Water supply device and method for controlling water supply device

Abstract

To provide technology that enables the supply of more water by using power from an emergency power source in the event that a main power source is lost due to a disaster or other reason.SOLUTION: A water supply device has a pump installed in a pipeline, an electric motor that drives the pump, a power conversion device that supplies power to the electric motor, and a control device that controls the water flow state in the pipeline, and supplies water from a water source to a target facility. The control device controls the flow rate of water flowing through the pipeline per unit time so that the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the power conversion device is maximized.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a water supply device including a pump driven by an electric motor and a method for controlling the water supply device. [Background technology]

[0002] A water supply device is an important piece of equipment for delivering water, and has a main power source connected to a power system (e.g., commercial power) and normally supplies water at all times, but if the main power source is lost due to, for example, a disaster, water cannot be supplied. Therefore, some water supply devices are equipped with an emergency power source such as a generator or storage battery in case the main power source connected to the power system is lost, and in the event of a disaster, for example, water is supplied by electricity supplied from this emergency power source (see Patent Documents 1 and 2).

[0003] Patent document 1 describes that in a pump device, which is a water supply device equipped with a first power source used under normal circumstances and a second power source used in emergencies, when the life of the second power source is selected as a priority item when operating using the second power source, the second power source is able to supply power for a long period of time by, for example, reducing the discharge pressure and water supply amount or changing the acceleration time.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes a water supply device that is equipped with a plurality of control head curves and can adjust the power consumption level (ECO level) by changing the control head curve to be used according to the user's selection. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-147767 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2019-210819 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] However, Patent Documents 1 and 2 do not explicitly state the acceleration time or target pressure values ​​to be targeted in suppressing the current value, and do not consider methods for efficiently using the electricity of emergency power sources such as generators and storage batteries in order to supply more water.

[0007] The technology disclosed herein has been developed in consideration of the above circumstances, and aims to provide technology for supplying more water by using power from an emergency power source in the event that the main power source is lost due to a disaster or other reason. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] One example of the technology disclosed herein for solving the above problems is a water supply device that supplies water from a water source to a target facility, the water supply device having a pump installed in a pipeline, an electric motor that drives the pump, a power conversion device that supplies power to the electric motor, and a control device that controls the flow state of water in the pipeline, the control device being configured to control the flow rate per unit time of water flowing through the pipeline so as to maximize the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the power conversion device. Effect of the Invention

[0009] According to the technology disclosed herein, it is possible to efficiently use the power of emergency power sources such as generators and storage batteries, making it possible to supply more water for the same power source capacity. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a water supply device according to a first embodiment. [Diagram 2] FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the connection of the water supply apparatus of the first embodiment to a power source. [Diagram 3] 2 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control device provided in the water supply apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pump flow rate and the amount of water supplied per unit current value. [Diagram 5] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling a pump flow rate in the water supply apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6] 4A and 4B are diagrams showing the relationship between the pump flow rate and the total pump head, and the relationship between the pump flow rate and the inverter load current. [Figure 7] 10 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for calculating a maximum efficiency flow rate according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of a water supply route for a target facility. [Figure 9] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling a pump flow rate in a water supply apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 10] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling a pump flow rate in a water supply apparatus according to a third embodiment. [Figure 11] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for adjusting a target pressure in a water supply apparatus according to a fourth embodiment. [Figure 12] 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for a water supply apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. [Figure 13] 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for a water supply apparatus according to a sixth embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 23 is a diagram showing an example of a water supply route in a target facility in embodiment 7. [Figure 15] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a water supply device according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 16] 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for a water supply apparatus according to an eighth embodiment. [Figure 17] 20 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for a water supply apparatus according to an eighth embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. The water supply device of the present disclosure is a device for supplying water to a target facility, which is a building to which water is supplied, by a pump, and is designed to supply more water for the same power supply capacity. More specifically, the water supply device of the present disclosure is designed to supply more water for the same power supply capacity by controlling the flow rate of water flowing through the pipes per unit time (hereinafter also referred to as pump flow rate) so that the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the power conversion device, i.e., the amount of water supplied per ampere of current, is maximized.

[0012] (Embodiment 1) <Overall configuration of the water supply system> Fig. 1 is a diagram showing the overall configuration of a water supplying apparatus according to embodiment 1. Fig. 2 is a diagram explaining the connection of the water supplying apparatus according to embodiment 1 to a power source. Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the configuration of a control device provided in the water supplying apparatus according to embodiment 1. First, the overall configuration of the water supplying apparatus will be explained with reference to Fig. 1.

[0013] 1, the water supply device 10 includes a pipe 20 as a pipeline connected to a target facility 100, which is a building to which water is to be supplied, and a first pump 11A and a second pump 11B provided in the middle of the pipe 20. More specifically, the pipe 20 includes a first pipe 21 in which the first pump 11A is provided, a second pipe 22 in which the second pump 11B is provided, a suction pipe 23 connected to the water source side (which can also be called the primary side) of the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22, and a discharge pipe 24 connected to the demand side (which can also be called the supply destination side, or secondary side) of the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22.

[0014] Methods for allowing water to flow from a water source into the water supply device 10 include, for example, a direct connection method and a water tank method. The water supply device 10 according to this embodiment is of the direct connection method, in which the primary side of the suction pipe 23 is connected to a water main (not shown) as a water source, and water flows from this water main into the suction pipe 23. In a water supply device of the water tank method, the primary side of the suction pipe 23 is connected to a water tank as a water source, and water flows from the water tank into the suction pipe 23.

[0015] An inlet side gate valve 31 is provided in the suction pipe 23 connecting the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 to the water source to stop the inflow of water into the pipe 20 including the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 when performing maintenance on the water supply device 10. An inlet side pressure sensor 32 is provided on the secondary side of the inlet side gate valve 31 of the suction pipe 23 to detect the pressure of the water main pipe.

[0016] As described above, the first pump 11A and the second pump 11B are provided in the first pipe 21 and the second pipe 22 connected to the suction pipe 23. The first pump 11A provided in the first pipe 21 is driven by the first motor 12A, and the second pump 11B provided in the second pipe 22 is driven by the second motor 12B. The first motor 12A and the second motor 12B are, for example, configured as three-phase AC permanent magnet synchronous motors.

[0017] In the following description, the first pump 11A and the second pump 11B may be collectively referred to as pump 11. The first electric motor 12A and the second electric motor 12B may be collectively referred to as motor 12.

[0018] A No. 1 check valve 33 is provided on the secondary side (discharge pipe 24 side) of the No. 1 pump 11A in the first piping 21, and a No. 2 check valve 34 is provided on the secondary side of the No. 2 pump 11B in the second piping 22. These No. 1 check valve 33 and No. 2 check valve 34 are provided to prevent water supplied to the discharge pipe 24 from either the first piping 21 or the second piping 22 from flowing back through the other piping.

[0019] Also, methods for supplying water from the water supply device 10 to the target facility 100 include, for example, a direct delivery method and an elevated water tank method. The water supply method in this example is the direct delivery method, and the discharge pipe 24, which is a flow path common to the first piping 21 and the second piping 22, is connected to a water supply pipe extending to each dwelling unit of the target facility 100, which is, for example, an apartment building. When the water supply method is the elevated water tank method, that is, when an elevated water tank is provided in the target facility 100, the discharge pipe 24 is connected to a connection pipe (water supply pipe) of the target facility 100 that leads to the elevated water tank.

[0020] A discharge side gate valve 35 is provided in the discharge pipe 24 to stop the inflow of water from the target facility 100 to the water supply apparatus 10 when, for example, maintaining the water supply apparatus 10. Furthermore, a pressure tank 36 is connected to the primary side of the discharge side gate valve 35 of the discharge pipe 24. The pressure tank 36 is provided for the purposes of suppressing sudden fluctuations in the water supply pressure and at the same time lengthening the interval between pump stops during automatic operation. Note that the pressure tank 36 is not necessarily provided.

[0021] A discharge-side pressure sensor 37 is provided on the upstream side of the pressure tank 36 in the discharge pipe 24 as a pressure detection unit that detects the discharge pressure (hereinafter also referred to as pump discharge pressure) by the No. 1 pump 11A or the No. 2 pump 11B. Furthermore, a flow meter 38 is provided between the pressure tank 36 and the discharge-side gate valve 35 in the discharge pipe 24 to measure the flow rate of water flowing through the discharge pipe 24. Based on the detection values ​​of the discharge-side pressure sensor 37 and the flow meter 38, the pressure (pump discharge pressure) and flow rate of the water flowing through the discharge pipe 24 are appropriately controlled. Examples of pressure control include constant discharge pressure control and constant estimated terminal pressure control.

[0022] The discharge side pressure sensor 37 and the flow meter 38 are not particularly limited in their locations as long as they are provided in the discharge pipe 24. For example, in this example, the flow meter 38 is provided on the secondary side (downstream side) of the discharge side pressure sensor 37, but it may be provided on the primary side (upstream side) of the discharge side pressure sensor 37. Also, the flow meter 38 does not necessarily have to be provided.

[0023] The water supply device 10 includes a control device 50 having a panel shape, such as a control panel. The control device 50 performs comprehensive control of the water supply device 10. The control device 50 controls, for example, the operation of the No. 1 pump 11A and the No. 2 pump 11B. More specifically, the control device 50 includes a No. 1 inverter 51A and a No. 2 inverter 51B. The No. 1 inverter 51A is a power conversion device for the No. 1 electric motor 12A, and the No. 2 inverter 51B is a power conversion device for the No. 2 electric motor 12B. Note that the No. 1 inverter 51A and the No. 2 inverter 51B are sometimes collectively referred to as inverters 51. The control device 50 controls the rotation speeds of the No. 1 electric motor 12A and the No. 2 electric motor 12B using these inverters 51.

[0024] Here, as shown in FIG. 2, the first inverter (INV1) 51A and the second inverter (INV2) 51B are each connected to a first power source (PW1) 71, which is a commercial power source, and a second power source (PW2) 72, which is an emergency power source, via a power source switching device 70.

[0025] The power supply switching device 70 has a panel shape, for example, like a power supply panel. A first power supply 71, which is a commercial power supply used in normal times, and a second power supply 72, which is an emergency power supply such as a generator or a storage battery, are connected to the power supply switching device 70, and the first power supply 71 and the second power supply 72 can be switched manually or automatically. The power supply switching device 70 supplies power from the first power supply 71 or the second power supply 72 to the inverter 51 and the like provided in the control device 50. As an example, the power supply switching device 70 is mainly connected to the first power supply 71, and is configured to automatically connect to the second power supply 72 when the power supply from the first power supply 71 is stopped.

[0026] The No. 1 inverter 51A receives power from the first power source 71 or the second power source 72, and changes the frequency of the output voltage to drive the No. 1 electric motor 12A at an appropriate rotation speed. Similarly, the No. 2 inverter 51B receives power from the first power source 71 or the second power source 72, and changes the frequency of the output voltage to drive the No. 2 electric motor 12B at an appropriate rotation speed.

[0027] 2, when driving the No. 1 pump 11A, a primary side current 74 which is a current input to the No. 1 inverter 51A and a secondary side current (load current) 75 which is a current output from the No. 1 inverter 51A are indicated by arrows. Similarly, a primary side current 76 which is input to the No. 2 inverter 51B and a secondary side current (load current) 77 which is output from the No. 2 inverter 51B are indicated by arrows.

[0028] When the second power source 72 is in use, the primary side current 74 input to the No. 1 inverter 51A and the primary side current 76 input to the No. 2 inverter 51B are currents supplied from the second power source 72. Therefore, by suppressing the amount (current value) of these primary side currents 74, 76, the usage time of the second power source 72, which is an emergency power source, can be extended. As a result, more water can be supplied to the target facility 100 using the second power source 72.

[0029] The control device 50 also includes a first signal input unit 53, a second signal input unit 54, and a third signal input unit 55. The first signal input unit 53 takes in a pressure signal detected by the inlet pressure sensor 32 into the control device 50. The second signal input unit 54 takes in a pressure signal detected by the discharge pressure sensor 37 into the control device 50. The third signal input unit 55 takes in a flow rate signal detected by the flow meter 38 into the control device 50. The control device 50 then controls, for example, the operation of the No. 1 pump 11A and the No. 2 pump 11B, i.e., the rotation speeds of the No. 1 electric motor 12A and the No. 2 electric motor 12B, based on the signals taken in from the inlet pressure sensor 32, the discharge pressure sensor 37, and the flow meter 38.

[0030] More specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the control unit (CU) 50 includes a calculation unit (CTLA) 56, a unit 1 control unit (CTL1) 57A, a unit 2 control unit (CTL2) 57B, a signal processing unit (COM) 58, a memory unit (MM) 59, an operation unit (OPE) 60, and a display unit (DISP) 61.

[0031] The calculation unit 56 is composed of, for example, an MCU (Micro Controller Unit) including a processor, and executes various types of calculation processing. As an example, the calculation unit 56 determines the operation method of the No. 1 motor 12A and the No. 2 motor 12B by calculation, according to the control parameters stored in the storage unit 59, the signal input from the signal processing unit 58, or the instruction contents input from the operation unit 60. Furthermore, the calculation unit 56 issues instructions to the No. 1 control unit 57A and the No. 2 control unit 57B to operate / stop the No. 1 motor 12A and the No. 2 motor 12B and change the rotation speed, etc., according to the determined operation method.

[0032] The No. 1 control unit 57A and the No. 2 control unit 57B follow instructions from the calculation unit 56 to turn on / off the output voltages of the No. 1 inverter 51A and the No. 2 inverter 51B that they control, and adjust the frequencies.

[0033] The signal processing unit 58 performs input and output of analog or digital wired or wireless signals. For example, the signal processing unit 58 processes signals input via control lines from other control panels, monitoring panels, or devices, or outputs signals via control lines. The signal processing unit 58 also performs input and output of signals to and from remotely installed communication devices, for example, via wireless communication.

[0034] The storage unit 59 is configured to include, for example, a volatile memory such as a RAM (Random Access Memory) and a non-volatile memory such as an EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). For example, a control program and preset control parameters are stored in the non-volatile memory of the storage unit 59. In addition, the volatile memory of the storage unit 59 stores control parameters such as the rotation speed of the pump 11 (motor 12), the pump discharge pressure detected by the discharge side pressure sensor 37, and the pump flow rate detected by the flow meter 38, and these are updated each time.

[0035] The operation unit 60 receives user instructions input via an input device such as a keyboard. The display unit 61 is configured with a liquid crystal display, for example, and displays the contents requested by the signal processing unit 58 or the operation unit 60, the contents determined by the calculation unit 56, etc.

[0036] In this embodiment, the No. 1 inverter 51A and the No. 1 control unit 57A are separate, but they may be one component device. Similarly, the No. 2 inverter 51B and the No. 2 control unit 57B may be one component device. Furthermore, the calculation unit 56, the No. 1 control unit 57A, and the No. 2 control unit 57B are separate, but they may be one device configuration.

[0037] <Control method of water supply device> Next, a control method for the water supply device 10 according to the first embodiment, more specifically, a control method for the pump flow rate when water is supplied by power supply from the second power source 72, which is an emergency power source, will be described. In this control method for the water supply device 10, the flow rate per unit time of water flowing through the discharge pipe (pipe) 24, i.e., the pump flow rate, is controlled so that the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the inverter 51 is maximized. This allows more water to be supplied to the target facility 100 by power supply from the second power source 72, which is an emergency power source.

[0038] First, we will explain the relationship between the pump flow rate per unit time and the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the inverter 51. Fig. 4 is a diagram showing the relationship between the pump flow rate and the amount of water supplied per unit current value when operating at a constant discharge pressure, among the pump performance characteristics.

[0039] Strictly speaking, the discharge pressure and the total head are not the same, but for simplicity, they are treated as the same, assuming that there are no other factors such as the suction head. The pump flow rate can also be said to be the pump's discharge volume, and the water supply volume per unit current value can also be said to be the amount of water that can be flowed by a current of 1 ampere.

[0040] The graph in Figure 4 shows the pump flow rate Q on the horizontal axis and the water supply amount W per unit current value on the vertical axis, and shows how much water can be supplied per 1 ampere of current for the pump flow rate Q. The unit of pump flow rate Q is m 3 / min or liters. The unit of water supply W per unit current is liters / A.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 4, the water supply amount W per unit current value increases with an increase in the pump flow rate Q until the pump flow rate Q reaches a predetermined flow rate, but once the pump flow rate Q exceeds the predetermined flow rate, the water supply amount W per unit current value decreases with an increase in the pump flow rate Q. In other words, the water supply amount W per unit current value is greatest when the pump flow rate Q is at a predetermined flow rate. Hereinafter, the pump flow rate Q at which the water supply amount W per unit current value is maximum is also referred to as the "most efficient flow rate DPB."

[0042] In the example shown in Figure 4, the pump flow rate Q is approximately 0.10 to 0.20 m 3 In the first water flow range A1, where the pump flow rate is 0.10 m / min, the water supply rate W per unit current value is the largest. In other words, the first water flow range A1 is the operating point where the water supply rate W per unit current is the largest. 3 The second water flow range (small water flow range) A2 is less than 0.20 m / min, and the pump flow rate is 0.20 m 3When the pump flow rate Q is in the third water flow range (high water flow range) A3, which is equal to or greater than 1 / min, the water supply amount W per unit current is smaller than when the pump flow rate Q is in the first water flow range A1. That is, in terms of the water supply amount W, the operating efficiency of the water supply device 10 is highest in the first water flow range A1, and is lower in the second water flow range A2 and the third water flow range A3 than in the first water flow range A1.

[0043] For example, when the total head is 30 m, the pump flow rate Q is about 0.13 m 3 At the operating point B30, where the pump flow rate Q is approximately 0.15 m / min, the operating efficiency is maximized. 3 At operating point B40, where the pump flow rate is 0.16 m / min, the pump flow rate Q is approximately 0.16 m when the total head is 50 m. 3 At the operating point B50, where the pump flow rate Q is approximately 0.18 m / min, the operating efficiency is maximized. 3 At operating point B60, where the pump head is 70 m, the pump flow rate Q is approximately 0.20 m 3 At the operating point B70, where B is the maximum operating efficiency, the operating efficiency is maximized.

[0044] It can be estimated that the operating point at which the operating efficiency is maximized (also called the maximum efficiency point) changes along the curve B that connects these operating points B30 to B70. That is, in the range of the total head of 30 to 70 m, it can be estimated that the maximum efficiency point exists inversely proportional to the pump flow rate Q even in cases other than the total head of 30 m, 40 m, 50 m, 60 m, and 70 m. Therefore, by appropriately adjusting the pump flow rate Q according to the target pressure (total head) at that time so that the point changes along this curve B, the water supply amount W per unit current value can be maximized.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for controlling a pump flow rate in the water supply apparatus according to embodiment 1. With reference to Fig. 5, an example of a method for controlling a pump flow rate in the water supply apparatus 10 will be described.

[0046] For example, when the first power source 71, which is the main power source, is lost due to the occurrence of a disaster or the like, and the pump 11 is driven by the power supply from the second power source 72, which is an emergency power source, to start supplying water from the water source to the target facility 100, as shown in Fig. 5, first, in step S101, a pump flow rate (hereinafter referred to as the most efficient flow rate DPB) corresponding to the most efficient point at the current target pressure (discharge pressure) is calculated. The calculated most efficient flow rate DPB is stored in the memory unit 59. As described above, for example, when the total head (discharge pressure) is 30 m, the pump flow rate corresponding to the operating point B30, which is the most efficient point, is the most efficient flow rate DPB.

[0047] The target pressure is appropriately determined according to various parameters such as the amount of water used by the target facility 100. The method for determining the target pressure is an existing method, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted here. The most efficient flow rate DPB is calculated, for example, by the following method. The memory unit 59 stores the relationship between the pump flow rate at a plurality of total heads (discharge pressures) and the water supply rate per unit current value. As an example, the most efficient flow rates for total heads of 30 m, 40 m, 50 m, 60 m, and 70 m are stored in the memory unit 59.

[0048] The most efficient flow rate DPB at the current target pressure is calculated based on data of two points close to the current target pressure (total head). For example, if the target pressure (total head) is 55 m, the most efficient flow rate DPB at the target pressure (total head 55 m) is calculated by the following formula (1) based on the pump flow rate Q50 at the most efficient point B50 at a total head of 50 m and the pump flow rate Q60 at the most efficient point B60 at a total head of 60 m.

[0049] DPB = (Q60-Q50) x (target pressure-50) ÷ (60-50) + Q50 ... Equation (1)

[0050] In other words, the most efficient flow rate DPB at the target pressure (total head 55 m) is approximated based on the most efficient flow rate at a total head of 50 and the most efficient flow rate at the total head. However, the method of calculating the most efficient flow rate DPB is not limited to this method.

[0051] Next, in step S102, the current rotation speed DPR of the pump 11 (motor 12) is obtained, and further in step S103, the current discharge pressure DPH of the pump 11 is obtained. For example, the detection result by the discharge side pressure sensor 37 is obtained as the current discharge pressure DPH. Next, in step S104, the current pump flow rate DPQ is obtained. As an example, the detection result of the flow meter 38 is obtained as the current pump flow rate DPQ.

[0052] The current pump flow rate DPQ can also be estimated from data such as the performance characteristics of the pump 11 stored in the storage unit 59, for example.

[0053] FIG. 6 is a diagram showing, among the pump performance characteristics, the relationship between the pump flow rate and the pump total head (QH curve) and the relationship between the pump flow rate and the inverter load current.

[0054] 6, the horizontal axis represents the pump flow rate Q, the first vertical axis (left axis in the figure) represents the total head H, and the second vertical axis (right axis in the figure) represents the load current value A, and shows an example of the relationship between the discharge rate (pump flow rate) Q of the pump 11 and the discharge pressure (total head) H of the pump 11, and the relationship between the discharge rate (pump flow rate) Q of the pump 11 and the load current value A of the pump. Note that the load current value A in this embodiment corresponds to the values ​​of the primary side currents 74, 76 of the inverter 51, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 59 together with associated data related to the pump flow rate Q.

[0055] The pump flow rate Q is in m 3 The units of flow rate Q and head (discharge pressure) H are generally called QH curves. As mentioned above, discharge pressure and total head are treated as the same thing.

[0056] It is known that the pump flow rate Q is approximately proportional to the first power of the rotation speed, the total head H of the pump 11 is approximately proportional to the square of the rotation speed, and the load current value A of the pump is approximately proportional to the cube of the rotation speed. -1 From 3600 min -1 From the curve data obtained from the four actual measurement results up to 10, the relationship between the pump flow rate Q and total head H at other rotation speeds, or the relationship between the pump flow rate Q and load current value A, can be estimated using the law of similarity in the same way as for estimating the maximum efficiency point described above.

[0057] Therefore, for example, even if there is no flow rate signal from the flowmeter 38, if the rotation speed and discharge pressure H of the pump 11 are known, the current pump flow rate Q (DPQ), i.e., the flow rate of water flowing through the discharge pipe 24, can be estimated from the QH curve. For example, if the rotation speed of the pump 11 is 3400 min -1 When the pressure value (discharge pressure) detected by the discharge side pressure sensor 37 is 62 m, the current pump flow rate Q (DPQ) is 0.30 m. 3 / min (point A in the figure). Of course, the method of estimating the pump flow rate DPQ is not particularly limited.

[0058] Returning to the flowchart of Fig. 5, next, it is determined whether the current pump flow rate DPQ is approximately the same as the most efficient flow rate DPB. Specifically, in step S105, the current pump flow rate DPQ is compared with the most efficient flow rate DPB, and it is determined whether the current pump flow rate DPQ is less than the most efficient flow rate DPB and the difference between the current pump flow rate DPQ and the most efficient flow rate DPB is equal to or greater than a first threshold value (error tolerance range) DPL set in advance. That is, it is determined whether the current pump flow rate DPQ is less than the most efficient flow rate DPB by the first threshold value DPL or more. Note that the first threshold value (error tolerance range) DPL can be set arbitrarily, but it is preferable that it is set within a range not exceeding the above-mentioned first water volume range A1 (see Fig. 4).

[0059] Here, if it is determined that the current pump flow rate DPQ is less than the most efficient flow rate DPB and the difference between the pump flow rate DPQ and the most efficient flow rate DPB is equal to or greater than the first threshold value DPL (step S105: Yes), the process proceeds to step S106, where the operation of the pump 11 is controlled so that the pump flow rate Q increases. That is, the operation of the pump 11 is controlled so that the current pump flow rate DPQ approaches the most efficient flow rate DPB. Then, the process returns to step S102.

[0060] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S105 that the current pump flow rate DPQ is greater than or equal to the most efficient flow rate DPB, or that the current pump flow rate DPQ is less than the most efficient flow rate DPB but the difference between the pump flow rate DPQ and the most efficient flow rate DPB is less than the first threshold value DPL (step S105: No), proceed to step S107.

[0061] In step S107, it is determined whether the current pump flow rate DPQ is greater than the most efficient flow rate DPB and the difference between the current pump flow rate DPQ and the most efficient flow rate DPB is greater than or equal to a first threshold value DPL.

[0062] Here, if it is determined that the current pump flow rate DPQ is greater than the most efficient flow rate DPB and the difference between the current pump flow rate DPQ and the most efficient flow rate DPB is equal to or greater than the first threshold value DPL (step S107: Yes), the process proceeds to step S108, where the operation of the pump 11 is controlled so as to reduce the pump flow rate Q. That is, the pump 11 is controlled so that the current pump flow rate DPQ approaches the most efficient flow rate DPB. Then, the process returns to step S102.

[0063] Also, in step S107, if it is determined that the current pump flow rate DPQ is equal to or less than the most efficient flow rate DPB, or that the current pump flow rate DPQ is greater than the most efficient flow rate DPB but the difference between the current pump flow rate DPQ and the most efficient flow rate DPB is smaller than the first threshold value DPL (step S107: No), the flow returns to step S102 without performing control to reduce the pump flow rate Q.

[0064] In this embodiment, the pump flow rate Q is controlled so that the water supply amount W per unit current value is maximized, and so the pump flow rate Q may either increase or decrease. When the pump flow rate Q increases, the rotation speed of the pump 11 (motor 12) increases, and the load current value A increases. When the pump flow rate Q decreases, the rotation speed of the pump 11 (motor 12) decreases, and the load current value A decreases.

[0065] In this manner, in the water supply device 10 of this embodiment, the control device 50 controls the flow rate (pump flow rate) of water flowing through the piping (pipe) 20 per unit time so as to maximize the amount of water supply W per unit current value of the inverter 51. This allows more water to be supplied to the target facility 100 when water is supplied using power supplied from the second power source 72, which is an emergency power source.

[0066] (Embodiment 2) The second embodiment is an example in which the pump flow rate is controlled using the most efficient flow rate determined from the secondary side current value of the inverter 51. In the first embodiment, the most efficient flow rate DPB is set based on the values ​​of the primary side currents 74, 76 of the inverter 51 stored in the storage unit 59. In contrast, in the second embodiment, the most efficient flow rate DPB is calculated based on the values ​​of the secondary side currents 75, 77 of the inverter 51.

[0067] More specifically, in the water supply device 10 according to the second embodiment, during the operation of supplying water to the target facility 100, the rotation speed of the motor 12, the pump flow rate Q, and the load current value A which is the value of the secondary currents 75, 77 of the inverter 51 are acquired, and the water supply amount W per unit time is calculated multiple times, and the most efficient flow rate DPB is calculated based on these values. Note that the configuration of the water supply device 10 itself is the same as that of the first embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0068] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for calculating a maximum efficiency flow rate according to embodiment 2. With reference to Fig. 7, an example of a procedure for calculating a maximum efficiency flow rate in the water supply apparatus of embodiment 2 will be described.

[0069] As shown in FIG. 7, first, in step S201, the current discharge pressure DPH of the pump 11 is acquired, and in step S202, it is determined whether the acquired current discharge pressure DPH coincides with the current target pressure PRE.

[0070] Here, if the current discharge pressure DPH does not match the current target pressure PRE (step S202: No), the process proceeds to step S203, where pressure control is performed. Specifically, the pump 11 is accelerated or decelerated so that the current discharge pressure DPH matches the target pressure PRE. In other words, the rotation speed of the motor 12 is increased or decreased. Then, the process returns to step S201.

[0071] On the other hand, if the current discharge pressure DPH matches the target pressure PRE (step S202: Yes), the process proceeds to step S204, where the current rotation speed DPR of the pump 11 (motor 12) is acquired. Then, in step S205, the current pump flow rate DPQ is acquired. Note that the pump flow rate DPQ can also be estimated based on control parameters such as the performance characteristics of the pump 11, as in the first embodiment.

[0072] Next, in step S206, the values ​​of the secondary side currents 75, 77 of the inverter 51 are acquired as a current load current value DPA. Then, in step S207, the current water supply amount per unit current value DPE is calculated from the following formula (2) based on the acquired load current value DPA and the pump flow rate DPQ. DPE = DPQ ÷ DPA Equation (2)

[0073] Next, in step S208, it is determined whether the number of times (check count) DEC that control parameters such as the current rotation speed DPR of the motor 12, the current pump flow rate DPQ, the current load current value DPA, etc. have been acquired has reached a preset designated number of times REC. As an example, it is assumed that the designated number of times REC is set to "3".

[0074] Here, if it is determined that the confirmation count DEC does not match the designated count REC (step S208: No), the process proceeds to step S209, where 1 is added to the confirmation count DEC, and then the process returns to step S201, where the current discharge pressure DPH of the pump 11 is acquired again. It is preferable that the acquisition of the discharge pressure DPH in step S201 is performed at a predetermined interval. The interval for acquiring the discharge pressure DPH can be set arbitrarily, but is preferably set to, for example, about several tens of seconds to several minutes. More specifically, it is preferable that the interval for acquiring the discharge pressure DPH is an interval at which the amount of water used changes from the previous time, and the rotation speed and current value of the pump 11 change accordingly. Then, after the pressure control is performed again in step S203, the control parameters such as the rotation speed DPR of the motor 12, the pump flow rate DPQ, and the load current value DPA are acquired again and stored in the storage unit 59 (steps S204 to S207).

[0075] On the other hand, if it is determined that the confirmation count DEC matches the designated count REC (step S208: Yes), in this example, if the confirmation count DEC is "3", the process proceeds to step S210, where the confirmation count DEC is set to 0, and then the process proceeds to step S211. In step S211, the maximum value of the three water supply rates DPE per unit current value stored in the storage unit 59 is extracted, and the pump flow rate DPQ corresponding to that water supply rate DPE is calculated as the most efficient flow rate DPB. The most efficient flow rate DPB is updated every time the confirmation count DEC reaches the designated count REC.

[0076] After that, the pump flow rate Q is controlled in the same manner as in the first embodiment so that the water supply amount W per unit current value of the inverter 51 becomes maximum (see FIG. 5).

[0077] In this manner, in this embodiment, the pump flow rate Q is controlled using the most efficient flow rate DPB calculated from the values ​​of secondary side currents 75, 77 of inverter 51, so that it is possible to more appropriately adjust the pump flow rate Q. By capturing the change in the relationship between the water supply amount W per unit current value and the pump flow rate Q during actual water supply operation, it is possible to control the pump flow rate Q taking into consideration deterioration of pump 11, etc.

[0078] However, when the conversion efficiency of the inverter 51 is taken into consideration, it is desirable to control the pump flow rate Q using the maximum efficiency flow rate DPB based on the values ​​of the primary side currents 74, 76 of the inverter 51 as in the first embodiment.

[0079] (Embodiment 3) This embodiment is an example of controlling the flow rate of water circulating through a pipeline per unit time by switching the open / close state of an opening / closing member installed in the target facility 100, which is the water destination building, depending on the pump flow rate, so as to maximize the amount of water supplied per unit current value.

[0080] <Composition of target facilities> Here, a description will be given of an example of a water supply route provided in the target facility 100. Fig. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a water supply route in the target facility.

[0081] As shown in Figure 8, the target facility 100 is, for example, a multi-story apartment building, in this example a five-story apartment building, and each floor from the first to the fifth floor has a water supply pipe (water supply line) 110 connected to the discharge pipe 24 of the water supply device 10.

[0082] More specifically, the water supply pipe 110 includes a trunk pipe 111 connected to the discharge pipe 24 and extending from the first floor to the fifth floor, and a plurality of branch pipes 112 branching off from the trunk pipe 111 and extending to each floor from the first floor to the fifth floor.

[0083] The water supply pipe 110 is provided with a plurality of opening and closing members 120. In this example, the water supply pipe 110 is provided with a plurality of opening and closing valves 121 and a plurality of stopcocks 122 as the opening and closing members 120.

[0084] On-off valves 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, and 121E are provided at the inlets of branch pipes 112 provided on each floor of the target facility 100, i.e., near the ends of the branch pipes 112 on the trunk pipe 111 side. Note that the multiple on-off valves 121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, and 121E may be collectively referred to as on-off valves 121. These on-off valves 121 are composed of, for example, solenoid valves, and can be switched between open and closed states by the control device 50 of the water supply device 10.

[0085] Furthermore, on each floor of the target facility 100, a plurality of stop valves 122 are provided, which are terminal faucets such as the entrance of each dwelling unit, or the kitchen faucet and washroom faucet of each dwelling unit, so that the water supply can be controlled in each dwelling unit, or in the kitchen, washroom, bathroom, etc. That is, a plurality of stop valves 122 are provided on the secondary side (downstream side) of the opening / closing valve 121 of each branch flow pipe 112. Note that, although this example illustrates a configuration in which three stop valves 122A, 122B, and 122C are provided on each floor, the number of stop valves 122 is not particularly limited.

[0086] It is desirable that each of these stop valves 122 be operable both by a hand switch so that the water supply can be started / stopped at the discretion of the water user, and by remote command so that opening and closing can be controlled from a central monitoring room in the event of a disaster, etc.

[0087] <Control method of water supply device> Next, an example of a method for controlling the water supply apparatus 10 according to embodiment 3, particularly a method for controlling the pump flow rate, will be described. In this embodiment as well, the control device 50 of the water supply apparatus 10 controls the flow rate of water flowing through the discharge pipe (pipe) 24 per unit time, i.e., the pump flow rate, so as to maximize the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the inverter 51.

[0088] As will be described in detail below, the control device 50 controls the pump flow rate Q by appropriately switching the open / closed states of the multiple open / close members 120 in the target facility 100. The pump flow rate control method according to the third embodiment is an example of the pump flow rate control method in steps S106 and S108 in the flowchart shown in FIG.

[0089] 9 and 10 are flowcharts showing an example of a method for controlling a pump flow rate in the water supply apparatus according to the third embodiment.

[0090] When the water supply operation using power supplied from the second power source 72 is started and control is performed to increase the pump flow rate Q (corresponding to step S106 in the first embodiment), first, in step S301, the open / closed states of the multiple stop valves 122 are confirmed as shown in Fig. 9. The open / closed states of the stop valves 122 may be determined, for example, from the conductive / open (ON / OFF) state of a wired control line, or may be determined by the open / closed state through wired or wireless communication. Note that the exchange of status signals with the stop valves 122 is performed by the signal processing unit 58 of the control device 50.

[0091] Next, in step S302, the open / close permission state of each of the plurality of stop valves 122 is confirmed. More specifically, information is obtained as to whether each of the plurality of stop valves 122 is in a "permitted state" in which the user can switch between the open and closed states, or in a "prohibited state" in which the user cannot switch between the open and closed states.

[0092] Then, in step S303, the open / close permission state of one or more of the stop valves 122 that are in the "prohibited state" is changed to the "permitted state." That is, the open / close permission state of the specified stop valve 122 is switched from the "prohibited state" to the "permitted state" depending on the current pump flow rate Q, etc. The conditions for the stop valve 122 whose open / close permission state is switched are not particularly limited. Any stop valve 122 can be specified as the stop valve 122 whose open / close permission state is switched.

[0093] When a user uses the stop valve 122 that has been switched to the "permitted state", that is, when the number of stop valves 122 that are switched from the closed state to the open state increases, the amount of water used in the target facility 100 increases. As a result, the pump flow rate Q in the water supply device 10 increases.

[0094] On the other hand, when control is performed to decrease the pump flow rate Q (corresponding to step S108 in the first embodiment), first, in step S311, the open / closed states of the multiple stop valves 122 are confirmed as shown in Fig. 10. The open / closed states of the stop valves 122 may be confirmed, for example, from the conductive / open (ON / OFF) state of a wired control line, or may be confirmed from the open / closed state via wired or wireless communication.

[0095] Next, in step S312, the open / close permission state of each of the plurality of stop valves 122 is confirmed. More specifically, information is obtained as to whether each of the plurality of stop valves 122 is in a "permitted state" in which the user can switch the open / close state, or in a "prohibited state" in which the user cannot switch the open / close state.

[0096] Then, in step S313, the open / close permission state of at least one of the stop valves 122 whose open / close permission state is "permitted state" is switched from "permitted state" to "prohibited state." In other words, at least one stop valve 122 is switched to a state that cannot be opened by the user.

[0097] Furthermore, of the stop valves 122 that were set to the "prohibited state" in step S313, the open / close state of the designated stop valve 122 is switched from the "open state" to the "closed state" (step S314). That is, the open / close state of the designated stop valve 122 is switched from the "open state" to the "closed state" depending on the current pump flow rate Q, etc. The conditions for the stop valve 122 that switches between the "open / close permitted state" and the "open / close state" are not particularly limited. Any stop valve 122 can be designated as the stop valve 122 that switches between the "open / close permitted state" and the "open / close state".

[0098] This reduces the amount of water used in the target facility 100, and accordingly reduces the pump flow rate Q in the water supply device 10. In this way, by adjusting the pump flow rate Q of the water supply device 10 by switching the open / close state of the opening / closing member 120 provided in the target facility 100, it is possible to control the flow rate (pump flow rate) of water flowing through the piping (pipe) 20 per unit time so that the water supply rate W per unit current value of the inverter 51 is maximized. Therefore, when water is supplied using power supplied from the second power source 72, which is an emergency power source, more water can be supplied to the target facility 100.

[0099] (Embodiment 4) This embodiment is an example in which the installation position (installation height) of the opening / closing member 120 installed in the target facility 100 is determined, the discharge pressure of the pump 11 is adjusted so that water reaches the opening / closing member 120 located at the highest position, and the flow rate of water flowing through the pipeline per unit time is controlled according to the adjusted discharge pressure so that the amount of water supplied per unit current value is maximized. That is, this embodiment is an example in which the current target pressure (total head) is adjusted to match the installation position, for example, the installation height, of the opening / closing member 120 installed in the target facility 100.

[0100] The lower the discharge pressure (total head) H of the pump 11, the lower the load current value A of the inverter 51. In other words, by suppressing the discharge pressure H of the pump 11, the amount of power required for water supply is reduced. By adjusting the discharge pressure H of the pump 11 to the minimum necessary according to the installation height of the opening / closing member 120, the amount of power consumption in the water supply device 10 can be kept as low as possible. Furthermore, by controlling the flow rate per unit time of water flowing through the discharge pipe 24 (20) so that the amount of water supply W per unit current value is maximized according to the discharge pressure H adjusted in this way, more water can be supplied to the target facility 100 when water is supplied using power supplied from the second power source 72, which is an emergency power source.

[0101] FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a procedure for adjusting the target pressure in the water supply apparatus according to this embodiment.

[0102] In this embodiment, when the water supply operation using the power supplied from the second power source 72 is started, the open / close permission states of the multiple on-off valves 121 constituting the open / close member 120 are confirmed in step S401 as shown in Fig. 11. The open / close permission states of the on-off valves 121 may be confirmed in the same manner as in the above-mentioned embodiment.

[0103] Next, in step S402, the highest on-off valve 121 is determined among the multiple on-off valves 121 in the "permitted state". For example, the installation height of each on-off valve 121 is stored in advance in the storage unit 59, and the highest on-off valve 121 is determined based on that information. Of course, the method of determining the highest on-off valve 121 is not particularly limited.

[0104] Next, the current target pressure is changed according to the selected on-off valve 121 (step S403). In other words, the target pressure when the on-off valve 121 determined to be in the highest position is in the "permitted state" is set as the current target pressure. Note that the target pressure when the on-off valve 121 is in the "permitted state" is, in other words, the target pressure that allows water to be supplied to the branch flow path pipe 112 in which the on-off valve 121 is provided, and is stored in advance in the storage unit 59.

[0105] For example, in the target facility 100 shown in Fig. 8, among the multiple on-off valves 121A to 121E, it is assumed that the on-off valve 121A installed on the first floor and the on-off valve 121C installed on the third floor are in the "permitted state". In this case, since the on-off valve 121C is located at the highest position, the target pressure corresponding to the on-off valve 121C is set as the current target pressure.

[0106] After that, the pump flow rate Q is controlled in the same manner as in the first embodiment so that the water supply amount W per unit current value of the inverter 51 becomes maximum (see FIG. 5).

[0107] As described above, in this embodiment, the discharge pressure H of the pump 11 is adjusted according to the installation height of the on-off valve 121 constituting the on-off member 120, so that the power consumption of the water supply device 10 can be kept as low as possible. Furthermore, by controlling the flow rate per unit time of the water flowing through the discharge pipe 24 (20) so that the water supply amount W per unit current value is maximized according to the discharge pressure H adjusted in this way, more water can be supplied to the target facility 100 when water is supplied using power supplied from the second power source 72, which is an emergency power source.

[0108] In addition, in this embodiment, an example has been described in which the current target pressure (total head) is adjusted to match the installation position of the on-off valve 121, for example, the installation height, but it is of course also possible to adjust the current target pressure to match the installation position of the stop valve 122.

[0109] (Embodiment 5) This embodiment is an example in which the stop valve that can be opened and closed by the user who uses water is changed at predetermined time intervals. As an example, in the target facility 100 shown in Fig. 8, the stop valve 122 that can be opened and closed among the multiple stop valves 122 is changed at predetermined intervals. Note that descriptions that overlap with the above-mentioned embodiment will be omitted.

[0110] FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for the water supply apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. When water supply operation using power supplied from the second power source 72 is started, as shown in FIG. 12, during a first period, which is a predetermined period from the start of water supply, the opening and closing permission state of the stop valves 122A on the first to fifth floors is set to the "permitted state," and the other stop valves 122B, 122C are set to the first state, which is the "prohibited state" (step S501).

[0111] Next, in a second period after the first period has elapsed, the opening and closing permission state of the stop valve 122B on each floor is set to the "permitted state", and the other stop valves 122A, 122C are set to the "prohibited state", which is a second state (step S502).

[0112] Furthermore, in a third period after the second period has elapsed, the open / close permission state of the stop valve 122C of each floor is set to the "permitted state", and the other stop valves 122A and 122B are set to the "prohibited state", that is, the third state (step S503). After that, switching between the first state, the second state, and the third state is repeated.

[0113] By changing the stop valves 122 that can be opened and closed at predetermined intervals in this manner, water can be used more appropriately in the target facility 100 to which water is supplied by the water supply device 10.

[0114] For example, if a particular stop valve 122 is always open and water can be used, and another stop valve 122 is always closed and water cannot be used, water can only be used with certain devices and in certain places, which is inconvenient. Some devices cannot be moved, and there is a risk that the devices will not be able to be used. In this embodiment, multiple stop valves 122 are in a state where water can be used in turn, which eliminates the inconvenient situation where certain devices or certain places cannot be used.

[0115] The combination of stop valves 122 to be set to the "permitted state" in each period is not particularly limited. For example, the stop valves 122 on the same floor may be set to the "permitted state" for each predetermined period.

[0116] (Embodiment 6) The sixth embodiment is an example in which, when the number of open stop valves 122 among the multiple stop valves 122 equipped in the target facility 100 is small, all the on-off valves 121 on each floor are closed. In other words, when the number of open stop valves 122 is small, all the stop valves 122 equipped in the target facility 100 are substantially set to the "prohibited state."

[0117] As described above, in the second water volume range A2 where the pump flow rate is low, the amount of water supplied per unit current is small, resulting in an inefficient operating state in terms of the amount of water supplied relative to the power (see FIG. 4). To avoid this operating state, in this embodiment, the open / closed state of the stop valves 122 is checked as appropriate, and if there are only a few stop valves 122 that are open, all the on-off valves 121 on each floor are closed to set the pump water volume to 0, and the pump 11 of the water supply device 10 is temporarily stopped.

[0118] FIG. 13 is a flowchart showing an example of a control method for the water supply apparatus according to the sixth embodiment. For example, at a predetermined timing during the water supply operation using power supplied from the second power source 72, as shown in Fig. 13, the number of open stop valves 122 among the multiple stop valves 122 equipped in the target facility 100 is confirmed (step S601). The number of open stop valves 122 is confirmed, for example, at regular intervals. Of course, the timing for confirming the number of open stop valves 122 is not particularly limited and can be set arbitrarily.

[0119] Next, in step S602, it is determined whether the number of open stop valves 122 is less than a preset second threshold value. If the number of open stop valves 122 is less than the second threshold value (step S602: Yes), the process proceeds to step S603, where all on-off valves 121 are closed. In other words, the pump water volume is set to 0, and the pump 11 of the water supply device 10 is temporarily stopped. On the other hand, if the number of open stop valves 122 is equal to or greater than the second threshold value (step S602: No), the on-off valves 121 are not closed and the process returns to step S601.

[0120] In step S604, it is determined whether a preset predetermined time has elapsed since all the on-off valves 121 were closed. If the predetermined time has elapsed (step S604: Yes), the process proceeds to step S605, where water supply is resumed. That is, in step S605, all the on-off valves 121 are opened and the operation of the pump 11 is resumed.

[0121] In this embodiment, an example has been described in which the on-off valve 121 is opened and water supply is resumed after a predetermined time has elapsed since all the on-off valves 121 were closed. However, the conditions for opening the on-off valve 121 after all the on-off valves 121 are closed are not particularly limited.

[0122] For example, the number of times the user has opened the stop valve 122 (opened the stop valve 122) may be detected, and if the number of stop valves 122 that have been opened while all the on-off valves 121 are closed reaches a predetermined number, all the on-off valves 121 may be opened to resume water supply.

[0123] In addition, in this embodiment, when the number of open stop valves 122 among the multiple stop valves 122 equipped in the target facility 100 is small, all the on-off valves 121 on each floor are closed, but the opening and closing of the on-off valves 121 may be controlled for each floor. That is, when the number of open stop valves 122 on each floor of the target facility 100 is small, the on-off valves 121 on that floor may be closed.

[0124] (Embodiment 7) This embodiment is an example in which water is supplied to a water tank provided in a target facility when the pump flow rate is increased so that the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the inverter 51 is maximized.

[0125] Fig. 14 is a diagram showing an example of a water supply path of a target facility in embodiment 7. As shown in Fig. 14, a target facility 100A to which water is supplied by the water supply device 10 according to this embodiment includes, for example, an elevated water tank 150 installed on a rooftop. A connection path 113 constituting a water supply path 110 is connected to the elevated water tank 150, and a water tank opening / closing valve 123 is provided in the connection path 113. It should be noted that the target facility 100A is structured so that water stored in the elevated water tank 150 can be supplied to each branch flow path pipe 112.

[0126] When the pump 11 is driven by the power supply from the second power source 72, the water tank opening / closing valve 123 is closed. When the pump flow rate is controlled to maximize the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the inverter 51, if it is desired to increase the pump flow rate, the water tank opening / closing valve 123 is opened to supply water to the elevated water tank 150.

[0127] In this way, when it is desired to increase the pump flow rate, water is supplied to the elevated water tank 150, thereby making it possible to suppress the wasteful use of water and appropriately adjust the pump flow rate.

[0128] In this example, when it is desired to increase the pump flow rate, water is supplied to the elevated water tank 150 provided in the target facility 100A, but the water supply destination is not limited to the elevated water tank 150. For example, if the target facility 100A is an apartment building, the water supply destination may be the bathtub of each dwelling unit. In this case, the stop valve 122 provided for the bathtub corresponds to the water tank opening / closing valve. This allows the user to use the water in the bathtub at any time, improving convenience.

[0129] (Embodiment 8) In this embodiment, the flow rate is controlled so that a larger amount of water can be supplied for the same power supply capacity by changing the number of pumps 11 operated simultaneously. Specifically, the sum of the discharge rates of the pumps 11 per unit current of each inverter is controlled to be a maximum value.

[0130] Fig. 15 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a water supply apparatus according to embodiment 8. Fig. 16 and Fig. 17 are flowcharts showing an example of a control method for the water supply apparatus according to embodiment 8, more specifically, a flowchart showing a flow of control for changing the number of pumps in operation.

[0131] 15, in this embodiment, in addition to the No. 1 pump 11A and the No. 2 pump 11B, a No. 3 pump 11C and a No. 3 electric motor 12C provided in the third pipe 25, and a No. 4 pump 11D and a No. 4 electric motor 12D provided in the fourth pipe 26 are provided. Also, a No. 3 check valve 39 is provided in the third pipe 25, and a No. 4 check valve 40 is provided in the fourth pipe 26. Other configurations of the water supply device 10 are the same as those in the first embodiment, and therefore description thereof will be omitted.

[0132] In the water supply device 10 of this embodiment, the sum of the discharge rates of these four pumps 11 is controlled to be maximized. Specifically, as shown in Fig. 16, first, at a predetermined timing during water supply operation, the most efficient flow rate DAPB for the current target pressure is calculated (step S801). The method of calculating the most efficient flow rate is the same as in the first embodiment.

[0133] Next, in step S802, the current rotation speeds (D1PR to D4PR) of the No. 1 pump 11A to No. 4 pump 11D are confirmed. Next, in step S803, the current discharge pressures (D1PH to D4PH) of the pumps 11 are confirmed. Furthermore, in step S804, the current pump flow rates D1PQ to D4PQ are calculated. The pump flow rates can be calculated by estimation as described in the first embodiment.

[0134] Next, in step S805, a total pump flow rate DAPQ, which is the sum of the current pump flow rates of the individual pumps 11, is calculated, for example, by the following formula (3). DAPQ=D1PQ+D2PQ+D3PQ+D4PQ...Equation (3)

[0135] Next, in step S806, the current number DARC of operating pumps 11 is confirmed. Next, in step S807, the pump flow rate PQM1 per pump when the number of pumps 11 is one less than the current number of operating pumps, the pump flow rate PQEQ per pump for the current number of operating pumps, and the pump flow rate PQP1 per pump when the number of pumps is one more than the current number of operating pumps are calculated using the following equations 4 to 6. PQM1=DAPQ÷(DARC-1) Equation (4) PQEQ=DAPQ÷DARC... Equation (5) PQP1=DAPQ÷(DARC+1) Equation (6)

[0136] In the next step S808, absolute values ​​PQMB, PQEB, PQPB of the differences between the pump flow rates PQM1, PQEQ, PQP1 and the maximum efficiency flow rate DAPB are calculated (Equations 7 to 9 below). PQMB = |DAM1 - DAPB| Equation (7) PQEB = |DAEQ - DAPB| Equation (8) PQPB=|DAP1 - DAPB| ··· Formula (9)

[0137] Next, in step S809, it is determined whether PQMB is smaller than PQEB. If it is determined that PQMB is smaller than PQEB (step S809: Yes), that is, if the discharge flow rate of one pump when the number of operating units is reduced is closer to the most efficient flow rate (the difference from the most efficient flow rate is smaller) than when the number of operating units is currently being used, the process proceeds to step S810.

[0138] In step S810, it is determined whether PQMB is smaller than PQPB. If it is determined that PQMB is smaller than PQPB (step S810: Yes), that is, if the discharge flow rate of one pump when the number of operating pumps is reduced is closer to the most efficient flow rate than when the number of operating pumps is increased, the process proceeds to step S811, where the number of operating pumps 11 is reduced by one. Then, the process returns to step S801.

[0139] Also, if it is determined in step S809 that PQMB is equal to or greater than PQEB (step S809; No), the process proceeds to step S812. In step S812, it is determined whether or not PQPB is smaller than PQEB. Then, if it is determined that PQPB is smaller than PQEB (step S812: Yes), that is, if the discharge flow rate of one pump when the number of operating units is increased is closer to the most efficient flow rate than when the current number of operating units is used, the process proceeds to step S813, and the number of operating pumps 11 is increased by one. Then, the process returns to step S801.

[0140] Also, if it is determined in step S810 that PQMB is equal to or greater than PQPB (step S810: No), the process proceeds to step S813. If it is determined in step S812 that PQPB is equal to or greater than PQEB (step S812: No), the process proceeds to step S814, and the process returns to step S801 without changing the number of pumps 11 in operation.

[0141] By appropriately adjusting the number of pumps 11 in operation in this manner, the pump flow rate can be appropriately controlled so that the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the inverter 51 is maximized.

[0142] In this embodiment, the rotation speed, discharge pressure, and pump flow rate of each of the No. 1 pump 11A to No. 4 pump 11D are checked, and the number of operating pumps 11 is adjusted based on the check results, but the method of adjusting the number of operating pumps 11 is not limited to this. For example, if the rotation speeds of the operating pumps 11 among the No. 1 pump 11A to No. 4 pump 11D are controlled to be the same, the rotation speed etc. of any one of the pumps may be checked, and the number of operating pumps 11 may be adjusted based on the check result for that one pump.

[0143] Furthermore, when the discharge pipe 24 is provided with the discharge side pressure sensor 37, the discharge pressure of all the pumps is the same, so it is sufficient to check the discharge pressure of any one of the pumps.

[0144] Although the technology of the present disclosure has been described in detail above based on each embodiment, the technology of the present disclosure is not limited to the above-mentioned embodiments. It goes without saying that the technology of the present disclosure can be modified in various ways without departing from the gist of the technology. In other words, the technology of the present disclosure can add, delete, or replace part of the configuration of the above-mentioned embodiment with other configurations. [Explanation of symbols]

[0145] 10...water supply system, 11...pump, 11A...unit 1 pump, 11B...unit 2 pump, 11C...unit 3 pump, 11D...unit 4 pump, 12...motor, 12A...unit 1 motor, 12B...unit 2 motor, 12C...unit 3 motor, 12D...unit 4 motor, 20...piping (pipe), 21...first pipe, 22...second pipe, 23...suction pipe, 24...discharge pipe, 25...third pipe, 26...fourth pipe, 31...inlet gate valve, 32...inlet pressure sensor, 33...unit 1 check valve, 34...unit 2 check valve, 35...discharge gate valve, 36...pressure tank, 37...discharge pressure sensor, 38...flow meter, 39...unit 3 check valve, 40...unit 4 check valve, 50...control device, 51...inverter, 51A...unit 1 inverter, 51B...unit 2 inverter, 53...first signal input unit, 54...second signal input unit, 55...third signal input unit, 56...calculation unit, 57A...unit 1 control unit, 57B...unit 2 control unit, 58...signal processing unit, 59...storage unit, 60...operation unit, 61...display unit, 70...power supply switching device, 71...first power supply, 72...second power supply, 74,76...primary side current (load current), 75 77...secondary current (load current), 100...target facility, 110...water supply pipe (water supply line), 111...main flow pipe, 112...branch flow pipe, 113...connection line, 120...opening / closing member, 121 (121A, 121B, 121C, 121D, 121E)...opening / closing valve, 122 (122A, 122B, 122C)...stop valve, 123...water tank opening / closing valve, 150...elevated water tank

Claims

1. A pump provided in the pipeline; an electric motor for driving the pump; a power converter for supplying power to the electric motor; A control device for controlling a flow state of water in the pipeline, A water supply device that supplies water from a water source to a target facility, The control device controls a flow rate of water flowing through the pipeline per unit time so as to maximize the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the power conversion device. Water supply device.

2. In the water supply device according to claim 1, The control device calculates the amount of water supply per unit time based on a primary side current value of the power conversion device. Water supply device.

3. In the water supply device according to claim 2, a pressure detection unit that detects a discharge pressure of the pump; a storage unit that stores control parameters including a relationship between at least a discharge pressure of the pump, a rotation speed of the motor, and a primary current value of the power conversion device; The control device estimates a flow rate per unit time of water flowing through the pipeline based on the control parameters stored in the storage unit. Water supply device.

4. The water supply device according to claim 1, The control device controls the flow rate of water flowing through the pipeline per unit time by adjusting the rotation speed of the electric motor. Water supply device.

5. The water supply device according to claim 4, a pressure detection unit that detects a discharge pressure of the pump; a storage unit configured to store control parameters including a relationship between a discharge pressure of the pump, a rotation speed of the motor, and a secondary current value of the power conversion device during operation of the pump; The control device estimates a flow rate per unit time of water flowing through the pipeline based on the control parameters stored in the memory unit while the pump is being driven. Water supply device.

6. The water supply device according to claim 1, The pump system includes a plurality of pumps and a plurality of electric motors for driving the respective pumps; The control device controls the number of the electric motors to be driven among the plurality of electric motors so that the sum of the water supply amounts per unit current value of each of the power conversion devices is maximized. Water supply device.

7. In the water supply device according to claim 1, a plurality of opening / closing members that open and close based on a signal transmitted from the control device are provided in the water supply channel of the target facility to which the pipeline is connected; The control device controls a flow rate of water flowing through the pipeline per unit time by switching the open / close states of the plurality of open / close members. Water supply device.

8. In the water supply device according to claim 7, A pressure detection unit that detects the discharge pressure of the pump, the control device changes a target pressure, which is a target when the pump is driven, depending on a position of the opening / closing member that is in an open state among the opening / closing members. Water supply device.

9. In the water supply device according to claim 7, the control device permits a predetermined number of the opening / closing members out of the plurality of opening / closing members to be in an open state, and changes the opening / closing members permitted to be in an open state at predetermined intervals. Water supply device.

10. In the water supply device according to claim 7, The water supply channel of the target facility includes a trunk flow path and a plurality of branch flow paths branched from the trunk flow path and in which the plurality of opening and closing members are disposed, The plurality of opening / closing members include an opening / closing valve disposed on the trunk flow path side of each branch flow path to open and close the branch flow path, and a plurality of stop valves disposed on the secondary side of the opening / closing valves, The control device closes all of the on-off valves when the number of the stop valves in an open state is less than a preset number. Water supply device.

11. In the water supply device according to claim 7, The target facility is equipped with an aquarium, the water supply line of the target facility includes a connection line connected to the water tank, and the plurality of opening / closing members include a water tank opening / closing valve provided in the connection line; The control device controls the opening and closing of the water tank opening / closing valve provided in the connection path so that the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the power conversion device becomes a maximum flow rate. Water supply device.

12. A pump provided in the pipeline; an electric motor for driving the pump; A power conversion device that controls the rotation speed of the electric motor; A method for controlling a water supply device comprising: a flow rate of water flowing through the pipeline per unit time is controlled so as to maximize the amount of water supplied per unit current value of the power conversion device; A method for controlling a water supply device.

13. The method for controlling a water supply device according to claim 12, The water supply device includes a plurality of pumps and a plurality of electric motors for driving the respective pumps, By changing the number of the electric motors to be driven, the sum of the water supply amounts per unit current value of each of the power conversion devices is controlled to be maximized. A method for controlling a water supply device.

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