JP4090413B2 - Linked hot water system - Google Patents

Description

  TECHNICAL FIELD The present invention relates to a connected hot water supply system, and more specifically, the position of a flow rate adjustment valve in a hot water supply system in which a plurality of hot water heaters configured so as to be able to stop hot water discharge by controlling the shutoff of the flow rate adjustment valve in parallel. Regarding adjustment technology.

  Conventionally, in order to increase the apparent hot water supply capacity, a connected hot water system in which a plurality of hot water heaters are connected in parallel has been proposed. The connected hot water system has a centralized controller that centrally controls individual water heaters, and sends control signals (specifically, hot water start permission and hot water stop commands) to the individual water heater controllers through the centralized controller. It is configured to increase or decrease the number of water heaters that perform hot water supply operation according to the required water flow rate (flow rate of hot water from the hot water tap) and the required number (hot water supply capacity required for hot water supply) (for example, patents) Reference 1).

  By the way, as a water heater used in this type of connected hot water system, an open / close valve is provided in a hot water outlet side pipe line, and the open / close control of the open / close valve is performed to open / close individual hot water heaters (number of operating units). However, since the cost of individual water heaters is increased in such a configuration in which an on-off valve is provided in this way, recently, the flow rate adjustment valve in the water heater is controlled (fully closed) to control the water flow path in the water heater. There has been proposed a structure in which the hot water is stopped by shutting off the water.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 5-180516

  However, there are the following problems in applying a hot water heater configured to stop the hot water by closing control of the flow rate adjusting valve to the connected hot water supply system, and improvement has been desired.

  In other words, the flow rate adjusting valve controls the amount of water flow by adjusting the valve opening, but this type of flow rate adjusting valve uses a pulse motor (stepping motor) as the valve body drive means. If a load exceeding the through torque is applied during driving of the motor, or a load exceeding the holding torque is applied during stoppage, a step-out or misalignment is caused. Therefore, with this type of flow rate adjusting valve, it is necessary to reset the position of the stepping motor (initialize the reference position) in a timely manner.

  In this regard, when the water heater is used alone, conventionally, when the water heater is in an operation stop state (hot water supply stop state), a predetermined control signal (for example, fully opens the valve body) from the controller of the water heater to the stepping motor. A control signal) is given, this is detected by a full open limiter, and the reference position is initialized by setting the detected position at that time as the reference position.

  However, in a connected hot water system in which water heaters are connected in parallel, when the above-described reference position is initialized in one water heater while another water heater is operating (hot water operation), the one water heater This causes the problem that the flow rate regulating valve is fully opened to cause water flow, affecting the temperature of the hot water discharged by other hot water heaters during the hot water supply operation, and making it impossible to perform stable hot water supply as a connected hot water supply system.

  Further, even when all the water heaters are in the hot water supply stop state, if a plurality of water heaters simultaneously perform the initialization operation of the reference position, for example, even if a hot water tap such as a curan is opened during the initialization operation. Each water heater may have a situation in which warm water is not discharged without passing water exceeding the minimum operating water flow rate (MOQ), and there is a problem in that the hot water discharge characteristic is adversely affected.

  The present invention has been made in view of such conventional problems, and in a connected hot water system using a hot water supply device that stops hot water by shut-off control of a flow rate adjustment valve, adversely affects the hot water temperature and re-hot water characteristics. An object of the present invention is to provide a connected hot water supply system.

In order to achieve the above object, a connected hot water supply system according to claim 1 of the present invention includes a plurality of water heaters connected in parallel and a centralized controller that collectively controls the plurality of water heaters. In each of the water heaters, each of the water heaters is provided with a flow rate adjustment valve, and the hot water supply from the water heater can be stopped by controlling the flow rate adjustment valve to close. A pulse motor is provided as a driving means, and a reference position initialization means for the pulse motor is provided. The reference position initialization means initializes the reference position of the pulse motor based on a control signal from the centralized controller. is configured to perform processing, the centralized controller, said reference position initial catheter on condition that all of the respective water heater is in a hot water supply stopped state Characterized in that it is configured to provide the control signal to.

In addition, a connected hot water system according to claim 2 of the present invention includes a plurality of water heaters connected in parallel and a centralized control controller that collectively controls the plurality of water heaters. In the connected hot water system configured to stop the hot water from the hot water heater by controlling the flow regulating valve to shut off, each of the hot water heaters is a pulse motor as a drive means for the flow regulating valve. And a reference position initialization means for the pulse motor, wherein the reference position initialization means executes a reference position initialization process for the pulse motor based on a control signal from the centralized controller. The central control controller sets the timing so that the pulse motor reference position initialization process in each water heater is not performed at the same time. Characterized in that it is configured to provide the control signal to the reference position initializing means of the water heater by Rashi.

Further, in the connected hot water system according to claim 3 of the present invention, in the connected hot water system of claim 1, the central control controller is configured so that the reference position initialization process of the pulse motor in each of the hot water heaters is not performed simultaneously. The control signal is supplied to the reference position initialization means of each water heater at different timings.

Moreover, the connected hot-water supply system which concerns on Claim 4 of this invention is a connected hot-water supply system in any one of Claim 1 to 3. WHEREIN: The said hot-water heater is the said hot-water heater which received the control signal from the said centralized controller. The connected hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the reference position initialization process is executed when a predetermined condition is satisfied.

And the connection hot-water supply system which concerns on Claim 5 of this invention is a connection hot-water supply system in any one of Claim 1 to 4. WHEREIN: The said flow rate adjustment valve is the water flow volume to the heat exchange can body of the said water heater. And a bypass flow rate adjusting valve for controlling a water flow rate of a bypass pipe that bypasses the heat exchange can body.

  According to the connected hot water supply system of the present invention, each water heater is provided with a reference position initialization means for the pulse motor of the flow rate adjusting valve, and the reference position initialization means is based on a control signal from the centralized controller. Since the reference position initialization process is configured to be executed, each hot water heater can be caused to perform the reference position initialization process at a timing that does not adversely affect the hot water temperature, the re-watering characteristics, and the like.

  Specifically, the central control controller is configured to provide the control signal to the reference position initialization means on condition that all of the water heaters are in a hot water supply stop state, so that the other water heaters It is possible to prevent the reference position initialization process from being executed in any of the water heaters during the hot water supply operation, and to provide a hot water supply system having a stable hot water temperature characteristic without disturbing the hot water temperature.

  Further, when the central control controller causes the water heater to perform the reference position initialization process, the control signal is sent to each water heater at different timings so that the reference position initialization process in each of the water heaters is not performed simultaneously. By being configured to provide, it is possible to prevent the reference position initialization process from being simultaneously performed in a plurality of hot water heaters, and it is possible to provide a hot water supply system having excellent re-hot water characteristics.

  In addition, when the water heater that has received the control signal from the centralized controller satisfies the predetermined condition, the above-described reference position initialization process is performed. By setting “being done” or “MOQ being turned on”, it is possible to prevent the reference position initialization process from being performed for a water heater whose flow rate adjustment valve is not operating.

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of a connected hot water supply system according to the present invention. The illustrated linked hot water supply system is configured by connecting a plurality (six in the illustrated example) of water heaters 1 in parallel. In the following, for convenience of explanation, each water heater is provided with symbols a to f at the end of the reference numerals in the order of Unit 1, Unit 2, and Unit 3. In addition, when it is necessary to distinguish members common to each of the water heaters 1a to 1f from the same members of other water heaters, the symbols a to f are added to the end of the reference numerals. Symbols are omitted.

  The above-mentioned connected hot water system has a water supply pipe 2 between a water supply pipe 2 having a pipe end connected to a water source and a hot water discharge pipe 3 having a pipe end connected to a hot water tap (not shown) such as a currant or shower. A water supply side branch pipe 4 for connecting to the water inlet of the water heater 1 and a hot water side branch pipe 5 for connecting the hot water outlet pipe 3 to the hot water outlet of the water heater 1 are provided.

  The hot water heater 1 is provided with a flow rate adjusting valve, which will be described later, and is so-called solenoid valve-less type configured to stop hot water from the water heater 1 by controlling the flow rate adjusting valve to be closed. In this embodiment, the gas water heater is provided with a burner (not shown) that uses gas as fuel.

  Specifically, as shown in the figure, the water heater 1 includes a heat exchange can body 11 including the burner and a heat exchanger (not shown) for generating hot water (not shown). The water supply side branch pipe 4 and the hot water side branch pipe 5 are connected, and the water supply side branch pipe 4 and the hot water side branch pipe 5 are provided with a bypass pipe 6 that bypasses the heat exchange can body 11. .

  And as said flow control valve, the water flow adjustment valve 12 which controls the flow rate of water flow to the heat exchange can body 11 on the output (hot water) side of the heat exchange can body 11, and the water flow to the bypass pipe 6 A bypass flow rate adjusting valve 13 for controlling the flow rate is provided. That is, the hot water supply from the water heater 1 can be stopped by controlling both the can flow rate adjusting valve 12 and the bypass flow rate adjusting valve 13 to be closed (valve closed). In this embodiment, the case where the can body flow rate adjusting valve 12 for controlling the flow rate of water flow to the heat exchange can body 11 is provided on the output side of the heat exchange can body 11, but this can body flow rate adjusting valve 12 is shown. May be provided on the input (incoming water) side of the heat exchange can body 11.

  Here, the structure of the flow rate adjusting valve will be briefly described. Each of the can flow rate adjusting valve 12 and the bypass flow rate adjusting valve 13 includes a pulse motor (stepping motor) (not shown) as its driving means. That is, the setting of the valve openings of the flow rate adjusting valves 12 and 13 is determined by the number of steps of the stepping motor. The number of steps of these stepping motors can be controlled by a control signal from the controller 10 described later.

  The controller 10 is a controller (control device) that controls the operation of each part of the water heater 1. Specifically, the controller 10 includes a combustion system such as an ignition device, a fuel control valve, and a capacity switching valve (not shown), and the can body flow rate adjustment. In addition to controlling the water system appliances such as the valve 12 and the bypass flow rate adjusting valve 13, it has a communication function for transmitting and receiving various signals such as control signals to and from a control device such as a remote controller. In particular, in the coupled hot water supply system as in the present invention, the controller 10 of each hot water heater 1 is electrically connected to a system controller (central control controller) 100 that centrally controls these hot water heaters, and the system controller 100. Are configured to transmit and receive various signals such as control signals.

  In addition, although not specifically shown in the figure, the water heater 1 detects an incoming water temperature sensor, a hot water temperature sensor that detects a hot water temperature, a can body flow sensor that detects a can body flow rate, and a bypass flow rate. Various sensors such as a bypass flow sensor and a flame detection sensor for detecting the presence or absence of ignition of the burner are mounted, and detection signals from these sensors are input to the controller 10. The controller 10 controls the operation of each part of the water heater 1 based on these detection signals, the control signal from the system controller 100, etc., and controls the operation status of the water heater 1 with respect to the system controller 100, etc. Send as.

  As described above, the system controller 100 is a control device for centrally controlling a plurality of hot water heaters, and although not shown, a microcomputer loaded with a program for executing various processes described later, data, etc. are temporarily stored. And a storage device for storing the data. In the present embodiment, six water heaters 1 a to 1 f are connected to the system controller 100 via the communication line S. In the present embodiment, the system controller 100 is connected to a remote controller RC having various operation switches such as operation switches.

  By the way, as described above, the system controller 100 monitors the operation status of each water heater 1 while communicating with the controller 10 of each water heater 1 and responds to each requested water flow amount and the required number of water heaters. The controller 10 of the vessel 1 is allowed to start hot water supply (specifically, the can body flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the bypass flow rate adjustment valve 13 are instructed to open the valve) and hot water supply is stopped (specifically, the can body flow rate adjustment valve 12 and It is programmed to increase or decrease the number of water heaters 1 that perform hot water supply operation (combustion operation) by giving a control signal of a valve closing instruction) to the bypass flow rate adjusting valve 13.

  In other words, when the system enters an operation standby state (for example, the operation switch is turned on) by operating the remote controller RC or the like, the system controller 100 first sets a can for the first water heater 1a (specifically, the controller 10a). The body flow rate adjustment valve 12a and the bypass flow rate adjustment valve 13a are instructed to open, and the first water heater 1a is shifted to the hot water supply standby state. As a result, the hot water tap is opened in this state, and if there is water flow exceeding the minimum operating water flow rate (MOQ) in the water heater 1a, the controller 10a starts combustion control, and the water heater 1a starts hot water supply operation. That is, hot water discharge at the hot water supply set temperature is started from the hot water tap.

  When a desired hot water supply cannot be ensured with only the hot water heater 1a due to an increase in the hot water flow rate from the hot water tap or an increase in the hot water supply set temperature, the system controller 100 can control the can body flow rate with respect to the second hot water heater 1b. The control valve 12b and the bypass flow rate adjustment valve 13b are instructed to open, the second water heater 1b is allowed to pass through, and the second water heater 1b is also made to perform the hot water supply operation. Hereinafter, the third and subsequent hot water heaters 1 are instructed to open the can body flow rate adjusting valve 12 and the bypass flow rate adjusting valve 13 in accordance with an increase in the hot water flow rate and an increase in the hot water supply set temperature.

  On the other hand, if the hot water supply 1 during the hot water supply operation becomes excessive due to a decrease in the hot water flow rate or the hot water set temperature being corrected downward, for example, an excessive hot water heater (for example, the hot water heater 1c that last started the hot water supply operation). Is directed to close (close-off control) the can flow rate adjusting valve 12c and the bypass flow rate adjusting valve 13c, and shuts off water flow to the water heater 1c. Thereby, since there is no water flow to the water heater 1c, the water heater 1c is in a hot water supply stop state. Hereinafter, the hot water heater 1 is instructed to close the can body flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the bypass flow rate adjustment valve 13 in accordance with a decrease in the hot water flow rate or a downward correction of the hot water supply set temperature.

  As described above, the system controller 100 gives the hot water supply start permission and the hot water supply stop control signal to each water heater 1 according to the required water flow amount and the required number while controlling the number of the hot water heaters 1 performing the combustion operation. Composed.

  Then, next, the position reset (reference position initialization) of the flow regulating valve in the connected hot water supply system configured as described above will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 shows an example of the procedure on the system controller side, and FIG. 3 shows an example of the procedure on the water heater side.

  In performing the position reset processing of the water heater 1, the system controller 100 first communicates with each water heater 1, and based on the result, the number of water heaters 1 used, that is, the number of water heaters 1 during the hot water operation. Is determined to be “0” (see step S1 in FIG. 2). This is because if there is at least one hot water heater 1 during the hot water supply operation, if the position reset is performed with another hot water heater 1 in that state, the temperature of the hot water from the hot water tap is affected. This is for confirming that there is no (in other words, that all water heaters are in a hot water supply stop state).

  If the number of units used is not “0” in the determination of step S1 in FIG. 2, that is, if one or more water heaters 1 are performing a hot water supply operation, the system controller 100 resets the position in any of the water heaters 1. It is determined that it should not be performed, and a control signal for instructing prohibition of position reset is transmitted to each water heater 1 (see step S2 in FIG. 2).

  On the other hand, when the number of used units is determined to be “0” in the determination of step S1 in FIG. 2, the system controller 100 transmits a control signal for permitting execution of position reset to each water heater 1. (See step S3 in FIG. 2).

  Here, the permission of the position reset will be described in detail. As described above, in the connected hot water supply system, when a plurality of hot water heaters 1 perform a position reset at the same time, hot water is not discharged even if the hot water tap is opened. In this embodiment, in order to prevent such deterioration of the re-watering characteristics, in this embodiment, the position reset is permitted by shifting the timing so that the position reset is not performed simultaneously with a plurality of water heaters. It is set to be performed in order one by one.

  That is, when the system controller 100 grants the position reset permission to the first water heater 1, the system controller 100 waits for a communication indicating that the position reset processing has been completed from the first water heater 1. It is configured to wait for the completion of the position reset, such as to give permission for position reset to the water heater 1, and to give permission for position reset to the next water heater 1.

  In this embodiment, the position reset permission is given one by one. However, if there is no adverse effect on the re-watering characteristics, the position reset permission is given in units of two or three. It is also possible to configure as described above. Further, in the present embodiment, it is configured to wait for communication indicating that the position reset processing is completed, and to permit the position reset to the next water heater. It is also possible to provide a position reset permission to the next water heater after a certain time has elapsed since the position reset permission has been granted.

  On the other hand, the following processing is executed on each water heater 1 side. That is, on the water heater 1 side, the controller 10 determines whether or not the MOQ is turned on (see step S1 in FIG. 3), and turns on the position reset request if the MOQ is turned on (see step S2 in FIG. 3).

  This is because if the MOQ is ON, that is, if there is water flow exceeding the minimum operating water flow rate in the water heater 1, both the can flow rate adjusting valve 12 and the bypass flow rate adjusting valve 13 operate, and the stepping motor will step out. Since there is a risk of misalignment or the like, this state is captured and a request for position reset is made. Therefore, the request for position reset may be performed as long as it captures the situation that the stepping motor may be out of step or misaligned. For example, the controller 10 monitors the driving means of the stepping motor, and the stepping motor It is also possible to use other methods such as turning on a position reset request on the condition that The position reset request is stored in the controller 10 until a position reset process described later is executed.

  Then, if the determination in step S1 in FIG. 3 is negative, that is, if there is no water flow equal to or greater than the minimum operating water flow rate (for example, when the water flow rate is below the minimum operating water flow rate and the hot water supply operation is stopped), the controller 10 It is determined whether or not there is a request for position reset (see step S3 in FIG. 3). If there is a request for position reset, the process proceeds to the next step and whether or not the position reset permission is given from the system controller 100. Is determined (see step S4 in FIG. 3). If the position reset is permitted, the process proceeds to step S5 in FIG. 3 to execute the position reset process, and the series of processes ends.

  Here, in the position reset process performed in step S5 in FIG. 3, a predetermined control signal (specifically, a control signal for fully opening the valve body) is given from the controller 10 to the stepping motor, and this is detected by the full open limiter. The position detected at that time is used as the reference position, which is the same as the position reset that is conventionally performed when the water heater is used alone. Further, the position reset may be sequentially performed on the can body flow rate adjustment valve 12 and the bypass flow rate adjustment valve 13, but both can be simultaneously performed.

  On the other hand, if the determination in step S3 and step S4 in FIG. 3 is negative, that is, if there is no position reset request or no position reset permission despite the hot water supply stop state, the position reset processing has already been completed. Then, since it can be determined that the hot water supply stop state continues, the process is terminated without performing the position reset.

  In addition, in embodiment mentioned above, the suitable embodiment of this invention is shown to the last, and if it is in the range of this invention, a specific aspect can be changed in design suitably.

  For example, in the above-described embodiment, the system controller 100 is configured to give permission for position reset when the number of water heaters 1 used is “0”. However, for example, the operation switch of the remote controller RC is It is configured to give permission to reset the position when it is turned off, or to automatically give permission to reset the position at a preset time (for example, normal hot water supply operation time such as midnight). can do. It is also possible to make it a condition that the state where the number of use is “0” continues for a certain period of time. In short, the content can be changed as appropriate as long as it permits the position reset on condition that the water heater 1 is in the hot water supply stop state (or has a high probability of being in the hot water supply stop state).

  Also, in the processing on the water heater side, in the above-described embodiment, if the MOQ is off (the determination in step S1 in FIG. 3 is negative), the subsequent processing from step S3 in FIG. 3 is performed immediately. However, the process from steps S3 to S5 in FIG. 3 may be performed after a predetermined time has elapsed since the MOQ was turned off.

  In the above-described embodiment, as the processing on the system controller 100 side, if the number of water heaters 1 used is not “0”, the prohibition of position reset is instructed to each water heater 1 (see step S2 in FIG. 2). Although the case where it comprises is shown, transmission of the position reset prohibition instruction | command can also be abbreviate | omitted by comprising so that the position reset may not be performed if the water heater 1 side does not permit position reset.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the case where all the water heaters 1a to 1f are centrally controlled by one system controller 100 is shown. However, when there are a large number of water heaters 1 to be connected, FIG. As shown, the system controllers 100 can be arranged hierarchically. In other words, a plurality of system controllers 100 can be arranged in a hierarchical manner, and the lower system controller (child system controller) 100L can be centrally controlled by the upper system controller (parent system controller) 100H in the system configuration. is there. In this case, regarding the position reset process described above, if the number of water heaters 1 used in all the child syscons 100L is “0”, the parent syscon 100H grants permission for position reset to the child syscons 100L. If the number of water heaters used is not “0” at 100L, the parent syscon 100H is configured to instruct all child syscons 100L to prohibit position reset.

It is a schematic block diagram which shows an example of the connection hot water supply system of this invention. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process by the side of the system controller in the same linked hot-water supply system. It is a flowchart which shows an example of the process by the side of the water heater in the connected hot water supply system. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the case where the system controller is arrange | positioned hierarchically in the connected hot water supply system.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water heater 2 Water supply pipe 3 Hot water discharge pipe 4 Water supply side branch piping 5 Hot water supply side branch piping 6 Bypass piping 10 Water heater controller 11 Heat exchange can body 12 Can body flow rate adjustment valve (flow rate adjustment valve)
13 Bypass flow control valve (flow control valve)
100 System controller (centralized controller)

Claims (5)

A plurality of water heaters connected in parallel and a centralized controller that collectively controls the plurality of water heaters, each of the water heaters is provided with a flow rate adjustment valve, and controls the flow rate adjustment valve by shut-off. In the connected hot water system configured to stop the hot water from the water heater,
Each of the water heaters is provided with a pulse motor as a drive means for the flow rate adjustment valve, and a reference position initialization means for the pulse motor,
The reference position initialization means is configured to execute a reference position initialization process of the pulse motor based on a control signal from the centralized controller ,
The centralized controller is configured to supply the control signal to the reference position initialization unit on condition that all of the water heaters are in a hot water supply stop state. Hot water system. A plurality of water heaters connected in parallel and a centralized controller that collectively controls the plurality of water heaters, each of the water heaters is provided with a flow rate adjustment valve, and controls the flow rate adjustment valve by shut-off. In the connected hot water system configured to stop the hot water from the water heater,
Each of the water heaters is provided with a pulse motor as a drive means for the flow rate adjustment valve, and a reference position initialization means for the pulse motor,
The reference position initialization means is configured to execute a reference position initialization process of the pulse motor based on a control signal from the centralized controller,
The centralized controller is configured to give the control signal to the reference position initialization means of each water heater at different timings so that the pulse motor reference position initialization process in each water heater is not performed at the same time. Have
A connected hot water system characterized by that. The centralized controller is configured to give the control signal to the reference position initialization means of each water heater at different timings so that the pulse motor reference position initialization process in each water heater is not performed at the same time. The connected hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein:   The hot water heater that has received a control signal from the centralized controller is configured to execute the reference position initialization process when the hot water heater satisfies a predetermined condition. The connected hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.   The flow rate adjusting valve includes a can flow rate adjusting valve that controls a flow rate of water flow to the heat exchange can body of the water heater, and a bypass flow rate adjusting valve that controls a flow rate of bypass piping that bypasses the heat exchange can body. The connected hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by comprising:

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