JP5273132B2 - Heat pump type hot water system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a heat pump type water heater in which accuracy in determining scale deposition abnormality in a circulation passage is improved. <P>SOLUTION: A boiling pump revolution number recognition unit 54 outputs revolution number information D13 recognized on the basis of a revolution number command C13 from a heat pump unit control unit 53 to a scale deposition determination unit 57A. The scale deposition determination unit 57A always reads out a detected tapping temperature T21 from a tapping thermistor 21 and the revolution number information D13 to execute a scale deposition determination routine, and outputs determination result information D57A indicating presence or absence of scale deposition abnormality to a scale deposition abnormality-time execution unit 58. When the determination result information D57A indicates the presence of scale deposition abnormality, the scale deposition abnormality-time execution unit 58 executes a scale deposition abnormality processing by stopping the operation of the heat pump type water heater, including stopping a compressor 25 and the like. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2012,JPO&amp;INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat pump type hot water apparatus having a scale abnormality determination function in a circulation path.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a heat pump hot water supply apparatus, which is one of heat pump hot water apparatuses, uses a hot water temperature abnormality determination method that determines that a hot water temperature is abnormal when the hot water temperature rises above a preset abnormal temperature (for example, 98 ° C.). Adopted, it was determined that there was an abnormality only when the tapping temperature rose above the set abnormal temperature, and after the determination, the device was stopped. As a heat pump type hot water supply apparatus having such an abnormality determination function, for example, there is a heat pump type hot water heater disclosed in Patent Document 1.

JP 2004-53190 A

  On the other hand, because the pressure loss increases mainly due to scale adhesion in the piping path that becomes the circulation path, the heating pump is set to the maximum speed that can be set for the boiling pump, and the heat pump Even if control is performed so that the water circulation is performed at the maximum possible flow rate or a value close to the maximum flow rate in the circulation path that returns heat to the hot water storage tank, the tapping temperature is reduced due to the actual decrease in the flow rate of water flowing through the circulation path. There is a tendency for the phenomenon to rise. When this phenomenon occurs, the hot water temperature does not reach the set abnormal temperature (about 98 ° C.) described above, but is likely to reach the maximum allowable pipe temperature (eg, 95 ° C.) of the circulation path.

  In this case, in the conventional hot water temperature abnormality determination method, the temperature does not reach the set abnormal temperature (98 ° C.), so the abnormality cannot be detected, and the operation of the apparatus is performed when the hot water temperature is equal to or higher than the allowable pipe temperature (for example, 95 ° C.) There was a problem that the state of being continued occurred.

  As described above, the conventional hot water temperature abnormality determination method cannot accurately detect abnormality due to scale adhesion, and there is a problem in that the piping serving as the circulation path is deteriorated.

  In addition, when the operation of the apparatus is continued in the state where the high-temperature water flows, there is a problem that further scale adhesion occurs and the deterioration of the piping is increased.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and an object of the present invention is to obtain a heat pump type hot water apparatus that improves the accuracy of determining scale adhesion abnormality in a circulation path.

  In addition to scale adhesion, factors that increase the pressure loss include cases where the pipe length is long, installation of valves in the pipe, and clogging of dust. That is, even when an abnormal installation exceeding the allowable range is performed, it is possible to detect an abnormal state according to the present invention as in the case of scale adhesion.

The invention according to claim 1 of the present invention is a heat pump type hot water apparatus for heating hot water flowing through a predetermined water channel (12), wherein the hot water is driven so that the hot water flows through the predetermined water channel (13). And a flow rate at which the hot water flows through the predetermined water channel has a positive correlation with the number of rotations of the boiling pump, and further includes a heat pump unit (H) that performs a heat exchange process for heating the hot water. The heat pump section includes a heat exchanger (26) that performs the heat exchange process and a tapping temperature detection means (21) that detects a tapping temperature that is the temperature of the heated hot water, and the heat pump hot water apparatus includes: And further comprising control means (50) for controlling operations of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit so that the hot water temperature reaches a target hot water temperature. The output temperature command for instructing the number of rotations to the pump is controlled to control the boiling pump, and the tapping temperature detected by the tapping temperature detection means is connected to the tapping temperature detection means so that the tapping temperature can be recognized. When the temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined hot water temperature, a rotational speed command is output so as to increase the rotational speed of the boiling pump, and when the hot water temperature is higher than the predetermined hot water temperature, the rotational speed of the boiling pump is increased. The scale adheres to the predetermined water channel when both the first condition for outputting the rotational speed command to satisfy the above condition and the second condition in which the tapping temperature does not become lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature are satisfied. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the first condition includes a condition in which the rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed command does not continuously decrease below a predetermined rotation speed during the predetermined period, The condition of The control means (50) determines that a scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel, including a condition that the tapping temperature does not continuously decrease below the predetermined lower limit temperature during the predetermined period. At this time, scale adhesion abnormality processing for stopping the operation of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit is performed, and the heat pump unit (H) further includes a compressor (25) for discharging a refrigerant as a heat source, and the temperature of the refrigerant Has a positive correlation with the frequency of the compressor, the heat exchanger (26) performs the heat exchange process using the refrigerant, and the tapping temperature detecting means (21) outputs the output of the heat exchanger. A hot water thermistor provided in the predetermined water channel (12) on the side, and the control means (50) outputs a frequency command indicating the frequency of the compressor to the compressor to When the operation is controlled and, in addition to the first and second conditions, the frequency specified by the frequency command is continuously satisfied in the predetermined period, the third condition is not further increased beyond the predetermined frequency, It is determined that the scale adhesion abnormality has occurred.

Invention of Claim 2 is the heat pump type hot water apparatus of Claim 1 , Comprising: The said heat pump part (H) has the refrigerant | coolant temperature detection means (40) which detects the temperature of the said refrigerant | coolant after discharge as discharge temperature. The discharge temperature detecting means includes a discharge temperature thermistor provided on the output side of the compressor, and the control means (50) is connected to the discharge temperature detecting means so as to recognize the discharge temperature, and In addition to the first to third conditions, it is determined that the scale adhesion abnormality has occurred when the discharge temperature continues in the predetermined period and further satisfies the fourth condition in which the discharge temperature does not rise above the predetermined upper limit temperature. To do.

Invention of Claim 3 is a heat pump type hot water apparatus of Claim 1 , Comprising: The said heat pump part (H) contains the expansion valve (27) provided on the refrigerant path through which the said refrigerant | coolant passes, The said refrigerant | coolant Is negatively correlated with the opening of the expansion valve, and the control means (50) outputs an opening command for instructing the opening of the expansion valve to control the expansion valve, In addition to the first to third conditions, when the opening degree indicated by the opening degree command during the predetermined period further satisfies the fourth condition that does not decrease below the predetermined opening degree, the scale adhesion abnormality Process.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat pump type hot water apparatus for heating hot water flowing through a predetermined water channel (12), wherein the hot water is driven so that the hot water flows through the predetermined water channel (13). And a flow rate at which the hot water flows through the predetermined water channel has a positive correlation with the number of rotations of the boiling pump, and further includes a heat pump unit (H) that performs a heat exchange process for heating the hot water. The heat pump section includes a heat exchanger (26) that performs the heat exchange process and a tapping temperature detection means (21) that detects a tapping temperature that is the temperature of the heated hot water, and the heat pump hot water apparatus includes: And further comprising control means (50) for controlling operations of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit so that the hot water temperature reaches a target hot water temperature. The output temperature command for instructing the number of rotations to the pump is controlled to control the boiling pump, and the tapping temperature detected by the tapping temperature detection means is connected to the tapping temperature detection means so that the tapping temperature can be recognized. When the temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined hot water temperature, a rotational speed command is output so as to increase the rotational speed of the boiling pump, and when the hot water temperature is higher than the predetermined hot water temperature, the rotational speed of the boiling pump is increased. The scale adheres to the predetermined water channel when both the first condition for outputting the rotational speed command to satisfy the above condition and the second condition in which the tapping temperature does not become lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature are satisfied. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the first condition includes a condition in which the rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed command does not continuously decrease below a predetermined rotation speed during the predetermined period, The condition of The control means (50) determines that a scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel, including a condition that the tapping temperature does not continuously decrease below the predetermined lower limit temperature during the predetermined period. At this time, scale adhesion abnormality processing for stopping the operation of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit is performed, and the heat pump unit (H) discharges the refrigerant serving as a heat source and the refrigerant after discharge. Refrigerant temperature detection means (40) for detecting temperature as discharge temperature, the heat exchanger (26) performs the heat exchange process using the refrigerant, and the tapping temperature detection means (21) is the heat exchange. A hot water thermistor provided in the predetermined water channel on the output side of the compressor, and the discharge temperature detecting means includes a discharge temperature thermistor provided on the output side of the compressor, and the control means (50) is connected to the discharge temperature detecting means so that the discharge temperature can be recognized, and in addition to the first and second conditions, the discharge temperature is continuously increased to a predetermined upper limit temperature or more in the predetermined period. When the fourth condition that does not increase is further satisfied, the scale adhesion abnormality processing is performed.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a heat pump type hot water apparatus for heating hot water flowing through a predetermined water channel (12), wherein the hot water is driven so that the hot water flows through the predetermined water channel (13). And a flow rate at which the hot water flows through the predetermined water channel has a positive correlation with the number of rotations of the boiling pump, and further includes a heat pump unit (H) that performs a heat exchange process for heating the hot water. The heat pump section includes a heat exchanger (26) that performs the heat exchange process and a tapping temperature detection means (21) that detects a tapping temperature that is the temperature of the heated hot water, and the heat pump hot water apparatus includes: And further comprising control means (50) for controlling operations of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit so that the hot water temperature reaches a target hot water temperature. The output temperature command for instructing the number of rotations to the pump is controlled to control the boiling pump, and the tapping temperature detected by the tapping temperature detection means is connected to the tapping temperature detection means so that the tapping temperature can be recognized. When the temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined hot water temperature, a rotational speed command is output so as to increase the rotational speed of the boiling pump, and when the hot water temperature is higher than the predetermined hot water temperature, the rotational speed of the boiling pump is increased. The scale adheres to the predetermined water channel when both the first condition for outputting the rotational speed command to satisfy the above condition and the second condition in which the tapping temperature does not become lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature are satisfied. It is determined that an abnormality has occurred, and the first condition includes a condition in which the rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed command does not continuously decrease below a predetermined rotation speed during the predetermined period, The condition of The control means (50) determines that a scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel, including a condition that the tapping temperature does not continuously decrease below the predetermined lower limit temperature during the predetermined period. At this time, scale adhesion abnormality processing for stopping the operation of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit is performed, and the heat pump unit (H) includes a compressor (25) that discharges a refrigerant as a heat source, and a refrigerant through which the refrigerant passes. An expansion valve (27) provided on the passage, and the temperature of the refrigerant has a negative correlation with the opening of the expansion valve, and the heat exchanger (26) uses the refrigerant to exchange the heat. The hot water temperature detecting means (21) includes a hot water thermistor provided in the predetermined water channel on the output side of the heat exchanger, and the control means (50) indicates the opening degree of the expansion valve. Open The degree command is output to control the expansion valve, and in addition to the first and second conditions, the opening degree indicated by the opening degree instruction is not continuously reduced below the predetermined opening degree during the predetermined period. When the fourth condition is further satisfied, the scale adhesion abnormality process is performed.

A sixth aspect of the present invention is the heat pump type hot water apparatus according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, wherein the control means (50) is configured such that the tapping temperature is a predetermined hunting at startup. The heat pump unit and the boiling pump are controlled so as not to exceed a preset temperature.

A seventh aspect of the present invention is the heat pump hot water device according to any one of the first to sixth aspects, wherein the predetermined water path includes a circulation path, and is on the circulation path (12). A water storage tank (3) is further provided, and the boiling pump (13) causes the water stored in the water storage tank to flow out and circulates in the circulation path using the hot water as circulating water.

  The control means in the heat pump type hot water apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention outputs a rotation speed command so as to increase the rotation speed of the boiling pump when the tapping temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined tapping temperature. When both the conditions and the second condition in which the tapping temperature does not become lower than the predetermined lower limit temperature are satisfied, it is determined that a scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel.

  As a result, the present invention according to claim 1 makes it possible to determine scale adhesion that could not be detected only by monitoring the tapping temperature, thereby improving the accuracy of scale adhesion abnormality determination.

Furthermore, the control means in the heat pump hot water device according to claim 1 is characterized in that the first condition that the rotation speed of the boiling pump does not continuously decrease below the predetermined rotation speed during the predetermined period, and the hot water is discharged during the predetermined period. By paying attention to the fact that the second condition that the temperature does not continue to decrease below the predetermined lower limit temperature is continued for a predetermined period, it is possible to improve the determination accuracy of the scale adhesion abnormality.

In addition, in addition to the first and second conditions, the control means of the heat pump hot water device according to claim 1 further takes into account a third condition in which the frequency of the compressor does not continuously rise above a predetermined frequency. As a result, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the occurrence of scale adhesion abnormality with higher accuracy.

In addition to the first to third conditions, the control means of the heat pump hot water device according to claim 2 further adds a fourth condition in which the discharge temperature does not continue to rise above a predetermined upper limit temperature. The presence / absence of scale adhesion abnormality can be determined with higher accuracy.

Control means of the heat pump type hot-water apparatus according to the third aspect, the first to addition to the third condition, further adding a fourth condition that the opening degree of the expansion valve is not decreased continuously below a predetermined opening degree Thus, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of the occurrence of scale adhesion abnormality with higher accuracy.

In addition to the first and second conditions, the control means of the heat pump hot water device according to claim 4 further includes a fourth condition in which the discharge temperature continues and does not rise above a predetermined upper limit temperature. Presence or absence of scale adhesion abnormality can be determined with high accuracy.

In addition to the first and second conditions, the control means of the heat pump hot water device according to claim 5 further takes into account a fourth condition in which the opening degree of the expansion valve is not continuously reduced below a predetermined opening degree. Thus, it is possible to determine the presence / absence of a scale adhesion abnormality with higher accuracy.

In the heat pump hot water device according to claim 6, the length of the predetermined period necessary for the scale adhesion determination is shortened by controlling so that the tapping temperature does not exceed a predetermined hunting set temperature when the control means is started. By doing this, it is possible to determine the presence or absence of scale adhesion abnormality at an early stage.

The heat pump type hot water apparatus according to claim 7 can improve the accuracy of scale adhesion abnormality determination even in a configuration in which a water storage tank is provided on the circulation path and a hot water supply function can be realized.

It is a graph which shows the time-dependent change of the tapping temperature in the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus for showing the principle of this invention. It is a circuit block diagram which shows the structure of the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus which is Embodiment 1 of this invention. 2 is a block diagram showing details of an internal configuration of an operation control unit in Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the execution procedure of the scale adhesion determination routine by the scale adhesion determination means shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows a time-dependent change of the detection hot water temperature and the rotation speed of a boiling pump. It is a block diagram which shows the detail of the internal structure of the operation control means in the heat pump type hot-water supply apparatus which is Embodiment 2. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the execution procedure of the scale adhesion determination routine by the scale adhesion determination means shown in FIG. It is a graph which shows a time-dependent change of the detection hot water temperature, the rotation speed of a boiling pump, and the frequency of a compressor. 6 is a block diagram showing details of an internal configuration of operation control means in a heat pump type hot water supply apparatus that is Embodiment 3. FIG. It is a flowchart which shows the execution procedure of the scale adhesion determination routine by the scale adhesion determination means shown in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the scale adhesion determination means 5 in the 1st aspect of a heat pump type hot water supply apparatus.

<Principle of the invention>
FIG. 1 is a graph showing the change over time in the hot water temperature in a heat pump type hot water supply apparatus for illustrating the principle of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the presence or absence of a scale adhesion abnormality is also made possible with respect to the tapping temperature changes J1 to J5 of the tapping temperature T1 that changes below 98 ° C., which cannot be determined by the above-described conventional abnormal tapping temperature determination means. This is the present invention.

  In the present invention, 95 ° C. is set as the abnormal reference temperature X (reference hot water temperature) for instantaneous scale adhesion abnormality determination, and 94 ° C. is set as the lower limit temperature Y for continuous scale adhesion abnormality determination. That is, both the abnormal reference temperature X and the lower limit temperature Y are set slightly lower than the conventional set abnormal temperature of 98 ° C.

  Since the abnormal reference temperature X is normally higher than the target hot water temperature DO (for example, about 90 ° C.), the operation of lowering the hot water temperature so that the hot water temperature reaches the target hot water temperature DO as the heat pump hot water supply device (hot water temperature) It is considered that the vehicle is driving with a lower intention. As the hot water temperature lowering intended operation, for example, a situation is assumed in which the rotation speed of the boiling pump is increased and set to a predetermined rotation speed P or higher.

  In the present invention, when the hot water temperature lowering intended operation is performed, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is started when the temperature of the hot water temperature T1 exceeds the abnormality reference temperature X as a start condition for the scale adhesion abnormality determination process. Note that simply determining that the tapping temperature T1 instantaneously exceeds the abnormal reference temperature X is “scale adhesion abnormality” is not performed because the detection accuracy is lowered.

  One reason is the hunting phenomenon. When controlling to reach the target hot water temperature DO of about 90 ° C. at the time of starting the heat pump hot water supply device or changing the frequency of the compressor in the heat pump unit, a hunting phenomenon with overshoot occurs in order to achieve early, 95 There is a high possibility of exceeding the abnormal reference temperature X of about ° C. That is, simply determining that a scale adhesion abnormality occurs when the tapping temperature T1 exceeds the abnormal reference temperature X is likely to be an erroneous determination, and thus cannot be adopted.

  In FIG. 1, assuming that the hot water temperature lowering intention operation is performed at the start time TS1, the time when the hot water temperature T1 (the hot water temperature changes J1 to J5) exceeds the abnormal reference temperature X is the scale adhesion abnormality determination process. Is the start time TS1. In FIG. 1, for convenience of explanation, it is assumed that the intention to lower the hot water temperature lowering is continued for at least the period from the start time TS1 to the end time TE1.

  Then, in the abnormality determination period PD1 from the start time TS1 to the end time TE1, when the tapping temperature T1 continues and does not decrease to the lower limit temperature Y or less, it is determined that there is a scale adhesion abnormality, and even for a moment, the lower limit temperature Y or less. If it falls to, it is determined that there is no abnormality in scale adhesion.

  Therefore, in the example of FIG. 1, the tapping temperature changes J1 to J4 have never decreased below the lower limit temperature Y (94 ° C.), so it is determined that there is a scale adhesion abnormality, and tapping temperature change J5 is at time tx1. Since the lower limit temperature Y (94 ° C.) has been reached and the temperature has fallen below 94 ° C. after time tx1, it is determined that there is no “scale adhesion abnormality”.

  In this way, the present invention is a temperature lower than the conventional set abnormal temperature (98 ° C.) by the scale adhesion abnormality determination process based on the lower limit temperature Y that is started under the start condition of the scale adhesion abnormality determination process based on the abnormality reference temperature X (an abnormality reference). Based on the comparison result between the temperature X and the lower limit temperature Y) and the tapping temperature T1, the scale adhering temperature change J1 to J4 of the tapping temperature T1, which has conventionally been impossible to determine the scale adhering abnormality, is “abnormal scale adhesion”. Judgment is possible.

  By accurately determining the scale adhesion abnormality in the pipe constituting the circulation path according to the present invention, it is possible to determine the scale adhesion abnormality earlier than in the past, and as a result, the scale can be removed by washing the pipe. Become. That is, in the present invention, it is possible to determine a scale adhesion abnormality in a situation where the scale in the pipe can be removed by cleaning.

<Embodiment 1>
(Device configuration)
FIG. 2 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a configuration of a heat pump type hot water supply apparatus (hot water apparatus) according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

  As shown in the figure, the heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to the first embodiment includes a heat pump unit HU and a tank unit TU that stores hot water heated by the heat pump unit HU. The tank unit TU includes a hot water storage tank 3, a circulation path 12 (predetermined water path) connected to the hot water storage tank 3, and a heat exchange path 14 interposed in the circulation path 12. Is heated by a heat pump heating source, and the low-temperature water flowing out from the hot water storage tank 3 to the circulation path 12 is boiled and returned to the hot water storage tank 3. The hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 3 is supplied to a bathtub or the like (not shown).

  In this case, the hot water storage tank 3 is provided with a water supply port 5 on its bottom wall and a hot water supply port 6 on its upper wall. Then, tap water is supplied from the water supply port 5 to the hot water storage tank 3, and hot water is discharged from the hot water supply port 6 through the hot water supply channel 7. The hot water storage tank 3 has a water intake 10 at the bottom wall and a hot water inlet 11 at the top of the side wall (peripheral wall). The water intake 10 and the hot water inlet 11 are connected by a circulation path 12. Has been. A boiling pump (water circulation pump) 13 and a heat exchange path 14 are interposed in the circulation path 12. A water supply channel 8 is connected to the water supply port 5.

  The hot water storage tank 3 is provided with a remaining hot water amount detecting means 18 comprising four remaining hot water amount detecting thermistors 18a, 18b, 18c, 18d arranged in a vertical direction at a predetermined pitch, and a feed water temperature detecting means (water supply thermistor) 19. It has been. In addition, the circulation path 12 is provided with an incoming water temperature detecting means (incoming water thermistor) 20 on the upstream side of the heat exchange path 14, and an outlet hot water temperature detecting means (outlet hot water thermistor) 21 on the downstream side of the heat exchange path 14. It has been. This hot water thermistor 21 can detect the hot water temperature as the detected hot water temperature T21. Further, the hot water supply passage 7 is provided with a hot water supply temperature detecting means (hot water supply thermistor) 22 and a hot water supply amount measuring means (flow rate sensor) 23.

  On the other hand, the heat pump unit (heating source) HU includes a refrigerant circuit, and the refrigerant circuit includes a compressor 35, a water heat exchanger 26 that constitutes the heat exchange path 14, an electric expansion valve (decompression mechanism) 27, and air. A heat exchanger (evaporator) 28 is connected in order. That is, the discharge pipe 29 of the compressor 25 is connected to the water heat exchanger 26, the water heat exchanger 26 and the electric expansion valve 27 are connected by the refrigerant passage 30, and the electric expansion valve 27 and the evaporator 28 are connected to the refrigerant. The evaporator 31 and the compressor 25 are connected to each other through a passage 31 and a refrigerant passage 33 in which an accumulator 32 is interposed. Thereby, when the compressor 25 is driven, the water flowing through the heat exchange path 14 is heated in the water heat exchanger 26. The evaporator 28 is provided with a fan 34 that adjusts the ability of the evaporator 28. Further, a discharge temperature detecting means (discharge thermistor) 40 is provided in the discharge pipe 29 of the compressor 25, and the discharge temperature of the discharge pipe 29 can be detected as the detected discharge temperature T40 by the discharge thermistor 40.

  According to the hot water supply apparatus configured as described above, when the compressor 25 is driven and the boiling pump 13 is driven (actuated), the stored water (low temperature water) is drawn from the water intake 10 provided at the bottom of the hot water storage tank 3. ) Flows out and flows through the heat exchange path 14 of the circulation path 12. At this time, the hot water is heated (boiling) by the water heat exchanger 26 and returned to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 3 from the hot water inlet 11. By continuously performing such an operation, hot hot water can be stored in the hot water storage tank 3. In this case, since the current power rate system is set to be cheaper than the daytime unit price, this operation is mainly performed during the nighttime period (for example, the time from 23:00 to 7:00 the next day) when it is low. Obi).

  An operation control means 50 for controlling the operation of the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus is provided. The operation control means 50 has a detected hot water temperature T21 detected by the hot water thermistor 21 and a detected discharge temperature T40 detected by the discharge thermistor 40, respectively. Entered. Further, the operation control means 50 controls the operation of the boiling pump 13 by outputting the rotation speed command C13 to the boiling pump 13, and outputs the opening degree command C27 by outputting the electric expansion valve 27 to the electric expansion valve 27. The operation of the compressor 25 is controlled by controlling the operation and outputting the frequency command C25 to the compressor 25.

  The operation control means 50 actually gives commands to other components (fan 34, etc.), and the detection values are inputted from other detection means (for example, the incoming water thermistor 20, the hot water supply thermistor 22, etc.). For the sake of convenience, only the signal input / output relationship between the operation control means 50, the tank unit TU and the heat pump unit HU related to the present invention is shown.

(Operation control means 50A)
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of the internal configuration of the operation control means 50A in the first embodiment. The operation control means 50A corresponds to the operation control means 50 in FIG. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 3 shows only the portion related to the scale adhesion determination process of the first embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the heat pump unit control means 53 takes in the detected hot water temperature T21 from the hot water thermistor 21 serving as the hot water temperature detecting means, and outputs the rotational speed command C13 to the boiling pump 13 serving as the circulation pump (in FIG. 3). Both are output to the boiling pump rotation speed recognition means 54. The boiling pump rotation speed recognition means 54 outputs the rotation speed information D13 recognized based on the rotation speed command C13 to the scale adhesion determination means 57A.

  The scale adhesion determination means 57A always reads the detected hot water temperature T21 and the rotational speed information D13, performs a scale adhesion determination routine, and outputs determination result information D57A instructing the presence or absence of scale adhesion abnormality to the scale adhesion abnormality execution means 58.

  When the determination result information D57A indicates “there is a scale adhesion abnormality”, the scale adhesion abnormality execution means 58 executes a scale adhesion abnormality process by stopping the operation of the heat pump hot water supply device including stopping the compressor 25 and the like. Note that the operation stop processing of the heat pump hot water supply device is performed, for example, by stopping the boiling pump 13 and the fan 34 after a predetermined period of time has elapsed after the compressor 25 is stopped.

(Scale adhesion determination means 57A)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an execution procedure of a scale adhesion determination routine by the scale adhesion determination means 57A. FIG. 5 is a graph showing changes over time in the detected hot water temperature T21 and the rotational speed of the boiling pump 13 indicated by the rotational speed information D13. Hereinafter, the flow of the scale adhesion determination routine will be described with reference to these drawings.

  First, in step S11, it is checked whether or not a hot water temperature lowering intended operation intended to lower the hot water temperature as a heat pump hot water supply device is performed. Specifically, when the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 indicated by the rotation speed information D13 is equal to or higher than the comparison pump rotation speed RP (predetermined rotation speed), the above-described operation for lowering the temperature of the hot water is performed ( YES), and if it is less than the predetermined rotation speed RP, it is determined that the above-described operation for lowering the temperature of the hot water is not being performed (NO).

  The predetermined rotational speed RP is set to a rotational speed close to the maximum rotational speed of the boiling pump 13, for example. Since the boiling pump 13 has a function of circulating the hot water in the circulation path 12 as circulating water, the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the circulation path 12 is positive with respect to the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13. When there is a correlation and the scale is not attached in the pipe constituting the circulation path 12, it is estimated that the circulating water flows at a flow rate equal to or higher than a predetermined flow rate (L / min).

  Therefore, in step S11, when the detected hot water temperature T21 is higher than the target hot water temperature DO, the heat pump unit control means 53 operates at a rotational speed near the maximum (≧ RP) so as to lower the hot water temperature. Therefore, it is determined that the above-described operation for lowering the hot water temperature is being performed.

  In the case of YES in step S11, the above-described intentional operation for lowering the hot water temperature has been performed, and the process proceeds to step S12 because there is a possibility of performing scale adhesion abnormality determination processing after step S13. On the other hand, in the case of NO in step S11, since the hot water temperature lowering intention operation is not performed, there is no possibility of performing the scale adhesion abnormality determination process after step S13, and the process returns to step S11. Thereafter, step S11 is repeated until YES is determined in step S11.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, since the rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed information D13 is not higher than the comparison pump rotation speed RP until time t10, step S11 is always NO, and after time t10. And it becomes YES for the first time.

  Next, in step S12, it is checked whether the detected hot water temperature T21 is equal to or higher than a predetermined abnormality reference temperature X (YES) or not (NO).

  In the case of YES in step S12, it is determined that it is necessary to perform scale adhesion abnormality determination processing after step S13, and the process proceeds to step S13. On the other hand, in the case of NO at step S12, the temperature of the hot water is not at a level that causes a scale adhesion abnormality, so the process returns to step S11.

  As described above, when it is confirmed in step S11 that the hot water temperature lowering intention operation is being performed, and in step S12, it is recognized that the detected hot water temperature T21 is equal to or higher than the abnormal reference temperature X. An adhesion abnormality determination process is performed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, the abnormal reference temperature X is set to 95 ° C., and the detected hot water temperature T21 exceeds the abnormal reference temperature X after time t01 before time t10, so step S11 is YES at time t10. Immediately after execution of step S12 immediately after that, it becomes YES. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 5, the time t10 is the disclosure time of the scale adhesion abnormality determination process.

  As a result, in step S13, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is started. In the example shown in FIG. 5, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is started from time t10. Specifically, a timer for determining scale adhesion is started, and the processes after step S14 are executed. The timer may be built in the scale adhesion determining means 57A or an external timer.

  Thereafter, in step S14, it is checked whether the detected hot water temperature T21 has dropped below the lower limit temperature Y even for a moment (YES) or not (NO). In the example shown in FIG. 5, if the detected hot water temperature T21 falls below the lower limit temperature Y even for an instant after time t10, it is determined as YES.

  If YES is determined in step S14, it is determined that the hot water temperature is not at a level causing scale adhesion, the timer is cleared in step S18, and the scale adhesion abnormality determining process is terminated in step S19 (determined that there is no “scale adhesion abnormality”). And return to step S11.

  If it is determined NO in step S14, the process proceeds to the next step S15 in order to satisfy the condition (second condition) for determining scale adhesion abnormality that the tapping temperature does not fall below the lower limit temperature Y.

  In step S15, it is checked whether the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 has dropped below the comparison pump rotation speed RP even for a moment (YES) or not (NO). In the example shown in FIG. 5, it is determined as YES when the rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed information D13 falls below the comparison pump rotation speed RP even for a moment after time t10.

  If YES is determined in step S15, it is determined that the hot water temperature lowering intention operation has ended, the timer is cleared in step S18, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is ended in step S19, and the process returns to step S11.

  If NO is determined in step S15, the condition for determining the scale adhesion abnormality (first condition) that the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 does not decrease below the comparison pump rotation speed RP is satisfied. Move on to S16.

  In step S16, the timer checks whether the scale determination period TSC has been counted (YES) or not (NO). In the example shown in FIG. 5, the answer is YES if the time t10 after the scale determination period TSC has elapsed from the time t10, and NO otherwise.

  If it is determined YES in step S16, the above-described operation of lowering the hot water temperature is continuously performed in the scale determination period TSC, and the hot water temperature is maintained at a level that causes scale adhesion. It is determined that there is an abnormality, and determination result information D57A for instructing “there is an abnormality in scale adhesion” is output to the execution means 58 at the time of scale adhesion abnormality.

  On the other hand, if NO is determined in step S16, the process returns to step S14 again, and the processes in steps S14 to S16 are continued until YES is determined in step S14 or S15, or YES is determined in step S16.

  In the example shown in FIG. 5, in the scale determination period TSC, the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 indicated by the rotation speed information D13 continues to exceed the comparison pump rotation speed RP.

  Therefore, since the tapping temperature change J11 to J14 is not continuously lower than the lower limit temperature Y in the scale determination period TSC, steps S14 and S15 are always NO, and step S16 is YES at time t20. In S17, it is determined that “there is a scale adhesion abnormality”.

  On the other hand, the tapping temperature change J15 reaches the lower limit temperature Y at time t11 after time t10 in the scale determination period TSC, and thereafter falls below the lower limit temperature Y, so that step S15 becomes YES at time t11. It is determined that “there is no scale adhesion abnormality” and the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is terminated.

  As described above, the heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to the first embodiment has the first condition that the detected hot water temperature T21 does not fall below the comparison pump rotational speed RP during the scale adhesion abnormality determination process performed after step S13. When both the second condition in which the tapping temperature does not become lower than the lower limit temperature Y is satisfied, it is determined that a scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the circulation path 12. Note that the first condition is that the rotation speed command is output so as to increase the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 when the tapping temperature is equal to or higher than a predetermined tapping temperature (for example, the target tapping temperature DO). You can also.

  As a result, in a configuration having the hot water storage tank 3 on the circulation path 12 and having a hot water supply function, it is possible to determine a scale adhesion abnormality that could not be detected simply by monitoring the hot water temperature, thereby determining a scale adhesion abnormality. The accuracy can be improved.

  Then, when the scale adhesion abnormality execution means 58 determines that the determination result information D57A indicates “there is a scale adhesion abnormality”, the operation of the tank unit TU and the heat pump unit HU is stopped. Therefore, after the operation is stopped, a scale removal process such as cleaning of the circulation path 12 can be performed to eliminate the scale adhesion abnormal state.

  Furthermore, in the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus according to the first embodiment, the first condition that the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 does not decrease below the comparison pump rotation speed RP, and the tapping temperature is below a predetermined lower limit temperature in the scale determination period TSC. It is possible to further improve the determination accuracy of the scale adhesion abnormality by paying attention to the fact that both of the second conditions that the second condition is not reduced to a predetermined time are continued in the scale determination period TSC (predetermined period).

<Embodiment 2>
(Operation control means 50B)
FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing details of the internal configuration of the operation control means 50B in the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus according to the second embodiment. The overall configuration of the heat pump hot water supply apparatus is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and the operation control means 50B in FIG. 6 corresponds to the operation control means 50 in FIG. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 6 shows only the portion related to the scale adhesion abnormality determination process of the second embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the heat pump unit control means 53 takes in the detected hot water temperature T21 from the hot water thermistor 21 which is the hot water temperature detecting means, and outputs the rotational speed command C13 to the boiling pump 13 (FIG. 6). (Not shown) are output to the boiling pump rotational speed recognition means 54. The boiling pump rotation speed recognition means 54 outputs rotation speed information D13 recognized based on the rotation speed command C13 to the scale adhesion determination means 57B.

  Further, the heat pump unit control means 53 outputs the frequency command C25 to the compressor 25 (not shown in FIG. 6) and also outputs it to the boiling pump rotation speed recognition means 54. The compressor frequency recognition means 55 outputs frequency information D25 recognized based on the frequency command C25 to the scale adhesion determination means 57B.

  The scale adhesion determination means 57B always reads the detected hot water temperature T21, the rotation speed information D13, and the frequency information D25 to execute a scale adhesion determination routine, and performs determination result information D57B for instructing whether or not there is a scale adhesion abnormality when executing the scale adhesion abnormality. 58.

  When the determination result information D57B indicates “there is a scale adhesion abnormality”, the scale adhesion abnormality time execution means 58 executes a scale adhesion abnormality process by stopping the operation of the heat pump hot water supply device including stopping the compressor 25 and the like.

(Scale adhesion determination means 57B)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the execution procedure of the scale adhesion determination routine by the scale adhesion determination means 57B. FIG. 8 is a graph showing changes over time in the detected hot water temperature T21, the rotational speed of the boiling pump 13 indicated by the rotational speed information D13, and the frequency of the compressor 25 indicated by the frequency information D25. Hereinafter, the flow of the scale adhesion determination routine will be described with reference to these drawings.

  First, in step S21, it is checked whether or not a hot water temperature lowering intended operation intended to lower the hot water temperature as a heat pump hot water supply device is performed. Specifically, the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 indicated by the rotation speed information D13 is equal to or higher than the comparison pump rotation speed RP, and the frequency of the compressor 25 indicated by the frequency information D25 is equal to or lower than the comparison frequency FSR. If so, it is determined that the hot water temperature lowering intended operation is being performed (YES), and if not, it is determined that the hot water temperature lowering intentional operation is not being performed (NO).

  The comparison frequency FSR is set to a frequency close to the minimum frequency of the compressor 25, for example. The frequency of the compressor 25 has a positive correlation with the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the water heat exchanger 26.

  Therefore, in step S21, when the detected hot water temperature T21 is higher than the target hot water temperature DO, the heat pump unit control means 53 operates at a rotational speed near the maximum (≧ RP) so as to lower the hot water temperature. It is considered that the rotation speed command C13 is output and the compressor 25 outputs the frequency command C25 for operating at a frequency lower than the comparison frequency FSR. For this reason, when the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 and the frequency of the compressor 25 satisfy the above-described conditions, it is determined in the second embodiment that the tapping temperature lowering intended operation is being executed.

  In the case of YES in step S21, the above-described hot water temperature lowering intention operation is performed, and scale adhesion abnormality determination processing after step S23 may be performed, so that the process proceeds to step S22. On the other hand, in the case of NO in step S21, since the hot water temperature lowering intention operation is not performed, there is no possibility of performing the scale adhesion abnormality determination process after step S23, and the process returns to step S21. Thereafter, step S21 is repeated until YES is determined in step S21.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, since the rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed information D13 does not become equal to or higher than the comparison pump rotation speed RP until time t10, step S21 is always NO, and after time t10. And it becomes YES for the first time.

  Next, in step S22, it is checked whether the detected hot water temperature T21 is equal to or higher than the abnormal reference temperature X (YES) or not (NO).

  When YES is determined in the step S22, it is determined that the scale adhesion abnormality determining process after the step S23 needs to be performed, and the process proceeds to the step S23. On the other hand, in the case of NO at step S22, the temperature of the hot water is not at a level that causes a scale adhesion abnormality, so the process returns to step S21.

  Thus, when it is confirmed in step S21 that the hot water temperature lowering intended operation is being performed, and in step S22, it is recognized that the detected hot water temperature T21 is equal to or higher than the abnormal reference temperature X, the scale after step S23 is the first time. An adhesion abnormality determination process is performed.

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, the abnormal reference temperature X is set to 95 ° C., the frequency indicated by the frequency command C25 is lower than the comparison frequency FSR from the time t03 before the time t10, and similarly the time before the time t10. Since the detected tapping temperature T21 has exceeded the abnormal reference temperature X from t02, step S21 becomes YES at time t10, and immediately becomes YES when step S22 is executed immediately after step S21. Therefore, in the example shown in FIG. 8, the time t10 is the disclosure time of the scale adhesion abnormality determination process.

  As a result, in step S23, scale adhesion abnormality determination processing is started. In the example shown in FIG. 8, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is started from time t10. Specifically, a timer for determining scale adhesion is activated, and the processes after step S24 are executed. The timer may be built in the scale adhesion determining means 57B or an external timer.

  Thereafter, in step S24, it is checked whether the detected hot water temperature T21 has dropped below the lower limit temperature Y even for a moment (YES) or not (NO). In the example shown in FIG. 8, if the detected hot water temperature T21 falls below the lower limit temperature Y even for an instant after time t10, it is determined as YES.

  If YES is determined in step S24, it is determined that the tapping temperature is not at a level causing scale adhesion, the timer is cleared in step S29, and the scale adhesion abnormality determining process is terminated in step S30 (determined that there is no “scale adhesion abnormality”). And return to step S21.

  If it is determined NO in step S24, the process goes to the next step S25 in order to satisfy the condition (second condition) for determining scale adhesion abnormality that the tapping temperature does not fall below the lower limit temperature Y.

  In step S25, it is checked whether the rotational speed of the boiling pump 13 has dropped below the comparative pump rotational speed RP even for a moment (YES) or not (NO). In the example shown in FIG. 8, it is determined as YES when the rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed information D13 falls below the comparison pump rotation speed RP even for a moment after time t10.

  If it is determined as YES in step S25, it is determined that the hot water temperature lowering intended operation has ended, the timer is cleared in step S29, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is ended in step S30, and the process returns to step S21.

  If NO is determined in step S25, the condition for determining scale adhesion abnormality (first condition) that the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 does not decrease below the comparison pump rotation speed RP is satisfied. The process moves to S26.

  In step S26, it is checked whether the frequency of the compressor 25 has risen above the comparison frequency FSR even for a moment (YES) or not (NO). In the example shown in FIG. 8, if the frequency indicated by the frequency information D25 rises above the comparison frequency FSR even for an instant after time t10, it is determined YES.

  If it is determined YES in step S26, it is determined that the hot water temperature lowering intended operation has ended, the timer is cleared in step S29, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is ended in step S30, and the process returns to step S21.

  If it is determined NO in step S26, the process proceeds to the next step S27 in order to satisfy the condition for determining scale adhesion abnormality (third condition) that the frequency of the compressor 25 does not increase to the comparison frequency FSR or higher.

  In step S27, the timer checks whether the scale determination period TSC has been counted (YES) or not (NO). In the example shown in FIG. 8, the answer is YES if the time t10 after the scale determination period TSC has elapsed from the time t10, and NO if not.

  If YES is determined in step S27, the hot water temperature lowering intention operation is continuously performed in the scale determination period TSC (both NO in steps S25 and S26), and the hot water temperature maintains a level causing scale adhesion. (NO in step S24) Therefore, it is determined in step S28 that “scale adhesion abnormality is present”, and determination result information determination result information D57B instructing “scale adhesion abnormality” is output to the scale adhesion abnormality time execution means 58.

  On the other hand, if NO is determined in step S27, the process returns to step S24 again, and the processes in steps S24 to S27 are continued until YES is determined in any of steps S24 to S26 or YES in step S27. The

  In the example shown in FIG. 8, in the scale determination period TSC, the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 indicated by the rotation speed information D13 continues to exceed the comparison pump rotation speed RP. Further, in the scale determination period TSC, the frequency of the compressor 25 indicated by the frequency information D25 is continuously lower than the comparison frequency FSR.

  Therefore, since the tapping temperature changes J21 to J24 are not continuously lower than the lower limit temperature Y in the scale determination period TSC, steps S24 to S25 are always NO, and step S27 is YES at time t20. In S28, it is determined that “there is a scale adhesion abnormality”.

  On the other hand, the tapping temperature change J25 reaches the lower limit temperature Y at time t12 after time t10 in the scale determination period TSC, and thereafter falls below the lower limit temperature Y. Therefore, step S25 becomes YES at time t12. It is determined that there is no adhesion abnormality, and the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is terminated.

  As described above, the heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to the second embodiment is configured so that the first condition relating to the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 and the second condition relating to the tapping temperature during the scale adhesion abnormality determination process performed after step S23. In addition, the third condition in which the frequency of the compressor 25 does not rise above the comparison frequency FSR is all focused on in the scale determination period TSC.

  For this reason, the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus according to the second embodiment has an effect capable of further improving the determination accuracy of scale abnormal adhesion as compared with the first embodiment.

<Embodiment 3>
(Operation control means 50C)
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing details of the internal configuration of the operation control means 50C in the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus according to the third embodiment. The overall configuration of the heat pump hot water supply apparatus is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and the operation control means 50C in FIG. 9 corresponds to the operation control means 50 in FIG. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 9 shows only the portion related to the scale adhesion abnormality determination process of the third embodiment.

  As shown in the figure, the heat pump unit control means 53 takes in the detected hot water temperature T21 from the hot water thermistor 21 which is the hot water temperature detecting means, and outputs the rotation speed command C13 to the boiling pump 13 (FIG. 9). (Not shown) are output to the boiling pump rotational speed recognition means 54. The boiling pump rotation speed recognition means 54 outputs rotation speed information D13 recognized based on the rotation speed command C13 to the scale adhesion determination means 57C.

  Further, the heat pump unit control means 53 outputs an opening degree command C27 to the electric expansion valve 27 (not shown in FIG. 9) and outputs it to the electric valve opening degree recognition means 56. The electric valve opening degree recognition means 56 outputs opening degree information D27 recognized based on the opening degree command C27 to the scale adhesion determination means 57C.

  The scale adhesion determination means 57C always reads the detected tapping temperature T21, the rotation speed information D13, and the opening degree information D27, performs scale adhesion abnormality determination processing, and executes determination result information D57C instructing the presence or absence of scale adhesion abnormality when scale adhesion abnormality occurs. Output to means 58.

  Further, the scale adhesion determination unit 57C may read the detected discharge temperature T40 detected by the discharge thermistor 40 instead of the opening degree information D27. In this case, the scale adhesion determination means 57C always reads the detected hot water temperature T21, the rotation speed information D13, and the detected discharge temperature T40 to perform the scale adhesion abnormality determination process, and the determination result information D57C instructing the presence or absence of the scale adhesion abnormality is attached to the scale. It outputs to the execution means 58 at the time of abnormality.

  When the determination result information D57C indicates “there is a scale adhesion abnormality”, the scale adhesion abnormality execution means 58 executes a scale adhesion abnormality process by stopping the operation of the heat pump hot water supply device including stopping the compressor 25 and the like.

(Scale adhesion determination means 57C)
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the execution procedure of the scale adhesion determination routine by the scale adhesion determination means 57C. Hereinafter, the flow of the scale adhesion determination routine will be described with reference to FIG.

  First, in step S31, it is checked whether or not a hot water temperature lowering intended operation intended to lower the hot water temperature as a heat pump hot water supply device is performed. Specifically, the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 indicated by the rotation speed information D13 is equal to or higher than the comparison pump rotation speed RP, and the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 27 indicated by the opening degree information D27 is the electric motor for comparison. If the valve opening degree EV (predetermined opening degree) or more is determined, it is determined that the hot water temperature lowering intended operation is being performed (YES), and if not, the hot water temperature lowering intentional operation is not being performed (NO ) Is determined.

  In step S31, instead of the condition that “the electric valve opening degree of the electric expansion valve 27 indicated by the opening degree information D27 is equal to or larger than the comparative electric valve opening EV”, “the detected discharge temperature T40 is the target hot water temperature DO (predetermined May be used. In this case, if the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 indicated by the rotation speed information D13 is equal to or higher than the comparison pump rotation speed RP and the detected discharge temperature T40 is equal to or higher than the target hot water temperature DO, the above-described hot water temperature lowering intention operation is performed. Is determined).

  The comparative electric valve opening EV is set to an opening close to the maximum opening of the electric expansion valve 27, for example. The opening degree of the electric expansion valve 27 has a negative correlation with the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the water heat exchanger 26. The detected discharge temperature T40 is substantially the temperature of the refrigerant flowing through the water heat exchanger 26.

  Therefore, in step S31, when the detected hot water temperature T21 is higher than the target hot water temperature DO, the heat pump unit control means 53 operates at a rotational speed near the maximum (≧ RP) so as to lower the hot water temperature. , And the electric expansion valve 27 outputs a frequency command C25 for operating at the comparison electric valve opening EV or higher (the detected discharge temperature T40 is equal to or lower than the target hot water temperature DO). )it is conceivable that. For this reason, when the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 and the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 27 (detected discharge temperature T40) satisfy the above conditions, it is determined in Embodiment 3 that the intended operation for lowering the hot water temperature is being executed. To do.

  In the case of YES in step S31, the above-described intentional operation for lowering the hot water temperature is being performed, and the process proceeds to step S32 because there is a possibility of performing scale adhesion abnormality determination processing after step S33. On the other hand, in the case of NO in step S31, since the hot water temperature lowering intention operation is not performed, there is no possibility of performing the scale adhesion abnormality determination process after step S33, and the process returns to step S31. Thereafter, step S31 is repeated until YES is determined in step S31.

  Next, in step S32, it is checked whether the detected hot water temperature T21 is equal to or higher than the abnormal reference temperature X (YES) or not (NO).

  When YES is determined in the step S32, it is determined that the scale adhesion abnormality determining process after the step S33 needs to be performed, and the process proceeds to the step S33. On the other hand, if NO in step S32, the temperature returns to step S31 because the tapping temperature is not at a level causing abnormal scale adhesion.

  As described above, when it is confirmed in step S31 that the hot water temperature lowering intended operation is being performed, and in step S32, it is recognized that the detected hot water temperature T21 is equal to or higher than the abnormal reference temperature X. An adhesion abnormality determination process is performed.

  As a result, in step S33, scale adhesion abnormality determination processing is started. Specifically, the timer for scale adhesion determination is started, and the processes after step S34 are executed. The timer may be built in the scale adhesion determination means 57C or an external timer.

  Thereafter, in step S34, it is checked whether the detected hot water temperature T21 has dropped below the lower limit temperature Y even for a moment (YES) or not (NO).

  If YES is determined in step S34, it is determined that the hot water temperature is not at a level causing scale adhesion, the timer is cleared in step S39, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is terminated in step S40, and the process returns to step S31.

  If it is determined NO in step S34, the process proceeds to the next step S35 in order to satisfy the condition for determining scale adhesion abnormality (second condition) that the tapping temperature does not fall below the lower limit temperature Y.

  In step S35, it is checked whether the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 has dropped below the comparison pump rotation speed RP even for a moment (YES) or not (NO).

  If YES is determined in step S35, it is determined that the hot water temperature lowering intention operation has ended, the timer is cleared in step S39, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is ended in step S40, and the process returns to step S31.

  If it is determined NO in step S35, the following step is performed to satisfy the condition (first condition) for determining scale adhesion abnormality that the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 does not decrease below the comparison pump rotation speed RP. The process moves to S36.

  In step S36, it is checked whether or not the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 27 has dropped below the comparative electric valve opening degree EV even for a moment (YES) or not (NO). As step S36, it may be checked whether the detected discharge temperature T40 has risen above the target hot water temperature DO even for a moment (YES) or not (NO).

  If it is determined as YES in step S36, it is determined that the hot water temperature lowering intended operation has ended, the timer is cleared in step S39, the scale adhesion abnormality determination process is ended in step S40, and the process returns to step S31.

  If NO is determined in step S36, the following condition is satisfied in order to satisfy the condition (fourth condition) for determining the scale adhesion abnormality that the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 27 does not decrease below the comparative electric valve opening degree EV. Control goes to step S37. The fourth condition may be a condition that the detected discharge temperature T40 does not rise above the target hot water temperature DO.

  In step S37, the timer checks whether the scale determination period TSC has been counted (YES) or not (NO).

  When YES is determined in step S37, the above-described hot water temperature lowering intention operation is continuously performed in the scale determination period TSC (both NO in steps S35 and S36), and the hot water temperature maintains a level causing scale adhesion. (NO in step S34) Therefore, it is determined in step S38 that "scale adhesion abnormality is present", and determination result information determination result information D57C instructing "scale adhesion abnormality is present" is output to the scale adhesion abnormality time execution means 58.

  On the other hand, if NO is determined in step S37, the process returns to step S34 again, and the processes in steps S34 to S37 are continued until YES is determined in any of steps S34 to S36 or YES in step S37. The

  As described above, the heat pump hot water supply apparatus according to the third embodiment is configured so that the first condition relating to the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 and the second condition relating to the tapping temperature during the scale adhesion abnormality determination process performed after step S33. In addition, the fourth condition in which the opening degree of the electric expansion valve 27 does not decrease below the comparative electric valve opening degree EV is focused on in the scale determination period TSC. The fourth condition may be a condition that the detected discharge temperature T40 does not rise above the target hot water temperature DO.

  For this reason, the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus of the third embodiment has an effect capable of further improving the determination accuracy of scale abnormal adhesion as compared with the first embodiment.

<Others>
(First aspect)
Based on the frequency information D25 of the scale adhesion determination means 57B of the second embodiment, the scale adhesion abnormality determination processing and the scale adhesion abnormality based on the opening degree information D27 (detected discharge temperature T40) of the scale adhesion determination means 57C of the third embodiment. The heat pump type hot water supply apparatus of the first aspect having the scale adhesion determination means combined with the determination processing is also possible.

  FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a configuration of scale adhesion determination means 57X in the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention. The overall configuration of the heat pump hot water supply apparatus is the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 2, and the operation control means 50X in FIG. 11 corresponds to the operation control means 50 in FIG. For convenience of explanation, FIG. 11 shows only the portion related to the scale adhesion abnormality determination processing of the first mode.

  As shown in the figure, the heat pump unit control means 53 takes in the detected hot water temperature T21 from the hot water thermistor 21 serving as the hot water temperature detection means, and outputs the rotation speed command C13 to the boiling pump 13 (FIG. 11). (Not shown) are output to the boiling pump rotational speed recognition means 54. The boiling pump rotation speed recognition means 54 outputs rotation speed information D13 recognized based on the rotation speed command C13 to the scale adhesion determination means 57X.

  Further, the heat pump unit control means 53 outputs the frequency command C25 to the compressor 25 (not shown in FIG. 11) and also outputs it to the boiling pump rotation speed recognition means 54. The compressor frequency recognition means 55 outputs frequency information D25 recognized based on the frequency command C25 to the scale adhesion determination means 57B.

  Further, the heat pump unit control means 53 outputs an opening degree command C27 to the electric expansion valve 27 (not shown in FIG. 11) and also outputs it to the electric valve opening degree recognition means 56. The electric valve opening degree recognition means 56 outputs opening degree information D27 recognized based on the opening degree command C27 to the scale adhesion determination means 57B.

  The scale adhesion determination means 57X always reads the detected tapping temperature T21, the rotation speed information D13, the frequency information D25, and the opening degree information D27 to perform the scale adhesion abnormality determination process, and determines the determination result information D57X that indicates the presence or absence of the scale adhesion abnormality. Output to the adhesion abnormality execution means 58.

  Further, the scale adhesion determination unit 57X may read the detected discharge temperature T40 detected by the discharge thermistor 40 instead of the opening degree information D27. In this case, the scale adhesion determination means 57X always reads the detected hot water temperature T21, the rotation speed information D13, the frequency information D25, and the detected discharge temperature T40 to perform the scale adhesion abnormality determination process, and the determination result instructing the presence or absence of the scale adhesion abnormality. The information D57X is output to the scale adhesion abnormality execution means 58.

  In the scale adhesion abnormality determination processing by the scale adhesion determination means 57X, the rotational speed of the boiling pump 13, the frequency of the compressor 25, and the opening of the electric expansion valve 27 (detected discharge temperature T40) are all the same as those in the second embodiment or the second embodiment. When the conditions described in the third aspect are satisfied, it is determined that the hot water temperature lowering intended operation is being executed. Other processes are the same as those in the second or third embodiment.

  When the determination result information D57X indicates “There is a scale adhesion abnormality”, the scale adhesion abnormality time execution means 58 executes a scale adhesion abnormality process by stopping the operation of the heat pump hot water supply device including stopping the compressor 25 and the like.

  In the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus of the first aspect having such a configuration, the first condition regarding the rotation speed of the boiling pump 13 and the second condition regarding the tapping temperature during the scale adhesion abnormality determination process (Embodiments 1 to 3). Common to the third embodiment), the third condition regarding the frequency of the compressor 25 (only the second embodiment), and the fourth condition regarding the opening or discharge temperature of the electric expansion valve 27 (only the third embodiment). In this regard, attention is paid to the fact that the scale determination period TSC is continued.

  For this reason, the heat pump type hot water supply apparatus according to the first aspect has an effect capable of further improving the determination accuracy of scale abnormal adhesion over the first to third embodiments.

(Second aspect)
Further, as a second aspect, the heat pump unit HU and the tank unit TU are set so that the tapping temperature does not exceed a predetermined hunting set temperature (for example, 1 ° C.) when the operation control unit 50 is started and when the frequency of the compressor 25 is changed. A heat pump type hot water supply apparatus for controlling the temperature can be considered.

  By suppressing overshoot within the hunting set temperature as in the second aspect, the possibility of exceeding the abnormal reference temperature X can be sufficiently reduced when controlling the tapping temperature at the target tapping temperature DO of about 90 ° C. . As a result, in each of the heat pump hot water supply apparatuses of the first to third embodiments described above, there is an effect that the scale adhesion abnormality determination process can be performed with high accuracy even if the scale determination period TSC is shortened.

  Since the length of the scale determination period TSC by the scale adhesion determination means 57 can be shortened by controlling so that the tapping temperature does not exceed the predetermined hunting set temperature as in the second aspect, the scale can be scaled early. There exists an effect which can determine adhesion abnormality.

(Other application)
In the above-described embodiment, the heat pump hot water heater has been described. However, the heat pump hot water heater is formed by circulating circulating water in a circulation path without having a hot water storage tank and connecting a radiator such as floor heating to the circulation path. It is also applicable.

  That is, a heat pump unit, a circulation path that circulates hot water heated by the heat pump unit, and a radiator interposed in the circulation path can be operated to boil and circulate the circulating water flowing through the circulation path. The present invention can also be applied to a heat pump type hot water apparatus.

  Furthermore, the hot water flowing through the predetermined water channel having the input unit and the output unit without being circulated is heated by the heat pump unit, and is driven by the pump so that the hot water flows from the input unit to the output unit of the predetermined water channel. The present invention can also be applied to a configuration obtained as hot water from the output part of the water channel.

(Other)
In the above-described embodiment, the abnormal reference temperature X and the lower limit temperature Y are set to different temperatures, but it is of course possible to set the same temperature. However, if the abnormality reference temperature X and the lower limit temperature Y are set to be the same, even if the tapping temperature decreases slightly immediately after the start of the scale adhesion abnormality determination process, it may be determined that there is no “scale adhesion abnormality”. Therefore, as described in the above embodiment, it is desirable to provide a differential of about 1 ° C. between the abnormal reference temperature X and the lower limit temperature Y.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 3 Hot water storage tank 12 Circulation path 13 Boiling pump 21 Hot water thermistor 25 Compressor 26 Water heat exchanger 27 Electric expansion valve 40 Discharge thermistor 50, 50A-50C, 50X Operation control means

Claims (7)

A heat pump type hot water apparatus for heating hot water flowing through a predetermined water channel (12),
A boiling pump (13) that drives the hot water to flow through the predetermined water channel, and the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the predetermined water channel has a positive correlation with the number of rotations of the boiling pump;
A heat pump part (H) for performing a heat exchange process for heating the hot water,
The heat pump unit is
A heat exchanger (26) for performing the heat exchange process, and a tapping temperature detecting means (21) for detecting a tapping temperature which is a temperature of the heated hot water,
The heat pump hot water apparatus is
Control means (50) for controlling the operation of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit so that the tapping temperature reaches the target tapping temperature,
The control means includes
A rotational speed command for instructing the rotational speed to the boiling pump is output to control the boiling pump and connected to the tapping temperature detecting means so that the tapping temperature can be recognized;
When the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined hot water temperature, a rotational speed command is output so as to increase the rotational speed of the boiling pump,
A first condition for outputting the rotation speed command so as to increase the rotation speed of the boiling pump when the tapping temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined tapping temperature; and the tapping temperature is lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature. When both satisfy the second condition that does not become a low temperature, it is determined that a scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel ,
The first condition includes a condition in which a rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed command is not continuously decreased to a predetermined rotation speed or less in a predetermined period,
The second condition includes a condition that, during the predetermined period, the tapping temperature continues and does not decrease below the predetermined lower limit temperature,
The control means (50)
When it is determined that scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel, performing scale adhesion abnormality processing for stopping the operation of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit,
The heat pump part (H)
It further includes a compressor (25) that discharges a refrigerant as a heat source, and the temperature of the refrigerant has a positive correlation with the frequency of the compressor,
The heat exchanger (26) performs the heat exchange process using the refrigerant,
The hot water temperature detection means (21) includes a hot water thermistor provided in the predetermined water channel (12) on the output side of the heat exchanger,
The control means (50) controls the operation of the compressor by outputting a frequency command indicating the frequency of the compressor to the compressor,
In addition to the first and second conditions, when the third condition in which the frequency indicated by the frequency command continues and does not rise above the predetermined frequency in the predetermined period is further satisfied, the scale adhesion abnormality is Determine that it has occurred,
Heat pump type hot water system. The heat pump type hot water device according to claim 1,
The heat pump part (H)
Refrigerant temperature detection means (40) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant after discharge as the discharge temperature,
The discharge temperature detection means includes a discharge temperature thermistor provided on the output side of the compressor,
The control means (50) is connected to the discharge temperature detection means so that the discharge temperature can be recognized,
In addition to the first to third conditions, when the discharge temperature continues in the predetermined period and further satisfies a fourth condition that does not rise above a predetermined upper limit temperature, the scale adhesion abnormality has occurred. To determine,
Heat pump type hot water system. The heat pump type hot water device according to claim 1,
The heat pump part (H)
An expansion valve (27) provided on the refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant passes, and the temperature of the refrigerant has a negative correlation with the opening of the expansion valve,
The control means (50)
Controlling the expansion valve by outputting an opening degree command indicating the opening degree of the expansion valve;
In addition to the first to third conditions, when the opening degree instructed by the opening degree command during the predetermined period further satisfies a fourth condition that does not decrease below the predetermined opening degree, the scale adhesion Perform anomaly processing,
Heat pump type hot water system. A heat pump type hot water apparatus for heating hot water flowing through a predetermined water channel (12),
A boiling pump (13) that drives the hot water to flow through the predetermined water channel, and the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the predetermined water channel has a positive correlation with the number of rotations of the boiling pump;
A heat pump part (H) for performing a heat exchange process for heating the hot water,
The heat pump unit is
A heat exchanger (26) for performing the heat exchange process;
Hot water temperature detecting means (21) for detecting the hot water temperature which is the temperature of the hot water after heating,
The heat pump hot water apparatus is
Control means (50) for controlling the operation of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit so that the tapping temperature reaches the target tapping temperature,
The control means includes
A rotational speed command for instructing the rotational speed to the boiling pump is output to control the boiling pump and connected to the tapping temperature detecting means so that the tapping temperature can be recognized;
When the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined hot water temperature, a rotational speed command is output so as to increase the rotational speed of the boiling pump,
A first condition for outputting the rotation speed command so as to increase the rotation speed of the boiling pump when the tapping temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined tapping temperature; and the tapping temperature is lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature. When both satisfy the second condition that does not become a low temperature, it is determined that a scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel,
The first condition includes a condition in which a rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed command is not continuously decreased to a predetermined rotation speed or less in a predetermined period,
The second condition includes a condition that, during the predetermined period, the tapping temperature continues and does not decrease below the predetermined lower limit temperature,
The control means (50)
When it is determined that scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel, performing scale adhesion abnormality processing for stopping the operation of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit,
The heat pump part (H)
A compressor (25) for discharging a refrigerant as a heat source;
Refrigerant temperature detection means (40) for detecting the temperature of the refrigerant after discharge as the discharge temperature,
The heat exchanger (26) performs the heat exchange process using the refrigerant,
The hot water temperature detection means (21) includes a hot water thermistor provided in the predetermined water channel on the output side of the heat exchanger,
The discharge temperature detection means includes a discharge temperature thermistor provided on the output side of the compressor,
The control means (50) is connected to the discharge temperature detection means so that the discharge temperature can be recognized,
In addition to the first and second conditions, the scale adhesion abnormality process is performed when the fourth condition in which the discharge temperature continues and does not rise above a predetermined upper limit temperature in the predetermined period is further satisfied.
Heat pump type hot water system. A heat pump type hot water apparatus for heating hot water flowing through a predetermined water channel (12),
A boiling pump (13) that drives the hot water to flow through the predetermined water channel, and the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the predetermined water channel has a positive correlation with the number of rotations of the boiling pump;
A heat pump part (H) for performing a heat exchange process for heating the hot water,
The heat pump unit is
A heat exchanger (26) for performing the heat exchange process;
Hot water temperature detecting means (21) for detecting the hot water temperature which is the temperature of the hot water after heating,
The heat pump hot water apparatus is
Control means (50) for controlling the operation of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit so that the tapping temperature reaches the target tapping temperature,
The control means includes
A rotational speed command for instructing the rotational speed to the boiling pump is output to control the boiling pump and connected to the tapping temperature detecting means so that the tapping temperature can be recognized;
When the hot water temperature detected by the hot water temperature detecting means is equal to or higher than a predetermined hot water temperature, a rotational speed command is output so as to increase the rotational speed of the boiling pump,
A first condition for outputting the rotation speed command so as to increase the rotation speed of the boiling pump when the tapping temperature is equal to or higher than the predetermined tapping temperature; and the tapping temperature is lower than a predetermined lower limit temperature. When both satisfy the second condition that does not become a low temperature, it is determined that a scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel,
The first condition includes a condition in which a rotation speed indicated by the rotation speed command is not continuously decreased to a predetermined rotation speed or less in a predetermined period,
The second condition includes a condition that, during the predetermined period, the tapping temperature continues and does not decrease below the predetermined lower limit temperature,
The control means (50)
When it is determined that scale adhesion abnormality has occurred in the predetermined water channel, performing scale adhesion abnormality processing for stopping the operation of the boiling pump and the heat pump unit,
The heat pump part (H)
A compressor (25) for discharging a refrigerant as a heat source;
An expansion valve (27) provided on the refrigerant passage through which the refrigerant passes, and the temperature of the refrigerant has a negative correlation with the opening of the expansion valve,
The heat exchanger (26) performs the heat exchange process using the refrigerant,
The hot water temperature detection means (21) includes a hot water thermistor provided in the predetermined water channel on the output side of the heat exchanger,
The control means (50)
Controlling the expansion valve by outputting an opening degree command indicating the opening degree of the expansion valve;
In addition to the first and second conditions, when the opening degree indicated by the opening degree command continues in the predetermined period further satisfies a fourth condition that does not decrease below the predetermined opening degree, the scale adhesion Perform anomaly processing,
Heat pump type hot water system. It is a heat pump type hot water apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The control means (50) controls the heat pump unit and the boiling pump so that the hot water temperature does not exceed a predetermined hunting set temperature at startup.
Heat pump type hot water system. It is a heat pump type hot water device according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
The predetermined water channel includes a circulation channel,
A water storage tank (3) provided on the circulation path (12);
The boiling pump (13) causes the stored water in the water storage tank to flow out and circulates in the circulation path using the hot water as circulating water.
Heat pump type hot water system.

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