JP3887754B2

JP3887754B2 - Hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus and control method thereof

Info

Publication number: JP3887754B2
Application number: JP2002364950A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 好夫武藤; 忠夫岡田; 浩二南方; 文明佐藤
Original assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Current assignee: Sanyo Electric Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-12-17
Filing date: 2002-12-17
Publication date: 2007-02-28
Anticipated expiration: 2022-12-17
Also published as: JP2004197994A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、貯湯タンク内の湯を利用側熱交換器に循環させる貯湯式給湯装置及びその制御方法に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
貯湯式給湯装置には、湯を貯留する貯湯タンクと、この貯湯タンクの湯を加熱する加熱ユニットと、この貯湯タンクの湯取出口から取り出した湯を利用側熱交換器を経由して貯湯タンクの湯戻し口に戻すための循環配管と、この循環配管に貯湯タンクの湯を循環させる循環用ポンプとを備えるものが知られている（例えば、特許文献１）。
【０００３】
この種の貯湯式給湯装置においては、貯湯タンク内の湯が上方ほど高温となる、いわゆる湯層（温度分布）が形成されており、この貯湯タンク内の上方の湯を循環配管に送り出すことによって、高温の湯を熱交換器に供給し、貯湯タンク内の湯に下方から戻すように構成されている。これによって、貯湯式給湯装置は、高温の湯を熱媒として利用側熱交換器に供給し、利用側熱交換器において浴槽の湯等を効率よく加熱する。
【０００４】
【特許文献１】
特開２００２−１２２３５１号公報
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、利用側熱交換器で加熱しようとする浴槽の湯等が高温のときは、循環配管に送り出された熱媒の温度がほとんど下がらないまま貯湯タンク内の低温の湯の中に戻されるため、貯湯タンク内の湯層が崩れてしまうという問題があった。その結果、貯湯タンク内の上方の湯の温度が下がってしまい、利用側熱交換器に供給する熱媒の温度が下がってしまう。
【０００６】
そこで、本発明の目的は、上述した従来の技術が有する課題を解消し、貯湯タンク内の湯層の崩れを防止することができる貯湯式給湯装置及びその制御方法を提供することにある。
【０００７】
【課題を解決するための手段】
上述課題を解決するため、請求項１に記載の発明は、湯を貯留する貯湯タンクと、この貯湯タンクの湯を加熱する加熱ユニットと、この貯湯タンクの湯取出口から取り出した湯を利用側熱交換器を経由して貯湯タンクの湯戻し口に戻すための循環配管と、この循環配管に貯湯タンクの湯を循環させる循環用ポンプとを備える貯湯式給湯装置において、前記利用側熱交換器を複数有し、前記各利用側熱交換器を通過した後の湯の温度をそれぞれ測定する測定手段と、前記測定手段が測定した各温度に基づいて、前記各利用側熱交換器に流す湯量を調整する流量調整手段とを有し、前記流量調整手段は、前記測定手段が測定した各温度に基づいて、前記複数の利用側熱交換器のうち予め定めた一又は複数の利用側熱交換器に流す湯量を優先的に少なくし、又は湯の供給を停止することを特徴とする。
【０００８】
また、請求項２に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の構成において、前記流量調整手段は、前記測定手段が測定した温度が予め定めた温度になるように前記利用側熱交換器に流す湯量を調整することを特徴とする。
【０００９】
また、請求項３に記載の発明は、請求項２に記載の構成において、前記予め定めた温度は、前記利用側熱交換器を経由して貯湯タンクの湯戻し口に戻される湯の温度を、その貯湯タンク内の湯戻し口近傍の湯と同一温度又はそれに近い温度にするための温度であることを特徴とする。
【００１０】
また、請求項４に記載の発明は、請求項１に記載の構成において、前記貯湯タンク内の湯戻し口近傍の湯の温度を測定するタンク内測定手段をさらに有し、前記流量調整手段は、前記測定手段が測定した温度と、前記タンク内測定手段が測定した温度との差に基づいて、前記利用側熱交換器に流す湯量を調整することを特徴とする。
【００１１】
また、請求項５に記載の発明は、請求項１乃至４のいずれかに記載の構成において、前記流量調整手段は、前記測定手段が測定した温度に基づいて、前記利用側熱交換器への湯の供給を停止することを特徴とする。
【００１４】
また、請求項６に記載の発明は、湯を貯留する貯湯タンクと、この貯湯タンクの湯を加熱する加熱ユニットと、この貯湯タンクの湯取出口から取り出した湯を利用側熱交換器を経由して貯湯タンクの湯戻し口に戻すための循環配管と、この循環配管に貯湯タンクの湯を循環させる循環用ポンプとを備える貯湯式給湯装置の制御方法において、前記利用側熱交換器を複数有し、前記各利用側熱交換器を通過した後の湯の温度をそれぞれ測定し、測定した各温度に基づいて、前記複数の利用側熱交換器のうち予め定めた一又は複数の利用側熱交換器に流す湯量を優先的に少なくし、又は湯の供給を停止することを特徴とする。
【００１５】
また、請求項７に記載の発明は、請求項６に記載の構成において、前記測定した温度が予め定めた温度になるように前記利用側熱交換器に流す湯量を調整することを特徴とする。
【００１６】
また、請求項８に記載の発明は、請求項７に記載の構成において、前記予め定めた温度は、前記熱交換器を経由して貯湯タンクの湯戻し口に戻される湯の温度を、その貯湯タンク内の湯戻し口近傍の湯と同一温度又はそれに近い温度にするための温度であることを特徴とする。
【００１７】
また、請求項９に記載の発明は、請求項６に記載の構成において、さらに、前記貯湯タンク内の湯戻し口近傍の湯の温度を測定し、この温度と、前記利用側熱交換器を通過した後の湯の温度との差に基づいて、前記利用側熱交換器に流す湯量を調整することを特徴とする。
【００１８】
また、請求項１０に記載の発明は、請求項６乃至９のいずれかに記載の構成において、
前記利用側熱交換器を通過した後の湯の温度に基づいて、前記利用側熱交換器への湯の供給を停止することを特徴とする。
【００２１】
【発明の実施の形態】
以下、図面を参照して本発明の実施形態を詳述する。以下に示す実施形態は、本発明の一態様を示すものであり、この発明を限定するものではなく、本発明の範囲内で任意に変更可能である。
【００２２】
以下、図面を参照して、本発明の実施の形態について説明する。
【００２３】
図１は、本発明の貯湯式給湯装置の一実施形態に係るヒートポンプ式給湯装置１０である。このヒートポンプ式給湯装置１０は、貯湯タンクユニット１１と、ヒートポンプユニット（加熱ユニット）１２とから構成される。
【００２４】
貯湯タンクユニット１１において、貯湯タンク１３は、湯を貯湯しており、下部に減圧逆止弁を介して水道管が接続され、貯湯タンク１３内の下部の水圧が常時一定になるように水道水が供給される。これによって、貯湯タンク１３内には、常に一定量の湯又は水が貯湯される。また、貯湯タンク１３には、貯湯タンク１３内の湯の温度を測定するための温度センサ１３ｓが配置されている。
【００２５】
ヒートポンプユニット１２は、貯湯タンク１３内の湯を加熱するものであり、圧縮機、貯湯用熱交換器（冷媒対水熱交換器）、ヒートポンプ熱交換器及びアキュムレータが冷媒配管に順次配設されて構成される。冷媒には、オゾン破壊係数がゼロで、毒性及び可燃性が低く安全な二酸化炭素（ＣＯ₂）冷媒などが使用される。なお、ヒートポンプユニット１２は、通信回路を内蔵しており、この通信回路を介して貯湯タンクユニット１１の制御部２０からの運転指令を入力してその運転が制御される。
【００２６】
また、貯湯タンクユニット１１は、貯湯タンク１３内の湯をヒートポンプユニット１２との間で循環させるための貯湯用循環配管１４と貯湯循環ポンプ１５とを有している。この貯湯用循環配管１４は、貯湯タンク１３の上部と下部とに連結され、貯湯循環ポンプ１５によって貯湯タンク１３内の下方から湯が送り出されてヒートポンプユニット１２を経由して貯湯タンク１３の上方に戻されるように構成されている。これにより、ヒートポンプユニット１２で加熱された高温の湯が貯湯タンク１３の上方に送り出され、貯湯タンク１３には、上方ほど湯が高温（約８０℃）となり、下方ほど低温（約４０℃）となる、いわゆる湯層（温度分布）が形成される。
【００２７】
この貯湯循環ポンプ１５及び後述する各種ポンプは、貯湯タンクユニット１１の制御部２０によって制御される。なお、本実施形態ではヒートポンプユニット１２が一台の場合を示しているが、ヒートポンプユニット１２が複数台あってもよい。
【００２８】
また、この貯湯タンクユニット１１は、室内暖房に使用する暖房用熱交換器（（利用側熱交換器）１６と、浴槽１７の追い焚きや給湯に使用する追焚用熱交換器（利用側熱交換器）１８と、これら熱交換器１６、１８に貯湯タンク１３の湯を熱媒として供給するための循環用配管１９と加熱循環ポンプ（循環用ポンプ）２１とを有している。
【００２９】
ここで、この循環用配管１９は、暖房用熱交換器１６と追焚用熱交換器１８とを並列的に接続するように配設されている。詳述すると、循環用配管１９は、加熱循環ポンプ２１によって貯湯タンク１３上方の湯取出口１３ａから送出された高温の湯を暖房用熱交換器１６と追焚用熱交換器１８との一次側（熱媒側）入口に各々供給し、これら熱交換器１６、１８の出口から送出された湯を合流して貯湯タンク１３の湯戻し口１３ｂに戻すように管路が形成される。これによって、貯湯タンク１３の湯は、暖房用熱交換器１６と追焚用熱交換器１８とに別々の経路で供給されて貯湯タンク１３に戻される。言い換えれば、一方の熱交換器１６、１８を通過した湯は他方の熱交換器１８、１６を通過することなく、貯湯タンク１３に戻される。
【００３０】
さらに、この循環用配管１９には、暖房用熱交換器１６の一次側の出口側に流量調整弁２２と温度センサ（測定手段）２３とが配設されると共に、追焚用熱交換器１８の一次側の出口側に流量調整弁２４と温度センサ（測定手段）２５とが配設される。これによって、各熱交換器１６、１８から送り出される熱媒（湯）の温度を測定できると共に、各熱交換器１６、１８に供給される熱媒の流量を各々独立して調整できるように構成されている。なお、各温度センサ２３、２５の検出信号は貯湯タンクユニット１１の制御部２０に出力され、また、流量調整弁２２、２４についても制御部２０が開度の制御を行う。
【００３１】
また、この貯湯タンクユニット１１は、浴室暖房機３０及び床暖房パネル３１、３２からの配管が連結されることによって各暖房機３０〜３２と上記暖房用熱交換器１６との間で湯（以下、暖房用温水という。）を循環させるための暖房用循環配管３３及び暖房循環ポンプ３４と、浴槽１７からの配管が連結されることによって浴槽１７と上記追焚用熱交換器１８との間で湯（以下、浴槽水という）を循環させる追焚用循環配管３５及び追焚ポンプ３６などを有している。なお、床暖房パネル３１、３２からの配管が連結される部分には、熱動弁３７、３８が設けられ、これによって、各床暖房パネル３１、３２に暖房用熱交換器１６で加熱された暖房用温水を供給（通水）するか否かが選択可能であると共に、温度に応じて湯の供給を制御して床温を一定に保つことが可能になっている。また、浴室暖房機３０内にも熱動弁３９が配置され、浴室内の温度を制御可能になっている。
【００３２】
ここで、同図に示すように、浴室暖房機３０には、暖房用熱交換器１６で加熱された暖房用温水がそのまま浴室暖房機３０に供給されるのに対し、床暖房パネル３１及び３２には、暖房用熱交換器１６で加熱された暖房用温水がバイパス管３３ａを介して膨張タンク４０を経由して床暖房パネル３１及び３２に供給されるように構成されている。このように、浴室暖房機３０と床暖房パネル３１及び３２とで温水回路（温水経路）を分けている理由は、浴室暖房機３０は高温の暖房用温水を必要とするのに対し、床暖房パネル３１及び３２は、直に人の足を加熱するため低温の暖房用温水を必要とするからである。
【００３３】
一方、追焚用循環配管３５には、貯湯タンク１３の湯が供給可能に構成されている。詳述すると、貯湯タンク１３の上方の高温の湯と、下方の低温の湯とが混合栓４１により混合され、混合栓４２、ふろ注水弁４３、４４を経由して追焚用循環配管３５に供給可能に構成されている。また、この経路上には、ふろ注湯カウンタ４５、ふろ水位センサ４６、ふろ温度センサ４７、ふろ流水スイッチ４８などが配置される。これによって、浴槽１７にいわゆる湯張りができる。さらに、この経路は途中で分岐されて給湯栓４９に連結され、これによって、貯湯タンク１３からの混合湯を給湯栓４９から出すことが可能である。なお、給湯栓４９への経路の途中には給湯流量センサ４９ｓが配置される。
【００３４】
制御部２０は、ヒートポンプ式給湯装置１０全体を中枢的に制御するものである。具体的には、制御部２０は、季節別時間帯別電灯契約に基づく電力使用料金が安価な深夜時間帯などにヒートポンプユニット１２及び貯湯循環ポンプ１５を運転して貯湯タンク１３内の湯を加熱する。また、制御部２０は、床暖房リモートコントローラ５０及び５１、浴室暖房リモートコントローラ５２、台所リモートコントローラ５３及びふろリモートコントローラ５４を介して、床暖房パネル３１及び３２、浴室暖房機３０、浴槽１７に対するユーザの指示を入力し、この指示に対応して加熱循環ポンプ２１、暖房循環ポンプ３４及び追焚ポンプ３６や各種弁を駆動する。例えば、床暖房パネル３１を駆動する場合は、加熱循環ポンプ２１を駆動して貯湯タンク１３の上方の湯を暖房用熱交換器１６に循環させる一方、暖房循環ポンプ３４を駆動すると共に熱動弁３７を制御して床暖房パネル３１を循環させる暖房用温水を加熱させる。また、ふろの追焚を行う場合は、加熱循環ポンプ２１、追焚ポンプ３６を駆動して、浴槽１７の浴槽水を追焚用熱交換器１８にて加熱させる。
【００３５】
ところで、上述したように、貯湯タンク１３の湯は、上方ほど高温で下方ほど低温になるように湯層が形成されており、これによって、貯湯タンク１３の上方の湯取出口１３ａから取り出した高温の湯を暖房用熱交換器１６及び追焚用熱交換器１８に供給して各暖房機３０〜３２及び浴槽１７に供給（循環）する暖房用温水及び浴槽水を効率よく加熱する。しかしながら、各暖房機３０〜３２及び浴槽１７に供給する暖房用温水及び浴槽水が低温の場合は、貯湯タンク１３に戻される湯（熱媒）が低温となって貯湯タンク１３の湯戻し口１３ｂ付近の湯の温度に近い温度になって上記湯層が維持されるものの、各暖房機３０〜３２及び浴槽１７に供給する暖房用温水及び浴槽水が充分に暖められた後は、貯湯タンク１３に戻される湯（熱媒）が高温のまま湯戻し口に戻され、この温度差により貯湯タンク１３内に対流が生じて上記湯層が崩れてしまう場合がある。この結果、貯湯タンク１３の上方の湯の温度が低下し、各熱交換器１６及び１７に高温の湯（熱媒）を供給できなくなってしまう。
【００３６】
そこで、本実施形態では、制御部２０が、温度センサ２３及び２５によって、暖房用熱交換器１６と追焚用熱交換器１８の一次側（熱媒側）出口の湯の温度を監視し、貯湯タンク１３に戻される湯の温度が貯湯タンク１３の湯戻し口１３ｂ近傍の温度となるように、流量調整弁２２及び２４によって各熱交換器１６に流す湯量を調整する制御を行う。なお、この制御を行う点以外の動作、具体的には、貯湯タンク１３内の湯の加熱動作や、各種ポンプを駆動する動作などは従来の貯湯式給湯装置とほぼ同様であるため、詳細な説明は省略する。
【００３７】
ここで、図２は、流量調整弁２２及び２４の制御処理を示すフローチャートである。なお、この制御処理は、所定の割り込み周期で行うか、又は、リモートコントローラ５０〜５４のいずれかから信号を受信した際などに行う。また、前提として、この制御処理が行われない間は、流量調整弁２２及び２４は最大開度に設定されているものとする。
【００３８】
まず、貯湯タンクユニット１１の制御部２０は、加熱循環ポンプ２１が駆動中か否かを判断する（ステップＳ１）。ここで、加熱循環ポンプ２１が駆動中の場合とは、床暖房リモートコントローラ５０及び５１、浴室暖房リモートコントローラ５２、台所リモートコントローラ５３及びふろリモートコントローラ５４のいずれかが操作されて床暖房パネル３１、３２や浴室暖房機３０に暖房用温水を供給する場合や浴槽１７への給湯又は追焚を行っている場合である。
【００３９】
ここで、加熱循環ポンプ２１が停止している場合（ステップＳ１：ＮＯ）、制御部２０は、何ら処理を行わずにこの処理を終了する。
【００４０】
一方、加熱循環ポンプ２１が駆動中であると判断すると（ステップＳ１：ＹＥＳ）、制御部２０は、暖房用熱交換器１６側の温度センサ２３の検出結果を取得し、この暖房用熱交換器１６の一次側出口の湯温を検出する（ステップＳ２）。次に、制御部２０は、この温度センサ２３によって検出された湯温に基づいて、暖房用熱交換器１６側の流量調整弁２２の開度を調整する（ステップＳ３）。
【００４１】
詳述すると、検出した湯温と流量調整弁２２の開度とを対応づけたテーブルを予め用意しておき、制御部２０は、このテーブルに基づいて流量調整弁２２の開度を設定する。ここで、このテーブルには、この検出した湯温を、予め定めた基準温度に変更するための流量調整弁２２の開度が記述されている。この基準温度とは、暖房用熱交換器１６を通過して貯湯タンク１３に戻された湯が貯湯タンク１３内に形成されている湯層を崩さないようにする温度であり、より具体的には、貯湯タンク１３内の湯戻し口１３ｂ近傍の湯温と同一温度若しくはそれに近い温度（例えば、湯戻し口１３ｂの温度＋１０℃など）である。なお、湯戻し口１３ｂ近傍の湯温は、ヒートポンプユニット１２によって貯湯タンク１３内にほぼ一定の湯層が形成されるので、事前の測定によって容易に知ることが可能である。また、このテーブルに基づいて流量調整弁２２の開度を設定する方法に代えて、制御部２０は、検出した湯温と流量調整弁２２の開度との関係式に基づいて流量調整弁２２の開度を算出して調整するようにしてもよい。
【００４２】
この場合、制御部２０は、流量調整弁２２の開度を小さくすれば、暖房用熱交換器１６の湯量が少なくなり、この熱交換器１６の一次側出口の湯温を下げることができる。一方、流量調整弁２２の開度を大きくすれば、暖房用熱交換器１６の湯量が多くなり、この熱交換器１６の一次側出口の湯温を上げることができる。なお、この場合に、検出した湯温が上記基準温度に比して極めて高かった場合、つまり、貯湯タンク１３から供給された湯の温度に対してほとんど低下しなかった場合は、流量調整弁２２の開度をゼロにしてもよい。この場合、暖房用熱交換器１６に熱媒が滞留することとなるが、貯湯タンク１３から供給された湯の温度が低下しないということは床暖房パネル３１、３２又は浴室暖房機３０から供給される湯を充分に加熱可能と判断されるため、流量調整弁２２の開度をゼロにしても暖房機３０〜３３の暖房能力が不足するという事態は充分に回避することができる。
【００４３】
次に、制御部２０は、追焚用熱交換器１８側の温度センサ２５によって、追焚用熱交換器１８の一次側出口の湯温を検出し（ステップＳ４）、上記の場合と同様に、検出した湯温に基づいて、追焚用熱交換器１８側の流量調整弁２４の開度を調整する（ステップＳ５）。この場合、上記のテーブル又は関係式を共用して流量調整弁２４の開度を調整してもよいし、別のテーブル又は関係式を用いて流量調整弁２４の開度を調整してもよい。要は、この追焚用熱交換器１８を介して貯湯タンク１３に戻された湯を貯湯タンク１３内に形成されている湯層を崩さないようにする温度、つまり、貯湯タンク１３内の湯戻し口１３ｂ近傍の湯温と同一温度若しくはそれに近い温度にするように流量調整弁２４の開度を調整する。
【００４４】
次いで、制御部２０は、再び各流量調整弁２２及び２４の開度を調整すべく、所定時間が経過するのを待って、処理を再度ステップＳ１の処理に移行する。これにより、ステップＳ１の処理において、加熱循環ポンプ２１が駆動中であると判断される間は、暖房用熱交換器１６及び追焚用熱交換器１８の一次側出口の湯温に応じて流量調整弁２２及び２４の開度が継続して調整され、加熱循環ポンプ２１の駆動が停止されると、流量調整弁２２及び２４の調整処理を終了する。
【００４５】
以上説明したように、本実施形態によれば、暖房用熱交換器１６及び追焚用熱交換器１８の一次側出口の湯温に応じて流量調整弁２２及び２４の開度を調整することにより、暖房用熱交換器１６及び追焚用熱交換器１８に流す湯量を調整して、貯湯タンク１３に戻される湯の温度をほぼ一定に制御することができる。
【００４６】
この場合に、貯湯タンク１３に戻される湯を貯湯タンク１３内に形成されている湯層を崩さないようにする温度に制御するので、貯湯タンク１３内に形成された湯層が崩れるのを防止することができる。これによって、貯湯タンク１３の湯取出口から常に高温の湯を取り出すことが可能となる。
【００４７】
なお、本発明を上記実施の形態に基づいて説明したが、本発明はこれに限定されるものではない。例えば、上記実施の形態では、熱交換器１６及び１８の一次側出口の湯温を予め定めた基準温度に変更するように流量調整弁２２及び２４の開度を調整する場合について述べたが、図３に示すように、貯湯タンク１３の湯戻り口近傍の湯の温度を測定する温度センサ（タンク内測定手段）６０を設け、熱交換器１６及び１８の出口の湯温を、この温度センサ６０によって検出した温度と同一又はこれに近い温度となるように、流量調整弁２２及び２４の開度を調整するようにしてもよい。この場合、貯湯タンク１３内に戻す湯の温度を貯湯タンク１３内の実際の湯温とほぼ一致させることができ、より確実に湯層が崩れるのを防止することができる。
【００４８】
また、上記実施形態においては、暖房用熱交換器１６及び追焚用熱交換器１８の一次側出口の湯温が、予め定めた基準温度（湯層を崩さない温度）になるように流量調整弁２２及び２４の開度を調整する場合について述べたが、いずれか一方の熱交換器に対応する流量調節弁を優先的に調整するようにしてもよい。
【００４９】
例えば、暖房とふろの追い焚き運転中に、貯湯タンク１３から供給される湯（熱媒）の温度が６０℃以下に低下した場合、暖房用熱交換器１６への熱媒供給を停止してもよい。さらに、熱媒供給を停止した後、浴槽１７に貯湯タンク１３の湯を２０リットル注湯し、追い焚きに要する時間を短くするようにしてもよい。
【００５０】
ここで、図４は、この場合の制御フローを示す図である。
【００５１】
まず、貯湯タンクユニット１１の制御部２０は、２０リットルの追い焚き注湯を行うか否かを示す追焚注湯フラグを「０（注湯しない）」に設定し（ステップＳ１０）、追焚注湯フラグが「１」か否かを判断する（ステップＳ１１）。追焚注湯フラグが「０」の場合、制御部２０は、ふろの追い焚き運転中か否かを判断し（ステップＳ１２）、追い焚き運転中でない場合は、追焚用熱交換器１８側の流量調整弁２４を全閉にし（ステップＳ１３）、次に浴室暖房機３０と床暖房パネル３１及び３２がＯＮ（運転中）か否かを判断し（ステップＳ１４）、いずれかがＯＮの場合は暖房用熱交換器１６側の流量調整弁２２の制御を許可する一方（ステップＳ１５）、いずれもＯＮでない場合はこの流量調整弁２２を全閉にし（ステップＳ１６）、ステップＳ１１の処理に移行する。これにより、運転中の利用側設備に対応する熱交換器だけに熱媒（貯湯タンク１３の湯）が供給可能とされる。
【００５２】
一方、ステップＳ１２の判断において、追い焚き運転中と判断すると、制御部２０は、追焚用熱交換器１８側の流量調整弁２４の制御を許可した後（ステップＳ１７）、流量調整弁２４が全開か否かを判断し（ステップＳ１８）、全開の場合は貯湯タンク１３の湯取出口１３ａの湯温を検出する温度センサ（不図示）の検出温度が６０℃以下か否かを判断し（ステップＳ１９）、６０℃以下の場合（貯湯タンク１３の湯が低温の場合）は、流量調整弁２２及び２４を全閉にすると共に追い焚き注湯フラグを「１（注湯する）」にした後（ステップＳ２０）、ステップＳ１１の処理に移行する。この場合、ステップＳ１１の判断処理において、追焚注湯フラグが「１」であると判断されるため、制御部２０は、ふろ注水弁４３、４４をＯＮ（全開）にして浴槽１７に注湯を行い（ステップＳ２１）、ふろ注湯カウンタ４５の出力結果に基づいて２０リットルの注湯が終了したと判断すると（ステップＳ２２）、追焚フラグを「０（注湯しない）」にすると共に、ふろ注水弁４３、４４をＯＦＦ（全閉）にした後（ステップＳ２３）、ステップＳ１１の処理に移行する。
【００５３】
これにより、暖房とふろの追い焚き運転中に、貯湯タンク１３から供給される湯（熱媒）の温度が６０℃以下に低下すると、ふろの追焚を優先すべく、浴槽１７に貯湯タンク１３の湯が２０リットル供給される。
【００５４】
また、上記実施の形態では、貯湯タンク１３の湯が暖房用熱交換器１６及び追焚用熱交換器１８に供給されるヒートポンプ式給湯装置１０に本発明を適用する場合について述べたが、貯湯タンク１３の湯取出口１３ａから送出された湯が直接、利用側設備に供給されて貯湯タンク１３の湯戻し口１３ｂに戻される構成のヒートポンプ式給湯装置にも適用可能である。この場合、例えば、浴室暖房器３０のように、利用側設備内に熱交換器（利用側熱交換器）を有する場合は、この熱交換器の湯出口側に流量調整弁と温度センサを設け、この温度センサによって測定した温度に基づいて、この熱交換器に流す湯量を調整すればよい。また、床暖房パネル３１、３２のように利用側設備そのものが熱交換器（利用側熱交換器）としての機能する場合は、この熱交換器としての利用側設備の湯出口側に流量調整弁と温度センサを設け、この温度センサによって測定した温度に基づいて、この利用側設備に流す湯量を調整すればよい。
【００５５】
また、上記実施の形態では、ヒートポンプ式給湯装置１０が利用側設備（暖房器、浴槽など）に対応する熱交換器を２台有する場合について述べたが、熱交換器は１台でもよく、また、３台以上有していても良い。また、本発明を、ヒートポンプ式給湯装置１０に適用する場合について述べたが、その他の貯湯型給湯装置に適用してもよいことは勿論である。
【００５６】
【発明の効果】
上述したように本発明によれば、貯湯タンク内に形成された湯層が崩れるのを防止することができる。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明の貯湯式給湯装置の一実施形態に係るヒートポンプ式給湯装置を示す図である。
【図２】同ヒートポンプ式給湯装置の流量調整弁の制御処理を示すフローチャートである。
【図３】同ヒートポンプ式給湯装置の変形例を示す図である。
【図４】同ヒートポンプ式給湯装置の変形例を説明するための制御フローを示すフローチャートである。
【符号の説明】
１０ヒートポンプ式給湯装置
１１貯湯タンクユニット
１２ヒートポンプユニット
１３貯湯タンク
１３ｓ、２３、２５、６０温度センサ
１５貯湯循環ポンプ
１６暖房用熱交換器
１７浴槽
１８追焚用熱交換器
１９循環用配管
２０制御部
２１加熱循環ポンプ
２２、２４流量調整弁
３０浴室暖房機
３１、３２床暖房パネル
３４暖房循環ポンプ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus that circulates hot water in a hot water storage tank to a use side heat exchanger and a control method thereof.
[0002]
[Prior art]
The hot water storage water heater includes a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a heating unit for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and hot water taken out from the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank via a use side heat exchanger. There is known one provided with a circulation pipe for returning to the hot water return port and a circulation pump for circulating hot water in a hot water storage tank through the circulation pipe (for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
In this type of hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus, a so-called hot water layer (temperature distribution) is formed in which the hot water in the hot water storage tank becomes higher in the upper part, and the hot water in the upper part of the hot water storage tank is sent to the circulation pipe. The hot water is supplied to the heat exchanger and returned to the hot water in the hot water storage tank from below. Accordingly, the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus supplies hot water as a heat medium to the use side heat exchanger, and efficiently heats the hot water in the bathtub in the use side heat exchanger.
[0004]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2002-122351 A
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when the hot water in the bathtub to be heated by the use-side heat exchanger is hot, the temperature of the heat transfer medium sent to the circulation pipe is returned to the low-temperature hot water in the hot water storage tank with almost no drop. There was a problem that the hot water layer in the hot water storage tank collapsed. As a result, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank decreases, and the temperature of the heat medium supplied to the use side heat exchanger decreases.
[0006]
Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus and a control method therefor that can solve the problems of the conventional techniques described above and prevent collapse of the hot water layer in the hot water storage tank.
[0007]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the invention according to claim 1 is directed to a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a heating unit for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and hot water taken out from the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank. In a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus comprising a circulation pipe for returning to a hot water return port of a hot water storage tank via a heat exchanger, and a circulation pump for circulating the hot water of the hot water storage tank to the circulation pipe, A plurality of the use side heat exchangers, The temperature of hot water after passing through the use side heat exchanger Respectively Measuring means for measuring and measured by the measuring means each Based on temperature, said each It has a flow rate adjusting means to adjust the amount of hot water flowing to the user side heat exchanger. The flow rate adjusting means preferentially reduces the amount of hot water flowing to one or more predetermined use-side heat exchangers among the plurality of use-side heat exchangers based on the temperatures measured by the measuring means. Or stop supplying hot water It is characterized by that.
[0008]
Further, the invention according to claim 2 is the configuration according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate adjusting means flows through the use side heat exchanger so that the temperature measured by the measuring means becomes a predetermined temperature. It is characterized by adjusting the amount of hot water.
[0009]
The invention according to claim 3 is the configuration according to claim 2, wherein the predetermined temperature is a temperature of hot water returned to the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank via the use side heat exchanger. The temperature is the same as or close to the hot water near the hot water return port in the hot water storage tank.
[0010]
According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the configuration of the first aspect, the apparatus further comprises an in-tank measuring means for measuring the temperature of the hot water in the vicinity of the hot water return port in the hot water storage tank, and the flow rate adjusting means is The amount of hot water flowing through the use side heat exchanger is adjusted based on the difference between the temperature measured by the measuring means and the temperature measured by the in-tank measuring means.
[0011]
Further, the invention according to claim 5 is the configuration according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flow rate adjusting means is connected to the use side heat exchanger based on the temperature measured by the measuring means. The supply of hot water is stopped.
[0014]
Claims 6 The hot water storage tank for storing hot water, the heating unit for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and the hot water taken out from the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank via the use side heat exchanger In a control method for a hot water storage hot water supply apparatus comprising a circulation pipe for returning to a hot water return port and a circulation pump for circulating hot water in a hot water storage tank in the circulation pipe, Having a plurality of use side heat exchangers, Said each The temperature of hot water after passing through the use side heat exchanger Respectively Measured and measured each Based on temperature The amount of hot water flowing through one or more predetermined use side heat exchangers among the plurality of use side heat exchangers is preferentially reduced, or the hot water supply is stopped. It is characterized by that.
[0015]
Claims 7 The invention described in claim 6 In the configuration described in (1), the amount of hot water flowing through the use side heat exchanger is adjusted so that the measured temperature becomes a predetermined temperature.
[0016]
Claims 8 The invention described in claim 7 In the configuration described above, the predetermined temperature is the same as the temperature of hot water returned to the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank via the heat exchanger, or the same temperature as the hot water near the hot water return port in the hot water storage tank, or It is characterized in that the temperature is close to that.
[0017]
Claims 9 The invention described in claim 6 In the configuration described in the above, further, the temperature of hot water near the hot water return port in the hot water storage tank is measured, and based on the difference between this temperature and the temperature of hot water after passing through the use side heat exchanger, The amount of hot water flowing through the use side heat exchanger is adjusted.
[0018]
Claims 10 The invention described in claim 6 to 9 In the configuration described in any one of
The supply of hot water to the use side heat exchanger is stopped based on the temperature of the hot water after passing through the use side heat exchanger.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below shows one aspect of the present invention, and does not limit the present invention, and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the present invention.
[0022]
Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.
[0023]
FIG. 1 shows a heat pump hot water supply apparatus 10 according to an embodiment of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of the present invention. The heat pump type hot water supply apparatus 10 includes a hot water storage tank unit 11 and a heat pump unit (heating unit) 12.
[0024]
In the hot water storage tank unit 11, the hot water storage tank 13 stores hot water, and a water pipe is connected to the lower part via a pressure reducing check valve so that the water pressure in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 13 is always constant. Is supplied. Thus, a constant amount of hot water or water is always stored in the hot water storage tank 13. The hot water storage tank 13 is provided with a temperature sensor 13 s for measuring the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13.
[0025]
The heat pump unit 12 heats the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13, and a compressor, a hot water storage heat exchanger (refrigerant to water heat exchanger), a heat pump heat exchanger, and an accumulator are sequentially arranged in the refrigerant pipe. Composed. Refrigerant has zero ozone depletion potential, low toxicity and flammability, and safe carbon dioxide (CO ₂ ) A refrigerant or the like is used. The heat pump unit 12 has a built-in communication circuit, and the operation is controlled by inputting an operation command from the control unit 20 of the hot water tank unit 11 via the communication circuit.
[0026]
The hot water storage tank unit 11 includes a hot water storage circulation pipe 14 and a hot water storage circulation pump 15 for circulating hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 to and from the heat pump unit 12. This hot water circulation pipe 14 is connected to the upper and lower parts of the hot water storage tank 13, hot water is sent out from below the hot water storage tank 13 by the hot water circulation pump 15, and passes above the hot water storage tank 13 via the heat pump unit 12. It is configured to be returned. As a result, the hot water heated by the heat pump unit 12 is sent out above the hot water storage tank 13, and the hot water becomes higher in the hot water storage tank 13 (about 80 ° C.) and lower in the lower temperature (about 40 ° C.). A so-called hot water layer (temperature distribution) is formed.
[0027]
The hot water circulation pump 15 and various pumps described later are controlled by the control unit 20 of the hot water tank unit 11. In addition, although the case where there is one heat pump unit 12 is shown in the present embodiment, a plurality of heat pump units 12 may be provided.
[0028]
Further, the hot water storage tank unit 11 includes a heating heat exchanger ((use side heat exchanger) 16 used for indoor heating and a recuperator heat exchanger (use side heat) used for reheating the bathtub 17 and hot water supply. Exchanger 18, and a circulation pipe 19 and a heating circulation pump (circulation pump) 21 for supplying the heat exchangers 16 and 18 with hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 as a heat medium.
[0029]
Here, the circulation pipe 19 is arranged so as to connect the heating heat exchanger 16 and the reheating heat exchanger 18 in parallel. More specifically, the circulation pipe 19 converts the hot water sent from the hot water outlet 13a above the hot water storage tank 13 by the heating circulation pump 21 to the primary side of the heat exchanger 16 for heating and the heat exchanger 18 for memory. A pipe line is formed so that the hot water supplied to the (heat medium side) inlets and fed from the outlets of the heat exchangers 16 and 18 are joined and returned to the hot water return port 13b of the hot water storage tank 13. As a result, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 is supplied to the heating heat exchanger 16 and the memory heat exchanger 18 through separate paths and returned to the hot water storage tank 13. In other words, the hot water that has passed through one heat exchanger 16, 18 is returned to the hot water storage tank 13 without passing through the other heat exchanger 18, 16.
[0030]
Further, the circulation pipe 19 is provided with a flow rate adjusting valve 22 and a temperature sensor (measuring means) 23 on the outlet side of the primary side of the heating heat exchanger 16 and a heat exchanger 18 for remedy. A flow rate adjusting valve 24 and a temperature sensor (measuring means) 25 are disposed on the outlet side of the primary side. Thus, the temperature of the heat medium (hot water) sent from each heat exchanger 16, 18 can be measured, and the flow rate of the heat medium supplied to each heat exchanger 16, 18 can be adjusted independently. Has been. In addition, the detection signal of each temperature sensor 23 and 25 is output to the control part 20 of the hot water storage tank unit 11, and the control part 20 also controls the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valves 22 and 24.
[0031]
In addition, the hot water storage tank unit 11 is connected to pipes from the bathroom heater 30 and the floor heating panels 31 and 32 to connect hot water (hereinafter referred to as “hot water”) between the heaters 30 to 32 and the heating heat exchanger 16. The heating circulation pipe 33 and the heating circulation pump 34 for circulating the heating hot water) and the pipe from the bathtub 17 are connected to each other between the bathtub 17 and the reheating heat exchanger 18. A circulation pipe 35 for remedy for circulating hot water (hereinafter referred to as bathtub water) and a remedy pump 36 are provided. In addition, in the part to which the pipes from the floor heating panels 31 and 32 are connected, thermal valves 37 and 38 are provided, and thereby the floor heating panels 31 and 32 are heated by the heating heat exchanger 16. It is possible to select whether or not to supply warm water for heating (water flow), and to control the supply of hot water according to the temperature to keep the floor temperature constant. In addition, a thermal valve 39 is also arranged in the bathroom heater 30 so that the temperature in the bathroom can be controlled.
[0032]
Here, as shown in the figure, the heating water heated by the heating heat exchanger 16 is supplied to the bathroom heater 30 as it is, and the floor heating panels 31 and 32 are supplied to the bathroom heater 30 as they are. The heating warm water heated by the heating heat exchanger 16 is configured to be supplied to the floor heating panels 31 and 32 via the expansion tank 40 via the bypass pipe 33a. Thus, the reason why the hot water circuit (hot water path) is divided between the bathroom heater 30 and the floor heating panels 31 and 32 is that the bathroom heater 30 requires hot water for heating, whereas the floor heating This is because the panels 31 and 32 require low-temperature warm water for heating the person's feet directly.
[0033]
On the other hand, the hot water of the hot water storage tank 13 can be supplied to the circulation pipe 35 for remedy. More specifically, the hot water above the hot water storage tank 13 and the low temperature hot water below are mixed by the mixing plug 41 and passed through the mixing plug 42 and the bath water injection valves 43 and 44 to the circulation pipe 35 for remedy. It can be supplied. Further, a bath pouring counter 45, a bath water level sensor 46, a bath temperature sensor 47, a bath running water switch 48, and the like are arranged on this path. As a result, a so-called hot water filling is made in the bathtub 17. Further, this route is branched in the middle and connected to the hot water tap 49, whereby the mixed hot water from the hot water storage tank 13 can be taken out from the hot water tap 49. A hot water supply flow sensor 49 s is disposed in the middle of the route to the hot water tap 49.
[0034]
The control unit 20 centrally controls the heat pump hot water supply apparatus 10 as a whole. Specifically, the control unit 20 operates the heat pump unit 12 and the hot water circulation pump 15 to heat the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 in the midnight hours when the electricity usage fee based on the electric lamp contract according to the season is low. To do. Moreover, the control part 20 is a user with respect to the floor heating panels 31 and 32, the bathroom heater 30, and the bathtub 17 via the floor heating remote controllers 50 and 51, the bathroom heating remote controller 52, the kitchen remote controller 53, and the bathroom remote controller 54. In response to this instruction, the heating circulation pump 21, the heating circulation pump 34, the remedy pump 36, and various valves are driven. For example, when the floor heating panel 31 is driven, the heating circulation pump 21 is driven to circulate hot water above the hot water storage tank 13 to the heating heat exchanger 16, while the heating circulation pump 34 is driven and a thermal valve is operated. 37 is controlled to heat the hot water for heating circulating through the floor heating panel 31. Moreover, when performing bath retreat, the heating circulation pump 21 and the retreat pump 36 are driven, and the bath water in the bathtub 17 is heated by the recuperation heat exchanger 18.
[0035]
By the way, as described above, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 is formed with a hot water layer so that the hot water is higher at the upper side and lower at the lower side, whereby the hot water taken out from the hot water outlet 13 a above the hot water storage tank 13. Is heated to the heating heat exchanger 16 and the reheating heat exchanger 18 to efficiently heat the hot water for heating and the bathtub water supplied (circulated) to each of the heaters 30 to 32 and the bathtub 17. However, when the hot water for heating and the bathtub water supplied to each of the heaters 30 to 32 and the bathtub 17 are at a low temperature, the hot water (heat medium) returned to the hot water storage tank 13 becomes a low temperature and the hot water return port 13b of the hot water storage tank 13 is returned. Although the hot water layer is maintained at a temperature close to the temperature of the nearby hot water, the hot water storage tank 13 is heated after the heating hot water and the bathtub water supplied to the heaters 30 to 32 and the bathtub 17 are sufficiently warmed. The hot water returned to the hot water (heat medium) is returned to the hot water return port at a high temperature, and this temperature difference may cause convection in the hot water storage tank 13 to collapse the hot water layer. As a result, the temperature of the hot water above the hot water storage tank 13 is lowered, and high temperature hot water (heat medium) cannot be supplied to the heat exchangers 16 and 17.
[0036]
Therefore, in the present embodiment, the controller 20 monitors the temperature of the hot water at the primary side (heat medium side) outlet of the heating heat exchanger 16 and the additional heat exchanger 18 by the temperature sensors 23 and 25, Control is performed to adjust the amount of hot water flowing through each heat exchanger 16 by the flow rate adjusting valves 22 and 24 so that the temperature of the hot water returned to the hot water storage tank 13 becomes the temperature in the vicinity of the hot water return port 13b of the hot water storage tank 13. The operation other than the point of performing this control, specifically, the operation of heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 and the operation of driving various pumps are substantially the same as those of the conventional hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus. Description is omitted.
[0037]
Here, FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the control processing of the flow rate adjusting valves 22 and 24. This control process is performed at a predetermined interrupt cycle or when a signal is received from any of the remote controllers 50 to 54. As a premise, the flow rate adjusting valves 22 and 24 are set to the maximum opening while this control process is not performed.
[0038]
First, the control unit 20 of the hot water storage tank unit 11 determines whether or not the heating circulation pump 21 is being driven (step S1). Here, the case where the heating circulation pump 21 is being driven means that any one of the floor heating remote controllers 50 and 51, the bathroom heating remote controller 52, the kitchen remote controller 53, and the bathroom remote controller 54 is operated and the floor heating panel 31, This is a case where hot water for heating is supplied to 32 or the bathroom heater 30 or a case where hot water is supplied to the bathtub 17 or is being memorialized.
[0039]
Here, when the heating circulation pump 21 is stopped (step S1: NO), the control unit 20 ends this process without performing any process.
[0040]
On the other hand, if it is determined that the heating circulation pump 21 is being driven (step S1: YES), the control unit 20 acquires the detection result of the temperature sensor 23 on the heating heat exchanger 16 side, and this heating heat exchanger. The hot water temperature at the primary side outlet of 16 is detected (step S2). Next, the control unit 20 adjusts the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 on the heating heat exchanger 16 side based on the hot water temperature detected by the temperature sensor 23 (step S3).
[0041]
More specifically, a table in which the detected hot water temperature is associated with the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is prepared in advance, and the control unit 20 sets the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 based on this table. Here, in this table, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 22 for changing the detected hot water temperature to a predetermined reference temperature is described. The reference temperature is a temperature that prevents the hot water that has passed through the heat exchanger 16 for heating and returned to the hot water storage tank 13 from breaking the hot water layer formed in the hot water storage tank 13. Is the same temperature as or close to the hot water temperature in the vicinity of the hot water return port 13b in the hot water storage tank 13 (for example, the temperature of the hot water return port 13b + 10 ° C.). The hot water temperature in the vicinity of the hot water return port 13b can be easily known by measuring in advance since a substantially constant hot water layer is formed in the hot water storage tank 13 by the heat pump unit 12. Further, instead of the method of setting the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 22 based on this table, the control unit 20 performs the flow rate adjusting valve 22 based on the relational expression between the detected hot water temperature and the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 22. The degree of opening may be calculated and adjusted.
[0042]
In this case, the controller 20 can reduce the amount of hot water in the heating heat exchanger 16 and reduce the hot water temperature at the primary side outlet of the heat exchanger 16 if the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is reduced. On the other hand, if the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valve 22 is increased, the amount of hot water in the heating heat exchanger 16 increases, and the hot water temperature at the primary side outlet of the heat exchanger 16 can be increased. In this case, when the detected hot water temperature is extremely higher than the reference temperature, that is, when the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 13 is hardly lowered, the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is used. The opening may be zero. In this case, although the heat medium stays in the heating heat exchanger 16, the fact that the temperature of the hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 13 does not decrease is supplied from the floor heating panels 31 and 32 or the bathroom heater 30. Therefore, even if the opening of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is made zero, the situation where the heating capacity of the heaters 30 to 33 is insufficient can be sufficiently avoided.
[0043]
Next, the control unit 20 detects the hot water temperature at the outlet on the primary side of the heat exchanger for remedy 18 by the temperature sensor 25 on the side of the heat exchanger for remedy 18 (step S4), and similarly to the above case. Based on the detected hot water temperature, the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 24 on the side of the heat exchanger for remedy 18 is adjusted (step S5). In this case, the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 24 may be adjusted by sharing the above table or relational expression, or the opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 24 may be adjusted using another table or relational expression. . In short, the temperature at which the hot water returned to the hot water storage tank 13 through the heat exchanger 18 for keeping track of the hot water layer formed in the hot water storage tank 13 is not destroyed, that is, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13. The opening degree of the flow rate adjustment valve 24 is adjusted so that the temperature is the same as or close to the hot water temperature in the vicinity of the return port 13b.
[0044]
Next, the control unit 20 waits for a predetermined period of time to adjust the opening degree of each of the flow rate adjusting valves 22 and 24 again, and then shifts the process to step S1 again. Thereby, in the process of step S1, while it is determined that the heating circulation pump 21 is being driven, the flow rate according to the hot water temperature at the primary side outlet of the heating heat exchanger 16 and the additional heat exchanger 18 is determined. When the opening degree of the adjusting valves 22 and 24 is continuously adjusted and the driving of the heating circulation pump 21 is stopped, the adjusting process of the flow rate adjusting valves 22 and 24 is finished.
[0045]
As described above, according to the present embodiment, the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valves 22 and 24 is adjusted according to the hot water temperature at the primary side outlet of the heating heat exchanger 16 and the additional heat exchanger 18. Thus, the amount of hot water flowing through the heating heat exchanger 16 and the reheating heat exchanger 18 can be adjusted, and the temperature of the hot water returned to the hot water storage tank 13 can be controlled to be substantially constant.
[0046]
In this case, since the hot water returned to the hot water storage tank 13 is controlled to a temperature that does not break the hot water layer formed in the hot water storage tank 13, the hot water layer formed in the hot water storage tank 13 is prevented from collapsing. can do. This makes it possible to always take out hot water from the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank 13.
[0047]
Although the present invention has been described based on the above embodiment, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, in the above embodiment, the case where the opening degree of the flow rate adjusting valves 22 and 24 is adjusted so as to change the hot water temperature at the primary side outlet of the heat exchangers 16 and 18 to a predetermined reference temperature has been described. As shown in FIG. 3, a temperature sensor (in-tank measuring means) 60 for measuring the temperature of the hot water in the vicinity of the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank 13 is provided, and the hot water temperature at the outlets of the heat exchangers 16 and 18 is set to this temperature sensor. You may make it adjust the opening degree of the flow regulating valves 22 and 24 so that it may become the same temperature as the temperature detected by 60, or near this. In this case, the temperature of the hot water returned to the hot water storage tank 13 can be made substantially coincident with the actual hot water temperature in the hot water storage tank 13, and the hot water layer can be prevented from collapsing more reliably.
[0048]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, flow volume adjustment is carried out so that the hot water temperature of the primary side exit of the heat exchanger 16 for heating and the heat exchanger 18 for remedy becomes predetermined reference temperature (temperature which does not collapse a hot water layer). Although the case where the opening degree of the valves 22 and 24 is adjusted has been described, the flow rate control valve corresponding to one of the heat exchangers may be adjusted with priority.
[0049]
For example, when the temperature of hot water (heat medium) supplied from the hot water storage tank 13 drops to 60 ° C. or lower during heating and bathing operation, the supply of the heat medium to the heat exchanger 16 for heating is stopped. Also good. Furthermore, after stopping the supply of the heat medium, 20 liters of hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 may be poured into the bathtub 17 to shorten the time required for reheating.
[0050]
Here, FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a control flow in this case.
[0051]
First, the control unit 20 of the hot water storage tank unit 11 sets a refilling pouring flag indicating whether or not to carry out 20 liters of refilling pouring to “0 (do not pour)” (step S10). It is determined whether or not the pouring flag is “1” (step S11). When the refill pouring flag is “0”, the control unit 20 determines whether or not the reheating operation is in progress (step S12). When the flow rate adjustment valve 24 is fully closed (step S13), it is then determined whether the bathroom heater 30 and the floor heating panels 31 and 32 are ON (during operation) (step S14). While permitting control of the flow rate adjustment valve 22 on the heat exchanger 16 side for heating (step S15), if neither is ON, the flow rate adjustment valve 22 is fully closed (step S16), and the process proceeds to step S11. To do. As a result, the heat medium (hot water in the hot water storage tank 13) can be supplied only to the heat exchanger corresponding to the use-side equipment in operation.
[0052]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S12 that the reheating operation is being performed, the control unit 20 permits control of the flow rate adjusting valve 24 on the side of the heat exchanger 18 for tracking (step S17), and then the flow rate adjusting valve 24 is turned on. It is determined whether or not it is fully opened (step S18). If fully open, it is determined whether or not the temperature detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) that detects the hot water temperature at the hot water outlet 13a of the hot water storage tank 13 is 60 ° C. or lower ( Step S19) When the temperature is 60 ° C. or lower (when the hot water in the hot water storage tank 13 is low in temperature), the flow rate adjusting valves 22 and 24 are fully closed and the reheating pouring flag is set to “1 (pour hot water)”. After (step S20), the process proceeds to step S11. In this case, in the determination process of step S11, it is determined that the refill pouring flag is “1”, and therefore the control unit 20 turns on the bath pouring valves 43 and 44 (fully opened) and pours water into the bathtub 17. (Step S21), and when it is determined that the 20 liters of pouring has been completed based on the output result of the bath pouring counter 45 (step S22), the remedy flag is set to “0 (do not pour)”, After the water injection valves 43 and 44 are turned off (fully closed) (step S23), the process proceeds to step S11.
[0053]
Thus, when the temperature of hot water (heat medium) supplied from the hot water storage tank 13 decreases to 60 ° C. or lower during heating and bathing operation, the hot water tank 13 is placed in the bathtub 17 in order to give priority to bathing. 20 liters of hot water is supplied.
[0054]
Moreover, although the said embodiment described the case where this invention was applied to the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus 10 with which the hot water of the hot water storage tank 13 is supplied to the heat exchanger 16 for heating, and the heat exchanger 18 for remedy, The present invention can also be applied to a heat pump type hot water supply apparatus in which the hot water sent from the hot water outlet 13a of the tank 13 is directly supplied to the use side equipment and returned to the hot water return port 13b of the hot water storage tank 13. In this case, for example, when a heat exchanger (use side heat exchanger) is provided in the use side facility as in the bathroom heater 30, a flow rate adjusting valve and a temperature sensor are provided on the hot water outlet side of the heat exchanger. Based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the amount of hot water flowing through the heat exchanger may be adjusted. In addition, when the use side equipment itself functions as a heat exchanger (use side heat exchanger) like the floor heating panels 31 and 32, a flow rate adjusting valve is provided at the hot water outlet side of the use side equipment as the heat exchanger. And a temperature sensor, and based on the temperature measured by the temperature sensor, the amount of hot water flowing to the user-side equipment may be adjusted.
[0055]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the case where the heat pump type hot-water supply apparatus 10 has two heat exchangers corresponding to a use side installation (a heater, a bathtub, etc.) was described, one heat exchanger may be sufficient, You may have three or more. Moreover, although the case where this invention was applied to the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus 10 was described, it is needless to say that it may be applied to other hot water storage type hot water supply apparatuses.
[0056]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to prevent the hot water layer formed in the hot water storage tank from collapsing.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to an embodiment of a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a control process of a flow rate adjusting valve of the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus.
FIG. 3 is a view showing a modification of the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control flow for explaining a modification of the heat pump hot water supply apparatus.
[Explanation of symbols]
10 Heat pump water heater
11 Hot water storage tank unit
12 Heat pump unit
13 Hot water storage tank
13s, 23, 25, 60 Temperature sensor
15 Hot water circulation pump
16 Heat exchanger for heating
17 Bathtub
18 Memorial heat exchanger
19 Circulation piping
20 Control unit
21 Heating circulation pump
22, 24 Flow control valve
30 Bathroom heater
31, 32 Floor heating panel
34 Heating circulation pump

Claims

A hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a heating unit for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and hot water taken out from the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank to return to the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank via the use side heat exchanger In the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus provided with a circulation pipe and a circulation pump for circulating the hot water in the hot water storage tank through the circulation pipe,
Having a plurality of use side heat exchangers,
Measuring means for measuring the temperature of the hot water after passing through each use side heat exchanger respectively,
Based on the temperature of the measuring means is measured, have a flow regulating means for adjusting the amount of hot water flowing to the each utilization side heat exchanger,
The flow rate adjusting means preferentially reduces the amount of hot water flowing through one or more predetermined use-side heat exchangers among the plurality of use-side heat exchangers based on the temperatures measured by the measuring means, Or the hot water storage type hot-water supply apparatus characterized by stopping supply of hot water.

2. The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the flow rate adjusting means adjusts the amount of hot water flowing through the use side heat exchanger so that the temperature measured by the measuring means becomes a predetermined temperature.

The predetermined temperature is set so that the temperature of the hot water returned to the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank via the use side heat exchanger is the same as or close to the hot water near the hot water return port in the hot water storage tank. The hot water storage type hot water supply device according to claim 2, wherein the hot water storage device is at a temperature for the heating.

In-tank measuring means for measuring the temperature of hot water near the hot water return port in the hot water storage tank,
The flow rate adjusting means adjusts the amount of hot water flowing to the use side heat exchanger based on a difference between the temperature measured by the measuring means and the temperature measured by the in-tank measuring means. The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to 1.

The hot water storage hot water supply according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the flow rate adjusting means stops the supply of hot water to the use side heat exchanger based on the temperature measured by the measuring means. apparatus.

A hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a heating unit for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and hot water taken out from the hot water outlet of the hot water storage tank to return to the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank via the use side heat exchanger In the control method of the hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus provided with a circulation pipe of the above and a circulation pump for circulating the hot water of the hot water storage tank to the circulation pipe,
A plurality of the utilization-side heat exchanger, the temperature of the hot water after passing through each use side heat exchanger are respectively measured based on each temperature measured in advance among the plurality of usage-side heat exchanger A control method for a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus, characterized by preferentially reducing the amount of hot water flowing through one or a plurality of defined use side heat exchangers or stopping the supply of hot water.

The method for controlling a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein an amount of hot water flowing through the use side heat exchanger is adjusted so that the measured temperature becomes a predetermined temperature.

The predetermined temperature is set so that the temperature of the hot water returned to the hot water return port of the hot water storage tank via the heat exchanger is the same as or close to the hot water near the hot water return port in the hot water storage tank. The method for controlling a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to claim 7 , wherein the temperature of

Furthermore, the temperature of the hot water near the hot water return port in the hot water storage tank is measured, and based on the difference between this temperature and the temperature of the hot water after passing through the usage side heat exchanger, the usage side heat exchanger The method for controlling a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus according to claim 6 , wherein the amount of hot water flowing through the hot water supply is adjusted.

The hot water storage system according to any one of claims 6 to 9 , wherein supply of hot water to the use side heat exchanger is stopped based on a temperature of hot water after passing through the use side heat exchanger. Control method for hot water supply device.