turned on. The water filled panel 68 is provided with a stop button (not shown). When the stop button is turned on, the water filling can be stopped even during the water filling.
A signal input to the input port 110 is transmitted to the CPU 102, ROM 104, and RAM 106 via the bus 109.
[0033]
The output port 108 includes a heat medium three-way valve 36, a fuel cell 22, a heat medium pump 8, a heat storage circulation pump 49, a bath circulation pump 98, a hot water circulation pump 6, a hot water three-way valve 65, a mixing unit 54, burners 55 and 56, The thermal valves 52 and 90, the replenishing water valve 48, the pouring valve 91, and the water filling indicator 68b are connected. A control signal output from the CPU 102 is input to these devices via the bus 109 and the output port 108. The heat medium three-way valve 36 and the hot water three-way valve 65 switch the outlet based on the control signal. The fuel cell 22 performs a power generation operation based on the control signal. The reformer 30 and the heat medium cooling fan 29 operate under the control of a control device (not shown) built in the power generation unit 20.
The heat medium pump 8, the heat storage circulation pump 49, the bath circulation pump 98, and the hot water circulation pump 6 operate and stop based on the control signal. The mixing unit 54 adjusts the opening degree of the hot water supply inlet 54a and the water supply inlet 54b based on the control signal.
[0034]
The burner 55 and the burner 56 perform ignition, adjustment of combustion intensity, and extinguishing based on the control signal. The thermal valves 52, 58, 90 turn on and off the energization of the built-in expansion unit based on the control signal. The makeup water valve 48 and the pouring valve 91 are opened and closed based on the control signal. The water filling indicator 68b displays information related to water filling based on the control signal.
[0035]
A series of processing flows performed in the hot water unit 15 in the water-filled operation will be described with reference to a flowchart. It is assumed that city water is supplied to the water supply path 40 when the water filling operation is started.
The flowchart of FIG. 3 shows the water-filled operation process S10. In the first processing S12 of the water filling operation processing S10, it is determined whether or not the water filling switch 68a of the water filling panel 68 is on. If it is determined in S12 that the water filling switch 68a is not ON (OFF) (NO), the process waits as it is. If it is determined in S12 that the water filling switch 68a is on (YES), S14 is executed.
[0036]
In S14, the hot water supply inlet 54a side of the mixing unit 54 is opened and the water supply inlet 54b side is closed. When the hot water supply inlet 54a side is opened, the hot water supply path 53 and the hot water supply path 57 are communicated. Further, in S14, the makeup water valve 48 is opened and the pouring valve 91 is closed. When the process of S14 is performed, the path from the water supply path 40 to the hot water tank 44, the hot water supply path 53, the mixing unit 54, the hot water supply path 57, the systurn side path 57b, and the supply water valve 48 to the systern 51 is opened. . Since city water is supplied to the water supply path 40, the water reduced to a predetermined pressure by the pressure reducing valve 41 flows into the hot water storage tank 44. Since the hot water tank 44 has a volume of about 150 liters, it takes some time to be filled with water. When the hot water storage tank 44 is filled with water, the water overflowing from the hot water storage tank 44 flows through the hot water supply path 53, the mixing unit 54, the hot water supply path 57, and the replenishment water valve 48 and into the systern 51.
[0037]
In S16 performed after S14, it is determined whether or not the low level switch 59b of the water level electrode 59 is ON. As described above, it takes some time for the hot water tank 44 to be filled with water. Therefore, even if city water is supplied to the water supply path 40, there is a delay for water to start flowing into the systern 51. Further, even if water flows into the cistern 51, it takes time for the water level to reach the position (low level water level) detected by the low level switch 59. If the low level switch 59a is not on, the determination in S16 is NO. If NO is determined in S16, S18 is executed.
[0038]
In S18, it is determined whether or not 30 minutes have elapsed since the water pressure switch 68a was turned on. These 30 minutes are calculated based on the pressure reducing pressure of the pressure reducing valve 41 and the volume of the hot water storage tank 44, paths 40, 53, 57, 57b, etc., and the time required for water filling when there is no abnormality such as water leakage. However, this is set by adding a margin. If it is determined in S18 that 30 minutes have elapsed since the water-tight switch 68a was turned on (in the case of YES), the process proceeds to S22. In S22, the replenishing water valve 48 is closed to prevent further water from flowing into the cistern 51, and the water filling indicator 68b of the water filling panel 68 displays that the water filling is abnormal. That is, if the low level switch 59a does not detect the low level water level of the cistern 51 in S16, and 30 minutes have passed since the hydration switch 68a is turned on in S18 in this state, the water filling abnormality Is determined to have occurred. If it is determined in S18 that 30 minutes have not elapsed since the water-tight switch 68a was turned on (NO), the processing from S16 is executed again.
[0039]
On the other hand, if it is determined in S16 that the low level switch 59a of the water level electrode 59 is ON (in the case of YES), it can be determined that the water filling has been performed normally. Therefore, the process proceeds to S20, where the replenishment water valve 48 is closed to end the water filling, and the fact that the water filling has been completed normally is displayed on the water filling display 68b of the water filling panel 68. When the makeup water valve 48 is closed, the water supply from the water supply path 40a is stopped, and the city water is not consumed any more.
[0040]
Specific examples of the present invention have been described in detail above, but these are merely examples and do not limit the scope of the claims. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.
Further, the technical elements described in the present specification or the drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technology illustrated in the present specification or the drawings achieves a plurality of objects at the same time, and has technical utility by achieving one of the objects.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a system diagram of a cogeneration system according to an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a connection state between the controller and various devices according to the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart of water-filled operation processing according to the embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Cogeneration system
4: Circulation path, 4a: Circulation return path, 4b: Circulation forward path
6: Hot water circulation pump
8: Heat transfer pump
15: Hot water unit
20: Power generation unit
22: Fuel cell
24: Heat medium circulation path
25: Bypass route
26: Reserve tank
28: radiator
29: Heat medium cooling fan
30: Reformer
32: Burner
34: Combustion gas piping
35: Hydrogen supply piping
36: Heat medium three-way valve, 36a: Inlet, 36b: Outlet, 36c: Outlet
37: Drainage route
40: Water supply path, 40a: Hot water tank side path, 40b: Mixing unit side path
41: Pressure reducing valve
43: Relief valve
44: Hot water storage tank
45: Pressure release path
46: Hot water tap
47: Drain valve
48: Supply water valve
49: Thermal storage circulation pump
50: Hot water heater
51: Sistern
52: Thermal valve
53: Hot water supply route
54: Mixing unit, 54a: Hot water supply inlet, 54b: Water supply inlet, 54c: Hot water outlet
55, 56: Burner
57: Hot water supply route, 57a: Hot water tap side route, 57b: Systurn side route
58: Thermal valve
59: Water level electrode, 59a: High level switch, 59b: Low level switch
60: Controller
61: Sistern flood route
63: High temperature thermistor
65: hot water three-way valve, 65a: inlet, 65b: outlet, 65c: outlet
66: Hot water tank passage route, 66a: Coil part
68: Water-filled panel, 68a: Water-filled switch, 68b: Water-filled indicator
70: Heat exchanger
71: Remote control
74: Heat exchanger
75: Hot water tank thermistor
80: Hot water heating terminal
82: Floor heater
84: Low temperature water path, 84a: Low temperature water return path
85: Branch path
86: Hot water path
88: Additional cooking route
89: Bath hot spring route
90: Thermal valve
91: Pouring valve
92: Heat exchanger
93: Low temperature thermistor
94: Bath circulation route
95: Bath water flow switch
96: Bathtub, 96a: Hot water suction port, 96b: Hot water supply port
98: Pump

Claims (4)

The power generation unit, the hot water hot water tank heated by the generated heat generated by the power generation unit, the first path for supplying water to the hot water tank from the outside, and the second path through which overflow from the hot water tank communicates with the hot water tank A cistern, an on-off valve provided in the middle of the second path, a water level detecting means for detecting the water level of the cistern, an operating means, and a controller to which the on-off valve, the water level detecting means and the operating means are connected. Has
A cogeneration system characterized in that the controller opens the on-off valve when the operating means is operated, and closes the on-off valve when the water level detecting means detects a predetermined water level. The informing means connected to the controller is further provided, and when the water level detecting means detects the predetermined water level, the controller informs the informing means that the water filling is completed. Generation system. 3. The controller according to claim 2, wherein when the water level detection unit does not detect the predetermined water level even after a predetermined time has elapsed after opening the on-off valve, the controller notifies the notification unit that the water filling is abnormal. Cogeneration system. 4. The cogeneration system according to claim 1, wherein the controller closes the on-off valve when the water level detecting means does not detect the predetermined water level even if a predetermined time elapses after the on-off valve opens. .

Images