JP5220082B2 - Water heater control device, control system, control program, and control method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a water heater control device, a control system, a control program, and a control method.

  There has been proposed a water heater that resumes boiling of hot water stopped by a user when the user returns home based on a measurement signal output from a measuring device that measures the amount of water used (for example, Patent Documents). 1).

JP 2007-127362 A

  However, the technique disclosed in Patent Document 1 has a problem that the operating efficiency of the water heater is not improved because the consumption of hot water is not leveled.

  This invention is made | formed in view of the said situation, The place made into the objective is to provide the control apparatus, control system, control program, and control method of a water heater which can improve the operating efficiency of a water heater. is there.

In order to achieve the above object, a control device for a water heater according to a first aspect of the present invention provides:
Information acquisition means for acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in hot water storage tanks of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
A plurality of hot water information indicating the amount of hot water acquired by the information acquisition means, identification information for identifying a hot water supply destination to which the hot water of the hot water volume is supplied , and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water amount are associated with each other. Information, a plurality of information representing usage time segments characterizing the usage environment of the water heater, remaining hot water information representing the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank, and an evaluation section in which an evaluation of the energy consumption efficiency of the water heater is performed. Information storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of information that associate evaluation section information that represents and efficiency information that represents energy consumption efficiency of the water heater in the evaluation section ;
Based on the time information, the hot water amount information, and the identification information, the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information in the usage time segment for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means. A consumption pattern learning means for learning consumption patterns of hot water consumed,
From the use time sections respectively represented by the plurality of information stored in the information storage means, the section specifying means for specifying the use time section characterizing the current use environment of the water heater,
Consumption prediction means for predicting the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern of the hot water supply destination in the use time section specified by the classification specifying means ;
The energy consumption efficiency of the water heater achieved when the amount of hot water boiled in the usage time segment remains for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means, Efficiency learning means for learning based on the evaluation section information, the remaining hot water amount information and the efficiency information stored in the information storage means;
Boiling water amount determining means for determining the amount of boiling water of the heat source unit based on the amount of remaining hot water that achieves the energy consumption efficiency learned by the efficiency learning means and the amount of hot water predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Boiling control means for controlling the heat source unit so as to boil hot water of the boiling water amount determined by the boiling water amount determining means;
Hot water amount distribution means for allocating the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the transition of the amount of hot water consumed by the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means. Prepare.
In order to achieve the above object, a water heater control device according to a second aspect of the present invention comprises:
Information acquisition means for acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in hot water storage tanks of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
The hot water volume information representing the hot water volume acquired by the information acquisition means, identification information for identifying the hot water supply destination to which the hot water volume is supplied, and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water volume are stored in association with each other. Information storage means;
A consumption pattern learning means for learning a consumption pattern of hot water at the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information based on the hot water volume information, the identification information and the time information stored in the information storage means,
Based on the consumption pattern at the hot water supply destination learned by the consumption pattern learning means, consumption prediction means for predicting the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information;
Rule generating means for generating a rule for determining an upper limit value of the amount of hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the amount of hot water consumed by the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Based on the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at the hot water destination predicted by the consumption prediction means, the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank is distributed to the hot water supply pipe supplying hot water to the hot water destination, and the rule generating means Hot water amount distribution means for restricting the amount of hot water flowing into the plurality of hot water supply pipes so as not to exceed the upper limit defined by the rule generated in step (b).

In order to achieve the above object, a water heater control system according to a third aspect of the present invention includes:
A plurality of hot water sensors that respectively measure the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes that supply hot water stored in hot water storage tanks of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
Before and hot water information indicating the amount of hot water measured by the Kiyu amount sensor, and the identification information for identifying a hot water destination hot water of the hot water is supplied, and time information representing a measurement time of the hot water, a plurality of associating Information, a plurality of information representing usage time segments characterizing the usage environment of the water heater, remaining hot water information representing the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank, and an evaluation section in which an evaluation of the energy consumption efficiency of the water heater is performed. Information storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of information that associate evaluation section information that represents and efficiency information that represents energy consumption efficiency of the water heater in the evaluation section ;
Based on the time information, the hot water amount information, and the identification information, the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information in the usage time segment for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means. A consumption pattern learning means for learning consumption patterns of hot water consumed,
From the use time sections respectively represented by the plurality of information stored in the information storage means, the section specifying means for specifying the use time section characterizing the current use environment of the water heater,
Consumption prediction means for predicting the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern of the hot water supply destination in the use time section specified by the classification specifying means ;
The energy consumption efficiency of the water heater achieved when the amount of hot water boiled in the usage time segment remains for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means, Efficiency learning means for learning based on the evaluation section information, the remaining hot water amount information and the efficiency information stored in the information storage means;
Boiling water amount determining means for determining the amount of boiling water of the heat source unit based on the amount of remaining hot water that achieves the energy consumption efficiency learned by the efficiency learning means and the amount of hot water predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Boiling control means for controlling the heat source unit so as to boil the boiling water amount determined by the boiling water amount determining means;
On the basis of transition of the predicted the hot water destination consumption hot water in the consumption predicting means, hot water distribution means for distributing the hot water flowing from the front Symbol hot water storage tank to hot water pipe for supplying hot water to the pre-Symbol supply hot water destination And comprising.
In order to achieve the above object, a water heater control system according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes:
A plurality of hot water sensors that respectively measure the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes that supply hot water stored in hot water storage tanks of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
Information storage for storing hot water amount information representing the amount of hot water measured by the hot water amount sensor, identification information for identifying a hot water supply destination to which the hot water of the hot water amount is supplied, and time information representing the measurement time of the hot water amount in association with each other Means,
A consumption pattern learning means for learning a consumption pattern of hot water at the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information based on the hot water volume information, the identification information and the time information stored in the information storage means,
Based on the consumption pattern at the hot water supply destination learned by the consumption pattern learning means, consumption prediction means for predicting the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information;
Rule generating means for generating a rule for determining an upper limit value of the amount of hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the amount of hot water consumed by the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Based on the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at the hot water destination predicted by the consumption prediction means, the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank is distributed to the hot water supply pipe supplying hot water to the hot water destination, and the rule generating means Hot water amount distribution means for restricting the amount of hot water flowing into the plurality of hot water supply pipes so as not to exceed the upper limit defined by the rule generated in step (b).

In order to achieve the above object, a control program for a water heater according to the fifth aspect of the present invention is:
Computer
Information acquisition means for acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in a hot water storage tank of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations,
A plurality of hot water information indicating the amount of hot water acquired by the information acquisition means, identification information for identifying a hot water supply destination to which the hot water of the hot water volume is supplied , and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water amount are associated with each other. Information, a plurality of information representing usage time segments characterizing the usage environment of the water heater, remaining hot water information representing the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank, and an evaluation section in which an evaluation of the energy consumption efficiency of the water heater is performed. Information storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of information in which evaluation section information representing and efficiency information representing energy consumption efficiency of the water heater in the evaluation section are associated with each other ;
Based on the time information, the hot water amount information, and the identification information, the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information in the usage time segment for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means. Consumption pattern learning means for learning consumption patterns of hot water consumed,
A class specifying means for specifying a usage time section characterizing a current usage environment of the water heater from a usage time section represented by each of a plurality of information stored in the information storage means;
Consumption prediction means for predicting the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern of the hot water supply destination in the use time section specified by the classification specifying means;
The energy consumption efficiency of the water heater achieved when the amount of hot water boiled in the usage time segment remains for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means, Efficiency learning means for learning based on the evaluation section information, the remaining hot water amount information and the efficiency information stored in the information storage means;
Boiling water amount determination means for determining the amount of boiling water of the heat source unit based on the amount of remaining hot water that achieves the energy consumption efficiency learned by the efficiency learning means and the amount of hot water predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Boiling control means for controlling the heat source device so as to boil the boiling water amount determined by the boiling water amount determining means,
Functions as hot water amount distribution means for allocating the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the transition of the hot water consumption amount of the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means. Let
In order to achieve the above object, a control program for a water heater according to a sixth aspect of the present invention comprises:
Computer
Information acquisition means for acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in a hot water storage tank of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations,
The hot water volume information representing the hot water volume acquired by the information acquisition means, identification information for identifying the hot water supply destination to which the hot water volume is supplied, and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water volume are stored in association with each other. Information storage means,
A consumption pattern learning means for learning a consumption pattern of hot water at the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information based on the hot water volume information, the identification information and the time information stored in the information storage means,
Consumption prediction means for predicting the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern at the hot water supply destination learned by the consumption pattern learning means;
Rule generating means for generating a rule for determining an upper limit value of the amount of hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the amount of hot water consumed by the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Based on the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at the hot water destination predicted by the consumption prediction means, the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank is distributed to the hot water supply pipe supplying hot water to the hot water destination, and the rule generating means And function as hot water amount distribution means for limiting the amount of hot water flowing into the plurality of hot water supply pipes so as not to exceed the upper limit value defined by the rule generated in (1).

In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling a water heater according to a seventh aspect of the present invention is as follows.
An information acquisition step of acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in a hot water storage tank of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
An evaluation section that represents an evaluation section in which a plurality of pieces of information representing use time segments that characterize the use environment of the water heater, remaining hot water information that represents the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank, and evaluation of energy consumption efficiency of the water heater The amount of hot water representing the amount of hot water obtained in the information obtaining step is stored in information storage means for storing information and a plurality of pieces of information in which the efficiency information representing the energy consumption efficiency of the water heater in the evaluation section is associated. An information storage step for storing a plurality of pieces of information in which information, identification information for identifying a hot water supply destination to which the hot water is supplied , and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water,
Based on the time information, the hot water amount information, and the identification information, the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information in the usage time segment for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means. A consumption pattern learning step for learning consumption patterns of hot water consumed,
A category identifying step for identifying a usage time segment that characterizes the current usage environment of the water heater, from a usage time segment represented by each of a plurality of information stored in the information storage means,
A consumption prediction step of predicting the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern of the hot water supply destination in the use time section specified in the classification specifying step ;
The energy consumption efficiency of the water heater achieved when the amount of hot water boiled in the usage time segment remains for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means, An efficiency learning step of learning based on the evaluation section information, the remaining hot water amount information and the efficiency information stored in the information storage means;
Based on the amount of remaining hot water that achieves the energy consumption efficiency learned in the efficiency learning step and the amount of hot water predicted in the consumption prediction step, the amount of boiling water determined to determine the amount of boiling water of the heat source machine;
A boiling control step for controlling the heat source unit to boil the boiling water amount determined in the boiling water amount determination step;
A hot water amount distribution step of allocating the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply pipe supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the transition of the hot water consumption amount of the hot water supply destination predicted in the consumption prediction step; Have.
In order to achieve the above object, a method for controlling a water heater according to an eighth aspect of the present invention is as follows.
An information acquisition step of acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in a hot water storage tank of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
Information storage that correlates hot water information that represents the amount of hot water acquired in the information acquisition step, identification information that identifies a hot water supply destination to which the hot water is supplied, and time information that represents the measurement time of the hot water An information storage step to be stored in the means;
A consumption pattern learning step for learning a consumption pattern of hot water at a hot water supply destination identified by the identification information based on the hot water volume information, the identification information, and the time information stored in the information storage means;
Based on the consumption pattern at the hot water destination learned in the consumption pattern learning step, a consumption prediction step for predicting the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water destinations identified by the identification information;
A rule generation step for generating a rule for determining an upper limit value of the amount of hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the amount of hot water consumption of the hot water supply destination predicted in the consumption prediction step;
The rule generation step distributes the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply pipe that supplies hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the transition of the hot water consumption of the hot water supply destination predicted in the consumption prediction step. And a hot water amount distribution step for restricting the amount of hot water flowing into the plurality of hot water supply pipes so as not to exceed the upper limit value defined by the rule generated in (1).

  According to the control device, control system, control program, and control method for a water heater according to the present invention, the operation efficiency of the water heater can be improved.

(A) is a network block diagram showing an example of the control system of the water heater based on embodiment of this invention. (B) is a block diagram showing the example of 1 structure of a water heater. (C) is a figure showing an example of the circulation line between a heat pump unit and a hot-water supply unit. It is a figure showing an example of the water supply line which a hot water supply unit has, a hot water supply line, the circulation line for heat sources, and the circulation line for remedy. (A) is a figure showing an example of the apparatus connected to the control apparatus which concerns on embodiment of this invention. FIG. 2B is a hardware configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a control device. It is a figure showing an example of an apparatus controller. It is a functional block diagram showing an example of the function which a hot water supply controller has. (A) is a figure showing an example of a consumption history table. (B) is a figure showing an example of a utilization environment definition table. (C) is a figure showing an example of a consumption pattern table. (D) is a figure showing an example of an efficiency history table. (E) is a figure showing an example of a prediction efficiency table. (A) is a flowchart showing an example of the consumption pattern learning process which a hot water supply controller performs. (B) is a flowchart showing an example of the efficiency learning process which a hot water supply controller performs. (A) is a flowchart showing an example of the hot water supply control process which a hot water supply controller performs. (B) is a flowchart showing an example of the boiling process which a hot water supply controller performs. (C) is a flowchart showing an example of the total hot water consumption prediction process performed by the hot water controller. (D) is a flowchart showing an example of the boiling hot water amount determination process which a hot water supply controller performs. (A) is a flowchart showing an example of the hot water amount distribution process which a hot water supply controller performs. (B) is a flowchart showing an example of the predicted hot water consumption correction process executed by the hot water controller. (A) is a figure showing an example of the consumption pattern of hot water in a certain door-to-door system. (B) is a figure showing an example of the consumption pattern of the hot water in another door-to-door system. (C) is a figure showing an example of the consumption pattern of actual hot water. (D) is a figure showing an example of the consumption pattern of the hot water after correction | amendment. (A) is a figure showing an example of the predicted total hot water consumption. (B) is a figure showing an example of the amount of prediction remaining hot water. (A) is a figure showing an example of the amount of distribution hot water with respect to a certain door-to-door system. (B) is a figure showing an example of the amount of distribution hot water with respect to another door-to-door system. It is a figure showing an example of the control apparatus which concerns on a modification.

  Hereinafter, the control system 1 of the water heater 100 according to the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  The control system 1 which concerns on embodiment of this invention is installed in the apartment house H where a several household lives, as shown to Fig.1 (a). The control system 1 includes a water heater 100 that boils city water into hot water (hot water), and door-to-door systems 201 and 202 that consume hot water (hot water having a lower temperature than hot water and a higher temperature than city water). Consists of including. In this specification, high temperature water or warm water is simply referred to as “hot water”.

  The water heater 100 and the door-to-door systems 201 and 202 are communicably connected by a communication line L used for communication according to a protocol such as RS485, for example. As shown in FIG. 2, the door-to-door system 201 and the door-to-door system 202 are as shown in FIG. 3A, respectively, with bathtubs B1 and B2, hot water taps C1 and C2 provided in faucets for pouring hot water into the bathtub, etc. Each of the device controllers 201a and 202a is used in a living space dedicated to different households. In addition, the control system 1 may be installed not only in the apartment house but also in a commercial facility or factory such as a public bath or a hotel where a plurality of people consume hot water. Further, the number of door-to-door systems constituting the control system 1 may be three or more. Since the door-to-door systems 201 and 202 have the same configuration, the door-to-door system 201 will be mainly described below.

  Here, normally, different households often have different numbers of household members, age and sex of members, and life patterns. For this reason, the manner in which the amount of hot water consumed in a door-to-door system (that is, a household) changes over time (hereinafter referred to as a consumption pattern) is often different for each household. Therefore, according to these structures, compared with the case where one hot water heater is utilized for every household, the consumption condition of hot water can be leveled, Therefore The operating efficiency of a hot water heater can be improved.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the water heater 100 includes a heat pump unit 10 and a hot water supply unit 20. The heat pump unit 10 is a heat source machine that feeds the boiled high temperature water to the hot water supply unit 20 after boiling the low temperature water taken from the hot water supply unit 20 with electric power.

  As shown in FIG. 1C, the heat pump unit 10 is provided with a circulation pipe 11 for circulating a refrigerant such as carbon dioxide in a supercritical state, for example. In the circulation pipe 11, heat exchange is performed between a compressor (that is, a compressor) 11 c that compresses the refrigerant, and the refrigerant that has been brought into a high temperature / high pressure state by compression and the low temperature water supplied from the hot water supply unit 20. A boiling heat exchanger 11h, an expansion valve 11v in which the refrigerant is decompressed by expansion, and an evaporator 11e in which the expanded refrigerant absorbs atmospheric heat and enters a gas state are sequentially installed.

  As shown in FIG. 1B, the hot water supply unit 20 includes a hot water storage tank 21 that stores high-temperature water boiled by the heat pump unit 10, and a low-temperature water amount such as city water that flows into the heat pump unit 10 and the hot water storage tank 21. And a hot water supply controller 29 that controls the amount of hot water flowing out of the hot water storage tank 21.

  The hot water storage tank 21 is a metal or resin tank, and the outside is covered with a heat insulating material. For this reason, the hot water storage tank 21 can store hot water while keeping hot water. Moreover, as shown in FIG.1 (c), the remaining hot water amount sensor 21n which measures the amount of stored hot water (henceforth the remaining hot water amount) is installed in the hot water storage tank 21 inside. Further, a pressure relief valve 28 is connected to the top of the hot water storage tank 21 via a pipe to prevent an excessive increase in internal pressure of the hot water storage tank 21.

  The hot water supply unit 20 includes a boiling circulation line 22 as shown in FIG. 1 (c), a water supply line 27 as shown in FIG. 2, heat source circulation lines 231 and 232, hot water supply lines 241 and 242, and A memorial circulation line 251 and 252 are provided. The heat source circulation line 231, the hot water supply line 241, and the memorial circulation line 251 in FIG. 2 are used to supply hot water to the door-to-door system 201. In contrast, the heat source circulation line 232, the hot water supply line 242, and the memorial circulation line 252 are used to supply hot water to the door-to-door system 202. The heat source circulation pipes 231 and 232, the hot water supply pipe lines 241 and 242 and the memorial circulation pipes 251 and 252 in FIG. 2 have the same configuration. Therefore, the heat source circulation pipes 231 and the hot water supply are mainly used. The conduit 241 and the memorial circulation conduit 251 will be described. When the control system 1 is configured with three or more door-to-door systems, the hot water supply unit 20 has three or more of the hot water supply pipes, the heat source circulation pipes, and the memorial circulation pipes shown in FIG.

  The boiling circulation line 22 in FIG. 1C is used for circulating hot water between the heat pump unit 10 and the hot water storage tank 21. The boiling circulation line 22 is a heat pump for discharging the low temperature water from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21, the three-way valve 22 v for bifurcating the taken low temperature water, and the low temperature water flowing from the three-way valve 22 v. It comprises a boiling pump 22p for feeding water to the unit 10, and a return pipe 22r for returning the high temperature water returned from the heat pump unit 10 and the low temperature water bypassed by the three-way valve 22v to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21. .

  A water supply line 27 in FIG. 2 is a line for supplying low-temperature water such as city water to the pressure reducing valves 271d and 272d and the hot water taps C1 and C2. The pressure reducing valve 271 d supplied with the low temperature water by the water supply pipe 27 reduces the water pressure to a predetermined value or less, and then reduces the pressure to the lower part of the hot water mixing valve 241 m and the hot water mixing valve 241 n and the hot water supply tank 29. Supply low temperature water.

  The heat source circulation pipe 231 in FIG. 2 is used to supply high-temperature water to the heat exchanger 251h for heat exchange that performs heat exchange with the circulation pipe 251 for heat treatment. The heat source circulation pipe 231 flows out of the outgoing pipe 231a through which high-temperature water taken from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 21 flows into the upper part of the heat exchanger 251h and the lower part of the heat exchanger 251h. A heat source pump 231p that supplies water to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21 and a return pipe 231r that returns the water supplied from the heat source pump 231p to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 21 are configured.

  A hot water supply pipe 241 in FIG. 2 is a pipe that supplies hot water obtained by mixing city water to hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 to the bathtub B1 and the hot water tap C1. The hot water supply pipe 241 is high-temperature water flowing through one end of the shared hot water supply pipe 241a branched from the outgoing pipe 231a of the heat source circulation pipe 231 and the downstream of the shared hot water supply pipe 241a (tub B1 side). A hot water sensor 241f for cooking hot water that measures the amount of hot water, a hot water temperature sensor 241t for hot water flowing through the one end, hot water flowing from the one end and city water flowing from the pressure reducing valve 271d are mixed. And a hot water supply pipe section 241b for supplying hot water generated by the mixed valve 241m for additional cooking to the circulation pipe 251 for additional cooking.

  The hot water supply pipe 241 is a hot water supply amount sensor 241g for measuring the amount of hot water flowing through the other end of the shared hot water supply pipe portion 241a (on the hot water tap C1 side), and hot water supply for measuring the temperature of the hot water flowing through the other end. Hot water temperature sensor 241s, hot water mixing valve 241n that mixes high-temperature water from the other end with city water from the pressure reducing valve 271d, and hot water that supplies hot water generated by the hot water mixing valve 241n to the hot water tap C1 And a hot water supply pipe portion 241c. The hot water supply mixing valve 241n and the additional cooking mixing valve 241m are electric mixing valves whose opening degree is controlled by the hot water supply controller 29. The amount of high-temperature water to be confused with city water by the hot water mixing valve 241n and the supplementary cooking valve 241m is controlled by the hot water controller 29.

  The memorial circulation line 251 in FIG. 2 is used for the circulation of bath water between the bathtub B 1 installed in the door-to-door system 201 and the hot water supply unit 20. The memorial circulation pipe 251 includes an outgoing pipe 251a for taking bath water from the side of the bathtub 150, and a memorial pump 251p for feeding the bath water flowing from the outgoing pipe 251a to the memorial heat exchanger 251h. The heat exchanger 251h for heat exchange in which heat is exchanged between the high-temperature water and the bath water in the heat source circulation pipe 231, and the mixture of the bath water and the additional cooking whose temperature is increased by the heat exchanger 251h for the heat source It includes a return pipe 251r that returns the warm water flowing in from the valve 241m to the bathtub B1.

  According to these configurations, the hot water storage tank 21, the circulation circulation lines 251 and 252 and the hot water supply lines 241 and 242 for supplying hot water to two households (a plurality of households) are provided. For this reason, less than one water heater is installed in each household, and the installation space is smaller than the total installation space and total installation cost of water heaters when the hot water supplied from one water heater is consumed in each household. But you can install a water heater at low cost. Moreover, the hot water storage tank 21 has a larger tank capacity and an average amount of stored hot water than a hot water storage tank provided in a water heater generally used in one household. For this reason, the outer surface area ratio of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 of the water heater 100 is smaller than the outer surface area ratio of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank of the water heater installed for each household. Therefore, even if the hot water is boiled at a lower temperature, the stored hot water is difficult to cool, so that energy efficiency is improved.

  The hot water supply controller 29 of FIG.1 (b) which is a control apparatus which concerns on this invention is connected to the device controllers 201a and 202a installed in the door-to-door systems 201 and 202, respectively, as shown to Fig.3 (a). Since the device controllers 201a and 202a have the same configuration, the device controller 201a will be mainly described.

  The device controller 201a includes a display unit 201d and a plurality of operation buttons 201k as shown in FIG. 4, and includes a microcomputer (not shown). Since the configuration of this microcomputer is the same as that of the microcomputer included in the hot water supply controller 29 described later, description thereof is omitted.

  The operation button 201k includes a setting button for setting the hot water temperature supplied to the door-to-door system 201. Moreover, the display part 201d displays the message transmitted by the preset temperature set by the setting button and the hot water supply controller 29, for example.

  The hot water supply controller 29 in FIG. 3A includes the remaining hot water amount sensor 21n, the hot water supply hot water amount sensors 241g and 242g, the hot water supply hot water temperature sensors 241s and 242s, the hot water supply mixing valves 241n and 242n, and the hot water mixing valve 241m. And 242m, hot water sensors 241f and 242f for additional cooking, hot water temperature sensors 241t and 242t for additional cooking, and mixing valves 241m and 241n for additional cooking.

  Further, the hot water supply controller 29 in FIG. 3A is connected to a heat pump controller 10c included in the heat pump unit 10. The heat pump controller 10c includes a microcomputer (not shown) having the same configuration as that of the microcomputer included in the hot water supply controller 29 described later.

  The heat pump controller 10c is connected to, for example, the compressor 11c and the expansion valve 11v in FIG. 1C and a power sensor 10s that measures the power consumed by the entire heat pump unit 10. The heat pump controller 10c monitors the signal output from the power sensor 10s, and thus the total power consumption in the time interval (hereinafter referred to as the evaluation interval) in which the energy efficiency of the water heater 100 designated by the hot water controller 29 is evaluated. Calculate the amount. The heat pump controller 10 c returns the total power consumption calculated according to the transmission request from the hot water supply controller 29.

  The hot water controller 29 includes a microcomputer as shown in FIG. The microcomputer shown in FIG. 3B includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 29a, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 29b, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 29c, a communication unit 29d, and an I / O (Input / Output) port 29e. Have. The CPU 29a performs overall control of the control system 1 by executing a program stored in the ROM 29c. The RAM 29b temporarily stores data to be processed when the CPU 29a executes software processing. The communication unit 29d performs data communication with the device controllers 201a and 202a connected to the hot water supply controller 29 and the heat pump controller 10c, and inputs and outputs signals representing the communicated data with the CPU 29a. The I / O port 29e inputs signals output from various sensors connected to the hot water supply controller 29 to the CPU 90a, and the signals output from the CPU 90a are mixed cooking valves 241m and 242m for cooking, and mixed valves 241n and 272n for hot water supply. And to the boiling pump 22p.

  The CPU 29a in FIG. 3B performs consumption history storage processing for storing, in the RAM 29b, the amount of high-temperature water supplied to the door-to-door systems 201 and 202 (that is, consumed by the door-to-door systems 201 and 202, respectively). For example, it is executed at regular intervals of “5 minutes” while 29 is activated. Thus, the CPU 29a functions as an information acquisition unit 281 and an information storage unit 282 as shown in FIG. The CPU 29a functions as the information storage unit 283 in cooperation with the RAM 29b and the ROM 29c.

  When the execution of the consumption history storage process is started, the information acquisition unit 281 adds a signal indicating the amount of high-temperature water (hereinafter referred to as supplemental hot water amount) measured by the supplemental hot water sensor 241f in FIG. Acquired from the hot water sensor 241f for cooking. Next, the information acquisition unit 281 acquires a signal indicating the amount of high-temperature water measured by the hot water supply hot water amount sensor 241g in FIG. 2 (hereinafter referred to as hot water supply hot water amount) from the hot water supply hot water amount sensor 241g. Next, a signal representing the temperature of the high-temperature water measured by the hot water temperature sensor 241t for additional cooking (hereinafter referred to as the hot water temperature for additional cooking) is acquired from the hot water temperature sensor 241t for additional cooking, A signal representing the temperature of the high-temperature water (hereinafter, referred to as hot water temperature for hot water supply) measured by the hot water temperature sensor 241s is acquired from the hot water temperature sensor 241s.

  Thereafter, the information storage unit 282 in FIG. 5 corrects the amount of hot water for additional cooking at the temperature for additional cooking to the amount of hot water for additional cooking at a predetermined temperature (eg, “70 ° C.”). Specifically, the information storage unit 282 calculates the amount of heat for cooking based on the multiplication value of the temperature of hot water for cooking with the amount of hot water for cooking, and then divides the calculated amount of heat for cooking by a predetermined temperature. Thus, the amount of hot water for additional cooking at the temperature of hot water for additional cooking before correction is corrected to the amount of hot water for additional cooking at a predetermined temperature. That is, the amount of high-temperature water having a predetermined temperature required to generate hot water having the same temperature and the same amount as the hot water generated (that is, consumed) using the amount of hot water for additional cooking before correction is calculated. Similarly, the information storage unit 282 corrects the amount of hot water for hot water supply at the temperature for hot water supply to the amount of hot water for hot water supply at a predetermined temperature. This is because the consumption of hot water having different temperatures depending on the measurement date and time is compared on different days.

  After that, the information storage unit 282 of FIG. 5 adds the corrected amount of hot water for cooking and the amount of hot water for hot water supply, and is supplied from the hot water storage tank 21 to the door-to-door system 201 (that is, consumed by the door-to-door system 201). ) Calculate the amount of hot water (hereinafter referred to as the amount of hot water consumed).

  Next, the information storage unit 282 stores an identification number (hereinafter also referred to as a household ID) for identifying a household using the door-to-door system 201 in the consumption history table TSH as shown in FIG. 6A stored in the information storage unit 283. ), The amount of hot water consumed representing the amount of hot water consumed by the door-to-door system 201 (hereinafter referred to as the amount of hot water consumed by the household “201”), and the measurement date / time information representing the date and time when the amount of hot water was measured are stored in association with each other. .

  Thereafter, the information acquisition unit 281 performs the same processing on the hot water sensor for additional cooking 242f, the hot water sensor for hot water supply 242g, the hot water temperature sensor for additional cooking 242t, and the hot water temperature sensor for additional cooking 242s in FIG. Thus, the household ID “202” of the household using the door-to-door system 202, the hot water consumption information of the household “202”, and the measurement date / time information are stored in association with each other in the consumption history table TSH of FIG. .

  Further, the CPU 29a in FIG. 3B learns the consumption pattern of high-temperature water in each of the door-to-door systems 201 and 202 (that is, in the households “201” and “202”), for example, at a regular cycle of “1 month”. A consumption pattern learning process as shown in FIG. 7A is performed (that is, specified). Thereby, the CPU 29a functions as the information storage unit 283 and the consumption pattern learning unit 284 shown in FIG.

  Note that the information storage unit 283 used for the consumption pattern learning process in FIG. 7A stores a use environment definition table TDS as shown in FIG. The usage environment definition table TDS includes a usage environment ID that identifies a typical example (that is, a pattern) of the usage environment of the water heater 100, information that indicates the usage environment, and usage time segment information that represents a time segment that characterizes the usage environment. It is stored in association.

  In other words, for example, many people take a bath using only a shower in the summer without bathing in the bathtub, so even in the same weekday, the summer time segment consumes less hot water than the winter time segment. There are many cases. In addition, since many people do not take a bath on a holiday, a smaller amount of hot water is often consumed in a holiday time division than in a weekday time division. Furthermore, unlike holidays on weekdays, there are many people who have a late bathing time, so hot water is often consumed in a time zone that is later than a weekday time zone. Furthermore, since the temperature in summer is higher than that in winter, even in the summer time segment, even if a smaller amount of hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 21 than in the winter time segment, the hot water is difficult to cool. Thus, the usage environment of the water heater 100 is characterized by, for example, weekdays or Saturdays, Sundays, or holidays (that is, holidays), and seasons.

  When the execution of the consumption pattern learning process of FIG. 7 (b) using the usage environment definition table TDS stored in the information storage unit 283 is started, the consumption pattern learning unit 284 is for all household systems (hereinafter referred to as all households). It is determined whether or not the processing from step S02 to step S07 has been executed (step S01). At this time, when the consumption pattern learning unit 284 determines that the processing has not been executed for all households (step S01; No), one of the unprocessed households is set as a processing target (step S02). Next, the consumption pattern learning unit 284 performs the processing from step S04 to step S07 for all the usage environments (that is, all the usage environment IDs stored in the usage environment definition table TDS in FIG. 6B). It is determined whether or not (step S03). At this time, if the consumption pattern learning unit 284 determines that not all the usage environments have been processed (step S03; No), one of the unprocessed usage environments is set as the processing target (step S04).

  Next, the consumption pattern learning unit 284 determines the measurement date and time information and the consumption from the consumption history table TSH of FIG. 6A based on the household ID of the household that is the processing target (hereinafter referred to as the target household ID in this process). Hot water amount information (hereinafter referred to as consumption history information) is searched (step S05).

  Thereafter, the consumption pattern learning unit 284, based on the searched consumption history information, changes over time in the amount of hot water consumed in the target household in the usage environment (hereinafter referred to as the target usage environment) targeted for processing (that is, the consumption pattern). ) Is learned (specified) (step S06).

  As a specific example, the consumption pattern learning unit 284 searches the usage time definition information associated with the usage environment ID of the target usage environment from the usage environment definition table TDS of FIG. Next, the consumption pattern learning unit 284 searches for consumption hot water information associated with the measurement date / time information indicating the date / time belonging to the use time category represented by the searched information based on the target household ID. Search from information. Thereafter, the consumption pattern learning unit 284 calculates an average value for the consumed hot water amounts respectively represented by a plurality of consumed hot water information at the same measurement time (different measurement dates) in the searched consumed hot water information. Specify the consumption pattern for high-temperature water at a predetermined temperature (that is, calculate the average hot water consumption in increments of “5 minutes” every weekday / holiday of each season). In the calculation of the average value, the consumption pattern learning unit 284 calculates a weighted average that places a weight on the amount of hot water consumed at the measurement date and time close to the current time.

  After executing the process of step S06, the consumption pattern learning unit 284 associates the target household ID, the information indicating the learned consumption pattern, and the target usage environment ID as shown in FIG. 6C. The information is stored in the consumption pattern table TCP stored in the information storage unit 283 (step S07). Thereafter, the consumption pattern learning unit 284 returns to step S03 and repeats the above processing.

  In step S03, when the consumption pattern learning unit 284 determines that the process has been executed for all the usage environments (step S03; Yes), the process returns to step S01 and the above process is repeated.

  In step S01, when the consumption pattern learning unit 284 determines that the process has been executed for all households (step S01; Yes), the consumption pattern learning process is terminated.

  The CPU 29a in FIG. 3B, for example, displays efficiency information indicating the energy efficiency of the water heater 100 in the evaluation section from the predetermined time to “24 hours” before a predetermined time such as “2:00 am”, for example. An efficiency history saving process for saving in the information storage unit 281 is executed. Thus, the CPU 29a functions as the information acquisition unit 281 and the information storage unit 282, and functions as the information storage unit 283 in cooperation with the RAM and 29b.

  When the execution of the efficiency history storage process is started, the information acquisition unit 281 acquires a signal representing the remaining hot water amount from the remaining hot water amount sensor 21n in FIG. Next, the information acquisition unit 281 acquires a signal representing the total power consumption of the heat pump unit 10 in the evaluation section from the heat pump controller 10c. Thereafter, the information acquisition unit 281 searches the consumption history table TSH of FIG. 6A for hot water consumption information associated with the measurement date / time information indicating the measurement date / time included in the evaluation section from the current time to a predetermined time before. To do. Next, the information storage unit 282 calculates the total amount of hot water consumed in the evaluation section by calculating the sum of the amount of hot water represented by each of the searched pieces of information. Next, the information storage unit 282 calculates the total amount of heat supplied to the door-to-door systems 201 and 202 based on the product of the total hot water consumption represented by the searched information and the predetermined temperature. Thereafter, the information storage unit 282 calculates energy consumption efficiency such as COP (Coefficient Of Performance) based on a value obtained by dividing the calculated supply heat amount by the total power consumption amount. Thereafter, the information storage unit 282 includes evaluation section information representing the evaluation section, information representing the total power consumption, information representing the total supply heat quantity, information representing the total hot water consumption, information representing the remaining hot water quantity, energy The information indicating the efficiency is associated with the information and stored in the efficiency history table TEH of the information storage unit 281 as illustrated in FIG.

  The CPU 29a in FIG. 3B executes an efficiency learning process as shown in FIG. 7B, for example, which learns the energy efficiency of the water heater 100 at a regular cycle of “one month”. Thus, the CPU 29a functions as an efficiency learning unit 285 as shown in FIG.

  When the efficiency learning process of FIG. 7B is started, the efficiency learning unit 285 is configured for all the usage environments (that is, for all the usage environment IDs stored in the usage environment definition table TDS of FIG. 6B). ), It is determined whether or not the processing from step S12 to step S19 has been executed (step S11). At this time, if the efficiency learning unit 285 determines that not all of the usage environments have been processed (step S11; No), one of the unprocessed usage environments is set as a processing target (step S12). Next, the efficiency learning unit 285 determines whether or not the processing from step S14 to step S19 has been executed for all predetermined total hot water consumption categories (hereinafter referred to as total hot water consumption categories) (step S13). ). The total hot water consumption classification may be, for example, a classification from “0” liters to the maximum hot water storage volume of the hot water storage tank in “5” liter increments. At this time, if the efficiency learning unit 285 determines that the processing has not been executed for all the predetermined total hot water consumption categories (step S13; No), the efficiency learning unit 285 processes one of the unprocessed total hot water consumption categories. Target (step S14). Thereafter, the efficiency learning unit 285 determines whether or not the processing from step S16 to step S19 has been executed for all predetermined remaining hot water volume categories (hereinafter referred to as remaining hot water volume categories) (step S15). The remaining hot water amount classification may be, for example, a division from “0” liters to the maximum hot water storage amount of the hot water storage tank in increments of “5” liters.

  In step S15, if the efficiency learning unit 285 determines that not all the remaining hot water volume sections have been processed (step S15; No), one of the unprocessed remaining hot water volume sections is set as a processing target (step S15). S16).

  Thereafter, the efficiency learning unit 285 uses the usage environment ID (hereinafter referred to as the target usage environment ID in this process) of the usage environment that is the processing target (hereinafter referred to as the target usage environment ID) and the total hot water consumption that is the processing target. Information indicating the total hot water consumption included in the category (hereinafter referred to as target total hot water consumption category in this process) and the remaining hot water amount included in the remaining hot water volume category (hereinafter referred to as target hot water volume category in this process) The efficiency information associated with the information to be represented is searched from the efficiency history table TEH in FIG. 6D (step S17).

  Thereafter, the efficiency learning unit 285 boils the amount of high-temperature water included in the target total hot water consumption category in the target usage environment based on the energy efficiency represented by the plurality of searched efficiency information, A predicted value of energy efficiency achieved when the amount of hot water included in the hot water volume classification is used as remaining hot water is calculated (step S18). As a specific example, for the energy efficiency represented by a plurality of retrieved efficiency information, a weighted average is calculated by weighting the efficiency of the evaluation section close to the current time, and the calculated weighted average value is used to predict the energy efficiency. Value.

  Next, the efficiency learning unit 285 correlates the target usage environment ID, information indicating the target total hot water consumption amount category, information indicating the target remaining hot water amount category, and prediction efficiency information indicating the predicted value of the calculated energy efficiency. In addition, the prediction efficiency table TE stored in the information storage unit 281 as shown in FIG. 6E is stored (step S19). Thereafter, the efficiency learning unit 285 returns to step S15 and repeats the above processing.

  In step S15, when the efficiency learning unit 285 determines that all remaining hot water volume categories are to be processed (step S15; Yes), the efficiency learning unit 285 returns to step S13 and repeats the above processing.

  In step S13, if the efficiency learning unit 285 determines that the process has been executed for all predetermined total hot water consumption categories (step S13; Yes), the process returns to step S11 and the above process is repeated.

  In step S11, when the efficiency learning unit 285 determines that the process has been executed for all the use environments (step S11; Yes), the efficiency learning process ends.

  For example, the CPU 29a in FIG. 3B executes a hot water supply control process for controlling the amount of hot water stored in the water heater 100 as shown in FIG. Thereby, the CPU 29a functions as a classification specifying unit 286, a consumption prediction unit 287, a boiling water amount determination unit 288, a boiling control unit 289, a rule generation unit 290, and a hot water amount distribution unit 291 as shown in FIG. The CPU 29a functions as the information storage unit 283 in cooperation with the RAM 29b and the ROM 29c.

  When the hot water supply control process in FIG. 8A is started, a boiling process for boiling water as shown in FIG. 8B is started (step 21). When the boiling process in FIG. 8B is started, execution of the total hot water consumption prediction process for predicting the total hot water consumption in the evaluation category is started (step 31).

  When the total hot water consumption prediction process in FIG. 8C is started, the classification specifying unit 286 uses the current usage time to characterize the current usage environment of the water heater 100 based on the current system time (hereinafter referred to as the current time). A division is specified (step S41). Specifically, the category specifying unit 286 searches the usage environment definition table TDS in FIG. 6B for usage time category information representing the usage time zone including the current time. Moreover, the classification specifying unit 286 specifies the current usage environment of the water heater 100 based on the searched usage time classification information. Specifically, the category specifying unit 286 acquires the usage environment information associated with the searched usage time category information, and specifies the usage environment represented by the acquired usage environment information as the current usage environment. . Next, the classification specifying unit 286 determines whether or not the processing in steps S43 and S44 has been executed for all households (step S42). At this time, if the classification specifying unit 286 determines that the processing has not been executed for all the households (step S42; No), one of the unprocessed households is set as a processing target (step S43).

  Thereafter, the consumption prediction unit 287 determines the household ID of the household that is the processing target (hereinafter referred to as the target household ID in this process) and the ID that identifies the usage environment that is the processing target (hereinafter referred to as the target usage environment in this process). 6), the consumption time information indicating the consumption time of hot water and the consumption hot water information indicating the amount of high-temperature water consumed at the consumption time are associated with each other from the consumption pattern table TCP of FIG. The consumption pattern information is searched (step S44).

  In step S42, when the category identification unit 286 determines that the process has been executed for all households (step S42; Yes), the consumption prediction unit 287 evaluates based on the consumption pattern information searched for each household in step S44. The total hot water consumption at is predicted (step S45). Thereafter, the consumption prediction unit 287 ends the execution of the total hot water consumption prediction process.

  According to these configurations, since the total hot water consumption is predicted based on the predicted hot water consumption for each of the door-to-door systems 201 and 202, for example, even if a household using the door-to-door system 201 or 202 moves, The amount of hot water consumed by the entire system 201 and 202 can be accurately predicted.

  After executing step S31 of FIG. 8B, the boiling water amount determination unit 288 of FIG. 5 starts execution of boiling water amount determination processing for determining the amount of boiling water as shown in FIG. 8D. (Step S32). When the boiling water amount determination process of FIG. 8D is started, the boiling water amount determination unit 288 uses the usage environment ID (identifying the current usage environment of the water heater 100 from the prediction efficiency table TE of FIG. 6E). That is, the usage environment ID of the usage environment corresponding to the usage time segment specified in step S41 in FIG. 8C and the total hot water consumption predicted in step S45 in FIG. 8C (hereinafter, predicted total consumption). The information indicating the total consumed hot water volume category including the hot water volume), the information indicating the remaining hot water volume category and the predicted efficiency information associated therewith are searched (step S51). Next, the boiling water amount determination unit 288 includes the remaining hot water amount included in the remaining hot water amount category represented by the information associated with the information representing the maximum predicted efficiency among the predicted efficiencies represented by the searched information. (For example, the central value in the remaining hot water volume classification) is acquired, and the acquired remaining hot water amount is set as the maximum efficiency achieved remaining hot water amount (step S52). Thereafter, the boiling hot water amount determination unit 288 acquires a signal representing the current remaining hot water amount from the remaining hot water amount sensor 21n of FIG. 1C (step S53). Thereafter, the boiling water amount determination unit 288 determines the boiling water amount using the following equation (1) (step S54), and then ends the boiling water amount determination process.

  Determined boiling hot water volume = Estimated total hot water consumption + Maximum efficiency achieved remaining hot water volume-Current remaining hot water volume (1)

  After step S32 in FIG. 8 (b), the boiling control unit 289 instructs the peat pump controller 10c in FIG. 3 (a) to issue a command to boil the hot water by the determined boiling hot water amount determined in step S32. The boiling pump 22p shown in FIG. 1C is driven until hot water is boiled by the determined boiling hot water amount (step S33). Thereafter, the boiling control unit 289 ends the boiling process.

  Here, when the amount of remaining hot water increases, the amount of heat (ie, loss) that is dissipated without consuming the amount of heat used for boiling as hot water increases, and thus energy efficiency may deteriorate. On the other hand, when the amount of remaining hot water is small, the outer surface area ratio of hot water is increased and the amount of heat released is large, so that the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 is likely to be cooled and energy efficiency may deteriorate. Therefore, according to these configurations, the energy efficiency of the water heater 100 determined by the total hot water consumption and the remaining hot water amount in the control system 1 is learned, and the learned energy consumption efficiency and the hot water supply destination (that is, household ) The amount of boiling hot water of the water heater 100 is determined on the basis of the predicted amount of hot water consumed every time, and the determined amount of boiling water is boiled up, so that the energy efficiency of the water heater 100 is improved.

  Moreover, the ease of cooling of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 differs depending on whether the usage environment of the water heater 100 is winter or summer. Therefore, according to these configurations, the energy efficiency determined by the use environment, the total hot water consumption amount, and the remaining hot water amount is learned, and the learned energy consumption efficiency, the current use environment, and the hot water supply destination are predicted. Since the amount of boiling water is determined based on the amount of hot water consumed, the amount of boiling water that achieves high energy efficiency can be accurately determined.

  After step S21 in FIG. 8 (a), a hot water amount distribution process as shown in FIG. 9 (a) is performed to distribute the amount of hot water supplied to the door-to-door systems 201 and 202 (step S22). When the hot water amount distribution process of FIG. 9A is started, the consumption prediction unit 287 of FIG. 5 executes a predicted hot water consumption correction process as shown in FIG. S61).

  When the predicted hot water consumption correction process is started, the consumption prediction unit 287 determines whether or not the processes from step S72 to step S75 have been executed for all households (step S71). At this time, if the consumption prediction unit 287 determines that the processing has not been executed for all households (step S71; No), one of the unprocessed households is set as a processing target (step S72). Next, the consumption prediction unit 287 searches for consumption pattern information of a household to be processed (hereinafter referred to as a target household in this process) by executing a process similar to step S44 in FIG. Step S73).

  Next, the consumption prediction unit 287 uses the consumption history associated with the measurement date and time information belonging to the time interval from the current time to a time before a predetermined time (for example, “2 hours before”) and the household ID of the target household. Information is searched from the consumption history table TSH of FIG. 6A (step S74). After that, the consumption predicting unit 287 is based on the transition of the actual hot water consumption represented by the consumption history information retrieved in step S74 and the transition of the consumption represented by the consumption pattern information retrieved in step S73. After predicting the transition of the hot water consumption of the target household after the current time (step S75), the process returns to step S71 and repeats the above process.

  As a specific example, as shown in FIG. 10A, the consumption pattern information searched in step S73 is “1.0” liters per minute from the time “18:30” to “19:30”. An example is shown in which the amount of hot water consumed is changed at “3.0” liters per minute from time “19:30” to time “20:30”.

  In this example, the actual amount of hot water represented by the consumption history information searched in step S74 is the amount of hot water consumed from time “17:00” to “18:30” as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the rate changes at “1.0” liters per minute, and the hot water consumption from time “18:30” to the current time changes at “3.0” liters per minute.

  In such a case, as shown in FIG. 10D, the consumption prediction unit 287 actually shifts the entire consumption pattern by “1 hour 30 minutes” in the direction of the origin (that is, the direction in which the time is earlier). It is determined that the transition of the amount of hot water measured during the period is substantially the same as the transition of the amount of hot water predicted as the consumption pattern. For this reason, the consumption prediction unit 287 sets the time information associated with the hot water consumption information as shown in FIG. 6C to a time earlier by “1 hour 30 minutes” than the time represented by the time information. It corrects to the time information to represent, and makes the corrected consumption pattern the transition of the predicted hot water consumption in the target household. In the present embodiment, the consumption prediction unit 287 may perform correction to shift or expand the amount of hot water predicted as the consumption pattern in the positive direction (that is, the vertical direction) of the amount of hot water consumed.

  In step S71, if the consumption prediction unit 287 determines that the process has been executed for all households (step S71; Yes), the transition of the total hot water consumption is predicted based on the transition of the hot water consumption of each household predicted in step S75. (Step S76), the execution of the predicted hot water consumption correction process is terminated. As a specific example, the case where the hot water consumption of household “201” is predicted to change as shown in FIG. 10D, and the hot water consumption of household “202” is predicted to change as shown in FIG. 10B. An example will be described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 11A, the consumption prediction unit 287 determines that the total hot water consumption is “only every time between households“ 201 ”between time“ 17:00 ”and“ 18:00 ”. Expect to rise at 1.0 liters per minute. Therefore, the consumption prediction unit 287 predicts that the total hot water consumption will reach “60 liters” at “18:00”. In addition, the consumption prediction unit 287 indicates that the consumption of the household “201” and the consumption of the household “202” overlap from the time “18:00” to “19:00”, and the total hot water consumption is “4.0 / min. Expect to rise in liters. Therefore, the consumption prediction unit 287 predicts that the total hot water consumption will increase by “240 liters” to reach “300 liters” at “19:00”.

  According to these configurations, in order to correct the change in the amount of hot water consumed for each learned household (that is, the consumption pattern) based on the change in the amount of hot water actually measured for each household, Transition of hot water consumption can be accurately predicted. Moreover, the amount of hot water flowing out from the water heater 100 to all households (that is, the door-to-door systems 201 and 202) can be accurately predicted based on the transition of the hot water consumption predicted for each household.

  After step S61 in FIG. 9A, the rule generation unit 290 in FIG. 5 predicts a change in the amount of remaining hot water based on the change in the total amount of hot water consumed predicted in step S61. After that, the rule generation unit 290 sets a time zone in which the rate of decrease in the remaining hot water amount is faster than a predetermined threshold as a time zone for restricting hot water supply (step S62).

  Specifically, the rule generation unit 290 identifies the current remaining hot water amount based on the signal output from the remaining hot water amount sensor 21n in FIG. 1B, and is predicted in step S61 from the identified remaining hot water amount. By subtracting the total hot water consumption, the transition of the remaining hot water amount as shown in FIG. Next, the rule generation unit 290 sets the threshold for the decrease rate of the remaining hot water amount to “3.5 liters per minute”, and starts from the time “18:00” when the remaining hot water amount decreases at a rate of “4 liters per minute” faster than the threshold. The time zone until “19:00” is defined as the time limit T1.

  Thereafter, the rule generation unit 290 uses the distribution pattern of the hot water supplied to the door-to-door systems 201 and 202 in the specified time limit Tl as the transition of the hot water consumption predicted in step S75 (that is, the corrected consumption pattern). ) Based on (step S63). Specifically, the rule generation unit 290 subtracts the threshold value “3.5 liters per minute” from the predicted decrease rate “4 liters per minute” of the remaining hot water amount in the time limit Tl, thereby increasing the amount of hot water by “0.5 liters per minute”. It is determined that it is necessary to suppress consumption of water, and “0.5 liters per minute” is determined as the consumption-suppressed hot water amount. Next, the rule generation unit 290 determines to limit the supply amount of high-temperature water to the household “201” whose predicted hot water consumption from the time limit T1 “18:00” to “19:00” is larger than the household “202”. To do. As shown in FIG. 12A, the rule generation unit 290 subtracts the hot water amount obtained by subtracting the consumption suppressed hot water amount “0.5 liters per minute” from the predicted hot water consumption “3.0 liters per minute” in the time limit Tl as shown in FIG. Is generated as an upper limit value of the high-temperature water supplied to "." On the other hand, the rule generation unit 290 sets the upper limit value of the hot water supplied to the household “202” as the predicted hot water consumption “1.0 liters per minute” in the time limit Tl as shown in FIG. And Note that the rule generation unit 290 sets the upper limit value of the amount of hot water supplied to each household in a normal time period other than the limit time period Tl as the default upper limit value “5 liters per minute”. This is to prevent the amount of remaining hot water from abruptly decreasing even when the prediction of the amount of hot water consumed deviates greatly.

  After the execution of step S63 in FIG. 9A, when the time limit T1 is reached, the hot water amount distribution unit 291 in FIG. 5 restricts the supply of high-temperature water to the device controller 201a installed in the door-to-door system 201. A signal (hereinafter referred to as a “supply restriction message”), a signal indicating a supply limit value of high-temperature water imposed on a household using the door-to-door system 201, and a release time when the restriction is released (that is, a time limit) A signal representing the end time of the band Tl) is transmitted based on the distribution pattern. Moreover, the hot water amount distribution unit 291 transmits a similar signal to the device controller 202a installed in the door-to-door system 202 (step S64).

  The device controller 201a that has received the supply restriction in-progress message displays that the supply of high-temperature water is restricted, the supply restriction value, and the release time, as shown in FIG. In addition, the device controller 201a performs display for prompting a decrease in the set temperature. If the set temperature is lowered, the amount of city water mixed by the mixing valve 241m for additional cooking and the mixing valve 241n for hot water supply in FIG. 2 increases, so the amount of hot water supplied is limited even if the amount of hot water supplied is limited. This is because it increases. Furthermore, the device controller 201a may display a prompt to change the hot water usage time after the restriction release time.

  After step S64, the hot water amount distribution unit 291 in FIG. 5 keeps the amount of high-temperature water supplied to the household “201” from exceeding the limit value defined in the distribution rule generated in step S63. The opening degree of the mixing valve 241m for additional cooking and the mixing valve 241n for hot water supply is changed and controlled. Similarly, the hot water amount distribution unit 291 restricts the opening degrees of the additional cooking mixing valve 242m and the hot water mixing valve 242n so that the amount of high-temperature water supplied to the household “202” does not exceed the limit value (step S65). Thereafter, the hot water amount distribution unit 291 ends the execution of the hot water amount distribution process.

  According to these configurations, for example, when the water heater 100 is shared and used by a plurality of households, based on the prediction of the amount of hot water consumed in each household (that is, the door-to-door systems 201 and 202) to which hot water is supplied. Since the amount of hot water supplied to each supply destination is distributed, the consumption situation of hot water can be leveled, so that the operating efficiency of the hot water heater can be improved. That is, since hot water consumption at each supply destination can be prevented from being concentrated in a specific time zone, the rate of decrease in the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water heater 100 can be reduced. For this reason, the number of times the water heater 100 performs boiling for preventing hot water shortage can be reduced.

  In addition, according to these configurations, not only the prediction of the amount of hot water consumed is predicted based on the hot water consumption pattern at the supply destination, but also the distribution of the amount of hot water supplied to the hot water supply destination is changed based on the predicted change in the amount of hot water consumption. To do. For this reason, the consumption situation of hot water can be leveled more.

  Furthermore, according to these structures, the consumption pattern in the hot water supply destination is learned for each usage time segment that characterizes the usage environment of the hot water supply device 100, and the consumption pattern for each hot water supply destination in the current usage time segment. Based on the above, the trend of hot water consumption is predicted for each supplier. For this reason, the transition of the hot water consumption can be accurately predicted for each supply destination.

  Moreover, according to these structures, the upper limit of the amount of hot water supplied to a supply destination is defined based on the predicted hot water consumption in a supply destination. For this reason, hot water consumption can be leveled while preventing the convenience of the supplier from being impaired.

<Modification>
As shown in FIG. 13, the hot water supply controller 29 according to the modification of the present embodiment includes hot water supply hot water volume sensors 241g and 242g, hot water supply hot water temperature sensors 241s and 242s, hot water supply hot water sensors 241f and 242f, hot water for hot cooking. It is not connected to the temperature sensors 241t and 242t. In addition, the device controller 201a of the door-to-door system 201 according to the modification of the present embodiment is connected to the hot water amount sensor 241g, the hot water temperature sensor 241s, the hot water sensor 241f, and the hot water temperature sensor 241t. ing.

  The hot water supply controller 29 according to the modification does not execute the consumption history storage process. On the other hand, the device controller 201a according to the modified example executes a consumption history saving process. Thereby, the device controller 201a according to the modification is based on the signal from the hot water supply hot water amount sensor 241g, the signal from the hot water supply hot water temperature sensor 241s, the signal from the hot water supply sensor 241f, and the signal from the hot water temperature sensor 241t for additional cooking. The hot water consumption is calculated, and the consumption history information in which the hot water consumption information indicating the calculated hot water consumption is associated with the measurement date information indicating the date and time when the hot water volume is measured is stored in the RAM of the device controller 201a.

  Further, the hot water supply controller 29 according to the modification does not execute the consumption pattern learning process of FIG. On the other hand, the device controller 201a according to the modification executes the consumption pattern learning process of FIG. 7A only for the household “201” of the door-to-door system 201. Thereby, the device controller 201a according to the modified example learns the consumption pattern in the door-to-door system 201 for each usage environment based on the consumption history information stored in the RAM, and uses the consumption pattern information, the usage environment ID, and the RAM in the RAM. Are stored in association with each other.

  Furthermore, the hot water supply controller 29 according to the modified example does not execute the predicted hot water consumption correction process of FIG. On the other hand, the device controller 201a according to the modification executes the predicted hot water consumption correction process of FIG. 9B only for the household “201” of the door-to-door system 201. Thereby, the transition of the hot water consumption in the household “201” is predicted, and a signal indicating the predicted transition of the hot water consumption is transmitted to the hot water supply controller 29.

  The device controller 202a of the door-to-door system 202 according to the modified example of the present embodiment is similar to the device controller 201a according to the modified example. The hot water amount sensor 242g for hot water supply, the hot water temperature sensor 242s, the hot water amount sensor 242f for additional cooking, It connects to the hot water temperature sensor 242t, and performs a consumption history storage process, a consumption pattern learning process, and a predicted hot water consumption correction process in the same manner as the device controller 201a according to the modification.

  The hot water supply controller 29 according to the modification of the present embodiment uses the device controllers 201a and 202a to predict the transition of hot water consumption in the household "201" of the door-to-door system 201 and the transition prediction of hot water consumption in the household "202" of the door-to-door system 202. Receive each one. The hot water supply controller 29 according to the modified example executes the predicted hot water consumption correction process of FIG. 9B by using the received predicted prediction of hot water consumption in each of the households “201” and “202”. Predict the transition of total hot water consumption in 1 overall.

  According to these configurations, the device controllers 201a and 202a store the history of the amount of hot water consumed, and the device controllers 201a and 202a supply households that use the device controllers 201a and 202a (that is, the supply of hot water supplied by the water heater 100). D) Predict the amount of hot water consumed in each. For this reason, even if the hot water supply destination increases, the calculation load required for the hot water supply controller 29 to distribute the hot water amount can be reduced.

  It should be noted that the present invention can be provided as a control device for a hot water heater provided with a configuration for realizing the functions according to the present invention in advance, and an existing control device can be made to function as the control device according to the present invention by applying a program. . That is, according to the present invention, a control program for realizing each functional configuration by the hot water controller 29 exemplified in the above embodiment is applied so that a computer (such as a CPU) that controls an existing control device can be executed. It can be made to function as the hot water supply controller 29 which is an example of a control apparatus.

  Such a program distribution method is arbitrary. For example, the program can be distributed by being stored in a recording medium such as a memory card, a CD-ROM, or a DVD-ROM, or via a communication medium such as the Internet. . The method for controlling a hot water supply apparatus of the present invention can be implemented using the hot water supply controller 29.

  Various embodiments and modifications of the present invention are possible without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. Further, the above-described embodiment is for explaining the present invention, and does not limit the scope of the present invention. That is, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiments but by the claims. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Control system 10 Heat pump unit 10c Heat pump controller 10s Electric power sensor 11 Circulation piping 11c Compressor (compressor)
11e Evaporator 11h Boiling heat exchanger 11v Expansion valve 20 Hot water supply unit 21 Hot water storage tank 21n Remaining hot water amount sensor 21t Remaining hot water temperature sensor 22 Boiling circulation line 22a Outgoing pipe 22v Three-way valve 22p Boiling pump 22r Return pipe 27 Water supply line 28 Pressure relief valve 29 Water heater controller 100 Water heater 201, 202 Door-to-door system 201a, 202a Equipment controller 231, 232 Heat source circulation pipe 231a Out pipe 231p Heat source pump 231r Return pipe 241, 242 Hot water pipe 241a Shared hot water supply Pipe portion 241f Hot water sensor for additional cooking 241t Hot water temperature sensor for additional cooking 241m Mixed cooking valve 241b Additional hot water supply pipe portion 241g Hot water supply amount sensor 241s Hot water hot water temperature sensor 241n Hot water mixing valve 241c Hot water supply hot water supply pipe portion 251, 252 remedy circulation line 251a outbound pipe 251h Heat exchanger 251p Remembrance pumps 271d, 272d Pressure reducing valve 281 Information acquisition unit 282 Information storage unit 283 Information storage unit 284 Consumption pattern learning unit 285 Efficiency learning unit 286 Classification specifying unit 287 Consumption prediction unit 288 Boiling water amount determination unit 289 Boiling Upper control unit 290 Rule generation unit 291 Hot water distribution unit B1, B2 Bathtub C1, C2 Hot water tap H Apartment house

Claims (11)

Information acquisition means for acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in hot water storage tanks of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
A plurality of hot water information indicating the amount of hot water acquired by the information acquisition means, identification information for identifying a hot water supply destination to which the hot water of the hot water volume is supplied , and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water amount are associated with each other. Information, a plurality of information representing usage time segments characterizing the usage environment of the water heater, remaining hot water information representing the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank, and an evaluation section in which an evaluation of the energy consumption efficiency of the water heater is performed. Information storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of information that associate evaluation section information that represents and efficiency information that represents energy consumption efficiency of the water heater in the evaluation section ;
Based on the time information, the hot water amount information, and the identification information, the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information in the usage time segment for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means. A consumption pattern learning means for learning consumption patterns of hot water consumed,
From the use time sections respectively represented by the plurality of information stored in the information storage means, the section specifying means for specifying the use time section characterizing the current use environment of the water heater,
Consumption prediction means for predicting the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern of the hot water supply destination in the use time section specified by the classification specifying means ;
The energy consumption efficiency of the water heater achieved when the amount of hot water boiled in the usage time segment remains for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means, Efficiency learning means for learning based on the evaluation section information, the remaining hot water amount information and the efficiency information stored in the information storage means;
Boiling water amount determining means for determining the amount of boiling water of the heat source unit based on the amount of remaining hot water that achieves the energy consumption efficiency learned by the efficiency learning means and the amount of hot water predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Boiling control means for controlling the heat source unit so as to boil hot water of the boiling water amount determined by the boiling water amount determining means;
Hot water amount distribution means for allocating the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the transition of the amount of hot water consumed by the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means. Prepare
A control device for a hot water heater. Rule generating means for generating a rule for determining an upper limit value of the amount of hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the amount of hot water consumed by the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means; Prepared,
The amount of hot water distribution means limits the amount of hot water flowing into the plurality of hot water supply pipes so as not to exceed an upper limit value determined by the rule generated by the rule generation means.
The hot water control apparatus according to claim 1 . Information acquisition means for acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in hot water storage tanks of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
The hot water volume information representing the hot water volume acquired by the information acquisition means, identification information for identifying the hot water supply destination to which the hot water volume is supplied , and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water volume are stored in association with each other. Information storage means;
A consumption pattern learning means for learning a consumption pattern of hot water at the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information based on the hot water volume information, the identification information and the time information stored in the information storage means,
Based on the consumption pattern at the hot water supply destination learned by the consumption pattern learning means, consumption prediction means for predicting the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information;
Rule generating means for generating a rule for determining an upper limit value of the amount of hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the amount of hot water consumed by the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Based on the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at the hot water destination predicted by the consumption prediction means, the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank is distributed to the hot water supply pipe supplying hot water to the hot water destination, and the rule generating means Hot water amount distribution means for restricting the amount of hot water flowing into the plurality of hot water supply pipes so as not to exceed the upper limit defined by the rule generated in
A control device for a hot water heater. The information storage means further stores a plurality of information representing usage time segments that characterize the usage environment of the water heater,
The said consumption pattern learning means is the said identification information in the said utilization time division based on the said time information, the said identification information, and the said hot water amount information for every utilization time division represented by the information memorize | stored in the said information storage means. Learn the consumption pattern of hot water at
From the use time section represented by each of a plurality of information stored in the information storage means, further comprising a section specifying means for specifying a use time section characterizing the current use environment of the water heater,
The consumption prediction means predicts a change in the amount of hot water consumed at the hot water supply destination based on the consumption pattern of the hot water supply destination in the use time section specified by the classification specifying means.
The water heater control device according to claim 3 . The water heater is shared by multiple households,
The plurality of hot water supply destinations are different households,
The water heater control device according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , wherein: A plurality of hot water sensors that respectively measure the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes that supply hot water stored in hot water storage tanks of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
Before and hot water information indicating the amount of hot water measured by the Kiyu amount sensor, and the identification information for identifying a hot water destination hot water of the hot water is supplied, and time information representing a measurement time of the hot water, a plurality of associating Information, a plurality of information representing usage time segments characterizing the usage environment of the water heater, remaining hot water information representing the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank, and an evaluation section in which an evaluation of the energy consumption efficiency of the water heater is performed. Information storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of information that associate evaluation section information that represents and efficiency information that represents energy consumption efficiency of the water heater in the evaluation section ;
Based on the time information, the hot water amount information, and the identification information, the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information in the usage time segment for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means. A consumption pattern learning means for learning consumption patterns of hot water consumed,
From the use time sections respectively represented by the plurality of information stored in the information storage means, the section specifying means for specifying the use time section characterizing the current use environment of the water heater,
Consumption prediction means for predicting the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern of the hot water supply destination in the use time section specified by the classification specifying means ;
The energy consumption efficiency of the water heater achieved when the amount of hot water boiled in the usage time segment remains for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means, Efficiency learning means for learning based on the evaluation section information, the remaining hot water amount information and the efficiency information stored in the information storage means;
Boiling water amount determining means for determining the amount of boiling water of the heat source unit based on the amount of remaining hot water that achieves the energy consumption efficiency learned by the efficiency learning means and the amount of hot water predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Boiling control means for controlling the heat source unit so as to boil the boiling water amount determined by the boiling water amount determining means;
On the basis of transition of the predicted the hot water destination consumption hot water in the consumption predicting means, hot water distribution means for distributing the hot water flowing from the front Symbol hot water storage tank to hot water pipe for supplying hot water to the pre-Symbol supply hot water destination And comprising
A water heater control system characterized by the above. A plurality of hot water sensors that respectively measure the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes that supply hot water stored in hot water storage tanks of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
A hot water information indicating the amount of hot water measured by the water amount sensor, the identification information identifying the hot water supply destination hot water is supplied hot water, information stored in association with each other, and time information representing a measurement time of the hot water Storage means;
A consumption pattern learning means for learning a consumption pattern of hot water at the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information based on the hot water volume information, the identification information and the time information stored in the information storage means,
Based on the consumption pattern at the hot water supply destination learned by the consumption pattern learning means, consumption prediction means for predicting the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information ;
Rule generating means for generating a rule for determining an upper limit value of the amount of hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the amount of hot water consumed by the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means;
On the basis of transition of consumption hot water predicted the hot water destination by the consumption predicting means, as well as distribute the hot water flowing from the front Symbol hot water storage tank to hot water pipe for supplying hot water to the pre-Symbol supply hot water destination, the Hot water amount distribution means for limiting the amount of hot water flowing into the plurality of hot water supply pipes so as not to exceed an upper limit determined by the rule generated by the rule generation means ,
A water heater control system characterized by the above. Computer
Information acquisition means for acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in a hot water storage tank of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations,
A plurality of hot water information indicating the amount of hot water acquired by the information acquisition means, identification information for identifying a hot water supply destination to which the hot water of the hot water volume is supplied , and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water amount are associated with each other. Information, a plurality of information representing usage time segments characterizing the usage environment of the water heater, remaining hot water information representing the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank, and an evaluation section in which an evaluation of the energy consumption efficiency of the water heater is performed. Information storage means for storing a plurality of pieces of information in which evaluation section information representing and efficiency information representing energy consumption efficiency of the water heater in the evaluation section are associated with each other ;
Based on the time information, the hot water amount information, and the identification information, the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information in the usage time segment for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means. Consumption pattern learning means for learning consumption patterns of hot water consumed,
A class specifying means for specifying a usage time section characterizing a current usage environment of the water heater from a usage time section represented by each of a plurality of information stored in the information storage means;
Consumption prediction means for predicting the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern of the hot water supply destination in the use time section specified by the classification specifying means;
The energy consumption efficiency of the water heater achieved when the amount of hot water boiled in the usage time segment remains for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means, Efficiency learning means for learning based on the evaluation section information, the remaining hot water amount information and the efficiency information stored in the information storage means;
Boiling water amount determination means for determining the amount of boiling water of the heat source unit based on the amount of remaining hot water that achieves the energy consumption efficiency learned by the efficiency learning means and the amount of hot water predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Boiling control means for controlling the heat source device so as to boil the boiling water amount determined by the boiling water amount determining means,
Functions as hot water amount distribution means for allocating the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the transition of the hot water consumption amount of the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means. Let
A hot water heater control program characterized by the above. Computer
Information acquisition means for acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in a hot water storage tank of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations,
The hot water volume information representing the hot water volume acquired by the information acquisition means, identification information for identifying the hot water supply destination to which the hot water volume is supplied , and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water volume are stored in association with each other. Information storage means,
A consumption pattern learning means for learning a consumption pattern of hot water at the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information based on the hot water volume information, the identification information and the time information stored in the information storage means,
Consumption prediction means for predicting the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern at the hot water supply destination learned by the consumption pattern learning means;
Rule generating means for generating a rule for determining an upper limit value of the amount of hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the amount of hot water consumed by the hot water supply destination predicted by the consumption prediction means;
Based on the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at the hot water destination predicted by the consumption prediction means, the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank is distributed to the hot water supply pipe supplying hot water to the hot water destination, and the rule generating means Functioning as a hot water amount distribution means for limiting the amount of hot water flowing into the plurality of hot water supply pipes so as not to exceed the upper limit value defined by the rule generated in
A hot water heater control program characterized by the above. An information acquisition step of acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in a hot water storage tank of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
An evaluation section that represents an evaluation section in which a plurality of pieces of information representing use time segments that characterize the use environment of the water heater, remaining hot water information that represents the amount of remaining hot water in the hot water tank, and evaluation of energy consumption efficiency of the water heater The amount of hot water representing the amount of hot water obtained in the information obtaining step is stored in information storage means for storing information and a plurality of pieces of information in which the efficiency information representing the energy consumption efficiency of the water heater in the evaluation section is associated. An information storage step for storing a plurality of pieces of information in which information, identification information for identifying a hot water supply destination to which the hot water is supplied , and time information indicating the measurement time of the hot water,
Based on the time information, the hot water amount information, and the identification information, the hot water supply destination identified by the identification information in the usage time segment for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means. A consumption pattern learning step for learning consumption patterns of hot water consumed,
A category identifying step for identifying a usage time segment that characterizes the current usage environment of the water heater, from a usage time segment represented by each of a plurality of information stored in the information storage means,
A consumption prediction step of predicting the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water supply destinations identified by the identification information, based on the consumption pattern of the hot water supply destination in the use time section specified in the classification specifying step ;
The energy consumption efficiency of the water heater achieved when the amount of hot water boiled in the usage time segment remains for each usage time segment represented by the information stored in the information storage means, An efficiency learning step of learning based on the evaluation section information, the remaining hot water amount information and the efficiency information stored in the information storage means;
Based on the amount of remaining hot water that achieves the energy consumption efficiency learned in the efficiency learning step and the amount of hot water predicted in the consumption prediction step, the amount of boiling water determined to determine the amount of boiling water of the heat source machine;
A boiling control step for controlling the heat source unit to boil the boiling water amount determined in the boiling water amount determination step;
A hot water amount distribution step of allocating the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply pipe supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the transition of the hot water consumption amount of the hot water supply destination predicted in the consumption prediction step; Have
A method of controlling a water heater characterized by the above. An information acquisition step of acquiring information representing the amount of hot water flowing through a plurality of hot water supply pipes for supplying hot water stored in a hot water storage tank of a water heater to different hot water supply destinations;
Information storage that correlates hot water information that represents the amount of hot water acquired in the information acquisition step, identification information that identifies a hot water supply destination to which the hot water is supplied , and time information that represents the measurement time of the hot water An information storage step to be stored in the means;
A consumption pattern learning step for learning a consumption pattern of hot water at a hot water supply destination identified by the identification information based on the hot water volume information, the identification information, and the time information stored in the information storage means;
Based on the consumption pattern at the hot water destination learned in the consumption pattern learning step, a consumption prediction step for predicting the transition of the amount of hot water consumed at each of the hot water destinations identified by the identification information;
A rule generation step for generating a rule for determining an upper limit value of the amount of hot water flowing into the hot water supply pipe for supplying hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the amount of hot water consumption of the hot water supply destination predicted in the consumption prediction step;
The rule generation step distributes the amount of hot water flowing from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply pipe that supplies hot water to the hot water supply destination based on the transition of the hot water consumption of the hot water supply destination predicted in the consumption prediction step. A hot water amount distribution step for limiting the amount of hot water flowing into the plurality of hot water supply pipes so as not to exceed the upper limit value defined by the rule generated in
A method of controlling a water heater characterized by the above.

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