JP3849689B2 - Heat pump water heater - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat pump water heater.

  FIG. 13 shows a first conventional example of a conventional heat pump water heater, that is, a refrigerant circuit including a compressor 1, a condenser 2, a decompression device 3, and an evaporator 4, a hot water tank 5, and a circulation pump 6. The hot water supply circuit connected to the heat exchanger for exchanging heat with the condenser 2, the heater 7 provided in the upper part of the hot water tank 1, and the upper part and the central part of the hot water tank 5 were connected respectively. It consists of a hot water control device 8 and an electric on-off valve 9, and the heat pump operation by the compressor 1 boils the entire hot water tank 5 to low temperature hot water, and further uses midnight power to heat the upper part of the hot water tank 5 with the heater 7. Heat to hot water.

  Normally, the electric on-off valve 9 is closed and low temperature hot water is used from the center of the hot water storage tank 5 via the hot water control device 8, and when hot water is needed, the electric on-off valve 9 is opened to generate high temperature heat. Is used via the hot water control device 8 (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

A second conventional example using a general electric water heater is shown in FIG. 14. A hot water control device 8 is provided at the outlet of the hot water tank 5, and a heater 10 built in the hot water tank 5 is used. The heated hot water and the water supplied from the pressure reducing valve 11 are mixed at an appropriate temperature by the hot water control device 8 and then poured into the bathtub (for example, see Patent Document 2).
Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 1-225838 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 4-6345

  However, in the first conventional example, when hot water is discharged, the hot water remains in the pipe to the terminal (faucet) after stopping the hot water, and heat is radiated from the pipe with the passage of time, resulting in a temperature drop.

  That is, since heat dissipation loss occurs, it is necessary to boil off the heat dissipation amount. Also, when mixing the hot water and city water at the terminal to make the temperature suitable, it takes time to adjust the temperature and wastes the hot water.

  Therefore, as the hot water storage tank capacity increases, the energy required for boiling increases. Therefore, it has problems in terms of installation space, energy saving, and convenience during hot water.

  Further, in the second conventional example, since the water in the entire hot water storage tank 5 is boiled into uniform hot water by the heater 10 to store hot water, heat dissipation from the hot water storage tank 5 is increased for a small hot water supply load, and wasteful energy consumption is achieved. It becomes.

  This invention solves such a conventional subject, and aims at achieving size reduction and energy saving of a hot water tank.

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention provides a refrigerant heat circuit having a compressor and a water heat exchanger that is arranged for hot water circulation in a hot water tank and performs heat exchange with the refrigerant circuit in the middle. A connected water circulation path, a heater located downstream of the water heat exchanger and connected to the water circulation path, and hot water is forced to circulate in the water circulation path from the lower part to the upper part of the hot water storage tank. A hot water and hot water taken out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank through the downstream side of the heater of the water circulation path are mixed with a circulation pump for storing hot water heated in the temperature stratified from above the hot water storage tank. And a mixing valve that performs any hot water temperature adjustment, a reheating operation unit, and an operation controller that performs a combined operation of the heater and the compressor of the refrigerant circulation circuit according to a command from the reheating operation unit. Is.

  Therefore, hot water by a heat pump is stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank according to the hot water supply load according to the season and the like, and the hot water lowered to an appropriate temperature can be taken out through the mixing valve.

  If a large amount of hot water is needed urgently, a command is manually issued from the reheating operation means, and the heater is also used in combination with the compressor of the refrigerant circulation circuit.

  As is clear from the above description, according to the heat pump water heater of the present invention, a stable hot water temperature can be obtained regardless of the remaining hot water temperature, even if an operation pursuing a hot water supply load and economy is selected, and even the terminal equipment is obtained. This reduces heat loss in the piping system and reduces the size and energy of the hot water tank.

  And it can respond appropriately also when the hot water supply load increases suddenly, and can provide the heat pump water heater suitable for actual use.

The embodiment of the present invention includes a refrigerant circuit having a compressor and a water circuit that is arranged for circulating hot water in a hot water tank, and is connected to a water heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the refrigerant circuit in the middle. And a heater connected to the water circulation path located downstream from the water heat exchanger, and hot water was forced to circulate in the water circulation path from the bottom to the top of the hot water tank, and was heated by the water heat exchanger. An arbitrary hot water is prepared by mixing hot water and tap water extracted from the upper part of the hot water tank through the downstream side of the heater of the water circulation path with a circulation pump for storing hot water in a temperature stratified manner from above the hot water tank. A mixing valve that performs temperature adjustment, a reheating operation unit, and an operation controller that performs a combined operation of the heater and the compressor of the refrigerant circulation circuit according to a command from the reheating operation unit.

  Therefore, hot water by a heat pump is stored in the upper part of the hot water storage tank according to the hot water supply load according to the season and the like, and the hot water lowered to an appropriate temperature can be taken out through the mixing valve.

  If a large amount of hot water is urgently needed, for example, a command is manually issued from the reheating operation means, and the heater is also used in combination with the compressor of the refrigerant circulation circuit.

  Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Example 1
In FIG. 1, 1 is a compressor, 2 is a condenser, 3 is a decompression device, 4 is an evaporator, and the compressor 1, the condenser 2, the decompression device 3, and the evaporator 4 are sequentially connected to form a refrigerant circulation circuit. Configure.

  5 is a hot water storage tank, 12 is a circulation pump for forcibly circulating hot water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 to the upper part, and 13 is a water heat exchanger that exchanges heat with the condenser 2.

  And the circulation pump 12 and the water heat exchanger 13 comprise the water circulation path which connects the lower part and upper part of the hot water tank 5. Reference numeral 14 denotes a temperature detector, which is provided at the outlet of the water heat exchanger 13 and detects a medium temperature to generate a signal. 15 is a hot water temperature setting means for setting the boiling hot water temperature and having a plurality of signals.

  Reference numeral 16 denotes a rotation speed controller, which controls the rotation speed of the circulation pump 12 so that the signal from the temperature detector 14 matches the signal from the hot water temperature setting means 15. Reference numeral 17 denotes a mixing valve, which mixes hot water taken out from the upper part of the hot water tank 5 and water depressurized by the pressure reducing valve 11 and supplied to the lower part of the hot water tank 5 to arbitrarily adjust the hot water temperature.

  Next, the operation in the above configuration will be described. When the hot water supply load is large, the hot water temperature setting means 15 performs boiling hot water setting, and when the hot water load is small, the medium hot water boiling setting is performed. Then, the high-temperature and high-pressure superheated gas discharged from the compressor 1 flows into the condenser 2, where the water sent from the circulation pump 12 and flowing into the water heat exchanger 13 is heated. At that time, it is condensed and liquefied by the heat radiation action and flows into the decompression device 3, where it is decompressed and flows into the evaporator 4.

  Then, it absorbs atmospheric heat to evaporate and returns to the compressor 1. On the other hand, the water flowing out from the lower part of the hot water tank 5 flows into the water heat exchanger 13 via the circulation pump 12, heated by the condensation heat of the refrigerant, and stored in the upper part of the hot water tank 5. While repeating this operation, the entire hot water is gradually stored from the upper part of the hot water tank 5.

  In this case, when the hot water boiling operation is performed to the place where the hot water of the previous day boiled by the heat pump is present, the hot water is stored above the remaining hot water of the previous day. That is, hot water layers having different temperatures are stored in the hot water tank 5. That is, temperature stratified hot water storage is performed.

  When the hot water is discharged from the hot water tank 5, the mixing valve 17 mixes the upper hot water and tap water of the hot water tank 5, lowers the hot water temperature used at the terminal, and sends it to the terminal device. Is stable.

  Therefore, even if the remaining hot water temperature and the boiling temperature are different, it is possible to select an operation that pursues hot water supply load and economy. Moreover, since the heat loss of the piping system to the terminal equipment is reduced, the hot water tank can be reduced in size and energy can be saved. Further, it is not necessary to adjust the hot water temperature at the terminal, and convenience is improved.

(Example 2)
In FIG. 2, the same configuration and operation as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted. A plurality of hot water detection means 18 are provided in the hot water storage tank 5 to detect the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank and generate a signal. Reference numeral 19 denotes a controller for setting the temperature of the hot water temperature setting means 15 based on a signal from the hot water amount detection means 18.

  The operation in the above configuration will be described. Immediately before the start of the boiling operation, the controller 19 sets the set temperature of the hot water temperature setting means 15 from the detection signal of the remaining hot water amount of the plurality of hot water detection means 18 provided in the hot water tank 5.

  That is, when the amount of remaining hot water is greater than the previous day, the temperature setting of the hot water temperature setting means 15 is lowered. Conversely, when the amount of remaining hot water is small, the temperature setting is increased. Control of the set temperature of the hot water temperature setting means 15 by the controller 19 is performed by changing the temperature set by the initial hot water temperature setting means 15 (for example, changing the temperature setting of 65 ° C. to 50 ° C.) Alternatively, the set temperature of the hot water temperature setting means 15 may be automatically determined based on the amount of hot water detected by the hot water amount detection means 18.

  Then, the boiling operation is started, and the rotation speed controller 16 controls the rotation speed of the circulation pump 12 so that the signal of the temperature detector 14 coincides with the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 15 to be heated to the set temperature. Thereafter, the temperature is lowered to an appropriate temperature by the mixing valve 17 and sent to the terminal device.

  Therefore, the hot water temperature at the terminal is stable even if the remaining hot water temperature and the boiling temperature are different, so that the hot water temperature can be automatically set according to the amount of hot water used.

Example 3
In FIG. 3, the same configuration and operation as those of the first and second embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Reference numeral 20 denotes a plurality of mixing valves, each of which mixes hot water taken out from the hot water storage tank 5 and water supplied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 to arbitrarily adjust the hot water temperature.

  The operation in the above configuration will be described. When the hot water heated in the hot water storage tank 5 is discharged at the same time under different conditions, such as in the kitchen and bathing, the plurality of mixing valves 20 meet the request from the terminal. Adjust to the hot water temperature and supply.

  Accordingly, even if the hot water discharge and the hot water stop are performed at different hot water temperatures at each terminal, the hot water temperature is stabilized, and convenience is improved.

Example 4
In FIG. 4, the same configuration and operation as those of the first to third embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  21 is a tapping temperature setting means for setting the tapping temperature of the terminal. A controller 22 sends a signal to the mixing valve 17 that coincides with the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 21 gradually from the hot water temperature setting means 21 at the time of hot water.

  The operation in the above configuration will be described. The hot water temperature setting means 21 sets the hot water temperature of the terminal. Immediately after the hot water, the controller 22 transmits a signal of hot water slightly higher than the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 21 to the mixing valve 17, and then transmits a signal that matches the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 21. Therefore, it is not easy to start up the hot water discharged from the terminal.

(Example 5)
In FIG. 5, the same configuration and operation as those of the first to fourth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  Reference numeral 23 denotes a heater, which is provided downstream of the water heat exchanger 13. A plurality of hot water detection means 24 are provided in the hot water storage tank 5. A heating controller 25 energizes the heater 23 in response to a signal from the hot water detection means 24.

  Reference numeral 26 denotes a time accumulating means for accumulating the energizing time of the heater 23 in response to a signal from the hot water amount detecting means 24. Reference numeral 27 denotes storage means for storing the previous time integration means 26. 28 is a hot water amount comparing means, which compares the signal of the hot water amount detecting means 24 immediately before the start of operation and transmits a change signal of the hot water amount above a certain temperature. 29 is an operation time control means for setting the energization time of the heater 23 from the storage means 27 and the hot water amount comparison means 28.

  The operation in the above configuration will be described. Immediately before the start of the boiling operation, the hot water detection means 24 detects the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 and sends a signal to the hot water comparison means 28. Then, the previous remaining hot water amount is compared with the current remaining hot water amount, and a signal is transmitted to the operation time control means 29.

  In addition, the storage means 27 transmits a previous energization time signal of the heater 23 to the operation time control means 29. The operation time control means 29 sets the energization time of the heater 23 during the current boiling operation from the signals of the storage means 27 and the hot water amount comparison means 28.

  That is, the amount of remaining hot water of the previous day and today is compared, and when the amount of remaining hot water is large, the energization time of the heater 23 is set to be small. Conversely, when the amount of remaining hot water is small, the energization time is set to be long. Then, the boiling operation is started, and the heated hot water is sequentially stored from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 5 by the heat pump using the compressor 1.

  When hot water is stored up to the position of the hot water detection means 24, the hot water detection means 24 sends a signal to the heating controller 25 and the heater 23 is energized.

  The time integration means 26 integrates the energization time of the heater 23 and is energized until the energization time set by the operation time control means 29.

  The hot water tank 5 stores hot water at different temperatures, but the mixing valve 17 mixes the hot water taken out from the upper part of the hot water tank 5 and the water supplied to the lower part of the hot water tank 5 so as to be used at the terminal. Stable hot water temperature can be obtained because it is sent to the terminal device after being lowered.

  Moreover, since the amount of boiling hot water can be varied according to the amount of hot water used, power consumption can be reduced.

(Example 6)
In FIG. 6, the same configuration and operation as those of the first to fifth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  Reference numeral 30 denotes a chasing driving means for manually setting chasing operation. Reference numeral 31 denotes an operation controller which receives the signal from the reheating operation means 30 and performs the combined operation of the compressor 1 and the heater 23.

  The operation in the above configuration will be described. When a large amount of hot water is urgently needed, the operation controller 31 receives a signal from the chasing operation means 30 and energizes the compressor 1 and the heater 23 to perform a combined operation. Therefore, the reheating operation can be performed with a high heating capacity.

  In addition, even when reheating is performed at a temperature different from the remaining hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 5, the mixing valve 17 is lowered to the hot water temperature used at the terminal and sent to the terminal device when the hot water is discharged. Can be shortened and the tapping temperature can be stabilized.

(Example 7)
In FIG. 7, the same configuration and operation as those in the first to sixth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  A mixing valve 32 mixes hot water taken out from the hot water storage tank 5 and water supplied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 5 to arbitrarily adjust the hot water temperature, and detects the temperature and transmits a signal.

  An operation controller 33 compares the signal from the mixing valve 32 with the signal from the tapping temperature setting means 21 and energizes the compressor 1 and the heater 23.

  The operation in the above configuration will be described. When hot water is started, the mixing valve 32 detects the hot water temperature and sends a signal to the operation controller 33.

  The operation controller 33 compares the signal from the mixing valve 32 with the signal from the tapping temperature setting means 21.

  When the amount of remaining hot water decreases and the temperature of the discharged hot water begins to decrease, the signal of the mixing valve 32 transmits a signal lower than the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 21. Recognizing this, the operation controller 33 energizes the compressor 1 and the heater 23 to perform the combined operation.

  Therefore, since the reduction of the remaining hot water amount is automatically detected and the reheating operation is automatically performed with a high heating capacity, it is possible to improve convenience and prevent hot water from running out.

(Example 8)
In FIG. 8, the same configuration and operation as those in the first to seventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  A controller 34 detects the signal of the mixing valve 32 and switches the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 15 to be equal to the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 21.

  In the above configuration, the temperature sensor 14 detects the outlet medium temperature of the water heat exchanger 13, and the rotation speed controller 16 controls the rotation speed of the circulation pump 12 so that the signal matches the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 15. Carry out driving while controlling.

  When hot water is started during the reheating operation, the mixing valve 32 detects the hot water temperature and sends a signal to the controller 34.

  Here, the controller 34 compares the signal from the mixing valve 32 with the signal from the tapping temperature setting means 21. When the remaining hot water amount decreases and the hot water temperature starts to decrease, the controller 34 switches the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 15 to coincide with the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 21.

  Therefore, the rotation speed controller 16 controls the rotation speed of the circulation pump 12 so that the outlet medium temperature of the water heat exchanger 13 matches the signal of the hot water temperature setting means 21. As a result, the hot water boiled in the water heat exchanger 13 has the same temperature as the hot water to be discharged and is discharged as it is.

Example 9
In FIG. 9, the same configuration and operation as those in the first to eighth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  35 is a hot water amount detecting means, which is provided in the hot water storage tank 5, detects the temperature and transmits a signal. An operation controller 36 receives a signal from the hot water detection means 35 and energizes the compressor 1 to perform an independent operation using a heat pump.

  In the above configuration, when the hot water is discharged from the hot water storage tank 5, the hot water surface is pushed upward, and when the hot water surface reaches the position of the hot water amount detecting means 35, the hot water amount detecting means 35 sends a signal to the operation controller 36, and the compressor 1 is energized, and a single operation with a heat pump is performed.

  Since the mixing valve 17 is lowered to the hot water temperature to be used and sent to the terminal device, the hot water temperature is stabilized even if the remaining hot water temperature and the reheating temperature are different. Therefore, it becomes possible to perform a reheating operation with power saving.

(Example 10)
In FIG. 10, the same configuration and operation as those of the first to ninth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the description thereof is omitted.

  Reference numeral 37 denotes a heater, which is provided in the middle of the hot water supply circuit above the water heat exchanger 13 and the hot water storage tank 5, and is composed of a plurality of heaters and the like, and can change the output. Reference numeral 38 denotes a first temperature detector, which is provided at the outlet of the water heat exchanger 13, detects the temperature of the medium flowing therethrough, and generates a signal.

  A second temperature detector 39 is provided at the outlet of the heater 37, detects the temperature of the medium flowing therethrough, and generates a signal. Reference numeral 40 denotes a rotation speed controller which receives the signal from the first temperature detector 38 and controls the rotation speed of the circulation pump 12. Reference numeral 41 denotes a controller that controls the output of the heater 37 in response to a signal from the second temperature detector 39.

  In the above configuration, during the combined use of the heat pump and the heater, the boiling water temperature in the heat pump, that is, the outlet hot water temperature of the water heat exchanger 13 is detected by the first temperature detector 38, and the signal is sent to the rotation speed controller. 40, where the rotational speed of the circulating pump 12 is controlled so that the boiling water temperature in the heat pump becomes a predetermined temperature.

  During the operation, when the outlet temperature of the heater 37 becomes high, the second temperature detector 39 detects the hot water temperature and sends a signal to the controller 41 to reduce the output of the heater 37. Therefore, since the boiling water temperature in the heat pump during the combined operation is the same as that in the single operation of the heat pump, the boiling operation can be performed with high efficiency.

(Example 11)
In FIG. 11, the same configuration and operation as those of the first to tenth embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  An open / close valve 42 is provided in the hot water supply circuit of the circulation pump 12 and the water heat exchanger 13. A controller 43 closes the on-off valve 42 when the compressor 1 is stopped.

  In the above configuration, immediately after the operation is stopped, the hot water between the outlet of the water heat exchanger 13 that has become hot water during operation and the hot water storage tank 5 dissipates heat, the temperature decreases, and the density increases. A force is generated, and the hot water tries to flow backward from the upper part of the hot water tank 5.

  However, since the controller 43 closes the on-off valve 42 when the operation is stopped, natural circulation can be prevented. As a result, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 5 flows back into the hot water supply circuit and does not radiate heat.

(Example 12)
In FIG. 12, the same configurations and operations as those in the first to eleventh embodiments are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

  Reference numeral 44 denotes a heat source, which is built in the hot water tank 5 or provided in a water circulation path that connects the upper and lower parts of the hot water tank 5. 45 is a hot water amount detecting means, which is provided in the hot water storage tank 5 and detects a temperature to generate a signal. A human body recognition means 46 is provided in the bathroom, recognizes the human body, counts the number of persons, and generates a signal. An operation controller 47 controls the operation of the heat source 44 and the circulation pump 12 based on signals from the hot water detection means 45 and the human body recognition means 46.

  In the above configuration, when the amount of hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank 5 reaches the position of the hot water amount detecting means 45, the hot water amount detecting means 45 sends a signal to the operation controller 47. The human body recognition means 46 is provided in the bathroom, counts the number of bathers, and sends a signal to the operation controller 47.

  Then, the operation controller 47 selects whether or not to perform the chasing operation from the signal of the human body recognition means 46 when the signal of the hot water amount detection means 45 is received. For example, if it is the last bather, since the remaining hot water amount at the position of the hot water detection means 45 is sufficient, the chasing operation is not performed. Therefore, useless chasing operation can be prevented, so that power consumption can be saved, and the hot water tank can be heated up at midnight to promote leveling of the power load.

  Whether or not it is the last bather is determined by first inputting the number of scheduled bathers.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a heat pump water heater that can obtain a stable hot water temperature, and is suitable for home kitchen use, bath use, and the like.

The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 1 of this invention The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 2 of this invention The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 3 of this invention The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 4 of this invention The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 5 of this invention The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 6 of this invention The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 7 of this invention The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 8 of this invention. The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 9 of this invention The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 10 of this invention. The block diagram of the heat pump water heater which shows Example 11 of this invention The block diagram of the water heater which shows Example 12 of this invention Configuration diagram of conventional heat pump water heater Configuration of a conventional water heater

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Compressor 5 Hot water storage tank 12 Circulation pump 13 Water heat exchanger 17 Mixing valve 21 Hot water temperature setting means

Claims (2)

A refrigerant circulation circuit having a compressor, a water circulation path arranged for hot water circulation in a hot water tank, and connected to a water heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the refrigerant circulation circuit and the water heat exchanger And a heater connected to the water circulation path located on the downstream side, and hot water is forced to circulate in the water circulation path from the lower part to the upper part of the hot water tank, and the hot water heated by the water heat exchanger is heated from above the hot water tank. A circulation pump for storing hot water in a stratified manner, a mixing valve for adjusting hot water temperature by mixing hot water and tap water extracted from the upper part of the hot water tank through the downstream side of the heater in the water circulation path ; A heat pump water heater comprising a reheating operation means, and an operation controller for performing a combined operation of the heater together with the compressor of the refrigerant circulation circuit according to a command from the reheating operation means. The heat pump water heater according to claim 1, wherein the reheating operation means is manual.

Images