KR102316802B1 - Hot water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

(Task) To provide the user of the hot water supply system with a technology that can accurately grasp the characteristics of his hot water supply pattern.
(Solution Means) The hot water supply system disclosed in this specification includes a tank, a heat pump, a circulation means for circulating water between the tank and the heat pump, a controller, and a user terminal capable of communicating with the controller. The controller can memorize the history of past hot water supply in the hot water supply system. It is possible for the user terminal or the controller to memorize a standard hot water supply pattern for each time period. It is possible for the user terminal or the controller to calculate the actual hot water supply pattern for each time period based on the past hot water supply history of the hot water supply system. The hot water supply pattern by time period includes electricity consumption by time period and hot water supply consumption by time period. The user terminal is configured to present a standard hot water supply pattern for each time period and an actual hot water supply pattern for each time period to the user so that it can be contrasted.

Description

Hot water supply system {HOT WATER SUPPLY SYSTEM}

The technology disclosed herein relates to a hot water supply system.

Patent Document 1 discloses a hot water supply system. The hot water supply system includes a tank for storing water, a heat pump for heating water by absorbing heat from the natural environment, a circulation means for circulating water between the tank and the heat pump, a controller, and a remote control capable of communicating with the controller, have. The controller is capable of executing a boiling operation in which water is heated by the heat pump while circulating water between the tank and the heat pump by the circulation means. The controller can memorize the history of past hot water supply in the hot water supply system. The controller can calculate the hot water supply pattern for each time period based on the past hot water supply history of the hot water supply system. The hot water supply pattern by time period includes hot water consumption by time period. The remote control is configured to present the calculated hot water supply pattern for each time period to the user.

Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2011-149582

In the hot water supply system, only the user's own hot water supply pattern for each time period is presented to the user without comparison. For this reason, it is difficult for the user to accurately grasp the characteristics of his/her hot water supply pattern, and it has been difficult for the user to accurately understand how to improve his/her lifestyle in order to save energy.

The present specification provides a technique for solving the above problems. The present specification provides a technique that allows the user of the hot water supply system to accurately grasp the characteristics of his hot water supply pattern.

The hot water supply system disclosed herein includes a tank for storing water, a heat pump for heating water by absorbing heat from a natural environment, a circulation means for circulating water between the tank and the heat pump, a controller, and a controller capable of communicating with the controller A user terminal is provided. The controller is capable of executing a boiling operation of heating water by the heat pump while circulating water between the tank and the heat pump by the circulation means. The controller can memorize the history of past hot water supply in the hot water supply system. It is possible for the user terminal or the controller to memorize a standard hot water supply pattern for each time period. It is possible for the user terminal or the controller to calculate the actual hot water supply pattern for each time period based on the past hot water supply history of the hot water supply system. The hot water supply pattern by time period includes electricity consumption by time period and hot water supply consumption by time period. The user terminal is configured to present the standard hot water supply pattern for each time zone and the actual hot water supply pattern for each time zone to the user so that it can be contrasted.

According to the hot water supply system, the user sees and compares the standard hot water supply pattern for each time period and the actual hot water supply pattern for each time period (ie, his/her own hot water supply pattern for each time period) through the user terminal, thereby defining the characteristics of his hot water supply pattern. can be accurately identified. Accordingly, the user can accurately understand how to improve his or her lifestyle in order to save energy.

In addition, in the hot water supply system described above, as a hot water supply pattern for each time period, not only the hot water supply usage by time period but also the electricity consumption by time period is presented to the user. With such a configuration, the user can more accurately understand how to improve his or her lifestyle in order to save energy.

The hot water supply system may further include a combustion device for heating water by burning fuel gas, and the hot water supply pattern for each time period may further include a gas consumption amount for each time period.

In the hot water supply system described above, as a hot water supply pattern for each time period, not only the hot water consumption for each time period and the electricity consumption for each time period, but also the gas consumption for each time period is presented to the user. With such a configuration, the user can more accurately understand how to improve his or her lifestyle in order to save energy.

In the hot water supply system described above, the user terminal may be configured to provide advice to the user when the light-to-heat ratio calculated based on the past hot water supply history exceeds a predetermined value.

According to the hot water supply system described above, energy saving can be achieved by urging the user to save the light and heat cost.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Fig. 1 is a diagram schematically showing the configuration of a hot water supply system 2 according to an embodiment.
Fig. 2 is a diagram schematically showing a time period during which hot water supply is performed in a general household;
Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing a first heat pump operation process;
Fig. 4 is a flowchart showing a second heat pump operation process;
5 is a flowchart showing a hot water supply process.
6 is a diagram showing an example of display on the screen 112 of the user terminal 110;
Fig. 7 is a diagram showing another example of display on the screen 112 of the user terminal 110;
8 is a diagram illustrating an example of the advice text 124 displayed on the screen 112 of the user terminal 110 and its display conditions.
9 is a diagram illustrating another example of the advice text 124 displayed on the screen 112 of the user terminal 110 and its display conditions.

(Example)

As shown in FIG. 1 , the hot water supply system 2 according to the present embodiment includes a tank 10 , a tank water circulation path 20 , a tap water introduction path 30 , a supply path 40 , and a heat pump. 50 , a combustion device 60 , a controller 100 , and a user terminal 110 .

The heat pump 50 is a heat source that heats the water in the tank water circulation path 20 by absorbing heat from outside air, which is a natural environment. Although not shown, the heat pump 50 includes a refrigerant circulation path for circulating a refrigerant (alternative Freon, for example, R410A, etc.), an evaporator for performing heat exchange between the outside air and the refrigerant, and a compressor for compressing the refrigerant to high temperature and high pressure. and a condenser for performing heat exchange between the water in the tank water circulation path 20 and the high-temperature and high-pressure refrigerant, and an expansion valve for reducing the pressure of the refrigerant after heat exchange to low-temperature and low-pressure. In addition, the heat pump 50 is provided with an outdoor temperature sensor 52 for measuring the outdoor temperature.

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

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

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

The supply path 40 has an upstream end connected to the upper part of the tank 10 . A combustion device 60 is fitted in the supply passage 40 downstream of the connection portion with the second introduction passage 30b. In addition, the thermistor 44 is fitted in the supply path 40 on the downstream side of the combustion device 60 . The thermistor 44 measures the temperature of the supplied hot water. The combustion device 60 heats water by combustion of fuel gas. The combustion device 60 heats the water in the supply path 40 so that the temperature of the hot water measured by the thermistor 44 matches the hot water supply set temperature. The downstream end of the supply path 40 is connected to a hot water supply point (For example, hot water supply fronts, such as a kitchen and a shower, etc.). In addition, a hot water supply valve 46 for supplying hot water to the bathtub and a reheating device (not shown) for reheating the water in the bathtub after hot water supply are provided at the downstream end of the supply path 40 .

The controller 100 is electrically connected to each component and controls the operation of each component. A remote control (not shown) is connected to the controller 100 . The user of the hot water supply system 2 uses the remote control to set hot water supply temperature, which is the temperature of water supplied before hot water supply, bath set temperature, which is the temperature of water supplied to the bathtub, hot water supply completion time, which is the time when hot water supply to the bathtub is completed, and the bathtub. You can set the keep warm setting time, which is the time to keep the water supplied with hot water, set.

The user terminal 110 may communicate with the controller 100 wirelessly. The user terminal 110 is, for example, a smartphone in which a dedicated application for cooperation with the hot water supply system 2 is installed. The user terminal 110 may display various types of information related to the hot water supply system 2 . In addition, the user terminal 110 can accept various operation inputs related to the hot water supply system 2 .

Next, the operation of the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment will be described. The hot water supply system 2 can execute a boiling operation, a hot water supply operation, and a hot water supply operation. In this specification, both the hot water supply operation and the hot water supply operation of the hot water supply system 2 are referred to as hot water supply by the hot water supply system 2 . Hereinafter, each operation is demonstrated.

(boiling operation)

The boiling operation is an operation in which the water in the tank 10 is heated by the heat pump 50 . When execution of the boiling operation is instructed by the controller 100 , the heat pump 50 operates and the circulation pump 22 operates. When the circulation pump 22 operates, the water in the tank 10 circulates in the tank water circulation path 20 . That is, water existing in the lower part of the tank 10 is introduced into the tank water circulation path 20 , and when the introduced water passes through the heat exchanger in the heat pump 50 , it is heated by the heat of the refrigerant, and the heated water is heated in the tank. (10) is returned to the upper part. Accordingly, hot water is stored in the tank 10 . A layer of hot water is formed on the upper portion of the tank 10 , and a layer of low temperature water is formed on the lower portion of the tank 10 .

(hot water operation)

The hot water supply operation is an operation in which the water in the tank 10 is supplied to the hot water supply point. The hot water supply operation can be executed even during the boiling operation described above. When the hot water supply switch is opened at the hot water supply point, tap water flows into the lower part of the tank 10 from the tap water introduction passage 30 (first introduction passage 30a) by the water pressure from the tap water supply source 31 . At the same time, the hot water in the upper part of the tank 10 is supplied to the hot water supply point through the supply path 40 .

When the temperature of the water supplied from the tank 10 to the supply path 40 (that is, the measured temperature of the thermistor 12) is higher than the set temperature of the hot water supply, the controller 100 opens the mixing valve 42 to open the second introduction path. In (30b), tap water is introduced into the supply path (40). Accordingly, the water supplied from the tank 10 and the tap water supplied from the second introduction passage 30b are mixed in the supply passage 40 . The controller 100 adjusts the opening degree of the mixing valve 42 so that the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water supply point coincides with the hot water supply set temperature. On the other hand, the controller 100 operates the combustion device 60 when the temperature of the water supplied from the tank 10 to the supply path 40 is lower than the hot water supply set temperature. Accordingly, the water passing through the supply path 40 is heated by the combustion device 60 . The controller 100 controls the output of the combustion device 60 so that the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water supply point coincides with the hot water supply set temperature.

(hot water supply operation)

The hot water supply operation is an operation for supplying the water in the tank 10 to the bathtub. The hot water supply operation can be executed even during the boiling operation described above. When the hot water supply start time comes based on the hot water supply completion time set by the remote controller, the controller 100 opens the hot water supply valve 46 . Accordingly, in the same manner as in the hot water supply operation, water temperature adjusted to the bath set temperature is supplied to the bathtub.

(learning control of boiling operation)

2 is a diagram schematically showing a time period during which hot water supply is performed during a certain day. In addition, in this embodiment, 24 hours starting at 2:00 are used as a unit time for specifying a day.

In general, hot water supply is first performed, for example, between 6:00 and 7:00 (6:00 in the example of Fig. 2). The first hot water supply is, for example, a hot water supply for preparing breakfast or washing face. At the first hot water supply, about 5L to 20L of hot water is supplied. After that, for example, the second hot water supply is executed between 11:00 and 12:00 (11:00 in the example of Fig. 2). The second hot water supply is, for example, a hot water supply for preparing lunch. In the second hot water supply, about 5L to 20L of hot water is supplied. After that, for example, the third hot water supply is performed at 20:00 (20:00 in the example of Fig. 2). The third hot water supply operation is the hot water supply operation to the bathtub. In the hot water supply operation, about 150L to 180L of hot water is supplied. After that, for example, the last hot water supply is performed between 23:00 and 0:00 (approximately 23:00 in the example of Fig. 2). The last hot water supply is hot water for brushing teeth and the like, for example. At the last hot water supply, about 5L to 10L of hot water is supplied. The last hot water supply ends around 0:00.

In this embodiment, whenever hot water supply is executed, the controller 100 stores the hot water supply start time, hot water supply end time, and hot water consumption amount indicating the amount of hot water used for hot water supply as hot water use records. Further, whenever the heat pump 50 performs heating of water, the controller 100 stores the heating start time, the heating end time, and the power consumption by the heat pump 50 as power usage records. In addition, the controller 100 stores the time when heating is started, the time when heating is finished, and the amount of gas used in the combustion device 60 as gas usage records whenever heating of water by the combustion device 60 is performed. And the controller 100 stores the hot water supply history for one day, the electric power use record, and the gas use record as the hot water supply history for one day. In this embodiment, the controller 100 memorizes the hot water supply history for each day in the past predetermined period (for example, one month).

Next, the processing executed by the controller 100 every 24 hours (every time the time becomes 2:00) will be described. The controller 100 newly stores the hot water supply history of the previous day every 24 hours.

Next, the controller 100 specifies the earliest time among the times at which the first hot water supply is started (hot water supply start time) in the past 7 days from the hot water supply history for the past 7 days. Hereinafter, this time is called "hot water supply start time S1". For example, the controller 100 specifies 6:00 as the hot water supply start time S1 (refer to Fig. 2).

Further, the controller 100 specifies the earliest time among the times at which the hot water supply operation is started (the hot water supply start time) in the past 7 days from the operation history for the past 7 days. Hereinafter, this time is called "hot water supply start time B1". As described above, in this embodiment, it is preset to start the hot water supply operation at 20:00 every day. For example, the controller 100 specifies 20:00 as the hot water supply start time B1 (refer to FIG. 2).

In addition, the controller 100 specifies the latest time among the times at which the last hot water supply is finished (hot water supply end time) in the past 7 days from the driving history for the past 7 days. Hereinafter, this time is referred to as "hot water supply end time (G1)". For example, the controller 100 specifies 0:00 as the hot water supply end time G1 (refer to Fig. 2).

In addition, the controller 100 controls the first predetermined time (α), the second predetermined time (β), and the third predetermined time (γ) based on the temperature (TW, that is, the tap water temperature) measured by the thermistor 32 . to specify

As shown in FIG. 2 , when the temperature TW is 21° C. or higher, the controller 100 specifies “20 minutes” as the first predetermined time α. When the temperature TW is 13°C or more and less than 21°C, the controller 100 specifies “30 minutes” as the first predetermined time α. When the temperature TW is less than 13° C., the controller 100 specifies “45 minutes” as the first predetermined time α. The controller 100 specifies a shorter time as the first predetermined time α as the temperature TW is higher.

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

Similarly, as shown in FIG. 2 , when the temperature TW is 21° C. or higher, the controller 100 specifies “80 minutes” as the third predetermined time γ. When the temperature TW is 13°C or more and less than 21°C, the controller 100 specifies “50 minutes” as the third predetermined time γ. When the temperature TW is less than 13°C, the controller 100 specifies “40 minutes” as the third predetermined time γ. The controller 100 specifies a longer time as the third predetermined time γ, as the temperature TW is higher.

Next, the controller 100 specifies a first heat pump operation time S0, which is a time ahead of the specified first predetermined time α from the hot water supply start time S1. In the present embodiment, when the first heat pump operation time S0 arrives, the controller 100 starts a first heat pump operation process (see FIG. 3 ) to be described later.

In addition, the controller 100 specifies the second heat pump operation time B0, which is a time earlier than the hot water supply start time B1 by the specified second predetermined time β. In the present embodiment, when the second heat pump operation time B0 arrives, the controller 100 starts a second heat pump operation process (see FIG. 4 ) to be described later.

In addition, the controller 100 specifies the heat pump stop time G0, which is a time before the third predetermined time γ specified from the hot water supply end time G1. In the present embodiment, when the heat pump stop time G0 arrives, the controller 100 starts a heat pump stop process to be described later.

(1st heat pump operation process)

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

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

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

In S14, the controller 100 determines whether the temperature measured by the thermistor 24 (that is, the temperature of water calculated from the bottom of the tank 10 and before passing through the heat pump 50) is higher than a predetermined threshold value TB. judge

In this embodiment, the predetermined threshold value TB is "boiling set temperature -5 DEG C". The boiling set temperature is, for example, 47°C. Therefore, the predetermined threshold value TB is, for example, 42°C. When it is determined in S14 as YES, hot water having a temperature higher than the threshold TB (eg, 42° C.) is stored in the lower part of the tank 10 . That is, hot water close to the boiling set temperature is stored in the tank 10 in approximately the entirety. Hereinafter, such a state of the tank 10 may be referred to as a "full state". If it is determined in S14 as YES, the process proceeds to S18. On the other hand, if it is determined as NO in S14, the process proceeds to S16.

In S16 , the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50 . Moreover, the controller 100 rotates the circulation pump 22 . That is, the controller 100 starts the boiling operation. Accordingly, water existing in the lower part of the tank 10 is introduced into the tank water circulation path 20 , the introduced water is heated by the heat pump 50 , and the heated water is returned to the upper part of the tank 10 . lose Accordingly, hot water is stored in the tank 10 . In addition, when the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 are already operating at the time of S16, the controller 100 continues to operate the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22. As shown in FIG. When S16 is finished, it returns to S10, and the controller 100 determines whether the heat pump 50 is operating or not. In this case, the controller 100 determines YES in S10 and proceeds to S14. That is, after operating the heat pump 50 in S16, the controller 100 determines that the temperature measured by the thermistor 24 becomes higher than a predetermined threshold value TB (that is, the tank 10 is in full state). thing] is monitored. When the temperature measured by the thermistor 24 becomes higher than the predetermined threshold value TB (YES in S14), the process proceeds to S18.

In S18 , the controller 100 stops the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 . As described above, when it is determined YES in S12, it is because the amount of hot water required for the first hot water supply (the first hot water supply amount Q1, 30L) is already stored in the tank 10 . In addition, when it is judged as YES in S14, it is because the tank 10 is full, and the amount of hot water required for the first hot water supply (about 5L to 12L) is naturally stored in the tank 10. When S18 is finished, it returns to S10, and the controller 100 determines whether the heat pump 50 is operating or not. In this case, the controller 100 determines NO in S10 and proceeds to S12. That is, after stopping the heat pump 50 in S18, the controller 100 monitors that the temperature measured by the thermistor 16 becomes less than or equal to the predetermined threshold value TA (that is, it becomes NO in S12). . When the temperature measured by the thermistor 16 becomes equal to or less than the predetermined threshold value TA (NO in S12), the process proceeds to S14 again.

After starting the first heat pump operation process of FIG. 3 , when the first hot water supply operation is performed at a time near the hot water supply start time S1 , the hot water in the upper part of the tank 10 is directed to the hot water supply point through the supply path 40 . is supplied As described above, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, at the hot water supply start time S1 , the amount of hot water required for hot water supply can be stored in the tank 10 . That is, for the first predetermined time α, by operating the heat pump 50 only during that time, it is possible to store the amount of hot water required for hot water supply in the tank 10 at the hot water supply start time S1. It's time.

(Second heat pump operation processing)

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

In S32 , the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50 . Moreover, the controller 100 rotates the circulation pump 22 . That is, the controller 100 starts the boiling operation. In addition, when the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 are already operating at the time of S32, the controller 100 continues to operate the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22. As shown in FIG. When S32 is finished, the process proceeds to S34.

On the other hand, in S38, the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 are stopped. As described above, when it is determined YES in S30, the tank 10 is in the full state. For this reason, it is no longer necessary to operate the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 . When S38 is finished, the process proceeds to S34.

In S34, the controller 100 determines whether or not the hot water supply start time B1 has arrived. If it is determined in S34 as YES, the process proceeds to S36 to start the hot water supply process (refer to FIG. 5). On the other hand, if NO in S34, the flow returns to S30.

In this embodiment, when the hot water of the boiling set temperature is not sufficiently stored in the tank 10 at the time when the second heat pump operation process of FIG. 4 is started, after operating the heat pump 50 in S32 above , the hot water supply start time B1 arrives before the tank 10 enters the full state (YES in S34). That is, in this embodiment, when the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50 at the second heat pump operation time B0 (S32), at the hot water supply start time B1, the thermistor 24 is measured The second predetermined time β is specified so that the temperature to be performed becomes less than the predetermined threshold value TB.

(Hot water supply treatment)

As described above, when the hot water supply start time B1 arrives, in S36, the controller 100 starts the hot water supply process. 5 is a flowchart showing the contents of the hot water supply process. Also, in the present embodiment, an example in which the hot water supply process is automatically started when the hot water supply start time B1 arrives will be described, but in the modified example, when a predetermined hot water supply start operation is performed by the user, the hot water supply You may start processing.

In S50 of FIG. 5 , the controller 100 starts the hot water supply operation. That is, the controller 100 opens the hot water supply valve 46 of the bathtub to start the supply of hot water to the bathtub. Next, in S52 , the controller 100 determines whether the heat pump 50 is operating or not. As described above, when the tank 10 is not in the full state when the hot water supply start time B1 arrives, the heat pump 50 continues to operate. In that case, the controller 100 determines YES in S52, and proceeds to S58. On the other hand, when the tank 10 is in the full state when the hot water supply start time B1 arrives, the heat pump 50 is stopped. In that case, the controller 100 determines NO in S52, and proceeds to S54.

In S54, the controller 100 monitors that the temperature measured by the thermistor 16 becomes equal to or less than a predetermined threshold value TA. If YES in S54, the flow proceeds to S56. If YES in S54, it means that as a result of the hot water supply operation, the amount of hot water stored in the tank 10 (hot water at a temperature higher than the threshold value TA) remains and is reduced to 30L or less. In S56 , the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50 and rotates the circulation pump 22 .

In the subsequent S58, the controller 100 monitors that the temperature measured by the thermistor 12 (that is, the water temperature at the position 6L from the top of the tank 10) becomes the bath preset temperature or less. If it is determined in S58 as YES, it means that the amount of hot water (hot water at a temperature higher than the bath set temperature) stored in the tank 10 remains and is reduced to 6L or less. Hereinafter, this state may be called a "hot water exhaustion state". In this embodiment, in the hot water supply operation, 150L to 180L of hot water is required. As described above, in the present embodiment, since the capacity of the tank 10 is 100L, the hot water exhausted state (YES in S58) always occurs during the hot water supply operation. If it is determined in S58 as YES (that is, in the case of running out of hot water), the process proceeds to S60.

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

Next, in S62, the controller 100 monitors that the hot water supply operation is completed. When a predetermined amount (for example, 150 L) of hot water is supplied to the bathtub, the controller 100 determines YES in S62 and proceeds to S64.

In S64, the controller 100 stops the combustion device 60 operated in S60. Also in this case, the controller 100 continues to operate the heat pump 50 and the circulation pump 22 for a predetermined period of time. When S64 is finished, the hot water supply process of FIG. 5 is finished. At the same time, the processing of Fig. 4 is also ended. As described above, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, at the hot water supply start time B1, a portion of hot water required for hot water supply can be stored in the tank 10. That is, the second predetermined time β is a time during which it is possible to store the required amount of hot water in the tank 10 at the hot water supply start time B1 by operating the heat pump 50 only during that time. am.

In addition, as described above, when the controller 100 operates the heat pump 50 at the second heat pump operation time B0 (S32), at the hot water supply start time B1, the thermistor 24 measures The second predetermined time β is specified so that the temperature to be performed becomes less than the predetermined threshold value TB. Therefore, if the tank 10 is not in the full state when the hot water supply start time B1 arrives, even after starting the supply of hot water to the bathtub (S50 in FIG. 5), the heat pump 50 It continues to operate (YES in S52 of FIG. 5). In this case, hot water can be supplied to the bathtub while heating water with the heat pump 50 and storing it in the tank 10 . On the other hand, when the heat pump 50 is stopped at the hot water supply start time B1 (NO in S52 in Fig. 5), it is necessary to operate the heat pump 50 again later, which takes time (Fig. 5). S56). In addition, when the heat pump 50 continues to operate at the hot water supply start time B1 (YES in S52 in FIG. 5), at the hot water supply start time B1, the heat pump 50 Compared with the case where it is stopped (NO in S52 in FIG. 5 ), it is possible to suppress frequent stopping and restarting of the heat pump 50 . That is, it is possible to increase energy efficiency by reducing losses due to the stop and restart of the heat pump 50 , and also to suppress a decrease in durability of the heat pump 50 .

(Heat pump stop treatment)

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

In addition, in the above, the controller 100 may specify as the hot water supply start time S1 the average time of the hot water supply start times in the past 7 days from the hot water supply history for the past 7 days. Similarly, the controller 100 may specify, as the hot water supply start time B1, the average time of the hot water supply start times in the past 7 days from the hot water supply history for the past 7 days. Further, the controller 100 may specify, as the hot water supply end time G1, the average time of the hot water supply end times in the past 7 days from the hot water supply history for the past 7 days.

In the above, if the controller 100 specifies a shorter time as the temperature TW increases, the method is not limited to the above method, and the first predetermined time α may be specified by any method. Therefore, for example, the controller 100 may calculate the first predetermined time α by performing a predetermined calculation using the temperature TW. Similarly, the controller 100 may specify the second predetermined time β by any method as long as the shorter time is specified as the temperature TW increases. In addition, the controller 100 may specify the third predetermined time γ by any method as long as the longer time is specified as the temperature TW increases.

In the above, the controller 100 performs the first predetermined time α and the second predetermined time β based on the outside air temperature measured by the outdoor temperature sensor 52 instead of the water temperature TW measured by the thermistor 32 . ), the third predetermined time γ may be specified. In addition, the controller 100 is configured for a first predetermined time (α), a second predetermined time (β), and a third predetermined time based on the water temperature measured by the thermistor 32 and the outside air temperature measured by the outdoor temperature sensor 52 . (γ) may be specified.

(Comparison display of actual data and standard data)

As shown in Fig. 6, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, in the user terminal 110, the standard hot water supply pattern for each time period and the actual hot water supply pattern for each time period can be displayed in a contrastable manner. In the example shown in FIG. 6, a graph of electricity consumption, gas consumption, and hot water consumption by standard time period on the screen 112 of the user terminal 110 (116, displayed together with the label "standard" in FIG. 6) and , graphs of the actual electricity consumption, gas consumption, and hot water consumption by time period 114 (displayed together with the label “you” in FIG. 6 ) are arranged vertically and displayed. In the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, the user terminal 110 obtains, from the controller 100, the hot water supply history for each day in the past predetermined period (for example, one month), and in each time zone, By calculating the average value of electricity consumption, gas consumption, and hot water consumption, the actual hot water supply pattern for each time period is memorized. In addition, the user terminal 110 stores the standard hot water supply pattern for each time period by downloading it from a database (not shown) via the Internet, for example. The user of the hot water supply system 2 sees and compares the graph 116 of the standard hot water supply pattern for each time period and the graph 114 of the actual hot water supply pattern for each time period through the user terminal 110, thereby making his/her own hot water supply pattern. to understand the characteristics of and how to improve one's own hot water supply pattern in order to save energy. In addition, a process of calculating an average value of electricity consumption, gas consumption, and hot water supply consumption in each time period from the hot water supply history of each day in the past predetermined period, and a process of storing the actual hot water supply pattern for each time period; The processing of storing the standard hot water supply pattern for each time period may be executed by the controller 100 instead of the user terminal 110 .

In addition, as for the standard hot water supply pattern for each time period, it may be possible to select one suitable for the user of the hot water supply system 2 from among a plurality of hot water supply patterns. For example, as a standard hot water supply pattern for each time period, a plurality of hot water supply patterns corresponding to the number of members in the user's household, residential area, season, etc. are prepared, and the user selects a hot water supply pattern suitable for himself from among the plurality of hot water supply patterns in the user terminal 110 . The user terminal 110 may be configured so that selection is possible.

(display advice)

As shown in FIG. 7 , in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, it is possible to display advice to the user of the hot water supply system 2 in the user terminal 110 . In the example shown in FIG. 7 , the light-to-heat ratio ( 118 (indicated together with the label "Gas only" in Fig. 7) and the light-to-heat ratio (120, Fig. 7) when hot water is supplied by using a combination of the heat pump 50 and the combustion device 60 in a standard hot water supply pattern is displayed together with the label "Standard"), and the light-to-heat ratio (122, displayed together with the label "You" in FIG. 7) in the actual hot water supply pattern. Advice 124 is displayed at the bottom.

As shown in FIGS. 8 and 9 , a plurality of advice texts 124 and display conditions of the advice texts 124 are stored in association with the user terminal 110 . The user terminal 110 determines whether the related display condition is satisfied for each advice text 124 , and displays the advice text 124 satisfying all the display conditions on the screen 112 . In addition, in FIGS. 8 and 9, the "standard heat and heat ratio", "standard hot water supply consumption", "standard hot water supply amount", and "standard hot water supply frequency" in FIGS. and the number of times of hot water use.

As shown in No. 1 of FIG. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, when the hot water supply set temperature is a predetermined temperature (for example, 43 ° C.) or more, the user terminal 110 lowers the hot water supply set temperature. Advice 124 to the effect that the saving of light and heat costs is possible is displayed.

As shown in No. 2 of FIG. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, when the bath set temperature is higher than a predetermined temperature (for example, 43° C.), the user terminal 110 lowers the bath set temperature. Advice 124 to the effect that the saving of light and heat costs is possible is displayed.

As shown in No. 3 of FIG. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, when the heat retention setting time is longer than a predetermined time (for example, 4 hours), the user terminal 110 responds to shortening the heat retention setting time. Advice 124 to the effect that the energy and heat cost can be saved by the display is displayed.

As shown in No. 4 of Fig. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, when the following three conditions are satisfied, it is possible to save electricity and electricity costs by reducing the deviation between the hot water supply start time and the hot water supply end time. of the advice 124 is displayed.

(1) This month's light-to-heat ratio is equal to or greater than the standard multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05).

(2) In the hot water supply start time of the past predetermined period (for example, 7 days), the time difference between the earliest time and the latest time is a predetermined time difference (for example, 2 hours) or more.

(3) In the hot water supply end time of the past predetermined period (for example, 7 days), the time difference between the earliest time and the latest time is a predetermined time difference (for example, 2 hours) or more.

As shown in No. 5 of Fig. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, when the following three conditions are satisfied, it is possible to save electricity and electricity costs by reducing the deviation of the hot water supply start time to an early time. of the advice 124 is displayed.

(1) This month's light-to-heat ratio is equal to or greater than the standard multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05).

(2) In the hot water supply start time of the past predetermined period (for example, 7 days), the time difference between the earliest time and the latest time is a predetermined time difference (for example, 2 hours) or more.

(3) In the hot water supply start time of the past predetermined period (for example, 7 days), the earliest time is before the predetermined time (for example, 5:00).

As shown in No. 6 of Fig. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, when the following three conditions are satisfied, it is possible to save electricity and electricity costs by reducing the deviation of the hot water supply end time to a later time. of the advice 124 is displayed.

(1) This month's light-to-heat ratio is equal to or greater than the standard multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05).

(2) In the hot water supply end time of the past predetermined period (for example, 7 days), the time difference between the earliest time and the latest time is a predetermined time difference (for example, 2 hours) or more.

(3) In the hot water supply end time of the past predetermined period (for example, 7 days), the latest time is after the predetermined time (for example, 24:00).

As shown in No. 7 of Fig. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, when the following two conditions are satisfied, the light-to-heat ratio is reduced by reducing the variation in the amount of hot water supply from the hot water supply start time to the hot water supply start time. Advice 124 to the effect of saving is displayed.

(1) This month's light-to-heat ratio is equal to or greater than the standard multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05).

(2) With respect to the amount of hot water used from the start time of hot water supply for a predetermined period (for example, 7 days) in the past to before the start of hot water supply, the difference between the amount of consumption on the largest day and the amount of consumption on the smallest day is a predetermined amount (for example, 30 L) or more am.

As shown in No. 8 of Fig. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, when the following two conditions are satisfied, the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water supply start time to the hot water supply start time is reduced, thereby saving light and heat costs. Advice 124 to the effect that this is possible is displayed.

(1) This month's light-to-heat ratio is equal to or greater than the standard multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05).

(2) The amount of hot water consumption from the start time of hot water supply to the start of hot water supply for a predetermined period in the past (eg, 7 days) is equal to or greater than the value obtained by multiplying the standard hot water consumption by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.10).

As shown in No. 9 of FIG. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, when the following two conditions are satisfied, an advice 124 to the effect that the energy cost can be saved by reducing the hot water supply amount indicate

(1) This month's light-to-heat ratio is equal to or greater than the standard multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05).

(2) The amount of hot water supplied in the past for a predetermined period (for example, 7 days) is equal to or greater than the value obtained by multiplying the standard amount of hot water supplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.10).

As shown in No. 10 of Fig. 8, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, when the following two conditions are satisfied, the consumption of hot water supply from the end of hot water supply to the end time of hot water supply is reduced, thereby saving light and heat costs. Advice 124 to the effect that this is possible is displayed.

(1) This month's light-to-heat ratio is equal to or greater than the standard multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05).

(2) The amount of hot water consumption from the end of the hot water supply to the end time of the hot water supply for a predetermined period (eg, 7 days) in the past is greater than or equal to the value obtained by multiplying the standard hot water consumption by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.10).

As shown in No. 11 of Fig. 9, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, in the hot water supply start time of the past predetermined period (for example, 7 days), the time difference between the earliest time and the latest time is predetermined. When the time difference (for example, 3 hours) or more is greater, the advice text 124 to the effect that it is possible to save light and heat costs by reducing the variation in bathing time is displayed.

As shown in No. 12 of Fig. 9, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, when the following two conditions are satisfied, an advice letter to the effect that energy and heat costs can be saved by reducing the number of times of hot water use in the morning ( 124) is indicated.

(1) This month's light-to-heat ratio is equal to or greater than the standard multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05).

(2) The number of times of morning hot water use in the past predetermined period (for example, 7 days) is equal to or greater than the value obtained by multiplying the standard number of times of morning hot water use by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.15).

As shown in No. 13 of Fig. 9, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, when the following two conditions are satisfied, an advisory statement to the effect that the cost of electricity can be saved by reducing the number of times of hot water use in the afternoon ( 124) is indicated.

(1) This month's light-to-heat ratio is equal to or greater than the standard multiplied by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05).

(2) The number of times of afternoon hot water use in the past for a predetermined period (for example, 7 days) is equal to or greater than the value obtained by multiplying the standard number of times of afternoon hot water use by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.15).

As shown in No. 14 of Fig. 9, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, when the light-to-heat ratio for this month is equal to or greater than the value obtained by multiplying the standard light-to-heat ratio by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 1.05), saving of the light and heat cost Advice 124 to the effect of urging is displayed.

As shown in No. 15 of Fig. 9, in the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment, when the light-to-heat ratio for this month is less than or equal to the value obtained by multiplying the standard light-to-heat ratio by a predetermined coefficient (for example, 0.95), the saving of the light-to-heat cost is The advice 124 to the effect that it has been sufficiently executed is displayed.

As described above, the hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment includes a tank 10 for storing water, a heat pump 50 for heating water by absorbing heat from the natural environment, and a tank 10 and a heat pump 50 . A circulation pump 22 (corresponding to circulation means) for circulating water therebetween, a controller 100 , and a user terminal 110 capable of communicating with the controller 100 are provided. The controller 100 can perform a boiling operation in which water is heated by the heat pump 50 while circulating water between the tank 10 and the heat pump 50 by the circulation pump 22 . The controller 100 is capable of storing a history of past hot water supply of the hot water supply system 2 . The user terminal 110 may calculate an actual hot water supply pattern for each time period based on the past hot water supply history of the hot water supply system 2 . The hot water supply pattern by time period includes electricity consumption by time period and hot water supply consumption by time period. As shown in FIG. 6 , the user terminal 110 is configured to present a standard hot water supply pattern for each time period and an actual hot water supply pattern for each time period to the user so that it can be contrasted.

The hot water supply system 2 of this embodiment is further provided with the combustion device 60 which heats water by combustion of fuel gas. As shown in FIG. 6 , the hot water supply pattern for each time period further includes a gas consumption amount for each time period.

8 and 9, in the hot water supply system 2 of the present embodiment, the user terminal 110 advises the user when the light-to-heat ratio calculated based on the past hot water supply history exceeds a predetermined value. is designed to present.

As mentioned above, although the Example of this invention was described in detail, these are only an illustration and do not limit a claim. The technology described in the claims includes various modifications and changes to the specific examples exemplified above.

The technical elements described in the present specification or drawings exhibit technical usefulness alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technique illustrated in this specification or drawing is a thing which can achieve a plurality of objectives simultaneously, and has technical usefulness by achieving one objective of them.

2: hot water supply system 10: tank
12: thermistor 14: thermistor
16: thermistor 18: thermistor
20: tank water circuit 22: circulation pump
24: thermistor 30: tap water inlet
30a: first introduction passage 30b: second introduction passage
31: tap water supply 32: thermistor
40: supply path 42: mixing valve
44: thermistor 46: hot water supply valve
50: heat pump 52: outdoor temperature sensor
60: combustion device 100: controller
110: user terminal 112: screen
114: graph 116: graph
118: light-to-heat ratio 120: light-to-heat ratio
122: heat ratio 124: advice

Claims (3)

hot water system,
a tank for storing water;
A heat pump that heats water by absorbing heat from the natural environment;
circulation means for circulating water between the tank and the heat pump;
controller and
Equipped with a user terminal capable of communicating with the controller,
The controller is capable of executing a boiling operation of heating water by means of a heat pump while circulating water between the tank and the heat pump by means of a circulation means;
The controller can memorize the history of past hot water supply in the hot water supply system,
It is possible for the user terminal or controller to memorize the standard time zone hot water supply pattern,
It is possible for the user terminal or controller to calculate the actual hot water supply pattern for each time period based on the past hot water supply history of the hot water supply system,
The hot water supply pattern by time period includes electricity consumption by time period and hot water supply consumption by time period,
The user terminal is configured to present a standard hot water supply pattern for each time period and an actual hot water supply pattern for each time period to the user so that it can be contrasted. The method according to claim 1,
A combustion device for heating water by combustion of fuel gas is further provided,
Hot water supply system, characterized in that the hot water supply pattern for each time period further includes the gas consumption for each time period.
The method according to claim 1 or 2,
The user terminal is configured to provide advice to the user when the light-to-heat ratio calculated based on the past hot water supply history exceeds a predetermined value.

Images