WO2018109913A1

WO2018109913A1 - Pipe abnormality detection system, pipe abnormality detection method and program

Info

Publication number: WO2018109913A1
Application number: PCT/JP2016/087434
Authority: WO
Inventors: 赳弘古谷野; 正樹豊島
Original assignee: 三菱電機株式会社
Priority date: 2016-12-15
Filing date: 2016-12-15
Publication date: 2018-06-21
Also published as: JP6785879B2; EP3557154A4; EP3557154A1; JPWO2018109913A1; EP3557154B1

Abstract

This pipe abnormality detection system (100) is provided with: a pipe (110) which has an inlet (111) through which water in a bathtub (200) flows in, and an outlet (112) through which water flows out to the bathtub (200); a pump (121) which circulates the water between the pipe (110) and the bathtub (200); a pressure detection sensor (122) which detects the internal pressure of the pipe (110); and an output device (150) which outputs a signal indicating that an abnormality of the pipe (110) has been detected when at least one among a difference between the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor (122) when the pump (121) is stopped and the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor (122) when the pump (121) is operating, and the rate of change in the difference with respect to the number of rotations of the pump (121), deviates from a predetermined range.

Description

Piping abnormality detection system, piping abnormality detection method and program

The present invention relates to a piping abnormality detection system, a piping abnormality detection method, and a program.

In recent years, hot water supply devices have become more sophisticated, and it has become possible not only to generate hot water, but also to adjust the hot water temperature to an appropriate temperature and to fill the bathtub with an appropriate amount of hot water. In addition, by transporting hot water in the bathtub with a pump and exchanging heat with the hot water previously stored, the hot water in the bathtub can be replenished and heat can be recovered from the hot water in the bathtub. A hot water supply system has also appeared.

With the increase in functionality of the hot water supply apparatus as described above, the functional parts constituting the hot water supply apparatus are increasing and the cost is increasing. For example, a water level sensor that detects the water level in the bathtub is used to achieve an appropriate amount of hot water filling the bathtub. In addition, a flow switch is used to detect hot water conveyed by the pump when the pump is operated.

Therefore, proposals have been made to make the hot water supply apparatus have a simple configuration (see, for example, Patent Document 1). Conventionally, it has been determined whether or not there is hot water in the bathtub using a flow switch. However, in Patent Document 1, the above determination is performed using a water level sensor. Thereby, even if the hot water supply apparatus is configured without the flow switch, the above determination can be performed.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 9-49659

However, in addition to the above determination, the flow switch may be used to detect an abnormality occurring in the piping. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, since no consideration is given to detecting an abnormality in a pipe with a hot water supply apparatus configured without a flow switch, it is difficult to detect an abnormality in the pipe without using a flow switch. There was a risk of becoming.

The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to detect an abnormality in piping without using a flow switch.

In order to achieve the above object, the piping abnormality detection system of the present invention circulates water between a pipe having an inlet for allowing water in the bathtub and an outlet for discharging water to the bathtub, and between the pipe and the bathtub. A pump, detection means for detecting the pressure inside the pipe, and the difference between the pressure detected by the detection means when the pump is stopped and the pressure detected by the detection means when the pump is operating And an output means for outputting a signal indicating that an abnormality of the pipe is detected when at least one of the change rate of the difference with respect to the rotational speed of the pump is out of a predetermined range.

According to the present invention, at least one of the difference between the pressure inside the pipe when the pump is stopped and the pressure inside the pipe when the pump is operating and the rate of change of this difference are If it is out of the defined range, a signal indicating that an abnormality of the pipe has been detected is output. Thereby, the abnormality of piping can be detected without using a flow switch.

The figure which shows the structure of the piping abnormality detection system which concerns on Embodiment 1. FIG. The figure which shows the hardware constitutions of the control device The figure which shows the functional structure of a control apparatus The figure which shows the relationship between the rotation speed of the pump which concerns on Embodiment 1, and detected pressure. The flowchart which shows the piping abnormality detection process which concerns on Embodiment 1. Flow chart showing piping abnormality detection processing according to Embodiment 2 The figure which shows the relationship between the rotation speed of the pump which concerns on Embodiment 2, and a pressure difference. The figure which shows the structure of the piping abnormality detection system which concerns on Embodiment 3. The figure which shows the relationship between the rotation speed of the pump which concerns on Embodiment 3, and detected pressure. Flow chart showing piping abnormality detection processing according to Embodiment 3 The figure for demonstrating the case where it replaces with the pressure difference which concerns on Embodiment 3, and uses the change rate

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. Hereinafter, hot water, high temperature water and hot water, and low temperature water and cold water are collectively referred to as water. Hot water, hot water and hot water are, for example, water obtained by heating city water, or water having a temperature higher than 36 ° C., which is a standard body temperature of a person. The low-temperature water and the cold water are, for example, water obtained without heating city water or water having a temperature of 36 ° C. or less.

Embodiment 1 FIG.
FIG. 1 shows a piping abnormality detection system 100 according to the first embodiment. The piping abnormality detection system 100 is a heat pump hot water supply system that supplies hot water obtained by heating city water supplied from a water supply port 101 from a hot water supply port 102 to replenish water in the bathtub 200. In FIG. 1, a thick solid line indicates a water pipe.

The water supply port 101 is supplied with, for example, city water, clean water, well water, or water uniquely prepared by the user of the piping abnormality detection system 100. The hot water outlet 102 is, for example, a faucet, a currant, or a shower head installed in a kitchen or a bathroom. FIG. 1 shows a shower head as an example of the hot water supply port 102. The hot water supplied from the hot water supply port 102 is also used for hot water supply to the bathtub 200.

Also, the piping abnormality detection system 100 detects an abnormality in the water distribution pipe by using the pressure detection sensor 122 instead of the flow switch. The abnormality of the water distribution pipe detected by the pipe abnormality detection system 100 is, for example, an abnormality caused by crushing of the water distribution pipe or clogging by a blocking object, and the narrowing of the pipe 110 connecting the pipe abnormality detection system 100 and the bathtub 200. And obstruction. In addition, abnormalities in the water distribution pipe may include clogging of a filter disposed inside the water distribution pipe, precipitation or precipitation of components dissolved in water, and corrosion of the water distribution pipe.

The piping abnormality detection system 100 includes a piping 110 for circulating water in the bathtub 200, a pump 121 that transports water in the piping 110, a pressure detection sensor 122 that detects the pressure inside the piping 110, and the bathtub 200. A heat exchanger 123 that exchanges heat between water and the water in the hot water storage tank 130, a hot water storage tank 130 for storing high-temperature water, a three-way valve 131 that switches a flow path connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 130, A pump 132 for circulating water in the hot water storage tank 130, a four-way valve 133 for switching a flow path connected to the discharge port of the pump 132, a heat pump unit 134 for heating the water in the hot water storage tank 130, and an upper portion of the hot water storage tank 130 The mixing valve 135 that mixes the high-temperature water taken from the water and the water supplied from the water supply port 101 and the configuration of the piping abnormality detection system 100 A control unit 140 for controlling an output device 150 for outputting a signal indicating the detection of the abnormality of the pipe 110, and a notification device 160 for notifying an abnormality of the piping 110 to the user.

The pipe 110 has an inflow port 111 through which water of the bathtub 200 flows in and an outflow port 112 through which water flows out of the bathtub 200, and forms a circulation path for circulating the water of the bathtub 200. The pipe 110 may be configured using a tube or a pipe.

The pump 121 is a spiral pump or a diffuser pump configured to include a motor and a gear, for example. The pump 121 is disposed at a predetermined position of the pipe 110. The pump 121 according to the present embodiment is disposed between the inlet 111 and the pressure detection sensor 122. That is, the pump 121 is arranged on the upstream side of the pressure detection sensor 122. The pump 121 circulates water between the pipe 110 and the bathtub 200 by operating at the number of revolutions instructed from the control device 140. Specifically, the pump 121 has an inverter circuit as a drive device, and changes the drive rotation speed in accordance with the control value instructed by the control signal transmitted from the control device 140, so that the water when the water is transported is changed. Change the flow rate. In FIG. 1, the direction of the water flow generated when the pump 121 is operated is indicated by white arrows.

The pressure detection sensor 122 is disposed at a specific position of the pipe 110. The pressure detection sensor 122 according to the present embodiment is disposed between the pump 121 and the heat exchanger 123. That is, the pressure detection sensor 122 is disposed downstream of the pump 121 and upstream of the heat exchanger 123. The pressure detection sensor 122 is used as a water level sensor that detects the water level of the water stored in the bathtub 200 by detecting the pressure of the water in the pipe 110. Further, the pressure detection sensor 122 is used to detect an abnormality in the pipe 110. The pressure detection sensor 122 has a gauge pressure detection area on both the positive pressure side and the negative pressure side, but in the present embodiment, the positive pressure detection area is wider.

Note that, in the pipe 110, the first pipe portion 113 is from the inlet 111 to a specific position where the pressure detection sensor 122 is disposed, and the second pipe portion is from the specific position to the outlet 112 in the pipe 110. 114. The 1st piping part 113 is a return piping which returns water from a bathtub, and the 2nd piping part 114 is an outward piping which sends out the water which goes to a bathtub.

The heat exchanger 123 is disposed at a predetermined position of the pipe 110. The heat exchanger 123 according to the present embodiment is disposed between the pressure detection sensor 122 and the outlet 112. That is, the heat exchanger 123 is arranged on the downstream side of the pressure detection sensor 122. A water distribution pipe for circulating the water in the hot water storage tank 130 passes through the primary side of the heat exchanger 123, and a pipe 110 passes through the secondary side of the heat exchanger 123. The heat exchanger 123 performs heat exchange between the water in the bathtub 200 and the high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 130 and is used to refill the water in the bathtub 200. The heat exchanger 123 may recover the heat from the hot water in the bathtub 200 and heat the water in the hot water storage tank 130.

The hot water storage tank 130 is formed of a metal typified by stainless steel or a resin. The hot water storage tank 130 stores high-temperature water generated by the heat pump unit 134. The surface of the hot water storage tank 130 is covered with a heat insulating material, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank 130 is kept warm for a long time. The lower part of the hot water storage tank 130 is connected to the water supply port 101 through a water distribution pipe, and low temperature water is appropriately supplied from this water distribution pipe.

Also, the lower part of the hot water storage tank 130 is connected to the three-way valve 131 through a water pipe. The three-way valve 131 switches the flow path connected to the suction port of the pump 132 to either one of the lower part of the hot water storage tank 130 and the primary side outlet of the heat exchanger 123 according to the instruction of the control device 140. More specifically, when a boiling operation for boiling water in the hot water storage tank 130 is executed, the three-way valve 131 includes a suction port of the pump 132 and a lower portion of the hot water storage tank 130 as indicated by a solid line arrow in FIG. To form a flow path connecting the two. Further, when the water replenishment operation of the bathtub 200 is executed, the three-way valve 131 connects the suction port of the pump 132 and the primary side outlet of the heat exchanger 123 as indicated by the broken line arrow in FIG. A flow path to be connected is formed.

Also, the lower part of the hot water storage tank 130 is connected to the four-way valve 133 via a water pipe. The four-way valve 133 forms a first flow path that connects the discharge port of the heat pump unit 134 and the upper part of the hot water storage tank 130 according to the instruction of the control device 140, and the discharge port of the pump 132 and the lower part of the hot water storage tank 130. Or a second flow path connecting the two. Specifically, the four-way valve 133 forms a first flow path as indicated by the solid line arrow when the boiling operation is performed, and a broken line arrow when the reheating operation is performed. A second flow path is formed as shown. When the first flow path is formed, the second flow path is not closed, and when the second flow path is formed, the first flow path is closed. Not formed.

The heat pump unit 134 is a device that heats water by circulating a refrigerant typified by CO2 or HFC (Hydro Fluoro Carbons) in accordance with an instruction from the control device 140. The heat pump unit 134 includes a compressor, a first heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and water, an expansion valve, and a second heat exchanger that exchanges heat between outside air and the refrigerant. A refrigerant circuit that is connected in order, a blower that blows air to the second heat exchanger, a temperature sensor that measures the temperature of the refrigerant, water, or outside air, and a control board that controls the components of the heat pump unit 134 Have. The rotation speed of the compressor, the opening degree of the expansion valve, and the rotation speed of the blower are in accordance with control values indicated by the control signal transmitted from the control device 140.

The mixing valve 135 is connected to the water supply port 101, the upper part of the hot water storage tank 130, and the hot water supply port 102. The mixing valve 135 mixes the high temperature water taken from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 130 and the low temperature water supplied from the water supply port 101 at a mixing ratio according to the instruction of the control device 140, and mixes the mixed water with the hot water supply port. 102.

The control device 140 is a computer built in the piping abnormality detection system 100. The control device 140 is communicably connected to a terminal 210 outside the piping abnormality detection system 100, and controls each component of the piping abnormality detection system 100 as a hot water supply system in accordance with the user operation received by the terminal 210. To do. Then, the control device 140 performs a boiling operation and a reheating operation. In addition, the control device 140 adjusts the mixing ratio of the mixing valve 135 so that hot water having a temperature desired by the user is discharged from the hot water supply port 102, and fills the bathtub 200 with an appropriate amount of hot water from the hot water supply port 102. Execute. Furthermore, the control device 140 causes the terminal 210 to display an operation state or an operation screen of the piping abnormality detection system 100 as a hot water supply system. Further, when the control device 140 detects an abnormality in the pipe 110, the control device 140 outputs a detection result to the output device 150.

As shown in FIG. 2, the control device 140 has a processor 141, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 142, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 143, a data storage unit 144, and a communication unit 145 as shown in FIG. 2. And have. The RAM 142, ROM 143, data storage unit 144, and communication unit 145 are connected to the processor 141 via the internal bus 146.

The processor 141 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro Processing Unit). The processor 141 exhibits various functions by executing a program 149 stored in the data storage unit 144.

RAM 142 loads program 149 from data storage unit 144. The RAM 142 is used as a work area for the processor 141. The ROM 143 stores a plurality of firmware or data used when executing these firmwares.

The data storage unit 144 is a non-volatile non-transitory recording medium represented by an EEPROM (Electrically-Erasable-Programmable-Read-Only Memory), a flash memory, and a hard disk drive. The data storage unit 144 stores a program 149 for controlling the operation of the piping abnormality detection system 100 and data used by the processor 141 when the program 149 is executed. Data used when executing the program 149 is switched by the operation mode of the piping abnormality detection system 100, the start / stop and rotation speed of the

pumps

121 and 132, the operation state of the heat pump unit 134, and the three-way valve 131 and the four-way valve 133. Data indicating a correspondence relationship between the flow path and the mixing ratio by the mixing valve 135, and a threshold value as a parameter used for processing to be described later are included.

The communication unit 145 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card Controller) for performing wired communication or wireless communication. The communication unit 145 is communicably connected to the terminal 210, the

pumps

121 and 132, the heat pump unit 134, the three-way valve 131, the four-way valve 133, and the mixing valve 135.

Various functions of the control device 140 are realized by the cooperation of the above hardware configuration of the control device 140. FIG. 3 shows a functional configuration of the control device 140. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 140 has a UI (User 各 Interface) module 31 for receiving information from the user and presenting information to the user, and each configuration of the piping abnormality detection system 100 as functions thereof. An acquisition module 32 that acquires data from the elements, an execution module 33 that executes each operation mode of the pipe abnormality detection system 100 as a hot water supply system, and a determination module 34 that determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the pipe 110. Have.

The UI module 31 executes user interface processing via the terminal 210 and the output device 150. That is, the UI module 31 receives a user operation input to the terminal 210. Also, the UI module 31 transmits information to the terminal 210 and the output device 150, and displays the information on the terminal 210 or informs the notification device 160. This information includes, for example, information indicating the operation state of the hot water supply system.

The acquisition module 32 acquires the operation state of the heat pump unit 134, the measurement value by a temperature sensor (not shown), and the detection value of the pressure detection sensor 122 at regular intervals, and the

pumps

121 and 132 from the drive devices of the

pumps

121 and 132. Data indicating the driving state is acquired. The fixed time is, for example, 5 seconds, 30 seconds, or 1 minute. Various data acquired by the acquisition module 32 is accumulated in the data storage unit 144 (see FIG. 2).

The execution module 33 reads the control target value corresponding to the operation mode selected by the user from the data storage unit 144 (see FIG. 2), and executes the boiling operation, the reheating operation, or the hot water operation.

In FIG. 1, the direction of water flow when the boiling operation is performed is indicated by solid arrows. As indicated by a solid line arrow, in the boiling operation, a boiling circuit is formed between the hot water storage tank 130 and the heat pump unit 134. That is, the low temperature water flowing out from the lower part of the hot water storage tank 130 is transported by the pump 132 and heated by the heat pump unit 134 to become high temperature water and returned to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 130.

Further, in FIG. 1, the direction of water flow when the reheating operation is executed is indicated by a broken line arrow. As indicated by the dashed arrows, a circulation path is formed between the hot water storage tank 130 and the heat exchanger 123 in the reheating operation. That is, the hot water flowing out from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 130 when the pump 132 is operated passes through the primary side of the heat exchanger 123 and passes through the three-way valve 131, the pump 132, and the four-way valve 133 in this order. Return to the bottom of 130. In the reheating operation, the pump 121 circulates water between the pipe 110 and the bathtub 200 as indicated by the white arrow. Thereby, the heat exchanger 123 moves the heat stored in the hot water storage tank 130 to the bathtub 200.

Returning to FIG. 3, the determination module 34 determines whether or not an abnormality has occurred in the pipe 110 based on the detection value of the pressure detection sensor 122 obtained while controlling the pump 121, and outputs the determination result to the output device 150 ( (See FIG. 1). Details of the determination process executed by the determination module 34 will be described later.

Returning to FIG. 1, the output device 150 includes a NIC (Network Interface Card controller) for performing wired communication or wireless communication, and is communicably connected to the control device 140, the notification device 160, and the terminal 210. When the determination module 34 determines that an abnormality has occurred in the pipe 110, the output device 150 outputs a signal indicating that this abnormality has been detected to the notification device 160 and the terminal 210. As a result, the user is notified that an abnormality in the piping 110 has been detected. The output device 150 may be built in the control device 140 as a hardware component or a software module of the control device 140, or may be formed integrally with the control device 140.

The notification device 160 includes, for example, an LED (Light Emitting Diode), an LCD (Liquid Cristal Display), or a speaker. The output device 150 presents information indicated by the signal output from the output device 150 to the user. Note that the notification device 160 may be built in the control device 140 or may be formed integrally with the control device 140.

Subsequently, an outline of a method in which the control device 140 detects whether or not the piping 110 is abnormal will be described.

As indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 1, when the pump 121 is operated, the water drawn from the bathtub 200 flows into the first piping unit 113 and is pressurized by the pump 121, and then the pressure detection sensor 122 is activated. It passes through and flows into the secondary side inlet of the heat exchanger 123. Then, this water passes through the second piping part 114 and flows out into the bathtub 200.

When there is a water flow that circulates between the pipe 110 and the bathtub 200 as described above, a pressure loss occurs in the heat exchanger 123 and the second pipe portion 114, and therefore the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 has no water flow. Higher than when. Here, a flow path with a large water resistance like the heat exchanger 123 is arranged on the downstream side of the pressure detection sensor 122, thereby increasing the pressure detected when there is a water flow from the pressure detected when there is no water flow. , Can be more prominent.

FIG. 4 shows a line Lm0 indicating the pressure that increases due to the water flow when the piping 110 is normal. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the pressure detected when the pump 121 is stopped is Ps, and the detected pressure increases as the rotational speed of the pump 121 increases.

Here, a case where there is an abnormality in the second piping part 114 will be considered. When an abnormality occurs in the second piping part 114, the pressure loss in the second piping part 114 increases. Therefore, under the condition that the rotation speed of the pump 121 is the same, if an abnormality occurs in the second piping part 114, it is detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 as compared with the case where there is no abnormality in the second piping part 114. Pressure increases.

In FIG. 4, the pressure detected when there is an abnormality in the second piping section 114 is indicated by a line Lm2. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the pressure detected when the pump 121 is stopped is Ps equal to the pressure detected when there is no abnormality. When the number of rotations of the pump 121 increases, the detected pressure also increases. However, the degree of increase when there is an abnormality in the second piping unit 114 is greater than when there is no abnormality.

Also, consider the case where there is an abnormality in the first piping part 113. When an abnormality occurs in the first piping part 113, the pressure loss in the first piping part 113 increases. For this reason, when the abnormality occurs in the first piping unit 113 under the condition that the rotation speed of the pump 121 is the same, the piping 110 and the bathtub 200 are compared with the case where there is no abnormality in the first piping unit 113. The water flow circulating between them decreases. When this water flow rate decreases, the pressure loss in the heat exchanger 123 and the second piping part 114 decreases. Therefore, under the condition that the rotation speed of the pump 121 is the same, if an abnormality occurs in the first piping unit 113, the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 becomes lower than when there is no abnormality.

In FIG. 4, the pressure detected when there is an abnormality in the first piping section 113 is indicated by a line Lm1. As can be seen from FIG. 4, the pressure detected when the pump 121 is stopped is Ps equal to the pressure detected when there is no abnormality. When the number of rotations of the pump 121 increases, the detected pressure also increases. However, the degree of increase when there is an abnormality in the first piping unit 113 is smaller than when there is no abnormality.

Thus, the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 when the pump 121 is operating varies depending on whether there is an abnormality occurring in the pipe 110 and where the abnormality has occurred. Therefore, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality that has occurred in the first piping part 113 and the second piping part 114.

Note that the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 may change depending on the water level in the bathtub 200 and the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, the piping 110 is utilized by utilizing the pressure difference between the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 when the pump 121 is stopped and the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 when the pump 121 is operating. By determining the abnormality that has occurred, the influence of the water level in the bathtub 200 and the atmospheric pressure can be reduced, and the abnormality detection accuracy can be improved. For example, as shown in FIG. 4, when there is an abnormality in the second piping section 114, the pressure Pm detected when the rotation speed of the pump 121 is R1 and the pressure Pm detected when the pump 121 is stopped. If the pressure difference ΔP with respect to the pressure Ps is used, abnormality detection accuracy can be improved.

Subsequently, the piping abnormality detection process executed by the control device 140 and the output device 150 will be described with reference to FIG. The piping abnormality detection process shown in FIG. 5 is executed after, for example, a hot water filling operation to the bathtub 200 is executed.

In the piping abnormality detection process, the determination module 34 of the control device 140 first stops the pump 121 (step S101). Specifically, the determination module 34 instructs the pump 121 to stop and confirms that the pump 121 is stopped.

Next, the determination module 34 determines whether or not there is water in the bathtub 200 (step S102). Specifically, the determination module 34 determines whether or not the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 exceeds a predetermined value. Further, the determination module 34 stores the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 in the data storage unit 144 as the pressure Ps detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 when the pump 121 is stopped.

When it determines with there being no water in the bathtub 200 (step S102; No), the determination module 34 repeats determination of step S102. Thereby, detection of the abnormality which arose in piping is postponed until it determines with there being water in bathtub 200.

On the other hand, when it determines with there being water in the bathtub 200 (step S102; Yes), the determination module 34 operates the pump 121 by the rotation speed prescribed | regulated previously (step S103). The predetermined rotation speed is preferably larger in order to make a pressure difference, which will be described later, caused by an abnormality remarkable, and is, for example, the maximum rotation speed of the pump 121.

Next, the determination module 34 acquires the pressure Pm detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 when the pump 121 is operating at the specified rotational speed, and the pressure Ps detected when the pump 121 is stopped. And a pressure difference ΔP between the pressure Pm detected when the pump 121 is operating is calculated (step S104). Specifically, the determination module 34 calculates a pressure difference ΔP obtained by subtracting the pressure Ps from the pressure Pm.

Next, the determination module 34 compares the pressure difference ΔP with a predetermined threshold value T1, and determines whether or not the pressure difference ΔP is lower than the threshold value T1 (step S105). The threshold T1 is stored in advance in the data storage unit 144.

When it is determined that the pressure difference ΔP is less than the threshold value T1 (step S105; Yes), the determination module 34 determines that there is an abnormality in the first piping unit 113 (step S106).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressure difference ΔP is not less than the threshold value T1 (step S105; No), the determination module 34 compares the pressure difference ΔP with a predetermined threshold value T2, and the pressure difference ΔP is equal to the threshold value T2. It is determined whether or not (step S107). The threshold T2 is stored in advance in the data storage unit 144. Note that the threshold value T2 is larger than the threshold value T1.

When it is determined that the pressure difference ΔP exceeds the threshold T2 (step S107; Yes), the determination module 34 determines that there is an abnormality in the second piping unit 114 (step S108).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressure difference ΔP does not exceed the threshold value T2 (step S107; No), the determination module 34 determines that there is no abnormality in the pipe 110 (step S109). That is, the determination module 34 determines that there is no abnormality in the pipe 110 when the pressure difference ΔP falls within the normal range defined by setting the lower limit as the threshold value T1 and the upper limit as the threshold value T2, and the pressure difference ΔP deviates from this range. Then, it is determined that the piping 110 has an abnormality.

After steps S106, S108, and S109, the determination module 34 notifies the output device 150 of the determination result, and the output device 150 outputs a signal indicating the detection result to the terminal 210 and the notification device 160 (step S110). . Specifically, in step S110 following step S106, the output device 150 outputs a signal indicating that an abnormality in the first piping unit 113 has been detected. In step S110 following step S108, the output device 150 outputs a signal indicating that an abnormality in the second piping unit 114 has been detected. In step S110 following step S109, the output device 150 outputs a signal indicating that no abnormality has been detected in the pipe 110. Thereafter, the piping abnormality detection process ends.

As described above, the piping abnormality detection system 100 according to the present embodiment detects the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 when the pump 121 is stopped and the pressure detected when the pump 121 is operating. When the difference from the pressure detected by the sensor 122 deviated from a predetermined range, a signal indicating that an abnormality of the pipe 110 was detected was output. As a result, in the hot water supply system configured by omitting the flow switch that has been conventionally arranged in the pipe 110, an abnormality in the pipe 110 can be detected.

Also, when an abnormality occurs in the piping 110, the piping abnormality detection system 100 outputs a signal by distinguishing between the abnormality of the first piping portion 113 and the abnormality of the second piping portion 114 based on the magnitude of the pressure difference ΔP. Thereby, it is possible to easily identify the place where the abnormality has occurred.

Further, the pressure detection sensor 122 was disposed between the pump 121 and the heat exchanger 123. Thereby, the pressure change due to the occurrence of an abnormality in the pipe 110 can be made remarkable, and the abnormality detection accuracy can be improved.

Moreover, the piping abnormality detection process shown in FIG. 5 was executed after the hot water filling operation to the bathtub 200 was executed. Thereby, the abnormality of the piping 110 can be detected in a situation where water is surely present in the bathtub 200. That is, it is possible to reliably determine whether there is an abnormality in the piping.

Embodiment 2. FIG.
Next, the second embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In addition, about the structure which is the same as that of the said Embodiment 1, or equivalent, while using an equivalent code | symbol, the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified. The piping abnormality detection system 100 according to the present embodiment is different from the pressure difference ΔP in that the abnormality of the piping 110 is detected based on the rate of change of the pressure difference ΔP with respect to the rotation speed of the pump 121. It is different from the one concerned.

FIG. 6 shows a piping abnormality detection process according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 6, when the determination in step S102 is affirmative (step S102; Yes), the determination module 34 operates the pump 121 at a predetermined rotation speed F1 (step S201). The rotation speed F1 is, for example, a value obtained by halving the maximum rotation speed of the pump 121.

Next, the determination module 34 obtains the pressure Pm1 detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 when the pump 121 is operating at the rotation speed F1, and the pressure Ps detected when the pump 121 is stopped. And a pressure difference ΔP1 between the pressure Pm1 detected when the pump 121 is operating is calculated (step S202). Specifically, the determination module 34 calculates a pressure difference ΔP1 obtained by subtracting the pressure Ps from the pressure Pm1.

Next, the determination module 34 operates the pump 121 at a predetermined rotation speed F2 (step S203). The rotation speed F2 is larger than the rotation speed F1, and is, for example, the maximum rotation speed of the pump 121.

Next, the determination module 34 acquires the pressure Pm2 detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 when the pump 121 is operating at the rotation speed F2, and the pressure Ps detected when the pump 121 is stopped. And a pressure difference ΔP2 between the pressure Pm2 detected when the pump 121 is operating is calculated (step S204). Specifically, the determination module 34 calculates a pressure difference ΔP2 obtained by subtracting the pressure Ps from the pressure Pm2.

Next, the determination module 34 calculates the change rate D of the pressure difference (step S205). Specifically, the determination module 34 calculates a rate of change D of the pressure difference with respect to the rotational speed of the pump 121 according to an arithmetic expression of D = (ΔP2−ΔP1) / (F2−F1).

Next, the determination module 34 compares the change rate D with a predetermined threshold value T3, and determines whether or not the change rate D is lower than the threshold value T3 (step S206). The threshold value T3 is stored in advance in the data storage unit 144.

When it is determined that the change rate D is lower than the threshold value T3 (step S206; Yes), the determination module 34 determines that there is an abnormality in the first piping unit 113 (step S106).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the change rate D is not lower than the threshold value T3 (step S206; No), the determination module 34 compares the change rate D with a predetermined threshold value T4, so that the change rate D is equal to the threshold value T4. It is determined whether or not (step S207). The threshold value T4 is stored in the data storage unit 144 in advance. Note that the threshold value T4 is larger than the threshold value T3.

When it is determined that the change rate D exceeds the threshold value T4 (step S207; Yes), the determination module 34 determines that there is an abnormality in the second piping unit 114 (step S108).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the change rate D does not exceed the threshold T4 (step S207; No), the determination module 34 determines that there is no abnormality in the pipe 110 (step S109). That is, the determination module 34 determines that there is no abnormality in the pipe 110 when the change rate D falls within the normal range defined by the lower limit as the threshold value T3 and the upper limit as the threshold value T4, and the change rate D deviates from this range. Then, it is determined that the piping 110 has an abnormality.

Here, using the rate of change D instead of the pressure difference ΔP according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 7, the relationship between the pressure difference ΔP and the rotation speed of the pump 121 is indicated by lines Lm10, Lm11, and Lm12. The line Lm10 corresponds to the case where there is no abnormality in the pipe 110, the line Lm11 corresponds to the case where there is an abnormality in the first piping part 113, and the line Lm12 corresponds to the case where there is an abnormality in the second piping part 114. . As shown in FIG. 4, the pressure difference ΔP can be obtained by subtracting the pressure Ps from the detected pressure. Therefore, it can be said that the lines Lm10, Lm11, and Lm12 are equal to the lines Lm0, Lm1, and Lm2 when Ps shown in FIG. 4 is changed to the origin of the vertical axis.

Further, in FIG. 7, the change rate D0 when there is no abnormality in the pipe 110, the change rate D1 when there is an abnormality in the first piping part 113, and the change rate D2 when there is an abnormality in the second piping part 114. Are shown respectively. As can be seen from FIG. 7, the rate of change D1 is smaller than the rate of change D0. That is, when there is an abnormality in the first piping part 113, the rate of change of the pressure difference ΔP is smaller than when there is no abnormality, like the pressure difference ΔP. Further, the change rate D2 is larger than the change rate D0. That is, when there is an abnormality in the second piping part 114, the rate of change of the pressure difference ΔP is larger than that when there is no abnormality, like the pressure difference ΔP. Therefore, even if the change rate D is used instead of the pressure difference ΔP according to the first embodiment, it is possible to detect the presence / absence of an abnormality in the pipe 110 as in the first embodiment.

As described above, the piping abnormality detection system 100 according to the present embodiment detects the abnormality of the piping 110 based on the rate of change D of the pressure difference with respect to the rotation speed of the pump 121. The change rate D when the abnormality occurs in the pipe 110 deviates from the change rate D when there is no abnormality. For this reason, as in the first embodiment, in the hot water supply system configured by omitting the flow switch that has been conventionally arranged in the pipe 110, an abnormality of the pipe 110 can be detected.

Also, when an abnormality occurs in the piping 110, the piping abnormality detection system 100 outputs a signal by distinguishing between the abnormality of the first piping portion 113 and the abnormality of the second piping portion 114 based on the magnitude of the change rate D. Thereby, it is possible to easily identify the place where the abnormality has occurred.

Embodiment 3 FIG.
Next, the third embodiment will be described focusing on the differences from the first embodiment. In addition, about the structure which is the same as that of the said Embodiment 1, or equivalent, while using an equivalent code | symbol, the description is abbreviate | omitted or simplified. The piping abnormality detection system 100 according to the present embodiment is implemented in that the heat exchanger 123, the pressure detection sensor 122, and the pump 121 are arranged in this order from the upstream side of the piping 110, as shown in FIG. This is different from that according to the first embodiment.

The pump 121 is disposed between the pressure detection sensor 122 and the outlet 112. That is, the pump 121 is disposed on the downstream side of the pressure detection sensor 122. The pressure detection sensor 122 is disposed between the pump 121 and the heat exchanger 123. That is, the pressure detection sensor 122 is disposed upstream of the pump 121 and downstream of the heat exchanger 123. Regarding the detection range of the gauge pressure by the pressure detection sensor 122 according to the present embodiment, it is assumed that the detection area on the negative pressure side is wider than the detection area on the positive pressure side. The heat exchanger 123 is disposed between the inlet 111 and the pressure detection sensor 122. That is, the heat exchanger 123 is arranged on the upstream side of the pressure detection sensor 122.

Subsequently, an outline of a method in which the control device 140 according to the present embodiment detects whether or not the piping 110 is abnormal will be described.

As indicated by the white arrow in FIG. 8, when the pump 121 is operated, the water drawn from the bathtub 200 flows into the first piping part 113 and passes through the heat exchanger 123 and the pressure detection sensor 122. The pressure is increased by the pump 121. Then, this water passes through the second piping part 114 and flows out into the bathtub 200.

When there is a water flow that circulates between the pipe 110 and the bathtub 200 as described above, a pressure loss occurs in the heat exchanger 123 and the first pipe portion 113, so that the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 has no water flow. Lower than when. Here, by arranging a flow path having a large water resistance like the heat exchanger 123 on the upstream side of the pressure detection sensor 122, the pressure detected when there is a water flow is reduced from the pressure detected when there is no water flow. , Can be more prominent.

In FIG. 9, the pressure that decreases due to the water flow when there is no abnormality is indicated by a line Lm20. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the pressure detected when the pump 121 is stopped is Ps, and the detected pressure decreases as the rotational speed of the pump 121 increases.

Here, the case where there is an abnormality in the first piping part 113 will be considered. When an abnormality occurs in the first piping part 113, the pressure loss in the first piping part 113 increases. For this reason, when an abnormality occurs in the first piping unit 113 under the condition that the rotation speed of the pump 121 is the same, it is detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 as compared with a case where there is no abnormality in the first piping unit 113. Pressure decreases.

In FIG. 9, the pressure detected when there is an abnormality in the first piping section 113 is indicated by a line Lm21. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the pressure detected when the pump 121 is stopped is Ps equal to the pressure detected when there is no abnormality. When the number of rotations of the pump 121 increases, the detected pressure decreases, but the degree of decrease when there is an abnormality in the first piping unit 113 is greater than when there is no abnormality.

Also, consider the case where there is an abnormality in the second piping part 114. When an abnormality occurs in the second piping part 114, the pressure loss in the second piping part 114 increases. For this reason, when the abnormality occurs in the second piping part 114 under the condition that the rotation speed of the pump 121 is the same, the piping 110 and the bathtub 200 are compared with the case where there is no abnormality in the second piping part 114. The water flow circulating between them decreases. When this water flow rate decreases, the pressure loss in the heat exchanger 123 and the first piping unit 113 decreases. Therefore, under the condition that the rotation speed of the pump 121 is the same, if an abnormality occurs in the second piping section 114, the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 becomes higher than when there is no abnormality.

In FIG. 9, the pressure detected when there is an abnormality in the second piping unit 114 is indicated by a line Lm22. As can be seen from FIG. 9, the pressure detected when the pump 121 is stopped is Ps equal to the pressure detected when there is no abnormality. When the number of rotations of the pump 121 increases, the detected pressure decreases, but the degree of decrease when there is an abnormality in the second piping unit 114 is smaller than when there is no abnormality.

As in the first embodiment, the effect of the water level of the bathtub 200 and the atmospheric pressure is reduced by using the pressure difference between the pressure when the pump 121 is stopped and the pressure when the pump 121 is operating. Thus, it is possible to detect the presence or absence of an abnormality that has occurred in the pipe 110. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, when there is an abnormality in the first piping part 113, it is detected when the pump 121 is stopped from the pressure Pm detected when the rotational speed of the pump 121 is R2. If a negative pressure difference ΔP obtained by reducing the pressure Ps is detected, an abnormality that has occurred in the first piping section 113 can be detected with high accuracy.

FIG. 10 shows piping abnormality detection processing according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 10, following step S104, the determination module 34 compares the pressure difference ΔP with a predetermined threshold T5 to determine whether or not the pressure difference ΔP is less than the threshold T5 ( Step S301). The threshold T5 is a negative value and is stored in the data storage unit 144 in advance.

When it is determined that the pressure difference ΔP is lower than the threshold value T5 (step S301; Yes), the determination module 34 determines that there is an abnormality in the first piping unit 113 (step S106).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressure difference ΔP is not lower than the threshold T5 (step S301; No), the determination module 34 compares the pressure difference ΔP with a predetermined threshold T6, and the pressure difference ΔP is equal to the threshold T6. It is determined whether or not (step S302). The threshold value T6 is a negative value and is stored in the data storage unit 144 in advance. Note that the threshold value T6 is larger than the threshold value T5.

When it is determined that the pressure difference ΔP exceeds the threshold value T6 (step S302; Yes), the determination module 34 determines that there is an abnormality in the second piping unit 114 (step S108).

On the other hand, when it is determined that the pressure difference ΔP does not exceed the threshold T6 (step S302; No), the determination module 34 determines that there is no abnormality in the pipe 110 (step S109). That is, the determination module 34 determines that there is no abnormality in the pipe 110 when the pressure difference ΔP falls within the normal range defined by the lower limit as the threshold T5 and the upper limit as the threshold T6, and the pressure difference ΔP deviates from this range. Then, it is determined that the piping 110 has an abnormality.

As described above, the piping abnormality detection system 100 according to the present embodiment is similar to the first embodiment in the hot water supply system configured by omitting the flow switch that has been conventionally arranged in the piping 110. Can be detected.

In the present embodiment, similarly to the second embodiment, the abnormality of the pipe 110 may be detected based on the rate of change of the pressure difference ΔP with respect to the rotation speed of the pump 121 instead of the pressure difference ΔP.

FIG. 11 shows the relationship between the pressure difference ΔP and the rotational speed of the pump 121 by lines Lm30, Lm31, and Lm32. The line Lm30 corresponds to the case where there is no abnormality in the pipe 110, the line Lm31 corresponds to the case where there is an abnormality in the first piping part 113, and the line Lm32 corresponds to the case where there is an abnormality in the second piping part 114. . As shown in FIG. 9, the pressure difference ΔP can be obtained by subtracting the pressure Ps from the detected pressure. Therefore, it can be said that the lines Lm30, Lm31, and Lm32 are equal to the lines Lm20, Lm21, and Lm22, respectively, when Ps shown in FIG. 9 is changed to the origin of the vertical axis.

In FIG. 11, the negative change rate D10 when there is no abnormality in the piping 110, the negative change rate D11 when there is an abnormality in the first piping portion 113, and the abnormality when the second piping portion 114 is abnormal. A negative change rate D12 is shown respectively. However, these change rates are: F4 larger than the predetermined pump rotation speeds F3 and F3, pressure difference ΔP3 when the rotation speed of the pump 121 is F3, and F4 where the rotation speed of the pump 121 is larger than F3. From the pressure difference ΔP4 at the time, it is calculated according to an arithmetic expression of (ΔP4-ΔP3) / (F4-F3).

As can be seen from FIG. 11, the rate of change D11 is larger than the rate of change D10, but since the rates of change D10 and D11 are both negative values, the rate of change D11 is smaller than the rate of change D10. That is, when there is an abnormality in the first piping part 113, the rate of change of the pressure difference ΔP is smaller than when there is no abnormality, like the pressure difference ΔP. Further, although the rate of change D12 is smaller than the rate of change rate D10, the rate of change D12 is larger than the rate of change D10 because both the rates of change D10 and D12 are negative values. That is, when there is an abnormality in the second piping part 114, the rate of change of the pressure difference ΔP is larger than that when there is no abnormality, like the pressure difference ΔP. Therefore, even if the change rate D is used in place of the pressure difference ΔP according to the third embodiment, the presence or absence of an abnormality in the pipe 110 can be detected as in the third embodiment.

As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited by the said embodiment.

For example, in the above embodiment, the heat pump unit 134 is used as a heat source for performing the boiling operation, but an electric heater or a gas combustion device may be used as the heat source.

Further, the piping abnormality detection system 100 may be configured by omitting the hot water storage tank 130. Further, the piping abnormality detection system 100 may be configured by omitting the heat exchanger 123. For example, instead of the heat exchanger 123, the piping abnormality detection system 100 may be configured using a heat source for replenishing water in the bathtub 200. Further, this circulation path may be used for cleaning the water in the bathtub 200 instead of a reheating operation without providing a heat source in the circulation path formed between the pipe 110 and the bathtub 200.

Further, the number of water supply ports 101 and hot water supply ports 102 is not limited to that shown in FIG. 1 and is arbitrary. Moreover, in the said embodiment, although the water pipe connected to the hot water supply port 102 and the piping 110 were independent, it is good also as a structure which connects this water pipe and the piping 110. FIG.

Further, the threshold values T1 to T6 may be determined based on the pressure detected by the pressure detection sensor 122 in the past. Thereby, the threshold suitable for the use environment of the actual piping abnormality detection system 100 can be set. For example, in the past fixed period, from the fluctuation of the pressure difference between the pressure detected when the pump 121 is stopped and the pressure detected when the pump 121 is operating at a specified rotational speed, Threshold values T1 and T2 may be determined.

In the above embodiment, the configuration for the user to input information is limited to the terminal 210, but the control device 140 may include such a configuration.

The program 149 stored in the data storage unit 144 can be read by a computer such as a flexible disk, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk Read-Only Memory), a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), and an MO (Magneto-Optical Disk). By storing and distributing the program in a recording medium and installing the program 149 in a computer, an apparatus that executes the above-described processing can be configured.

Further, the program 149 may be stored in a disk device included in a server device on a communication network represented by the Internet, and may be downloaded onto a computer while being superimposed on a carrier wave, for example.

The above-described processing can also be achieved by starting and executing the program 149 while transferring it via a network typified by the Internet.

Furthermore, the above-described processing can also be achieved by executing all or part of the program 149 on the server device and executing the program 149 while the computer transmits and receives information regarding the processing via the communication network. .

Note that when the above functions are realized by sharing an OS (Operating System), or when the functions are realized by cooperation between the OS and an application, only the part other than the OS may be stored in a medium and distributed. It may also be downloaded to a computer.

Further, means for realizing the function of the piping abnormality detection system 100 is not limited to software, and part or all of the means may be realized by dedicated hardware. For example, if each module shown in FIG. 3 is configured using a circuit typified by FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array) or ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), power saving of the control device 140 can be achieved. .

The present invention is capable of various embodiments and modifications without departing from the broad spirit and scope of the present invention. The above-described embodiments are for explaining the present invention and do not limit the scope of the present invention. In other words, the scope of the present invention is shown not by the embodiments but by the claims. Various modifications within the scope of the claims and within the scope of the equivalent invention are considered to be within the scope of the present invention.

The present invention is suitable for detecting an abnormality occurring in a pipe.

100 piping abnormality detection system, 101 water supply port, 102 hot water supply port, 110 piping, 111 inflow port, 112 outflow port, 113 first piping unit, 114 second piping unit, 121 pump, 122 pressure detection sensor, 123 heat exchanger, 130 hot water storage tank, 131 three-way valve, 132 pump, 133 four-way valve, 134 heat pump unit, 135 mixing valve, 140 controller, 141 processor, 142 RAM, 143 ROM, 144 data storage unit, 145 communication unit, 146 internal bus, 147 Communication unit, 149 program, 150 output device, 160 notification device, 200 bathtub, 210 terminal, 31 UI module, 32 acquisition module, 33 execution Joule, 34 determination module.

Claims

A pipe having an inlet for allowing water in the bathtub and an outlet for allowing water to flow into the bathtub;
A pump for circulating water between the pipe and the bathtub;
Detection means for detecting the pressure inside the pipe;
The difference between the pressure detected by the detection means when the pump is stopped and the pressure detected by the detection means when the pump is operating, and the change in the difference with respect to the rotational speed of the pump An output means for outputting a signal indicating that the abnormality of the piping is detected when at least one of the rate is out of a predetermined range;
A piping abnormality detection system comprising:
The detection means is a pressure sensor arranged at a specific position of the pipe,
The piping has a first piping portion from the inlet to the specific position, and a second piping portion from the specific position to the outlet,
The difference between the output means obtained by subtracting the pressure detected by the detection means when the pump is stopped from the pressure detected by the detection means when the pump is operating is a first threshold value. Is less than the output of a signal indicating that the abnormality of the first piping portion has been detected, and if the difference exceeds the second threshold, a signal indicating that the abnormality of the second piping portion has been detected is output.
The piping abnormality detection system according to claim 1.
The detection means is a pressure sensor arranged at a specific position of the pipe,
The piping has a first piping portion from the inlet to the specific position, and a second piping portion from the specific position to the outlet,
The output means is the rate of change of the difference obtained by subtracting the pressure detected by the detection means when the pump is stopped from the pressure detected by the detection means when the pump is operating. Is less than the third threshold value, a signal indicating that the abnormality of the first piping part is detected is output, and when the rate of change exceeds the fourth threshold value, the abnormality of the second piping part is detected. Output signal,
The piping abnormality detection system according to claim 1 or 2.
The range is determined from the pressure detected by the detection means in the past.
The piping abnormality detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
The detection means is a pressure sensor disposed between the pump and the heat exchanger disposed in the pipe.
The piping abnormality detection system according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
The pressure inside the pipe when the pump that circulates water between the pipe having the inlet for flowing water in the bathtub and the outlet for flowing water into the bathtub and the bathtub is stopped A first detection step of detecting
A second detection step of detecting a pressure inside the pipe when the pump is operating;
At least one of the difference between the pressure detected in the first detection step and the pressure detected in the second detection step and the rate of change of the difference with respect to the rotation speed of the pump are out of a predetermined range. And an output step for outputting a signal indicating that an abnormality of the pipe is detected;
Piping abnormality detection method.
On the computer,
A pipe having an inlet for flowing water in the bathtub and an outlet for flowing water into the bathtub; Obtaining a first detection value indicative of pressure;
Obtaining a second detection value indicating the pressure inside the pipe detected when the pump is operating;
When at least one of the difference between the first detection value and the second detection value and the rate of change of the difference with respect to the rotation speed of the pump is out of a predetermined range, an abnormality in the pipe is detected. Output a signal indicating
A program to make things happen.