Disclosure of Invention
[ Problem to be solved by the invention ]
In the above-described hot water supply system, when an abnormality such as a failure occurs in the temperature sensor or the temperature regulator, the temperature signal or the heating request signal cannot be obtained, and therefore, the hot water in the hot water storage tank cannot be circulated between the hot water storage tank and the water heater to be heated, and there is a concern that the hot water in the hot water storage tank may be cooled.
Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water supply device and a hot water supply system capable of suppressing a decrease in the temperature of hot water in a hot water storage tank even when a signal corresponding to the temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank cannot be obtained.
[ Means of solving the problems ]
The hot water supply device according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a water heater connected to a hot water storage tank via a circulation path, a pump for circulating hot water between the hot water storage tank and the water heater, an operation control unit for performing a circulation heating operation for circulating the hot water in the hot water storage tank by the pump and heating the hot water by the water heater when a specific signal output from a signal output unit is obtained based on a temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank being equal to or lower than a first reference temperature, and a temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of the hot water flowing into the water heater as an inlet water temperature. The operation control unit may circulate the hot water in the hot water storage tank by the pump after a first reference time elapses without the specific signal being input or after an abnormal signal is obtained from the signal output unit, and may detect the water inlet temperature by the temperature detection unit, and may perform heating of the hot water by the circulation heating operation when the water inlet temperature is equal to or lower than a second reference temperature, and may stop the pump when the water inlet temperature is higher than the second reference temperature.
For example, the water heater may include a flow rate detection unit that detects a flow rate of the hot water flowing into the water heater. In this case, in the circulation heating operation, if the hot water circulation by the pump is such that the detected flow rate of the flow rate detecting portion exceeds the specific flow rate, the water heater starts heating the hot water.
Here, in claim 1, the phrase "after the first reference time has elapsed in the state where the specific signal is not input, or after the abnormal signal is obtained from the signal output section" includes a case where only whether the first reference time has elapsed in the state where the specific signal is not input, as a result of which the first reference time has elapsed in the state where the specific signal is not input, a case where only the abnormal signal is obtained from the signal output section, as a result of which the abnormal signal is obtained from the signal output section, a case where the first reference time has elapsed in the state where the specific signal is not input, and whether the abnormal signal is obtained from the signal output section, as a result of which the first reference time has elapsed in the state where the specific signal is not input, or the abnormal signal is obtained from the signal output section. That is, the condition is at least one of the first reference time elapsed in the state where the specific signal is not input and the signal obtained from the signal output section.
According to the hot water supply device of the present embodiment, even when a specific signal cannot be obtained due to an abnormality in the signal output unit, the hot water in the hot water storage tank can be heated by the water heater when the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is lowered, and heat preservation of the hot water in the hot water storage tank can be achieved.
In the hot water supply device according to the present aspect, the operation control unit causes the report unit to report an abnormality based on that the circulation heating operation is performed based on the entry water temperature being equal to or lower than the second reference temperature.
For example, the operation control unit may cause the reporting unit to report an abnormality after performing the cyclic heating operation based on the water inlet temperature being equal to or lower than the second reference temperature only once, and may cause the reporting unit to report an abnormality when performing the cyclic heating operation a predetermined number of times.
According to the above configuration, it is possible to notify the user that the signal output section may be abnormal.
The hot water supply device of the present embodiment may be configured to include a plurality of water heaters and a centralized control unit for performing a joint control for joint operation of the plurality of water heaters. In this case, the centralized control unit functions as the operation control unit.
In the case of the above configuration, the plurality of water heaters may further include a device control unit that controls the water heaters in accordance with a command from the central control unit, and a flow rate detection unit that detects a flow rate of the hot water flowing into the water heaters. In this case, the machine control unit of one of the plurality of water heaters may be configured to be capable of driving the pump. And, in the machine control unit of the one water heater, if the state in which the detected flow rate of the flow rate detection unit does not exceed the specific flow rate continues for a second reference time, the hot water in the hot water storage tank is circulated by the pump, the water inlet temperature is detected by the temperature detection unit, and when the water inlet temperature is equal to or lower than the second reference temperature, the hot water is heated by the circulation heating operation, and when the water inlet temperature is higher than the second reference temperature, the pump is stopped.
According to the above configuration, even when the central control unit is not operating normally, the hot water in the hot water storage tank can be heated by the water heater when the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is lowered, and heat preservation of the hot water in the hot water storage tank can be achieved.
In the hot water supply device according to the present aspect, the signal output unit may include a temperature regulator connected to a temperature sensor disposed in the hot water storage tank. In this case, the specific signal includes a signal requiring heating of hot water.
According to the above configuration, even when a signal requiring heating is not obtained due to abnormality of the temperature sensor or the temperature regulator, the hot water in the hot water storage tank can be heated by the water heater when the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is lowered, and heat preservation of the hot water in the hot water storage tank can be achieved.
In the hot water supply device according to the present aspect, the signal output unit may include a temperature sensor disposed in the hot water storage tank. In this case, the specific signal includes a temperature signal indicating a temperature below the first reference temperature.
According to the above configuration, even when abnormality occurs in the temperature sensor and a temperature signal indicating a temperature equal to or lower than the first reference temperature cannot be obtained, when the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank is lowered, the hot water can be heated by the water heater, and heat preservation of the hot water in the hot water storage tank can be achieved.
The hot water supply device according to a second embodiment of the present invention includes a water heater connected to a hot water storage tank via a circulation path, a pump for circulating hot water between the hot water storage tank and the water heater, an operation control unit for performing a circulation heating operation for circulating the hot water in the hot water storage tank by the pump and heating the hot water by the water heater when a specific signal output from a signal output unit is obtained based on a temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank being equal to or lower than a first reference temperature, and a temperature detection unit for detecting a temperature of the hot water flowing into the water heater as an inlet water temperature. The operation control unit may be configured to circulate the hot water in the hot water storage tank by the pump after the signal output unit has obtained the abnormal signal, to detect the water temperature by the temperature detection unit, to perform heating by the water heater if the water temperature is equal to or lower than a second reference temperature while the pump is operated, and to stop heating by the water heater if the water temperature is equal to or higher than a third reference temperature higher than the second reference temperature.
According to the hot water supply apparatus of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be exhibited.
The hot water supply system according to the third embodiment of the present invention includes the hot water storage tank and the hot water supply device according to the first or second embodiment.
According to the hot water supply system of the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the hot water supply apparatus of the first embodiment can be exhibited.
[ Effect of the invention ]
As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a hot water supply device and a hot water supply system capable of suppressing a temperature decrease of hot water in a hot water storage tank even when a signal corresponding to the temperature of the hot water detected in the hot water storage tank cannot be obtained.
The effects and meaning of the present invention will be further clarified by the following description of the embodiments. However, the embodiments described below are merely examples of the practice of the present invention, and the present invention is not limited to the description of the embodiments below.
Detailed Description
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
In the first and second embodiments, the temperature regulator 32 corresponds to a "signal output unit" described in the claims. The primary-side circulation path 200 corresponds to a "circulation path" described in the claims. The temperature sensor 170 corresponds to a "temperature detection unit" described in the claims. The first heating temperature corresponds to a "first reference temperature" described in the claims, and the second heating temperature corresponds to a "second reference temperature" described in the claims.
In the first embodiment, the centralized control unit 500 corresponds to an "operation control unit" described in the claims. The remote controller 600 corresponds to a "report unit" described in the claims.
In the second embodiment, the device control unit 160 corresponds to an "operation control unit" described in the claims. The display unit 190 corresponds to a "report unit" described in the claims.
However, the object of the description is to establish a correspondence between the structure of the claims and the structure of the embodiment, and the invention described in the claims is not limited to the structure of the embodiment by the correspondence.
First embodiment
First, the hot water supply system 1 of the first embodiment will be described.
Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a configuration of a hot water supply system 1.
The hot water supply system 1 of the first embodiment includes a hot water storage tank 10, a hot water supply device 20, a temperature adjustment unit 30, and a secondary side circulation path 40.
The hot-water storage tank 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape in a longitudinal direction, for example. The inside of the hot water storage tank 10 is always filled with the stored hot water. A water supply pipe 50 is connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 10. The water supply pipe 50 is connected to a tap water tap. The hot-water storage tank 10 may not be elongated, but may have a cylindrical shape with a diameter larger than the height, or may have another shape.
The water heater 20 includes a plurality of water heaters 100, a primary circulation line 200, a pump 300, a pump driving unit 400, a centralized control unit 500, and a remote controller 600.
In the present embodiment, the hot water supply apparatus 20 includes four water heaters 100. Hereinafter, when four water heaters 100 are distinguished from each other, they are referred to as a first machine 100a, a second machine 100b, a third machine 100c, and a fourth machine 100d from the side near the hot water storage tank 10. The number of water heaters 100 included in the hot water supply device 20 is not limited to four.
The water heater 100 includes a heat exchanger 110, a burner 120, and a combustion fan 130. The heat exchanger 110 and the burner 120 are disposed in the tank 101. A water inlet pipe 140 and a water outlet pipe 150 are connected to the heat exchanger 110. The burner 120 heats the hot water flowing through the heat exchanger 110 by using gas combustion. The combustion fan 130 sends air to the burner 120.
The water heater 100 includes a device control unit 160, a temperature sensor 170, a flow sensor 180, and a display unit 190. The temperature sensor 170 and the flow sensor 180 are disposed in the water inlet pipe 140. The temperature sensor 170 detects the temperature of hot water flowing through the water pipe 140, that is, hot water flowing into the water heater 100 (hereinafter referred to as an inlet water temperature), and outputs a temperature signal corresponding to the inlet water temperature to the device control unit 160. The flow sensor 180 detects the flow rate of the hot water flowing through the water pipe 140, that is, the hot water flowing into the water heater 100, and outputs a flow rate signal corresponding to the detected flow rate to the device control unit 160. The display unit 190 includes a light emitting Diode (LIGHT EMITTING Diode, LED) or the like, and performs various reports related to the water heater 100 such as error reports.
The device control unit 160 includes a microcomputer or the like, and drives and controls the burner 120, the combustion fan 130, the display unit 190, and the like.
When the hot water flows into the water inlet pipe 140 in a state where the combustion permission setting is performed, the device control unit 160 operates the burner 120 and the combustion fan 130 if the detected flow rate of the flow sensor 180 exceeds a specific flow rate. Thereby, the hot water flowing through the heat exchanger 110 is heated, and the heated hot water flows through the water outlet pipe 150 and is discharged from the water heater 100. Then, if the hot water no longer flows in the water inlet pipe 140 and the detected flow rate of the flow sensor 180 becomes a specific flow rate or less, the machine control unit 160 stops the burner 120 and the combustion fan 130. In the water heater 100 in which the setting for permitting combustion is not performed, the burner 120 does not burn even if hot water flows through the water inlet pipe 140. Accordingly, the hot water is not heated, but flows through the outlet pipe 150 to be discharged from the water heater 100.
The water heater 100 may be a latent heat recovery type water heater including a primary heat exchanger and a secondary heat exchanger.
The primary side circulation path 200 includes a water supply pipe 210 and a water return pipe 220. The water pipe 210 is connected to the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 10 and the water inlet pipe 140 of each water heater 100. The return pipe 220 is connected to the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 10 and the outlet pipe 150 of each water heater 100.
The pump 300 is disposed in the water pipe 210 of the primary circulation path 200, and circulates hot water between the hot water storage tank 10 and the plurality of water heaters 100. That is, after the pump 300 is operated, the hot water flows out from the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 10 to the water pipe 210, and the hot water flowing through each of the water heater 100 and the water return pipe 220 returns to the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 10.
The pump driving unit 400 includes a relay or the like for switching the supply and stop of electric power to the pump 300, and drives the pump 300 in accordance with a control signal (drive command, stop command) from the central control unit 500.
The centralized control unit 500 is provided in one water heater 100, for example, the first machine 100a, among the plurality of water heaters 100. The central control unit 500 includes a microcomputer or the like, and controls the pump driving unit 400 and the remote controller 600.
The centralized control unit 500 is communicably connected to the device control units 160 of the plurality of water heaters 100. The central control unit 500 performs a combined control for causing the plurality of water heaters 100 to operate in combination by transmitting various commands to the respective device control units 160.
For example, the central control unit 500 transmits an allowable instruction for allowing combustion to the machine control unit 160 of one water heater 100. In the device control unit 160 that receives the permission command, the permission combustion is set. The central control unit 500 periodically switches the combustion-permitted water heater 100. In this case, the central control unit 500 transmits a cancel instruction to cancel the permission to the water heater 100 that has permitted combustion, and transmits a permission instruction to the new water heater 100. As a result, each water heater 100 periodically rotates and heats the hot water supplied into the hot water storage tank 10.
In each water heater 100, a flow rate adjustment valve, not shown, is provided in the water inlet pipe 140, and the flow rate adjustment valve is used to adjust the flow rate of the hot water flowing into the water heater 100 that is not permitted to burn so that the flow rate of the hot water flowing into the water heater 100 that is permitted to burn is significantly smaller than the flow rate of the hot water flowing into the water heater 100 that is permitted to burn.
The remote controller 600 includes an operation display unit 610 such as a touch panel, and a microphone 620.
The temperature adjustment unit 30 includes a temperature sensor 31, and a temperature regulator 32 connected to the temperature sensor 31. The temperature sensor 31 is disposed in the hot water storage tank 10, detects the temperature of hot water in the hot water storage tank 10, and outputs a temperature signal corresponding to the detected temperature to the temperature regulator 32. In the present embodiment, the temperature sensor 31 is disposed at a position lower than the center of the hot water storage tank 10 and higher than the position of the water pipe 210 connected to the primary-side circulation path 200. The temperature sensor 31 may be disposed at the center of the hot water storage tank 10 or at a position higher than the center.
When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 31 is equal to or lower than the first heating temperature (for example, 65 ℃), the temperature regulator 32 outputs a signal (hereinafter referred to as a heating request signal) for requesting heating of hot water to the central control unit 500 of the hot water supply device 20. When the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 31 becomes equal to or lower than the first heating temperature (for example, 65 ℃) and then becomes equal to or higher than the first stop temperature (for example, 70 ℃), the temperature regulator 32 outputs a signal (hereinafter referred to as a stop request signal) for requesting the stop of heating to the central control unit 500. For example, the heating request signal is a voltage signal of several V, and the stop request signal is a voltage signal of 0V.
The inlet 40a of the secondary side circulation path 40 is connected to the upper portion of the hot-water storage tank 10, and the outlet 40b thereof is connected to the lower portion of the hot-water storage tank 10. The pump 41 is disposed in the secondary side circulation path 40 and is operated at all times. By the operation of the pump 41, hot water circulates between the hot water storage tank 10 and the secondary circulation path 40. That is, the hot water flowing out from the upper portion of the hot water storage tank 10 flows through the secondary side circulation path 40, and returns to the lower portion of the hot water storage tank 10.
A plurality of water faucets 2 such as bathroom faucet, kitchen faucet, and face washing faucet with shower are connected to the secondary side circulation path 40 via the connection path 42. In addition, for convenience, fig. 1 illustrates only one faucet 2. After the tap 2 is opened, the hot water flowing through the secondary side circulation path 40 is discharged from the tap 2. Thus, after the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 is reduced, water from the tap is supplied to the hot water storage tank 10 through the water supply pipe 50.
Further, in the hot water supply system 1, if the tap 2 is turned on and hot water flows out of the hot water storage tank 10, water is supplied from the water supply pipe 50 to the hot water storage tank 10, and therefore, there is a possibility that the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 may be lowered. In addition, when the supply of hot water from the hot water storage tank 10 is not performed for a long time in late night, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 may be lowered.
Therefore, in the hot water supply system 1, when the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 is reduced, the central control unit 500 performs operation control of heat preservation, that is, heating by circulating the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 between the hot water supply device 20.
Fig. 2 is a flowchart showing operation control of the thermal insulation.
When the hot water supply system 1 is in the operation state, the central control unit 500 repeatedly executes the operation control of the heat preservation of fig. 2.
The central control unit 500 monitors the input of the heating request signal from the temperature regulator 32 (S101). After the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 becomes equal to or lower than the first heating temperature, a heating request signal is sent from the temperature regulator 32 to the central control unit 500.
When the heating request signal is input (yes in S101), the central control unit 500 transmits a drive command to the pump driving unit 400 to drive the pump 300 (S102). The hot water circulates between the hot water storage tank 10 and the hot water supply device 20, and the burner 120 burns in the water heater 100 that has been allowed to burn. Thereby, the circulated hot water is heated. Thus, the cyclic heating operation is started.
By supplying the heated hot water to the hot water storage tank 10, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 gradually increases. Further, when a large amount of hot water flows out of the hot water storage tank 10 by turning on many water taps 2 or the like, the amount of water supplied from the water supply pipe 50 increases, and therefore, even if heating is performed only by the combustion-permitted water heater 100, there is a possibility that the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 continues to decrease. In this case, the central control unit 500 allows the other water heater 100 to burn, and starts heating by the other water heater 100. At this time, in the other water heater 100, the flow rate adjustment valve is adjusted to increase the flow rate.
The central control unit 500 monitors the input of the stop request signal from the temperature regulator 32 (S103). After the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 increases to be equal to or higher than the first stop temperature, a stop request signal is sent from the temperature regulator 32 to the centralized control unit 500.
When the stop request signal is input (yes in S103), the central control unit 500 transmits a stop command to the pump driving unit 400, and stops the pump 300 (S104).
During the monitoring of the input of the heating request signal in S101, the central control unit 500 further determines whether or not a first reference time (for example, 1 hour) has elapsed while the heating request signal is not input (S105).
In a general case, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 is equal to or lower than the first heating temperature in many cases before the first reference time elapses, and the temperature regulator 32 sends a heating request signal. Therefore, when no input of the heating request signal passes the first reference time, it is suspected that an abnormality such as a malfunction of the temperature sensor 31 or the temperature regulator 32 of the temperature regulating unit 30 occurs.
Therefore, if the first reference time has elapsed without the input of the heating request signal (S105: yes), the centralized control unit 500 drives the pump 300 (S106). After a standby time (for example, 5 minutes) elapses, the central control unit 500 obtains the water inlet temperature detected by the temperature sensor 170 of the water heater 100 via the device control unit 160 of the water heater 100 that has received the combustion (S108). Further, the standby time is set in consideration of the time required for hot water to reach the water heater 100 from the hot water storage tank 10 after driving the pump 300, regardless of which water heater 100 is permitted to burn.
Next, the central control unit 500 determines whether or not the water inlet temperature is equal to or lower than the second heating temperature (S109). The second heating temperature may be set to a temperature (e.g., 55 ℃) lower than the first heating temperature by a specific temperature (e.g., 10 ℃). This is considered to be the case where the position of the water pipe 210 connected to the hot water storage tank 10 is lower than the temperature sensor 31 disposed in the hot water storage tank 10, the temperature of the hot water flowing out from the hot water storage tank 10 to the water pipe 210 is slightly lower than the detection temperature of the temperature sensor 31, the temperature of the hot water is slightly lowered during the flow through the water pipe 210, and the like. In the case where the water inlet temperature (the detection temperature of the temperature sensor 170) and the detection temperature of the temperature sensor 31 are not greatly different, the second heating temperature may be the same as the first heating temperature.
In the case where the temperature adjustment unit 30 (temperature sensor 31, temperature regulator 32) is normal, the water inlet temperature is higher than the second heating temperature in many cases. When the water inlet temperature is higher than the second heating temperature (S109: no), the central control unit 500 stops the pump 300.
On the other hand, when the temperature adjustment unit 30 is abnormal, the water temperature is often equal to or lower than the second heating temperature. When the water inlet temperature is equal to or lower than the second heating temperature (yes in S109), the central control unit 500 continues the operation of the pump 300. If the operation of the pump 300 circulates the hot water between the hot water storage tank 10 and the hot water supply device 20, the combustion-permitted water heater 100 performs a combustion operation, and thus starts a circulation heating operation to heat the circulated hot water. Thereby, the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 increases.
In order to count the number of times of the cyclic heating operation based on the water inlet temperature being equal to or lower than the second heating temperature, the centralized control unit 500 includes a counter (not shown). The central control unit 500 increases the count value of the counter by 1 (S110).
Then, the central control unit 500 periodically obtains the water inlet temperature (S111), and determines whether or not the obtained water inlet temperature is equal to or higher than the second stop temperature (S112). The second stop temperature is set to, for example, the same temperature as the first stop temperature. Alternatively, the second stop temperature may be set to a temperature slightly higher than or lower than the first stop temperature.
If the water inlet temperature increases and the second stop temperature is exceeded as the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 increases (S112: yes), the central control unit 500 stops the pump 300 (S113).
Next, the central control unit 500 determines whether or not the count value of the counter reaches a reference value (for example, 10) (S114). When the count value, that is, the number of times of the cyclic heating operation based on the water inlet temperature being equal to or lower than the second heating temperature reaches the reference value (S114: yes), the central control unit 500 causes the remote controller 600 to perform an abnormality report, that is, to report that the temperature adjustment unit 30 may be abnormal (S115). For example, a message is displayed on the operation display unit 610 of the remote controller 600. Or an alarm sound or a message sound is output from the microphone 620 of the remote controller 600.
Effects of the first embodiment
According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be exhibited.
After a first reference time elapses from the state where the temperature regulator 32 does not receive the heating request signal, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 is circulated by the operation of the pump 300, the temperature sensor 170 detects the water temperature, and when the water temperature is equal to or lower than the second heating temperature, the hot water continues to circulate, and the hot water is heated by the circulation heating operation. Thus, even when the temperature sensor 31 or the temperature regulator 32 of the temperature control unit 30 is abnormal and the heating request signal cannot be obtained, the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 can be heated by the hot water supply device 20 when the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 is lowered, and heat preservation of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 can be achieved.
Further, since the circulation heating operation is performed based on the water inlet temperature being equal to or lower than the second heating temperature and the abnormality report is performed based on this, it is possible to notify the user that the abnormality may occur in the temperature sensor 31 or the temperature regulator 32.
< Variation 1 of the first embodiment >
Fig. 3 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the hot water supply system 1 according to modification 1.
In the first embodiment, the hot water supply device 20 includes the centralized control part 500. In contrast, in this modification 1, as shown in fig. 3, the hot water supply device 20 does not include the centralized control unit 500, but instead, any one of the water heater 100 and the machine control unit 160 of the first machine 100a in this modification 1 is responsible for the functions of the centralized control unit 500 of the first embodiment.
The temperature controller 32 inputs a heating request signal and a stop request signal to the device control unit 160 of the first machine 100 a. The machine control unit 160 of the first machine 100a controls the pump driving unit 400 and the remote controller 600. Further, the device control unit 160 of the first device 100a is communicably connected to the device control units 160 of the second device 100b, the third device 100c, and the fourth device 100 d.
In this modification 1, the machine control unit 160 of the first machine 100a executes the operation control of the heat preservation shown in fig. 2.
In this modification 1, the device control unit 160 corresponds to an "operation control unit" described in the claims.
< Variation example 2 of the first embodiment >
Fig. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the hot water supply system 1 according to modification 2.
In the first embodiment, the centralized control unit 500 controls the pump driving unit 400 to drive and stop the pump 300. In contrast, in this modification 2, as shown in fig. 4, not only the centralized control unit 500 but also the machine control unit 160 of any one of the water heaters 100 (the second machine 100b in this modification 2) in which the centralized control unit 500 is not provided may control the pump driving unit 400 so that the pump 300 may be driven and stopped.
In this modification 2, the machine control unit 160 of the second machine 100b executes standby operation control for heat preservation so as to prevent the central control unit 500 from being unable to operate normally due to a failure or the like.
Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation control of the standby thermal insulation of modification 2.
When the hot water supply system 1 is in the operation state, the machine control unit 160 of the No. two machine 100b repeatedly executes the operation control of the standby heat preservation in fig. 5.
The machine control unit 160 monitors whether or not the second reference time elapses, that is, whether or not the detected flow rate of the flow sensor 180 does not exceed the specific flow rate, when the hot water does not flow to the water heater 100 (S201). The second reference time is set to a time slightly longer than the first reference time (for example, 1 hour and 10 minutes).
When the central control unit 500 operates normally and the operation control of fig. 2 is executed, the pump 300 operates after the first reference time, and therefore, the hot water flows into the water heater 100 before the second reference time elapses.
On the other hand, if the centralized control unit 500 does not operate normally due to a malfunction or the like, the operation control of fig. 2 cannot be performed, and the second reference time will elapse while hot water is not flowing to the water heater 100. In this case, the machine control unit 160 determines in S201 that the state in which the hot water does not flow to the water heater 100 has elapsed the second reference time (S201: yes), and drives the pump 300 instead of the central control unit 500 (S202). Then, the device control unit 160 performs operation control similar to S107 to S115 in fig. 2, that is, operation control in S203 to S212 in fig. 5. Thus, the operation of the pump 300 circulates the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10, the temperature sensor 170 detects the water inlet temperature, and when the water inlet temperature is equal to or lower than the second heating temperature, the hot water continues to circulate, and the hot water is heated by the circulation heating operation. In addition, the circulation heating operation is performed based on the water inlet temperature being equal to or lower than the second heating temperature, and the abnormality report is performed based on this.
However, in S212 of fig. 5, the device control unit 160 causes the display unit 190 of the second machine 100b to report an abnormality, that is, the report centralized control unit 500 may have an abnormality. For example, the LED in the display unit 190 is turned on to indicate an abnormality.
According to the configuration of the present modification 2, even when the central control unit 500 cannot operate normally, when the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 is lowered, the hot water can be heated by the hot water supply device 20, and the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 can be kept warm.
In this modification 2, the flow sensor 180 corresponds to a "flow rate detection unit" described in the claims.
< Variation 3 of the first embodiment >
Fig. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the hot water supply system 1 according to modification 3. Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation control of the heat preservation in modification 3.
In the first embodiment, the temperature controller 32 is configured to output a heating request signal or a stop request signal to the central control unit 500 based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 31. In contrast, in this modification 3, as shown in fig. 6, a temperature signal corresponding to the detected temperature is output from the temperature sensor 31 disposed in the hot water storage tank 10 to the centralized control unit 500.
In this modification 3, the operation control of the heat preservation of fig. 7 is performed instead of the operation control of the heat preservation of fig. 2 performed in the first embodiment.
The central control unit 500 periodically acquires a temperature signal corresponding to the temperature of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 (hereinafter referred to as hot water temperature) from the temperature sensor 31 (S301), and determines whether the hot water temperature is equal to or lower than a first heating temperature (for example, 65 ℃) (S302). Then, when the hot water temperature is equal to or lower than the first heating temperature (yes in S302), the central control unit 500 drives the pump 300 (S303). The hot water circulates between the hot water storage tank 10 and the hot water supply device 20, and heats the hot water.
Then, the central control portion 500 periodically obtains the hot water temperature from the temperature sensor 31, and obtains the water inflow temperature detected by the temperature sensor 170 of the water heater 100 via the machine control portion 160 of the water heater 100 that has allowed combustion (S304). Then, if either one of the hot water temperature and the water inlet temperature is equal to or higher than the first stop temperature (e.g., 70 ℃) (S305: yes), the central control unit 500 stops the pump 300 (S306).
When it is determined in S302 that the hot water temperature is not equal to or lower than the first heating temperature, the central control unit 500 determines whether or not the temperature signal obtained at this time indicates an abnormal value (for example, a value of several hundred ℃) and whether or not the first reference time has elapsed without inputting a temperature equal to or lower than the first heating temperature (a temperature signal corresponding to the first heating temperature) (S307, S308).
When the temperature signal indicates an abnormal value or when the first reference time has elapsed without inputting a temperature equal to or lower than the first heating temperature, it is suspected that an abnormality such as a failure has occurred in the temperature sensor 31. Therefore, in this case (yes in S307, yes in S308), the central control unit 500 drives the pump 300 (S309). Then, the central control unit 500 performs operation control similar to S107 to S115 in fig. 2, that is, operation control in S310 to S318 in fig. 7. Thus, the operation of the pump 300 circulates the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10, the temperature sensor 170 detects the water inlet temperature, and when the water inlet temperature is equal to or lower than the second heating temperature, the hot water continues to circulate, and the hot water is heated by the circulation heating operation. In addition, the circulation heating operation is performed based on the water inlet temperature being equal to or lower than the second heating temperature, and the abnormality report is performed based on this.
In the above example, the determination is made as to whether or not the temperature signal indicates an abnormal value (S307) and the determination is made as to whether or not the first reference time has elapsed without inputting a temperature equal to or lower than the first heating temperature (S308), but only either determination may be made.
The structure of the modification 1 or the modification 2 may be applied to the structure of the modification 3. In this modification 3, the temperature sensor 31 corresponds to a "signal output unit" described in the claims.
Second embodiment
Next, the hot water supply system 3 according to the second embodiment will be described.
Fig. 8 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the hot water supply system 3. In fig. 8, the same components as those of the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals.
The hot water supply system 3 of the second embodiment includes a hot water storage tank 10, a hot water supply device 20A, a temperature adjustment unit 30, and a secondary side circulation path 40. That is, the configuration other than the hot water supply device 20A of the hot water supply system 3 is the same as that of the hot water supply system 1 of the first embodiment.
The water heater 20A includes a single water heater 100, a primary circulation path 200, a pump 300, and a pump driving unit 400.
The water heater 100 is disposed adjacent to the hot water storage tank 10. A heating request signal and a stop request signal are input from the temperature regulator 32 to the device control unit 160 of the water heater 100. In addition, the machine control unit 160 controls the pump driving unit 400.
In the hot water supply system 3 of the present embodiment, the machine control unit 160 performs the operation control of the heat preservation of fig. 2. However, the standby time of S107 is set to be shorter than that of the first embodiment (for example, 1 minute). In S115, the device control unit 160 causes the display unit 190 to report an abnormality, that is, to report that the temperature adjustment unit 30 may be abnormal. For example, the LED in the display unit 190 is turned on to indicate an abnormality.
In addition, the hot water supply device 20A may also include a remote controller. In this case, the remote controller reports an abnormality.
In the present embodiment, the same effects as those of the first embodiment can be exerted.
Variation of the second embodiment
Fig. 9 is a schematic diagram showing the structure of the hot water supply system 3 according to the modification.
In the second embodiment, the temperature controller 32 is configured to output a heating request signal or a stop request signal to the device control unit 160 based on the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 31. In contrast, in the present modification, as shown in fig. 9, a temperature signal corresponding to the detected temperature is output from the temperature sensor 31 disposed in the hot water storage tank 10 to the device control unit 160.
In this modification, the operation control of the heat preservation of fig. 7 performed in modification 3 is performed instead of the operation control of the heat preservation of fig. 2 performed in the first embodiment. However, the standby time of S310 is set to be shorter than the above-described modification 3 (for example, 1 minute). In S318, the device control unit 160 causes the display unit 190 to report an abnormality, that is, to report that the temperature sensor 31 may be abnormal. For example, the LED in the display unit 190 is turned on to indicate an abnormality.
In this modification, the temperature sensor 31 corresponds to a "signal output unit" described in the claims.
The first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modifications of these embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments or modifications, and various modifications are possible as described below.
Other variations)
In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified examples of these embodiments, in the heat-retaining operation control shown in fig. 2 and 7, and the standby heat-retaining operation control shown in fig. 5, the pump 300 is stopped when the intake water temperature becomes equal to or higher than the second stop temperature in S112, S209, and S315. However, the pump 300 may be stopped when a predetermined operation time elapses instead of this. Alternatively, the pump 300 may be configured not to stop as long as no specific operation is performed. However, when the pump 300 is not stopped, the heating water temperature set by the water heater 100 may be set to a temperature lower than the normal set temperature (for example, 95 ℃) and, for example, may be set to the same temperature as the first heating temperature.
In the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified examples of these embodiments, in the heat-retaining operation control shown in fig. 2 and 7, and the standby heat-retaining operation control shown in fig. 5, if the pump 300 is driven in S106, S202, and S309, hot water flows to the water heater 100, and the water heater 100 performs the combustion operation. That is, the circulation heating operation is started before the standby time elapses to obtain the water inlet temperature. However, even if the pump 300 is driven in S106, S202, and S309 and the hot water flows to the water heater 100, the water heater 100 does not perform the combustion operation, and when it is determined that the water intake temperature is equal to or lower than the second heating temperature and the operation of the pump 300 is continued, the water heater 100 may perform the combustion operation to start the circulation heating operation.
Further, in the first embodiment, the second embodiment, and the modified examples of these embodiments, in the case where the number of times of the cyclic heating operation based on the water inlet temperature being equal to or lower than the second heating temperature reaches the reference value (the reference number) in S114, S211, and S317 in the heat-retaining operation control shown in fig. 2 and 7 and the standby heat-retaining operation control shown in fig. 5, the abnormality report is performed. However, the abnormality report may be performed after the circulation heating operation based on the water inlet temperature being equal to or lower than the second heating temperature is performed only once.
Further, in the first and second embodiments, the second heating temperature and the second stop temperature may be set to fixed values, but when the first heating temperature and the first stop temperature are different depending on the temperature adjustment unit 30, the second heating temperature and the second stop temperature may be set using the remote controller 600 depending on the first heating temperature and the first stop temperature.
Further, in the first and second embodiments, when the pump 300 is driven in S102 of fig. 2, the water intake temperature after the standby time elapses may be detected, and the water intake temperature may be set to the second heating temperature. Similarly, when the pump 300 is stopped in S104 of fig. 2, the water intake temperature may be detected and set to the second stop temperature.
Further, in the first and second embodiments, the temperature sensor 170 is used as a temperature detecting unit for detecting the temperature of the hot water flowing into the water heater as the inflow water temperature. However, instead of the temperature sensor 170 or another temperature sensor included in the water heater together with the temperature sensor 170, for example, a tank outlet water temperature sensor or an outlet water temperature sensor, which are not shown, disposed in the outlet pipe 150 or the like may be used.
Further, in the case of the configuration of modification 3 of the first embodiment, the operation control of the heat preservation shown in fig. 10 may be executed instead of the operation control of the heat preservation shown in fig. 7. In the operation control, the processing of S401 to S407 is the same as the processing of S301 to S307 of fig. 7, and the processing of the determination of S308 of fig. 7 is not performed. In this modification, the second stop temperature corresponds to "the third reference temperature" described in the claims.
In S407, if it is determined that the temperature signal represents an abnormal value (S407: yes), the central control section 500 causes the remote controller 600 to perform an abnormality report (S408), and drives the pump 300 (S409). If the pump 300 is operated, the water heater 100, which is allowed to burn, is allowed to burn accordingly.
After the standby time has elapsed (yes in S410), the central control unit 500 obtains the water inlet temperature (S411), and determines whether or not the water inlet temperature is equal to or higher than a second stop temperature (for example, 70 ℃) (S412).
If the water inlet temperature is equal to or higher than the second stop temperature (S412: yes), the central control unit 500 transmits a stop command to the water heater 100 that has been permitted to burn, and stops the combustion operation (S413). If the intake water temperature is not equal to or higher than the second stop temperature (S412: no), the central control unit 500 waits until the intake water temperature becomes equal to or higher than the second stop temperature and then stops the combustion operation (S413). Thereby, the heating of the circulated hot water is stopped.
Then, the central control unit 500 periodically obtains the water intake temperature (S414), and after the water intake temperature becomes equal to or lower than the second heating temperature (67 ℃ for example) (S415: yes), transmits a start command to the combustion permitted water heater 100, and starts the combustion operation (S416). Thereby, the heating of the circulated hot water is started.
Then, the processing of S411 to S416 is repeated before the user or the like performs an operation for canceling the abnormality.
As described above, when the operation control of the heat preservation shown in fig. 10 is performed, heat preservation of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 10 can be achieved even when a normal temperature signal cannot be obtained, as in the above-described modification 3.
In the case of the configuration of the modification of the second embodiment, the machine control unit 160 may perform the operation control of the heat preservation of fig. 10.
Further, in the first and second embodiments, the hot water supply device 20 and the hot water supply device 20A may include a communication unit, and the abnormality report may be performed in the terminal device by transmitting information for the abnormality report to an external terminal device (for example, a personal computer or a smart phone) through the communication unit.
In addition, the embodiment of the present invention may be appropriately modified within the scope described in the claims.