JP5899037B2 - Hot water system - Google Patents

Description

  The technology disclosed in this specification relates to a hot water supply system.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus that includes a heat pump and a hot water storage tank that stores hot water heated by the heat pump. The hot water storage type hot water supply apparatus of Patent Document 1 sets the amount of remaining hot water for startup and the amount of hot water for stoppage in the previous time zone (one hour ago) with respect to the time zone during which boiling operation has been frequently performed in the past. Control to increase the value. That is, in this hot water storage type hot water supply device, the time zone in which boiling operation has been frequently performed in the past is learned, and the set value is changed so that boiling is easily performed in the previous time zone. ing.

JP 2007-183055 A

  In the technique of Patent Document 1, the time zone in which boiling operation is frequently performed in the past is a time zone in which hot water supply is frequently performed. If an appropriate amount of hot water is stored in the tank in advance according to the time when hot water supply is frequently performed in the past, the amount of remaining hot water and the amount of remaining hot water are set according to each time zone during which hot water is supplied. The value must be set correctly. In order to set the set value accurately in accordance with each time zone in which hot water is supplied, a large amount of data is required and a lot of calculations are required, which increases the processing load.

  The present specification provides a hot water supply system capable of storing an appropriate amount of hot water in a tank by a relatively simple control in a unit time in units of 24 hours (one day).

  As a result of intensive studies by the inventor, when looking at the life cycle of various households in units of 24 hours (1 day), in any household, the time zone during which hot water is first supplied and a predetermined amount of hot water in the bathtub It was found that a large amount of hot water was supplied during the time period during which the supply (water filling) was performed. It was also found that in every household, after the last hot water supply, it is unlikely that hot water will be needed until the first hot water supply on the next day.

  The hot water supply system disclosed in this specification has been created based on the above findings. A hot water supply system disclosed in the present specification includes a heat pump that absorbs heat from outside air, a tank that stores hot water heated by the heat pump, a supply path that supplies hot water in the tank to a hot water use location, and a controller. A controller memorize | stores the time information which shows at least one time among the time when supply of warm water was started, and the time when supply of warm water was completed within the past predetermined period. Based on the time information, the controller has a hot water supply start time at which the first hot water supply should start in a unit time of 24 hours, and a time after the hot water supply start time, and a predetermined amount in the bathtub. A hot water filling start time at which hot water supply should start and a hot water supply end time at which the final hot water supply should end are specified. The controller operates the heat pump at a first heat pump operation time that is a first predetermined time before the hot water supply start time, and a second time that is a second predetermined time before the hot water start time. The heat pump is operated at the heat pump operation time, and the heat pump is stopped at the heat pump stop time that is a time that is a third predetermined time before the hot water supply end time.

  In the hot water supply system described above, the heat pump is operated at the first heat pump operation time and the second heat pump operation time, and hot water is stored in the tank. Therefore, in each household, it is possible to store the amount of hot water necessary for hot water supply in the tank at the hot water supply start time and hot water start time at which a large amount of hot water is likely to be required. . In the above hot water supply system, the heat pump is stopped at the heat pump stop time so that no more hot water is stored in the tank. Therefore, in each household, it is possible to prevent excessive hot water from being stored in the tank at the hot water supply end time when there is a high possibility that hot water will not be required thereafter. In the hot water supply system described above, attention is focused on three times: a hot water start time and a hot water start time at which hot water is likely to be required, and a hot water end time at which hot water is not likely to be required thereafter. At the three times, control is performed so that an appropriate amount of hot water is stored in the tank. Therefore, unlike the conventional case, it is not necessary to perform control for all time zones in which hot water is required. Therefore, in the above hot water supply system, an appropriate amount of hot water can be stored in the tank by a relatively simple control in a unit time in units of 24 hours (one day).

The figure which shows the structure of the hot water supply system of an Example typically. The figure which shows typically the time zone when hot water supply is performed in a specific household. The flowchart which shows a 1st heat pump action | operation process. The flowchart which shows a 2nd heat pump action | operation process. The flowchart which shows a hot water filling process.

  The main features of the embodiments described below are listed. The technical elements described below are independent technical elements and exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. Absent.

(Characteristic 1) The hot water supply system may further include first measurement means for measuring the temperature of water in the lower part of the tank. The controller stops the heat pump when the temperature measured by the first measurement means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, and operates the heat pump at the second heat pump operation time, so that the first measurement is performed at the filling start time. The second predetermined time may be specified so that the temperature measured by the means is less than the predetermined temperature.

  According to the hot water supply system having this configuration, it is possible to prevent the heat pump from being stopped at the hot water filling start time. Therefore, the heat pump can be continuously operated even after the supply of hot water to the bathtub is started. That is, it is possible to supply hot water to the bathtub while heating the water with a heat pump and storing it in the tank. On the other hand, when the temperature of all the hot water in the tank is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature at the hot water filling start time (that is, when the heat pump is stopped), a predetermined amount in the tank is started after the supply of hot water to the bathtub is started. After the hot water is supplied to the bathtub, it is necessary to operate the heat pump again. The hot water supply system having this configuration can suppress frequent stop and restart of the heat pump. That is, it is possible to increase the energy efficiency by reducing the loss of stoppage and reactivation of the heat pump, and to suppress the decrease in the durability of the heat pump.

(Characteristic 2) The hot water supply system may further include a second measuring unit that measures at least one of the outside air temperature and the water temperature of the tap water. The controller identifies a shorter first predetermined time as the temperature measured by the second measuring means is higher, identifies a shorter second predetermined time as the temperature measured by the second measuring means is higher, The higher the temperature measured by the two measuring means, the longer the third predetermined time may be specified.

  The hot water supply system having this configuration can specify each appropriate predetermined time based on at least one of the outside air temperature and the water temperature of the tap water. The outside air temperature and the temperature of tap water vary according to the season and geographical conditions. Therefore, the hot water supply system having this configuration can operate the heat pump at the first heat pump operation time and the second heat pump operation time suitable for the season and the geographical situation, and also the heat pump suitable for the season and the geographical situation. The heat pump can be stopped at the stop time. Therefore, the hot water supply system can store an appropriate amount of hot water in the tank at the three times of the hot water supply start time, the hot water filling start time, and the hot water supply end time.

(Example)
As shown in FIG. 1, a hot water supply system 2 according to the present embodiment includes a tank 10, a tank water circulation path 20, a tap water introduction path 30, a supply path 40, a heat pump 50, a burner heating device 60, and a controller. 100.

  The heat pump 50 is a heat source that absorbs heat from the outside air and heats the water in the tank water circulation path 20. Although not shown, the heat pump 50 includes a heat medium circulation path that circulates a heat medium (alternative chlorofluorocarbon, such as R410A), an evaporator that exchanges heat between the outside air and the heat medium, and a high temperature by compressing the heat medium. A compressor for increasing the pressure, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the water in the tank water circulation path 20 and the high-temperature and high-pressure heat medium, and reducing the heat medium after the heat exchange to low-temperature and low-pressure An expansion valve. The heat pump 50 is provided with an outside air temperature sensor 52 that measures the outside air temperature.

  The tank 10 stores hot water heated by the heat pump 50. The tank 10 is a hermetically sealed type, and the outside is covered with a heat insulating material. Water is stored in the tank 10 until it is full. In this embodiment, the capacity of the tank 10 is 100L. The thermistors 12, 14, 16, and 18 are attached to the tank 10 at predetermined intervals in the height direction of the tank 10. Each thermistor 12, 14, 16, 18 measures the temperature of water at its mounting position. For example, each of the thermistors 12, 14, 16, and 18 measures the temperature of water at positions 6L, 12L, 30L, and 50L from the top of the tank 10, respectively.

  The tank water circulation path 20 has an upstream end connected to the lower part of the tank 10 and a downstream end connected to the upper part of the tank 10. A circulation pump 22 is interposed in the tank water circulation path 20. The circulation pump 22 sends the water in the tank water circulation path 20 from the upstream side to the downstream side. In addition, the tank water circulation path 20 passes through a heat exchanger (not shown) of the heat pump 50. Therefore, when the heat pump 50 is operated, the water in the tank water circulation path 20 is heated by the heat exchanger of the heat pump 50. Therefore, when the circulation pump 22 and the heat pump 50 are operated, the water in the lower part of the tank 10 is heated by the heat pump 50, and the heated water is returned to the upper part of the tank 10. That is, the tank water circulation path 20 is a water path for storing heat in the tank 10. A thermistor 24 is interposed on the upstream side of the heat pump 50 in the tank water circulation path 20. The thermistor 24 is derived from the lower part of the tank 10 and measures the temperature of water before passing through the heat pump 50.

  The tap water introduction path 30 has an upstream end connected to a tap water supply source 31. A thermistor 32 is interposed in the tap water introduction path 30. The thermistor 32 measures the temperature of tap water. The downstream side of the tap water introduction path 30 branches into a first introduction path 30a and a second introduction path 30b. The downstream end of the first introduction path 30 a is connected to the lower part of the tank 10. The downstream end of the second introduction path 30b is connected to a supply path 40 described later. A mixing valve 42 is provided at a connection portion between the downstream end of the second introduction path 30 b and the supply path 40. The mixing valve 42 adjusts the amount by which the water in the second introduction path 30 b is mixed with the hot water flowing in the supply path 40.

  The upstream end of the supply path 40 is connected to the upper part of the tank 10. As described above, in the middle of the supply path 40, the second introduction path 30b of the tap water introduction path 30 is connected, and the mixing valve 42 is provided at the connection portion. A burner heating device 60 is interposed in the supply passage 40 on the downstream side of the connection portion with the second introduction passage 30b. A thermistor 44 is interposed in the supply path 40 on the downstream side of the burner heating device 60. The thermistor 44 measures the temperature of the supplied hot water. The burner heating device 60 heats the water in the supply path 40 so that the temperature of the hot water measured by the thermistor 44 matches the hot water supply set temperature. The downstream end of the supply path 40 is connected to a hot water use location (for example, a kitchen, a bathtub, etc.).

  The controller 100 is electrically connected to each component and controls the operation of each component.

  Next, the operation of the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment will be described. The hot water supply system 2 can execute a heat storage operation and a hot water supply operation. Hereinafter, each operation will be described.

(Heat storage operation)
The heat storage operation is an operation in which water in the tank 10 is heated by heat generated by the heat pump 50. When execution of the heat storage operation is instructed by the controller 100, the heat pump 50 operates and the circulation pump 22 rotates. When the circulation pump 22 rotates, the water in the tank 10 circulates in the tank water circulation path 20. That is, water existing in the lower part of the tank 10 is introduced into the tank water circulation path 20, and when the introduced water passes through the heat exchanger in the heat pump 50, it is heated by the heat of the heat medium and is heated. Is returned to the top of the tank 10. Thereby, hot water is stored in the tank 10. A high temperature water layer is formed in the upper part of the tank 10, and a low temperature water layer is formed in the lower part.

(Hot water operation)
The hot water supply operation is an operation in which the water in the tank 10 is supplied to the hot water use location. In particular, the hot water supply operation when the hot water use place is a bathtub is hereinafter referred to as “hot water operation”. The hot water supply operation can also be executed during the above heat storage operation. When the hot water tap at the hot water use location is opened, the controller 100 causes the tap water to flow into the lower portion of the tank 10 from the tap water introduction path 30 (first introduction path 30 a) due to the water pressure from the tap water supply source 31. At the same time, the hot water in the upper part of the tank 10 is supplied to the hot water use location via the supply path 40.

  When the temperature of the water supplied from the tank 10 to the supply path 40 (that is, the measured temperature of the thermistor 12) is higher than the hot water supply set temperature, the controller 100 opens the mixing valve 42 and supplies it from the second introduction path 30b. Tap water is introduced into the road 40. Therefore, the water supplied from the tank 10 and the tap water supplied from the second introduction path 30 b are mixed in the supply path 40. The controller 100 adjusts the opening degree of the mixing valve 42 so that the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water use location matches the hot water supply set temperature. On the other hand, the controller 100 operates the burner heating device 60 when the temperature of the water supplied from the tank 10 to the supply path 40 is lower than the hot water supply set temperature. Accordingly, the water passing through the supply path 40 is heated by the burner heating device 60. The controller 100 controls the output of the burner heating device 60 so that the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water use location matches the hot water supply set temperature.

(Tendency of hot water supply in specific household)
Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the tendency of hot water supply in a specific household when the life cycle of the specific household is viewed in units of 24 hours (one day) will be described. FIG. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a time zone in which hot water is supplied in a specific household during a certain day. In the present embodiment, the controller 100 uses 24 hours starting from 2:00 as a unit time for specifying one day.

  In a specific household, for example, hot water is first supplied from 6:00 to 7:00 (6:00 in the example of FIG. 2). The first hot water supply is, for example, a hot water supply for breakfast preparation or a washbasin. In the first hot water supply, hot water of about 5 L to 20 L is supplied. In a specific household, for example, a second hot water supply is performed at 11:00 to 12:00 (11:00 in the example of FIG. 2). The second hot water supply is, for example, a hot water supply for preparing lunch. Even in the second hot water supply, hot water of about 5 L to 20 L is supplied. In a specific household, for example, a third hot water supply is performed at 20:00 (20:00 in the example of FIG. 2). The third hot water supply is a hot water operation to the bathtub. In this embodiment, a specific household is set in advance to start a hot water operation every day at 20:00. In the hot water operation, hot water of about 150L to 180L is supplied. In a specific household, for example, the last hot water supply is performed from 23:00 to 0:00 (approximately 23:00 in the example of FIG. 2). The last hot water supply is, for example, a hot water supply for brushing teeth. In the last hot water supply, hot water of about 5 L to 10 L is supplied. The last hot water supply ends at about 0:00.

  In the present embodiment, the controller 100 indicates time information indicating the time when hot water supply is started and the time when hot water supply is completed and the amount of hot water supplied each time hot water is supplied in a specific household. Supply amount information. The controller 100 stores time information and supply amount information for one day as an operation history for one day for a specific household. In the present embodiment, the controller 100 stores the driving history for the past seven days of a specific household.

(Processes performed by the controller 100 every 24 hours)
Next, processing that the controller 100 executes every 24 hours (every time becomes 2:00) will be described. As described above, in this embodiment, the controller 100 stores the driving history for the past seven days of a specific household. Therefore, the controller 100 erases the operation history of 8 days ago every 24 hours and newly stores the operation history of the previous day.

  Next, the controller 100 specifies the earliest time among the times when the first hot water supply is started in the past seven days from the operation history for the past seven days of the specific household. Hereinafter, this time is referred to as “hot water supply start time S1”. For example, the controller 100 specifies 6:00 as the hot water supply start time S1 (see FIG. 2).

  Moreover, the controller 100 specifies the earliest time among the times when the hot water filling operation is started in the past seven days from the operation history for the past seven days of the specific household. Hereinafter, this time is referred to as “hot water start time B1”. As described above, in this embodiment, a specific household is set in advance to start a hot water filling operation at 20:00 every day. For example, the controller 100 specifies 20:00 as the hot water start time B1 (see FIG. 2).

  Furthermore, the controller 100 specifies the latest time among the times when the last hot water supply has ended in the past seven days from the operation history for the past seven days of the specific household. Hereinafter, this time is referred to as “hot water supply end time G1”. For example, the controller 100 specifies 0:00 as the hot water supply end time G1 (see FIG. 2).

  Furthermore, the controller 100 specifies the first predetermined time α, the second predetermined time β, and the third predetermined time γ based on the temperature TW (that is, the water temperature of the tap water) measured by the thermistor 32. .

  As shown in FIG. 2, when the temperature TW is 21 ° C. or higher, the controller 100 specifies “20 minutes” as the first predetermined time α. When the temperature TW is not less than 13 ° C. and less than 21 ° C., the controller 100 specifies “30 minutes” as the first predetermined time α. When the temperature TW is less than 13 ° C., the controller 100 specifies “45 minutes” as the first predetermined time α. The controller 100 specifies a shorter time as the first predetermined time α as the temperature TW is higher.

  Similarly, as illustrated in FIG. 2, when the temperature TW is 21 ° C. or higher, the controller 100 specifies “40 minutes” as the second predetermined time β. When the temperature TW is 13 ° C. or higher and lower than 21 ° C., the controller 100 specifies “50 minutes” as the second predetermined time β. When the temperature TW is less than 13 ° C., the controller 100 specifies “60 minutes” as the second predetermined time β. The controller 100 specifies a shorter time as the second predetermined time β as the temperature TW is higher.

  Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2, when the temperature TW is 21 ° C. or higher, the controller 100 specifies “80 minutes” as the third predetermined time γ. When the temperature TW is not less than 13 ° C. and less than 21 ° C., the controller 100 specifies “50 minutes” as the third predetermined time γ. When the temperature TW is less than 13 ° C., the controller 100 specifies “40 minutes” as the third predetermined time γ. The controller 100 specifies a longer time as the third predetermined time γ as the temperature TW is higher.

  Next, the controller 100 specifies a first heat pump operation time S0 that is a time before the specified hot water start time S1 by the specified first predetermined time α. In this embodiment, when the first heat pump operation time S0 arrives, the controller 100 starts a first heat pump operation process (see FIG. 3) described later.

  In addition, the controller 100 specifies a second heat pump operation time B0 that is a time before the hot water filling start time B1 by the specified second predetermined time β. In this embodiment, when the second heat pump operation time B0 arrives, the controller 100 starts a second heat pump operation process (see FIG. 4) described later.

  Furthermore, the controller 100 specifies the heat pump stop time G0 that is a time before the specified hot water end time G1 by the specified third predetermined time γ. In this embodiment, when the heat pump stop time G0 arrives, the controller 100 starts a heat pump stop process described later.

(First heat pump operation process)
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the contents of the first heat pump operation process executed by the controller 100. As described above, when the first heat pump operation time S0 arrives, the controller 100 starts the process of FIG. First, in S10, the controller 100 determines whether or not the heat pump 50 is operating. When the heat pump 50 is operating, the controller 100 determines YES in S10, skips S12, and proceeds to S14. On the other hand, when the heat pump 50 is not operating, the controller 100 determines NO in S10 and proceeds to S12.

  In S12, the controller 100 determines whether or not the temperature measured by the thermistor 16 (that is, the water temperature at a position 30L from the top of the tank 10) is higher than a predetermined threshold TA.

  In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold TA is “boiling set temperature−10 ° C.”. The boiling set temperature is 47 ° C., for example. Therefore, the predetermined threshold TA is 37 ° C., for example. If YES is determined in S12, at least the water temperature at a position 30 L from the upper part of the tank 10 is higher than a threshold TA (eg, 37 ° C.). As described above, a high-temperature water layer is formed in the upper part of the tank 10, and a low-temperature water layer is formed in the lower part. Therefore, when it is determined YES in S12, high-temperature hot water close to the boiling set temperature (for example, 47 ° C.) is stored between the 30L position of the tank 10 and the upper portion of the tank. That is, when it is determined YES in S12, the amount of hot water (about 5L to 20L) necessary for the first hot water supply scheduled to be performed near the hot water supply start time S1 is stored in the tank 10. Means that. If YES is determined in S12, the process proceeds to S18. On the other hand, if NO is determined in S12, the process proceeds to S14.

  In S14, the controller 100 determines whether or not the temperature measured by the thermistor 24 (that is, the water temperature derived from the lower part of the tank 10 and before passing through the heat pump 50) is higher than a predetermined threshold TB.

  In the present embodiment, the predetermined threshold value TB is “boiling set temperature−5 ° C.”. The boiling set temperature is 47 ° C., for example. Therefore, the predetermined threshold value TB is 42 ° C., for example. When YES is determined in S14, hot water having a temperature higher than a threshold value TB (for example, 42 ° C.) is stored in the lower portion of the tank 10. That is, hot water close to the boiling set temperature is stored in substantially the entire tank 10. Hereinafter, such a state of the tank 10 may be referred to as a “full state”. If YES is determined in S14, the process proceeds to S18. On the other hand, if NO is determined in S14, the process proceeds to S16.

  In S <b> 16, the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50. Further, the controller 100 rotates the circulation pump 22. That is, the controller 100 starts the heat storage operation. Thereby, water existing in the lower part of the tank 10 is introduced into the tank water circulation path 20, the introduced water is heated by the heat pump 50, and the heated water is returned to the upper part of the tank 10. Thereby, hot water is stored in the tank 10. When the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 are already operating at the time of S16, the controller 100 continuously operates the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22. When S16 ends, the process returns to S10, and the controller 100 determines whether or not the heat pump 50 is operating. In this case, the controller 100 determines YES in S10, and proceeds to S14. That is, after operating the heat pump 50 in S16, the controller 100 monitors whether the temperature measured by the thermistor 24 is higher than the predetermined threshold value TB (that is, the tank 10 is fully charged). When the temperature measured by the thermistor 24 becomes higher than the predetermined threshold value TB (YES in S14), the process proceeds to S18.

  In S <b> 18, the controller 100 stops the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22. As described above, when YES is determined in S <b> 12, this is because the amount of warm water (about 5 L to 20 L) necessary for the initial hot water supply is already stored in the tank 10. When YES is determined in S14, the tank 10 is fully stored, and naturally, the amount of hot water necessary for the first hot water supply (about 5L to 20L) is stored in the tank 10. Because. When S18 ends, the process returns to S10, and the controller 100 determines whether or not the heat pump 50 is operating. In this case, the controller 100 determines NO in S10, and proceeds to S12. That is, after the heat pump 50 is stopped in S18, the controller 100 monitors whether the temperature measured by the thermistor 16 is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold TA (that is, NO in S12). When the temperature measured by the thermistor 16 is equal to or lower than the predetermined threshold TA (NO in S12), the process proceeds to S14 again.

  When the first hot water supply operation is executed at a time near the hot water supply start time S1 after the first heat pump operation process of FIG. 3 is started, the hot water in the upper part of the tank 10 is supplied via the supply path 40 To be supplied. As described above, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, the amount of hot water necessary for hot water supply can be stored in the tank 10 at the hot water supply start time S1. That is, during the first predetermined time α, by operating the heat pump 50 only during that time, it is possible to store the amount of hot water necessary for hot water supply in the tank 10 at the hot water supply start time S1. It's time.

(Second heat pump operation process)
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the contents of the second heat pump operation process executed by the controller 100. As described above, when the second heat pump operation time B0 arrives, the controller 100 starts the process of FIG. First, in S30, the controller 100 determines whether or not the temperature measured by the thermistor 24 (that is, the temperature of water derived from the lower part of the tank 10 and before passing through the heat pump 50) is higher than a predetermined threshold value TB (ie, It is determined whether or not the tank 10 is fully charged. If YES is determined in S30, the process proceeds to S38. On the other hand, if NO is determined in S30, the process proceeds to S32.

  In S32, the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50. Further, the controller 100 rotates the circulation pump 22. That is, the controller 100 starts the heat storage operation. In addition, when the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 are already operating at the time of S32, the controller 100 continuously operates the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22. When S32 ends, the process proceeds to S34.

  On the other hand, in S38, the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 are stopped. As described above, when YES is determined in S30, the tank 10 is in a fully charged state. Therefore, it is not necessary to operate the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 any more. When S38 ends, the process proceeds to S34.

  In S34, the controller 100 determines whether or not the hot water start time B1 has arrived. When YES is determined in S34, the process proceeds to S36, and the hot water filling process (see FIG. 4) is started. On the other hand, if NO in S34, the process returns to S30.

  In this embodiment, when the second heat pump operation process of FIG. 4 is started and the hot water at the boiling set temperature is not sufficiently stored in the tank 10 (for example, the measured temperature of the thermistor 12 is the hot water supply setting). When the temperature is equal to or lower than the temperature), the hot water filling start time B1 arrives after the heat pump 50 is operated in S32 and before the tank 10 is fully stored (YES in S34). That is, in this embodiment, when the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50 at the second heat pump operation time B0 (S32), the temperature measured by the thermistor 24 at the hot water filling start time B1 is less than the predetermined threshold value TB. Thus, the second predetermined time β is specified.

(Water filling treatment)
As described above, when the hot water filling start time B1 arrives, in S36, the controller 100 starts the hot water filling process. FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hot water filling process. In the present embodiment, an example in which the hot water filling process is automatically started when the hot water filling start time B1 arrives will be described, but in a modified example, when a predetermined hot water filling start operation is performed by the user, The hot water filling process may be started.

  In S50 of FIG. 5, the controller 100 starts the hot water filling operation. That is, the controller 100 opens the hot water tap of the bathtub and starts supplying hot water to the bathtub. Next, in S52, the controller 100 determines whether or not the heat pump 50 is operating. As described above, if the tank 10 is not fully charged when the hot water filling start time B1 arrives, the heat pump 50 is continuously operated. In that case, the controller 100 determines YES in S52, and proceeds to S58. On the other hand, when the hot water filling start time B1 arrives, if the tank 10 is fully stored, the heat pump 50 is stopped. In that case, the controller 100 determines NO in S52, and proceeds to S54.

  In S54, the controller 100 monitors that the temperature measured by the thermistor 16 is equal to or lower than a predetermined threshold TA. If YES in S54, the process proceeds to S56. In the case of YES in S54, it means that the amount of hot water (hot water having a temperature higher than the threshold TA) stored in the tank 10 has decreased to 30 L or less as a result of the hot water filling operation. In S <b> 56, the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50 and rotates the circulation pump 22.

  In subsequent S58, the controller 100 monitors that the temperature measured by the thermistor 12 (that is, the water temperature at a position 6L from the upper part of the tank 10) is equal to or lower than the hot water supply set temperature. If YES is determined in S58, it means that the amount of hot water (hot water having a temperature higher than the hot water supply set temperature) stored in the tank 10 has decreased to 6 L or less. Hereinafter, this state may be referred to as a “hot water state”. In the present embodiment, 150 L to 180 L of hot water is required in the hot water filling operation. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the capacity of the tank 10 is 100 L, a hot water outage condition (YES in S58) always occurs during the hot water filling operation. If YES is determined in S58 (that is, if the hot water is out), the process proceeds to S60.

  In S60, the controller 100 operates the burner heating device 60. Also in this case, the controller 100 continuously operates the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22. As a result, hot water heated by the heat pump 50 and the burner heating device 60 is supplied to the bathtub.

  Next, in S62, the controller 100 monitors the completion of the hot water filling operation. When the predetermined amount (for example, 150 L) of hot water has been supplied to the bathtub, the controller 100 determines YES in S62 and proceeds to S64.

  In S64, the controller 100 stops the burner heating device 60 operated in S60. Also in this case, the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 continuously for a predetermined time. When S64 ends, the hot water filling process in FIG. 5 ends. At the same time, the process of FIG. As described above, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, a part of hot water necessary for hot water filling can be stored in the tank 10 at the hot water filling start time B1. That is, the second predetermined time β is a time during which the required amount of hot water can be stored in the tank 10 at the time of the hot water filling start time B1 by operating the heat pump 50 only during that time. It is.

  Further, as described above, when the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50 at the second heat pump operation time B0 (S32), the temperature measured by the thermistor 24 becomes less than the predetermined threshold value TB at the hot water filling start time B1. As described above, the second predetermined time β is specified. Therefore, if the tank 10 is not fully charged when the hot water filling start time B1 arrives, the heat pump 50 is continuously operated even after the supply of hot water to the bathtub is started (S50 in FIG. 5) ( YES in S52 of FIG. In this case, hot water can be supplied to the bathtub while the water is heated by the heat pump 50 and stored in the tank 10. On the other hand, when the heat pump 50 is stopped at the hot water filling start time B1 (NO in S52 in FIG. 5), it is necessary to operate the heat pump 50 again later, which takes time (S56 in FIG. 5). Further, when the heat pump 50 is continuously operated at the hot water start time B1 (YES in S52 of FIG. 5), when the heat pump 50 is stopped at the hot water start time B1 (FIG. 5). Compared to NO in S52, frequent stoppage and reactivation of the heat pump 50 can be suppressed. That is, the loss due to the stop and restart of the heat pump 50 can be reduced to increase the energy efficiency, and further, the decrease in the durability of the heat pump 50 can be suppressed.

(Heat pump stop process)
When the heat pump stop time G0 comes, the controller 100 starts a heat pump stop process (not shown). That is, the controller 100 stops the heat pump 50 when the heat pump 50 is operating at the time of the heat pump stop time G0. If the heat pump 50 is not operating, the controller 100 stops the heat pump 50 as it is. When the controller 100 stops the heat pump 50 at the heat pump stop time G0, the controller 100 does not operate the heat pump 50 until the next day. Thereafter, the last hot water supply operation ends at a time in the vicinity of the hot water supply end time G1. Therefore, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, it is possible to prevent excessive hot water from being stored in the tank 10 at the hot water supply end time G1. That is, during the third predetermined time γ, by not operating the heat pump 50 during that time, it is possible to prevent excessive hot water from being stored in the tank 10 at the time of the hot water supply end time G1. It's time.

  In the above, the structure and operation | movement of the hot water supply system 2 of a present Example were demonstrated. As described above, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, there is a possibility that hot water is not necessary after a hot water supply start time and a hot water start time when hot water is likely to be required in a specific household. Focusing on three times of high hot water supply end time, control is performed so that an appropriate amount of hot water is stored in the tank at the three times. Therefore, the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment does not need to perform control for all time zones where hot water is required, as in the related art. Therefore, in the hot water supply system 2 described above, an appropriate amount of hot water can be stored in the tank by a relatively simple control in a unit time in units of 24 hours (one day).

  Further, as described above, the hot water supply system 2 according to the present embodiment is based on the temperature TW (that is, the water temperature of the tap water) measured by the thermistor 32, the first predetermined time α, the second predetermined time β, and the first The predetermined time γ of 3 can be appropriately specified. The temperature of tap water changes according to the season and geographical conditions. For example, when the temperature of tap water is low (for example, in winter), it is necessary to operate the heat pump 50 for a relatively long time in order to store the amount of hot water necessary for hot water supply in the tank 10. When the temperature TW measured by the thermistor 32 is low, the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment can specify the relatively long first predetermined time α and second predetermined time β. Similarly, when the water temperature of the tap water is low, the amount of heating of the hot water required at the hot water supply end time G1 is expected to be larger than when the water temperature of the tap water is high. When the temperature TW measured by the thermistor 32 is low, the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment can specify a relatively short third predetermined time γ.

  On the other hand, when the water temperature of tap water becomes high (for example, in summer), the heat pump 50 may be operated for a relatively short time in order to store the amount of hot water necessary for hot water supply in the tank 10. When the temperature TW measured by the thermistor 32 is high, the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment can specify the relatively short first predetermined time α and second predetermined time β. Similarly, when the tap water temperature is high, it is expected that the heating amount of hot water required at the hot water supply end time G1 will be smaller than when the tap water temperature is low. When the temperature TW measured by the thermistor 32 is high, the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment can specify a relatively long third predetermined time γ.

  As described above, the hot water supply system 2 according to the present embodiment can appropriately specify the first predetermined time α, the second predetermined time β, and the third predetermined time γ. Therefore, the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment can operate the heat pump 50 at the first heat pump operation time S0 and the second heat pump operation time B0 suitable for the season and the geographical situation, The heat pump 50 can be stopped at the heat pump stop time G0 suitable for the situation. Therefore, the hot water supply system 2 can store an appropriate amount of hot water in the tank 10 at the three times of the hot water supply start time S1, the hot water filling start time B1, and the hot water supply end time G1.

  As mentioned above, although the Example was described in detail, these are only illustrations and do not limit a claim. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes of the specific examples illustrated above.

(Modification 1) The controller 100 may specify the average time of the time when hot water supply is first started in the past seven days as the hot water supply start time S1 from the operation history for the past seven days of a specific household. Similarly, the controller 100 may specify the average time of the start of hot water filling in the past seven days as the hot water start time B1 from the operation history for the past seven days of a specific household. Further, the controller 100 may specify, as the hot water supply end time G1, the average time of the time when the hot water supply operation was last ended in the past seven days from the operation history for the past seven days of a specific household.

  (Modification 2) As long as the temperature TW increases, the controller 100 may specify the first predetermined time α by any method, not limited to the above method. Therefore, for example, the controller 100 may perform a predetermined calculation using the temperature TW to calculate the first predetermined time α. Similarly, the controller 100 may specify the second predetermined time β by any method as long as it specifies a shorter time as the temperature TW increases. Further, the controller 100 may specify the third predetermined time γ by any method as long as the time TW increases as the temperature TW increases.

(Modification 3) The controller 100 replaces the water temperature TW measured by the thermistor 32 with the first predetermined time α, the second predetermined time β, and the third based on the outside air temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 52. The predetermined time γ may be specified. Further, the controller 100 specifies the first predetermined time α, the second predetermined time β, and the third predetermined time γ based on the water temperature measured by the thermistor 32 and the outside air temperature measured by the outside air temperature sensor 52. May be.

2 Hot-water supply system 10 Tank 12 Thermistor 14 Thermistor 16 Thermistor 18 Thermistor 20 Tank water circulation path 22 Circulation pump 24 Thermistor 30 Tap water introduction path 30a First introduction path 30b Second introduction path 31 Tap water supply source 32 Thermistor 40 Supply path 42 Mixing valve 44 thermistor 50 heat pump 52 ambient temperature sensor 60 burner heating device 100 controller

Claims (3)

A hot water system,
A heat pump that absorbs heat from the outside air,
A tank for storing hot water heated by a heat pump;
A supply path for supplying hot water in the tank to the hot water use location;
A controller, and
The controller
Stores time information indicating at least one of a time at which the supply of hot water is started and a time at which the supply of hot water is ended within a predetermined period in the past,
Based on the time information, a hot water supply start time at which the first hot water supply should be started in a unit time in units of 24 hours, and a time after the hot water supply start time, and supply of a predetermined amount of hot water to the bathtub Specify the hot water start time when the hot water should start and the hot water supply end time when the last hot water supply should end,
The heat pump is operated at the first heat pump operation time, which is a time that is a first predetermined time before the hot water supply start time,
The heat pump is operated at the second heat pump operation time, which is a time that is a second predetermined time before the filling start time,
The heat pump is stopped at a heat pump stop time that is a time that is a third predetermined time before the hot water supply end time,
Hot water system. A first measuring means for measuring the temperature of water in the lower part of the tank;
The controller
When the temperature measured by the first measuring means is equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature, the heat pump is stopped,
By operating the heat pump at the second heat pump operation time, the second predetermined time is specified so that the temperature measured by the first measurement means is less than the predetermined temperature at the filling start time.
The hot water supply system according to claim 1. A second measuring means for measuring the temperature of at least one of the outside air temperature and the water temperature of the tap water;
The controller
The higher the temperature measured by the second measuring means, the shorter the first predetermined time is specified,
The higher the temperature measured by the second measuring means, the shorter the second predetermined time is specified,
The higher the temperature measured by the second measuring means, the longer the third predetermined time is specified.
The hot water supply system according to claim 1 or 2.

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