JP5601227B2 - Heat pump hot water supply system, heat pump hot water supply system heat pump unit, and heat pump hot water supply system relay unit - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to ensuring safety against a flammable refrigerant in a heat pump hot water supply system.

Conventionally, gas that destroys the ozone layer or causes global warming when released into the atmosphere, such as HCFC and HFC, has been used as a refrigerant in equipment using a heat pump cycle such as a water heater. However, because HCFC and HFC refrigerants have a high environmental impact and a high global warming potential, in recent years there has been a switch to refrigerants with low ozone depletion potential and low global warming potential, such as natural refrigerants (HC) such as butane and propane. It is desired. Moreover, even if it is a HFC refrigerant | coolant, the refrigerant | coolant of the global warming potential near a natural refrigerant | coolant like R32 is desired. However, since natural refrigerant and R32 have different flammable or slightly flammable characteristics and the required specifications are different from those of conventional devices, care must be taken when using them.
In particular, in the heat pump hot water supply system, there is a possibility that the refrigerant leaked from the water refrigerant heat exchanger provided in the heat pump unit in which the refrigerant circulates flows indoors along with the water flowing through the water circuit. In that case, it is not preferable in terms of safety that the relay unit connecting the heat pump unit and the indoor side is not provided with measures against the flammable refrigerant such as fire prevention measures.

  In a conventional heat pump hot water supply apparatus, as a countermeasure against leakage of flammable refrigerant, two or more refrigerants are sealed in the refrigerant circuit by providing on / off valves at three or more places in the refrigerant circuit through which the refrigerant circulates and closing the on-off valves. There is a configuration that forms a region. A configuration is disclosed in which the liquefied refrigerant can be sealed in the sealed region, and the leakage amount is minimized even when the refrigerant leaks (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP 2010-261603 A (columns 0008, 0009, FIG. 1)

  However, the above-mentioned conventional heat pump hot water supply system is premised on countermeasures when refrigerant leaks, and the refrigerant leaks from the refrigerant circuit to the water circuit in a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water. When the refrigerant flows to the relay unit that the relay unit has, if the relay unit has no fire prevention measures, there is a problem that the safety of the relay unit cannot be secured. Particularly in the heat pump unit, even if fire prevention measures such as an explosion proof valve are taken, there is a safety problem when the fire prevention measures are not taken in the relay unit.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problem, and an object of the present invention is to prevent a relay unit that is not provided with a fire prevention measure from being erroneously connected to a heat pump unit through which a flammable refrigerant flows.

In the heat pump hot water supply system of the present invention, a heat pump unit having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and a relay unit connecting the heat pump unit and a load side are connected, and a fluid heated by the refrigerant flows through the relay unit. In the hot water supply system, the heat pump unit has first information on the flammability of the refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit, and the relay unit has second information on fire prevention measures against the flammable refrigerant of the relay unit. Yes and, by comparing the second information and the first information, the refrigerant can be used in the heat pump unit prohibits the operation of the heat pump unit when it is determined that there is a risk of fire in the relay unit control It has the part .
In the heat pump hot water supply system of the present invention, a heat pump unit having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and a relay unit connecting the heat pump unit and a load side are connected, and the fluid heated by the refrigerant flows through the relay unit. In the heat pump hot water supply system, the heat pump unit displays the first information on the flammability of the refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit so as to be visible, and the relay unit relates to a fire prevention measure against the flammable refrigerant of the relay unit. The second information is displayed so as to be visible, and the first information and the second information can be compared with each other.

In the heat pump hot water supply system of the present invention, a plurality of heat pump units having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and a relay unit connecting the plurality of heat pump units and a load side are connected, and the fluid heated by the refrigerant is A heat pump hot water supply system that flows through a relay unit, wherein each of the heat pump units has first information regarding the flammability of a refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit, and the relay unit is a combustible refrigerant of the relay unit. have a second information regarding fire protection measures against ignition by the first information and by comparing the second information, the most burning easily refrigerant the relay unit of the refrigerant that can be used for the plurality of heat pump units Prohibiting operation of the heat pump unit when it is determined that Characterized in that it comprises a control unit.

The heat pump unit of the heat pump type hot water supply system of the present invention is a heat pump unit of a heat pump type hot water supply system connected to a relay unit that connects the load side, and the first information regarding the flammability of the refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit. The heat pump unit that communicates with the control unit of the relay unit, reads second information relating to fire prevention measures against the flammable refrigerant of the relay unit, compares the first information with the second information, and the heat pump unit If the refrigerant that can be used is determined that there is a risk of fire in the relay unit, characterized in that it comprises a control unit for controlling to prohibit the operation of the heat pump unit.

The relay unit of the heat pump hot water supply system of the present invention is a relay unit of a heat pump hot water supply system that connects the heat pump unit and the load side, and has second information regarding fire prevention measures against the flammable refrigerant of the relay unit, Communicating with the control unit of the heat pump unit, reading first information on the flammability of the refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit, comparing the first information and the second information, and using the first information for the heat pump unit If the refrigerant can is determined that there is a risk of fire in the relay unit, characterized in that it comprises a control unit for controlling to prohibit the operation of the heat pump unit.

  In the present invention, the heat pump unit has the first information on the flammability of the refrigerant that can be used, and the relay unit has the second information on the fire prevention measures against the flammable refrigerant. By using the first information and the second information at the time of connection, it is possible to prevent the relay unit without fire prevention measures from being erroneously connected to the heat pump unit through which the flammable refrigerant flows, or the connection Safety can be ensured even if it is done.

The block diagram of the heat pump type hot water supply unit 100 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. The table | surface which shows the combustibility class of the refrigerant | coolant of Embodiment 1 of this invention. The information memorize | stored in the heat pump unit 100 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram of another heat pump type hot-water supply unit 110 of Embodiment 1 of this invention. The block diagram of the heat pump type hot water supply unit 200 of Embodiment 2 of this invention. The information memorize | stored in the heat pump unit of Embodiment 4 of this invention.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a heat pump hot water supply system 100 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. The heat pump hot water supply system 100 has a heat pump unit 1 and a relay unit 2 as shown in FIG.

  The heat pump unit 1 is a unit arranged outdoors. Inside the housing of the heat pump unit 1 are a compressor 3 that discharges a compressed high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, a condenser 4 that exchanges heat between the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 3 and a low-temperature heat medium, and a condenser 4. The expansion valve 5 that applies heat to the heat medium to depressurize the refrigerant that has fallen in temperature to form a low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant, and the evaporator 6 that receives the low-temperature and low-pressure refrigerant decompressed by the expansion valve 5 and absorbs heat from the outdoor air. The evaporator 6 is provided with a blower 7 for blowing outdoor air. In the heat pump unit 1, the refrigerant circulates through a refrigerant circuit formed by connecting the compressor 3, the condenser 4, the expansion valve 5, and the evaporator 6 in a ring shape with a pipe.

  The heat pump unit 1 has a control board 9 serving as a control unit that controls driving of actuators such as the compressor 3, the expansion valve 5, and the blower 7. The control board 9 is provided with a storage unit 10 that stores various information related to the operation of the heat pump unit 1 and a display unit 11 that displays abnormalities during operation and other information. The display unit 11 has an LED, and a user or a person who performs maintenance can determine the type of abnormality occurring in the heat pump unit from the lighting color, lighting location, or lighting number of the LED.

The relay unit 2 is a unit arranged in an outdoor or indoor machine room. A pump 12 that circulates the heat medium heated by the condenser 4 inside the casing of the relay unit 2, and the fluid that has flowed from the pump 12 further flows in two directions in the flow path of the heat medium circulated by the pump 12. A three-way valve 13 for distributing the water is provided, and a tank 14 for storing hot water is connected to the three-way valve 13. An internal heat exchanger 15 through which a heat medium flows is provided inside the tank 14, and the heat medium heated by the condenser 4 heats water accumulated in the tank 14 by the internal heat exchanger 15. Use hot water. A submerged heater 16 is further provided inside the tank 14. When the temperature of the hot water in the tank 14 is low, the submerged heater 16 can further heat the hot water.
The other end of the three-way valve 13 is provided with a heat emitter 17 disposed on the floor of the user's living space. The space in which the heat emitter 17 is provided can be heated by the heat medium heated by the condenser 4 flowing inside the heat emitter 17.
The heat medium that has flowed through the internal heat exchanger 15 and the heat emitter 17 again flows into the condenser 4 of the heat pump unit 1 and is heated.

  Thus, the heat medium circulates through the heat medium circuit 18 formed by connecting the condenser 4, the pump 12, the three-way valve 13, the internal heat exchanger 15, and the heat emitter 17. This heat medium is water or brine.

  The relay unit 2 is provided with a control board 19 serving as a control unit that controls driving of the pump 12, the three-way valve 13, the submerged heater 16, and the like. The control board 19 is provided with a display unit 21 for displaying the amount of hot water stored in the tank 14 and its temperature, abnormality during operation, and other information. In addition, the display part 21 has LED similarly to the display part 11 of the heat pump unit 1, and the user and the person who performs maintenance generate | occur | produce in the heat pump unit 2 from the lighting color of the LED, a lighting place, or the number of lighting. The type of abnormality that can be determined.

  Each of the control board 9 of the heat pump unit 1 and the control board 19 of the heat pump unit 2 of the present invention is connected to the integrated controller 24. The integrated controller 24 communicates with a remote controller 25 provided in the room. The user can use the remote controller 25 to control the room temperature, the information about the heat generated by the heat emitter 17, or the information about the use of hot water stored in the tank 14, such as the amount of hot water used, the time zone used, or the temperature of hot water used. Set the information. Information set by the remote controller 25 is output to the integrated controller 24, and is output from the integrated controller 24 to the control board 9 of the heat pump unit 1 and the control board 19 of the relay unit 2, and the control board 9 and the control board 19 are input. The devices of the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2 are controlled based on the information obtained.

  A water inflow pipe 22 through which water for use by the user flows into the tank 14 is connected to the lower portion of the tank 14. The water stored in the tank 14 is connected to the upper portion of the tank 14. A water outflow pipe 23 for supplying to a place of use such as a bath is connected.

  Up to this point, the basic configuration of the heat pump hot water supply system 100 according to the first embodiment has been described. From here, the control board 9 and the storage unit 10 and the relay unit 2 of the heat pump unit 1 which are constituent elements of the present invention are described. The control board 19 and the storage unit 20 will be described.

The storage unit 10 of the heat pump unit 1 stores the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1, and the storage unit 20 of the relay unit 2 stores the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2. Here, the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1 and the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2 will be described.
The combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1 can be determined from the combustibility class of the refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit 1 or that is supposed to be used. Further, the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2 can be determined from information related to fire prevention measures of the relay unit 2, for example, from the flammability class of refrigerant that may be ignited by the relay unit 2.

First, the refrigerant combustibility class will be described. The flammability class of the refrigerant can be determined by the lower combustion limit concentration (LFL) under certain conditions, the combustion speed, and the combustion heat, and is defined as shown in FIG. 2, for example. The LFL described in FIG. 2 is the concentration (vol%) at which the gaseous refrigerant starts to burn in the air, and the combustion speed is the speed (m / sec) at which the refrigerant spreads. The combustion heat is the amount of heat (kJ / kg) generated when the refrigerant burns.
Based on the definition of refrigerant flammability class illustrated in FIG.
The combustibility class 1 is classified as a refrigerant in which combustion does not propagate even when ignited in air at 60 ° C. and 1 atm.
Combustibility class 2 has three conditions: LFL is greater than 3.5%, combustion speed is 0.1 m / sec or less at 23 ° C. and 1 atmosphere, and combustion heat is less than 19000 kJ / kg at 25 ° C. and 1 atmosphere. Refrigerants that satisfy are classified.
Combustion class 3 is a refrigerant that propagates under conditions of 60 ° C and 1 atmosphere, has a LFL greater than 3.5%, and satisfies the three conditions of combustion heat of less than 19000 kJ / kg at 25 ° C and 1 atmosphere. being classified.
Combustion class 4 is classified into refrigerants that satisfy the following three conditions: combustion propagates at 60 ° C. and 1 atmosphere, LFL is 3.5% or less, and combustion heat is 19000 kJ / kg and above at 25 ° C. and 1 atmosphere. Is done.
Thus, the flammability class 1 refrigerant is nonflammable, and the flammability class 2 or higher refrigerant is flammable. That is, it can be said that a refrigerant having a larger flammability class is more flammable. Of the flammable refrigerants, the flammable class 2 or 3 refrigerant is referred to as a slightly flammable refrigerant.

Based on the above classifications, R134a, R 410 A, the carbon dioxide refrigerant flammability class 1, R32, R717 (ammonia) in the flammability class 2, R152a is the flammability class 3, R170 (ethane), R290 (Propane) and R600a (isobutane) refrigerants can be classified into flammability class 4. Such flammability classifications are determined internationally by ISO 817, and ASHRAE 34 also has similar classifications. However, the classification of the flammability class of the refrigerant in the present invention is not limited to the classification of FIG. 2, ISO 817 and ASHRAE 34.

  The heat pump unit 1 of which the combustion resistance class CfS is class 1 usually does not take measures such as a double wall of the heat exchanger and an explosion-proof electronic device for improving safety against refrigerant leakage. When a flammable refrigerant having a flammability class of class 2 or higher is caused to flow through these heat pump units 1, there is a risk of ignition at an electrical contact if the refrigerant leaks. For this reason, it is not preferable to use a refrigerant having a flammability class of 2 or more for equipment having a flammability class CfS of class 1. On the other hand, since the heat pump unit 1 manufactured on the premise of using a refrigerant having a flammability class of class 2 or higher is provided with measures for improving safety against refrigerant leakage and ignition, the heat pump unit 1 is Safety is ensured even when a refrigerant having a flammability class of class 2 or lower is used.

  In addition, about whether there is a possibility that the refrigerant may ignite inside the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2, on the assumption that the refrigerant has leaked, the target refrigerant is filled inside the casing of each unit. Whether or not the refrigerant is ignited when each unit is normally operated in the state is examined in advance in the design and manufacturing stage.

  For example, the combustion resistance class of the heat pump unit 1 manufactured on the assumption that the use of a refrigerant having a flammability class of class 2 or higher and not using only a refrigerant having a flammability class of class 1 is assumed. CfS is class 1, and the storage unit 10 of the heat pump unit 1 stores information that the combustion resistance class CfS is class 1 in the storage unit 10 in advance. As another example, the combustion resistance class of the heat pump unit 1 that can use R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutane), which are natural refrigerants having a combustion class of class 4, is class 4, and the storage unit 10 has Information that the combustion resistance class CfS is class 4 is stored in advance.

  FIG. 3 shows information stored in the storage unit 10. For example, if the heat pump unit 1 can use R410A, R32, R290, and R717, the storage unit 10 stores the type of refrigerant that can be used and the combustibility class of the refrigerant. In the case of FIG. 3, the combustibility class of R410A is class 1, the combustibility class of R32 is class 2, the combustibility class of R290 (propane) is class 4, and the combustibility class of R717 (ammonia) is class 2. Is stored. The maximum value among the combustibility classes of the usable refrigerant is recorded as the combustibility class CfS of the heat pump unit 1. That is, in the case of FIG. 3, the combustibility class of R290 is the combustibility class CfS = class 4 of the heat pump unit 1.

  Although the storage unit 10 stores the type of refrigerant that can be used by the heat pump unit 1, the flammability class of the refrigerant, and the combustion resistance class CtS, it is described above. Even if the combustibility class of the refrigerant is not stored in the storage unit 10, the present invention can be implemented if only the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1 is stored in the storage unit 10 in advance in the manufacturing process.

  The same applies to the information stored in the storage unit 20 of the relay unit 2. For example, if the relay unit 2 has fire prevention measures and a flammability class 4 refrigerant does not ignite in the relay unit 2, the relay unit 2 has a combustion resistance class CfL of class 4. As a fire prevention measure for the relay unit 2, it is determined whether or not an explosion-proof treatment is performed so that electrical contacts are not exposed in the pump 12, the three-way valve 13, and the control board 19 provided in the relay unit 2, or the submerged heater 16. Whether or not the temperature at the time of use is equal to or lower than the ignition temperature of the refrigerant. In addition, the combustible class 3 refrigerant is not likely to ignite, but if the combustible class 4 refrigerant is likely to ignite at the electrical contact in the relay unit 2 or the submerged heater 16, the resistance of the relay unit 2 is not affected. The flammability class CfL is class 3.

  By the way, in recent years, since the global warming potential is lower than that of R410A, refrigerants such as hydrofluoroolefin refrigerants (HFO1234yf), R32 (difluoromethane), and R290 (propane) have attracted attention. However, these refrigerants are slightly flammable or flammable, and in the above-described classification, the flammability class is 2 or more.

  In the future, it is assumed that a heat pump hot water supply system that can use these refrigerants will be developed. At that time, the heat pump unit 1 that corresponds to the flammable refrigerant is erroneously replaced with the relay unit 2 that does not correspond to the flammable refrigerant. It is conceivable that an erroneous connection connecting the two will occur.

  Usually, since the refrigerant is shipped in a state of being enclosed in the heat pump unit 1 at the factory, the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1 and the combustibility class of the enclosed refrigerant are the same. Therefore, while the heat pump unit 1 corresponds to the combustible refrigerant, whether the relay unit 2 corresponds to the combustible refrigerant or not is a problem from the viewpoint of safety.

  The heat pump hot water supply system 100 according to the first embodiment can take countermeasures by using information stored in the storage unit 10 and the storage unit 20.

The operation of the control board 9 of the heat pump unit 1 and the control board 15 of the relay unit 2 according to the first embodiment will be described. In the heat pump hot water supply system 100, when the power is supplied in a state where the control board 9 of the heat pump unit 1 and the control board 19 of the relay unit 2 are connected to the integrated controller 24, the integrated controller 24 automatically controls. A command is issued to notify the substrate 9 of the combustion resistance class CfS, and similarly, a command is issued to notify the control substrate 19 of the combustion resistance class CfL. The integrated controller 24 that has read the combustion resistance class CfS from the control board 9 and the combustion resistance class CfL from the control board 19 compares the combustion resistance class CfS and the combustion resistance class CfL.
When the combustion resistance class CfL is not equal to the combustion resistance class CfS and the combustion resistance class CfL <the combustion resistance class CfS, that is, the refrigerant that can be used for the heat pump unit 1 by the integrated controller 24 leaks in the evaporator. When it is determined that there is a risk of ignition in the relay unit 2 when it flows into the relay unit 2 together with water, the integrated controller 24 operates the devices such as the compressor 3, the expansion valve 5, and the blower 7 on the control board 9 of the heat pump unit 1. A prohibition signal is issued, and an abnormality is displayed on at least one of the display unit 11 of the heat pump unit 1, the display unit 21 of the relay unit 2, the remote controller 25, and the display unit of the integrated controller 24. The displayed abnormality indicates that the relay unit 2 does not support the combustible refrigerant.
Next, when the combustion resistance class CfL ≧ combustion resistance class CfS, that is, when the integrated controller 24 determines that the refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit 1 does not burn in the relay unit 2, the operation is permitted and an abnormality is displayed. Does not. It should be noted that the combustion resistance class CfL <the combustion resistance class CfS is the combustion resistance class CfL ≠ the combustion resistance class CfS, and the combustion resistance class CfL ≧ the combustion resistance class CfS is the combustion resistance class CfL = combustion resistance It shall include class CfS.

  As described above, since the operation is prohibited and the abnormality is displayed when the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2 is lower than the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1, the heat pump in which the combustible refrigerant flows is displayed. When the relay unit 2 that may cause the combustible refrigerant to ignite to the unit 1 is erroneously connected, the safety on the indoor side can be ensured. In addition, since the operation is permitted when the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2 is equal to or higher than the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1, the relay is connected to the heat pump unit 1 when safety can be ensured. The combination of units 2 can be given a degree of freedom. Therefore, the specification change of the relay unit 2 accompanying the change of the refrigerant used can be minimized, and the development cost of the heat pump hot water supply unit can be reduced, the delivery time can be shortened, the resources can be saved, and the energy can be saved.

  In the first embodiment, the configuration is described in which the integrated controller 24 is provided, and the integrated controller 24 compares the magnitude relationship between the combustion resistance class CfL and the combustion resistance class CfS. However, the control board 9 or the control board 19 may be used to compare the combustion resistance class CfL and the combustion resistance class CfS instead of the integrated controller 24. That is, the control board 9 reads the information stored in the storage unit 20 of the control board 19 from the control board 19, and the control board 9 compares the combustion resistance class CfL with the combustion resistance class CfS to permit the operation / A configuration for performing prohibition control, or the control board 19 reads information stored in the storage unit 10 of the control board 9 from the control board 9, and the control board 19 sets the combustion resistance class CfL and the combustion resistance class CfS. It is good also as a structure which performs control of permission / prohibition of a driving | operation comparatively.

  FIG. 4 shows a heat pump hot water supply system 110 according to another embodiment of the first embodiment. Differences between the heat pump hot water supply system 100 in FIG. 1 and the heat pump hot water supply system 110 in FIG. 4 will be described. However, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted.

1 has a configuration in which the condenser 4 is provided in the heat pump unit 2 and the tank 14 is provided in the relay unit 2, but the present invention is not limited to this configuration. In the heat pump hot water supply system 110, the condenser 4a is provided inside the relay unit 2a, and the tank 14a is provided outside the relay unit 2a. In the heat pump hot water supply system 110, information such as the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1 stored in the storage unit 10a is used for piping, control forming the compressor 3, the expansion valve 5, the evaporator 6 and the refrigerant circuit 8a. A condenser installed outside the outdoor unit 1a, which is determined in advance based on countermeasures against leakage of refrigerant and explosion-proof measures applied to devices such as the substrate 9 provided inside the outdoor unit 1a. The information stored in the storage unit 10a is not related to the structure 4a. Similarly, information such as the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2a stored in the storage unit 20a of the relay unit 2a is transmitted to the pipes forming the condenser 4a, the pump 12, the three-way valve 13, and the refrigerant circuit 8a. It is determined on the basis of the explosion-proof measures applied, and the structure of the tank 14a is not related to the information stored in the storage unit 20a.
That is, information such as the combustion resistance class CfS stored in the storage units 10 and 10a of the heat pump units 1 and 1a and information such as the combustion resistance class CfL stored in the storage units 20 and 20a of the relay units 2 and 2a are It is predetermined in the manufacturing stage based on the configuration of the equipment provided inside each unit.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
In the first embodiment, the heat pump hot water supply unit in which one relay unit is connected to one heat pump unit has been described. However, in the second embodiment, a plurality of heat pump units are provided for one relay unit. A heat pump hot water supply system 200 to which is connected will be described. In the second embodiment, the same components as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 5 shows a heat pump hot water supply system 200 according to the second embodiment. In the heat pump hot water supply system 200, two heat pump units 1 </ b> A and 1 </ b> B are connected to the relay unit 2.
The heat medium circuit 22 of the second embodiment is branched and piped to the condensers 4A and 5B of the heat pump units 1A and 1B, and a three-way valve 26 is provided at the branch point. When the heat pump unit 1A is operating but the heat pump unit 1B is stopped, the flow path on the heat pump unit 1B side of the three-way valve 26 is controlled to be closed, and the heat medium is only in the condenser 4A of the heat pump unit 1A. Flowing. When both the heat pump units 1A and 1B are operating, the three-way valve 26 is controlled so that all the flow paths are opened, and the heat medium flows to both the condensers 4A and 5B of the heat pump units 1A and 1B. .

  As in the first embodiment, the heat pump units 1A and 1B include control boards 9A and 9B, respectively. Further, the control boards 9A and 9B have storage units 10A and 10B and display units 11A and 11B, respectively. The storage units 10A and 10B store the combustion resistance classes CfSA and CfSB of the heat pump units 1A and 1B, respectively. The control board 9A and the control board 9B are connected to the integrated controller 24 via communication lines.

  In the first embodiment, the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1 and the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2 are compared. However, in the second embodiment, since there are a plurality of heat pump units, the relay is performed in the second embodiment. The combustion resistance class CfL of unit 2 and the heat resistance class CfS of which heat pump unit will be compared will be described.

  In the heat pump hot water supply unit 200 according to the second embodiment, when power is supplied in a state where the control boards 9A and 9B and the control board 19 of the relay unit 2 are connected to the integrated controller 24 via a communication line, automatically The control board 9A of the heat pump unit 1A, the control board 9B of the heat pump unit 1B, and the control board 19 of the relay unit 2 communicate with the integrated controller 24, and the control board 9A is stored in the storage unit 10A. The control board 9B transmits the combustion resistance class CfSB stored in the storage unit 10B, and the control board 19 transmits the combustion resistance class CfL stored in the storage unit 20 to the integrated controller 24. The integrated controller 24 that has received the respective combustion resistance classes of the heat pump units 1A, 1B and the relay unit 2 determines the largest combustion resistance class CfSmax of the combustion resistance classes CfSA and CfSB and the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2. Compare.

  For example, when the combustion resistance class CfSA = class 4 and the combustion resistance class CfSB = class 3, the combustion resistance class CfSmax = class 4 (= combustion resistance class CfSA).

The integrated controller 24 compares the combustion resistance class CfSmax with the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2.
First, when the combustion resistance class CfL <combustion resistance class CfSmax, that is, when the integrated controller 24 determines that the refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit 1A is likely to ignite in the relay unit 2, the integrated controller 24 sets the heat pump A command for prohibiting the operation of each of the units 1A and 1B is issued, and an abnormality is displayed on at least one of the display units 11A and 11B, the display unit 21 and the remote controller 25. The abnormality to be displayed indicates the content that the relay unit 2 does not support the combustible refrigerant.
Next, when the combustion resistance class CfL ≧ combustion resistance class CfSmax, that is, when the integrated controller 24 determines that the refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump units 1A and 1B is not likely to ignite in the relay unit 2, the heat pump unit 1A, A command for permitting the operation of 1B is issued and no abnormality is displayed.

  As described above, according to the heat pump hot water supply unit 200 of the second embodiment, even if the heat pump units 1A and 1B are connected to one relay unit 2, the heat pump unit 1A The combustion resistance class CfL of the heat pump unit that can use the most combustible refrigerant, that is, the most flammable refrigerant, is compared with the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2, and the combustion resistance class CfL <In the case of the combustion resistance class CfSmax, since the operation is prohibited, misconnection between the heat pump unit and the relay unit 2 can be prevented, and the safety against the flammable refrigerant can be improved.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
In the first and second embodiments, both the heat pump unit and the relay unit store the heat resistance class CfS and the heat resistance class CfL in the storage units provided in the respective units. However, when the heat pump unit and the relay unit are erroneously connected, it is assumed that a unit in which the combustion resistance class is not stored is connected to one unit. Therefore, in the third embodiment, a case where the combustion resistance class is not stored in the storage unit of at least one of the heat pump unit and the relay unit will be described.
The heat pump hot water supply system 100 of the third embodiment has the same configuration as the heat pump hot water supply system 100 of the first embodiment, but the combustion resistance class CfL is not stored in the storage unit 20 of the relay unit 2. Shall.

  When the power is supplied in a state where the control board 9 of the heat pump unit 1 and the control board 19 of the relay unit 2 are connected to the integrated controller 24, the integrated controller 24 is automatically integrated as in the first embodiment. The controller 24 issues a command to notify the control board 9 of the combustion resistance class CfS, and similarly issues a command to notify the control board 19 of the combustion resistance class CfL. However, in the third embodiment, since the combustion resistance class CfL is not stored in the storage unit 20 of the relay unit 2, the integrated controller 24 can receive the combustion resistance class CfS from the control board 9. The combustion resistance class CfL cannot be received from the control board 19. Therefore, since the integrated controller 24 cannot compare the combustion resistance class CfS and the combustion resistance class CfL, the operation of the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2 is prohibited because there is an abnormality in the relay unit 2. At that time, an abnormality that the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2 is unknown is displayed on either the display unit 11, 30 or the remote controller 25.

  In the third embodiment, the case where the relay unit 2 does not store the combustion resistance class CfL has been described. However, even if the heat pump unit 1 does not store the combustion resistance class CfS, the integrated controller 24 is It is assumed that the same control is performed.

  In the heat pump hot water supply system in which a plurality of heat pump units are connected to the relay unit as in the second embodiment, when the combustion resistance class is not stored in at least one unit, the integrated controller 24 is a heat pump type. Operation as a hot water supply system shall be prohibited.

  As described above, when either the heat pump unit 1 or the relay unit 2 does not store the combustion resistance class, the unit that does not store the combustion resistance class may ignite the flammable refrigerant. Safety can be ensured by prohibiting operation as a heat pump hot water supply system.

  In addition, when the integrated controller cannot receive the combustion resistance class CfL from the relay unit 2, it has been described that the operation is prohibited because there is an abnormality in the relay unit 2. In such a case, the integrated controller 24 uses the nonflammable refrigerant as the relay unit 2. The combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit 2 may be regarded as class 1. By doing in this way, when the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1 is class 1, the integrated controller 24 can permit the operation of the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2.

Embodiment 4 FIG.
Although Embodiment 1 thru | or 3 demonstrated the heat pump type hot water supply system which compares the combustion resistance class of the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2, and controls the prohibition or permission state of an operation | movement, in Embodiment 4, it is a human body. A heat pump hot water supply system that controls prohibition or permission of operation depending on the presence or absence of refrigerant leakage countermeasures when a toxic refrigerant is used will be described. The fourth embodiment will be described using the heat pump hot water supply system 100 of the first embodiment.

In the fourth embodiment, the storage unit 10 of the heat pump unit 1 stores the toxicity resistance class CtS of the heat pump unit 1, and the storage unit 20 of the relay unit 2 stores the toxicity resistance class CtL of the relay unit 2. Has been. Here, the poison tolerant class CtL the poison tolerant Class CtS the relay unit 2 of the heat pump unit 1 will be described together with toxicity of the refrigerant on the basis of FIG.

  Since the toxicity class can be determined from the toxicity class of the refrigerant, first, the classification of the toxicity class of the refrigerant will be described.

  Toxic class 1 is classified as a refrigerant with a concentration (allowable concentration) of less than 400 ppm (vol%) that does not affect the human body even if it is continuously exposed for 8 hours a day or 40 hours a week. A refrigerant having a concentration of 400 ppm (vol%) or more is classified. In other words, it can be said that the refrigerant having a larger toxicity class is more toxic. Such classification is decided by ISO 817 and ASHRAE 34 as well as the flammability class of the refrigerant.

  Based on the above-mentioned classification, HFC refrigerants such as R410A, R22, R32, and R134, and natural refrigerants such as R290 (propane) and R600a (isobutane) are classified into toxicity class 1. In addition, refrigerants such as R717 (ammonia) that are irritating to the human body are classified as toxicity class 2.

FIG. 6 is obtained by further adding the toxicity of the refrigerant and the toxicity class CtL of the indoor unit 2 to FIG. As in FIG. 3, assuming that the heat pump unit 1 can use R410A, R32, R290, and R717, the storage unit 10 stores the toxicity classes of these refrigerants. In the case of FIG. 6 , information is stored that class 1 is the toxicity class of R410A, class 1 is the toxicity class of R32, class 1 is the toxicity class of R290, and class 2 is the toxicity class of R717. The maximum value among the toxicity classes of the usable refrigerant is stored as the toxicity class CtS of the heat pump unit 1. In the case of FIG. 6 , the toxicity class of R717 is the toxicity class CtS of the heat pump unit 1.

  As described above, the storage unit 10 stores the kind of refrigerant that can be used by the heat pump unit 1 and the toxicity class and toxicity class CtS of the refrigerant in the storage unit 10 as described above. Even if the toxicity class of the refrigerant is not stored in the storage unit 10, only the toxicity class CtS of the heat pump unit 1 may be stored in the storage unit 10 in advance in the manufacturing process.

  The same applies to information stored in the storage unit 19 of the relay unit 2. For example, if the relay unit 2 has a countermeasure for refrigerant leakage, and there is no risk of the refrigerant leaking in the relay unit 2, the toxicity resistance class CtL of the relay unit 2 is class 2. As measures against leakage of the relay unit 2, pipes used for the heat medium circuit 22, double walls of the internal heat exchanger 15 provided in the tank 14, and the like can be given.

  The same applies to the information regarding toxicity stored in the storage unit 10 of the heat pump unit 1. As countermeasures against leakage of the refrigerant of the heat pump unit 1, there is a double wall of a pipe through which the refrigerant of the condenser 4, the evaporator 6, and the refrigerant circuit 8 flows.

  Also in the fourth embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the integrated controller 24 compares the combustion resistance class CfS and the combustion resistance class CfL and compares the toxicity resistance class CtS and the toxicity resistance class CtL.

  When the combustion resistance class CfS ≦ CfL and the toxicity resistance class CtS ≦ CtL, the integrated controller 24 permits the operation of the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2.

  If the combustion resistance class CfS> CtL or the toxicity resistance class CtS> CtL, or if the combustion resistance class CfS> CtL and the toxicity resistance class CtS> CtL, the integrated controller 24 prohibits the operation of the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2. To do. At this time, the display unit 11 of the heat pump unit 1, the display unit 21 of the relay unit 2, or the remote controller 25 displays an abnormality. In particular, when the toxicity class CtS> CtL, it is displayed as abnormal that the relay unit 2 does not support a toxic refrigerant.

  Similarly to the third embodiment, it is assumed that the toxicity class is not recorded in either the storage unit 10 of the heat pump unit 1 or the storage unit 20 of the relay unit 2. In such a case, since the integrated controller 24 cannot compare the toxicity class CtS and the toxicity class CtL, the integrated controller 24 determines that there is more in the unit in which the toxicity class is not stored, The integrated controller 24 prohibits the operation of the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2.

  Similarly to the combustion resistance class of the third embodiment, when no toxicity class is stored in either the heat pump unit 1 or the relay unit 2, the integrated controller 24 does not store the toxicity class. It may be assumed that the unit is compatible only with non-toxic refrigerants, and the unit's toxicity class may be treated as class 1.

  As described above, since not only the combustion resistance class but also the toxicity resistance class is compared, the heat pump unit 1 or the relay unit 2 in which not only the flammability but also the toxic refrigerant is used is erroneously connected. Even in such a case, the safety of the space on the relay unit 2 side can be ensured. Further, since the operation is permitted when the combustion resistance class CfL and the toxicity resistance class CtL of the relay unit 2 are equal to or higher than the combustion resistance class CfS and the toxicity resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit 1, the safety is improved. If it can be ensured, the combination of the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2 can have a degree of freedom. Therefore, the specification change of the relay unit 2 accompanying the change of the refrigerant to be used can be minimized, and the device development cost can be reduced, the delivery time can be shortened, the resources can be saved, and the energy can be saved. In addition, for example, when a new heat pump unit 1 having a different refrigerant to be used from an old device is introduced into a system that has already been installed and operated, the relay unit 2 can also be diverted. Thus, it is not necessary to update the relay unit 2 and can contribute to resource saving, energy saving, and shortening of the construction period.

  Similarly to the combustion resistance class of the third embodiment, when no toxicity class is stored in either the heat pump unit 1 or the relay unit 2, the integrated controller 24 does not store the toxicity class. It may be assumed that the unit is compatible only with non-toxic refrigerants, and the unit's toxicity class may be treated as class 1.

  Even in the case where the operation is permitted as the heat pump hot water supply unit in the first to fourth embodiments, if the combustion resistance class CfS of the heat pump unit is different from the combustion resistance class CfL of the relay unit, the display The contents of the combustion resistance class CfS ≠ the combustion resistance class CfL may be displayed on any of the units 11 and 30 or the remote controller 25. By displaying such contents, the user and the installer can prevent erroneous connection between the heat pump unit and the relay unit.

In Embodiments 1 to 4, the storage units 10 and 29 store the combustion resistance classes, and the integrated controller 24 compares the combustion resistance classes CfL and CfS to compare the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2. It is configured to permit driving. However, the comparison between the combustion resistance classes CfL and CfS can achieve the object of the present invention even if the apparatus controller does not perform the comparison with the integrated controller 24. In other words, as long as the heat pump unit 1 has the information of the combustion resistance class CfS and the relay unit 2 has the information of the combustion resistance class CfL, the integrated controller 24 does not perform the comparison. The installer should make the comparison. In other words, the heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2 can be connected after the installer confirms the information of the combustion resistance classes CfS and CfL stored in the storage units 10 and 29 at the construction site, thereby preventing erroneous connection. can do.
Further, if it is assumed that the installer performs a comparison between the combustion resistance classes CfS and CfL, the combustion resistance classes CfS and CfL can be stored without storing them in the storage units 10 and 29, respectively. The heat pump unit 1 and the relay unit 2 may be provided with display means such as a seal describing information on the classes CfS and CfL. Alternatively, information on the combustion resistance classes CfS and CfL is displayed on the display units 11 and 29, respectively.
For example, if a seal on which information on the combustion resistance class CfS is written is affixed to the heat pump unit 1 and a seal on which information on the combustion resistance class CfL is written is attached to the relay unit 2, the installer The information can be visually checked to compare the combustion resistance classes CfS and CfL.
Note that the display means such as a seal is only required to be able to confirm the combustion resistance class. Instead, for example, a switch or a jumper wire for setting the combustion resistance class is provided and set in advance at the time of manufacture of the device. May be.

  The present invention can be used for a heat pump hot water supply system in which a heat pump unit and a relay unit are connected.

100, 110, 200, heat pump hot water supply unit,
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Heat pump unit, 2 Relay unit, 3 Compressor, 4 Condenser, 5 Expansion valve, 6 Evaporator, 7 Blower, 8 Refrigerant circuit, 9 Control board, 10 Memory | storage part, 11 Display part, 12 Pump, 13 Three-way valve, 14 tank, 15 internal heat exchanger, 16 submerged heater, 17 heat emitter, 18 heat medium circuit, 19 control board, 20 storage unit, 21 display unit, 22 water inflow piping, 23 water outflow piping, 24 integrated controller, 25 remote control .

Claims (8)

A heat pump type hot water supply system in which a heat pump unit having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and a relay unit connecting the heat pump unit and a load side are connected, and a fluid heated by the refrigerant flows through the relay unit,
The heat pump unit has first information on the flammability of a refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit,
The relay unit have a second information regarding fire protection measures against flammable refrigerant of the relay unit,
Comparing the first information and the second information,
A heat pump hot water supply system comprising a control unit that prohibits operation of the heat pump unit when it is determined that a refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit is likely to ignite in the relay unit . 2. The heat pump hot water supply system according to claim 1, wherein the controller permits the operation of the heat pump unit when it is determined that a refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit is not likely to be ignited by the relay unit . The heat pump unit has a first display means for displaying the first information, the relay unit according to claim 1 or 2 characterized by having a second display means for displaying the second information The heat pump hot water supply system described in 1. A heat pump hot water supply system in which a plurality of heat pump units having compressors for compressing refrigerant and a relay unit connecting the plurality of heat pump units and a load side are connected, and fluid heated by the refrigerant flows through the relay unit There,
Each of the heat pump units has first information on the flammability of the refrigerant that can be used for the heat pump unit,
The relay unit has second information regarding fire prevention measures against the flammable refrigerant of the relay unit,
The heat pump unit when the first information and the second information are compared and it is determined that the most flammable refrigerant among the refrigerants usable in the plurality of heat pump units may be ignited by the relay unit. features and to Ruhi Toponpu hot water supply system further comprising a control unit that prohibits the operation. The heat pump unit has third information regarding the toxicity of the refrigerant that can be used in the heat pump unit,
The relay unit has fourth information regarding measures against leakage of the toxic refrigerant of the relay unit,
When the control unit compares the third information with the fourth information and determines that the refrigerant usable in the heat pump unit is more toxic than the refrigerant usable in the relay unit, The heat pump hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein control for prohibiting the operation of the heat pump unit is performed . A heat pump unit of a heat pump type hot water supply system connected to a relay unit connecting the load side,
The heat pump unit has first information regarding the flammability of a refrigerant that can be used for the heat pump unit,
It communicates with the control unit of the relay unit, reads second information regarding fire prevention measures against the flammable refrigerant of the relay unit, compares the first information with the second information, and can be used for the heat pump unit A heat pump unit for a heat pump hot water supply system, comprising: a control unit that performs control to prohibit operation of the heat pump unit when it is determined that the refrigerant may ignite in the relay unit. A relay unit for a heat pump hot water supply system connecting the heat pump unit and the load side,
The relay unit has second information related to fire prevention measures against the flammable refrigerant of the relay unit,
Communicating with the controller of the heat pump unit, reading first information on the flammability of the refrigerant usable in the heat pump unit, comparing the first information and the second information, A relay unit of a heat pump hot water supply system, comprising a control unit that performs control to prohibit operation of the heat pump unit when it is determined that a usable refrigerant may ignite in the relay unit. A heat pump type hot water supply system in which a heat pump unit having a compressor for compressing a refrigerant and a relay unit connecting the heat pump unit and a load side are connected, and a fluid heated by the refrigerant flows through the relay unit,
The heat pump unit displays the first information on the flammability of the refrigerant that can be used for the heat pump unit so as to be visible,
The relay unit displays the second information related to fire prevention measures against the flammable refrigerant of the relay unit so as to be visible,
A heat pump hot water supply system configured to be able to compare the first information and the second information.

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