JPH10300204A - Countermeasure system against erosion of hot water supply unit - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a countermeasure against erosion of a hot water supply unit in which the necessity of repair or replacement of a water conduction pipe of the hot water supply unit is notified by notifying progress of erosion of the water conduction pipe, hot water can be supplied with no anxiety while utilizing the hot water supply capacity sufficiently before erosion progress, and the lifetime of the conduction pipe can be coordinated with the lifetime of other members. SOLUTION: The countermeasure system against erosion comprising a heat- exchanger 10 and conduction pipes 20, e.g. a water inlet pipe 21 and a hot water outlet pipe 22, is provided with means for integrating the erosion loss at one or a plurality of reference positions A, B previously selected as parts subjected to intensive erosion. An alarm is delivered when the erosion loss operated by the erosion loss integrating means reaches a reference level.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention warns erosion occurring in a water pipe of a water heater when the erosion has progressed, thereby providing information for repair or replacement. It is an object of the present invention to provide an erosion countermeasure device for a water heater that can be provided or that can suppress the progress of erosion and extend the life of the piping of the water heater.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a countermeasure against erosion generated in water pipes and the like in general, not limited to water heaters, the material, shape, size, etc. of the water pipes themselves are made resistant to erosion. And so on.

[0003]

However, in the above-mentioned conventional method, it may be possible to extend the damage and life of the water pipe itself due to erosion. However, the erosion actually progresses, and the water pipe is not repaired or repaired. Even if replacement is required, there is a problem that it is not possible to know that the state has been reached. Also, as a measure against erosion, if the maximum flow rate is limited by increasing the safety factor of the water distribution pipe, the capacity of the water heater cannot be fully utilized, such that the desired flow rate cannot be freely flowed. there were.

Accordingly, the present invention solves the above-mentioned conventional problems and, when erosion has progressed in a water pipe of a water heater, notifies the erosion of the erosion, thereby notifying the necessity of repair or replacement of the water pipe. Is a hot water heater erosion countermeasure device that can make full use of the hot water supply capacity of the water heater with peace of mind and can harmonize the life of the water pipe with the life of other members of the water heater. Providing is an issue.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION In order to achieve the above object, an erosion countermeasure device for a water heater according to the present invention is provided for preventing erosion in a water heater provided with at least a heat exchanger and a water pipe such as a water inlet pipe or a hot water pipe. An erosion loss integrating means for integrating an erosion loss amount at one or a plurality of reference points previously selected as a water pipe section having a large erosion, wherein the erosion loss calculated by the erosion loss integrating means is provided. The first feature is that a warning means for giving a warning when the amount reaches a predetermined reference value is provided. Further, in the water heater erosion countermeasure device of the present invention, in addition to the first feature, the erosion loss amount integrating means includes a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature at a reference point and a flow rate at the reference point. A flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate to be used; a water flow detecting means for detecting presence or absence of water flow; and a flow rate calculated from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detecting means, and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means and the calculated temperature. The second feature is that the controller is provided with a microcomputer built-in which calculates the erosion loss integrated value by applying the flow velocity and the water flow time to a predetermined arithmetic expression. In the water heater erosion countermeasure device of the present invention, in addition to the first or second feature, the warning means determines whether or not the calculated erosion loss integrated value is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value. A third feature is that the controller includes a controller with a built-in microcomputer that outputs a warning signal in the above case and a remote controller that inputs the warning signal and displays it on a display unit. Further, the erosion countermeasure device of the water heater according to the present invention, in addition to any one of the above first to third features, may be configured such that the calculated erosion loss integrated value becomes a certain value or more in a short period within a certain period. The fourth feature is that a controller with a built-in microcomputer for reducing the maximum possible flow rate per unit time by squeezing the maximum flow rate control valve provided in the water pipe is provided. The erosion prevention device for a water heater according to the present invention is an erosion prevention device for a water heater including at least a heat exchanger and a water pipe such as a water inlet pipe or a hot water pipe. The flow rate flowing through the water pipe is monitored using the flow rate detecting means, and when the hot water supply operation switch is off, the maximum possible flow rate per unit time of the water supply pipe is set lower than that in the case where the hot water supply operation is performed. The fifth feature is that a controller with a built-in microcomputer for controlling the maximum flow control valve of the water pipe is provided.

In the first aspect of the present invention, the erosion loss amount includes a total amount and a relative amount including a thickness amount of the water pipe damaged by the erosion, a ratio to the pipe thickness damaged by the erosion. Also, with the reference value, erosion has progressed to some extent, repair or replacement of the water pipe is necessary, or the value of the erosion loss amount at a stage slightly earlier than that is obtained by experiments in advance,
This is a reference value. The warning is a notification or a sound to the user that the pipe should be repaired or replaced. The warning means is a display device or a sound generator and a control means for controlling the display device or the sound generator to output a warning display or a warning sound. According to the first aspect of the present invention, when the calculated erosion loss amount reaches the reference value, a warning is issued.
It is possible to know that it is time to repair or replace the water pipe of the water heater, and to take appropriate measures before it becomes important. In addition, since the water heater is a mechanism that gives a warning, it is not necessary to employ an excessive safety factor in the flow rate of water and the like, and the hot water can be supplied at a sufficient flow rate according to the desired capacity of the water heater. It can be carried out. Further, since the portion where the erosion loss amount is calculated is a water pipe portion having a large erosion, by calculating the erosion loss amount at that portion, the management of all the water pipes can be sufficiently performed.

In the second feature of the present invention, a temperature sensor is used as the temperature detecting means. A flow sensor is used as the flow detecting means. A water flow sensor is used as the water flow detecting means. The flow velocity can be obtained by dividing the flow rate per unit time flowing through the water pipe by the cross-sectional area of the water pipe. The erosion loss amount integrating means, each detecting means consisting of each detecting means for detecting the temperature and flow velocity and detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of water flow, and calculates the flow velocity from the values detected by those detecting means, It consists of a controller with a built-in microcomputer that calculates the erosion loss integrated value. Then, the predetermined arithmetic expression is obtained by an experiment in advance,
This is an arithmetic expression stored in the microcomputer of the controller.
This arithmetic expression is an arithmetic expression including a pipe coefficient a determined based on the diameter and material of the water pipe, a site coefficient b depending on a part of the water pipe, a flow velocity v, a temperature t, and a time h. The arithmetic expression obtained by the experiment in advance is stored in the microcomputer of the controller, is provided to an arithmetic program, and the erosion loss amount is calculated.

In the fourth aspect of the present invention, the fact that the calculated integrated value of the erosion loss becomes a certain value or more in a short time within a certain period means that the erosion loss increases to a considerable amount in a short period. In such a case, the life of the water pipe is too short, so by lowering the maximum possible flow through the water pipe,
This has the effect of reducing the erosion loss and extending the life of the water pipe. The fixed period can be, for example, six months, and the fixed value can be, for example, 20% of the thickness of the water pipe, but any of these can be determined in advance by experiments.

In the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the water heater, when the hot water supply operation switch is off,
In some cases, only water is allowed to flow, but erosion also occurs in such a case. Therefore, it is preferable to take measures against erosion of the water heater even when the water heater operation switch is off. Therefore, even when the hot water supply operation switch is off, the flow rate flowing through the water pipe is monitored by the controller built in the microcomputer using the flow rate detection means. In addition, when the hot water supply operation switch is off, the maximum possible flow rate of the water pipe is set lower than when the hot water supply operation is being performed. Since the water supply pressure is high, large volumes of water flow easily when the curan is opened, and erosion is likely to occur. When the hot water supply operation switch is off, the maximum possible flow rate of the water pipe is set lower than when the hot water supply operation switch is on, so that erosion when only water flows is reduced.

[0010]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a water heater showing an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 2 is a control flowchart by a controller for explaining an embodiment of the present invention apparatus. FIG. 3 is a control flowchart by a controller for explaining another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a water heater 1 includes a heat exchanger 10
And a water pipe 20 having at least a water inlet pipe 21, a tapping pipe 22, and a bypass pipe 23. The heat exchanger 10 is an instantaneous heat exchanger, and can be heated by, for example, an oil burner or a gas burner (not shown). Of course, a hot-water storage type heat exchanger may be used. The heat exchanger 10 may be provided with a reheating coil for reheating the bathtub water for recirculating heating, and may be a so-called one-tank two-circuit water heater with a reheating function for bathing.

A flow sensor 31 and a water temperature sensor 32 are provided at the water inlet pipe 21 of the water pipe 20 at a position upstream of the branch point of the bypass pipe 23. A tapping temperature sensor 33 is provided as a temperature detecting means at a position upstream of the junction of the tapping pipe 23 in the tapping pipe 22. Further, a hot water supply temperature sensor 34 and a maximum flow control valve 35 are provided as temperature detecting means at a position downstream of the junction of the tapping pipe 22 and the bypass pipe 23. The bypass pipe 23 is provided with a bypass flow rate adjusting valve 36. The flow sensor 31
Can also serve as a water flow detecting means. Therefore, in this example, a dedicated water flow sensor for detecting the presence or absence of a water flow is not provided.

A controller 40 having a built-in microcomputer controls the water heater 1 by inputting information from the sensors 31, 32, 33, and 34 and the remote controller 50, and calculating and judging according to the built-in software. Then, a predetermined operation command is output to the maximum flow rate control valve 35 of the water heater 1, the remote controller 50, and other members. The remote controller 50 is provided with a display unit (not shown) so that a warning for repair or replacement of the water pipe 20 to be described later can be displayed.

In the water pipe 20 of the water heater, the water pipe section where erosion is likely to occur can be said to be a section where erosion loss tends to be large, but generally it can be said to be a section where turbulence tends to occur. For example, it is near a corner, near a junction, or near a change in pipe diameter. The degree of the erosion loss also depends on the material of the water pipe 20 and the size of the inner diameter. In the present invention, one or a plurality of such portions where the erosion loss is likely to be large are selected as reference portions. For example, in FIG. 1, it is near the corner of the tapping pipe 22 indicated by the symbol A and the junction indicated by the symbol B.

Now, when calculating the integrated value I of the erosion loss amount at the reference point A where the erosion loss amount is large, the arithmetic expression at the reference point A is obtained in advance by an experiment. Then, this arithmetic expression is stored in the microcomputer of the controller 40, and the arithmetic expression is integrated with the water passage time using this arithmetic expression. The above equation is a piping coefficient a given based on the inner diameter of the pipe of the tapping pipe 22 which is the water pipe 20.
A site coefficient b given by the location of the reference point A in the drain pipe 20, a temperature t of flowing water passing through the reference point A, a flow velocity v at the reference point A,
From the water passage time h, for example, the following equation 1 can be expressed.

[0016]

I = {f (a, b, t, v) · h} where I: integrated value of erosion loss 量: symbol representing integration f: symbol representing equation a: piping coefficient b: Part coefficient t: Temperature v: Flow velocity h: Water passage time

An empirical formula that can calculate the integrated amount of the erosion loss more simply and accurately based on Equation 1 is obtained by an experiment in advance, and this is stored in the microcomputer.

[0018] Similarly, to obtain in advance by experiments, in the reference plane A, the repair or replacement is required erosion Sonryou water pipe, as a reference value I _S, should be stored in advance in controller 40 in the microcomputer .

[0019] According to the controller 40, compared with the operation and the reference value I _S of the integrated values I of the erosion loss amount, and a series of control warning or the like in the remote controller 50 with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 2 will be described. Now, when the hot water supply operation switch of the water heater 1 is turned on (YES in step S1), the controller 40 monitors a signal from the flow sensor 31 and inputs a signal indicating that the flow sensor 31 detects a water flow ( In step S2, the calculation of the erosion loss integrated value I is started (step S3). That is, the controller 40 performs a distribution calculation based on the temperature t detected by the tapping temperature sensor 33 and the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 31 based on the built-in equation of the erosion loss integrated value I. The erosion loss integrated value I at the present time is calculated from the flow velocity v at the reference point A, which is further calculated from the flow rate at the point A, and the water passage time h measured in the microcomputer of the controller 40.

Then, the controller 40 compares the previously stored reference value I _S with the integrated value I (step S4). If the integrated value I is equal to or larger than the reference value I _S (Yes in step S4). ), The controller 40 is the remote control 50
Is instructed to give a warning display to the user (step S
5). The remote controller 50 is controlled by a command from the controller 40.
A warning is displayed on the display unit (step S6). The warning is, for example, a notification that the life of the water pipe 20 (the tapping pipe 22) has expired or that the water pipe 20 should be repaired or replaced based on the life.

In the example described above, the reference point is A
However, in this case, the erosion loss integrated value I is calculated at each of the plurality of locations by using an arithmetic expression under the condition of each reference value, and the reference value I _S Compare with Then, when the integrated value of erosion loss amount I at any reference point becomes equal to or greater than the reference value I _S , the controller 40 commands the remote controller 50 to display a warning. When the hot water supply operation switch of the water heater 1 is turned on, if any of the currants is opened and water flows through the water pipe 20 in this state, the burner of the water heater 1 starts burning. This refers to a state in which hot water is supplied. In the example described above, the erosion loss amount is integrated on the assumption that the hot water supply operation switch of the water heater 1 is on. However, as a matter of course, even when the hot water supply operation switch of the water heater 1 is off, when the water flow occurs, the erosion loss amount may be integrated. In this case, at least only unheated water flows into the water pipe 20, but erosion still occurs. Therefore, by including the case where the hot water supply operation switch is turned off, it is considered that all the erosion loss amounts can be integrated and a more accurate value can be obtained.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. As described above, the erosion in the water heater 1 is not limited to the case where hot water is supplied, and even when the hot water supply operation switch of the water heater 1 is turned off, the curan or the like is opened and the water flows through the water pipe 20. Occurs. In such a case, the water supply generally has a high original water pressure, so that the flow rate of water tends to increase, and erosion may occur. Therefore,
In the present embodiment, even when the hot water supply operation switch of the water heater 1 is turned off, the controller 40 monitors the flow rate detected by the flow rate sensor 31 (step S11), and the flow rate per unit time is set to a predetermined value. If the maximum possible flow rate Q per unit time exceeds 20, the maximum flow rate control valve 35 of the water pipe 20 is controlled to control the flow rate to the maximum possible flow rate Q or less (step S13). The maximum possible flow rate Q when the hot water supply operation switch is off is smaller than that when the hot water supply operation switch is on.
This value Q is determined by experiments in advance as a value that does not cause erosion due to flowing unheated water or a value that does not cause erosion.
It can be stored in the microcomputer of the controller 40.

Note that the control in the second embodiment is the same as the control in the first embodiment.
May be combined with the control in the embodiment. In addition, in each of the above-described embodiments, in a site where it is known to be used very frequently, in the water pipe of the water heater, the maximum possible flow rate is set higher than usual so that hot water cannot be supplied at an excessively large flow rate. You may make it set small. In addition, when the erosion loss amount integrated value I is calculated at a plurality of locations, if the value I is equal to or more than the reference value I _S , the portion is indicated on a display together with a warning so as to be notified. Good.

[0024]

According to the present invention, there is provided the above construction.
According to the water heater erosion countermeasure device described in the above, the erosion loss amount integrating means for integrating the erosion loss amount at one or a plurality of reference points previously selected as a water pipe section having a large erosion is provided. Since the warning means is provided to warn when the erosion loss amount calculated by the means reaches a predetermined reference value, when the calculated erosion loss amount reaches the reference value,
Since the warning is given, the user can be informed by the warning that it is time to repair or replace the water pipe of the water heater, and can take appropriate measures before it becomes important. Because it is a mechanism that gives a warning,
It is not necessary to adopt an excessive safety factor in the flow rate of flowing water or the like, and hot water can be supplied at a sufficient flow rate according to the desired capacity of the water heater. Further, since the portion where the erosion loss amount is calculated is a water pipe portion having a large erosion, by calculating the erosion loss amount at that portion, the management of all the water pipes can be sufficiently performed.
According to the water heater erosion countermeasure device of the second aspect, in addition to the effect of the configuration of the first aspect, the erosion loss amount integrating means includes a temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the reference point, Flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate used to calculate the flow velocity at a location, water flow detecting means for detecting the presence or absence of water flow, and calculating the flow velocity from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detecting means and the temperature detecting means And a controller with a built-in microcomputer that calculates the erosion loss integrated value by applying the temperature detected by the above, the calculated flow velocity, and the water passage time to a predetermined arithmetic expression, so that the erosion loss integrated value is calculated. Is a general detection method that is usually arranged in a water heater, such as a temperature detection unit, a flow detection unit, and a water flow detection unit, which are determined and given in advance by an arithmetic expression. Using data from, by processing them by the controller, it is possible to obtain relatively easily. According to the water heater erosion countermeasure device of the third aspect, in addition to the effect of the configuration of the first or second aspect, the warning means is provided with the calculated integrated value of the erosion loss amount in advance. Since it is configured by a controller with a built-in microcomputer that outputs a warning signal in the case of determining whether or not it is equal to or more than the reference value and a remote controller that inputs the warning signal and displays this on the display unit, The user can easily know that it is time to repair or replace the water pipe by displaying on the remote controller. According to the water heater erosion countermeasure device according to the fourth aspect, in addition to the effect of the configuration according to any one of the first to third embodiments, the calculated erosion loss integrated value is a short term within a certain period. If the flow rate is more than a certain value, the controller with a built-in microcomputer that reduces the maximum flow rate per unit time by squeezing the maximum flow rate control valve provided in the water pipe is provided. If there is a risk of coming too far, the maximum possible flow rate through the water pipe can be reduced, so that the erosion loss amount thereafter can be reduced and the life of the water pipe can be extended. According to the water heater erosion countermeasure device of claim 5, even when the hot water supply operation switch is off, the flow rate flowing through the water pipe is monitored using the flow rate detection means, and when the hot water supply operation switch is off. Is equipped with a microcomputer built-in controller that controls the maximum flow rate control valve of the water pipe so that the maximum possible flow rate per unit time of the water pipe is set lower than when hot water supply operation is performed. , The life of the water pipe as a whole of the water heater can be prolonged, and the hot water supply operation, which is the original purpose of the water heater, can be performed longer.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a water heater showing an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a control flowchart by a controller for explaining an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a control flowchart by a controller for explaining another embodiment of the apparatus of the present invention.

[Description of sign]

 1 Water heater 10 Heat exchanger 20 Water pipe 21 Water inlet pipe 22 Outlet pipe 31 Flow sensor 35 Maximum flow control valve 40 Controller 50 Remote control A, B Reference points

Claims (5)

[Claims] An erosion countermeasure device for a water heater provided with at least a heat exchanger and a water pipe such as a water inlet pipe and a hot water pipe, wherein one or more reference points previously selected as water pipe sections having a large erosion. Wherein erosion loss amount integrating means for integrating the erosion loss amount is provided, and warning means for giving a warning when the erosion loss amount calculated by the erosion loss amount integrating means reaches a predetermined reference value is provided. Water heater erosion countermeasure device. 2. An erosion loss amount integrating means, comprising: a temperature detecting means for detecting a temperature at a reference point; a flow rate detecting means for detecting a flow rate used to calculate a flow velocity at the reference point; And a flow rate calculated from the flow rate detected by the flow rate detecting means, and the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means, the calculated flow rate, and the flow time are applied to a given arithmetic expression. The erosion countermeasure device for a water heater according to claim 1, comprising a controller with a built-in microcomputer for calculating the integrated value of the erosion loss amount. 3. A controller with a built-in microcomputer for determining whether or not the calculated integrated value of erosion loss is equal to or greater than a predetermined reference value, and outputting a warning signal in the event of the determination. The erosion countermeasure device for a water heater according to claim 1 or 2, comprising a remote controller that inputs the warning signal and displays the warning signal on a display unit. 4. When the calculated integrated value of erosion loss becomes a certain value or more in a short period of time within a certain period, the maximum flow control valve provided in the water pipe is squeezed to obtain the maximum possible value per unit time. The erosion countermeasure device for a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a controller having a built-in microcomputer for reducing a flow rate. 5. An erosion countermeasure device for a water heater comprising at least a heat exchanger and a water pipe such as a water inlet pipe or a hot water pipe, wherein the flow rate of the water pipe is controlled even when the hot water supply operation switch is turned off. In addition to monitoring using the detecting means, when the hot water supply operation switch is turned off, the maximum flow rate of the water supply pipe is set so that the maximum possible flow rate per unit time of the water supply pipe is set lower than when the hot water supply operation is performed. An erosion countermeasure device for a water heater, comprising a controller with a built-in microcomputer for controlling a control valve.