Thermal equipment

Abstract

To provide a technique capable of suppressing temperature unevenness in a heat medium after being heated with a heat pump heat source.SOLUTION: Thermal equipment can execute at least one operation and performs so that power consumption becomes equal to or less than target power consumption. The thermal equipment has a heat pump heat source and a control device. The control device is configured to execute a heat pump power restraining process which: identifies a first upper limit value obtained by subtracting power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the power consumption of the heat pump heat source from the target power consumption; and controls the heat pump heat source so that the power consumption of the heat pump heat source becomes equal to or less than the first upper limit value. In the heat pump power restraining process, when predetermined operation in at least one operation is executed, the control device identifies a second upper limit value on the basis of an operation content of the predetermined operation and controls the heat pump heat source so that the power consumption of the heat pump heat source becomes equal to or less than the first upper limit value and equal to or less than the second upper limit value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 4

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The technology disclosed in this specification relates to thermal equipment. [Background technology]

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a thermal equipment capable of performing at least one operation and operating so that power consumption is equal to or less than a target power consumption. The thermal equipment includes a heat pump heat source unit that heats a heat medium, and a control device. The control device specifies a value obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the power consumption of the heat pump heat source unit from the target power consumption as a first upper limit value, and controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the power consumption of the heat pump heat source unit is equal to or less than the first upper limit value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2019-138525 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] In the thermal equipment of Patent Document 1, when the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the power consumption of the heat pump heat source unit (also called HP power consumption) increases suddenly, the first upper limit value decreases suddenly. If the first upper limit value decreases suddenly when the HP power consumption is close to the first upper limit value, the HP power consumption, which is suppressed to be equal to or less than the first upper limit value, also decreases suddenly at the same time. However, when the HP power consumption decreases suddenly, the heating capacity of the heat pump heat source unit (also called HP heating capacity) decreases suddenly, so there is a risk of temperature unevenness occurring in the heat medium after being heated by the heat pump heat source unit. This specification provides a technology that can suppress temperature unevenness occurring in the heat medium after being heated by the heat pump heat source unit. [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] In a first aspect of the present technology, a thermal device is capable of executing at least one operation and operates so that power consumption is equal to or less than a target power consumption. The thermal device includes a heat pump heat source unit and a control device. The control device is configured to be capable of executing a heat pump power suppression process, which specifies a value obtained by subtracting power consumption in the thermal device excluding power consumption in the heat pump heat source unit from the target power consumption as a first upper limit value, and controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the power consumption in the heat pump heat source unit is equal to or less than the first upper limit value. When a predetermined operation of the at least one operation is executed in the heat pump power suppression process, the control device specifies a second upper limit value based on the operation content of the predetermined operation, and controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the power consumption in the heat pump heat source unit is equal to or less than the first upper limit value and the second upper limit value.

[0006] According to the above configuration, when a predetermined operation is performed, not only is an upper limit value (first upper limit value) obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the HP power consumption from the target power consumption specified, but also an upper limit value (second upper limit value) corresponding to the predetermined operation is specified. Then, the control device controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the HP power consumption is equal to or less than the first upper limit value and equal to or less than the second upper limit value. In this configuration, for example, when it is expected that the first upper limit value will suddenly decrease during the execution of the predetermined operation, it is also possible to predict the first upper limit value immediately after the sudden decrease and set the predicted value as the second upper limit value. In this way, even if the first upper limit value suddenly decreases during the execution of the predetermined operation, the HP power consumption, which is previously suppressed to be equal to or less than the second upper limit value, does not suddenly decrease. Therefore, according to the above configuration, a sudden decrease in the HP heating capacity can be suppressed, and thus it is possible to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the heat medium after it is heated by the heat pump heat source unit.

[0007] The "operation" performed by the thermal equipment means a "series of predetermined actions" performed by the thermal equipment.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present technology, in the first aspect, the thermal equipment may further include a pipe heating device that heats a pipe through which water flows. The predetermined operation may include a freeze prevention operation in which the pipe heating device operates to heat the pipe.

[0009] In the above configuration, the pipe heating device may switch from on to off or from off to on during the freeze prevention operation. At the timing when the pipe heating device switches from off to on, it is expected that the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the HP power consumption will increase sharply, causing a sharp decrease in the first upper limit value. However, according to the above configuration, when the freeze prevention operation is performed, the control device controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the HP power consumption is equal to or less than the first upper limit value and the second upper limit value. This makes it possible to suppress a sharp decrease in the HP power consumption (i.e., the HP heating capacity) that accompanies a sharp decrease in the first upper limit value. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the heat medium after it is heated by the heat pump heat source unit.

[0010] In a third aspect of the present technology according to the first or second aspect, the thermal equipment may further include a heating device. The predetermined operation may include a heating operation in which the heating device operates to perform heating.

[0011] In the above configuration, during heating operation, the pump and fan included in the heating device may switch from on to off or from off to on. At the timing when the pump and fan included in the heating device switch from off to on, it is expected that the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the HP power consumption will suddenly increase, causing a sudden decrease in the first upper limit value. However, according to the above configuration, when heating operation is performed, the control device controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the HP power consumption is equal to or less than the first upper limit value and the second upper limit value. This makes it possible to suppress a sudden decrease in the HP power consumption (i.e., the HP heating capacity) that accompanies a sudden decrease in the first upper limit value. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the heat medium after it has been heated by the heat pump heat source unit.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present technology, in any one of the first to third aspects, the thermal equipment may further include a heat retention device that heats water stored in a bathtub. The predetermined operation may include a heat retention operation in which the heat retention device operates to keep the water stored in the bathtub warm.

[0013] In the above configuration, during the insulation operation, the pump and fan included in the insulation device may switch from on to off or from off to on. At the timing when the pump and fan included in the insulation device switch from off to on, it is expected that the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the HP power consumption will increase sharply, and the first upper limit value will decrease sharply. However, according to the above configuration, when the insulation operation is performed, the control device controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the HP power consumption is equal to or less than the first upper limit value and the second upper limit value. This makes it possible to suppress a sudden decrease in the HP power consumption (i.e., the HP heating capacity) that accompanies a sudden decrease in the first upper limit value. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the heat medium after it is heated by the heat pump heat source unit.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present technology, in any one of the first to fourth aspects, the heat pump heat source unit may include a water heat exchanger that heats water by heat exchange between water and a refrigerant. The at least one operation may include a thawing operation in which, when water inside the water heat exchanger freezes, the heat pump heat source unit is driven to thaw the frozen water inside the water heat exchanger. When the thawing operation is executed in the heat pump power suppression process, the control device may not specify the second upper limit value, and may control the heat pump heat source unit so that the power consumption of the heat pump heat source unit is equal to or less than the first upper limit value, even if the predetermined operation is being executed.

[0015] In a situation where the water inside the water heat exchanger is frozen, the operation and function using the heat pump heat source machine are limited. Therefore, it is preferable that the time required for the defrosting operation is as short as possible. However, if the HP power consumption is limited to be equal to or less than the second upper limit value when the defrosting operation is performed, the HP heating capacity cannot be increased sufficiently, and the time required for the defrosting operation becomes long. According to the above configuration, when the defrosting operation is performed, the second upper limit value is not specified even if a predetermined operation is performed. As a result, when the defrosting operation is performed, the HP power consumption is avoided from being limited to be equal to or less than the second upper limit value. This allows the HP heating capacity to be relatively large, and therefore the time required for the defrosting operation can be shortened.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present technology, in the fifth aspect, the control device may prohibit the execution of one or more operations of the at least one operation when the defrosting operation is performed. The control device may allow the execution of the one or more operations when the defrosting operation is not performed.

[0017] Even when the defrosting operation is performed, the HP power consumption is suppressed to be equal to or less than a value (first upper limit value) obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the HP power consumption from the target power consumption. Therefore, when the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the HP power consumption is large, the HP power consumption (i.e., the HP heating capacity) cannot be made sufficiently large, and the time required for the defrosting operation becomes long. According to the above configuration, when the defrosting operation is performed, restrictions are placed on the operation of the thermal equipment, so that the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the HP power consumption can be made relatively small. As a result, the HP power consumption (i.e., the HP heating capacity) can be made sufficiently large, and the time required for the defrosting operation can be shortened.

[0018] In a seventh aspect of the present technology, in the fifth or sixth aspect, the control device may be capable of changing a setting of the target power consumption. The control device may set the target power consumption when the defrosting operation is performed higher than the target power consumption when the defrosting operation is not performed.

[0019] Even when the defrosting operation is performed, the HP power consumption is suppressed to be equal to or less than a value (first upper limit value) obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the HP power consumption from the target power consumption. Therefore, when the target power consumption is small, the HP power consumption (i.e., the HP heating capacity) cannot be made sufficiently large, and the time required for the defrosting operation becomes long. According to the above configuration, when the defrosting operation is performed, the target power consumption can be made relatively large. This allows the HP power consumption (i.e., the HP heating capacity) to be made sufficiently large, and therefore the time required for the defrosting operation can be shortened.

[0020] According to an eighth aspect of the present technology in any one of the first to seventh aspects, the thermal equipment may further include a combustion heat source unit that combusts fuel to heat a heat medium.

[0021] According to the above configuration, the thermal equipment can heat the heat medium not only by the heat pump heat source unit but also by the combustion heat source unit. Therefore, for example, when the amount of heat to be supplied to the heat medium is insufficient by operating only the heat pump heat source unit, the amount of heat to be supplied to the heat medium can be supplemented by operating the combustion heat source unit. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0022] [Figure 1] 2 is a diagram showing an example of installation of a thermal device 2 according to an embodiment. FIG. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of a distribution board 204 according to an embodiment. [Diagram 3] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of a thermal device 2 according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 4]10 is a flowchart of a heat pump power suppression process executed by a controller 110 of a thermal device 2 according to the embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram showing an upper limit table 114 stored in a controller 110 of the thermal device 2 according to the embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] 11 is a graph showing time changes in fractional power consumption SP, first upper limit value UL1, second upper limit value UL2, and min(UL1, UL2) when freeze prevention operation, heating operation, and / or heat retention operation are performed in a thermal device 2 of the embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0023] (Example) 1, the thermal equipment 2 is installed in a house 200. The thermal equipment 2 includes a tank unit 4, an HP unit 6, and a combustion unit 8. The house 200 is also provided with a distribution board 204 electrically connected to a commercial power source 202.

[0024] 2, the distribution board 204 includes one main breaker 206 and multiple branch breakers 208. The main breaker 206 is electrically connected to the commercial power source 202 by a power supply wiring 210. The main breaker 206 is electrically connected to the multiple branch breakers 208 by multiple branch wirings 212. Of the multiple branch wirings 212, branch wiring 212a is connected to branch breaker 208a of the multiple branch breakers 208. The branch breaker 208a is electrically connected to multiple outlets 216 by outlet wiring 214.

[0025] The main breaker 206 has a function of cutting off a current when the current flowing through the power supply wiring 210 exceeds a predetermined operation threshold (e.g., 30 A). Also, the branch breaker 208a has a function of cutting off a current when the current flowing through the branch wiring 212a exceeds a predetermined operation threshold (e.g., 15 A).

[0026] 1, a plug of a first wiring system 218 and a plug of a second wiring system 220 are inserted into an outdoor outlet 216a included in the multiple outlets 216. The first wiring system 218 includes a power line 218a that electrically connects the outdoor outlet 216a and the HP unit 6. The second wiring system 220 includes a power line 220a that electrically connects the outdoor outlet 216a and the tank unit 4, and a power line 220b that electrically connects the tank unit 4 and the combustion unit 8. Thus, power is supplied to the thermal equipment 2 from the commercial power source 202 via the distribution board 204 and the outdoor outlet 216a.

[0027] (HP unit 6 configuration) As shown in FIG. 3, the HP unit 6 includes a refrigerant circulation path 52 for circulating a refrigerant (e.g., an HFC refrigerant such as R410A or a CO2 refrigerant such as R744), an air heat exchanger 54, a fan 56, a compressor 62, a three-fluid heat exchanger 58, an expansion valve 60, and a tank circulating pump 22.

[0028] The air heat exchanger 54 exchanges heat between the outside air blown by the fan 56 and the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52. The compressor 62 pressurizes the refrigerant in a gas phase and sends it out. The three-fluid heat exchanger 58 exchanges heat between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52 and water in a tank circulation path 20 described below. And / or, the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 exchanges heat between the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52 and heating water in an HP circulation path 88 described below. The expansion valve 60 adiabatically expands the refrigerant in a liquid phase to reduce the pressure. The air heat exchanger 54, the compressor 62, the three-fluid heat exchanger 58, and the expansion valve 60 constitute the heat pump 50.

[0029] In the heat pump 50, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas-phase refrigerant discharged from the compressor 62 flows into the three-fluid heat exchanger 58. When passing through the three-fluid heat exchanger 58, the refrigerant releases heat and condenses to become a liquid phase. The liquid-phase refrigerant that has passed through the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 is depressurized by the expansion valve 60. The low-temperature, low-pressure liquid-phase refrigerant that has passed through the expansion valve 60 flows into the air heat exchanger 54. When passing through the air heat exchanger 54, the refrigerant absorbs heat and evaporates to become a gas phase. The gas-phase refrigerant that has passed through the air heat exchanger 54 is returned to the compressor 62. In the heat pump 50, the air heat exchanger 54 absorbs heat from the outside air, and the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 heats water and / or heating water.

[0030] In the HP unit 6, a freeze prevention heater (not shown) is provided in the path through which the water flows.

[0031] The HP unit 6 includes an HP controller 102. The HP controller 102 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. Various operation programs are stored in the ROM. Various signals input to the HP controller 102 and various data generated in the process of the CPU executing processing are temporarily stored in the RAM. The HP controller 102 controls each component of the HP unit 6 by the CPU executing processing based on the information stored in the ROM and RAM.

[0032] (Tank unit 4 configuration) The tank unit 4 includes a hot water storage tank 10. The hot water storage tank 10 stores water heated by the HP unit 6. In this embodiment, the water stored in the hot water storage tank 10 is tap water. Water is stored in the hot water storage tank 10 until it is full. Thermistors 12, 14, 16, and 18 are attached to the hot water storage tank 10 at approximately equal intervals in the height direction of the hot water storage tank 10. Each of the thermistors 12, 14, 16, and 18 measures the temperature of the water at its attachment position.

[0033] The tank circulation path 20 has an upstream end connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 10, passes through a three-fluid heat exchanger 58 of the HP unit 6, and has a downstream end connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 10. A tank circulation pump 22 is provided in the tank circulation path 20. The tank circulation pump 22 pumps water in the tank circulation path 20 from the upstream side to the downstream side. When the HP unit 6 drives the heat pump 50 and the tank circulation pump 22, water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 10 is sent to the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 and heated, and the heated water is returned to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 10. As a result, a temperature stratification is formed inside the hot water storage tank 10, in which a layer of high temperature water is piled up on a layer of low temperature water.

[0034] The upstream end of the tap water inlet passage 24 is connected to a tap water supply source 32 outside the thermal equipment 2. The downstream end of the tap water inlet passage 24 branches into a first inlet passage 24a and a second inlet passage 24b. The downstream end of the first inlet passage 24a is connected to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 10. The downstream end of the second inlet passage 24b is connected midway to the first hot water supply passage 36. A check valve 26 is provided in the first inlet passage 24a. A check valve 28 is provided in the second inlet passage 24b.

[0035] The upstream end of the first hot water supply passage 36 is connected to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 10. As described above, the second inlet passage 24b of the tap water inlet passage 24 is connected to the middle of the first hot water supply passage 36. A mixing valve 30 is provided at the connection part between the first hot water supply passage 36 and the second inlet passage 24b. The mixing valve 30 adjusts the ratio of the flow rate of high-temperature water flowing from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 10 into the first hot water supply passage 36 to the flow rate of low-temperature water flowing from the second inlet passage 24b into the first hot water supply passage 36. The first hot water supply passage 36 downstream of the connection part with the second inlet passage 24b passes through the hot water heating passage 37 of the combustion unit 8 and is connected to the second hot water supply passage 39. The first hot water supply passage 36 and the second hot water supply passage 39 are connected by the heat source bypass passage 33. The heat source bypass passage 33 is provided with a bypass valve 34. The downstream end of the second hot water supply passage 39 is connected to the hot water tap 38.

[0036] The tank unit 4 further includes a first heating water return path 84, a regulating valve 90, an HP circulation path 88, and an HP bypass path 94. Heating water flows into the first heating water return path 84 from the combustion unit 8 described below. The downstream end of the first heating water return path 84 is connected to the regulating valve 90. The regulating valve 90 is further connected to the HP circulation path 88 and the HP bypass path 94. The regulating valve 90 can change the ratio of the flow rate of heating water flowing from the first heating water return path 84 to the HP circulation path 88 and the flow rate of heating water flowing from the first heating water return path 84 to the HP bypass path 94 by changing its opening degree. The HP circulation path 88 passes through the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 of the HP unit 6 and is connected to the upstream end of the second heating water return path 96 of the combustion unit 8. The HP bypass path 94 is connected to the upstream end of the second heating water return path 96 without passing through the HP unit 6.

[0037] In the tank unit 4, a freeze prevention heater (not shown) is provided in the path through which the water flows.

[0038] The tank unit 4 includes a tank controller 104. The tank controller 104 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. Various operation programs are stored in the ROM. Various signals input to the tank controller 104 and various data generated in the process of the CPU executing processing are temporarily stored in the RAM. The tank controller 104 controls each component of the tank unit 4 by the CPU executing processing based on the information stored in the ROM and RAM.

[0039] (Configuration of Combustion Unit 8) The combustion unit 8 includes a cistern 70, a hot water heating burner 81, and a heating water heating burner 82. The cistern 70 is a container with an open top, and stores heating water inside. In this embodiment, the heating water is, for example, antifreeze. The downstream end of the second heating water return line 96 and the upstream end of the heating water outflow line 72 are connected to the cistern 70. A heating water circulation pump 74 is provided in the heating water outflow line 72. When the heating water circulation pump 74 is driven, the heating water in the cistern 70 flows into the heating water outflow line 72.

[0040] The downstream end of the heating water supply path 72 branches into a burner heating path 73, a low-temperature heating circulation path 75, and a heating bypass path 85. A low-temperature heating terminal 78 is attached to the low-temperature heating circulation path 75. In this embodiment, the low-temperature heating terminal 78 is, for example, a floor heating panel. The low-temperature heating terminal 78 provides heating by heat dissipation from the heating water. A first on-off valve 86 is provided in the low-temperature heating circulation path 75. A second on-off valve 87 is provided in the heating bypass path 85.

[0041] A heating water heating burner 82 is provided in the burner heating path 73. The heating water heating burner 82 burns fuel (e.g., fuel gas) supplied from a fuel supply source (e.g., a gas conduit) to heat the heating water in the burner heating path 73. A fan 82a for supplying air to the heating water heating burner 82 is attached to the heating water heating burner 82. The downstream end of the burner heating path 73 branches into a high-temperature heating circulation path 77 and a reheating circulation path 79. A high-temperature heating terminal 76 is attached to the high-temperature heating circulation path 77. The high-temperature heating terminal 76 in this embodiment is, for example, a bathroom heater / dryer. The high-temperature heating terminal 76 heats by radiating heat from the heating water. An opening / closing valve is built in the high-temperature heating terminal 76, and the opening / closing valve is opened when heating is performed with the high-temperature heating terminal 76, and closed when heating is not performed with the high-temperature heating terminal 76. The low-temperature heating circulation path 75 , the high-temperature heating circulation path 77 and the heating bypass path 85 join together at their respective downstream ends and are connected to the upstream end of the first heating water return path 84 of the tank unit 4 .

[0042] The reheating circulation path 79 is provided with a reheating thermo-operated valve 83 and a reheating heat exchanger 97. The reheating thermo-operated valve 83 opens and closes the reheating circulation path 79. The reheating heat exchanger 97 exchanges heat between the heating water flowing through the reheating circulation path 79 and the water flowing through the bathtub water circulation path 91. The downstream end of the reheating circulation path 79 is connected to a second heating water return path 96.

[0043] One end and the other end of the bathtub water circulation path 91 are connected to the inside of the bathtub 130 via a bathtub adapter 132 provided in the bathtub 130. A bathtub water circulation pump 99 is provided in the bathtub water circulation path 91. When the bathtub water circulation pump 99 is driven, the water stored in the bathtub 130 (also called bathtub water) flows into one end of the bathtub water circulation path 91 via the bathtub adapter 132. Then, the water inside the bathtub water circulation path 91 flows out from the other end of the bathtub water circulation path 91 through the bathtub adapter 132 into the bathtub 130. In addition, a bathtub water temperature thermistor (not shown) is provided upstream of the reheating heat exchanger 97 in the bathtub water circulation path 91. The bathtub water temperature thermistor detects the temperature of the water before it is heated by the reheating heat exchanger 97 (i.e., the temperature of the bathtub water). In the bathtub water circulation path 91, a reheating temperature thermistor (not shown) is provided downstream of the reheating heat exchanger 97. The reheating temperature thermistor detects the temperature of the water after it has been heated by the reheating heat exchanger 97. In addition, an air pressure dissolving device 150 is provided downstream of the reheating heat exchanger 97 in the bathtub water circulation path 91. Although not shown, the air pressure dissolving device 150 includes a mixing tank for mixing air and water, a pressure pump for pressure-feeding the water flowing in the bathtub water circulation path 91 toward the mixing tank, an air pump for pressure-feeding air in the atmosphere toward the mixing tank, and a three-way valve for switching the water flow path within the air pressure dissolving device 150. The air pressure dissolving device 150 can take in air from the atmosphere and dissolve the taken-in air under pressure in the water flowing in the bathtub water circulation path 91.

[0044] A hot water supply water heating burner 81 is provided in the hot water supply heating path 37. The hot water supply water heating burner 81 burns fuel (e.g., fuel gas) supplied from a fuel supply source (e.g., a gas conduit) to heat the water in the hot water supply heating path 37. A fan 81a for supplying air to the hot water supply water heating burner 81 is attached to the hot water supply water heating burner 81. The downstream end of the hot water supply heating path 37 branches into a second hot water supply path 39 and a third hot water supply path 40. A bathtub hot water valve 42 for opening and closing the third hot water supply path 40 is provided in the third hot water supply path 40. The downstream end of the third hot water supply path 40 is connected to a portion of the bathtub water circulation path 91 between the bathtub water circulation pump 99 and the bathtub adapter 132.

[0045] In the combustion unit 8, a freeze prevention heater (not shown) is provided in the path through which the water flows.

[0046] The combustion unit 8 includes a combustion controller 106. The combustion controller 106 includes a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. Various operation programs are stored in the ROM. The RAM temporarily stores various signals input to the combustion controller 106 and various data generated in the process of the CPU executing processing. The combustion controller 106 controls each component of the combustion unit 8 by the CPU executing processing based on the information stored in the ROM and RAM.

[0047] The HP controller 102 and the tank controller 104 can communicate bidirectionally. The tank controller 104 and the combustion controller 106 can also communicate bidirectionally. The HP controller 102, the tank controller 104, and the combustion controller 106 cooperate to control the thermal equipment 2. In this specification, the HP controller 102, the tank controller 104, and the combustion controller 106 are also collectively referred to as the controller 110. The controller 110 is configured to be able to execute a boiling operation, a heating operation, a hot water supply operation, a hot water filling operation, a reheating operation, a heat retention operation, a fine bubble generating operation, a freeze prevention operation, and an ice melting operation, which will be described later. The controller 110 (specifically, the tank controller 104) can also communicate bidirectionally with a remote control 112 that can be operated by a user. The user can instruct the start and end of various operations and change various settings via the remote control 112. The various settings referred to here include, for example, the set temperature for boiling operation, the set temperature for heating operation, the set temperature for hot water supply operation, the set temperature and set water volume for water filling operation, the set temperature for reheating operation, and the set temperature and set time for heat retention operation.

[0048] (Boiling operation) The boiling operation is an operation in which the water in the hot water storage tank 10 is heated by the HP unit 6, and the high-temperature water is returned to the hot water storage tank 10. For example, when the temperature of the water in the hot water storage tank 10 (for example, the temperature detected by the thermistor 12) falls below a predetermined lower limit temperature, the controller 110 automatically starts the boiling operation. When the boiling operation is started, the controller 110 drives the compressor 62, the fan 56, and the tank circulating pump 22.

[0049] By driving the compressor 62, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52 circulates through the compressor 62, the three-fluid heat exchanger 58, the expansion valve 60, and the air heat exchanger 54 in this order. In this case, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52 passing through the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 is in a high-temperature, high-pressure gas phase state. In addition, by driving the tank circulation pump 22, the water in the hot water storage tank 10 circulates through the tank circulation path 20. That is, the water present in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 10 is introduced into the tank circulation path 20, and when the introduced water passes through the three-fluid heat exchanger 58, it is heated by the heat of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52, and the heated water is returned to the upper part of the hot water storage tank 10. At this time, the controller 110 controls the compressor 62, the fan 56, and the tank circulation pump 22 so that the temperature of the water after passing through the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 becomes the set temperature for the boiling operation. As a result, high-temperature water is stored in the hot water storage tank 10. When the hot water storage tank 10 is filled with high-temperature water, the controller 110 stops the compressor 62, the fan 56, and the tank circulating pump 22, and ends the boiling operation.

[0050] (Heating operation) The heating operation is an operation for performing heating using the low-temperature heating terminal 78 and the high-temperature heating terminal 76. When the controller 110 receives an instruction to perform the heating operation from the remote control 112, the controller 110 drives the heating water circulation pump 74 while opening the first opening / closing valve 86 and closing the second opening / closing valve 87. Furthermore, the controller 110 drives the compressor 62 and the fan 56. As a result, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52 is pressurized by the compressor 62 to a high-temperature, high-pressure gas phase state. Then, the heating water heated when passing through the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 is supplied to the low-temperature heating terminal 78 and the high-temperature heating terminal 76 through the cistern 70. Furthermore, the controller 110 drives the heating water heating burner 82 and the fan 82a as necessary. As a result, the heating water heated by the heating water heating burner 82 is supplied to the high-temperature heating terminal 76. During the heating operation, the controller 110 specifies the target temperature of the heating water to be supplied to the low-temperature heating terminal 78 (low-temperature target temperature) and the target temperature of the heating water to be supplied to the high-temperature heating terminal 76 (high-temperature target temperature) based on the set temperature in the heating operation. Then, the controller 110 controls the opening of the regulating valve 90, the operation of the HP unit 6, and the output of the heating water circulation pump 74, the heating water heating burner 82, and the fan 82a so that the temperature of the heating water supplied to the low-temperature heating terminal 78 becomes the low-temperature target temperature and the temperature of the heating water supplied to the high-temperature heating terminal 76 becomes the high-temperature target temperature. Note that one mode of output control related to the heating water circulation pump 74, the heating water heating burner 82, and the fan 82a is to simply switch the heating water circulation pump 74, the heating water heating burner 82, and the fan 82a on and off. According to this control mode, a period in which the heating water circulation pump 74, the heating water heating burner 82, and the fan 82a are on and a period in which the heating water circulation pump 74, the heating water heating burner 82, and the fan 82a are off are alternately repeated. In this specification, this control mode is called "duty control" in the heating operation. When the controller 110 receives an instruction to end the heating operation from the remote control 112, it stops the heating water circulation pump 74, the compressor 62, the fan 56, the heating water heating burner 82, and the fan 82a to end the heating operation.

[0051] (Hot water supply operation) The hot water supply operation is an operation in which water adjusted to a set temperature for the hot water supply operation is supplied to the hot water tap 38. When the hot water tap 38 is opened, the controller 110 starts the hot water supply operation. When the hot water tap 38 is opened, tap water flows into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 10 from the tap water inlet 24 (first inlet 24a) due to the water pressure from the tap water supply source 32. At the same time, water from the upper part of the hot water storage tank 10 is supplied to the hot water tap 38 via the first hot water supply path 36. In the hot water supply operation, when the temperature of the water supplied from the hot water storage tank 10 to the first hot water supply path 36 (i.e., the temperature detected by the thermistor 12) is higher than the set temperature, the controller 110 drives the mixing valve 30 to introduce tap water from the second inlet 24b to the first hot water supply path 36. As a result, the water supplied from the hot water storage tank 10 and the tap water supplied from the second inlet 24b are mixed in the first hot water supply path 36. In this case, the controller 110 adjusts the opening of the mixing valve 30 so that the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water tap 38 matches the set temperature. On the other hand, when the temperature of the water supplied from the hot water storage tank 10 to the first hot water supply path 36 is lower than the set temperature, the controller 110 closes the bypass valve 34 and heats the water passing through the first hot water supply path 36 by the hot water supply water heating burner 81 and the fan 81a. The controller 110 adjusts the output of the hot water supply water heating burner 81 and the fan 81a so that the temperature of the water supplied to the hot water tap 38 matches the set temperature. When the hot water tap 38 is closed, the controller 110 ends the hot water supply operation.

[0052] (Bath filling operation) The bath filling operation is an operation for filling the bathtub 130 with water at the set temperature for the bath filling operation. When the controller 110 receives an instruction to perform the bath filling operation from the remote control 112, it starts the bath filling operation. When the bath filling operation starts, the controller 110 opens the bathtub hot water valve 42. When the bathtub hot water valve 42 is opened, tap water flows from the tap water inlet 24 (first inlet 24a) into the bottom of the hot water storage tank 10 due to the water pressure from the tap water supply source 32. At the same time, the water from the top of the hot water storage tank 10 flows into the bathtub 130 via the first hot water supply path 36, the hot water supply heating path 37, the third hot water supply path 40, the bathtub water circulation path 91, and the bathtub adapter 132. In the bath filling operation, the temperature of the water supplied to the third hot water supply path 40 is adjusted to the set temperature in the same way as in the hot water supply operation. When the flow rate of water supplied to the bathtub 130 reaches the set water volume for filling the bathtub, the controller 110 closes the bathtub hot water valve 42 and ends the bathtub filling operation.

[0053] (Reheating operation) The reheating operation is an operation for reheating bath water. When the controller 110 receives an instruction to perform the reheating operation from the remote control 112, the controller 110 starts the reheating operation. In the reheating operation, the controller 110 closes the first opening / closing valve 86 and the second opening / closing valve 87, and drives the heating water circulation pump 74 with the reheating thermal valve 83 open. In the reheating operation, the heating water is heated by the HP unit 6 and the heating water is heated by the heating water heating burner 82 in the same manner as in the heating operation. The controller 110 also drives the bath water circulation pump 99. As a result, the bath water flows into the bath water circulation path 91 through the bath adapter 132 and is sent to the reheating heat exchanger 97. In the reheating heat exchanger 97, the water flowing through the bath water circulation path 91 is heated by the heat of the heating water flowing through the reheating circulation path 79. The bathtub water heated by the reheating heat exchanger 97 is returned to the bathtub 130 via the bathtub water circulation path 91 and the bathtub adapter 132. When the temperature detected by the bathtub water temperature thermistor reaches or exceeds the set temperature for the reheating operation, the controller 110 ends the heating of the heating water by the HP unit 6 and the heating of the heating water by the heating water heating burner 82, and stops the bathtub water circulation pump 99 and the heating water circulation pump 74, thereby ending the reheating operation.

[0054] (Keep warm operation) The warming operation is an operation for keeping the bath water warm by periodically reheating the bath water. When the controller 110 receives an instruction to perform the warming operation from the remote control 112, it starts the warming operation. Alternatively, the controller 110 starts the warming operation in response to the end of the bath water filling operation. When the warming operation starts, the controller 110 waits until the temperature detected by the bath water temperature thermistor falls below a predetermined temperature. When the temperature detected by the bath water temperature thermistor falls below the predetermined temperature, the controller 110 causes the thermal device 2 to perform an operation similar to the reheating operation to reheat the bath water. When the temperature detected by the bath water temperature thermistor reaches the set temperature for the warming operation, the controller 110 stops reheating the bath water and goes back to the standby state. The controller 110 repeatedly performs the above operations until the warming operation ends. According to this control mode, the heating water circulation pump 74, the heating water heating burner 82, the fan 82a, and the bath water circulation pump 99 are turned on during a period alternately with the heating water circulation pump 74, the heating water heating burner 82, the fan 82a, and the bath water circulation pump 99 being turned off during a period repeatedly. In this specification, this control mode is called "duty control" in the heat retention operation. The controller 110 ends the heat retention operation when the elapsed time from the start of the heat retention operation reaches the set time for the heat retention operation. Alternatively, the controller 110 ends the heat retention operation when it receives an instruction to end the heat retention operation from the remote control 112.

[0055] (Fine bubble generation operation) The microbubble generating operation is an operation that generates microbubbles in the bathtub water. When the controller 110 receives an instruction to execute the microbubble generating operation from the remote control 112, it starts the microbubble generating operation. When the microbubble generating operation starts, the controller 110 drives the bathtub water circulation pump 99. This causes the bathtub water to circulate between the bathtub 130 and the bathtub water circulation path 91 via the bathtub adapter 132. Furthermore, the controller 110 drives the air pressurization dissolution device 150. This causes air to be pressurized and dissolved in the water flowing through the bathtub water circulation path 91. When the water in which the air has been pressurized and dissolved is returned from the bathtub water circulation path 91 to the bathtub 130 via the bathtub adapter 132, the water is depressurized to below atmospheric pressure by a venturi (not shown) provided in the bathtub adapter 132, and then the pressure is increased to atmospheric pressure. This causes microbubbles to be generated in the bathtub water. When a predetermined time has elapsed since the start of the fine bubble generating operation, the controller 110 stops the bath water circulating pump 99 and the air pressurizing dissolving device 150, and ends the fine bubble generating operation.

[0056] (Anti-freeze operation) The antifreeze operation is an operation for preventing water from freezing in each of the tank unit 4, the HP unit 6, and the combustion unit 8 when the outside air temperature is low. When the outside air temperature detected by an outside air temperature thermistor (not shown) falls below a predetermined temperature, the controller 110 automatically starts the antifreeze operation. The controller 110 starts heating with the antifreeze heater in each of the tank unit 4, the HP unit 6, and the combustion unit 8. In the antifreeze operation, the controller 110 alternates between a period in which the antifreeze heater is on and a period in which the antifreeze heater is off. In this specification, this control mode is called "duty control" in the antifreeze operation. When the outside air temperature exceeds the predetermined temperature, the controller 110 stops heating with the antifreeze heater and ends the antifreeze operation.

[0057] (De-icing operation) The defrosting operation is an operation in which, when water inside the tank circulation path 20 passing through the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 freezes, the HP unit 6 is driven to defrost the frozen water. When the outside air temperature detected by an outside air temperature thermistor (not shown) is below a predetermined temperature, the controller 110 starts the defrosting operation upon receiving an instruction to execute the defrosting operation from the remote control 112. Alternatively, when the outside air temperature detected by the outside air temperature thermistor is below a predetermined temperature, the controller 110 starts the defrosting operation upon operating a defrosting switch (not shown) provided on the HP unit 6. When the defrosting operation starts, the controller 110 drives the compressor 62 and the fan 56. By driving the compressor 62, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52 circulates in the order of the compressor 62, the three-fluid heat exchanger 58, the expansion valve 60, and the air heat exchanger 54. In this case, the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52 passing through the three-fluid heat exchanger 58 is in a high-temperature, high-pressure gas phase state. Then, the tank circulation path 20 is heated by the heat of the refrigerant in the refrigerant circulation path 52. This melts the frozen water inside the tank circulation path 20. When the elapsed time from the start of the melting operation reaches a predetermined time, the controller 110 stops the compressor 62 and the fan 56 and ends the melting operation.

[0058] (Thermal equipment 2 operating mode) As shown in FIG. 1, the thermal device 2 is electrically connected to one branch breaker 208a (see FIG. 2) via the outdoor outlet 216a. In such a configuration, it is necessary to suppress the current supplied to the thermal device 2 to at least the activation threshold of the branch breaker 208a or less. For this reason, the controller 110 controls the thermal device 2 so that the current supplied to the thermal device 2 is smaller than the activation threshold of the branch breaker 208a. Specifically, the controller 110 controls the thermal device 2 so that the power consumption of the thermal device 2 is equal to or smaller than the target power consumption TP. The target power consumption TP is set to a value smaller than a value obtained by multiplying the activation threshold of the branch breaker 208a by the voltage (e.g., 100V) of the outdoor outlet 216a. In this embodiment, the target power consumption TP is set to either a first predetermined value or a second predetermined value larger than the first predetermined value. The operation mode of the thermal device 2 when it is not necessary to suppress the power consumption of the thermal device 2 to the target power consumption TP or less is called the "normal mode", and the operation mode of the thermal device 2 when it is necessary to suppress the power consumption of the thermal device 2 to the target power consumption TP or less is called the "power reduction mode". An example of a case where it is not necessary to suppress the power consumption of the thermal device 2 to the target power consumption TP or less is when the HP unit 6 of the thermal device 2 is electrically connected to a branch breaker 208 dedicated to the HP unit 6 via a dedicated wiring. The operation mode of the thermal device 2 is set by the installer of the thermal device 2. After completing the installation of the thermal device 2 in the house 200, the installer sets the operation mode of the thermal device 2 to the power reduction mode by operating the remote control 112.

[0059] (Heat pump power reduction process; Fig. 4) When the operation mode of the thermal device 2 is set to the power restriction mode, the controller 110 repeatedly executes the heat pump power restriction process. The heat pump power restriction process is a process for restricting the power consumption (HP power consumption) of the heat pump 50 so that the power consumption of the thermal device 2 is equal to or less than the target power consumption TP.

[0060] In S2, the controller 110 acquires the power consumption of the thermal device 2 excluding the HP power consumption. In this embodiment, the power consumption of the thermal device 2 excluding the HP power consumption is also referred to as "subtractive power consumption SP." After S2, the process proceeds to S4.

[0061] In S4, the controller 110 sets the value obtained by subtracting the subtractive power consumption SP from the target power consumption TP as a first upper limit value UL1 of the HP power consumption. When the first upper limit value UL1 is set, the controller 110 controls the heat pump 50 so that the HP power consumption is equal to or less than the first upper limit value UL1. After S4, the process proceeds to S6.

[0062] In S6, the controller 110 determines whether or not the defrosting operation is being performed. If the defrosting operation is not being performed (NO), the process proceeds to S8.

[0063] In S8, the controller 110 acquires the operation status of a predetermined operation among the operations that the thermal device 2 can perform. In this embodiment, the predetermined operations are freeze prevention operation, heating operation, and heat retention operation. The operation status here means information indicating whether the operation is being performed or not. After S8, the process proceeds to S10.

[0064] In S10, the controller 110 sets the second upper limit value UL2 of the HP power consumption with reference to the upper limit value table 114 shown in FIG. 5. The upper limit value table 114 is stored in, for example, the ROM of the tank controller 104. In the upper limit value table 114, power values ​​X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8 to be set as the second upper limit value UL2 are described in association with the operation status of a predetermined operation. The power values ​​X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8 are determined in advance, for example, by the manufacturer of the thermal equipment 2. In the upper limit value table 114, "○" indicates that the operation is being performed, and "×" indicates that the operation is not being performed. For example, when the freeze prevention operation is not being performed, the heating operation is not being performed, and the heat retention operation is being performed, this corresponds to the operation status 2, and the value to be set as the second upper limit value UL2 is the power value X2. 4, the controller 110 selects from among the power values ​​X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8 the one that corresponds to the operating status of the predetermined operation acquired in S8, and sets it as the second upper limit value UL2. When the second upper limit value UL2 is set in addition to the first upper limit value UL1, the controller 110 controls the heat pump 50 so that the HP power consumption is equal to or less than the first upper limit value UL1 and the second upper limit value UL2. After S10, the process proceeds to S12.

[0065] In S12, the controller 110 allows the execution of the fine bubble generating operation. The controller 110 of this embodiment can be switched between a state in which the execution of the fine bubble generating operation is prohibited and a state in which the execution of the fine bubble generating operation is allowed. In S12, the controller 110 enters a state in which the execution of the fine bubble generating operation is allowed. After S12, the process proceeds to S14.

[0066] In S14, if the target power consumption TP is set to the second predetermined value, the controller 110 changes the setting of the target power consumption TP to the first predetermined value (a value smaller than the second predetermined value). After S14, the process shown in FIG. 4 ends.

[0067] If it is determined in S6 that the defrosting operation is being performed (YES), the process proceeds to S16. In S16, the controller 110 cancels the setting of the second upper limit value UL2 if the second upper limit value UL2 is set. After the setting of the second upper limit value UL2 is canceled, the controller 110 controls the heat pump 50 so that the HP power consumption is equal to or less than the first upper limit value UL1. After S16, the process proceeds to S18.

[0068] In S18, the controller 110 prohibits the execution of the fine bubble generating operation. That is, the controller 110 goes into a state in which the execution of the fine bubble generating operation is prohibited. After S18, the process proceeds to S20.

[0069] In S20, when the target power consumption TP is set to a first predetermined value, the controller 110 changes the setting of the target power consumption TP to a second predetermined value (a value larger than the first predetermined value). As a result, the target power consumption TP when the defrosting operation is being performed becomes a value larger than the target power consumption TP when the defrosting operation is not being performed. After S20, the process shown in FIG. 4 ends.

[0070] (Advantages of heat pump power suppression processing) During the freeze prevention operation, heating operation, and / or warm-keeping operation, the subtractive power consumption SP may suddenly increase as shown in graph (1) of FIG. 6. During the freeze prevention operation, this may occur when the freeze prevention heater is switched from off to on, or when the output of the freeze prevention heater suddenly increases. During the heating operation, this may occur when the heating water circulation pump 74 and / or the fan 82a is switched from off to on, or when the output of the heating water circulation pump 74 and / or the fan 82a suddenly increases. During the warm-keeping operation, this may occur when the heating water circulation pump 74, the fan 82a, and / or the bath water circulation pump 99 is switched from off to on, or when the output of the heating water circulation pump 74, the fan 82a, and / or the bath water circulation pump 99 suddenly increases. In particular, when duty control is performed in freeze prevention operation, heating operation, and / or heat retention operation, the subtractive power consumption SP increases significantly at the timing of transition from an OFF period to an ON period of the duty control.

[0071] When the subtractive power consumption SP increases suddenly, the first upper limit value UL1 decreases suddenly, as shown in graph (2) of FIG. 6. If the HP power consumption is close to the first upper limit value UL1, if the first upper limit value UL1 decreases suddenly thereafter, the HP power consumption suppressed to the first upper limit value UL1 or less also decreases suddenly. If the HP power consumption is suddenly decreased, the HP heating capacity decreases suddenly, and there is a risk of temperature unevenness occurring in the water or heating water after being heated by the heat pump 50. In response to this, in the heat pump power suppression process, the second upper limit value UL2 is set, as shown in graph (3) of FIG. 6. Then, the heat pump 50 is controlled so that the HP power consumption is not more than the first upper limit value UL1 and not more than the second upper limit value UL2. That is, the heat pump 50 is controlled so that the HP power consumption is not more than min(UL1, UL2) shown in graph (4) of FIG. 6.

[0072] 5, the power values ​​X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8 assigned to the second upper limit UL2 during antifreeze operation, heating operation, and / or heat retention operation are determined to be smaller than the value of the first upper limit UL1 in a situation where the subtractive power consumption SP bottoms out. The "situation where the subtractive power consumption SP bottoms out" here corresponds to a situation where the antifreeze heater is off in antifreeze operation, a situation where the heating water circulation pump 74 and the fan 82a are off in heating operation, and a situation where the heating water circulation pump 74, the fan 82a, and the bath water circulation pump 99 are off in heat retention operation. Therefore, the power value X2 is determined to be a value smaller than the value that the first upper limit value UL1 takes when the heat retention operation is being performed and the heating water circulation pump 74, the fan 82a, and the bathtub water circulation pump 99 are off. The power value X3 is determined to be a value smaller than the value that the first upper limit value UL1 takes when the heating operation is being performed and the heating water circulation pump 74 and the fan 82a are off. The power values ​​X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8 are determined in the same manner.

[0073] As a result, as shown in Fig. 6, even if the subtractive power consumption SP suddenly increases, min(UL1, UL2) does not suddenly decrease. Therefore, the HP power consumption, which is suppressed to min(UL1, UL2) or less, does not suddenly decrease either. This makes it possible to suppress a sudden decrease in the HP heating capacity, thereby suppressing the occurrence of temperature unevenness in the water or heating water after it has been heated by the heat pump 50.

[0074] (Modification) The thermal equipment 2 may be capable of performing further operations in addition to the boiling operation, heating operation, hot water supply operation, hot water filling operation, reheating operation, heat retention operation, fine bubble generation operation, anti-freezing operation, and defrosting operation. For example, the thermal equipment 2 may be capable of performing a hot water topping-up operation in which water heated to a high temperature is added to the bathtub 130 that is already filled with hot water.

[0075] The thermal equipment 2 does not necessarily have to include the hot water heating burner 81 and the space heating water heating burner 82 .

[0076] The thermal equipment 2 does not have to include the high-temperature heating terminal 76 and the low-temperature heating terminal 78. Therefore, the thermal equipment 2 does not have to be capable of performing a heating operation.

[0077] The thermal equipment 2 does not have to be equipped with the air pressurization dissolving device 150. Therefore, the thermal equipment 2 does not have to be capable of performing the fine bubble generating operation.

[0078] The thermal equipment 2 does not necessarily have to include an anti-freeze heater. Therefore, the thermal equipment 2 does not necessarily have to be capable of executing anti-freeze operation.

[0079] The thermal equipment 2 does not necessarily have to be configured to be able to perform the ice-thawing operation.

[0080] 4, after determining YES in S6, the controller 110 may skip S16 and execute S18. That is, the controller 110 may be configured not to cancel the setting of the second upper limit value UL2 even when the defrosting operation is being performed.

[0081] In the heat pump power suppression process, the controller 110 may skip S18 and execute S20 after S16. That is, the controller 110 may not prohibit the execution of the fine bubble generating operation even when the ice-melting operation is being executed.

[0082] In the heat pump power suppression process, the controller 110 may skip S20 after S18 and end the heat pump power suppression process. That is, even if the defrosting operation is being performed, the controller 110 may maintain the target power consumption TP at the first predetermined value without changing the setting of the target power consumption TP.

[0083] In S12 of the heat pump power suppression process, the controller 110 may be switched to a state that permits the execution of operations other than the fine bubble generating operation (e.g., heating operation and / or heat retention operation). In S18 of the heat pump power suppression process, the controller 110 may be switched to a state that prohibits the execution of operations other than the fine bubble generating operation. That is, the controller 110 may prohibit the execution of operations other than the fine bubble generating operation when the ice-melting operation is being performed.

[0084] In the heat pump power suppression process, the controller 110 may skip S6 after S4 and execute the processes from S8 onward. In other words, the control mode of the controller 110 in the heat pump power suppression process does not need to be changed depending on whether or not the defrosting operation is being performed.

[0085] 5 may not be predetermined values. For example, the power values ​​X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8 may be values ​​that can be changed by the controller 110. Alternatively, the power values ​​X1, X2, X3, X4, X5, X6, X7, and X8 may be changeable by a user or a service person operating the remote control 112.

[0086] (Correspondence) In the above embodiment, the boiling operation, heating operation, hot water supply operation, hot water filling operation, reheating operation, heat retention operation, fine bubble generation operation, anti-freezing operation, and defrosting operation are examples of "at least one operation". The heat pump 50 is an example of a "heat pump heat source device". The controller 110 is an example of a "control device". The anti-freezing operation, heating operation, and / or heat retention operation are examples of "predetermined operations". Water or heating water is an example of a "heat medium". The anti-freezing heater is an example of a "pipe heating device". The combustion unit 8 is an example of a "heating device" and an example of an "insulation device". The three-fluid heat exchanger 58 is an example of a "water heat exchanger". The fine bubble generation operation is an example of "one or more operations among at least one operation". The hot water supply water heating burner 81 and the heating water heating burner 82 are examples of a "combustion heat source device".

[0087] The technical elements described in this specification or drawings exert technical utility alone or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations described in the claims at the time of filing. In addition, the technologies illustrated in this specification or drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving one of those objectives is itself technically useful. [Explanation of symbols]

[0088] 2: thermal equipment, 4: tank unit, 6: HP unit, 8: combustion unit, 10: hot water storage tank, 12: thermistor, 14: thermistor, 16: thermistor, 18: thermistor, 20: tank circulation path, 22: tank circulation pump, 24: tap water inlet path, 24a: first inlet path, 24b: second inlet path, 26: check valve, 28: check valve, 30: mixing valve, 32: tap water supply source, 33: heat source bypass path, 34: bypass valve, 36: first hot water path, 37: hot water heating path, 38: hot water Faucet, 39: second hot water supply path, 40: third hot water supply path, 42: bathtub hot water valve, 50: heat pump, 52: refrigerant circulation path, 54: air heat exchanger, 56: fan, 58: three-fluid heat exchanger, 60: expansion valve, 62: compressor, 70: cistern, 72: heating water supply path, 73: burner heating path, 74: heating water circulation pump, 75: low-temperature heating circulation path, 76: high-temperature heating terminal, 77: high-temperature heating circulation path, 78: low-temperature heating terminal, 79: reheating circulation path, 81: hot water heating burner, 81a: fan, 82: heating water heating burner, 82a: fan, 83: reheating thermal valve, 84: first heating water return path, 85: heating bypass path, 86: first on-off valve, 87: second on-off valve, 88: HP circulation path, 90: regulating valve, 91: bath water circulation path, 94: HP bypass path, 96: second heating water return path, 97: reheating heat exchanger, 99: bath water circulation pump, 102: HP controller, 104: tank controller, 106: combustion controller, 110: controller, 112: remote control, 114: upper limit table, 130: bathtub, 132: bathtub adapter, 150: air pressure dissolving device, 200: house, 202: commercial power supply, 204: distribution board, 206: main breaker, 208: branch breaker, 208a: branch breaker, 210: power wiring, 212: branch wiring, 214: outlet wiring, 216: outlet, 216a: outdoor outlet, 218: first wiring system, 218a: power line, 220: second wiring system, 220a: power line, 220b: power line

Claims

1. A thermal device that is capable of performing at least one operation and operates so that power consumption is equal to or less than a target power consumption, A heat pump heat source device that heats a heat medium; A control device, the control device is configured to be capable of executing a heat pump power suppression process, which specifies a value obtained by subtracting the power consumption of the thermal equipment excluding the power consumption of the heat pump heat source unit from the target power consumption as a first upper limit value, and controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the power consumption of the heat pump heat source unit is equal to or less than the first upper limit value; The control device, when a specified operation among the at least one operation is executed during the heat pump power suppression process, identifies a second upper limit value based on the operation content of the specified operation, and controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the power consumption of the heat pump heat source unit is below the first upper limit value and below the second upper limit value.

2. The apparatus further includes a pipe heating device for heating a pipe through which water flows, The thermal equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined operation includes a freeze prevention operation in which the pipe heating device operates to heat the pipes.

3. It also has a heating system, The thermal equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined operation includes a heating operation in which the heating device operates to perform heating.

4. The bathtub further includes a heat retention device for heating the water stored in the bathtub. The thermal equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the predetermined operation includes a heat retention operation in which the heat retention device operates to keep the water stored in the bathtub warm.

5. The heat pump heat source machine includes a water heat exchanger that heats water by heat exchange between water and a refrigerant, The at least one operation includes a defrosting operation in which, when water inside the water heat exchanger freezes, the heat pump heat source unit is driven to defrost the frozen water inside the water heat exchanger, A thermal equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein when the defrosting operation is performed during the heat pump power suppression process, even if the specified operation is being performed, the control device does not specify the second upper limit value, and controls the heat pump heat source unit so that the power consumption of the heat pump heat source unit is equal to or less than the first upper limit value.

6. The control device includes: When the defrosting operation is performed, the execution of one or more operations among the at least one operation is prohibited; The thermal equipment according to claim 5 , wherein the one or more operations are allowed to be performed if the de-icing operation is not performed.

7. The control device includes: The setting of the target power consumption is changeable, The thermal device according to claim 5 , wherein the target power consumption when the ice-thawing operation is performed is set higher than the target power consumption when the ice-thawing operation is not performed.

8. The thermal equipment according to claim 1 , further comprising a combustion heat source unit that burns fuel to heat the heat medium.

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