Thermal device

Abstract

To provide a technology capable of preventing dirt from adhering to an inner wall of a passage constituting a heating circuit.SOLUTION: A thermal device comprises: a heating circuit including a heating unit for heating a heat medium, a heating outward path for sending the heat medium heated in the heating unit to a heating device that performs heating with heat radiation from the heat medium, and a heating return path for sending the heat medium radiated by the heating device to the heating unit; a pump that is provided in the heating circuit, sends the heat medium from the heating unit to the heating device via the heating outward path, and sends the heat medium from the heating device to the heating unit via the heating return path; and a fine bubble generation unit that is provided in the heating circuit, and generates fine bubbles in the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a heating device including a heating unit that heats a heat medium, a heating supply path for sending the heat medium heated by the heating unit to a heating device that performs heating by heat dissipation from the heat medium, and a heating return path for sending the heat medium that has dissipated heat in the heating device back to the heating unit; a heating circuit including the heating supply path and the heating return path; and a pump provided in the heating circuit for sending the heat medium from the heating unit to the heating device via the heating supply path and for sending the heat medium from the heating device back to the heating unit via the heating return path.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] Components that cause dirt may be mixed in the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit. Therefore, when the thermal equipment is used over a long period of time, dirt (e.g., scale) may adhere to the inner wall of the passage (e.g., piping) constituting the heating circuit. This specification provides a technology capable of suppressing the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the passage constituting the heating circuit.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] In a first aspect of the present technology, a heating device includes a heating unit that heats a heat medium, a heating supply path for sending the heat medium heated by the heating unit to a heating device that performs heating by heat radiation from the heat medium, and a heating return path for sending the heat medium that has radiated heat in the heating device back to the heating unit, a heating circuit including these; a pump provided in the heating circuit for sending the heat medium from the heating unit to the heating device via the heating supply path and for sending the heat medium from the heating device to the heating unit via the heating return path; and a microbubble generation unit provided in the heating circuit for generating microbubbles in the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit.

[0006] Examples of components that cause dirt include magnesium ions and calcium ions that cause scale. Thus, the components that cause dirt may include cations. According to the above configuration, the microbubble generation unit provided in the heating circuit can generate microbubbles in the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit. The microbubbles generated by the microbubble generation unit are usually negatively charged. Therefore, the microbubbles generated by the microbubble generation unit can adsorb the above-described components that cause dirt. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the passage constituting the heating circuit. Further, according to the above configuration, the inner wall of the passage constituting the heating circuit is covered with microbubbles. This also makes it possible to suppress the adhesion of dirt to the inner wall of the passage constituting the heating circuit.

[0007] Note that various modes are assumed for the "microbubble generation unit" in this specification. For example, a mode in which the gas dissolved in the heat medium is depressurized to precipitate the gas dissolved in the heat medium as microbubbles is assumed. Alternatively, a mode in which the heat medium mixed with bubbles is swirled and collided to refine the bubbles is assumed.

[0008] In a second aspect of the present technology, in the first aspect described above, the microbubble generation unit may be provided in the heating supply path.

[0009] In the heating supply path, the heat medium heated by the heating unit flows in. On the other hand, in the heating return path, the heat medium that has dissipated heat in the heating device flows in. Therefore, in the heating supply path, a higher-temperature heat medium flows compared to the heating return path. Usually, the higher the temperature of the heat medium, the lower the solubility of the gas in the heat medium. For this reason, in the heating supply path, the gas dissolved in the heat medium is in a state close to saturation compared to the heating return path. Therefore, in the heating supply path, the gas dissolved in the heat medium is more likely to precipitate as fine bubbles compared to the heating return path. According to the above configuration, since the fine bubble generation part is provided in the heating supply path, fine bubbles can be generated more reliably.

[0010] In the third aspect of the present technology, in the above first aspect, the pump may be provided in one of the heating supply path and the heating return path. The fine bubble generation part may be provided in one of the heating supply path and the heating return path.

[0011] If the pump is provided in one of the heating supply path and the heating return path, and the fine bubble generation part is provided in the other of the heating supply path and the heating return path, in either the flow path where the heat medium is sent from the pump to the fine bubble generation part or the flow path where the heat medium is sent from the fine bubble generation part to the pump, the heating unit or the heating device intervenes. In this configuration, there is a possibility that the momentum of the heat medium flowing into the fine bubble generation part when the pump is driven becomes weak. As a result, the swirling and collision of the heat medium in the fine bubble generation part are dulled, so there is a possibility that the bubbles mixed in the heat medium are not sufficiently refined. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, both the pump and the fine bubble generation part are provided in one of the heating supply path and the heating return path. Therefore, in either one of the flow path where the heat medium is sent from the pump to the fine bubble generation part and the flow path where the heat medium is sent from the fine bubble generation part to the pump, neither the heating unit nor the heating device intervenes. Therefore, when the pump is driven, the momentum of the heat medium flowing into the fine bubble generation part becomes relatively strong, so the swirling and collision of the heat medium in the fine bubble generation part become relatively intense. Thereby, the bubbles mixed in the heat medium can be sufficiently refined.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present technology, in the above first aspect, the heat device may be provided in the heating return path and further include an atmosphere release portion that opens the heating return path to the atmosphere. The pump may be provided on the downstream side of the atmosphere release portion in the heating return path. The fine bubble generation portion may be provided on the downstream side of the atmosphere release portion and on the upstream side of the pump in the heating return path.

[0013] According to the above configuration, the pressure of the heat medium becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure in the atmosphere release portion. Therefore, when the pump is driven, the pressure of the heat medium on the downstream side of the atmosphere release portion and on the upstream side of the pump is reduced to below atmospheric pressure as the pump sucks in. Further, according to the above configuration, the fine bubble generation portion is provided on the downstream side of the atmosphere release portion and on the upstream side of the pump. For this reason, when the heat medium passes through the fine bubble generation portion, the pressure reduction of the heat medium accompanying the suction of the pump and the pressure reduction of the heat medium by the fine bubble generation portion combine, and the pressure of the heat medium drops to a very small value. Thereby, the amount of gas precipitated from the heat medium, that is, the amount of fine bubbles generated in the heat medium can be increased.

[0014] In a fifth aspect of the present technology, in the above first aspect, the heat device may further include a bypass path that bypasses the heating device and connects between the heating supply path and the heating return path. The fine bubble generation portion may be provided in the bypass path.

[0015] If the fine bubble generation portion is provided in the heating supply path or the heating return path, when sending the heat medium heated by the heating portion to the heating device at a predetermined flow rate, the fine bubble generation portion becomes a resistance, so it is necessary to drive the pump with a relatively large output. As a result, the power consumption of the heat device may increase. On the other hand, according to the above configuration, the fine bubble generation portion is provided in a bypass path that bypasses the heating device and connects between the heating supply path and the heating return path. For this reason, when sending the heat medium heated by the heating portion to the heating device at a predetermined flow rate, the fine bubble generation portion does not become a resistance, so the pump can be driven with a relatively small output. As a result, the power consumption of the heat device can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0016]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0017] (Example 1: Heat Appliance 2) The heat appliance 2 shown in FIG. 1 heats water supplied from a water supply source (not shown) such as a waterworks, and supplies the heated water to a faucet (not shown) installed in a kitchen or the like, or a bathtub 4 installed in a bathroom. Further, the heat appliance 2 can reheat the hot water stored in the bathtub 4. Further, the heat appliance 2 can heat a heat medium (water in this example), and perform heating by the low-temperature heating terminal 6 and / or the high-temperature heating terminal 8 by supplying the heated heat medium to the low-temperature heating terminal 6 and / or the high-temperature heating terminal 8.

[0018] The heat appliance 2 includes a controller 10 including a CPU, a ROM, a RAM, etc. Various operation programs are stored in the ROM. In the RAM, various signals input to the controller 10 and various data generated in the process of the CPU executing processing are temporarily stored. The controller 10 controls each component of the heat appliance 2 by the CPU executing processing based on the information stored in the ROM and the RAM. Further, the controller 10 can communicate bidirectionally with a remote controller 12 installed in a kitchen or a bathroom. The remote controller 12 presents various information of the heat appliance 2 to the user and receives various operations from the user for the heat appliance 2.

[0019] The heat engine 2 further includes a first heat source machine 14, a second heat source machine 16, a combustion chamber 18, and a combustion fan 20. The first heat source machine 14 is a heat source machine used for supplying hot water to a calender (not shown) or filling the bathtub 4 with hot water. The second heat source machine 16 is a heat source machine used for reheating the bathtub 4 or for heating. The interior of the combustion chamber 18 is partitioned by a partition wall 22 into a first combustion chamber 24 and a second combustion chamber 26. The first heat source machine 14 is housed in the first combustion chamber 24, and the second heat source machine 16 is housed in the second combustion chamber 26. Air is supplied into the interior of the combustion chamber 18 by the combustion fan 20. An exhaust port 28 is formed in the combustion chamber 18. The combustion gases from the first heat source machine 14 and the second heat source machine 16 are discharged to the outside through the exhaust port 28. Further, a combustion chamber temperature sensor 30 for detecting the temperatures of the first combustion chamber 24 and the second combustion chamber 26 respectively is provided inside the combustion chamber 18.

[0020] The first heat source machine 14 includes burners 32a, 32b, 32c, an ignition plug 34, a flame rod 36, a sensible heat exchanger 38, and a latent heat exchanger 40. The burners 32a, 32b, 32c each have a different combustion area. Fuel gas is supplied to each of the burners 32a, 32b, 32c via gas branch paths 42a, 42b, 42c. Each of the gas branch paths 42a, 42b, 42c is provided with an on-off valve 44a, 44b, 44c. The on-off valves 44a, 44b, 44c open and close the corresponding gas branch paths 42a, 42b, 42c. The ignition plug 34 is driven by an igniter 46. When the ignition plug 34 is driven in a state where air is supplied by the combustion fan 20 and fuel gas is supplied from the gas branch paths 42a, 42b, 42c to the burners 32a, 32b, 32c, the burners 32a, 32b, 32c burn. The burners 32a, 32b, 32c burn if the corresponding on-off valves 44a, 44b, 44c are open, and do not burn if the corresponding on-off valves 44a, 44b, 44c are closed. The flame rod 36 detects whether the burners 32a, 32b, 32c are burning. The combustion gas from the burners 32a, 32b, 32c is cooled by heat exchange in the sensible heat exchanger 38, and then further cooled by heat exchange in the latent heat exchanger 40, and then discharged from the exhaust port 28 of the combustion chamber 18.

[0021] The second heat source machine 16 includes burners 48a and 48b, an ignition plug 50, a flame rod 52, a sensible heat exchanger 54, and a latent heat exchanger 56. The burners 48a and 48b have different combustion areas respectively. Fuel gas is supplied to each of the burners 48a and 48b via gas branch paths 58a and 58b. Opening and closing valves 60a and 60b are provided in each of the gas branch paths 58a and 58b. The opening and closing valves 60a and 60b open and close the corresponding gas branch paths 58a and 58b. The ignition plug 50 is driven by an igniter 46. When the ignition plug 50 is driven in a state where air is supplied by a combustion fan 20 and fuel gas is supplied from the gas branch paths 58a and 58b to the burners 48a and 48b, the burners 48a and 48b burn. The burners 48a and 48b burn if the corresponding opening and closing valves 60a and 60b are in an open state, and do not burn if the corresponding opening and closing valves 60a and 60b are in a closed state. The flame rod 52 detects whether the burners 48a and 48b are burning. The combustion gas from the burners 48a and 48b is cooled by heat exchange in the sensible heat exchanger 54, and then further cooled by heat exchange in the latent heat exchanger 56, and then discharged from the exhaust port 28 of the combustion chamber 18.

[0022] The upstream ends of the gas branch paths 42a, 42b, and 42c and the upstream ends of the gas branch paths 58a and 58b are connected to the downstream end of a gas supply path 62. Fuel gas is supplied from a gas supply source (not shown) to the upstream end of the gas supply path 62. An opening and closing valve 64 and a flow rate adjustment valve 66 are provided in the gas supply path 62. The opening and closing valve 64 opens and closes the gas supply path 62. The flow rate adjustment valve 66 adjusts the flow rate of the fuel gas flowing through the gas supply path 62 by adjusting the opening degree of the gas supply path 62, and adjusts the combustion amounts of the burners 32a, 32b, and 32c of the first heat source machine 14 and the combustion amounts of the burners 48a and 48b of the second heat source machine 16.

[0023] Inside the combustion chamber 18, a drain pan 68 is provided. Drain water generated in the latent heat exchanger 40 of the first heat source machine 14 and drain water generated in the latent heat exchanger 56 of the second heat source machine 16 drip onto the drain pan 68. The drain water that has dripped onto the drain pan 68 is sent to the neutralizer 72 via the drain recovery path 70 and stored in the neutralizer 72. Inside the neutralizer 72, a neutralizing agent (not shown) such as calcium carbonate is filled. The drain water stored in the neutralizer 72 is neutralized by the neutralizing agent. Further, the neutralizer 72 is provided with a trap structure 74. Normally, the space upstream of the trap structure 74 and the space downstream of the trap structure 74 are separated by the drain water stored in the neutralizer 72. Thereby, even if combustion gas from the first heat source machine 14 or the second heat source machine 16 flows into the neutralizer 72 via the drain recovery path 70, the inflow of the combustion gas into the space downstream of the trap structure 74 is suppressed. Also, the neutralizer 72 is provided with an overflow port 76. The overflow port 76 opens into the space downstream of the trap structure 74. The overflow port 76 is connected to the upstream end of the overflow path 80. The downstream end of the overflow path 80 is connected to a predetermined drainage location (for example, a sewer). When the water level inside the neutralizer 72 rises and the water (drain water) inside the neutralizer 72 reaches the height of the lower end of the overflow port 76, the water is discharged to the drainage location via the overflow port 76 and the overflow path 80. Thereby, the water level inside the neutralizer 72 is maintained at a position lower than the lower end of the overflow port 76. Also, the neutralizer 72 is provided with a water level electrode 78 for detecting that the water level inside the neutralizer 72 has risen to an abnormal position. The water level detected by the water level electrode 78 is at a position higher than the lower end of the overflow port 76.

[0024] The upstream end of the latent heat exchanger 40 of the first heat source unit 14 is connected to the downstream end of the water supply line 84. Water is supplied from a water supply source (not shown) to the upstream end of the water supply line 84. The downstream end of the latent heat exchanger 40 is connected to the upstream end of the sensible heat exchanger 38 via the communication line 86. The downstream end of the sensible heat exchanger 38 is connected to the upstream end of the hot water supply line 88. The downstream end of the hot water supply line 88 is connected to a caldron (not shown) or the like. The water supply line 84 and the hot water supply line 88 are connected by a hot water supply bypass line 90. A bypass servo 92 is provided at the connection point between the water supply line 84 and the hot water supply bypass line 90. The bypass servo 92 adjusts the ratio of the flow rate of the water sent from the water supply line 84 to the first heat source unit 14 and the flow rate of the water sent from the water supply line 84 to the hot water supply bypass line 90 by adjusting the opening degree of the hot water supply bypass line 90. A first drain cock 94, a water flow rate sensor 96, a water supply thermistor 98, and a water flow rate servo 100 are provided in the water supply line 84 upstream of the bypass servo 92. The water flow rate sensor 96 detects the flow rate of the water flowing through the water supply line 84. The water supply thermistor 98 detects the temperature of the water flowing through the water supply line 84. The water flow rate servo 100 adjusts the flow rate of the water flowing through the water supply line 84. A heat exchanger outlet thermistor 102 is provided in the hot water supply line 88 upstream of the connection point with the hot water supply bypass line 90. The heat exchanger outlet thermistor 102 detects the temperature of the water flowing into the hot water supply line 88 from the sensible heat exchanger 38. A hot water supply thermistor 104 and a second drain cock 106 are provided in the hot water supply line 88 downstream of the connection point with the hot water supply bypass line 90. The hot water supply thermistor 104 detects the temperature of the water sent from the hot water supply line 88 to a caldron (not shown). Also, the water supply line 84 and the communication line 86 are connected by a heat exchanger bypass line 108.

[0025] When the heat machine 2 supplies hot water to a bathtub (not shown), the burners 32a, 32b, and 32c of the first heat source machine 14 burn. In this case, the water supplied from the water supply source to the water supply path 84 is heated by heat exchange in the latent heat heat exchanger 40, and then further heated by heat exchange in the sensible heat heat exchanger 38, and then supplied from the hot water supply path 88 to the bathtub. At this time, the high-temperature water flowing into the hot water supply path 88 from the sensible heat heat exchanger 38 and the low-temperature water flowing into the hot water supply path 88 from the water supply path 84 via the hot water bypass path 90 are mixed, and the temperature of the water flowing through the hot water supply path 88 is adjusted. By adjusting the combustion amount of the burners 32a, 32b, and 32c of the first heat source machine 14 and the opening degree of the hot water bypass path 90 in the bypass servo 92, the temperature of the water flowing through the hot water supply path 88 can be adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0026] In the hot water supply path 88, the upstream end of the water draining path 110 is connected between the hot water supply thermistor 104 and the second drain plug 106. The water draining path 110 is provided with a water draining control valve 112, check valves 114 and 116, and a flow rate sensor 118. The water draining control valve 112 opens and closes the water draining path 110. The check valves 114 and 116 allow the flow of water from the upstream side to the downstream side of the water draining path 110 and prohibit the flow of water from the downstream side to the upstream side of the water draining path 110. The flow rate sensor 118 detects the flow rate of the water flowing through the water draining path 110. The water draining path 110 on the upstream side of the check valve 116 and on the downstream side of the check valve 114 is connected to the overflow path 80 via the drain path 120. The drain path 120 is provided with an atmosphere release valve 122. The atmosphere release valve 122 is applied with the water supply pressure from the water supply path 84 via the back pressure path 124. The atmosphere release valve 122 opens the drain path 120 to communicate the water draining path 110 with the overflow path 80 when the water supply pressure of the water supply path 84 decreases.

[0027] The downstream end of the water supply path 110 is connected to the bathtub return path 126. One end of the bathtub return path 126 is connected to the circulation fitting 128 provided in the bathtub 4. The other end of the bathtub return path 126 is connected to the suction port of the booster pump 132. In the bathtub return path 126, a bathtub return thermistor 130 is provided in the flow path from the connection point of the bathtub return path 126 and the water supply path 110 toward the booster pump 132. The bathtub return thermistor 130 detects the temperature of the water flowing from the bathtub return path 126 into the booster pump 132. Also, the discharge port of the booster pump 132 is connected to one end of the bathtub supply path 134. A booster heat exchanger 136 is interposed in the bathtub supply path 134. In the booster heat exchanger 136, heat exchange is performed between the heat medium flowing through the booster circulation path 180 and the water flowing through the bathtub supply path 134. In the bathtub supply path 134, a water flow switch 138 and a water level sensor 140 are provided between the booster pump 132 and the booster heat exchanger 136. The water flow switch 138 detects the presence or absence of water flow in the bathtub supply path 134. The water level sensor 140 detects the water level of the water stored in the bathtub 4. In the bathtub supply path 134, a bathtub supply thermistor 142 is provided on the downstream side of the booster heat exchanger 136. The bathtub supply thermistor 142 detects the temperature of the water flowing through the bathtub supply path 134. The other end of the bathtub supply path 134 is connected to the circulation fitting 128 of the bathtub 4.

[0028] When the hot water supply machine 2 supplies hot water to the bathtub 4, the burners 32a, 32b, and 32c of the first heat source machine 14 burn with the hot water supply control valve 112 open. In this case, the water supplied from the water supply source to the water supply passage 84 is heated by heat exchange in the latent heat exchanger 40 and then further heated by heat exchange in the sensible heat exchanger 38. The high-temperature water flowing into the hot water supply passage 88 from the sensible heat exchanger 38 mixes with the low-temperature water flowing into the hot water supply passage 88 from the water supply passage 84 via the hot water supply bypass passage 90. The water adjusted to the desired temperature by adjusting the combustion amount of the burners 32a, 32b, and 32c of the first heat source machine 14 and adjusting the opening degree of the hot water supply bypass passage 90 in the bypass servo 92 flows into the bathtub return passage 126 via the hot water supply passage 110. The water flowing into the bathtub return passage 126 branches into a flow toward one end of the bathtub return passage 126 and a flow toward the other end of the bathtub return passage 126. The water flowing toward one end of the bathtub return passage 126 is sent to the bathtub 4 via the circulation fitting 128. The water flowing toward the other end of the bathtub return passage 126 is sent to the bathtub 4 via the reheating pump 132, the bathtub forward passage 134, and the circulation fitting 128.

[0029] The upstream end of the latent heat exchanger 56 of the second heat source machine 16 is connected to the downstream end of the first heating return path 144. The downstream end of the latent heat exchanger 56 is connected to the upstream end of the second heating return path 146. The downstream end of the second heating return path 146 is connected to the cistern 148. The cistern 148 is a container open to the atmosphere and stores water (heat medium in this embodiment) inside. The cistern 148 is provided with a high water level electrode 150a and a low water level electrode 150b for detecting the internal water level. The water level (cistern high water level) detected by the high water level electrode 150a is higher than the water level (cistern low water level) detected by the low water level electrode 150b. Also, a makeup water passage 152 for supplying water (heat medium) from a water supply source (not shown) to the cistern 148 is connected to the cistern 148. The makeup water passage 152 branches from the water supply passage 84. A makeup water control valve 154 for opening and closing the makeup water passage 152 is provided in the makeup water passage 152. When the internal water level of the heat equipment 2 falls below the cistern low water level, the heat equipment 2 opens the makeup water control valve 154 and supplies water (heat medium) from the water supply source to the cistern 148 via the water supply passage 84 and the makeup water passage 152. Thereafter, when the internal water level of the cistern 148 reaches the cistern high water level, the heat equipment 2 closes the makeup water control valve 154 and stops the makeup water supply to the cistern 148. Therefore, the internal water level of the cistern 148 is maintained between the cistern high water level and the cistern low water level. Also, a heat medium overflow passage 156 is provided in the cistern 148. The upstream end of the heat medium overflow passage 156 is connected to the inside of the cistern 148 via an overflow port 158 that opens inside the cistern 148. The downstream end of the heat medium overflow passage 156 is connected to the overflow passage 80. In the vertical up-and-down direction, the lower end of the overflow port 158 is arranged above the lower end of the high water level electrode 150a (i.e., the cistern high water level). When the internal water level of the cistern 148 rises for some reason above the cistern high water level and reaches the height of the lower end of the overflow port 158, the water (heat medium) in the cistern 148 flows into the overflow port 158. The water (heat medium) that has flowed into the overflow port 158 is discharged to a drainage location via the heat medium overflow passage 156 and the overflow passage 80. Thereby, the overflow of water (heat medium) from the cistern 148 is suppressed.

[0030] At the lower part of the cistern 148, the upstream end of the third heating return path 160 is connected. The downstream end of the third heating return path 160 is connected to the suction port of the heating pump 162. The discharge port of the heating pump 162 is connected to the upstream end of the discharge path 164. The downstream end of the discharge path 164 branches into a low-temperature heating supply path 166 and a fourth heating return path 168. The downstream end of the low-temperature heating supply path 166 is connected to the upstream end of the low-temperature heating return path 170 via the low-temperature heating terminal 6. The low-temperature heating terminal 6 of this embodiment is, for example, a floor heating panel. The low-temperature heating terminal 6 performs heating by radiating heat from the heat medium. Although not shown, an on-off valve is built into the low-temperature heating terminal 6. This on-off valve is open when heating is performed at the low-temperature heating terminal 6, and is closed when heating is not performed at the low-temperature heating terminal 6. Further, a low-temperature heating thermistor 172 for detecting the temperature of the heat medium immediately after being sent out from the heating pump 162 is provided in the fourth heating return path 168. The downstream end of the fourth heating return path 168 is connected to the upstream end of the sensible heat exchanger 54. The downstream end of the sensible heat exchanger 54 is connected to the upstream end of the high-temperature heat medium path 174. A heat exchanger outlet thermistor 176 is provided in the high-temperature heat medium path 174. The heat exchanger outlet thermistor 176 detects the temperature of the heat medium flowing from the sensible heat exchanger 54 into the high-temperature heat medium path 174. The downstream end of the high-temperature heat medium path 174 branches into a high-temperature heating supply path 178, a supplementary heating circulation path 180, and a heating bypass path 182. The downstream end of the high-temperature heating supply path 178 is connected to the upstream end of the high-temperature heating return path 184 via the high-temperature heating terminal 8. The high-temperature heating terminal 8 of this embodiment is, for example, a bathroom heating and drying machine. The high-temperature heating terminal 8 performs heating by radiating heat from the heat medium. Although not shown, an on-off valve is built into the high-temperature heating terminal 8. This on-off valve is open when heating is performed at the high-temperature heating terminal 8, and is closed when heating is not performed at the high-temperature heating terminal 8. The low-temperature heating return path 170 and the high-temperature heating return path 184 merge at their respective downstream ends and are connected to the upstream end of the first heating return path 144. Further, the downstream end of the heating bypass path 182 is connected to the lower part of the cistern 148. A bypass path on-off valve 186 for opening and closing the heating bypass path 182 is provided in the heating bypass path 182. Also, the downstream end of the supplementary heating circulation path 180 is connected to the first heating return path 144.In the afterburning circulation path 180, an afterburning control valve 188 for opening and closing the afterburning circulation path 180 is provided upstream of the afterburning heat exchanger 136.

[0031] When the heat equipment 2 performs heating using the low-temperature heating terminal 6, an on-off valve (not shown) built in the low-temperature heating terminal 6 and the bypass path on-off valve 186 are opened, and an on-off valve (not shown) built in the high-temperature heating terminal 8 is closed. For simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the afterburning control valve 188 is closed. In this state, the heating pump 162 is driven and the burners 48a, 48b of the second heat source machine 16 burn. In this case, the heat medium flowing through the first heating return path 144 flows into the latent heat exchanger 56. The heat medium that has flowed into the latent heat exchanger 56 is heated by heat exchange in the latent heat exchanger 56 and then sent to the cistern 148 via the second heating return path 146. The heat medium stored in the cistern 148 flows into the discharge path 164 via the third heating return path 160 and the heating pump 162. The heat medium that has flowed into the discharge path 164 branches into a flow toward the sensible heat exchanger 54 via the fourth heating return path 168 and a flow toward the low-temperature heating terminal 6 via the low-temperature heating supply path 166. The heat medium that has flowed into the sensible heat exchanger 54 via the fourth heating return path 168 is heated by heat exchange in the sensible heat exchanger 54 and then flows into the high-temperature heat medium path 174. The heat medium that has flowed into the high-temperature heat medium path 174 flows into the cistern 148 via the heating bypass path 182. Also, the heat medium that has flowed into the low-temperature heating terminal 6 via the low-temperature heating supply path 166 radiates heat in the low-temperature heating terminal 6 and then flows into the first heating return path 144 via the low-temperature heating return path 170. At this time, by adjusting the combustion amount of the burners 48a, 48b of the second heat source machine 16 and the output of the heating pump 162, the temperature of the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heating terminal 6 can be adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0032] When the heat engine 2 performs heating using the high-temperature heating terminal 8, the on-off valve (not shown) built into the high-temperature heating terminal 8 is opened, and the on-off valve (not shown) built into the low-temperature heating terminal 6 and the bypass path on-off valve 186 are closed. In this state, the heating pump 162 is driven and the burners 48a, 48b of the second heat source machine 16 burn. For the sake of simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the supplementary heating control valve 188 is closed. In this case, the heat medium flowing through the first heating return path 144 flows into the latent heat heat exchanger 56. The heat medium that has flowed into the latent heat heat exchanger 56 is heated by heat exchange in the latent heat heat exchanger 56 and then sent to the cistern 148 via the second heating return path 146. The heat medium stored in the cistern 148 flows into the sensible heat heat exchanger 54 via the third heating return path 160, the heating pump 162, the discharge path 164, and the fourth heating return path 168. The heat medium that has flowed into the sensible heat heat exchanger 54 is heated by heat exchange in the sensible heat heat exchanger 54 and then flows into the high-temperature heat medium path 174. The heat medium that has flowed into the high-temperature heat medium path 174 flows into the high-temperature heating terminal 8 via the high-temperature heating forward path 178. The heat medium that has flowed into the high-temperature heating terminal 8 dissipates heat in the high-temperature heating terminal 8 and then flows into the first heating return path 144 via the high-temperature heating return path 184. At this time, by adjusting the combustion amount of the burners 48a, 48b of the second heat source machine 16 and the output of the heating pump 162, the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the high-temperature heating terminal 8 can be adjusted to a desired temperature.

[0033] When the heat engine 2 performs heating using both the low-temperature heating terminal 6 and the high-temperature heating terminal 8, the on-off valves (not shown) built into the low-temperature heating terminal 6 and the high-temperature heating terminal 8 are opened, and the bypass path on-off valve 186 is closed. In this state, the heating pump 162 is driven and the burners 48a, 48b of the second heat source machine 16 burn. For the sake of simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the supplementary heating control valve 188 is closed. In this case, the heat medium flowing through the first heating return path 144 flows into the latent heat heat exchanger 56. The heat medium that has flowed into the latent heat heat exchanger 56 is heated by heat exchange in the latent heat heat exchanger 56 and then sent to the cistern 148 via the second heating return path 146. The heat medium stored in the cistern 148 flows into the discharge path 164 via the third heating return path 160 and the heating pump 162. The heat medium that has flowed into the discharge path 164 branches into a flow toward the sensible heat heat exchanger 54 via the fourth heating return path 168 and a flow toward the low-temperature heating terminal 6 via the low-temperature heating forward path 166. The heat medium that has flowed into the low-temperature heating terminal 6 via the low-temperature heating forward path 166 radiates heat in the low-temperature heating terminal 6 and then flows into the first heating return path 144 via the low-temperature heating return path 170. Also, the heat medium that has flowed into the sensible heat heat exchanger 54 via the fourth heating return path 168 is heated by heat exchange in the sensible heat heat exchanger 54 and then flows into the high-temperature heating terminal 8 via the high-temperature heating forward path 178. The heat medium that has flowed into the high-temperature heating terminal 8 via the high-temperature heating forward path 178 radiates heat in the high-temperature heating terminal 8 and then flows into the first heating return path 144 via the high-temperature heating return path 184. At this time, by adjusting the combustion amount of the burners 48a, 48b of the second heat source machine 16 and the output of the heating pump 162, the temperatures of the heat medium flowing through the low-temperature heating terminal 6 and the high-temperature heating terminal 8 can be adjusted to desired temperatures respectively.

[0034] When the heat machine 2 performs supplementary heating of the bathtub 4, with the supplementary heating control valve 188 open, the supplementary heating pump 132 and the heating pump 162 are driven, and the burners 48a, 48b of the second heat source machine 16 burn. For simplicity of explanation, it is assumed that the on-off valves (not shown) built into the low-temperature heating terminal 6, the on-off valves (not shown) built into the high-temperature heating terminal 8, and the bypass line on-off valve 186 are closed. In this case, the heat medium flowing through the first heating return path 144 flows into the latent heat exchanger 56. The heat medium that has flowed into the latent heat exchanger 56 is heated by heat exchange in the latent heat exchanger 56 and then sent to the cistern 148 via the second heating return path 146. The heat medium stored in the cistern 148 flows into the sensible heat exchanger 54 via the third heating return path 160, the heating pump 162, the discharge path 164, and the fourth heating return path 168. The heat medium that has flowed into the sensible heat exchanger 54 is heated by heat exchange in the sensible heat exchanger 54 and then flows into the supplementary heating circulation path 180 via the high-temperature heat medium path 174. The heat medium that has flowed into the supplementary heating circulation path 180 is cooled by heat exchange with the water flowing through the bathtub forward path 134 in the supplementary heating heat exchanger 136 and then returned to the first heating return path 144. Also, the water in the bathtub 4 flows into the bathtub return path 126 via the circulation fitting 128 and into the bathtub forward path 134 via the supplementary heating pump 132. The water that has flowed into the bathtub forward path 134 is heated by heat exchange with the heat medium flowing through the supplementary heating circulation path 180 in the supplementary heating heat exchanger 136 and then returned to the bathtub 4 via the circulation fitting 128. At this time, by adjusting the combustion amount of the burners 48a, 48b of the second heat source machine 16 and the output of the heating pump 162, water heated to a desired temperature can be supplied to the bathtub 4.

[0035] In this embodiment, the water supply line 84, latent heat exchanger 40, connection line 86, sensible heat exchanger 38, hot water supply line 88, hot water supply bypass line 90, heat exchanger bypass line 108, water pouring line 110, bathtub return line 126, reheating pump 132, and bathtub supply line 134 are collectively referred to as the "bathtub hot water supply circuit B". Also, the first heating return line 144, latent heat exchanger 56, second heating return line 146, cistern 148, third heating return line 160, heating pump 162, discharge line 164, low-temperature heating supply line 166, fourth heating return line 168, sensible heat exchanger 54, high-temperature heat medium line 174, high-temperature heating supply line 178, reheating circulation line 180, and heating bypass line 182 are collectively referred to as the "heating circuit H". Note that in this embodiment, it should be noted that the sensible heat exchanger 54 mainly heats the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit H. It should be noted that the latent heat exchanger 56 auxiliary heats the heat medium by the latent heat generated when condensing the moisture contained in the combustion gas.

[0036] The heat equipment 2 further includes a fine bubble generator 190 and an air introduction mechanism 192. The fine bubble generator 190 is provided in the third heating return line 160. The air introduction mechanism 192 is provided between the fine bubble generator 190 and the cistern 148.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 2, the fine bubble generator 190 includes a casing 194, a first fine bubble generator 196, and a second fine bubble generator 198. The casing 194 has a substantially cylindrical shape. The casing 194 can be said to be a part of the heating circuit H (specifically, the third heating return path 160). An inflow portion 200 through which water (heat medium) flows in is provided at the upstream end of the casing 194. An outflow portion 202 through which water flows out is provided at the downstream end of the casing 194. The first fine bubble generator 196 is housed in the casing 194. The first fine bubble generator 196 includes a body portion 204 and a plurality of venturi flow paths 206 penetrating the body portion 204. Each of the plurality of venturi flow paths 206 includes a reduced-diameter flow path 208 whose flow path diameter decreases from the upstream side to the downstream side, and an enlarged-diameter flow path 210 provided on the downstream side of the reduced-diameter flow path 208 and whose flow path diameter increases from the upstream side to the downstream side. A throat portion 209 where the flow path diameter of the venturi flow path 206 is the smallest is provided between the reduced-diameter flow path 208 and the enlarged-diameter flow path 210. The second fine bubble generator 198 is housed in the casing 194 on the downstream side of the first fine bubble generator 196. The second fine bubble generator 198 includes a shaft portion 212 extending in the direction from the upstream side to the downstream side, an outer peripheral portion 214 surrounding the radially outer side of the shaft portion 212, and a plurality of blade portions 216 provided between the shaft portion 212 and the outer peripheral portion 214. A swirling flow path 218 is formed between the shaft portion 212, the outer peripheral portion 214, and the plurality of blade portions 216.

[0038] As shown in FIG. 1, the air introduction mechanism 192 includes an air introduction path 220 extending between the fine bubble generator 190 and the cistern 148. The downstream end of the air introduction path 220 is connected to the third heating return path 160 via the fine bubble generator 190. Specifically, the downstream end of the air introduction path 220 is connected to the throat portion 209 (see FIG. 2) of the venturi flow path 206. The upstream end of the air introduction path 220 is connected to the inside of the cistern 148 via an intake port 222 that opens inside the cistern 148. In the vertical up-and-down direction, the lower end of the intake port 222 is disposed above the upper end of the overflow port 158.

[0039] When water (heat medium) flows through the fine bubble generator 190 shown in Fig. 2, the water first flows into the Venturi channel 206 of the first fine bubble generator 196. When the water passes through the converging channel 208 of the Venturi channel 206, it is depressurized to below atmospheric pressure. As a result, the air previously dissolved in the water flowing through the converging channel 208 precipitates as bubbles. In addition, a negative pressure (pressure below atmospheric pressure) is generated in the throat portion 209 through which the water depressurized in the converging channel 208 passes. Due to this negative pressure, the air inside the cistern 148 is drawn into the throat portion 209 through the air intake 222 and the air introduction passage 220. The air drawn into the throat portion 209 is mixed with the water flowing through the throat portion 209 as bubbles. Therefore, the water flowing into the diverging channel 210 from the throat portion 209 contains, in addition to the bubbles precipitated from the water, the bubbles drawn in from the air introduction passage 220. Thereafter, when the water passes through the diverging channel 210, it is pressurized to above atmospheric pressure. As a result, the bubbles contained in the water are split into fine bubbles. In addition, the water flowing out of the Venturi channel 206 flows into the swirling channel 218 of the second fine bubble generator 198. When water flows through the swirling channel 218, a swirling flow is generated in which the water flows spirally around the shaft portion 212. At this time, the fine bubbles contained in the water become finer bubbles due to the shearing force caused by the swirling flow. In this way, fine bubbles are generated in the circuit (heating circuit H) provided with the fine bubble generator 190.

[0040] The heat medium flowing through the heating circuit H shown in FIG. 1 may contain components that cause fouling. Examples of the components that cause fouling here include magnesium ions and calcium ions that cause scale. Thus, the components that cause fouling may include cations. On the other hand, the microbubbles generated by the microbubble generator 190 are usually negatively charged. Therefore, the microbubbles generated by the microbubble generator 190 can adsorb the components that cause fouling. As a result, the adhesion of fouling to the inner wall of the passage constituting the heating circuit H is suppressed. Further, a part of the microbubbles generated by the microbubble generator 190 is generated so as to cover the inner wall of the passage constituting the heating circuit H. This also suppresses the adhesion of fouling to the inner wall of the passage constituting the heating circuit H.

[0041] Particularly in this embodiment, since the heating circuit H is open to the atmosphere in the cistern 148, the pressure of the heat medium stored in the cistern 148 becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure. Therefore, when the heating pump 162 is driven, the pressure of the heat medium on the downstream side of the cistern 148 and on the upstream side of the heating pump 162 is reduced to below atmospheric pressure along with the suction of the heating pump 162. Then, the microbubble generator 190 is provided on the downstream side of the cistern 148 and on the upstream side of the heating pump 162. For this reason, when the heat medium passes through the microbubble generator 190, the pressure reduction of the heat medium accompanying the suction of the heating pump 162 and the pressure reduction of the heat medium by the first microbubble generator 196 combine, and the pressure of the heat medium drops to a very small value. As a result, the amount of gas precipitated from the heat medium, that is, the amount of microbubbles generated in the heat medium increases. Also, in this embodiment, there are no components (for example, the sensible heat exchanger 54 and the high-temperature heating terminal 8) that cause pressure loss in the flow path through which the heat medium is sent from the microbubble generator 190 to the heating pump 162. Therefore, when the heating pump 162 is driven, the momentum of the heat medium flowing into the microbubble generator 190 becomes relatively strong, so the swirling and collision of the heat medium in the second microbubble generator 198 become relatively intense. As a result, the bubbles mixed in the heat medium are sufficiently refined. Also, in this embodiment, even if the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit H flows into the air introduction path 220 and flows out of the outside of the air introduction path 220 through the air inlet 222, the heat medium flows into the cistern 148. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit H from flowing to an unintended location.

[0042] (Embodiment 2: Heat device 252) The heat device 252 shown in FIG. 3 has substantially the same configuration as the heat device 2 (see FIG. 1) of Embodiment 1. For the components common between the heat device 252 and the heat device 2, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the heat device 252 will be described by focusing on the differences from the heat device 2.

[0043] The heat appliance 252 differs from the heat appliance 2 in that the fine bubble generator 190 is provided in the high-temperature heat medium path 174 instead of the third heating return path 160. Specifically, the fine bubble generator 190 is provided in the high-temperature heat medium path 174 downstream of the heat exchanger outlet thermistor 176.

[0044] The heat medium immediately heated by the sensible heat exchanger 54 flows into the high-temperature heat medium path 174. For this reason, a high-temperature heat medium flows in the high-temperature heat medium path 174. Usually, the higher the temperature of the heat medium, the lower the solubility of the gas in the heat medium. For this reason, in the high-temperature heat medium path 174, the gas dissolved in the heat medium is in a state close to saturation, so the gas dissolved in the heat medium is likely to precipitate as fine bubbles. According to this embodiment, since the fine bubble generator 190 is provided in the high-temperature heat medium path 174, fine bubbles can be generated more reliably.

[0045] (Example 3: Heat appliance 302) The heat appliance 302 shown in FIG. 4 has substantially the same configuration as the heat appliance 2 (see FIG. 1) of Example 1. For the components common between the heat appliance 302 and the heat appliance 2, the same reference numerals are given and the description thereof is omitted. Hereinafter, the heat appliance 302 will be described focusing on the differences from the heat appliance 2.

[0046] The heat appliance 302 differs from the heat appliance 2 in that the fine bubble generator 190 is provided in the heating bypass path 182 instead of the third heating return path 160. Specifically, the fine bubble generator 190 is provided in the heating bypass path 182 downstream of the bypass path opening / closing valve 186.

[0047] In the heat devices 2 and 252 of the first and second embodiments, the fine bubble generator 190 is provided in a circuit that circulates the heat medium among the high-temperature heating terminal 8, the sensible heat exchanger 54, and the heating pump 162. Therefore, when sending the heat medium heated by the sensible heat exchanger 54 to the high-temperature heating terminal 8 at a predetermined flow rate (for example, 2 L / min), since the fine bubble generator 190 becomes a resistance, it is necessary to drive the heating pump 162 with a relatively large output. As a result, the power consumption of the heat devices 2 and 252 may increase. On the other hand, according to this embodiment, the fine bubble generator 190 is provided in the heating bypass path 182 that bypasses the high-temperature heating terminal 8. Therefore, when sending the heat medium heated by the sensible heat exchanger 54 to the high-temperature heating terminal 8 at a predetermined flow rate (for example, 2 L / min), since the fine bubble generator 190 does not become a resistance, the heating pump 162 can be driven with a relatively small output. As a result, the power consumption of the heat device 302 can be reduced.

[0048] (Modification) In the first, second, and third embodiments, the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit H may be a liquid other than water (for example, antifreeze). In this case, the heat devices 2, 252, and 302 may not include the makeup water path 152 and the makeup water control valve 154.

[0049] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the heat devices 2, 252, and 302 may be provided with a heat source device in a mode different from the combustion type heat source device, instead of or additionally to the second heat source device 16, as a heat source device for heating the heating circuit H. For example, the heat devices 2, 252, and 302 may be provided with an electric heater, a heat pump, and / or a cogeneration system as a heat source device for heating the heating circuit H.

[0050] In the first, second, and third embodiments, the fine bubble generator 190 may be replaced with a fine bubble generator in a different mode. For example, the fine bubble generator 190 may be replaced with one including a pressurizer (for example, a pressure tank) that pressurizes and dissolves air in the liquid by pressurizing the liquid, and a decompressor (for example, a venturi) that deposits fine bubbles by decompressing the liquid.

[0051] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the downstream end of the air introduction passage 220 may be connected to the heating circuit H without passing through the fine bubble generator 190. For example, the downstream end of the air introduction passage 220 may be connected to the heating circuit H on the upstream side of the fine bubble generator 190. In this case, a pressure reducer (for example, a Venturi) that generates a negative pressure along with the flow of the liquid may be provided at the location where the downstream end of the air introduction passage 220 is connected. The air in the air introduction passage 220 may be drawn into the heating circuit H by the negative pressure generated by the pressure reducer.

[0052] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the heat devices 2, 252, and 302 may not include the latent heat exchanger 56. In this case, the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit H may be heated only by heat exchange in the sensible heat exchanger 54.

[0053] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the heat devices 2, 252, and 302 may not include the low-temperature heating supply path 166, the low-temperature heating terminal 6, and the low-temperature heating return path 170. In this case, all of the heat medium flowing into the discharge path 164 may be sent to the sensible heat exchanger 54 via the fourth heating return path 168.

[0054] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the intake port 222 of the air introduction mechanism 192 may not open inside the cistern 148. For example, the intake port 222 may open outside the heat devices 2, 252, and 302. Alternatively, the intake port 222 may open inside the neutralizer 72. Alternatively, the intake port 222 may open inside the overflow passage 80.

[0055] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the fine bubble generator 190 may be provided at any position on the heating circuit H. For example, the fine bubble generator 190 may be provided on the downstream side of the heating pump 162 and on the upstream side of the high-temperature heating terminal 8 (for example, the fourth heating return path 168). Also, the fine bubble generator 190 may be built into the heating pump 162. That is, the fine bubble generator 190 may be provided between the suction port and the discharge port of the heating pump 162.

[0056] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the heating pump 162 may be provided at any position on the heating circuit H. For example, the heating pump 162 may be provided in the first heating return path 144.

[0057] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the heat equipment 2, 252, and 302 may not be provided with the air introduction mechanism 192. Even in this case, the fine bubble generator 190 can generate fine bubbles based on the air dissolved in the water flowing through the heating circuit H or the mixed air.

[0058] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the heat equipment 2, 252, and 302 may not be provided with the cistern 148. In this case, the heating circuit H may not be open to the atmosphere.

[0059] In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the heat equipment 2, 252, and 302 may be provided with a discharge path connected to the neutralizer 72 separately from the overflow path 80, and a drain discharge pump provided in the discharge path. The heat equipment 2, 252, and 302 may be configured to drive the drain discharge pump to discharge the drain stored in the neutralizer 72 to a predetermined drainage location (for example, a sewer) through the discharge path.

[0060] (Corresponding relationship) In Examples 1, 2, and 3, the burners 48a and 48b and the sensible heat exchanger 54 are examples of the "heating unit". The high-temperature heating terminal 8 is an example of the "heating device". The heating circuit H is an example of the "heating circuit". The first heating return path 144, the latent heat exchanger 56, the second heating return path 146, the cistern 148, the third heating return path 160, the heating pump 162, the discharge path 164, and the fourth heating return path 168 are examples of the "heating return path". The high-temperature heat medium path 174 and the high-temperature heating forward path 178 are examples of the "heating forward path". The heating pump 162 is an example of the "pump". The fine bubble generator 190 is an example of the "fine bubble generation unit". The cistern 148 is an example of the "atmosphere release unit". The heating bypass path 182 is an example of the "bypass path".

[0061] The technical elements described in this specification or the drawings exhibit technical utility either individually or in various combinations, and are not limited to the combinations recited in the claims at the time of filing. Further, the technologies exemplified in this specification or the drawings can achieve multiple objectives simultaneously, and achieving any one of those objectives by itself has technical utility.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0062] 2: Heat machine, 4: Bathtub, 6: Low-temperature heating terminal, 8: High-temperature heating terminal, 10: Controller, 12: Remote control, 14: First heat source machine, 16: Second heat source machine, 18: Combustion chamber, 20: Combustion fan, 22: Partition wall, 24: First combustion chamber, 26: Second combustion chamber, 28: Exhaust port, 30: Combustion chamber temperature sensor, 32a: Burner, 32b: Burner, 32c: Burner, 34: Ignition plug, 36: Flame rod, 38: Sensible heat exchanger, 40: Latent heat exchanger, 42a: Gas branch path, 42b: Gas branch path, 42c: Gas branch path, 44a: On-off valve, 44b: On-off valve, 44c: On-off valve, 46: Igniter, 48a: Burner, 48b: Burner, 50: Ignition plug, 52: Flame rod, 54: Sensible heat exchanger, 56: Latent heat exchanger, 58a: Gas branch path, 58b: Gas branch path, 60a: On-off valve, 60b: On-off valve, 62: Gas supply path, 64: On-off valve, 66: Flow control valve, 68: Drain pan, 70: Drain recovery path, 72: Neutralizer, 74: Trap structure, 76: Overflow port, 78: Water level electrode, 80: Overflow path, 84: Water supply path, 86: Connection path, 88: Hot water supply path, 90: Hot water supply bypass path, 92: Bypass servo, 94: First drain plug, 96: Water volume sensor, 98: Water supply thermistor, 100: Water volume servo, 102: Heat exchanger outlet thermistor, 104: Hot water supply thermistor, 106: Second drain plug, 108: Heat exchanger bypass path, 110: Water pouring path, 112: Water pouring control valve, 114: Check valve, 116: Check valve, 118: Flow sensor, 120: Drain path, 122: Atmosphere release valve, 124: Back pressure path, 126: Bathtub return path, 128: Circulation fitting, 130: Bathtub return thermistor, 132: Supplementary heating pump, 134: Bathtub forward path, 136: Supplementary heating heat exchanger, 138: Water flow switch, 140: Water level sensor, 142: Bathtub forward thermistor, 144: First heating return path, 146: Second heating return path, 148: Cistern, 150a: High water level electrode, 150b: Low water level electrode, 152: Makeup water path, 154: Makeup water control valve, 156: Heat medium overflow path, 158: Overflow port, 160: Third heating return path, 162: Heating pump, 164: Discharge path, 166: Low-temperature heating forward path, 168: Fourth heating return path, 170: Low-temperature heating return path, 172: Low-temperature heating thermistor, 174: High-temperature heat medium path, 176: Heat exchanger outlet thermistor, 178: High-temperature heating forward path, 180: Supplementary heating circulation path, 182: Heating bypass path, 184: High-temperature heating return path186: Bypass line on-off valve, 188: Afterburner control valve, 190: Microbubble generator, 192: Air introduction mechanism, 194: Casing, 196: First microbubble generator, 198: Second microbubble generator, 200: Inflow section, 202: Outflow section, 204: Body section, 206: Venturi flow path, 208: Converging flow path, 210: Diverging flow path, 212: Shaft section, 214: Outer peripheral section, 216: Blade section, 218: Swirling flow path, 220: Air introduction path, 222: Air intake port, 252: Heat equipment, 302: Heat equipment, B: Bathtub hot water supply circuit, H: Heating circuit,

Claims

1. A heating unit that heats the heat medium; A heating circuit including a heating outward path for sending a heat medium heated by the heating unit to a heating device that performs heating by heat radiation from the heat medium, and a heating return path for sending the heat medium radiated by the heating device to the heating unit; a pump provided in the heating circuit, for sending a heat medium from the heating section to the heating device via the heating outward path and for sending a heat medium from the heating device to the heating section via the heating return path; A thermal device comprising: a micro-bubble generating unit provided in the heating circuit and configured to generate micro-bubbles in the heat medium flowing through the heating circuit.

2. The thermal equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the fine bubble generating section is provided on the heating outward path.

3. The pump is provided in one of the heating outward path and the heating return path, The thermal equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the fine bubble generating section is provided in one of the outward heating path and the return heating path.

4. The heating system further includes an air opening section provided in the heating return path and opening the heating return path to the atmosphere, The pump is provided on the heating return path downstream of the atmosphere opening portion, The thermal equipment according to claim 1 , wherein the fine bubble generating section is provided on the heating return path downstream of the atmosphere opening section and upstream of the pump.

5. The heating device further includes a bypass path that bypasses the heating device and connects between the heating outward path and the heating return path, The thermal device according to claim 1 , wherein the fine bubble generating section is provided in the bypass passage.

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