JP3963745B2

JP3963745B2 - Gas consumption estimation method and system

Info

Publication number: JP3963745B2
Application number: JP2002075898A
Authority: JP
Inventors: 元藤井; 秀樹岡本; 卓広山田; 真加藤
Original assignee: Osaka Gas Co Ltd
Current assignee: Osaka Gas Co Ltd
Priority date: 2002-03-19
Filing date: 2002-03-19
Publication date: 2007-08-22
Anticipated expiration: 2022-03-19
Also published as: JP2003269721A

Description

【０００１】
【発明の属する技術分野】
本発明は、ガス給湯器等のガス機器のガス消費量を推定するガス消費量推定方法及びシステムの高精度化技術に関する。
【０００２】
【従来の技術】
昨今の地球環境保全に対する意識の高まりから、ガス機器等のエネルギ消費機器の各ユーザが機器の運転条件をエネルギ消費量が減少するように設定して、所謂省エネルギ（以下、「省エネ」と略称する。）状態で機器を運転させるケースが増えている。また、かかる省エネ運転を支援すべく、各機器のエネルギ使用量をモニタしてユーザに一定の方法で提示することで、ユーザの省エネ運転の支援を行う省エネルギ運転誘導装置（省エネナビ）が開発されている。
【０００３】
上記省エネナビは電力使用量モニタが市販され一般の利用に供されているが、ガス消費量や水道使用量をモニタできるものは商品化されていない。また、ガス消費量の多くの部分を占める給湯器のガス消費量がモニタできれば有意義である。
【０００４】
個々のガス機器のガス消費量を推定する方法として、給湯器等の流体加熱装置では、流体（例えば水）のガス燃焼による加熱前後の温度差と流体の供給量を乗算するとその流体に加えられた熱量が算出でき、その熱量を供給ガスの発熱量と流体加熱装置の効率の積で除算して、流体加熱に要したガス消費量を推定する方法がある（特許第３０６１２１５号、特許第２９５４２８４号など参照）。また、ガス機器に設けられたガス流量調整用の電磁弁の開度からガス流量を求め、そのガス流量を積算することでガス消費量を算出する方法がある。
【０００５】
【発明が解決しようとする課題】
しかしながら、給湯器等のガス機器の効率は経年的に変化し、同一機種においても器差が生じるために、上記前者の推定方法における効率を一定値に固定した場合に誤差が生じる結果となる。また、供給ガスの発熱量はガス種（都市ガス、プロパン等）やガス供給会社によっても異なるため、推定対象のガス機器の設置場所で発熱量データを変更する必要がある。更に、上記後者の推定方法においては、ガス流量調整用の電磁弁の開度センサに数％の誤差が存在するため、推定値に誤差が生じる。
【０００６】
また、ガス機器を単独使用した場合に、ガス機器のガス消費量の推定値がたとえ正確であっても、課金用のガスメータにも計量法で許容された器差（±４％以内）があるため、課金用ガスメータの計測値との齟齬が生じ、ガス需要者から当該齟齬について苦情の出る虞がある。
【０００７】
本発明は、上述の問題点に鑑みてなされたものであり、その目的は、ガス機器の経年変化、器差、供給ガスの発熱量等の変動に拘らず、ガス機器のガス消費量を高精度に推定できるガス消費量推定方法及びシステムを提供する点にある。
【０００８】
【課題を解決するための手段】
この目的を達成するための本発明に係るガス消費量推定方法の第一の特徴構成は、特許請求の範囲の欄の請求項１に記載した如く、ガス機器内で得られる計測値に基づいて独立して導出可能で前記ガス機器のガス消費量と一定の関係にある物理量と、前記ガス機器単独使用時のガスメータで計測される計測ガス消費量との間で算出される関係値を新たに算出し又は定期的に求め、当該関係値と前記ガス機器について得られる計測値から導出される物理量とに基づいて、前記ガス機器の機器ガス消費量を推定する点にある。
【０００９】
同第二の特徴構成は、特許請求の範囲の欄の請求項２に記載した如く、上記第一の特徴構成に加えて、前記ガス機器がガス燃焼によって前記ガス機器に供給された流体を加熱して送出する流体加熱装置であり、前記物理量が前記流体に加えられた熱量であり、前記関係値が前記計測ガス消費量と前記熱量の比で与えられる係数であり、前記流体の前記ガス燃焼による加熱前後の温度差と前記流体の供給量を計測し、その計測した前記温度差と前記供給量及び前記係数に基づいて前記機器ガス消費量を推定する点にある。
【００１０】
同第三の特徴構成は、特許請求の範囲の欄の請求項３に記載した如く、上記第一の特徴構成に加えて、前記物理量が前記ガス機器に設けられたガス流量調整弁の開度から算出される算出機器ガス流量であり、前記関係値が前記計測ガス消費量と前記算出機器ガス流量の比で与えられる係数であり、前記ガス流量調整弁の開度から算出される前記算出機器ガス流量と前記係数に基づいて前記機器ガス消費量を推定する点にある。
【００１１】
同第四の特徴構成は、特許請求の範囲の欄の請求項４に記載した如く、上記第一乃至第三の何れかの特徴構成に加えて、前記ガスメータの計測値が一定時間以上の間、所定値に対し一定の誤差範囲内にある場合に、前記ガス機器の一台を強制的に作動させて、その作動させたガス機器の前記計測ガス消費量を求める点にある。
【００１２】
この目的を達成するための本発明に係るガス消費量推定システムの第一の特徴構成は、特許請求の範囲の欄の請求項５に記載した如く、ガス機器内で得られる計測値に基づいて独立して算出可能で前記ガス機器のガス消費量と一定の関係にある物理量を導出する物理量導出手段と、前記ガス機器のガスメータで計測される計測ガス消費量を受け付ける計測ガス消費量入力手段と、前記物理量と前記ガス機器単独使用時の前記計測ガス消費量との間の所定の関係値を算出する関係値算出手段と、前記関係値に基づいて、前記ガス機器の機器ガス消費量を推定する機器ガス消費量推定手段とを備え、前記関係値算出手段は前記関係値を新たに算出し又は定期的に更新し、当該関係値と前記物理量導出手段により導出された物理量とに基づいて、前記機器ガス消費量推定手段が前記ガス機器の機器ガス消費量を推定する点にある。
【００１３】
同第二の特徴構成は、特許請求の範囲の欄の請求項６に記載した如く、上記第一の特徴構成に加えて、外部入力に基づいて前記ガス機器が単独使用時にあると判断して前記関係値算出手段を起動させる関係値算出起動手段を備えている点にある。
【００１４】
同第三の特徴構成は、特許請求の範囲の欄の請求項７に記載した如く、上記第一の特徴構成に加えて、前記ガスメータの計測値が一定時間以上の間、所定値に対し一定の誤差範囲内にあることを検知して、前記ガス機器を強制的に作動させて、前記関係値算出手段を起動させる関係値算出起動手段を備えている点にある。
【００１５】
以下に上記各特徴構成の作用並びに効果を説明する。
本発明に係るガス消費量推定方法の第一の特徴構成によれば、物理量と関係値からガス機器のガス使用量を、単独使用したときにガスメータで計測されるガス機器のガス消費量と同等の精度で推定できる。ここで、関係値はガス機器の設置場所において新たに設定し、或いは、定期的に更新することが可能であるので、推定時の計測値から導出される物理量と機器ガス消費量との間に生じるガス機器の経年変化、器差、供給ガス発熱量の変動等の影響による誤差を、関係値に吸収して補正することができ、当該影響を排除して高精度に機器ガス消費量を推定できる。従って、当該ガス機器の単独使用時に推定した機器ガス消費量とガスメータで計測したガス消費量の間での齟齬も大幅に縮減される。
【００１６】
同ガス消費量推定方法の第二の特徴構成によれば、流体のガス燃焼による加熱前後の温度差と流体の供給量を乗算することで流体に加えられた熱量を求め、その熱量を供給ガスの発熱量とガス機器の効率の積で除算することにより流体加熱装置の機器ガス消費量を推定する場合において、供給ガスの発熱量の変動やガス機器の効率の経年変化や器差の影響で生じる誤差が解消される。つまり、関係値が供給ガスの発熱量とガス機器の効率の積の逆数に相当するため、供給ガスの発熱量とガス機器の効率を各別に取得する必要がなく、更に、その関係値を定期的に更新することで、当該誤差を関係値に吸収して補正することができるので、高精度に機器ガス消費量を推定できる。
【００１７】
同ガス消費量推定方法の第三の特徴構成によれば、ガス機器に設けられたガス流量調整弁の開度からガス機器の機器ガス消費量を推定する場合において、ガス流量調整弁の開度を検出する開度センサの器差の影響で生じる誤差が解消される。つまり、関係値がガス流量調整弁の開度から機器ガス消費量を算出する際に生じる誤差を補正する補正係数として機能するため、関係値を定期的に更新することで、当該補正係数を常に適正に維持でき、高精度な機器ガス消費量の推定が可能となる。
【００１８】
同ガス消費量推定方法の第四の特徴構成によれば、ガスメータの計測値が一定時間以上の間、所定値に対し一定の誤差範囲内にある場合は、ガス機器全体の使用状態が安定状態にあると判断できるので、特定のガス機器を一台作動させた時のガスメータ計測値の増分は、そのガス機器単独使用時の計測ガス消費量として把握できるので、当該計測ガス消費量を用いて上記第一乃至第三の特徴構成のガス消費量推定方法を実施できる。その結果、上記した各作用効果を奏することができる。特に、上記所定値がゼロの時は、まさに当該ガス機器の単独使用となるので、尚好ましい。
【００１９】
本発明に係るガス消費量推定システムの第一の特徴構成によれば、上記第一乃至第三の特徴構成のガス消費量推定方法を実施できる。その結果、上記した各作用効果を奏することができる。つまり、物理量導出手段が導出した物理量と計測ガス消費量入力手段が受け付けた計測ガス消費量のガス機器単独使用時の値とから関係値算出手段が関係値を算出することができ、機器ガス消費量推定手段が当該関係値に基づいて機器ガス消費量を推定する。従って、使用する関係値はガス機器の設置場所において新しく設定された値や更新された値を使用できるので、ガス機器の経年変化、器差、供給ガス発熱量の変動等の影響を排除して、高精度に機器ガス消費量を推定できる。
【００２０】
特に、物理量導出手段が、流体のガス燃焼による加熱前後の温度差と流体の供給量を計測し、その計測した温度差と供給流量から流体に加えられた熱量を物理量として導出し、関係値算出手段が関係値を計測ガス消費量と物理量導出手段が導出した熱量の比で算出し、機器ガス消費量推定手段が、機器ガス消費量推定時に物理量導出手段が導出した熱量に関係値算出手段が算出した関係値を乗算することで機器ガス消費量が推定され、上記第二の特徴構成のガス消費量推定方法が実施される。
【００２１】
また、物理量導出手段が、ガス機器に設けられたガス流量調整弁の開度から算出機器ガス流量を算出し、関係値算出手段が関係値を計測ガス消費量と前記算出機器ガス流量の比で算出し、機器ガス消費量推定手段が、機器ガス消費量推定時に物理量導出手段が算出した算出機器ガス流量に関係値算出手段が算出した関係値を乗算することで機器ガス消費量が推定され、上記第三の特徴構成のガス消費量推定方法が実施される。
【００２２】
同ガス消費量推定システムの第二の特徴構成によれば、関係値算出起動手段が関係値算出手段を起動させる時は、計測ガス消費量入力手段に入力される計測ガス消費量がガス機器単独使用時の値であるので、関係値算出手段はガス機器単独使用時の計測ガス消費量に基づいて正確な関係値を算出することができる。
【００２３】
例えば、計測ガス消費量入力手段に入力される計測ガス消費量と機器ガス消費量推定手段が推定した機器ガス消費量の差分が一定範囲内に収まっていて、しかもその差分値（絶対値）が他のガス機器のガス消費量下限値より小さい場合、或いは、計測ガス消費量が機器ガス消費量より小さい場合に、自己のガス機器が単独使用時であるとして、その差分値を補正するべく関係値の更新を行うことができる。
【００２４】
同ガス消費量推定システムの第三の特徴構成によれば、上記第四の特徴構成のガス消費量推定方法を実施できる。つまり、関係値算出起動手段がガス機器の一台を強制的に作動させると、ガス機器作動前の計測ガス消費量入力手段に入力された計測ガス消費量に対するガス機器作動後の計測ガス消費量入力手段に入力された計測ガス消費量の増分がガス機器単独使用時の計測ガス消費量として関係値算出手段に与えることができ、関係値算出手段はガス機器単独使用時の計測ガス消費量に基づいて正確な関係値を算出することができる。
【００２５】
【発明の実施の形態】
本発明に係るガス消費量推定方法（以下、適宜「本発明方法」と略称する）及びガス消費量推定システム（以下、適宜「本発明システム」と略称する）の実施の形態を、ガス機器の一例としてガス給湯器（流体加熱装置の一例）のガス消費量を推定する場合について、図面に基づいて説明する。尚、以下の説明においてガス消費量は単位時間あたりのガス消費量として扱う。
【００２６】
〈第１実施形態〉
本発明システム１は、図１に示すように、物理量導出手段２、計測ガス消費量入力手段３、関係値算出手段４、機器ガス消費量推定手段５、及び、関係値算出起動手段６を備えて構成されている。尚、上記各手段２〜６は、ガス給湯器１０の燃焼制御を行う制御基板のマイクロコンピュータ上で、所定のコンピュータプログラムを実行することにより夫々実現される。ガス給湯器１０には、熱交換器１１への入水温度を計測する第１温度センサ１２、熱交換器１１からの出湯温度を計測する第２温度センサ１３、熱交換器１１への単位時間当りの入水量を計測する流量計１４が設けられており、各計測値が物理量導出手段２に入力されるように構成されている。
【００２７】
ガス給湯器１０を含む同じユーザの使用する全てのガス機器へガス供給を行うとともに当該全てのガス機器の総ガス消費量を計測するガスメータ２０が設けられており、そのガスメータ２０の計測値が計測ガス消費量入力手段３に入力される。ここで、ガスメータ２０の計測値は、ガスメータ２０の種類によって、単位時間当りの総ガス消費量として一定時間毎に計測ガス消費量入力手段３に入力される場合と、ガスメータ２０が単位ガス消費量当りに発生するパルス信号として計測ガス消費量入力手段３に入力される場合がある。後者のパルス発信式ガスメータの場合は、計測ガス消費量入力手段３が当該パルス信号の受信回数をカウントして、そのカウント値を単位時間当りの計測ガス消費量に換算する。
【００２８】
次に、上記各手段２〜６の機能、及び、上記各手段２〜６を用いた本発明方法の処理手順について、図２に基づいて説明する。
【００２９】
関係値算出起動手段６は、計測ガス消費量入力手段３に入力される計測ガス消費量としてのガスメータ２０が計測する総ガス消費量をモニタする。計測ガス消費量が一定時間以上（例えば、１０分以上）所定値に対して一定の誤差範囲内（例えば、０±０．００１ｍ³／秒）であれば、全てのガス機器がオフ状態であると判断して、ガス給湯器１０を作動させるとともに、関係値算出手段４を起動する（＃１０）。この結果、ガス給湯器１０の単独使用状態となる。本実施形態では、ガス給湯器１０の待機状態においては、物理量導出手段２及び計測ガス消費量入力手段３は常時起動しているものとする。
【００３０】
物理量導出手段２は、ガス給湯器１０が作動した後に、第１温度センサ１２からの入水温度Ｔｉと第２温度センサ１３からの出湯温度Ｔｏと流量計１４からの単位時間当りの入水量Ｓを受信して、下記の数１に示す導出式により水に与えられた単位時間当りの熱量Ｑ（物理量の一例）を算出し、関係値算出手段４に出力する（＃１１）。尚、熱量Ｑと入水量Ｓの単位は、数１における関係が成立するように選択される。
【００３１】
【数１】
Ｑ＝（Ｔｏ−Ｔｉ）×Ｓ
【００３２】
尚、工程＃１１において、出湯温度Ｔｏに代えて制御目標温度を用いても構わない。
【００３３】
計測ガス消費量入力手段３は、ガス給湯器１０が作動した後の単位時間当りの計測ガス消費量Ｆ１を、ガス給湯器１０の単独使用時の計測ガス消費量として、ガスメータ２０から受信或いはガスメータからの受信信号に基づいて算出し、関係値算出手段４に出力する（＃１２）。
【００３４】
関係値算出手段４は、物理量導出手段２が算出した熱量Ｑと計測ガス消費量入力手段３から入力された計測ガス消費量Ｆ１から、下記の数２に示す導出式により関係値Ｋ１を算出し、所定の不揮発性記憶装置に記憶する（＃１３）。尚、不揮発性記憶装置は前記マイクロコンピュータ内に設けられた電池バックアップ式のＳＲＡＭやフラッシュメモリ等を利用して実現できる。
【００３５】
【数２】
Ｋ１＝Ｆ１／Ｑ
【００３６】
関係値算出手段４が関係値Ｋ１を算出した後に、関係値算出起動手段６は作動させたガス給湯器１０を停止させ、一連の関係値導出工程を終了する（＃１４）。尚、関係値算出起動手段６はタイマーカウンタを内蔵し、定期的に本関係値導出工程を繰り返し起動することで、関係値が定期的に更新される。
【００３７】
関連値Ｋ１が算出された後に、ガス給湯器１０の運転が行われると、物理量導出手段２が工程＃１２と同様の処理手順で熱量Ｑを算出し、機器ガス消費量推定手段５が、下記の数３に示す算出式により、機器ガス消費量Ｆ２を推定する（＃１５）。
【００３８】
【数３】
Ｆ２＝Ｋ１×Ｑ
【００３９】
単位時間当りの機器ガス消費量Ｆ２を積算することで機器ガス累積消費量が算出される。単位時間当りの機器ガス消費量Ｆ２及び機器ガス累積消費量は、ガス給湯器１０のリモコン装置１５に逐次送信され、リモコン装置１５の液晶表示画面上に表示される。ユーザは当該表示画面上において、運転中のガス給湯器１０の機器ガス消費量Ｆ２及びガス累積消費量を知ることができる。
【００４０】
〈第２実施形態〉
次に、本発明システム１の第２実施形態を説明する。本発明システム１は、図３に示すように、基本的に第１実施形態のものと同じであるが、物理量導出手段２が導出する物理量、関係値算出手段４が算出する関係値、機器ガス消費量推定手段５が機器ガス消費量推定に用いる算出式が、第１実施形態と異なる。ガス給湯器１０には、熱交換器１１をガス燃焼によって加熱するためのガスバーナ１６に供給されるガス流量を調節するためのガス流量調整用の電磁弁（ガス流量調整弁）１７の開度を検出する開度センサ１８が設けられている。開度センサ１８はガス流量調整弁１７に流れる電流量から開度を検出する。検出された開度またはその相当値は、物理量導出手段２に入力される構成となっている。ガスメータ２０の計測値が計測ガス消費量入力手段３に入力される構成は、第１実施形態と同じである。
【００４１】
次に、第２実施形態における、上記各手段２，４，５の機能、及び、上記各手段２〜６を用いた本発明方法の処理手順について、図４に基づいて説明する。尚、計測ガス消費量入力手段３と関係値算出起動手段６は第１実施形態と同じである。
【００４２】
関係値算出起動手段６は、計測ガス消費量入力手段３に入力される計測ガス消費量としてのガスメータ２０が計測する総ガス消費量をモニタする。計測ガス消費量が一定時間以上（例えば、１０分以上）所定値に対して一定の誤差範囲内（例えば、０±０．００１ｍ³／秒）であれば、全てのガス機器がオフ状態であると判断して、ガス給湯器１０を作動させるとともに、関係値算出手段４を起動する（＃２０、工程＃１０と同じ）。この結果、ガス給湯器１０の単独使用状態となる。本第２実施形態においても、ガス給湯器１０の待機状態においては、物理量導出手段２及び計測ガス消費量入力手段３は常時起動しているものとする。
【００４３】
物理量導出手段２は、ガス給湯器１０が作動した後に、開度センサ１８からの開度Ａを受信して、開度Ａとガス流量調整弁１７を流れるガス流量との間の所定の関係式に基づいて、ガス流量調整弁１７からガスバーナ１６に供給されて消費される単位時間当りの算出機器ガス消費量Ｆ３（物理量の一例）を算出し、関係値算出手段４に出力する（＃２１）。
【００４４】
計測ガス消費量入力手段３は、ガス給湯器１０が作動した後の単位時間当りの計測ガス消費量Ｆ１を、ガス給湯器１０の単独使用時の計測ガス消費量として、ガスメータ２０から受信或いはガスメータからの受信信号に基づいて算出し、関係値算出手段４に出力する（＃２２、工程＃１２と同じ）。
【００４５】
関係値算出手段４は、物理量導出手段２が算出した算出機器ガス消費量Ｆ３と計測ガス消費量入力手段３から入力された計測ガス消費量Ｆ１から、下記の数４に示す導出式により関係値Ｋ２を算出し、所定の不揮発性記憶装置に記憶する（＃２３）。
【００４６】
【数４】
Ｋ２＝Ｆ１／Ｆ３
【００４７】
関係値算出手段４が関係値Ｋ２を算出した後に、関係値算出起動手段６は作動させたガス給湯器１０を停止させ、一連の関係値導出工程を終了する（＃２４）。尚、関係値算出起動手段６はタイマーカウンタを内蔵し、定期的に本関係値導出工程を繰り返し起動することで、関係値が定期的に更新される。
【００４８】
関連値Ｋ２が算出された後に、ガス給湯器１０の運転が行われると、物理量導出手段２が工程＃２２と同様の処理手順で算出機器ガス消費量Ｆ３を算出し、機器ガス消費量推定手段５が、下記の数５に示す算出式により、機器ガス消費量Ｆ２を推定する（＃２５）。
【００４９】
【数５】
Ｆ２＝Ｋ２×Ｆ３
【００５０】
単位時間当りの機器ガス消費量Ｆ２を積算することで機器ガス累積消費量が算出される。単位時間当りの機器ガス消費量Ｆ２及び機器ガス累積消費量は、ガス給湯器１０のリモコン装置１５に逐次送信され、リモコン装置１５の液晶表示画面上に表示される。ユーザは当該表示画面上において、運転中のガス給湯器１０の機器ガス消費量Ｆ２及びガス累積消費量を知ることができる。
【００５１】
以下に別実施形態を説明する。
〈１〉上記各実施形態では、ガス給湯器１０の停止時において、関係値算出起動手段６が、ガスメータ２０が計測する総ガス消費量をモニタして、一定時間以上所定値に対して一定の誤差範囲内にある場合に、前記ガス機器の一台を強制的に作動させて、関係値算出手段４を起動したが（＃１０、＃２０）、当該機能に代えて、或いは、追加して、ガス給湯器１０の運転時において、機器ガス消費量推定手段５が上記工程＃１５または＃２５の要領で推定した機器ガス消費量Ｆ２と、計測ガス消費量入力手段３がガスメータ２０から受信或いはガスメータからの受信信号に基づいて算出した計測ガス消費量Ｆ１とを比較して、その比較結果に基づいて、関係値算出手段４を起動するようにしても構わない。例えば、機器ガス消費量Ｆ２と計測ガス消費量Ｆ１の差分ΔＦ（＝Ｆ２−Ｆ１）が０以上であるか、負値で絶対値が他のガス機器のガス消費量下限値より小さい場合は、ガス給湯器１０が単独使用時であると判断して関係値算出手段４を起動する。工程＃１０または＃２０以降の手順は、上記第１または第２実施形態と同様に処理される。尚、他のガス機器のガス消費量下限値は、関係値算出起動手段６に予め登録されているものを使用する。
【００５２】
〈２〉上記各実施形態において、関係値算出起動手段６が、ガスメータ２０が計測する総ガス消費量をモニタして、一定時間以上所定値に対して一定の誤差範囲内にあるか否かの判定を行い、一定の誤差範囲内にある場合に、前記ガス機器の一台を強制的に作動させて、関係値算出手段４を自動的に起動したが（＃１０、＃２０）、当該判定を行わずに、オペレータの手動による起動指示入力を受け付けて関係値算出手段４を起動するようにしても構わない。つまり、ガス給湯器１０の単独使用をオペレータの手動操作で実現させるようにしても構わない。例えば、ガス給湯器１０の設置時や定期メンテナンス時にオペレータの手動操作によって本関係値導出工程を実行するようにする。
【００５３】
〈３〉上記各実施形態において、関係値導出工程を実行した後に、一定期間（例えば１週間）全てのガス機器がオフ状態となる時間帯を、計測ガス消費量入力手段３に入力されるガス消費量に基づいて自動的に抽出して記録し、その後は、その記録された時間帯において、計測ガス消費量入力手段３がガスメータ２０からの入力を受け付け、関係値算出起動手段６が総ガス消費量をモニタすることで、関係値算出手段４の２回目以降の起動（＃１０、＃２０）を行うようにするのも好ましい。このようにすれば、関係値算出起動手段６が総ガス消費量を常時モニタする必要が無く、効率的に高い確度で関係値算出手段４の起動が実行でき、関係値の定期的な更新が図れ、しかも低消費電力化が図れる。
【００５４】
〈４〉上記各実施形態において、ガス給湯器１０に複数系統のガスバーナが存在する場合、例えば、給湯用バーナと暖房用バーナを備えた給湯暖房機等の場合には、ガスバーナ毎に関係値Ｋ１またはＫ２を算出するようにしても構わない。
【００５５】
〈５〉更に、上記第１実施形態において、ガス給湯器１０が暖房用給湯器であって、ガス給湯器１０から出湯した往温水が複数の端末に供給され、往温水の保有熱が各端末で放熱された後の復温水がガス給湯器１０に循環して戻ってくる場合に、端末毎の復温水温度と往温水温度を夫々入水温度Ｔｉと出湯温度Ｔｏとし、端末毎の給湯量を入水量Ｓとして、端末毎に関係値Ｋ１を算出するようにしても構わない。
【００５６】
〈６〉上記各実施形態では、ガス機器としてガス給湯器１０を例に説明したが、ガス機器はガス給湯器１０以外のガス機器であっても構わない。また、ガス機器に供給されるガスの種類は、都市ガスやプロパンに限定されるものではない。例えば、水素ガス等であってもよい。
【００５７】
〈７〉上記各実施形態では、各手段２〜６は、ガス給湯器１０の燃焼制御を行う制御基板のマイクロコンピュータを共用する形で、ガス給湯器１０に内蔵されていたが、ガス給湯器１０から独立して外部に構成するようにしても構わない。また、関係値算出起動手段６のみを外部に構成するようにしても構わない。ここで、外部に構成された手段を複数のガス機器に対して共通に使用するようにしても構わない。
【００５８】
〈８〉上記各実施形態では、ガス給湯器１０について機器ガス消費量推定手段５が推定した機器ガス消費量Ｆ２及び機器ガス累積消費量に加えて、他のガス機器について推定された機器ガス消費量や機器ガス累積消費量も受信して、リモコン装置１５の液晶表示画面上に、それらの合計値や、ガス機器毎の個別値を表示させるようにしても構わない。
【図面の簡単な説明】
【図１】本発明に係るガス消費量推定システムの第１実施形態を示すブロック構成図
【図２】本発明に係るガス消費量推定方法の第１実施形態における処理手順を説明する流れ図
【図３】本発明に係るガス消費量推定システムの第２実施形態を示すブロック構成図
【図４】本発明に係るガス消費量推定方法の第２実施形態における処理手順を説明する流れ図
【符号の説明】
１：ガス消費量推定システム
２：物理量導出手段
３：計測ガス消費量入力手段
４：関係値算出手段
５：機器ガス消費量推定手段
６：関係値算出起動手段
１０：ガス給湯器
１１：熱交換器
１２：第１温度センサ
１３：第２温度センサ
１４：流量計
１５：リモコン装置
１６：ガスバーナ
１７：ガス流量調整弁
１８：開度センサ
２０：ガスメータ[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a gas consumption estimation method for estimating the gas consumption of a gas appliance such as a gas water heater, and a technology for improving the accuracy of the system.
[0002]
[Prior art]
With the recent increase in awareness of global environmental conservation, each user of energy consuming equipment such as gas equipment sets the operating conditions of the equipment so that the amount of energy consumption decreases, so-called energy saving (hereinafter abbreviated as “energy saving”). The number of cases where devices are operated in the state is increasing. In addition, in order to support such energy-saving operation, an energy-saving operation guidance device (energy-saving navigation) that supports energy-saving operation of the user by monitoring the energy usage of each device and presenting it to the user in a certain way has been developed. Has been.
[0003]
The energy-saving navigator has a power consumption monitor available on the market and is available for general use, but those that can monitor gas consumption and water usage are not commercialized. In addition, it is meaningful if the gas consumption of a water heater that accounts for a large part of the gas consumption can be monitored.
[0004]
As a method for estimating the gas consumption of individual gas appliances, in a fluid heating device such as a water heater, the temperature difference before and after heating due to gas combustion of the fluid (for example, water) is multiplied by the fluid supply amount and added to the fluid. There is a method of estimating the gas consumption required for fluid heating by dividing the heat quantity by the product of the calorific value of the supply gas and the efficiency of the fluid heating device (Patent No. 3061215, Patent No. 2954284). Etc.) Further, there is a method of calculating the gas consumption by obtaining the gas flow rate from the opening degree of the electromagnetic valve for adjusting the gas flow rate provided in the gas equipment and integrating the gas flow rate.
[0005]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, the efficiency of gas appliances such as water heaters changes over time, and equipment differences occur even in the same model, resulting in an error when the efficiency in the former estimation method is fixed to a constant value. Further, since the calorific value of the supply gas varies depending on the gas type (city gas, propane, etc.) and the gas supply company, it is necessary to change the calorific value data at the installation location of the gas device to be estimated. Further, in the latter estimation method, an error of several percent exists in the opening sensor of the solenoid valve for gas flow rate adjustment, so that an error occurs in the estimated value.
[0006]
In addition, when a gas device is used alone, even if the estimated value of gas consumption of the gas device is accurate, the gas meter for billing also has an instrumental difference (within ± 4%) allowed by the Measurement Law. For this reason, a discrepancy with the measured value of the billing gas meter occurs, and there is a risk that a complaint about the soot will come out from the gas consumer.
[0007]
The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and its purpose is to increase the gas consumption of the gas equipment regardless of the aging of the gas equipment, the instrumental difference, the fluctuation of the heat generation amount of the supply gas, and the like. The object is to provide a gas consumption estimation method and system that can be estimated with high accuracy.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve this object, the first characteristic configuration of the gas consumption estimation method according to the present invention is based on measured values obtained in a gas appliance as described in claim 1 in the claims. A relationship value calculated between a physical quantity that can be derived independently and has a certain relationship with the gas consumption of the gas equipment, and a measured gas consumption measured by a gas meter when the gas equipment is used alone Newly calculated or periodically obtained, and the physical quantity derived from the relevant value and the measured value obtained for the gas appliance Based on the above, the apparatus gas consumption of the gas apparatus is estimated.
[0009]
In the second characteristic configuration, in addition to the first characteristic configuration, the gas device heats the fluid supplied to the gas device by gas combustion, as described in claim 2 of the claims. The physical quantity is the amount of heat applied to the fluid, the relation value is a coefficient given by the ratio of the measured gas consumption and the amount of heat, and the gas combustion of the fluid Measure the temperature difference before and after heating and the supply amount of the fluid, and measure the measured temperature difference and the supply. Salary And the equipment gas based on the coefficient consumption The point is to estimate the quantity.
[0010]
As described in claim 3 of the column of claims, the third characteristic configuration is the opening of a gas flow rate adjustment valve provided in the gas device, in addition to the first characteristic configuration. The calculated device gas flow rate calculated from the above, the relation value is a coefficient given by the ratio of the measured gas consumption and the calculated device gas flow rate, and the calculated device is calculated from the opening of the gas flow rate adjustment valve The equipment gas based on the gas flow rate and the coefficient consumption The point is to estimate the quantity.
[0011]
In the fourth feature configuration, in addition to any of the first to third feature configurations described above, the measured value of the gas meter may be measured for a predetermined time or more. When the predetermined error is within a certain error range, one of the gas devices is forcibly operated, and the measured gas consumption of the operated gas device is obtained.
[0012]
In order to achieve this object, the first characteristic configuration of the gas consumption estimation system according to the present invention is based on measurement values obtained in a gas appliance as described in claim 5 in the claims. A physical quantity derivation unit that derives a physical quantity that can be calculated independently and has a fixed relationship with the gas consumption of the gas device; and a measurement gas consumption input unit that receives a measurement gas consumption measured by a gas meter of the gas device; , A relationship value calculating means for calculating a predetermined relationship value between the physical quantity and the measured gas consumption amount when the gas device is used alone, and an apparatus gas consumption amount of the gas device is estimated based on the relationship value Equipment gas consumption estimation means The relation value calculation means newly calculates or periodically updates the relation value, and the equipment gas consumption amount estimation means is based on the relation value and the physical quantity derived by the physical quantity derivation means. Estimate the equipment gas consumption of the gas equipment In the point.
[0013]
As described in claim 6 of the column of claims, the second characteristic configuration is determined in addition to the first characteristic configuration, based on an external input, that the gas appliance is in single use. There is a relation value calculation starting means for starting the relation value calculating means.
[0014]
In the third feature configuration, in addition to the first feature configuration, the measurement value of the gas meter is constant with respect to a predetermined value for a predetermined time or more, as described in claim 7 in the claims. And a relation value calculation starting means for forcibly operating the gas device to start the relation value calculating means.
[0015]
The operation and effect of each of the above characteristic configurations will be described below.
According to the first characteristic configuration of the gas consumption estimation method according to the present invention, the gas consumption of the gas appliance is equivalent to the gas consumption of the gas appliance measured by the gas meter when used alone from the physical quantity and the relational value. It can be estimated with accuracy. Here, since the relationship value can be newly set at the installation location of the gas equipment or can be updated periodically, the relationship between the physical quantity derived from the measured value at the time of estimation and the equipment gas consumption Errors due to effects such as aging of gas equipment, instrument differences, and fluctuations in the amount of heat generated from the gas can be corrected by absorbing the related values, and the equipment gas consumption can be estimated with high accuracy by eliminating the influence. it can. Therefore, the wrinkle between the apparatus gas consumption estimated at the time of single use of the said gas apparatus and the gas consumption measured with the gas meter is also reduced significantly.
[0016]
According to the second characteristic configuration of the gas consumption estimation method, the amount of heat applied to the fluid is obtained by multiplying the temperature difference before and after heating by gas combustion of the fluid and the supply amount of the fluid, and the amount of heat is calculated as the supply gas. When the device gas consumption of the fluid heating device is estimated by dividing the product by the product of the heat generation amount of the gas and the efficiency of the gas equipment, The error that occurs is eliminated. In other words, the relationship value corresponds to the reciprocal of the product of the calorific value of the supply gas and the efficiency of the gas equipment, so there is no need to acquire the calorific value of the supply gas and the efficiency of the gas equipment separately. By updating automatically, the error can be absorbed and corrected in the related value, so that the apparatus gas consumption can be estimated with high accuracy.
[0017]
According to the third characteristic configuration of the gas consumption estimation method, when the device gas consumption of the gas equipment is estimated from the opening of the gas flow adjustment valve provided in the gas equipment, the opening of the gas flow adjustment valve The error caused by the instrumental difference of the opening degree sensor that detects the error is eliminated. In other words, since the relationship value functions as a correction coefficient that corrects an error that occurs when calculating the device gas consumption from the opening of the gas flow control valve, the correction value is always updated by periodically updating the relationship value. It is possible to maintain the apparatus gas consumption accurately with high accuracy.
[0018]
According to the fourth characteristic configuration of the gas consumption estimation method, when the measured value of the gas meter is within a certain error range with respect to a predetermined value for a certain time or more, the use state of the entire gas equipment is stable. Therefore, the increment of the gas meter measurement value when a specific gas device is operated can be grasped as the measured gas consumption when the gas device is used alone. The gas consumption estimation method having the first to third characteristic configurations can be implemented. As a result, the above-described effects can be achieved. In particular, when the predetermined value is zero, it is more preferable because the gas device is used alone.
[0019]
According to the first characteristic configuration of the gas consumption estimation system according to the present invention, the gas consumption estimation method according to the first to third characteristic configurations can be implemented. As a result, the above-described effects can be achieved. In other words, the relationship value calculation means can calculate the relationship value from the physical quantity derived by the physical quantity derivation means and the value of the measured gas consumption received by the measurement gas consumption input means when the gas equipment is used alone, and the equipment gas consumption The amount estimation means estimates the equipment gas consumption based on the relationship value. Therefore, since the relational value to be used can be a newly set or updated value at the installation location of the gas equipment, it eliminates the effects of aging of the gas equipment, instrument differences, fluctuations in the amount of heat generated from the gas, etc. The gas consumption can be estimated with high accuracy.
[0020]
In particular, the physical quantity deriving means measures the temperature difference before and after heating due to gas combustion of the fluid and the supply amount of the fluid, derives the amount of heat applied to the fluid as the physical quantity from the measured temperature difference and supply flow rate, and calculates the relationship value The means calculates the relationship value by the ratio of the measured gas consumption amount and the heat quantity derived by the physical quantity deriving means, and the equipment gas consumption estimation means uses the relationship value calculation means for the heat quantity derived by the physical quantity deriving means when estimating the equipment gas consumption amount. The apparatus gas consumption is estimated by multiplying the calculated relationship value, and the gas consumption estimation method of the second characteristic configuration is implemented.
[0021]
Further, the physical quantity deriving means calculates the calculated equipment gas flow rate from the opening degree of the gas flow rate adjusting valve provided in the gas equipment, and the related value calculating means calculates the related value as a ratio of the measured gas consumption amount to the calculated equipment gas flow rate. The device gas consumption estimation unit calculates the device gas consumption amount by multiplying the calculated device gas flow rate calculated by the physical quantity derivation unit at the time of device gas consumption estimation by the relationship value calculated by the relationship value calculation unit, The gas consumption estimation method of the third characteristic configuration is implemented.
[0022]
According to the second characteristic configuration of the gas consumption estimation system, when the relational value calculation activation unit activates the relational value calculation unit, the measurement gas consumption input to the measurement gas consumption input unit is the gas device alone. Since it is a value at the time of use, the relationship value calculation means can calculate an accurate relationship value based on the measured gas consumption when the gas appliance is used alone.
[0023]
For example, the difference between the measured gas consumption input to the measured gas consumption input means and the instrument gas consumption estimated by the instrument gas consumption estimation means is within a certain range, and the difference value (absolute value) is When the gas consumption is lower than the lower limit value of other gas equipment, or when the measured gas consumption is less than the equipment gas consumption, it is assumed that the own gas equipment is in single use and the difference value is corrected. The value can be updated.
[0024]
According to the third feature configuration of the gas consumption estimation system, the gas consumption estimation method of the fourth feature configuration can be implemented. That is, when the relational value calculation starting means forcibly activates one gas appliance, the measured gas consumption after the gas appliance is activated relative to the measured gas consumption input before the gas appliance is activated. The increment of the measured gas consumption input to the input means can be given to the related value calculation means as the measured gas consumption when the gas equipment is used alone, and the related value calculation means adds the measured gas consumption to the measured gas consumption when the gas equipment is used alone. Based on this, an accurate relationship value can be calculated.
[0025]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a gas consumption estimation method according to the present invention (hereinafter referred to as “the present invention method” as appropriate) and a gas consumption estimation system (hereinafter referred to as “the present invention system” as appropriate) As an example, the case of estimating the gas consumption of a gas water heater (an example of a fluid heating device) will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, gas consumption is treated as gas consumption per unit time.
[0026]
<First Embodiment>
As shown in FIG. 1, the system 1 of the present invention includes a physical quantity deriving unit 2, a measured gas consumption input unit 3, a relational value calculation unit 4, an apparatus gas consumption estimation unit 5, and a relational value calculation starting unit 6. Configured. Each of the means 2 to 6 is realized by executing a predetermined computer program on the microcomputer of the control board that controls the combustion of the gas water heater 10. The gas water heater 10 includes a first temperature sensor 12 that measures the temperature of incoming water to the heat exchanger 11, a second temperature sensor 13 that measures the temperature of discharged hot water from the heat exchanger 11, and a unit time per unit time to the heat exchanger 11. A flow meter 14 is provided for measuring the amount of incoming water, and each measured value is input to the physical quantity deriving means 2.
[0027]
A gas meter 20 that supplies gas to all gas devices used by the same user including the gas water heater 10 and measures the total gas consumption of all the gas devices is provided, and the measured value of the gas meter 20 is measured. Input to the gas consumption input means 3. Here, the measured value of the gas meter 20 is input to the measured gas consumption input means 3 every certain time as the total gas consumption per unit time depending on the type of the gas meter 20, and the gas meter 20 has a unit gas consumption. In some cases, the measured gas consumption input means 3 is input as a pulse signal generated at the time of hitting. In the case of the latter pulse transmission type gas meter, the measurement gas consumption input means 3 counts the number of times the pulse signal is received, and converts the count value into the measurement gas consumption per unit time.
[0028]
Next, the function of each means 2-6 and the processing procedure of the method of the present invention using each means 2-6 will be described with reference to FIG.
[0029]
The relationship value calculation starting means 6 monitors the total gas consumption measured by the gas meter 20 as the measurement gas consumption input to the measurement gas consumption input means 3. Measurement gas consumption is within a certain error range (for example, 0 ± 0.001m) with respect to a predetermined value for a certain time or more (for example, 10 minutes or more) ^Three / Second), it is determined that all the gas appliances are in the off state, the gas water heater 10 is activated, and the relational value calculation means 4 is activated (# 10). As a result, the gas water heater 10 is in a single use state. In the present embodiment, it is assumed that the physical quantity deriving unit 2 and the measured gas consumption input unit 3 are always activated in the standby state of the gas water heater 10.
[0030]
The physical quantity deriving means 2 calculates the incoming water temperature Ti from the first temperature sensor 12, the outgoing water temperature To from the second temperature sensor 13, and the incoming water amount S per unit time from the flow meter 14 after the gas water heater 10 is operated. The heat quantity Q (an example of a physical quantity) per unit time received and given to water is calculated by the derivation formula shown in Equation 1 below, and is output to the relationship value calculation means 4 (# 11). The units of the heat quantity Q and the incoming water quantity S are selected so that the relationship in Equation 1 is established.
[0031]
[Expression 1]
Q = (To-Ti) × S
[0032]
In step # 11, the control target temperature may be used instead of the tapping temperature To.
[0033]
The measured gas consumption input means 3 receives from the gas meter 20 the measured gas consumption F1 per unit time after the gas water heater 10 is operated as a measured gas consumption when the gas water heater 10 is used alone or from the gas meter. Is calculated on the basis of the received signal from, and is output to the relationship value calculating means 4 (# 12).
[0034]
The relation value calculation means 4 calculates the relation value K1 from the calorie quantity Q calculated by the physical quantity derivation means 2 and the measurement gas consumption amount F1 input from the measurement gas consumption amount input means 3 by the following derivation formula 2. Then, it is stored in a predetermined nonvolatile storage device (# 13). The nonvolatile memory device can be realized by using a battery backup type SRAM, a flash memory, or the like provided in the microcomputer.
[0035]
[Expression 2]
K1 = F1 / Q
[0036]
After the relation value calculating means 4 calculates the relation value K1, the relation value calculation starting means 6 stops the operated gas water heater 10 and ends the series of relation value deriving steps (# 14). The relational value calculation starting means 6 has a built-in timer counter, and the relational value is periodically updated by periodically starting this relational value deriving step.
[0037]
When the operation of the gas water heater 10 is performed after the related value K1 is calculated, the physical quantity deriving unit 2 calculates the heat quantity Q by the same processing procedure as in the step # 12, and the equipment gas consumption estimating unit 5 The apparatus gas consumption F2 is estimated by the calculation formula shown in Equation 3 (# 15).
[0038]
[Equation 3]
F2 = K1 × Q
[0039]
Accumulated equipment gas consumption is calculated by integrating the equipment gas consumption F2 per unit time. The device gas consumption amount F2 and the device gas cumulative consumption amount per unit time are sequentially transmitted to the remote control device 15 of the gas water heater 10 and displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of the remote control device 15. On the display screen, the user can know the equipment gas consumption F2 and the accumulated gas consumption of the gas water heater 10 during operation.
[0040]
Second Embodiment
Next, a second embodiment of the system 1 of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the system 1 of the present invention is basically the same as that of the first embodiment, but the physical quantity derived by the physical quantity deriving means 2, the relation value calculated by the relation value calculating means 4, and the equipment gas. The calculation formula used by the consumption estimation means 5 for estimating the apparatus gas consumption is different from that of the first embodiment. The gas water heater 10 has an opening degree of an electromagnetic valve (gas flow rate adjusting valve) 17 for adjusting a gas flow rate for adjusting a gas flow rate supplied to a gas burner 16 for heating the heat exchanger 11 by gas combustion. An opening degree sensor 18 for detection is provided. The opening sensor 18 detects the opening from the amount of current flowing through the gas flow rate adjustment valve 17. The detected opening or its equivalent value is input to the physical quantity deriving means 2. The configuration in which the measured value of the gas meter 20 is input to the measured gas consumption input means 3 is the same as in the first embodiment.
[0041]
Next, the function of each means 2, 4 and 5 and the processing procedure of the method of the present invention using each means 2 to 6 in the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. The measured gas consumption input means 3 and the relational value calculation start means 6 are the same as those in the first embodiment.
[0042]
The relationship value calculation starting means 6 monitors the total gas consumption measured by the gas meter 20 as the measurement gas consumption input to the measurement gas consumption input means 3. Measurement gas consumption is within a certain error range (for example, 0 ± 0.001m) with respect to a predetermined value for a certain time or more (for example, 10 minutes or more) ^Three (Second / second), it is determined that all gas appliances are in the off state, the gas water heater 10 is activated, and the relational value calculation means 4 is activated (same as # 20, step # 10). As a result, the gas water heater 10 is in a single use state. Also in the second embodiment, it is assumed that the physical quantity deriving unit 2 and the measured gas consumption input unit 3 are always activated in the standby state of the gas water heater 10.
[0043]
The physical quantity deriving means 2 receives the opening degree A from the opening degree sensor 18 after the gas water heater 10 is operated, and a predetermined relational expression between the opening degree A and the gas flow rate flowing through the gas flow rate adjusting valve 17. Based on the above, a calculated device gas consumption F3 (an example of a physical quantity) per unit time consumed by being supplied from the gas flow rate adjusting valve 17 to the gas burner 16 is calculated and output to the relation value calculating means 4 (# 21). .
[0044]
The measured gas consumption input means 3 receives from the gas meter 20 the measured gas consumption F1 per unit time after the gas water heater 10 is operated as a measured gas consumption when the gas water heater 10 is used alone or from the gas meter. Is calculated on the basis of the received signal from, and is output to the relationship value calculating means 4 (same as # 22, step # 12).
[0045]
The relational value calculation means 4 calculates the relational value from the calculated equipment gas consumption F3 calculated by the physical quantity derivation means 2 and the measurement gas consumption F1 input from the measurement gas consumption input means 3 according to the following derivation formula (4). K2 is calculated and stored in a predetermined nonvolatile storage device (# 23).
[0046]
[Expression 4]
K2 = F1 / F3
[0047]
After the relation value calculating means 4 calculates the relation value K2, the relation value calculation starting means 6 stops the operated gas water heater 10 and ends the series of relation value derivation steps (# 24). The relational value calculation starting means 6 has a built-in timer counter, and the relational value is periodically updated by periodically starting this relational value deriving step.
[0048]
When the operation of the gas water heater 10 is performed after the related value K2 is calculated, the physical quantity deriving unit 2 calculates the calculated device gas consumption F3 by the same processing procedure as in Step # 22, and the device gas consumption estimation unit. 5, the apparatus gas consumption F2 is estimated by the calculation formula shown in the following equation 5 (# 25).
[0049]
[Equation 5]
F2 = K2 × F3
[0050]
Accumulated equipment gas consumption is calculated by integrating the equipment gas consumption F2 per unit time. The device gas consumption amount F2 and the device gas cumulative consumption amount per unit time are sequentially transmitted to the remote control device 15 of the gas water heater 10 and displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of the remote control device 15. On the display screen, the user can know the equipment gas consumption F2 and the accumulated gas consumption of the gas water heater 10 during operation.
[0051]
Another embodiment will be described below.
<1> In each of the above-described embodiments, when the gas water heater 10 is stopped, the relational value calculation activation unit 6 monitors the total gas consumption measured by the gas meter 20 and is constant for a predetermined value for a predetermined time or more. When it is within the error range, one of the gas appliances is forcibly operated to start the relational value calculation means 4 (# 10, # 20), but instead of or in addition to the function concerned During operation of the gas water heater 10, the apparatus gas consumption estimation means 5 receives the apparatus gas consumption F2 estimated by the procedure # 15 or # 25 and the measurement gas consumption input means 3 receives from the gas meter 20. The measured gas consumption F1 calculated based on the received signal from the gas meter may be compared, and the relationship value calculating means 4 may be activated based on the comparison result. For example, if the difference ΔF (= F2−F1) between the device gas consumption F2 and the measured gas consumption F1 is 0 or more, or is a negative value and the absolute value is smaller than the lower limit value of gas consumption of other gas devices, It is determined that the gas water heater 10 is in single use, and the relationship value calculating means 4 is activated. The procedures after step # 10 or # 20 are processed in the same manner as in the first or second embodiment. Note that the gas consumption lower limit value of the other gas equipment is registered in advance in the relationship value calculation starting means 6.
[0052]
<2> In each of the above embodiments, the relationship value calculation starting means 6 monitors the total gas consumption measured by the gas meter 20 and determines whether or not it is within a certain error range with respect to a predetermined value for a certain time or more When the determination is made and within a certain error range, one of the gas appliances is forcibly operated to start the relational value calculation means 4 automatically (# 10, # 20). Instead, the relation value calculation means 4 may be activated by accepting an operator's manual activation instruction input. That is, you may make it implement | achieve independent use of the gas water heater 10 by an operator's manual operation. For example, the relationship value deriving step is executed by an operator's manual operation when the gas water heater 10 is installed or during regular maintenance.
[0053]
<3> In each of the above embodiments, the gas that is input to the measured gas consumption input means 3 during a certain period (for example, one week) in which all the gas appliances are turned off after executing the relationship value deriving step. Based on the consumption, it is automatically extracted and recorded. Thereafter, in the recorded time zone, the measured gas consumption input means 3 accepts an input from the gas meter 20, and the relationship value calculation starting means 6 is the total gas. It is also preferable to perform the second and subsequent activations (# 10, # 20) of the relationship value calculation means 4 by monitoring the consumption amount. In this way, it is not necessary for the relation value calculation starting means 6 to constantly monitor the total gas consumption, and the relation value calculating means 4 can be efficiently started with high accuracy, and the relation values are regularly updated. In addition, power consumption can be reduced.
[0054]
<4> In each of the above embodiments, when there are a plurality of gas burners in the gas water heater 10, for example, in the case of a hot water heater provided with a hot water burner and a heating burner, the relational value K1 for each gas burner. Alternatively, K2 may be calculated.
[0055]
<5> Further, in the first embodiment, the gas water heater 10 is a heating water heater, the warm water discharged from the gas water heater 10 is supplied to a plurality of terminals, and the retained heat of the warm water is stored in each terminal. When the reheated water after being radiated in the air circulates and returns to the gas water heater 10, the reheated water temperature and the outgoing water temperature for each terminal are set as the incoming water temperature Ti and the outgoing hot water temperature To, respectively, As the incoming water amount S, the relationship value K1 may be calculated for each terminal.
[0056]
<6> In each of the above embodiments, the gas water heater 10 has been described as an example of the gas device, but the gas device may be a gas device other than the gas water heater 10. Further, the type of gas supplied to the gas equipment is not limited to city gas or propane. For example, hydrogen gas or the like may be used.
[0057]
<7> In each of the above embodiments, each of the means 2 to 6 is built in the gas water heater 10 so as to share the microcomputer of the control board that controls the combustion of the gas water heater 10. You may make it comprise outside independently from 10. Further, only the relation value calculation starting means 6 may be configured outside. Here, an externally configured unit may be commonly used for a plurality of gas appliances.
[0058]
<8> In the above embodiments, in addition to the equipment gas consumption F2 and the equipment gas cumulative consumption estimated by the equipment gas consumption estimation means 5 for the gas water heater 10, the equipment gas consumption estimated for other gas equipment The total amount and the device gas cumulative consumption amount may also be received, and the total value thereof or the individual value for each gas device may be displayed on the liquid crystal display screen of the remote control device 15.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a first embodiment of a gas consumption estimation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating a processing procedure in the first embodiment of the gas consumption estimation method according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a second embodiment of the gas consumption estimation system according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining a processing procedure in the second embodiment of the gas consumption estimation method according to the present invention.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: Gas consumption estimation system
2: Physical quantity derivation means
3: Measuring gas consumption input means
4: Relational value calculation means
5: Equipment gas consumption estimation means
6: Relation value calculation starting means
10: Gas water heater
11: Heat exchanger
12: First temperature sensor
13: Second temperature sensor
14: Flow meter
15: Remote control device
16: Gas burner
17: Gas flow control valve
18: Opening sensor
20: Gas meter

Claims

A physical quantity that can be derived independently based on measurement values obtained in the gas equipment and has a fixed relationship with the gas consumption of the gas equipment; and a measured gas consumption measured by a gas meter when the gas equipment is used alone The relationship value calculated between is newly calculated or periodically obtained, and based on the relationship value and the physical quantity derived from the measurement value obtained for the gas device, the device gas consumption of the gas device is calculated. Gas consumption estimation method to estimate.

The gas device is a fluid heating device that heats and delivers the fluid supplied to the gas device by gas combustion,
The physical quantity is the amount of heat applied to the fluid;
The relation value is a coefficient given by the ratio of the measured gas consumption and the heat quantity,
Claim 1, the temperature difference before and after heating by the gas combustion of the fluid and the measuring the supply amount of the fluid, to estimate the device gas consumption based on the measured the supply amount and the coefficient and the temperature difference was The gas consumption estimation method described in 1.

The physical quantity is a calculated equipment gas flow rate calculated from the opening of a gas flow rate adjustment valve provided in the gas equipment,
The relation value is a coefficient given by the ratio of the measured gas consumption and the calculated instrument gas flow rate;
The gas consumption amount estimation method according to claim 1, wherein the device gas consumption amount is estimated based on the calculated device gas flow rate calculated from the opening of the gas flow rate adjustment valve and the coefficient.

When the measured value of the gas meter is within a certain error range with respect to a predetermined value for a certain time or more, one of the gas devices is forcibly operated, and the measurement gas of the operated gas device is The gas consumption estimation method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein a consumption is obtained.

Physical quantity deriving means for deriving a physical quantity that can be independently calculated based on measurement values obtained in the gas equipment and that has a fixed relationship with the gas consumption of the gas equipment, and measurement gas that is measured by the gas meter of the gas equipment Based on the relation value, a measurement gas consumption input means for receiving consumption, a relation value calculation means for calculating a predetermined relation value between the physical quantity and the measurement gas consumption when the gas appliance is used alone, And an equipment gas consumption estimation means for estimating equipment gas consumption of the gas equipment , wherein the relation value calculation means newly calculates or periodically updates the relation value, and derives the relation value and the physical quantity. A gas consumption estimation system in which the equipment gas consumption estimation means estimates equipment gas consumption of the gas equipment based on the physical quantity derived by the means .

6. The gas consumption estimation system according to claim 5, further comprising relation value calculation starting means for determining that the gas device is in single use based on an external input and starting the relation value calculating means.

A relation value for detecting that the measured value of the gas meter is within a certain error range with respect to a predetermined value for a certain time or more, forcibly operating the gas device, and starting the relation value calculating means The gas consumption estimation system according to claim 5, further comprising a calculation starting unit.