JP6315027B2 - Heat pump system and power limiting system provided with the same - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a heat pump system capable of performing a defrosting operation in an upper limit value setting mode in which an upper limit value is set for used power, used current, or used apparent power, and a power limiting system including the heat pump system.

  In Patent Document 1, the defrosting operation is in a standby state when the timer is continuously over a predetermined number of times, the timer overtime is reset before restarting the heating operation, the defrosting operation is performed again, and then the heating operation is performed. It is described to do.

JP2013-253730A

  For example, in order to reduce the power consumption of a heat pump system including a compressor by a signal from the HEMS controller that manages the power usage, an upper limit value setting is performed to set an upper limit value for the power usage, current usage, or apparent power usage. It is possible to adopt a mode. However, the above Patent Document 1 does not describe any control of the defrosting operation in the upper limit setting mode. For this reason, in the upper limit setting mode, there is a possibility that appropriate defrosting operation control is not performed.

  Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a heat pump system capable of appropriately controlling the defrosting operation in the upper limit value setting mode, and a power limiting system including the heat pump system.

  A heat pump system according to a first aspect of the present invention is a heat pump system having a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a decompression means, and a use side heat exchanger, and is used in a normal mode and the electric power used in the heat pump system. The heating current operation can be operated in the upper limit setting mode in which the upper limit value is set for the current used or the apparent power used, and the user side heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger acts as an evaporator. And a defrosting operation for removing frost adhering to the heat source side heat exchanger, and in the upper limit setting mode, the number of times of timer over at which the defrosting operation ends after a predetermined time elapses is predetermined. When the number of times is reached, the heating operation is configured to be stopped, the upper limit value setting mode is switched to the normal mode, and the upper limit value setting mode is again set. If the timer depletion operation has occurred at least once in the previous upper limit value setting mode, the heating operation in the current upper limit value setting mode has the timer over count of the predetermined number of times. It is characterized in that it is brought into a stopped state by reaching a smaller number of times.

  In this heat pump system, the heating operation in the upper limit value setting mode reaches the number of times that the timer over is less than the predetermined number if the defrosting operation has occurred at least once in the previous upper limit value setting mode. Is stopped. For this reason, it becomes possible to make a heating operation into a stop state by the frequency | count of timer over of defrost operation fewer than the time of the last upper limit setting mode. For this reason, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption due to the defrosting operation while suppressing breakage of the heat source side heat exchanger, and it is possible to appropriately control the defrosting operation in the upper limit setting mode.

  The heat pump system according to the second invention is characterized in that the number of times of timer over is maintained even when the upper limit value setting mode is switched to the normal mode.

  In this heat pump system, it is possible to more effectively perform appropriate defrosting operation control in the upper limit setting mode.

  The heat pump system according to a third aspect is characterized in that the number of times of timer over is reset when the defrosting operation satisfies a normal end condition within the predetermined time.

  In this heat pump system, when the frost is completely melted, the number of times of timer over is reset, so that it is possible to suppress the remaining frost from being melted by the next defrosting operation.

  The heat pump system according to a fourth aspect of the invention is characterized in that the number of times of timer over is reset when the main power supply is turned off.

  In this heat pump system, when the main power supply is turned off, the number of times of timer over is reset.

  A power limiting system according to a fifth aspect of the present invention is the heat pump system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects of the invention described above, and a HEMS controller that is connected to the heat pump system and manages the used power, the used current, or the used apparent power. The control mode is switched from the normal mode to the upper limit setting mode by a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system.

  In this power limiting system, the control mode of the heat pump system can be switched by a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system.

  In a power limiting system according to a sixth aspect of the invention, the HEMS controller is connected to the Internet, and a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system is changed based on an external signal received via the Internet. And

  In this power limiting system, the control mode of the heat pump system can be switched by an external signal from the Internet.

  In the first invention, in the heating operation in the upper limit value setting mode, when the defrosting operation has at least one timer over in the previous upper limit value setting mode, the number of times of the timer over reaches a number less than the predetermined number. It will be in a stop state. For this reason, it becomes possible to make a heating operation into a stop state by the frequency | count of timer over of defrost operation fewer than the time of the last upper limit setting mode. For this reason, it is possible to suppress wasteful power consumption due to the defrosting operation while suppressing breakage of the heat source side heat exchanger, and it is possible to appropriately control the defrosting operation in the upper limit setting mode.

  In 2nd invention, it becomes possible to perform control of suitable defrost driving | operation more effectively in upper limit setting mode.

  In the third aspect of the invention, when the frost is completely melted, the number of times of timer over is reset, so that it is possible to suppress the remaining frost from being melted by the next defrosting operation.

  In the fourth invention, when the main power is turned off, the number of times of timer over is reset.

  In the fifth invention, the control mode of the heat pump system can be switched by a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system.

  In the sixth invention, the control mode of the heat pump system can be switched by an external signal from the Internet.

1 is a schematic diagram of a power network including a power limiting system according to an embodiment of the present invention. It is a lineblock diagram of the hot-water supply system containing the heat pump unit concerning one embodiment of the present invention. It is explanatory drawing of the 1st-4th defrost start conditions which are start conditions of a defrost operation. It is a control flowchart when switching from the normal mode to the upper limit setting mode. It is a control flow figure when performing a heating operation process. It is a control flowchart of the heating operation process in the normal mode shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a control flowchart of the heating operation process in the upper limit setting mode shown in FIG. 5. It is a control flow figure when the main power supply of a hot-water supply system is turned off. It is a system configuration figure showing the modification of the heat pump unit concerning one embodiment of the present invention.

  Hereinafter, a power network 10 including a power limiting system 13 according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the power network 10 includes a power company 11 as a power supplier, and a power restriction system 13 connected to the power company 11 via the Internet 12. The power limiting system 13 includes a HEMS controller 15, a hot water supply system 20, an equipment device A, and an equipment device B. The hot water supply system 20, the equipment A and the equipment B are connected to the HEMS controller 15 in parallel.

  The hot water supply system 20 includes a heat pump unit (heat pump system) 30 (see FIG. 2) including a compressor 31, an expansion valve 33, a fan 34, temperature sensors 36, 37, 47, and a tank unit 40 (see FIG. 2). 2). The hot water supply system 20 includes a control device 21 connected to the HEMS controller 15. The control device 21 controls the compressor 31 of the heat pump unit 30, the fan 34, and the pump 41 of the tank unit 40, and is also used as these units 30 and 40. The equipment A and equipment B are, for example, a television set or an illumination connected to the HEMS controller 15, but are not limited thereto, and any one of them may be air conditioning.

  The electric power company 11 supplies electric power generated by itself and / or electric power generated by others to the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A and the equipment B. In addition, for example, when the electric power company 11 wants to limit electric power in a predetermined period such as a certain time zone, the electric power company 11 restricts the electric power used in the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A, and the equipment B, and A cancel signal for canceling the restriction on power consumption is transmitted outside the predetermined period.

  The HEMS controller 15 is connected to the power company 11 via the Internet 12 and receives a restriction signal and a release signal that are external signals transmitted from the power company 11. The HEMS controller 15 manages the power used by the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A and the equipment B.

  The HEMS controller 15 includes a setting unit 16, a power detection unit 17, and a calculation unit 18. The setting unit 16 sets power limit values for the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A, and the equipment B based on the restriction signal. The power limit value is a limit value of the total power that can be used by the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A, and the equipment B. The power limit value is changed based on external signals (limit signal and release signal) from the power company 11 received by the HEMS controller 15 via the Internet 12.

  The power detection unit 17 detects the power used by the equipment A and equipment B. The calculation unit 18 calculates an upper limit value of power that can be used by the hot water supply system 20. The upper limit value for the hot water supply system is determined by the equipment A and the equipment B detected by the power detection unit 17 from the power limit values of the hot water supply system 20, the equipment A and the equipment B set by the setting unit 16. It is obtained by subtracting the power value used.

  The HEMS controller 15 transmits an upper limit value setting signal for setting the calculated upper limit value for the hot water supply system to the control device 21. Moreover, when the HEMS controller 15 receives the cancellation signal from the electric power company 11, the HEMS controller 15 transmits an upper limit value cancellation signal that does not set the upper limit value for the hot water supply system to the control device 21.

  When control device 21 receives the upper limit value setting signal from HEMS controller 15, control device 21 switches the control mode of hot water supply system 20 from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode. On the other hand, when receiving the upper limit release signal from HEMS controller 15, control device 21 switches the control mode of hot water supply system 20 from the upper limit setting mode to the normal mode. The upper limit value setting mode is a control mode in which a hot water supply system upper limit value is provided for the power used by the hot water supply system 20 and the hot water supply system 20 is operated so as not to exceed the upper limit value. The normal mode is a control mode in which no upper limit value is set for the power consumption of the hot water supply system 20. The control mode of hot water supply system 20 and the control mode of heat pump unit 30 are the same.

  The control device 21 includes a ROM in which control programs and data for various operations related to the hot water supply system 20 are stored, a CPU that executes various calculations to generate signals for controlling the operations of the respective parts of the hot water supply system 20, and various settings. And a member such as a RAM for temporarily storing data such as calculation results in the CPU. With these various members and software, as shown in FIG. 1, the control device 21 includes an operation control unit 22, a stop control unit 23, a storage unit 24, a timer unit 25, a reset unit 26, a mode setting unit 27, and a power detection unit. 28 and the calculation part 29 are formed.

  The operation control unit 22 controls operations of the compressor 31, the fan 34, the pump 41, and the like based on operation settings (for example, set temperature), and executes a heating operation (described later) that satisfies the user's request. Moreover, the operation control part 22 controls operation | movement of the compressor 31 and the fan 34, etc., when predetermined | prescribed defrost start conditions are satisfy | filled, and performs defrost operation (it mentions later). In the upper limit value setting mode, the operation control unit 22 reduces the power consumption of the heat pump unit 30 as the heat pump unit upper limit value (described later) calculated by the calculation unit 29 decreases (that is, the power consumption of the compressor 31). The compressor 31 and the fan 34 are controlled so that the frequency is lowered so as to reduce the frequency.

  In the upper limit setting mode, the stop control unit 23 sets a stop state in which the heating operation is not performed when the number of timer overs reaches a predetermined number. That is, when the heating operation is performed by the operation control unit 22, the operation is forcibly stopped and the stopped state is maintained until the condition for releasing the stopped state is satisfied. Further, the stop control unit 23 releases the stop state when the upper limit value setting mode is switched to the normal mode in the stop state.

  Note that the timer over is the end of the defrosting operation after reaching a predetermined time. In other words, the defrosting operation is terminated without satisfying the normal termination condition within a predetermined time. The normal termination condition of the defrosting operation in the present embodiment is that the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined temperature at which frost attached to the outdoor heat exchanger 32 can be completely melted. That is, satisfying the normal termination condition means that the temperature detected by the temperature sensor 36 within a predetermined time becomes equal to or higher than the predetermined temperature.

  The memory | storage part 24 has memorize | stored the 1st-4th defrost start conditions L1-L4 which are the start temperature of a defrost operation, as shown in FIG. These first to fourth defrosting start conditions L1 to L4 are temperatures of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 according to the outside air temperature. The first defrosting start condition L1 is a condition in the normal mode. For example, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is −7 ° C. when the outside air temperature is 2 ° C.

  The second defrosting start condition L2 is a condition in the upper limit setting mode when the upper limit value for the heat pump unit calculated by the calculation unit 29 is high (when it is equal to or greater than a predetermined value). For example, when the outside air temperature is 2 ° C. The temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is −5 ° C. The third defrosting start condition L3 is a condition in the upper limit value setting mode when the upper limit value for the heat pump unit is low (less than a predetermined value). For example, the outdoor heat exchanger 32 when the outside air temperature is 2 ° C. The temperature of is −3 ° C. Thus, the lower the heat pump unit upper limit value, the higher the defrosting operation start temperature. In the present embodiment, two defrost start conditions L2 and L3 are stored according to the upper limit value for the heat pump unit, but three or more defrost start conditions in which the start temperature increases as the upper limit value decreases. You may remember.

  The fourth defrosting start condition L4 is a condition in the upper limit setting mode when the timer is over. For example, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is −2 ° C. when the outdoor air temperature is 2 ° C. As described above, the fourth defrost start condition L4 is set to have a higher start temperature than the first to third defrost start conditions L1 to L3. Further, the storage unit 24 also stores the number of times that the timer over has occurred.

  The timer unit 25 measures the elapsed time of the defrosting operation every time the defrosting operation is started. The reset unit 26 resets a flag that is set when the number of times of timer over or timer over occurs.

  When the mode setting unit 27 receives the upper limit setting signal from the HEMS controller 15, the mode setting unit 27 sets the upper limit setting mode. On the other hand, when the mode setting unit 27 receives the upper limit release signal from the HEMS controller 15, the mode setting unit 27 sets the normal mode.

  The power detection unit 28 detects the power used by the heat pump unit (compressor 31, fan 34, etc.) 30 and the tank unit (pump 41, etc.) 40. The calculation unit 29 calculates the upper limit value of power that can be used by the heat pump unit 30. The upper limit value for the heat pump unit is obtained by subtracting the power value used in the tank unit 40 detected by the power detection unit 28 from the upper limit value for the hot water supply system.

  The hot water supply system 20 will be described with reference to FIG.

  The hot water supply system 20 includes a heat pump unit 30 and a tank unit 40. A heat pump unit (heat pump system) 30 includes a compressor 31, an outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger) 32, an expansion valve 33 as a decompression unit, and a hot water supply heat exchanger (use side heat exchanger) 39. And a fan 34, a refrigerant pipe 35, temperature sensors 36, 37, and 47, and a control device 21 (see FIG. 1). The control device 21 is also used as the heat pump unit 30 and the tank unit 40.

  The temperature sensor 36 detects the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 and outputs it to the control device 21. The temperature sensor 37 detects the outside air temperature and outputs it to the control device 21. The temperature sensor 47 is disposed in the vicinity of the hot water outlet to the pump 41 of the hot water supply tank 42, detects the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the hot water supply tank 42, and outputs it to the control device 21. The operation control unit 22 ends the heating operation when the temperature output from the temperature sensor 47 reaches the set temperature. The temperature sensors 36, 37, and 47 as temperature detecting means may be anything as long as the detected temperature can be output to the control device 21.

  The heat pump unit 30 includes a refrigerant circuit 38 in which the refrigerant circulates in a refrigerant pipe 35 that connects the outdoor heat exchanger 32, the expansion valve 33, and the hot water supply heat exchanger 39. In this refrigerant circuit 38, the refrigerant inlet of the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 is connected to the discharge side of the compressor 31, and one end of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 31. . One end of the expansion valve 33 is connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 32, and the refrigerant outlet of the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 is connected to the other end of the expansion valve 33. The fan 34 is disposed so as to face the outdoor heat exchanger 32.

  The hot water supply system 20 can be operated such as a heating operation and a defrosting operation in both the normal mode and the upper limit value setting mode, and any operation is performed by the operation control unit 22 of the control device 21. . In the heating operation, as indicated by arrows in FIG. 2, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 sequentially flows to the hot water supply side heat exchanger 39, the expansion valve 33, and the outdoor heat exchanger 32, and passes through the outdoor heat exchanger 32. A heating cycle (positive cycle) in which the refrigerant returns to the compressor 31 is formed. That is, the hot water supply side heat exchanger 39 functions as a condenser and the outdoor heat exchanger 32 functions as an evaporator. In this heating operation, the hot water supply hot water is heated by exchanging heat between the refrigerant flowing from the discharge side of the compressor 31 and the hot water supply hot water in the hot water supply heat exchanger 39.

  Even in the defrosting operation, a positive cycle is formed in which the refrigerant flows in the same direction as the heating operation. At this time, for example, as described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2001-82802, the opening degree of the expansion valve 33 is made larger than that during the heating operation (for example, fully opened), and the high-temperature refrigerant discharged from the compressor 31 is exchanged with the outdoor heat. And the fan 34 is stopped. Thereby, the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 32 melts.

  The tank unit 40 includes a pump 41, a hot water supply tank 42, a hot water supply terminal 43, water pipes 45 and 46, and a control device 21. The tank unit 40 includes a hot water circuit 48 in which hot water circulates in a water pipe 45 that connects the pump 41 and the hot water supply heat exchanger 39. In the hot water circuit 48, the discharge side of the pump 41 is connected to the hot water inlet of the hot water supply heat exchanger 39, and the suction side of the pump 41 is connected to the hot water outlet (one end) of the hot water supply tank 42. The hot water outlet of the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 is connected to the hot water inlet (the other end) of the hot water supply tank 42.

  In the hot water circuit 48, hot water that exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 circulates. Specifically, when the heating operation is executed, hot water for hot water flowing out from the hot water supply tank 42 by the pump 41 is supplied to the hot water supply heat exchanger 39, and the hot water heated by the hot water supply heat exchanger 39 is supplied to the hot water supply. Returned to the tank 42. In addition, the hot water supply terminal 43 connected to the hot water supply tank 42 through the water pipe 46 enables the hot water in the hot water supply tank 42 to be used by the user.

  Next, switching from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode of the hot water supply system 20 including the heat pump unit 30 will be described.

  As shown in FIG. 4, at step S1, the control device 21 operates the heat pump unit 30 in the normal mode. In step S2, it is determined whether or not the HEMS controller 15 has received an external signal (restriction signal) from the power company 11 via the Internet 12, and if the restriction signal has not been received (NO), step S2 is repeated.

  On the other hand, if the HEMS controller 15 has received the restriction signal from the electric power company 11 (YES), the process proceeds to step S3. In step S <b> 3, the setting unit 16 sets a power limit value in the hot water supply system 20, the facility device A, and the facility device B according to the power limit request from the power company 11.

  In step S4, the power detection unit 17 detects the power used by the equipment A and equipment B. In step S <b> 5, the calculation unit 18 calculates an upper limit value of power that can be used by the hot water supply system 20. At this time, the HEMS controller 15 transmits an upper limit setting signal to the control device 21.

  In step S6, when control device 21 receives the upper limit value setting signal from HEMS controller 15, mode setting unit 27 switches the control mode of hot water supply system 20 from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode. Thus, the switching of the control mode from the normal mode to the upper limit setting mode is completed. The operation control unit 22 of the control device 21 controls the compressor 31 and the like based on the heat pump unit upper limit value calculated by the calculation unit 29, and executes either the heating operation or the defrosting operation.

  On the other hand, in switching from the upper limit setting mode to the normal mode, the HEMS controller 15 receives an external signal (release signal) from the power company 11 and the control device 21 receives an upper limit release signal transmitted from the HEMS controller 15. Thus, mode setting unit 27 switches the control mode of hot water supply system 20 from the upper limit value setting mode to the normal mode. Thus, the switching of the control mode from the upper limit setting mode to the normal mode is completed. The operation control unit 22 of the control device 21 performs either the heating operation or the defrosting operation by controlling the compressor 31 or the like, particularly in a state where the upper limit value of the hot water supply system 20 is not set.

  Next, the heating operation and the defrosting operation executed in each mode will be described below with reference to FIGS.

  When performing the heating operation, first, as shown in FIG. 5, it is determined in step F1 whether or not the normal mode is set. That is, if the control mode set by the mode setting unit 27 is the normal mode (YES), the process proceeds to Step F2, and if the control mode is the upper limit setting mode (NO), the process proceeds to Step F3.

  In step F2, the heating operation process in the normal mode is executed. In the heating operation process in the normal mode, as shown in FIG. 6, in step G1, the operation control unit 22 controls the compressor 31, the fan 34, the pump 41, and the like to start the heating operation. In step G2, it is determined whether or not the heating operation has been completed. This determination is made based on whether or not the temperature output from the temperature sensor 47 has reached the set temperature. If the temperature has reached the set temperature (YES), the operation control unit 22 uses the compressor 31, the fan 34, the pump 41, and the like. To control the heating operation. Thus, the heating operation process in the normal mode is completed. On the other hand, when the set temperature has not been reached (NO), the process proceeds to Step G3.

  In step G3, it is determined whether or not the first defrosting start condition is satisfied. That is, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is equal to or lower than the start temperature of the defrosting operation (for example, −7 ° C. when the outside air temperature is 2 ° C.). If the start temperature is exceeded (NO), the process returns to step G2. On the other hand, when the temperature is equal to or lower than the start temperature (when the first defrost start condition is satisfied: YES), the process proceeds to Step G4.

  In Step G4, the operation control unit 22 stops the fan 34 and the pump 41, forcibly ends the heating operation, and switches to the defrosting operation. At this time, the operation control unit 22 ends the defrosting operation when the normal end condition is satisfied within a predetermined time. Moreover, even if the elapsed time measured by the timer unit 25 does not satisfy the normal termination condition, the operation control unit 22 ends the defrosting operation when the predetermined time is reached.

  In step G5, it is determined whether or not the defrosting operation has been completed under normal termination conditions. That is, when the defrosting operation is completed by satisfying the normal termination condition within the predetermined time (YES), the process proceeds to Step G6. In step G6, the frost in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is completely melted. At this time, when the number of times of timer over is stored in the storage unit 24 and when the flag is set, the reset unit 26 resets the number of times of timer over and the flag. Then, it returns to step G1 and the above-mentioned steps G1-G7 are repeated until a heating operation is complete | finished, and the heating operation process in normal mode is complete | finished by finishing a heating operation.

  On the other hand, when the defrosting operation is ended due to timer over (NO), the process proceeds to Step G7. In step G7, the frost in the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is not completely melted. At this time, the control device 21 sets a flag so that the start temperature, which is the start condition for the defrosting operation in the upper limit setting mode, is increased. Then, it returns to step G1 and the above-mentioned steps G1-G7 are repeated until a heating operation is complete | finished, and the heating operation process in normal mode is complete | finished by finishing a heating operation. When the heating operation is executed again, it is executed from Step F1.

  When the process proceeds from step F1 to step F3, the heating operation process in the upper limit setting mode is executed. In the heating operation process in the upper limit setting mode, as shown in FIG. 7, in step H1, the operation control unit 22 controls the compressor 31, the fan 34, the pump 41, and the like to start the heating operation.

  In step H <b> 2, the calculation unit 29 calculates an upper limit value of power that can be used by the heat pump unit 30. Thus, the upper limit value for the heat pump unit is determined, and the operation control unit 22 controls the compressor 31 and the fan 34 so as not to exceed the upper limit value for the heat pump unit. At this time, the operation control unit 22 drives the compressor 31 at a lower frequency as the heat pump unit upper limit value is lower, in order to reduce power consumption.

  In Step H3, it is determined whether or not the heating operation has been completed, as in Step G2 described above. When the temperature output from the temperature sensor 47 reaches the set temperature (YES), the operation control unit 22 controls the compressor 31, the fan 34, the pump 41, and the like, and ends the heating operation. Thus, the heating operation process in the upper limit setting mode is completed. On the other hand, when the set temperature has not been reached (NO), the process proceeds to Step H4.

  In step H4, it is determined whether or not a flag indicating timer over is set in step G7 described above or step H15 described later. When the flag is not set (NO), the process proceeds to Step H5. In Step H5, when the upper limit value for heat pump unit determined in H2 is high (YES), the process proceeds to Step H6, and when the upper limit value is low (NO), the process proceeds to Step H7.

  In Step H6, it is determined whether or not the second defrosting start condition is satisfied. That is, it is determined whether or not the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 detected by the temperature sensor 36 is equal to or lower than the start temperature of the defrosting operation (for example, −5 ° C. when the outside air temperature is 2 ° C.). When the start temperature is exceeded (NO), the process returns to Step H2. On the other hand, when the temperature is equal to or lower than the start temperature (when the second defrost start condition is satisfied: YES), the process proceeds to Step H9.

  In Step H7, it is determined whether or not the third defrosting start condition is satisfied. The start temperature of the defrost operation that is the third defrost start condition is higher than the second defrost start condition (for example, −3 ° C. when the outside air temperature is 2 ° C.). That is, the lower the upper limit value, the easier the defrosting operation is performed. When the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 detected by the temperature sensor 36 exceeds the start temperature (NO), the process returns to Step H2. On the other hand, when the temperature is equal to or lower than the start temperature (when the third defrost start condition is satisfied: YES), the process proceeds to Step H9.

  If the flag is set in step H4 (YES), the process proceeds to step H8. In Step H8, it is determined whether or not the fourth defrosting start condition is satisfied. The start temperature of the defrosting operation that is the fourth defrost start condition is higher than the first to third defrost start conditions (for example, -2 ° C when the outside air temperature is 2 ° C). That is, when the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is not completely melted in the last defrosting operation, the next defrosting operation is easily performed. When the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 detected by the temperature sensor 36 exceeds the start temperature (NO), the process returns to Step H2. On the other hand, when the temperature is equal to or lower than the start temperature (when the fourth defrost start condition is satisfied: YES), the process proceeds to Step H9.

  In Step H9, 1 is added to the number of timer overtimes stored in the storage unit 24. In this embodiment, by satisfying any of the second to fourth defrosting start conditions and increasing the number of times of timer over, the defrosting operation temporarily ends for some reason (that is, the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is frosted). In the case where the process is finished with the mark attached: equivalent to timer over), it is possible to increase the number of timer overruns. As a result, even if an abnormal stop repeatedly occurs, the heating operation can be stopped by proceeding to steps H10 to H16 described later.

  In Step H10, it is determined whether or not the number of timer over has reached a predetermined number. The predetermined number may be two or more, and may be set as appropriate. When the number of timer over is less than the predetermined number (NO), the process proceeds to Step H11. In Step H11, the operation control unit 22 stops the fan 34 and the pump 41, forcibly ends the heating operation, and switches to the defrosting operation.

  In Step H12, the upper limit value of the power that can be used by the heat pump unit 30 is calculated in the same manner as in Step H2 described above. Thus, the upper limit value for the heat pump unit is determined, and the operation control unit 22 controls the compressor 31 so as not to exceed the upper limit value for the heat pump unit. Also at this time, the operation control unit 22 drives the compressor 31 at a lower frequency as the heat pump unit upper limit value is lower, in order to reduce power consumption. At this time, the operation control unit 22 ends the defrosting operation if the normal end condition is satisfied within a predetermined time. Moreover, even if the elapsed time measured by the timer unit 25 does not satisfy the normal termination condition, the operation control unit 22 ends the defrosting operation when the predetermined time is reached.

  In step H13, it is determined whether or not the defrosting operation has been completed under normal termination conditions. That is, when the defrosting operation is completed by satisfying the normal termination condition within the predetermined time (YES), the process proceeds to Step H14. Even in Step H14, the frost of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 is completely melted, as in Step G6 described above. For this reason, in step H14, the reset part 26 resets the number of times of a timer over and a flag similarly to the above-mentioned step G6. After that, the process returns to Step H1, and the same process is executed, and the heating operation ends in the upper limit value setting mode when the heating operation ends.

  On the other hand, when the defrosting operation is ended due to the timer being over (NO), the process proceeds to Step H15. In step H15, as in step G7 described above, the control device 21 sets a flag, and the start temperature that is the start condition for the defrost operation in the upper limit setting mode is higher than the first to third defrost start conditions. To be. After that, the process returns to Step H1, and the same process is executed, and the heating operation ends in the upper limit value setting mode when the heating operation ends. When the heating operation is executed again, it is executed from Step F1.

  In step H10, when the number of timer over has reached the predetermined number (YES), the process proceeds to step H16. Step H16 indicates a state where there is a very high possibility that frost remains attached to the outdoor heat exchanger 32 due to repeated defrosting operation timer overruns. For this reason, the stop control unit 23 forcibly stops the heating operation and holds the stopped state until a condition for releasing the stopped state is satisfied. Thus, the heating operation process in the upper limit setting mode is completed.

  When the heating operation process in the upper limit setting mode is completed, it is determined in step F4 shown in FIG. 5 whether or not it is in a stopped state. When it is not a stop state (NO), when the said flow is complete | finished and heating operation is performed again, it performs from step F1. When it is in a stopped state (YES), the process proceeds to Step F5.

  In step F5, it is determined whether or not it is an upper limit setting mode. When the upper limit value setting mode is maintained (YES), step F5 is repeated. On the other hand, when the HEMS controller 15 receives an external signal (release signal) from the electric power company 11, the upper limit value release signal is transmitted from the HEMS controller 15. When the control device 21 receives the upper limit release signal transmitted from the HEMS controller 15, the mode setting unit 27 switches the control mode from the upper limit setting mode to the normal mode. When the control mode is thus switched from the upper limit setting mode to the normal mode (NO), the process proceeds to Step F6. In step F6, the stop control unit 23 releases the stop state. Thus, when the flow is finished and the heating operation is executed again, the process is executed from Step F1.

  Subsequently, when the main power supply of the hot water supply system 20 is turned off, the control flow will be described below with reference to FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, when the main power switch (not shown) of the hot water supply system 20 is turned off by the user (step J1), the reset unit is activated by a signal from the main power switch, as in step G6 described above. 26 resets the number of times the timer is over and the flag (step J2). Thus, the flow ends.

  Note that the number of times of timer over and the set flag stored in the storage unit 24 are determined when the defrosting operation satisfies the normal termination condition (from step G5 to step G6 and from step H13 to step H14) and the main power supply. It is reset only when the switch is turned off (when proceeding from step J1 to step J2), and otherwise the stored state is maintained. That is, even if the normal mode and the upper limit setting mode are switched, the storage state is maintained.

[Characteristics of Heat Pump Unit of the Present Embodiment and Power Limiting System Having the Same]
The heat pump unit 30 and the power limiting system 13 of this embodiment have the following characteristics.

  In the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, in the upper limit value setting mode, the number of times of timer over is counted first, but the process proceeds from step H13 to step H14 (that is, the defrosting operation is terminated under normal termination conditions). ), The timer over count is reset. In short, the storage unit 24 does not store the number of times of timer over. On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step H13 to step H15 (that is, when the timer is over), the number of times of timer over is not reset and remains counted first. In short, the storage unit 24 stores the number of times of timer over. When the defrosting operation is performed at least once in the upper limit value setting mode, the number of timer overruns is maintained. The number of times of the timer over is maintained even when the upper limit value setting mode is switched to the normal mode and the upper limit value setting mode is switched again. As a result, the upper limit value setting mode is switched to the normal mode, the upper limit value setting mode is switched again, and if the defrosting operation has been performed at least once in the previous upper limit value setting mode, the current upper limit value is set. The heating operation in the setting mode is stopped when the number of times of timer over reaches a number less than a predetermined number. For this reason, it becomes possible to make a heating operation into a stop state by the frequency | count of timer over of defrost operation fewer than the time of the last upper limit setting mode. Therefore, not only can the number of executions of the defrosting operation be suppressed to prevent the outdoor heat exchanger 32 from being damaged, but also wasteful power consumption due to the defrosting operation can be suppressed. Thus, in the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, it is possible to appropriately control the defrosting operation in the upper limit value setting mode.

  In the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, the number of times of timer over is maintained even when the upper limit value setting mode is switched to the normal mode. As a result, it is possible to more effectively perform appropriate defrosting operation control in the upper limit setting mode.

  In the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, when the defrosting operation satisfies the normal end condition within a predetermined time (when the process proceeds from step G5 to step G6 and from step H13 to step H14), the number of times of timer over is reset. In this way, when the frost is completely melted, the number of times of timer over is reset, so that the next defrosting operation can be executed until the number of times of timer over reaches a predetermined number of times, and the remaining frost is not melted. It becomes possible to suppress.

  In the heat pump unit 30 of the present embodiment, when the main power source is turned off (when the process proceeds from step J1 to step J2), the number of times of timer over is reset. Thereby, when the main power supply is turned off, the number of times of timer over is reset.

  In the power limiting system 13 of the present embodiment, the control mode is set to the control mode of the heat pump unit 30 based on signals (upper limit setting signal and upper limit release signal) from the HEMS controller 15 to the control device 21 included in the heat pump unit 30. Can be switched.

  In the power restriction system 13 of the present embodiment, signals (upper limit setting signal and upper limit release signal) from the HEMS controller 15 to the control device 21 included in the heat pump unit 30 are external signals (limits) received via the Internet 12. Signal and release signal). Thereby, the control mode of the heat pump unit 30 can be switched by an external signal received via the Internet 12.

  As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, it should be thought that the specific structure of this invention is not limited to the said embodiment. The scope of the present invention is shown not only by the description of the above-described embodiment but also by the scope of claims for patent, and further includes meanings equivalent to the scope of claims for patent and all modifications within the scope. Note that the modifications described below can be implemented in appropriate combination.

  In the above-described embodiment, the temperature of the outdoor heat exchanger 32 corresponding to the outside air temperature is stored as the first to fourth defrost start conditions, but one predetermined temperature is used as each defrost start condition L1 to L4. May be stored respectively. In this case, it is preferable that the predetermined temperature is set higher in the order of the first to fourth defrosting start conditions.

  In the above-described embodiment, the defrosting operation is performed in the forward cycle, but a four-way valve, a refrigerant pipe, and the like may be further provided to perform the defrosting operation in the reverse cycle. If it carries out like this, it will become easy to melt | dissolve the frost adhering to the outdoor heat exchanger 32 further completely.

  In the above-described embodiment, the hot water supply system including the heat pump unit 30 and the tank unit 40 is employed, but the air conditioning system (heat pump unit) 120 illustrated in FIG. 9 may be employed.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the air conditioning system 120 according to the present modification includes a compressor 131, a four-way switching valve 132 with the discharge side of the compressor 131 connected to one end, and one end connected to the four-way switching valve 132. An outdoor heat exchanger 133, an expansion valve 134 as a pressure reducing mechanism connected to the other end of the outdoor heat exchanger 133, and an indoor heat exchanger 135 connected to the other end of the expansion valve 134. The other end of the indoor heat exchanger 135 is connected to the suction side of the compressor 131 via a four-way switching valve 132. The compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 132, the outdoor heat exchanger 133, the expansion valve 134, and the indoor heat exchanger 135 constitute a refrigerant circuit.

  The air conditioning system 120 includes an outdoor fan 136 disposed in the vicinity of the outdoor heat exchanger 133, an indoor fan 137 disposed in the vicinity of the indoor heat exchanger 135, and the temperature sensors 36 and 37 described above. I have. The compressor 131, the four-way switching valve 132, the outdoor heat exchanger 133, the expansion valve 134, and the outdoor fan 136 are arranged in the outdoor unit 120a, and the indoor heat exchanger 135 and the indoor fan 137 are arranged in the indoor unit 120b. Has been.

  In this air conditioning system 120, during heating operation, when the four-way switching valve 132 is switched to the solid line switching position and the compressor 131 is started, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 131 passes through the four-way switching valve 132. The indoor heat exchanger 135 is entered. The refrigerant condensed in the indoor heat exchanger 135 is depressurized by the expansion valve 134 and then enters the outdoor heat exchanger 133. The refrigerant evaporated in the outdoor heat exchanger 133 returns to the suction side of the compressor 131 through the four-way switching valve 132. Thus, the refrigerant circulates through the refrigerant circuit constituted by the compressor 131, the indoor heat exchanger 135, the expansion valve 134, and the outdoor heat exchanger 133, and the refrigeration cycle is executed. And indoor air is heated by circulating indoor air through the indoor heat exchanger 135 with the indoor fan 137.

  In contrast, during the cooling operation (including the dehumidifying operation), when the four-way switching valve 132 is switched to the dotted line switching position and the compressor 131 is started, the high-pressure refrigerant discharged from the compressor 131 is four-way. The outdoor heat exchanger 133 is entered through the switching valve 132. The refrigerant condensed in the outdoor heat exchanger 133 is depressurized by the expansion valve 134 and then enters the indoor heat exchanger 135. The refrigerant evaporated in the indoor heat exchanger 135 returns to the suction side of the compressor 131 through the four-way switching valve 132. In this way, the refrigeration cycle in which the refrigerant circulates in the order of the compressor 131, the outdoor heat exchanger 133, the expansion valve 134, and the indoor heat exchanger 135 is executed. The indoor air is circulated through the indoor heat exchanger 135 by the indoor fan 137 to cool the room.

  Even when such an air conditioning system 120 is employed, the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment can be obtained.

  In the above-described embodiment, switching between the normal mode and the upper limit value setting mode is performed by receiving the upper limit value setting signal and the upper limit value canceling signal from the HEMS controller 15. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control device 21 may switch the control mode by a signal from a power meter (not shown) attached to the heat pump unit 30 or a remote controller. The control mode may be switched by a signal from the hot water supply tank 42 of the tank unit 40 or when using an air conditioner instead of the tank unit 40. These switching controls may be combined with the following switching control.

  Further, the heat pump unit 30 itself may determine and switch. For example, the control mode may be switched when a pre-programmed condition is established in a calendar function built in the control device 21 of the heat pump unit 30 or a clock. Similarly, the control mode may be switched according to the outside air temperature, the usage status, or the current value.

  Instead of the HEMS controller 15, a BEMS controller, a MEMS controller, or the like may be employed.

  The upper limit value setting mode is not limited to a mode in which an upper limit value is provided for the power usage of the heat pump unit 30 and is operated, and may be a mode in which an upper limit value is provided for the current used or the apparent power usage of the heat pump unit 30. . Current or apparent power is easier to detect than power, and can be detected with an inexpensive sensor.

  If this invention is utilized, control of suitable defrost operation can be performed in upper limit setting mode.

12 Internet 13 Power limit system 15 HEMS controller 30,120 Heat pump unit (heat pump system)
31 Compressor 32 Outdoor heat exchanger (heat source side heat exchanger)
33 Expansion valve (pressure reduction means)
39 Heat exchanger for hot water supply (use side heat exchanger)

Claims (6)

A heat pump system having a compressor, a heat source side heat exchanger, a decompression means, and a use side heat exchanger,
It can be operated in the normal mode and the upper limit value setting mode in which the upper limit value is set for the power used, the current used, or the apparent power used in the heat pump system,
It is possible to execute a heating operation in which the use side heat exchanger acts as a condenser and the heat source side heat exchanger as an evaporator, and a defrosting operation to remove frost attached to the heat source side heat exchanger,
In the upper limit value setting mode, the heating operation is configured to be stopped when the number of times of timer over that the defrosting operation ends after a predetermined time elapses reaches a predetermined number of times.
When the upper limit value setting mode is switched to the normal mode, the upper limit value setting mode is switched again, and the defrosting operation has been performed at least once in the previous upper limit value setting mode. In the heat pump system, the heating operation in the upper limit value setting mode is stopped when the number of times of the timer over reaches a number smaller than the predetermined number.   The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein the number of times of the timer over is maintained even when the upper limit value setting mode is switched to the normal mode.   3. The heat pump system according to claim 1, wherein when the defrosting operation satisfies a normal termination condition within the predetermined time, the number of times of timer over is reset.   The heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the number of times the timer is over is reset when a main power source is turned off. The heat pump system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
A HEMS controller that is connected to the heat pump system and manages used power, used current, or used apparent power;
The power limiting system, wherein the control mode is switched from the normal mode to the upper limit value setting mode by a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system. The HEMS controller is connected to the Internet;
6. The power limiting system according to claim 5, wherein a signal from the HEMS controller to the heat pump system is changed based on an external signal received through the Internet.

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