JP6350173B2 - Hot water system - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a hot water supply system including a hot water storage tank, and when hot water stored in a hot water storage tank is used for hot water supply, hot water is supplied to a hot water supply destination (hot water tap or bathtub) via a hot water heater as an auxiliary heat source device. Related to hot water supply system.

  Conventionally, a tank unit that has a hot water storage tank and supplies hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank after mixing clean water as necessary, and a hot water supply device to which hot water from the tank unit is supplied to the incoming side In the hot water supply system that combines the above, in Patent Document 1 below, the pipe capacity of the connection pipe between the tank unit and the water heater is automatically measured, and the heating timing of the water heater is controlled based on the measured pipe capacity. It has been proposed.

  Further, in Patent Document 2, when it is desired to lower the hot water temperature in the bathtub at the time of bathing, there is provided a bath tub provided with a function of pouring (adding water) a predetermined amount of water into the bathtub based on a user input operation. Proposed.

Japanese Patent No. 4613459 Japanese Patent No. 3959663

  By the way, hot water heated using solar heat or fuel cell exhaust heat as the main heat source is stored in a hot water storage tank to store heat, and this hot water storage tank is used for auxiliary heating when the hot water in the hot water storage tank is at a low temperature. When a hot water supply system is configured by combining a hot water heater as an auxiliary heat source machine, an attempt has been made in recent years to use an existing hot water heater already installed in a house as an auxiliary heat source machine of the hot water supply system. . In this case, it is configured as a so-called heat source separation type tank unit that is separated from the hot water heater that is a heat source and is integrated with a hot water storage tank and hot water mixing equipment, and this tank unit is installed in a house and installed in an existing hot water supply. It is considered to be combined with a vessel.

  However, in such a combination, it is necessary to install a connecting pipe for supplying hot water from the hot water storage tank from the tank unit to the water heater, and the pipe length and the pipe capacity are increased (for example, a pipe length of 10 m). That's it) As a result, in particular, when a bathtub is connected as a hot water supply destination and water injection (addition water) control is already provided for a hot-watered bathtub, the inside of the connecting pipe and the like is used for water injection after the water injection control is executed. The cold water remains. Then, even if the hot water tap is opened next and hot water is supplied from the tank unit side through the connecting pipe, the relatively large amount of the remaining cold water will flow into the hot water tap first, resulting in an unintended result for the user. Will be invited. In order to cope with this, it is conceivable that the water heater is burned and operated in the final stage of the water injection control to fill the pipe downstream of the water heater with hot water, but if the hot water tap is opened, Eventually, a so-called cold water sandwich phenomenon will occur.

  As a case where hot water at a temperature unintended by the user is discharged from the hot water tap when using hot water, in addition to the water injection control as described above, the control of pouring water into the bathtub (water filling or adding hot water) It can happen later. For example, when hot water adjusted to the set pouring temperature (set hot water temperature) is poured from the tank unit side through the water heater into the bathtub, the above-described connecting pipe is used when the pouring control is finished. The hot water at the set pouring temperature will remain inside and in the water heater. Therefore, the next time the hot water tap is opened and the use of hot water is started, if the set hot water temperature is lower than the set hot water temperature, the hot water tap is intended for the user as in the case of the above water pouring. However, even if the water heater is burned and operated in the same manner as described above, hot water having a low temperature that is not intended for the user is discharged in a sandwiched state.

  The present invention has been made in view of such circumstances, and its object is to combine a heat source separation type tank unit and a hot water heater as an auxiliary heat source machine by connecting them to each other via a connection pipe. In a hot water supply system, even if hot water use occurs after execution of water pouring (addition water) control or hot water filling (water filling or water addition) control, hot water at a low temperature unintended by the user comes out of the hot water tap. An object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply system that can avoid the occurrence of a temperature drop.

  In order to achieve the above object, in the first invention, a hot water storage tank, a hot and cold water mixing section in which both hot water and hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank are allowed to flow and mix as needed, hot water mixing A hot water supply system configured to supply hot water supplied from the hot water mixing unit to a hot water tap or a bathtub via the auxiliary heat source device. The following specific items have been prepared. That is, a water injection operation control unit for injecting water into the bathtub by controlling supply of a set amount of water from the hot water mixing unit to the auxiliary heat source unit is provided. And as the said water injection operation control part, it was set as the structure which supplies the quantity of hot water at least equivalent to the pipe capacity of the said connection piping, after supplying the water below a preset water quantity from the said hot water mixing part.

  In the case of this invention, by performing the water injection operation control, a predetermined amount of water is injected into the bathtub, and the connecting pipe is filled with hot water. For this reason, even if the hot water tap is opened by the user and the hot water supply is used, the hot water in the connection pipe is discharged from the hot water tap, so that cold water does not come out and a cold water sandwich phenomenon does not occur. In other words, even if hot water is used after water has been poured into the bathtub, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a temperature drop in which low-temperature hot water unintended by the user comes out of the hot water tap.

  In the hot water supply system according to the first aspect of the invention, as the water injection operation control unit, after supplying the amount of water obtained by subtracting the pipe capacity of the connection pipe from the set water amount from the hot water mixing section, hot water for the pipe capacity of the connection pipe is supplied. It can be set as the structure supplied (Claim 2). Alternatively, the water injection operation control unit can be configured to supply hot water corresponding to the pipe capacity of the connection pipe after supplying a set amount of water from the hot water / mixing part (Claim 3). In any case, by doing so, a predetermined amount of water is poured into the bathtub, and the connecting pipe is filled with hot water. And in these cases, when supplying the hot water for the pipe capacity of the connecting pipe, a predetermined amount of hot water can be added and supplied as the water injection operation control unit (Claim 4). In this way, not only the inside of the connection pipe, but also the internal pipe of the auxiliary heat source machine can be filled with hot water. It becomes possible to let out hot water from. Thereby, the temperature fall generation | occurrence | production at the time of the hot water use after water injection operation can be prevented as much as possible.

  Furthermore, in the first hot water supply system, when supplying hot water, the water pouring operation control unit can be configured to supply hot water at a set hot water supply temperature in the hot water mixing unit (Claim 5). In this way, after the water injection operation, the connection pipes and the like are filled with hot water at the set hot water temperature, so when the next hot water use occurs, hot water at the set hot water temperature is discharged from the hot water tap, Can be particularly enhanced.

  In the second invention, the hot water storage tank, the hot water and hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank are allowed to flow in and mixed as needed, and the hot water from the hot water mixing section is connected. An auxiliary heat source device that is supplied through a pipe, and a hot water supply system configured such that hot water supplied from the hot water mixing unit is supplied to a hot water tap or a bathtub through the auxiliary heat source device, It was decided to provide specific items. That is, a hot water operation control unit for pouring water into the bathtub by controlling supply of a set amount of hot water from the hot water mixing unit to the auxiliary heat source machine is provided. Then, as the pouring operation control unit, when the set pouring temperature is lower than the set hot water supply temperature in the hot water operation control for the hot water tap by a predetermined value or more, the set pouring temperature below the set hot water amount from the hot water mixing unit After supplying the hot water, the hot water having the set hot water supply temperature at least corresponding to the pipe capacity of the connecting pipe is supplied.

  In the case of this invention, by performing the pouring operation control, a predetermined amount of pouring of the set pouring temperature is performed in the bathtub, and the hot water having the set hot water temperature is filled in the connecting pipe. For this reason, even if the hot water tap is opened next by the user and hot water is used, the hot water at the set hot water temperature in the connection pipe is discharged from the hot water tap. As a result, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a temperature drop in which hot water not intended by the user comes out of the hot water tap. Such a pouring operation control is executed especially when the set pouring temperature is lower than the set hot water temperature in the hot water operation control for the hot water tap by a predetermined value or more. Becomes prominent.

  As described above, according to the hot water supply system of the first invention, by performing the water injection operation control, a predetermined amount of water can be injected into the bathtub, and the connection pipe is filled with hot water. Can be. For this reason, even if the hot water tap is opened by the user next time and hot water use occurs, the hot water in the connection pipe is discharged from the hot water tap, so that it is possible to avoid the occurrence of cold water or the cold water sandwich phenomenon. it can. That is, even if hot water use occurs after the water has been poured into the bathtub, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a temperature drop in which low temperature hot water unintended by the user comes out of the hot water tap.

  According to the hot water supply system of claim 2 or claim 3, a predetermined amount of water can be reliably poured into the bathtub, and the connecting pipe can be filled with hot water. And in these cases, according to the hot water supply system of claim 4, when supplying hot water corresponding to the pipe capacity of the connection pipe, a configuration in which a predetermined amount of hot water is added to supply the hot water is provided. Not only the inside but also the internal piping of the auxiliary heat source machine can be filled with hot water, and when the hot water supply is used next time, the hot water can be immediately discharged from the hot water tap. Thereby, it becomes possible to prevent as much as possible a decrease in temperature when using hot water after cold water operation.

  Furthermore, according to the hot water supply system of the fifth aspect, when supplying hot water, the hot water is mixed with the hot water at the set hot water supply temperature in the hot water mixing section and then supplied, so that the connection pipe and the like are set after the pouring operation. When the use of hot water supply occurs next time, hot water at the set hot water supply temperature is discharged from the hot water tap, and the feeling of using the hot water supply can be particularly enhanced.

  Further, according to the hot water supply system of the second invention, by performing the pouring operation control, a predetermined amount of hot water can be poured into the bathtub, and the set hot water temperature is set in the connecting pipe. Can be filled with hot water. For this reason, even if the hot water tap is opened by the user next time and the hot water use occurs, the hot water at the set hot water temperature in the connection pipe is discharged from the hot water tap, so that the low temperature hot water not intended by the user is discharged. It is possible to avoid the occurrence of a temperature drop that comes out of the hot water tap. Such a pouring operation control is executed especially when the set pouring temperature is lower than the set hot water temperature in the hot water operation control for the hot water tap by a predetermined value or more. Becomes prominent.

It is a mimetic diagram of a hot-water supply system concerning an embodiment of the present invention. It is a control block block diagram which shows the control element of embodiment. It is a control flowchart concerning water injection operation control of an embodiment. It is a control flowchart concerning the pouring operation control of the embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 schematically shows a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present invention. This hot water supply system is a combination of a main heat source device 1, a tank unit 2 including a hot water storage tank 21 in which main functions of the hot water supply system are unitized, and a water heater 3 as an auxiliary heat source device. And the tank unit 2 is for the hot water storage tank 21 for storing hot water heated by the main heat source device 1 and for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 by the main heat source device 1 while taking out the hot water from the bottom and returning it to the top. A heat storage circuit 22, a water supply circuit 23 for supplying tap water or the like from the outside, a hot water supply circuit 24 for supplying hot water to the hot-water tap K using hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 21, and high-temperature hot water from the hot water supply circuit 24 A high-temperature avoidance unit 25 for avoiding the tank controller 5 as a tank unit control unit including a microcomputer that includes a control command for the water heater 3 and performs operation control of the tank unit 2 is provided. That is, the tank unit 2 is configured as a unit in which each of the above-described constituent elements is built in one housing.

 The main heat source device 1 is a device that uses exhaust heat generated by the operation of a fuel cell (e.g., SOFC; solid oxide fuel cell) or a gas engine, a device that uses a heat pump, or solar heat collected by a heat collection panel. An appropriate heat source such as one used can be employed. Further, as a method of using the heat source, in addition to the method of heating while circulating the water in the hot water storage tank to the external main heat source device such as the fuel cell, the heat medium heated by the external main heat source device is used as the hot water storage tank. It is possible to adopt a technique in which the water in the hot water storage tank is heated by this heat exchanger. Furthermore, an electric heater or the like attached to the inside or outside of the hot water storage tank 21 can be used as the main heat source device. In the example shown in the figure, the main heat source device 1 uses the exhaust heat of the fuel cell. That is, as the main heat source device 1, a fuel cell 11 that generates electricity using a gas supplied from a gas supply system (not shown) as fuel, and a heat exchanger for exhaust heat recovery that is supplied using exhaust heat generated from the fuel cell 11 as a heat source The hot water from the bottom of the hot water storage tank 21 supplied by the heat storage circulation circuit 22 is supplied to the exhaust heat recovery heat exchanger 12 as a heat exchange heating target. Reference numeral 10 denotes a fuel cell controller that controls the operation of the fuel cell 11, and the fuel cell controller 10 is connected to the tank controller 5 so as to communicate with each other.

  The water heater 3 functions as an auxiliary heat source, that is, a backup water heater, and a new water heater configured to cooperate with the tank unit 2 is used, or is already installed in a residence where a hot water system is installed. Combined with existing hot water heaters. This embodiment demonstrates the case where it combines with the tank unit 2 using the existing water heater. The hot water heater 3 is configured such that when the hot water temperature supplied from a hot water mixing unit 27 (to be described later) of the tank unit 2 is less than the set hot water temperature, the hot water heater 3 can perform auxiliary heating to the set hot water temperature. Has been. In that case, in the hot water heater 3, hot water that has entered from a water inlet connection port 311 to which a downstream end of a connection pipe 41 to be described later is connected is guided to the heat exchanger 32 through the water inlet path 31, and mainly from the combustion heat of the combustion burner 33. Hot water heated by the heat exchange is discharged into the hot water supply passage 34 and supplied to the hot water tap K through the hot water supply pipe 42 from the hot water connection port 341. Here, the hot-water tap K is, for example, a kitchen hot-water tap or a shower tap, and is not limited to one, and can be provided with two or more. Further, the hot water discharged from the hot water supply passage 34 can be poured into the bathtub 44 through the hot water connection port 342 and the hot water supply passage 43 if the pouring electromagnetic valve 431 is controlled to open. In this case, if the water supplied from the tank unit 2 side is supplied as it is to the bathtub 44 through the pouring electromagnetic valve 431 and the pouring passage 43 without burning the combustion burner 33, it is possible to add water to the bathtub 44, that is, water can be poured. Become. The heat exchanger 32 includes a heat exchanger that performs heat exchange with the sensible heat of the combustion gas of the combustion burner 33, and a heat exchanger that recovers latent heat from the exhaust gas after passing through the heat exchanger. The thing comprised with two types is illustrated. An incoming water temperature sensor 35 and an incoming water flow rate sensor 36 are provided in the incoming water passage 31, and a hot water temperature sensor 37 is provided in the hot water outlet 34.

  The water heater 3 includes a water heater controller 6 as a unique water heater controller for controlling the operation thereof. The water heater controller 6 is connected so as to be able to communicate with the tank controller 5, and receives various information input from the remote controller 51 by the user and information related to operation commands from the tank controller 5. The hot water supply controller 6 includes a hot water supply control unit 61 (see FIG. 2) that mainly controls the combustion of the combustion burner 33. The hot water supply control unit 61 performs its own operation control, while the combustion from the tank controller 5 is performed. In response to the output of the prohibition command or the combustion prohibition release command, the start of combustion is restricted and prohibited, or the prohibition is canceled and the start of combustion based on the original control can be allowed. When the user opens the hot-water tap K, for example, the hot water controller 6 of the water heater controller 6 detects that the incoming water flow rate sensor 36 or the tank unit side hot water supply flow rate sensor 245 detects a flow rate higher than the minimum operating flow rate (MOQ). If the incoming water temperature detected by the sensor 35 (temperature of hot water supplied from the tank unit 2) is lower than a predetermined heating start temperature, combustion of the combustion burner 33 is started and the incoming hot water is heated to the set hot water supply temperature. Then, hot water is supplied to the hot water tap K, or if it is equal to or higher than the heating start temperature, the hot water tap K is supplied as it is without burning. In addition, when receiving the output of the combustion prohibition command from the tank controller 5 side as described above, the unique operation control of the water heater controller of the water heater 3 is restricted, and the combustion stop state is maintained until the combustion prohibition release command is output. The hot water supplied from the tank unit 2 is allowed to flow through the hot water outlet 34 as it is. The incoming water flow rate sensor can be arranged at a position for detecting the flow rate of hot water passing through the heat exchanger 32.

  In addition to the hot water supply controller 61, the water heater controller 6 includes a pouring controller 62 for pouring (hot water and adding hot water) into the bathtub 44, and pouring (adding water) into the bathtub 44. The water injection control part 63 for carrying out is uniquely provided. The pouring control by the pouring control unit 62 and the pouring control by the pouring control unit 63 are performed by, for example, the tank controller 5 ( Specifically, a hot water supply operation ON command for starting pouring control and a water pouring operation ON command for starting water pouring control are supplied from a water pouring operation control unit 55 and a water pouring operation control unit 56) described later. It starts by outputting to the controller 6. Specifically, both the pouring control and the pouring control are started by performing open switching control of the pouring electromagnetic valve, and are completed by performing close switching control. In addition, the combustion burner 33 is in principle non-combustion (combustion prohibited) when pouring or pouring water. However, in exceptional cases, when pouring water, the combustion is prohibited if the water injection amount exceeds the set water amount. A control specification for canceling the state is provided as an original control configuration. In addition, when pouring water, a water inlet 31 of the water heater 3 from the tank unit 2 side in consideration of running out of hot water in the hot water storage tank 21. When the temperature of the hot water entering the water is lower than the set pouring temperature, a control specification is provided as an original control configuration in which the combustion prohibited state is canceled and heating is possible up to the set pouring temperature. Further, the end of pouring control and pouring control by the water heater controller 6 is also governed by the tank controller 5, and from the tank controller 5 (specifically, a pouring operation control unit 55 and a pouring operation control unit 56 described later). In response to the hot water pouring operation OFF command or the water pouring operation OFF command, the process is terminated.

  Hereinafter, when the structure of the tank unit 2 is demonstrated in detail, the hot water storage tank 21 is comprised by the airtight type. On the side of the hot water storage tank 21, there are provided remaining hot water amount sensors 211 to 215 including tank temperature sensors respectively disposed at a plurality of positions in the height direction from the top to the bottom (5 positions in the illustrated example). The remaining hot water quantity sensors 211 to 215 are configured to detect the hot water temperature of the hot water storage at each height position, whereby the hot water is stored from the upper side in the hot water storage tank 21 or higher (for example, 60 ° C. or higher). The amount of hot water remaining can be detected.

  When the heat storage circulation pump 221 is operated, the heat storage circulation circuit 22 takes out the relatively low temperature hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 from the bottom of the hot water storage tank 21, and removes the heat exchanger 12 for exhaust heat recovery of the main heat source device 1. The hot water heated by passing is arranged so as to return to the top of the hot water storage tank 21. And when heat storage operation control is started by the heat storage operation control part 52 (refer FIG. 2) of the tank controller 5, the circulation pump 221 for heat storage will be act | operated and, thereby, the hot water taken out from the bottom part of the hot water storage tank 21 will be, In the heat exchanger 12 for exhaust heat recovery, heat exchange heating is performed by exhaust heat from the fuel cell 11, and the hot water after heat exchange heating is returned to the top of the hot water storage tank 21, forming a temperature stratification in the hot water storage tank 21. Heat is stored as hot water at a predetermined temperature (for example, 60 ° C. or higher). The heat storage circuit 22 between the hot water storage tank 21 and the main heat source device 1 is provided with a bypass 223 via a three-way switching valve 222, and immediately after the main heat source device 1 starts operating, the main heat source device 1 The relatively low temperature hot water supplied from the refrigerant is circulated to the main heat source device 1 through the three-way switching valve 222 and the bypass passage 223 that are switched to prevent the hot water from returning to the top of the hot water storage tank 21. . The three-way switching valve 222 can be interposed at any position from the inlet side to the outlet side of the bypass passage 223.

  The upstream end of the water supply circuit 23 is connected to an external water pipe or the like, and is branched into a main water supply channel 231 and a mixed water supply channel 232. The main water supply channel 231 has a downstream end connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 21, and is configured such that tap water is supplied to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 21 as the hot water in the hot water storage tank 21 is discharged from the top. Has been. The downstream end of the mixed water supply channel 232 is connected to a water-side inlet of a mixing control valve 271 of a hot water mixing unit 27 described later so as to supply water. The water supply circuit 23 located upstream from the branch between the main water supply channel 231 and the mixed water supply channel 232 is provided with a water supply temperature sensor 230, for example, a pressure reducing valve, a check valve (not shown), and the like. Yes.

  The hot water supply circuit 24 includes a hot water supply path 241 having an upstream end connected to the top of the hot water storage tank 21 and a downstream end connected to the connection port 201 of the tank unit 2, and the hot water supply path 241 includes a mixing control valve 271. The hot water mixing unit 27 and the hot water storage tank 21 are disposed at the top of the hot water storage tank 21 or the base end position of the hot water supply passage 241 connected to the top, and the hot water storage temperature immediately after being discharged to the hot water supply passage 241 or the hot water supply passage 241. A tank outlet temperature sensor 242 that detects the temperature of the hot water and a hot water storage hot water temperature that is disposed upstream of the hot water mixing unit 27 and detects the temperature of the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank 21 and flowing into the tank side inlet of the mixing control valve 271. A sensor 243, a hot water supply temperature sensor 244 and a hot water supply flow rate sensor 245 disposed at a downstream side position of the hot water mixing unit 27 are provided. In the hot water mixing unit 27, the hot water supplied from the upstream side of the hot water supply channel 241 and flowing in from the tank side inlet port and the water supplied from the mixed water supply channel 232 and flowing in from the water side inlet port have a predetermined mixing ratio. In this case, the temperature is adjusted to the set hot water temperature or the set hot water temperature set by the user on the remote controller 51 or the like, and hot water is supplied to the water heater 3 side. Such hot water mixing control in the hot water mixing section 27 is executed by the tank hot water supply operation control section 54 of the tank controller 5. Specifically, the temperature-adjusted hot-water supply temperature detected by the hot-water supply temperature sensor 244 is output to the tank controller 5, and based on the output from the hot-water supply temperature sensor 244, Each opening degree of the water side inlet is feedback-controlled by the tank hot water supply operation control unit 54 so that temperature adjustment to the set hot water supply temperature, the set hot water temperature, or the like is realized.

  In the illustrated example, the hot water / water mixing unit 27 is configured by the mixing control valve 271. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the hot water side flow rate adjustment valve and the water side flow rate adjustment provided with the hot water / water mixing unit interposed therebetween. The hot and cold water mixing section can be constituted by two flow rate adjusting valves of the valve. Further, the hot water supply flow rate sensor can be disposed on the water supply circuit 23 at a position upstream of the branch portion between the main water supply channel 231 and the mixed water supply channel 232.

  The connection port 201 and the water inlet connection port 311 of the water heater 3 are connected to each other by a connection pipe 41, and hot water supplied from the tank unit 2 through the connection pipe 41 is supplied to the water inlet of the water heater 3. The water enters the water 31, passes through the heat exchanger 32, and finally is hot-watered up to the hot-water tap K, or hot water is poured into the bathtub 44. The connection pipe 41 is preferably laid indoors, but can be laid outdoors, and the length (pipe length) can be, for example, more than 10 m. Flows for hot water supply, pouring, and water injection from the hot water storage tank 21 to the hot water tap K and the like by the hot water supply path 241, the connecting pipe 41, the water intake path 31, the hot water supply path 34, and the hot water supply pipe 42 or the hot water supply path 43. In the hot water supply system of the present embodiment, a hot water heater 3 is interposed in a flow path located downstream from the hot water mixing section 27 of the flow path for hot water supply, pouring, and water injection.

  Also, a bypass flow path 251 connecting the mixed water supply path 232 and the hot water supply path 241 on the downstream side of the hot water mixing section 27, and a high temperature avoidance valve 252 that is an electromagnetic on-off valve for opening and closing the bypass flow path 251 The high-temperature avoidance section 25 is provided, and the high-temperature avoidance valve 252 that is normally kept closed is controlled to be opened and closed by the tank controller 5, and is sufficient for avoiding the high-temperature tapping with respect to the hot water supplied from the hot-water mixing section 27. The water can be supplied and mixed.

  The above hot water supply system receives input setting signals such as the set hot water temperature and set pouring temperature from the remote controller 51, output of operation command signals, and output of detection signals from various temperature sensors, water amount sensors, etc. The controller 5 comprehensively controls the operation. Further, input setting information such as a set hot water temperature set by the user in the remote controller 51 can be sent from the tank controller 5 to the hot water controller 6, and the hot water controller of the hot water controller 6 is based on the information. It is designed to execute its own hot water supply control. The tank controller 5, the water heater controller 6 and the fuel cell controller 10 are mainly composed of a CPU, a microcomputer having a rewritable memory, an input / output interface and the like, respectively, and are based on programs and various data stored in the memory. Thus, the above-described various operation controls are performed. The remote controller can be connected to the fuel cell controller 10 in addition to being connected to the tank controller 5. Hereinafter, the water injection operation control performed by the water injection operation control unit 56 and the water injection operation control performed by the water injection operation control unit 55, and the control performed by the pipe capacity acquisition processing unit 53 as the premise thereof will be described in detail. .

  First, the acquisition process of the pipe capacity of the connection pipe 41 by the pipe capacity acquisition processing unit 53 as a premise will be described. This acquisition process is performed in the initial stage or trial operation stage of the hot water supply operation from the hot water storage tank 21. The principle of the acquisition process is that the flow rate is accumulated during the arrival time until the hot water discharged from the tank unit 2 enters the water heater 3 through the connection pipe 41, and the obtained flow rate integrated value is obtained from the connection pipe 41. The pipe capacity is set, and this is set and stored as the initial value of the pipe capacity. Alternatively, assuming that there is no large flow rate fluctuation within the above arrival time, the arrival time and a representative flow rate (or average flow rate) are measured, and the capacity obtained by multiplying both can be used as the pipe capacity. it can. Specifically, for example, when there is a predetermined amount or more of hot water (for example, 65 ° C. or higher) in the hot water storage tank 21 when the hot water tap K is opened and the MOQ is detected, Hot water flows through the hot water supply passage 241, is mixed with the hot water mixing unit 27, is adjusted to a set hot water supply temperature (for example, 40 ° C.), and reaches the hot water supply temperature sensor 244. For this reason, the detected temperature of the hot water supply temperature sensor 244 is monitored, and the hot water flow rate is within a range of time values from the time when the set hot water temperature is detected until the time when the incoming water temperature sensor 35 of the water heater 3 detects the same detected temperature. The flow rate detected by the sensor 244 or the incoming water flow rate sensor 36 is integrated. The obtained flow rate integrated value is set and stored as an initial set value of the pipe capacity of the connection pipe 41. Note that the pipe capacity of the connection pipe 41 is stored and set in advance during the test operation before the start of service, with the measured or calculated value of the pipe capacity of the connection pipe 41 installed on site as the set pipe capacity P. You can also

  First, the water injection operation control by the water injection operation control unit 56 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. When the tank controller 5 receives an operation command signal output based on the ON operation of the water injection switch of the remote controller 51 by the user, the water injection operation control by the water injection operation control unit 56 is started. First, a water injection operation ON command for switching the water side inlet of the mixing control valve 271 to fully open and the tank side inlet to fully closed is output to the water heater controller 6 (step S1). In the water heater 3, the water injection electromagnetic valve 431 is opened and controlled by the water injection control unit 63 in response to the output of the water injection operation ON command, so that only water supplied from the water supply path 23 passes through the mixing control valve 271 and the connection pipe 41. Water is supplied from the tank unit 2 to the water heater 3, and this water is poured into the bathtub 44 through the water heater 3 and the pouring channel 43. In addition to this water injection, the flow rate detected by the hot water supply flow rate sensor 245 on the tank unit side is integrated to monitor the water injection amount (step S2). The above water injection is continued until the water injection amount based on the flow rate integration reaches a water amount corresponding to (set water amount-pipe capacity) (NO in step S3, step S2).

  Here, the set amount of water means that if the user wants to lower the hot water temperature when the temperature of the hot water in the hot water bath is hot, etc., and if the user selects water (ON operation of the water injection switch) It is a fixed amount of water (for example, 20 L) predetermined as the amount of water to be injected. The pipe capacity refers to the pipe capacity (for example, 5 L) acquired and stored by the pipe capacity acquisition processing unit 53.

  If the value of the integrated flow rate reaches the water amount (20L-5L = 15L in the above example) (YES in step S3) in step S3, combustion is prohibited for the water heater controller 6. After outputting the command (step S4), a predetermined set hot water temperature is set as a target temperature for hot water mixing control, and hot water whose temperature is adjusted by the mixing control valve 271 is supplied to the hot water heater 3 side (step S5). That is, it changes so that the predetermined amount of hot water adjusted to the predetermined temperature may be supplied instead of the water injection until then. The hot water adjusted to the predetermined temperature is supplied in an amount corresponding to (piping capacity + α) (NO in step S6).

  The combustion prohibition command is outputted when the amount of hot water supplied to the water heater 3 exceeds the set water amount in the subsequent processing, the combustion prohibition is canceled by the original control by the water injection controller 63 of the water heater controller 6 and combustion is performed. This is to avoid that the operation is allowed. Further, as the set hot water temperature, either the set hot water temperature or the set hot water temperature may be set. When the set pouring temperature is set, there is no problem even if a part of the hot water after temperature adjustment is poured into the tub 44, but the set pouring temperature and the setting are also used when the hot water is used next time. If the difference from the hot water supply temperature is not so large, the hot water use feeling will not be affected. In addition, when the set hot water temperature is set, the hot water at the set hot water temperature is immediately discharged from the hot water tap K when the next hot water is used, and a good hot water use feeling can be realized. Even if a part of the tub 44 is poured, if the difference between the set hot water temperature and the set hot water temperature is not so large, the added water function is not affected. Further, the α (for example, 3 L) takes into consideration the piping capacity in the hot water heater 3, and in particular, with the recent increase in efficiency, the primary heat exchanger and the secondary heat exchanger occupying most of the piping capacity in the hot water heater. The capacity in the heat exchanger 32 composed of the secondary heat exchanger is intended. In addition, the α is for the purpose of minimizing the presence of cold water that may flow by the start of hot water supply control until the hot water is supplied at the start of the next hot water supply use. The purpose is to supply extra hot water at 1 L or 2 L, for example, regardless of the capacity in the heat exchanger 32.

  Then, if it is detected by flow rate integration by hot water supply flow rate sensor 245 that an amount of hot water corresponding to (piping capacity + α) has been supplied (YES in step S6), the next process for ending the water injection operation control To complete the water injection operation control (step S7). That is, the water injection operation OFF command and the combustion prohibition release command are output to the water heater controller 6, the hot water mixing control by the mixing control valve 271 is returned to the normal control (returned to the standby opening for the next hot water supply), and the hot water flow rate The accumulated flow value by the sensor 245 is cleared and reset (step S7). Accordingly, the water injection electromagnetic valve 431 is closed by the water injection control unit 63 that has received the output of the water injection operation OFF command, and the supply of hot water from the tank unit 2 is stopped.

  As described above, a predetermined amount (for example, 15 L) of additional water is poured into the bathtub 44, and the connection pipe 41 and the pipe in the water heater 3 are filled with hot water having a set hot water temperature. For this reason, even if the hot water tap K is subsequently opened by the user and the hot water supply is used, the hot water is immediately discharged from the hot water tap K, so that cold water does not come out and a cold water sandwich phenomenon does not occur. That is, even if hot water use occurs after the water is poured into the bathtub 44, it is possible to avoid the occurrence of a temperature drop in which hot water having a low temperature unintended by the user comes out of the hot water tap K. Moreover, since the pipe capacity is acquired by the pipe capacity acquisition processing unit 53, the above-mentioned water injection is performed after acquiring and grasping the pipe capacity of each connection pipe 41 according to the actual situation of the installation status of the tank unit 2. Operation control can be appropriately performed according to individual situations. Further, since hot water having a predetermined set hot water temperature is supplied from the tank unit 2 to the hot water heater 3 using the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 at the final stage of pouring, energy saving is achieved by omitting the combustion operation of the hot water heater 3. Can also be achieved.

  Next, pouring operation control will be described in detail with reference to FIG. For pouring operation control, when filling an empty bathtub 44, for example, pouring when the hot water filling switch of the remote controller 51 is turned ON, and adding hot water when bath water is reduced by bathing. For example, there is pouring when the additional hot water switch of the remote controller 51 is turned on, but here, it is started when the tank controller 5 receives an operation command signal output based on the ON operation of the hot water filling switch. The pouring operation control by the pouring operation control unit 55 will be described as an example. First, the target temperature of hot water mixing control by the mixing control valve 271 is set to a set pouring temperature (set hot water temperature), and hot water taken out from the top of the hot water storage tank 21 and water is supplied from the mixed water supply channel 232. Water is mixed at a predetermined mixing ratio so that hot water at the set pouring temperature is supplied to the hot water heater 3 side (step S11). At the same time, a combustion inhibition command and a pouring operation ON command are output to the water heater controller 6 (step S12).

  In the water heater 3, the pouring solenoid valve 431 is controlled to open / close by the pouring control unit 62 in response to the output of the pouring operation ON command, so that the hot water adjusted to the set pouring temperature is supplied from the tank unit 2. The hot water is supplied to the hot water heater 3 through the connection pipe 41, and the hot water is poured into the bathtub 44 through the hot water heater 3 and the pouring channel 43. In addition to this pouring, the flow rate detected by the hot water supply flow rate sensor 245 on the tank unit side is integrated to monitor the pouring amount (step S13). The above-described pouring is continued until the amount of pouring based on the flow rate integration reaches the amount of hot water equivalent to (set amount of hot water-piping capacity) (NO in step S14, step S13). Here, the set hot water volume is a set hot water filling to the bathtub 44, and the pipe capacity is a pipe capacity (for example, 5 L) acquired and stored by the pipe capacity acquisition processing unit 53.

  If the value of the integrated flow rate reaches the amount of hot water corresponding to (set hot water amount−pipe capacity) in step S14 (YES in step S14), the target temperature of hot water mixing control is changed from the set hot water temperature to the set hot water temperature. The hot water after temperature adjustment by the mixing control valve 271 is changed to the set hot water supply temperature (step S15). That is, it changes so that hot water of set hot water supply temperature may be supplied instead of pouring hot water of preset hot water temperature. Hot water whose temperature is adjusted to the set hot water supply temperature is supplied in an amount corresponding to (piping capacity + α) (NO in step S16). Α can be set similarly to the case of the water injection operation control. In this case, when hot water supply is used after pouring into the bathtub 44, the piping in the hot water heater 3 is filled with hot water having a set hot water temperature as much as possible.

  If it is detected by flow rate integration by hot water supply flow rate sensor 245 that an amount of hot water corresponding to (piping capacity + α) has been supplied (YES in step S16), the next for end of pouring operation control is performed. A process is performed and pouring operation control is complete | finished (step S17). That is, a hot water operation OFF command and a combustion prohibition release command are output to the water heater controller 6, the hot water mixing control by the mixing control valve 271 is returned to the normal control (returned to the standby opening for the next hot water supply), The accumulated flow value by the flow sensor 245 is cleared and reset (step S17). Accordingly, the pouring electromagnetic valve 431 is closed by the pouring control unit 62 that has received the output of the pouring operation OFF command, and the supply of hot water from the tank unit 2 is stopped.

  As described above, a predetermined amount of hot water is poured into the bathtub 44, and the connection pipe 41 and the pipes in the water heater 3 are filled with hot water at the set hot water supply temperature. For this reason, even if the hot water tap K is opened by the user and the hot water supply is used, the hot water at the set hot water temperature is immediately discharged from the hot water tap K, and the hot water at the set pouring temperature lower than that is discharged. It is never done. That is, as in the case of water injection, even if hot water use occurs after the hot water has been poured into the bathtub 44, avoiding the temperature drop that the low temperature hot water unintended by the user comes out of the hot water tap K is avoided. Can do. According to this pouring operation control, when the set pouring temperature is lower than the set hot water supply temperature by a predetermined value or more, the effect of avoiding the occurrence of a temperature drop becomes remarkable. Therefore, the pouring operation control of FIG. 4 is executed on condition that the set pouring temperature is lower than the set hot water supply temperature by a predetermined value or more. The entire set amount of hot water can be poured in). In addition, since the pipe capacity acquisition processing unit 53 acquires the pipe capacity, the above-mentioned note is obtained after acquiring and grasping the pipe capacity of each connection pipe 41 according to the actual situation of the installation status of the tank unit 2. The point which can perform hot water operation control appropriately according to each situation is the same as that of the case of water injection operation control. Furthermore, since hot water having a set hot water temperature is supplied from the tank unit 2 to the hot water heater 3 using the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 21 at the final stage of pouring, energy saving is achieved by omitting the combustion operation of the hot water heater 3. The point that can be achieved is the same as in the case of the water injection operation control.

<Other embodiments>
In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Other various embodiment is included. That is, in the said embodiment, what showed the hot water supply system using the existing hot water heater 3 as the hot water heater 3 was shown. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the control configuration of the hot water heater controller 6 of the existing hot water heater is minimal. A hot water supply system can be configured by combining the tank unit 2 with a hot water heater that has been modified or previously changed in the control configuration of the hot water controller 6 so that it can be linked to the tank controller 5. For example, the control specification of the water heater controller can be configured so that all of the operation control of the water heater 3 is controlled by the tank controller 5. In this case, the opening / closing switching control of the pouring electromagnetic valve 431 at the time of pouring or pouring, whether the combustion operation of the combustion burner 33 is possible, and the like are controlled based on the control command from the tank controller 5. That's fine.

  In addition, the water pouring operation control unit 56 and the pouring operation control unit 55 in the above embodiment are not disposed in the tank controller 5 but in another controller (for example, the fuel cell controller 10, the water heater controller 6 or the remote controller 51). Alternatively, it can be arranged in an independent general controller provided separately. Furthermore, each part of the water pouring operation control unit 56 and the pouring operation control unit 55 can be shared by another controller. For example, the end of the pouring control by the pouring operation control unit 55 provided in the tank controller 5 or the end of the pouring control by the water pouring operation control unit 56, such as the pouring operation OFF command or the pouring operation from the tank controller 5 in the embodiment. The water heater controller 6 receives the OFF command, but the present invention is not limited to this, and each end of the pouring control and the water pouring control is performed without receiving the respective OFF commands from the tank controller 5. 6 can be configured. In this case, the tank controller 5 is responsible for the temperature control during pouring and pouring while maintaining non-combustion (temperature control by hot water mixing control).

  In the embodiment, hot water of (piping capacity + α) is supplied in step S6 of FIG. 3 and step S16 of FIG. 4, but the connecting pipe 41 is compared with the pipe capacity in the water heater 3, for example. When the pipe capacity of the pipe is quite large, it is possible to eliminate considerable inconveniences even if the connection pipe 41 is filled with hot water at a predetermined temperature. Therefore, only hot water for the pipe capacity is supplied with α = 0. Can do. Therefore, it is sufficient to supply at least an amount of hot water corresponding to at least the pipe capacity of the connection pipe 41.

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, after the amount corresponding to (set water amount−pipe capacity) or (set hot water amount−pipe capacity) is poured or poured as usual, the pipe capacity or the set hot water temperature of (pipe capacity + α) is set. Although hot water or hot water having a set hot water supply temperature has been described as being poured, it may be specified in different expressions depending on whether the set water amount or the set hot water amount is set or defined. For example, in the water injection operation control, after completing the water injection of the set water amount in step S3 of FIG. 3, in step S6, the pipe capacity or (pipe capacity + α) water injection is completed, or in the water injection operation control, After completing the pouring of the set amount of hot water in step S14 of FIG. 4, it is possible to complete the pouring of the pipe capacity or (pipe capacity + α) in step S16. In that case, in the example of the water injection operation control, for example, after water injection for a set amount of 15 L, hot water for 5 L pipe capacity or 5 L + 3L = 8 L (pipe capacity + α) is performed. . If these are expressed collectively, in the example of the water injection operation control, after supplying (water injection) water equal to or less than the set water amount, hot water corresponding to at least the pipe capacity of the connection pipe 41 is supplied (water injection). It turns out that. Further, in the above embodiment, the hot water storage tank 21 and the hot water mixing unit 27 are integrally formed as the tank unit 2, but instead, the hot water mixing unit 27 is replaced with the hot water storage tank 21 (tank unit 2). ) Can be configured separately.

3 Water heater (auxiliary heat source machine)
21 Hot Water Storage Tank 27 Hot Water Mixing Portion 41 Connection Piping (Piping)
55 Pouring operation control unit 56 Pouring operation control unit K Hot water tap

Claims (6)

A hot water storage tank, a hot water mixing section in which both hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank and hot water are allowed to flow in, and mixing as necessary, and an auxiliary heat source machine in which hot water from the hot water mixing section is supplied through a connecting pipe A hot water supply system configured such that hot water supplied from the hot water mixing unit is supplied to a hot water tap or a bathtub via the auxiliary heat source unit,
A water injection operation control unit for injecting water into the bathtub by controlling supply of a set amount of water from the hot water mixing unit to the auxiliary heat source unit,
The water injection operation control unit is configured to supply an amount of hot water corresponding to at least the pipe capacity of the connection pipe after supplying water equal to or less than a set water amount from the hot water mixing unit.
A hot water supply system characterized by that. The hot water supply system according to claim 1,
The water injection operation control unit is configured to supply hot water corresponding to the pipe capacity of the connection pipe after supplying water from the hot water / water mixing part by subtracting the pipe capacity of the connection pipe from the set water quantity. There is a hot water system. The hot water supply system according to claim 1,
The water injection operation control unit is configured to supply hot water corresponding to the pipe capacity of the connection pipe after supplying a set amount of water from the hot water mixing unit. In the hot water supply system according to claim 2 or claim 3,
The hot water supply system is configured such that when the hot water supply operation control unit supplies hot water corresponding to the pipe capacity of the connection pipe, a predetermined amount of hot water is further supplied. In the hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
When the hot water is supplied, the water injection operation control unit is configured to supply hot water at a set hot water supply temperature in the hot water mixing unit. A hot water storage tank, a hot water mixing section in which both hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank and hot water are allowed to flow in, and mixing as necessary, and an auxiliary heat source machine in which hot water from the hot water mixing section is supplied through a connecting pipe A hot water supply system configured such that hot water supplied from the hot water mixing unit is supplied to a hot water tap or a bathtub via the auxiliary heat source unit,
A pouring operation control unit for pouring into the bathtub by controlling supply of hot water of a set amount of hot water from the hot water mixing unit to the auxiliary heat source unit,
The pouring operation control unit, when the set pouring temperature is lower than the set hot water supply temperature in the hot water operation control for the hot water tap by a predetermined value or more, hot water having a set pouring temperature below the set hot water amount from the hot water mixing unit. Is configured to supply hot water at a set hot water temperature in an amount at least corresponding to the pipe capacity of the connection pipe.
A hot water supply system characterized by that.

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