JP6019862B2 - Hot water supply device and hot water supply system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus and a hot water supply system. In particular, the present invention relates to a hot water supply apparatus that supplies hot water via two paths.

  In Patent Document 1 below, there are two systems: a high temperature hot water supply path for directly discharging hot water in a hot water storage tank and a mixed hot water supply path for mixing hot water from the hot water storage tank and water supplied from outside the hot water storage tank. There is disclosed a hot water storage type hot water heater that is provided and stores hot water heated by a heat pump. And in order to ensure the washing | cleaning capability of the hot water supply terminal (for example, dishwasher) connected to a high temperature hot water supply path | route, when the hot water in a tank falls and high temperature hot water cannot be supplied, the hot water supply to a high temperature hot water supply path | route is stopped. Further, when the hot water temperature in the tank is lowered, the hot water from the mixed hot water supply path is also stopped. That is, it is determined that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank is insufficient (so-called hot water shortage), and the hot water supply is stopped in both the high temperature hot water supply path and the mixed hot water supply path.

  And when the hot water supply to a high temperature hot water supply path | route and a low temperature hot water supply path | route is stopped, the hot water of a hot water storage tank is heated with a heat pump.

  Patent Document 2 is also listed below as a technique for disclosing a technique related to the present application.

JP 2011-185519 A JP 2009-257618 A

  In the technique introduced in Patent Document 1, when both the hot water supply to the high temperature hot water supply path and the hot water supply to the mixed hot water supply path are stopped, the heat treatment by the heat pump is executed. However, it takes time for the heat pump to reach a stable state in which the rated capacity is output after starting. Therefore, even if the heat treatment is started at the stage where the hot water supply to the high-temperature hot water supply path and the mixed hot water supply path is stopped, the hot water shortage cannot be resolved quickly. In addition, it is not desirable that hot water runs out.

  Therefore, this invention aims at suppressing generation | occurrence | production of a hot-water supply with the hot-water supply apparatus using a heat pump.

The first aspect of the hot water supply apparatus according to the present invention is a hot water storage tank (1) for storing hot water, and a heating process for heating the hot water acquired from the hot water storage tank (1) and returning it to the hot water storage tank (1). A heat pump to be executed (9), first and second hot water supply paths (20, 30, 32, 33) for acquiring and supplying hot water stored in the hot water storage tank from above the hot water, and the first And the first and second valves (21) provided on the second hot water supply path, the heat pump, the first and second valves, respectively, and a function of controlling the first and second valves . When the first temperature (Th1), which is the temperature of the hot water at the position, is lower than the first threshold value (TC + α), one of the first and second valves is closed, and the heat treatment is performed on the heat pump. Execution In the second case, the second temperature, which is the temperature of the hot water at the second position higher than the first position in the hot water storage tank, is lower than the second threshold value (Tc) lower than the first threshold value. A controller (4) for closing both the first and second valves .

A first aspect of the hot water supply system according to the present invention includes a plurality of hot water supply apparatuses (100A to 100C) according to the first aspect, and the first hot water supply path (20) is provided in the first valve. The second hot water supply passages (30, 32, 33) are connected to each other on the downstream side with respect to the second valve (31) provided therein .

A second aspect of the hot water supply system according to the present invention includes a hot water storage tank (1) for storing hot water, and a heating process for heating the hot water acquired from the hot water storage tank (1) and returning it to the hot water storage tank (1). A heat pump to be executed (9), first and second hot water supply paths (20, 30, 32, 33) for acquiring and supplying hot water stored in the hot water storage tank from above the hot water, and the first And the first and second valves (21) provided on the second hot water supply path, the heat pump, and the first and second valves, respectively, and are stored in the hot water storage tank. In the first case where the amount of heat that has fallen below the first threshold, the first and second valves are closed and the heat pump is caused to heat the hot water, and the second threshold is lower than the first threshold. Even the heat In the second case where the temperature drops, a hot water supply device (100B, 100C) having a controller (4) for closing both the first and second valves, and a second hot water storage tank (1A) for storing hot water And the third and fourth hot water supply paths (20A, 25, 30A, 32A, 33A, 35) for acquiring the hot water stored in the second hot water storage tank from the upper part of the hot water and supplying hot water, The first hot water supply path connects the first common hot water supply pipe (25) connected to the first hot water supply section (7) in which the hot water is used, the first common hot water supply pipe, and the hot water storage tank. A first hot water supply pipe (20B, 20C) provided with one valve (21), and the second hot water supply path is connected to a second hot water supply section (8) where the hot water is used. A hot water supply pipe (36), a second hot water supply pipe (30B, 30C) connected to the second common hot water supply pipe and the hot water storage tank and provided with the second valve (31B, 31C); The third hot water supply path is formed by the first common hot water supply pipe, and the third hot water supply pipe (20A) connecting the first common hot water supply pipe and the second hot water storage tank, The fourth hot water supply path is formed by the second common hot water supply pipe and the fourth hot water supply pipe (30A) connecting the second common hot water supply pipe and the second hot water storage tank, and the valve is not provided. The pressure loss in the piping path of the third hot water supply pipe is higher than the pressure loss in the piping path of the first hot water supply pipe, and / or the pressure loss in the piping path of the fourth hot water supply pipe not provided with a valve is It is higher than the pressure loss in the piping path of No. 2 hot water supply piping .

A third aspect of the hot water supply system according to the present invention includes a hot water storage tank (1) for storing hot water, and a heating process for heating the hot water acquired from the hot water storage tank (1) and returning it to the hot water storage tank (1). A heat pump to be executed (9), first and second hot water supply paths (20, 30, 32, 33) for acquiring and supplying hot water stored in the hot water storage tank from above the hot water, and the first And the first and second valves (21) provided on the second hot water supply path, the heat pump, the first and second valves, respectively, and a function of controlling the first and second valves. When the first temperature (Th1), which is the temperature of the hot water at the position, is lower than the first threshold value (TC + α), one of the first and second valves is closed, and the heat treatment is performed on the heat pump. In the second case, the second temperature, which is the temperature of the hot water in the second position higher than the first position in the hot water storage tank, is lower than the second threshold value (Tc) lower than the first threshold value. A hot water supply device (100B, 100C) having a controller (4) for closing both the first and second valves, a second hot water storage tank (1A) for storing hot water, and the second hot water storage tank A third and a fourth hot water supply path (20A, 25, 30A, 32A, 33A, 35) for acquiring the hot water stored from the upper part of the hot water and supplying the hot water; The first common hot water supply pipe (25) connected to the first hot water supply section (7) in which hot water is used, the first common hot water supply pipe and the hot water storage tank are connected, and the first valve (21) is provided. The second hot water supply path (8) is formed by a first hot water supply pipe (20B, 20C), and the second hot water supply path uses the hot water. The second common hot water supply pipe (36) connected to the second hot water supply pipe (30B, 30C) connected to the second common hot water supply pipe and the hot water storage tank and provided with the second valve (31B, 31C). The third hot water supply path is formed by the first common hot water supply pipe, and a third hot water supply pipe (20A) connecting the first common hot water supply pipe and the second hot water storage tank, and The hot water supply path 4 is formed by the second common hot water supply pipe, and the fourth hot water supply pipe (30A) connecting the second common hot water supply pipe and the second hot water storage tank, and no valve is provided . The pressure loss in the three hot water supply pipes is higher than the pressure loss in the first hot water supply pipe, and / or the pressure loss in the fourth hot water supply pipe not provided with a valve is higher than the pressure loss in the second hot water supply pipe.

According to the first aspect of the hot water supply device of the present invention, the heat pump heats the hot water when one of the first valve and the second valve is closed, so that both the first and second valves are closed. Compared to the case where the boiling operation is performed at this time, the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank (so-called hot water shortage) can be suppressed.

  According to the 1st aspect of the hot-water supply system concerning this invention, even when a some hot-water supply apparatus is provided, hot water shortage can be suppressed.

According to the second and third aspects of the hot water supply system according to the present invention, since the pressure loss of at least one of the third and fourth hot water supply paths is high, hot water is unlikely to be supplied from the second hot water storage tank to the hot water supply section. . Therefore, hot water shortage in the second hot water storage tank can be suppressed.

It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the hot-water supply device concerning a 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of a heat pump. It is a flowchart which illustrates operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment of this invention. It is a flowchart which illustrates one operation | movement of the hot water supply apparatus concerning 2nd Embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the hot-water supply system concerning a 3rd embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which illustrates the composition of the hot-water supply system concerning a 4th embodiment of this invention.

First embodiment.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of a hot water supply apparatus according to the first embodiment of the invention. In the figure, white arrows indicate the direction in which hot water (or water) flows.

  The hot water supply apparatus includes a hot water storage tank 1, a first hot water supply path 20, a second hot water supply path 35, a first valve 21, a second valve 31, and a heat pump 9.

  A heat pump 9 is connected to the hot water storage tank 1 by an outgoing pipe 11 and a return pipe 12. The heat pump 9 operates in response to an instruction from the controller 4, for example. The heat pump 9 acquires the water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 1 via the outgoing pipe 11 and heats it, and supplies the heated hot water to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 1 via the return pipe 12. That is, it can be understood that the hot water tank 1 stores hot water heated by the heat pump 9.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating the configuration of the heat pump 9. The heat pump 9 includes a refrigerant cycle having a heat exchanger 91, a decompression mechanism 92, an evaporator 93, and a compressor 94. The heat exchanger 91 has a refrigeration cycle side pipe (which functions as a condenser) and a pipe connected to the forward pipe 11 and the return pipe 12. By performing heat exchange between the pair of pipes, hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 1 is heated by the heat pump 9.

  Since the hot water storage tank 1 is sealed, the hot water temperature in the upper part is higher than the hot water temperature in the lower part. Therefore, the hot water temperature heated by the heat pump 9 is substantially maintained in the upper part of the hot water storage tank 1, and the temperature gradient from the upper part to the lower part is maintained in the hot water storage tank 1.

  The 1st hot water supply path | route 20 acquires hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 1 from the upper part of the said hot water, and supplies hot water. A first valve 21 is provided on the first hot water supply path 20. On the first hot water supply path 20, a hot water supply unit 7 that requires hot water is provided downstream of the first valve 21. Therefore, by opening the first valve 21, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 1 is supplied to the hot water supply unit 7 via the first hot water supply path 20. Further, by closing the first valve 21, the supply of hot water from the hot water storage tank 1 to the hot water supply unit 7 is stopped.

  In the illustration of FIG. 1, the first hot water supply path 20 supplies hot water from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 1 directly to the hot water supply unit 7. Therefore, hot water having a high temperature can be supplied to the hot water supply section 7. An example of the hot water supply unit 7 that requires high-temperature high-temperature water is a dishwasher.

  The 2nd hot-water supply path | route 35 acquires the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 1 from the upper part of the said hot water, and supplies hot water. In the illustration of FIG. 1, the hot water from the hot water storage tank 1 flows through the paths 33 and 30 constituting the second hot water supply path 35 in this order and is supplied to the hot water supply section 8. A second valve 31 is provided on the second hot water supply path 35. In the illustration of FIG. 1, the second valve 31 is interposed between the paths 30 and 33. Therefore, by opening the second valve 31, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 1 is supplied to the hot water supply unit 8 via the second hot water supply path 35. Further, by closing the second valve 31, the supply of hot water from the hot water storage tank 1 to the hot water supply unit 8 is stopped.

  In the illustration of FIG. 1, the second hot water supply path 35 further includes a path 33. The path 32 acquires low temperature water. The path 32 is connected to the path 33 via the connecting portion 34 on the hot water storage tank 1 side than the second valve 31. The connection unit 34 mixes the hot water from the path 33 and the low-temperature water from the path 32 at a desired ratio, and supplies the mixed water to the path 30 via the second valve 31.

  In addition, said connection can be fulfill | performed by employ | adopting a mixing valve for the connection part 34, for example. By changing the opening degree of the mixing valve, it is possible to respond to a desired ratio, so that hot water having the temperature can be obtained from the path 30 at a desired temperature, for example, set by a remote controller (not shown).

  According to such a second hot water supply path 35, it is possible to supply hot water to the hot water supply section 8 at a relatively low temperature compared to the case of supplying hot water directly from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 1. Examples of the hot water supply unit 8 that requires medium temperature water include a hot water faucet provided in a kitchen.

  The path 32 obtains low-temperature water from the outside (for example, a water supply pipe (city water pipe) 10 which is a water supply path). The low temperature water is also supplied to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 1, and the hot water storage tank 1 is filled with hot water.

  The controller 4 instructs the heat pump 9 to execute the heating process. Such an instruction is indicated by a broken-line arrow from the controller 4 to the heat pump 9 in FIG. Further, the controller 4 performs a valve closing process, which will be described later, on the first valve 21 and the second valve 31. Performing such processing is indicated by broken-line arrows from the controller 4 to the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 in FIG.

  Moreover, the controller 4 may control the opening degree of the mixing valve of the connection part 34 mentioned above.

  In the first embodiment, the valve closing process and the heat treatment by the heat pump 9 are based on the amount of heat in the hot water storage tank 1, and the amount of heat is calculated based on the temperature of the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 1. 6 calculates. The amount of heat that is a criterion for determining whether or not to perform the valve closing process and the heating process is estimated. An arrow heading from the calorie calculating means 6 to the controller 4 indicates that information on the calorific value is transmitted.

  The temperature is measured by temperature measuring means 5 provided in the hot water storage tank 1. For example, the temperature measuring means 5 is a plurality of thermistors 50, 51, 52,..., 5 m arranged at different heights on the side wall of the hot water storage tank 1. The thermistors 50, 51, 52, ..., 5m are arranged below the hot water storage tank 1 in this order. The thermistor 50 is provided in the hot water storage tank 1 at a position higher than any of the thermistors 51, 52,..., 5m, specifically, for example, at the uppermost part of the hot water storage tank 1 (so-called “on the can body”).

  The temperature measurement by the temperature measuring means 5 and the calorie calculation by the calorie calculating means 6 are easily realized by a well-known technique, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  The processing of the controller 4 includes the following two steps. First, when the amount of heat stored in the hot water storage tank 1 is lower than the first threshold value, the controller 4 closes the other while keeping one of the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 open. Water from the hot water storage tank 1 is heated. When the amount of heat stored in the hot water storage tank 1 is lower than a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value, one of the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 is closed while the other is closed.

  As described above, the heat pump 9 performs the heat treatment when only one of the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 is closed. Therefore, compared with the case where the heat pump 9 performs the heat treatment when both the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 are closed, it is possible to suppress a shortage of hot water in the hot water storage tank (so-called hot water shortage). Since it takes time until the heat pump 9 starts up and reaches a stable state in which the rated capacity is output, this processing is particularly effective from the viewpoint of securing the amount of heat.

  The calorie calculation means 6 is configured with the controller 4 or separately. As an example of the configuration, a configuration including a microcomputer and a storage device can be selected. The microcomputer executes each processing step (in other words, a procedure) described in the program. The storage device is composed of one or more of various storage devices such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), a rewritable nonvolatile memory (EEPROM (Erasable Programmable ROM), etc.), and a hard disk device. Is possible. The storage device stores various information, data, and the like, stores a program executed by the microcomputer, and provides a work area for executing the program. It can be understood that the microcomputer functions as various means corresponding to each processing step described in the program, or can realize that various functions corresponding to each processing step are realized. Further, the calorific value calculation means 6 and / or the controller 4 are not limited to this, and various procedures to be executed or various means or various functions to be realized may be realized by hardware.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. After the end of the flowchart (“END” in the figure), the flowchart is re-executed from the start (“START” in the figure).

  First, in step S1, heat quantity calculation processing is performed. As described above, this is a process in which the heat quantity calculation means 6 calculates the heat quantity in the hot water storage tank 1 based on the temperature measurement by the temperature measurement means 5.

  Next, in step S2, it is determined whether the heat quantity is less than a first threshold value. If the amount of heat in the hot water storage tank 1 is equal to or greater than the first threshold value, even if hot water is supplied from the first hot water supply path 20 and the second hot water supply path 35 to the hot water supply units 7 and 8 respectively, It is judged that a so-called hot water run out is unlikely to occur.

  If the determination result in step S2 is negative, the process according to the flowchart is temporarily terminated without closing the first valve 21 and the second valve 31. Alternatively, step S1 is executed again.

  On the other hand, if a positive determination is made in step S2 that the amount of heat in the hot water storage tank 1 is less than the first threshold value, the process proceeds to step S3, and either the first valve 21 or the second valve 31 is closed. Is done. That is, step S3 is a part of the valve closing process described above. Which valve is closed is set in advance, for example. By closing either the first valve 21 or the second valve 31 in this way, hot water is supplied to the other of the hot water supply units 7 and 8 while supply of hot water to one of the hot water supply units 7 and 8 is stopped. You can continue. Thereby, the other utilization efficiency of the hot water supply units 7 and 8 is enhanced.

  In step S3, a heat treatment by the heat pump 9 is executed. It takes time for the heat pump 9 to reach a stable state in which the rated capacity is output after starting. For this reason, rather than starting the heating by the heat pump 9 after closing both the first valve 21 and the second valve 31, the heating is started when one of the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 is closed. However, it is desirable from the viewpoint of securing the amount of heat in the hot water storage tank 1 at an early stage. Furthermore, since both the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 are closed, hot water cannot be used at all. Therefore, a heat quantity is ensured (heating is started) before that happens.

  After the valve closing process in step S3 and the heating process of the heat pump 9 are performed, the process proceeds to step S4, and it is determined whether the amount of heat is less than the second threshold value. If the determination result in step S4 is negative, it is assumed that hot water is not likely to occur even if hot water is supplied from the open valve of the first valve 21 and the second valve 31, and the process proceeds to step S1. The process returns and the necessity of the valve closing process considering the amount of heat is examined again. In view of the fact that the flowchart is repeatedly executed as described above, if the determination result in step S4 is negative, the process according to the flowchart may be temporarily ended.

  If the determination result in step S4 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S5, and the opened valve of the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 is also closed. As a result, both the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 are closed.

Second embodiment.
In 2nd Embodiment, the technique which performs the closing process of the 1st valve | bulb 21 and the 2nd valve | bulb 31, and the heating process of the heat pump 9 by using the temperature of each part in the hot water storage tank 1 as a criterion is presented.

  The hot water supply apparatus according to the second embodiment is the same as the hot water supply apparatus of FIG. However, the calorie calculation means 6 is not always necessary. In the second embodiment, as will be described in detail later, the comparison between the temperature detected by the thermistors 50, 51, 52,. The closing process and the heat treatment of the heat pump 9 are performed.

  The thermistors 50, 51, 52,..., 5m are provided at different heights in the hot water storage tank 1 as shown in FIG. Since hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 1 from above, it can be understood that the thermistors 50, 51, 52,..., 5 m are provided at positions corresponding to the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 1. For example, when the detected temperature of the thermistor 50 provided on the can body is lower than a predetermined value, it can be determined that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 1 is zero. Here, hot water whose temperature is higher than a predetermined value is grasped as hot water. Further, when the detected temperature of the thermistor 51 is higher than a predetermined value and the detected temperature of the thermistor 52 is lower than a predetermined value, it can be determined that the amount of hot water corresponding to the position where the thermistor 51 is provided is stored in the hot water storage tank 1.

  In the second embodiment, since the valve closing process and the heating process are executed based on the comparison between the detected temperature of the thermistor and the threshold value, the valve closing process and the heating process based on the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 1 can be executed. It can be done.

  FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the hot water supply apparatus according to the embodiment of the invention. As in the first embodiment, the flowchart is re-executed from the start (“START” in the figure) after the end (“END” in the figure).

  First, in step S11, it is determined whether or not the temperature Th1 detected by the thermistor provided at the first position among the thermistors 51, 52,..., 5m is equal to or lower than the threshold value TC + α. If the temperature Th1 of the hot water at the first position is equal to or higher than the threshold value TC + α, it is determined that a sufficient amount of hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 1 for hot water supply to both the hot water supply units 7 and 8. The first position for obtaining such amount of hot water is set in advance, for example. If the capacity of the hot water storage tank 1 is 460L, for example, the first position is set at a position where a capacity of 150L is obtained from above the hot water storage tank 1. Of course, in order to detect the temperature Th1, the first position is set to a position selected in advance from any of the thermistors 51, 52,. The TC is set in advance and is, for example, 45 degrees. α is, for example, 1 degree.

  If the determination result in step S11 is negative, a sufficient amount of hot water is stored, so the processing in the flowchart is temporarily terminated without closing the first valve 21 and the second valve 31. Or step S11 is performed again.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S11 that the temperature Th1 is equal to or lower than the threshold value TC + α, the process proceeds to step S12, and one of the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 is closed. Moreover, in step S12, the heat processing by the heat pump 9 is performed.

  After the valve closing process in step S12 and the heating process of the heat pump 9 are performed, the process proceeds to step S13. In step S13, it is determined whether or not the temperature Th2 detected by the thermistor provided at the second position higher than the first position among the thermistors 50, 51, 52,. It will be described in detail later that the threshold values used as the reference for comparison in steps S11 and S13 are different. If the temperature Th2 of the hot water at the second position is higher than the threshold value TC, it is determined that a sufficient amount of hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 1 for hot water using a valve that is not closed in step S12. The second position for obtaining such a hot water amount is set in advance, for example.

  If the determination result of step S13 is negative, the process returns to step S11, and the necessity of the valve closing process is examined again. Or the process according to the said flowchart may be once complete | finished.

  If the determination result in step S13 is affirmative, the process proceeds to step S14, and the opened valve of the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 is also closed. As a result, both the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 are closed.

  Such a valve closing process and a heating process also have the same effects as those of the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, since the valve closing process and the heating process are performed based on the comparison between the detected temperature of the thermistor and the threshold value, it is not necessary to calculate the amount of heat and the process can be simplified.

  The threshold value TC + α to be compared in step S11 is higher than the threshold value TC to be compared in step S13. This is due to the following reason. That is, since the hot water in the hot water storage tank 1 has a temperature gradient that decreases from the top to the bottom, there is a relationship of temperature Th2> temperature Th1. However, for example, when the temperature gradient is small and the difference between the first position and the second position is small, the temperatures Th1 and Th2 can take substantially equal values. Even if the temperatures Th1 and Th2 are equal to each other, the threshold value TC + α is larger than the threshold value TC. Therefore, even if the temperature Th2 decreases due to consumption of hot water in the hot water storage tank 1, the temperature TC + α Th1 is below the threshold value TC + α. Therefore, even if the temperatures Th1 and Th2 are equal to each other, step S12 can be executed more reliably before step S14. As a result, the heat treatment of the heat pump 9 can be executed more reliably before step S14, and the hot water shortage can be appropriately suppressed.

  Note that even if the temperatures Th1 and Th2 are equal to each other, it is possible to appropriately suppress hot water shortage, and therefore the first position and the second position may be equal to each other. In other words, the thermistors used in steps S11 and S13 may be the same thermistor.

Third embodiment.
In 3rd Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, several hot water supply apparatus 100A-100C is provided. In the illustration of FIG. 5, three hot water supply apparatuses 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C are provided, but it is sufficient that two or more hot water supply apparatuses are provided. Each of hot water supply apparatuses 100A to 100C has the same configuration as the hot water supply apparatus according to the first or second embodiment. Therefore, detailed description of the configuration of the hot water supply apparatuses 100A to 100C is omitted.

  However, as shown in FIG. 5, the first hot water supply paths 20 of the hot water supply apparatuses 100 </ b> A to 100 </ b> C are connected to each other and connected to the hot water supply unit 7 (for example, a dishwasher). In the illustration of FIG. 5, each of the first hot water supply paths 20 is connected to a common path 25 on the downstream side of the first valve 21, and is connected to the hot water supply section 7 via the path 25.

  The second hot water supply paths 35 of the hot water supply apparatuses 100A to 100C are connected to each other and connected to the hot water supply section 8 (for example, a hot water faucet for a bath, a kitchen, or a wash basin). Each of the second hot water supply paths 35 is also connected to a common path 36 on the downstream side of the second valve 31, and is connected to the hot water supply unit 8 via the path 36.

  Also in such a hot water supply system, each of the hot water supply devices 100A to 100C operates as described in the first or second embodiment. Accordingly, it is possible to suppress running out of hot water.

  Moreover, in step S3 or step S12 executed in each of the hot water supply apparatuses 100A to 100C, the valve to be closed may be made different for each of the hot water supply apparatuses 100A to 100C. For example, the first valve 21 may be closed in the hot water supply apparatuses 100A and 100C, and the second valve 31 may be closed in the hot water supply apparatus 100B. Thereby, the time zone which can supply hot water to both the hot water supply parts 7 and 8 can be lengthened.

  Of course, in step S3 or step S12, the valves to be closed may be the same as each other regardless of the hot water supply apparatuses 100A to 100C. Thereby, hot water supply to the hot water supply part connected to the path | route where a valve is not closed in step S3 or step S12 can be ensured preferentially.

  In the illustration of FIG. 5, since the valves 21 and 31 are provided in all of the first hot water supply path 20 and all of the second hot water supply path 30, respectively, even if hot water runs out in any of the hot water storage tanks 1, It is possible to stop the hot water from the hot water storage tank 1 where the hot water has run out. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the supply of water from the hot water storage tank 1 which can supply only water due to the occurrence of hot water shortage. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the temperature of the hot water from being reduced from a desired value due to mixing of hot water from other hot water storage tanks 1 where hot water has not run out and water from hot water storage tanks 1 where hot water has run out.

Fourth embodiment.
In 4th Embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, several hot water supply apparatus 100A-100C is provided. In the example of FIG. 6, three hot water supply devices are provided, but a plurality of hot water supply devices may be provided.

  Although the hot water supply devices 100B and 100C are the same as the hot water supply device according to the first or second embodiment, the hot water supply device 100A is different from the hot water supply device according to the first or second embodiment in that there is a valve. To do. In the illustration of FIG. 6, the hot water supply device 100 </ b> A does not include the first valve 21. However, the first valve 21 may be provided in the water heater 100A, and the second valve 31 may be omitted instead of the first valve 21 being provided. Alternatively, both the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 may not be provided in the hot water supply apparatus 100A.

  The first hot water supply paths 20 of the hot water supply apparatuses 100A to 100C have pipes 20A to 20C, respectively, and all share a common pipe 25. The common pipe 25 is connected to the hot water supply unit 7. The pipe 20A connects the common pipe 25 and the hot water storage tank 1 of the hot water supply apparatus 100A, the pipe 20B connects the common pipe 25 and the hot water storage tank 1 of the hot water supply apparatus 100B, and the pipe 20C is the hot water storage of the common pipe 25 and the hot water supply apparatus 100C. Connect to tank 1. A first valve 21 is provided in each of the pipes 20A to 20C.

  The second hot water supply paths 35 of the hot water supply apparatuses 100A to 100C have pipes 30A to 30C, respectively, and all share a common pipe 36. The common pipe 36 is connected to the hot water supply unit 8. The pipe 30A connects the common pipe 36 and the hot water storage tank 1 of the hot water supply device 100A, the pipe 30B connects the common pipe 36 and the hot water storage tank 1 of the hot water supply device 100B, and the pipe 30C is the hot water storage of the common pipe 36 and the hot water supply device 100C. Connect to tank 1. A second valve 31 is provided in each of the pipes 30A to 30C. The pipes 30A to 30C correspond to the paths 30 and 33 described in the other embodiments.

  Moreover, in the illustration of FIG. 6, the 2nd hot water supply path | route 35 of the hot water supply apparatuses 100A-100C is equipped with piping 32A-32C, respectively. Since the pipes 32A to 32C correspond to the path 32 described in the other embodiments, detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The hot water supply apparatuses 100B and 100C operate as described in the first or second embodiment. About the hot water supply apparatus 100A, when the first valve 21 or the second valve 31 is provided, the hot water supply apparatus 100A may appropriately operate as described in the first or second embodiment. For example, when only the second valve 31 is provided, the second valve 31 may be closed in step S3 or step S12, and the process of step S5 or step S14 may be omitted.

  Moreover, the pressure loss of the piping path of the piping 20A in the hot water supply apparatus 100A is higher than the pressure loss of the piping paths of the piping 20B and 20C. For example, this is realized by providing a throttle portion (for example, an orifice or a probe valve) for reducing the cross-sectional area of the pipe 20A. Moreover, the pressure loss of the piping path of the piping 30A is higher than the pressure loss of the piping paths of the piping 30B and 30C. Example This is realized, for example, by providing the pipe 30A with a throttle portion that reduces its cross-sectional area.

  In such a hot water supply system, hot water is preferentially supplied from the hot water storage tanks 1 of the hot water supply apparatuses 100B and 100C. Therefore, even when the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 1 of the hot water supply devices 100B and 100C is small, the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 1 of the hot water supply device 100A tends to be relatively large. Therefore, even if the hot water supply devices 100B and 100C close the first valve 21 and the second valve 31 by the processing described in the first or second embodiment, hot water is supplied from the hot water supply device 100A to the hot water supply units 7 and 8. Can be supplied.

  That is, the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 1 of the hot water supply device 100A can function as backup hot water when hot water runs out in the hot water supply devices 100B and 100C.

  And when either the 1st valve | bulb 21 or the 2nd valve | bulb 31 is closed in the hot water supply apparatuses 100B and 100C, the heat processing by the heat pump 9 are performed in the hot water supply apparatuses 100B and 100C. Therefore, even if hot water runs out in hot water supply apparatuses 100B and 100C, the amount of hot water in hot water storage tank 1 of hot water supply apparatuses 100B and 100C can be increased while hot water is supplied from hot water supply apparatus 100A. That is, while the hot water for backup is being supplied, the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 1 of the hot water supply devices 100B and 100C is increased so that the hot water can be supplied again from the hot water supply devices 100B and 100C.

  As described above, according to the present heat pump system, hot water shortage can be further suppressed. In this embodiment, the pipe 20A has a higher pressure loss than the pipes 20B and 20C, and the pipe 30A has a higher pressure loss than the pipes 30B and 30C. Either one has a higher pressure loss. If you do.

  In the illustration of FIG. 6, a pressure reducing valve 11 is provided in the water supply pipe 10. The pressure reducing valve 11 reduces the pressure of city water to a desired pressure and supplies it to the hot water storage tank 1 and the pipes 32A to 32C.

  In the illustration of FIG. 6, the pressure loss in the piping paths of the piping 20 </ b> A and 30 </ b> A is increased by, for example, a throttle portion. This structure is preferable because the pressure loss in the piping path is increased on the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 11. This is because if a throttle part is provided upstream of the pressure reducing valve 11, water having a desired pressure is supplied by the pressure reducing valve 11, so that if the water pressure reduced by the throttle part is higher than the desired pressure, the throttle part This is because the function is not effective. In other words, as illustrated in FIG. 6, if the pressure loss in the piping path of the pipes 20 </ b> A and 30 </ b> A is increased, the installation position of the pressure reducing valve 11 in the feed water pipe 10 is not limited. Therefore, it is easy to install the pressure reducing valve 11.

  On the other hand, the throttle unit may be provided in the water supply pipe 10, for example. However, in the illustration of FIG. 6, since the pressure reducing valve 11 is provided in the water supply pipe 10, it is provided in the water supply pipe 10 on the downstream side of the pressure reducing valve 11. This throttle part can also suppress the hot water from the hot water storage tank 1. This is due to the following reason. That is, water supply via the water supply pipe 10 to the hot water storage tank 1 is suppressed by the throttle portion. Moreover, since the hot water storage tank 1 is always filled with hot water, hot water supply from the hot water storage tank 1 through the pipes 20A and 30A can be suppressed by suppressing water supply.

  Further, if the mixing ratio is determined by the mixing valve of the connecting portion 34, a throttle portion may be provided in the pipe 32A in order to suppress the hot water from the pipe 30A. This is because the water flowing into the mixing valve from the pipe 32A can be suppressed, so that the hot water from the hot water storage tank 1 through the pipe 20A can be suppressed if the mixing ratio is constant.

1 Hot water storage tank 10 City water pipe (water supply route)
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 1st hot water supply path | route 21 1st valve 30 2nd hot water supply path | route 31 2nd valve 32, 33 path | route 34 Connection part 4 Controller 5 Temperature measuring means 6 Calorie | heat amount calculation means 9 Heat pump (heating means)

Claims (4)

A hot water storage tank (1) for storing hot water;
A heat pump (9) for performing a heating process for heating the hot water obtained from the hot water storage tank (1) and returning it to the hot water storage tank (1);
First and second hot water supply paths (20, 30, 32, 33) for acquiring and supplying hot water stored in the hot water storage tank from above the hot water;
First and second valves (21) provided on the first and second hot water supply paths, respectively;
The heat pump has a function of controlling the first and second valves, and the first temperature (Th1), which is the temperature of the hot water at the first position of the hot water storage tank , is lower than the first threshold value (TC + α). In the first case, one of the first and second valves is closed, the heat pump is caused to perform the heat treatment, and the temperature of the hot water at the second position higher than the first position in the hot water storage tank is reached. A hot water supply apparatus comprising: a controller (4) that closes both the first and second valves when a second temperature is lower than a second threshold (Tc) that is lower than the first threshold . A plurality of hot water supply devices according to claim 1 (100A to 100C),
The first hot water supply path (20) is connected to the downstream side of the first valve (21) provided in itself, and the second hot water supply path (30, 32, 33) is provided in itself. A hot water supply system connected to the second valve (31) on the downstream side . A hot water storage tank (1) for storing hot water;
A heat pump (9) for performing a heating process for heating the hot water obtained from the hot water storage tank (1) and returning it to the hot water storage tank (1);
First and second hot water supply paths (20, 30, 32, 33) for acquiring and supplying hot water stored in the hot water storage tank from above the hot water;
First and second valves (21) provided on the first and second hot water supply paths, respectively;
In the first case where the heat pump has a function of controlling the first and second valves, and the amount of heat stored in the hot water storage tank is lower than a first threshold value, the first and second In the second case where one valve is closed and the heat pump heats the hot water and the amount of heat is lower than a second threshold value lower than the first threshold value, both the first and second valves are turned on. Close controller (4)
A water heater (100B, 100C) having
A second hot water storage tank (1A) for storing hot water;
Third and fourth hot water supply paths (20A, 25, 30A, 32A, 33A, 35) for acquiring the hot water stored in the second hot water storage tank from above the hot water and supplying hot water;
With
The first hot water supply path connects the first common hot water supply pipe (25) connected to the first hot water supply section (7) in which the hot water is used, the first common hot water supply pipe, and the hot water storage tank. And a first hot water supply pipe (20B, 20C) provided with one valve (21),
The second hot water supply path connects the second common hot water supply pipe (36) connected to the second hot water supply section (8) in which the hot water is used, the second common hot water supply pipe, and the hot water storage tank. A second hot water supply pipe (30B, 30C) provided with two valves (31B, 31C),
The third hot water supply path is formed by the first common hot water supply pipe, and a third hot water supply pipe (20A) connecting the first common hot water supply pipe and the second hot water storage tank,
The fourth hot water supply path is formed by the second common hot water supply pipe, and a fourth hot water supply pipe (30A) connecting the second common hot water supply pipe and the second hot water storage tank,
The pressure loss in the piping path of the third hot water supply pipe not provided with a valve is higher than the pressure loss in the piping path of the first hot water supply pipe, and / or the piping path of the fourth hot water supply pipe not provided with a valve. The pressure loss in the hot water supply system is higher than the pressure loss in the piping path of the second hot water supply pipe . A hot water storage tank (1) for storing hot water;
A heat pump (9) for performing a heating process for heating the hot water obtained from the hot water storage tank (1) and returning it to the hot water storage tank (1);
First and second hot water supply paths (20, 30, 32, 33) for acquiring and supplying hot water stored in the hot water storage tank from above the hot water;
First and second valves (21) provided on the first and second hot water supply paths, respectively;
The heat pump has a function of controlling the first and second valves, and the first temperature (Th1), which is the temperature of the hot water at the first position of the hot water storage tank, is lower than the first threshold value (TC + α). In the first case, one of the first and second valves is closed, the heat pump is caused to perform the heat treatment, and the hot water storage tank is the same as the first position or higher than the first position. A controller (4) that closes both the first and second valves when a second temperature, which is the temperature of the hot water at a position, falls below a second threshold (Tc) that is lower than the first threshold. )When
A water heater (100B, 100C) having
A second hot water storage tank (1A) for storing hot water;
A third and a fourth hot water supply path (20A, 25, 30A, 32A, 33A, 35) for acquiring the hot water stored in the second hot water storage tank from above the hot water and supplying hot water;
The first hot water supply path connects the first common hot water supply pipe (25) connected to the first hot water supply section (7) in which the hot water is used, the first common hot water supply pipe, and the hot water storage tank. And a first hot water supply pipe (20B, 20C) provided with one valve (21),
The second hot water supply path connects the second common hot water supply pipe (36) connected to the second hot water supply section (8) in which the hot water is used, the second common hot water supply pipe, and the hot water storage tank. A second hot water supply pipe (30B, 30C) provided with two valves (31B, 31C),
The third hot water supply path is formed by the first common hot water supply pipe, and a third hot water supply pipe (20A) connecting the first common hot water supply pipe and the second hot water storage tank,
The fourth hot water supply path is formed by the second common hot water supply pipe, and a fourth hot water supply pipe (30A) connecting the second common hot water supply pipe and the second hot water storage tank,
The pressure loss in the piping path of the third hot water supply pipe not provided with a valve is higher than the pressure loss in the piping path of the first hot water supply pipe, and / or the piping path of the fourth hot water supply pipe not provided with a valve. The pressure loss in the hot water supply system is higher than the pressure loss in the piping path of the second hot water supply pipe.

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