Hot water heating device

Abstract

To provide a hot water heating device improved in power saving.SOLUTION: A hot water heating device includes: a control device 100 controlling a compressor 2; and a remote controller 20 (setting part) setting a target power consumption. The control device 100 performs a first limit control adjusting a frequency of the compressor 2 so that the whole power consumption becomes the target power consumption or lower, when the target power consumption is set by the remote controller 20.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a hot water heating device.

Background Art

[0002] Patent Document 1 discloses a technique for changing the operation time of a storage water heater in order to reduce the peak value of the maximum demand power consumption from the perspective of the electricity company's tariff menu. Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for a water heater that stores hot water in a hot water storage tank at a timing when the electricity tariff is low by comparing electricity tariffs. Patent Document 3 discloses a technique for restricting the operation of a storage type electric water heater when the amount of electricity purchased is higher than a reference.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] To provide a hot water heating device capable of improving energy efficiency.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0005] The hot water heating device in the present disclosure is a hot water heating device including a compressor and a heating terminal through which hot water circulates, and includes a control device that controls the compressor and a setting unit that sets a target power consumption. When the target power consumption is set by the setting unit, the control device performs first limit control to adjust the frequency of the compressor so that the overall power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption.

Effects of the Invention

[0006] The hot water heating device in the present disclosure can be operated while suppressing the total power consumption below a certain value. Therefore, the energy saving performance of the hot water heating device can be improved.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0007]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Modes for Carrying Out the Invention

[0008] (Findings etc. underlying the present disclosure) When the inventors arrived at the idea of the present disclosure, there was a technology for restricting the operation of a hot water heating device based on matters related to the electricity charge, as in Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3. However, in the conventional technology, attention has not been paid to suppressing the total power consumption of the hot water heating device itself, and it has not been possible to address the desire to operate the hot water heating device while suppressing the total power consumption below a desired target value, and the inventors have discovered the problem that the energy saving performance of the hot water heating device has not been improved, and in order to solve that problem, they have come to constitute the subject matter of the present disclosure. Therefore, the present disclosure provides a hot water heating device capable of improving energy saving performance.

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, there may be cases where a more detailed description than necessary is omitted. For example, there may be cases where a detailed description of well-known matters or a redundant description of substantially the same configuration is omitted. The attached drawings and the following description are provided to enable those skilled in the art to fully understand the present disclosure, and are not intended to limit the subject matter described in the claims.

[0010] (Embodiment 1) [1-1. Configuration] [1-1-1. Configuration of the hot water heating device 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the main part of the hot water heating device 1 according to Embodiment 1. The hot water heating device 1 is a heat pump type heating device including a heat source side refrigerant circuit for circulating a refrigerant. The heat source side refrigerant circuit is configured by connecting a compressor 2, a radiator 3, a decompression mechanism 4 composed of an expansion valve, an evaporator 5, and a fan 7 for blowing air to the evaporator 6 through pipes. The hot water heating device 1 includes a four-way valve 8 that can switch between heating and cooling operations. The cooling operation of the hot water heating device 1 is performed particularly for defrosting. In the hot water heating device 1, the radiator 3 serves as a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the refrigerant and the water medium, which is the utilization side heat medium, to heat the water medium and generate hot water. The hot water is used for heating.

[0011] A water pipe 12 is connected to the radiator 3 to form a utilization side heat medium circuit through which the water medium flows. A water pump 9 is arranged upstream of the radiator 3 in the water pipe 12. When heating, by driving the water pump 9, the water medium is supplied to the radiator 3 through the water pipe 12 and exchanges heat with the refrigerant flowing through the heat source side refrigerant circuit in the radiator 3, so that the water medium is heated and hot water is generated. The hot water is sent to, for example, a heating terminal 10 such as a radiator or a floor heating panel or a hot water storage tank, and heating and hot water supply are thereby performed. The air-conditioned space is heated by the heating terminal 10. When viewed in the direction from the water pump 9 to the radiator 3, the water pump 9 side corresponds to the upstream in the flow of the water medium.

[0012] In the heating mode, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is sent to the radiator 3 via the four-way valve 8. In the defrosting operation, the refrigerant discharged from the compressor 2 is sent to the evaporator 6 via the four-way valve 8.

[0013] Furthermore, the hot water heating device 1 includes a heater 11 that assists the hot water generation capacity of the hot water heating device 1. The heater 11 corresponds to a backup heater that is used when the required heat is not sufficient only by the heat obtained by heat exchange with the refrigerant, etc. The power consumption of the heater 11 can be appropriately changed according to the performance of the hot water heating device 1, such as 3kW, 6kW, 9kW, etc.

[0014] [1-1-2. Configuration of the control system] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the main part of the control system of the hot water heating device 1. The current value sensor 130 measures the current values of the currents flowing through the compressor 2, the water pump 9, the fan 7, and the heater 11 as detected values. The current value sensor 130 outputs the detected values to the control device 100 at a predetermined cycle. When the current value sensor 130 outputs the detected values, it also outputs the time when the detected values were detected to the control device 100.

[0015] Among the respective parts of the hot water heating device 1, the current values of the currents flowing through the compressor 2 and the heater 11 are particularly the largest. Note that in the range of the total current value detected by the current value sensor 130, it is sufficient if the compressor 2 is included, and for example, the fan 7 may not be included.

[0016] The control device 100 is a control device that controls each part of the hot water heating device 1. The control device 100 includes a control processor 120 that is a processor such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or an MPU (Micro-Processing Unit), a control memory 110, and an interface circuit for connecting to other devices and sensors, and controls each part of the hot water heating device 1. The compressor 2, the heater 11, the fan 7, the four-way valve 8, and the water pump 9 are connected to the control device 100.

[0017] The control memory 110 is a memory that stores programs and data. The control memory 110 stores a control program 111, data to be processed by the control processor 120, and detection values detected by the detector group. The control memory 110 has a non-volatile storage area. Further, the control memory 110 may include a volatile storage area and constitute a work area of the control processor 120. The control memory 110 is constituted by, for example, a ROM (Read Only Memory) or a RAM (Random Access Memory).

[0018] The control storage unit 112 may store in advance information on the voltage of the power source connected to the hot water heating device 1.

[0019] The control processor 120 controls each part of the control device 100 by reading and executing the control program 111. The control processor 120 includes, as functional units, an operation control unit 121, a reception unit 122, and a calculation unit 123. These functional units are realized by the cooperation of software and hardware when the control processor 120 executes the control program 111.

[0020] The control device 100 includes a communication device 140 for communicating with the remote controller 20 as a setting unit. The communication device 140 includes a light receiving sensor that receives an infrared signal transmitted by the remote controller 20, a circuit that decodes the infrared signal received by the light receiving sensor, and the like. The remote controller 20 includes, for example, switches for executing the cooling operation or the heating operation of the hot water heating device 1 and for switching the set temperature and the air volume, and outputs an infrared signal according to an operation by the user received by the switches. Note that the signal output from the remote controller 20 and received by the communication device 140 is not limited to an infrared signal. For example, the signal output from the remote controller 20 may be a wireless signal, and the remote controller 20 and the communication device 140 may be configured to include hardware corresponding to a wireless communication standard such as an antenna and a communication circuit.

[0021] The remote controller 20 is a device for performing various settings of the warm water heating device 1. The remote controller 20 includes a switch for receiving various operations from the user, a display for displaying the current settings of the warm water heating device 1, and the like. The remote controller 20 is communicatively connected to the warm water heating device 1 and communicates with the warm water heating device 1. The remote controller 20 transmits a signal corresponding to the operation received from the user to the warm water heating device 1. The remote controller 20 may also be a device capable of displaying the current settings of the warm water heating device 1.

[0022] The reception unit 122 receives information transmitted from devices and equipment connected to the control device 100. For example, when the communication device 140 receives a request to transmit information from the remote controller 20, the reception unit 122 receives this request. In response to the request, the reception unit 122 causes the communication device 140 to transmit information stored in the control memory 110 and the like.

[0023] The reception unit 122 receives an instruction from the remote controller 20. Specifically, the reception unit 122 receives a request input by operating the remote controller 20 through the communication device 140.

[0024] The reception unit 122 receives a normal operation instruction to perform normal operation of the warm water heating device 1 from the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 is operated by the user, it outputs a normal operation instruction signal indicating a normal operation instruction to the control device 100. The normal operation instruction signal describes the value of the set temperature of the air-conditioned space. The reception unit 122 receives the normal operation instruction from the remote controller 20 by receiving the normal operation instruction signal from the remote controller 20 via the communication device 140. The reception unit 122 receives a stop instruction to stop the operation of the warm water heating device 1 from the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 is operated by the user, it outputs a stop instruction signal indicating a stop instruction to stop the operation of the warm water heating device 1 to the control device 100. The reception unit 122 receives the stop instruction from the remote controller 20 by receiving the normal operation instruction signal from the remote controller 20 via the communication device 140. In normal operation, the hot water heating device 1 performs heating according to the desired set temperature by the user. In this case, the frequency of the compressor 2 is controlled to be any value between the minimum frequency and the maximum frequency.

[0025] The reception unit 122 receives a first limit instruction for performing the first limit control from the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 is operated by the user, it outputs a first limit instruction signal indicating the first limit instruction to the control device 100. The first limit instruction signal describes the value of the target power consumption set by the user. The reception unit 122 receives the first limit instruction from the remote controller 20 by receiving the first limit instruction signal from the remote controller 20 via the communication device 140. The first limit instruction corresponds to setting the target power consumption by the remote controller 20 corresponding to the "setting unit". The target power consumption is, for example, "3.0 kW". The target power consumption corresponds to the desired target value of the total power consumption. The total power consumption refers to the total power consumption of the hot water heating device 1. The total power consumption of the hot water heating device 1 is mainly accounted for by about 90% of the power consumption of the compressor 2 and the power consumption of the heater 11.

[0026] The reception unit 122 receives a first period instruction for performing the first limit only during the first period from the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 is operated by the user, it outputs a first period instruction signal indicating the first period instruction to the control device 100. The first period instruction signal describes a value indicating the first start time at which the first limit control set by the user starts and a value indicating the first end time at which the first limit control set by the user ends. The reception unit 122 receives the period instruction from the remote controller 20 by receiving the first period instruction signal from the remote controller 20 via the communication device 140. The first start time is expressed in hours and minutes, for example, "11:30", and the second end time is "13:30", etc. The first period corresponds to an example of the "predetermined period".

[0027] The reception unit 122 receives a second restriction instruction for performing second restriction control from the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 is operated by the user, it outputs a second restriction instruction signal indicating the second restriction instruction to the control device 100. The second restriction instruction signal describes the value of the maximum power consumption set by the user. The reception unit 122 receives the second restriction instruction from the remote controller 20 by receiving the second restriction instruction signal from the remote controller 20 via the communication device 140. The second restriction instruction corresponds to setting the maximum power consumption by the remote controller 20 corresponding to the "setting unit". The maximum power consumption is, for example, "3.6 kW". The maximum power consumption corresponds to the desired target value of the total power consumption.

[0028] The reception unit 122 receives a first restriction stop instruction from the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 is operated by the user, it outputs a first restriction stop signal to the control device 100. The reception unit 122 receives the first restriction stop instruction from the remote controller 20 by receiving a signal indicating the first restriction stop instruction from the remote controller 20 via the communication device 140. The reception unit 122 receives a period restriction stop instruction from the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 is operated by the user, it outputs a period restriction stop signal to the control device 100. The reception unit 122 receives the period restriction stop instruction from the remote controller 20 by receiving a signal indicating the period restriction stop instruction from the remote controller 20 via the communication device 140. The reception unit 122 receives a second restriction stop instruction from the remote controller 20. When the remote controller 20 is operated by the user, it outputs a signal indicating the second restriction stop instruction to the control device 100. The reception unit 122 receives the second restriction stop instruction from the remote controller 20 by receiving a signal indicating the second restriction stop instruction from the remote controller 20 via the communication device 140.

[0029] The calculation unit 123 functions as a functional unit that calculates a current value using the value of the power consumption. When the reception unit 122 receives a first limit instruction from the remote controller 20 in the total power consumption of the hot water heating device 1, the calculation unit 123 acquires the value of the target power consumption described in the first limit instruction. The calculation unit 123 calculates a target current value corresponding to the acquired target power consumption. The target current value is the detected value detected by the current value sensor 130 when the total power consumption of the hot water heating device 1 is the target power consumption.

[0030] When the reception unit 122 receives a second limit instruction from the remote controller 20 in the total power consumption of the hot water heating device 1, the calculation unit 123 acquires the value of the maximum power consumption described in the second limit instruction. The calculation unit 123 calculates a maximum current value corresponding to the acquired maximum power consumption. The maximum current value is the detected value detected by the current value sensor 130 when the total power consumption of the hot water heating device 1 is the maximum power consumption. Also, in calculating the current value, the calculation unit 123 acquires the value of the voltage stored in the control storage unit 112. The calculation unit 123 may calculate the power consumption using variables or constants other than the voltage.

[0031] The operation control unit 121 controls the operation of each part included in the hot water heating device 1. The operation control unit 121 performs the operation by controlling the operation of the water pump 9, the compressor 2, the fan 7, the four-way valve 8, the heater 11, and other parts included in the hot water heating device 1 based on the value of the set temperature. As an example of controlling the operation of the compressor 2, the operation control unit 121 adjusts the frequency of the compressor 2. The frequency of the compressor 2 corresponds to the driving rotation speed of the compressor 2.

[0032] In the first limit control, the operation control unit 121 adjusts the frequency of the compressor 2 so that the total power consumption of the hot water heating device 1 is equal to or less than the target power consumption. Specifically, in the first limit control, the operation control unit 121 determines whether the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the target current value. When the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the target current value, the operation control unit 121 decreases the frequency of the compressor 2 until it becomes equal to or less than the target current value.

[0033] As described above, the first limit control is a control in which the operation control unit 121 adjusts the frequency of the compressor 2 so that the total power consumption of the hot water heating apparatus 1 becomes equal to or less than the target power consumption set by the remote controller 20. More specifically, the first limit control is a control in which the calculation unit 123 calculates a target current value corresponding to the target power consumption, and the operation control unit 121 adjusts the frequency of the compressor 2 so that the current value of the current flowing through each unit including the compressor 2 does not exceed the calculated target current value.

[0034] Further, the second limit control is a control in which the operation control unit 121 stops the operation of the compressor 2 when the total power consumption of the hot water heating apparatus 1 becomes equal to or greater than the maximum power consumption set by the remote controller 20. More specifically, the second limit control is a control in which the calculation unit 123 calculates a maximum current value corresponding to the maximum power consumption, and when the current value of the current flowing through each unit including the compressor 2 becomes equal to or greater than the calculated maximum current value, the operation control unit 121 stops the operation of the compressor 2.

[0035] Note that, generally, there exist a minimum frequency required for the minimum operation of the compressor 2 in the hot water heating apparatus 1 and a maximum frequency at the frequency of the compressor 2. The operation control unit 121 controls the compressor 2 so that the frequency of the compressor 2 does not become equal to or higher than the maximum frequency or equal to or lower than the minimum frequency.

[0036] For example, even when the operation control unit 121 decreases the frequency of the compressor 2 until it becomes equal to or less than the target current value in the first limit control, it does not decrease it to be equal to or lower than the minimum frequency. That is, not only in normal operation but also in the first limit control, the operation control unit 121 does not operate at a frequency equal to or lower than the minimum frequency required for the minimum operation of the compressor 2.

[0037] Further, the operation control unit 121 determines whether or not the first start time has arrived in the first period limit. When the operation control unit 121 determines that the current time is within the first period, it performs the first limit control. When the operation control unit 121 determines that the current time is not within the first period, it stops the first limit control and performs normal operation.

[0038] The first period is, for example, the period when the power demand in a specific area peaks within a day. The first period can be set by the user as appropriate through the operation of the remote controller 20. Also, when determining whether the current time is within the first period, the operation control unit 121 can perform period limitation across days because it refers to hours and minutes.

[0039] In the second limitation, the operation control unit 121 determines whether the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is greater than or equal to the maximum current value. When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is greater than or equal to the maximum current value, it stops the operation of the compressor 2. When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is not greater than or equal to the maximum current value, it continues the operation under the first limit control. Note that the operation control unit 121 refers to the detected value of the current value sensor 130 that is closest to the current time, that is, the latest detected value.

[0040] [1-2. Operation] Next, the operation of the control device 100 will be described. Hereinafter, in the operations shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, it is assumed that the operation of the hot water heating device 1 has started. The frequency of the compressor 2 is under normal control by the operation control unit 121 based on a preset set temperature, or under the control of at least one of the first limit control, the second limit control, or the period limitation.

[0041] [1-2-1. First Limit Control] FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 100. The operation shown in FIG. 3 is an operation related to the first limit control. The operation control unit 121 determines whether the reception unit 122 has received a first limit instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SA1). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has not received a first limit instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SA1: NO), it executes the process of step SA1 again.

[0042] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has received the first limit instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SA1: YES), the calculation unit 123 calculates the target current value using the value of the target power consumption described in the first limit instruction signal (step SA2).

[0043] The operation control unit 121 determines whether the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is greater than or equal to the target current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SA2 (step SA3). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is not greater than or equal to the target current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SA2 (step SA3: NO), the process of step SA3 is executed again.

[0044] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is greater than or equal to the target current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SA2 (step SA3: YES), it determines whether the frequency of the compressor 2 is equal to the minimum frequency (step SA4).

[0045] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the frequency of the compressor 2 is equal to the minimum frequency (step SA4: YES), it maintains the frequency of the compressor 2 at the minimum frequency without further decreasing it (step SA7).

[0046] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the frequency of the compressor 2 is not equal to the minimum frequency (step SA4: NO), it decreases the frequency of the compressor 2 (step SA5).

[0047] After the process of step SA5 or step SA7, the operation control unit 121 determines whether the reception unit 122 has received a stop instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SA6). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has not received a stop instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SA6: NO), the process of step SA3 is executed again.

[0048] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has received a stop instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SA6: YES), it stops the operation of each unit included in the hot water heating device 1 (step SA8).

[0049] In the first limit control, by repeatedly decreasing the frequency of the compressor 2, the detected value of the current value sensor 130 becomes less than or equal to the target current value. That is, by executing once the process of decreasing the frequency of the compressor 2 corresponding to the process of step SA3, the detected value of the current value sensor 130 does not necessarily become less than or equal to the target current value. By repeating the operation shown in FIG. 3 a plurality of times, more specifically, by repeatedly decreasing the frequency of the compressor 2, in the first limit control, the detected value of the current value sensor 130 becomes less than or equal to the target current value.

[0050] Also, in the process of step SA3, when the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is not greater than or equal to the target current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SA2, the frequency of the compressor 2 is normally controlled by the operation control unit 121 based on the preset set temperature. This also applies to the processes of step SB4 and step SC3 described later. The "first limit control" particularly corresponds to the processes shown in steps SA2, SA3, SA4, SA5, and SA6.

[0051] [1-2-2. First Limit Control and Period Limit] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 100. The operation shown in FIG. 4 is an operation related to the first limit control and the period limit. The operation control unit 121 determines whether the reception unit 122 has received a first limit instruction signal and a period instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SB1). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has not received a first limit instruction signal and a period instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SB1: NO), it executes the process of step SB1 again.

[0052] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has received the first limit instruction signal and the period instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SB1: YES), the calculation unit 123 calculates a target current value using the value of the target power consumption described in the first limit instruction signal (step SB2).

[0053] The operation control unit 121 determines whether the current time is within the first period described in the period instruction signal (step SB3). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the current time is not within the first period described in the period instruction signal (step SB3: NO), the process of step SB3 is executed again. "Performing the first limit control for a predetermined period" particularly corresponds to the process of step SB3.

[0054] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the current time is within the first period described in the period instruction signal (step SB3: YES), it determines whether the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the target current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SB2 (step SB4).

[0055] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is not equal to or greater than the target current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SB2 (step SB4: NO), the process of step SB4 is executed again.

[0056] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the target current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SB2 (step SB4: YES), it determines whether the frequency of the compressor 2 is equal to the minimum frequency (step SB5). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the frequency of the compressor 2 is equal to the minimum frequency (step SB5: YES), it maintains the frequency of the compressor 2 at the minimum frequency without further decreasing it (step SB8).

[0057] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the frequency of the compressor 2 is not equal to the minimum frequency (step SB6: NO), it decreases the frequency of the compressor 2 (step SB5).

[0058] After the processing of step SB6 or step SB8, the operation control unit 121 determines whether the reception unit 122 has received a stop instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SB7). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has not received a stop instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SB7: NO), it executes the processing of step SB3 again.

[0059] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has received a stop instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SB8: YES), it stops the operation of each part provided in the hot water heating device 1 (step SB9).

[0060] [1-2-3. First Limit Control and Second Limit Control] FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 100. The operation shown in FIG. 5 is related to the first limit control and the second limit control. The operation control unit 121 determines whether the reception unit 122 has received a first limit instruction signal and a second limit instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SC1). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has not received a first limit instruction signal and a second limit instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SC1: NO), it executes the processing of step SC1 again.

[0061] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has received a first limit instruction signal and a period instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SC1: YES), the calculation unit 123 calculates a target current value using the value of the target power consumption described in the first limit instruction signal, and calculates a maximum current value using the value of the maximum power consumption described in the second limit instruction signal (step SC2).

[0062] The operation control unit 121 determines whether the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the target current value (step SC3). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is not equal to or greater than the target current value (step SC3: NO), it executes the processing of step SC3 again.

[0063] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is greater than or equal to the target current value (step SC3: YES), it determines whether the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is greater than or equal to the maximum current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SC2 (step SC4).

[0064] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is greater than or equal to the maximum current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SC2 (step SC4: YES), it stops the operation of the compressor 2 (step SC11).

[0065] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is not greater than or equal to the maximum current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SC2 (step SC4: NO), it determines whether the frequency of the compressor 2 is equal to the minimum frequency (step SC5). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the frequency of the compressor 2 is equal to the minimum frequency (step SC5: YES), it sets the frequency of the compressor 2 to the minimum frequency without further decreasing it (step SC9).

[0066] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the frequency of the compressor 2 is not equal to the minimum frequency (step SC5: NO), it decreases the frequency of the compressor 2 (step SC6).

[0067] After the processing of step SC6 or step SC9, the operation control unit 121 determines whether the reception unit 122 has received a stop instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SC7). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has not received a stop instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SC7: NO), it executes the processing of step SC3 again.

[0068] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has received a stop instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SC8: YES), it stops the operation of each part included in the hot water heating device 1 (step SC9).

[0069] Incidentally, the frequency of the compressor 2 is likely to increase when the hot water heating device 1 operates for defrosting. In the second limitation, when the operation control unit 121 increases the frequency of the compressor 2 for defrosting and the compressor 2 stops because the detected value of the current value sensor 130 becomes equal to or greater than the maximum current value, the operation control unit 121 drives the heater 11. Also, in the second limitation, for example, when the maximum power consumption is greater than the power consumption of the heater 11 and defrosting operation is performed, the operation control unit 121 stops the heater 11 immediately after driving the heater 11. The "second limitation control" particularly corresponds to the processes shown in steps SC1, SC2, SC4, and SC11.

[0070] [1-2-4. Second Limitation Control] FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the control device 100. The operation shown in FIG. 6 is an operation related to the second limitation control. The operation control unit 121 determines whether the reception unit 122 has received the second limitation instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SD1). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has not received the second limitation instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SD1: NO), the operation control unit 121 executes the process of step SD1 again.

[0071] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the reception unit 122 has received the second limitation instruction signal from the remote controller 20 (step SD1: YES), the calculation unit 123 calculates the maximum current value using the value of the maximum power consumption described in the second limitation instruction signal (step SD2).

[0072] The operation control unit 121 determines whether the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the maximum current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SD2 (step SD3). When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is not equal to or greater than the maximum current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SD3 (step SD3: NO), the operation control unit 121 executes the process of step SD3 again.

[0073] When the operation control unit 121 determines that the detected value of the current value sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the maximum current value calculated by the calculation unit 123 in step SD3 (step SD3: YES), the operation of the compressor 2 is stopped (step SD4).

[0074] As described above, the control device 100 can also perform only the second limit control without performing the first limit control. The "second limit control" particularly corresponds to the processes of steps SD2, SD3, and SD4.

[0075] [1-3. Effects, etc.] As described above, the hot water heating device 1 according to the first embodiment is a hot water heating device 1 including a compressor 2 and a heating terminal 10 through which hot water circulates, and includes a control device 100 that controls the compressor 2 and a remote controller 20 (setting unit) that sets a target power consumption. When the target power consumption is set by the remote controller 20, the control device 100 performs first limit control to adjust the frequency of the compressor 2 so that the overall power consumption becomes equal to or less than the target power consumption. According to this configuration, it is possible to operate while suppressing the overall power consumption below a certain value. Therefore, the energy saving performance of the hot water heating device 1 can be improved.

[0076] When the hot water heating device 1 is controlled based on the electricity charge, for example, when the electricity charge is low, the overall power consumption of the hot water heating device 1 may increase, so the power consumption itself cannot be suppressed below a certain upper limit. In particular, in the case of a household hot water heating device 1, when the power consumption in the entire building exceeds a certain level due to a breaker or the like pre-installed in the building including the air-conditioned space, the supply of power to various electrical appliances provided in the building can be stopped. However, it has not been possible to set an upper limit on the power consumption specific to the hot water heating device 1 and control the hot water heating device 1. When there is a request for an upper limit on the power consumption of electrical appliances, more specifically, devices having a heating function, by the region or municipality to which the user belongs, and when the hot water heating device 1 is controlled based on the electricity charge, it is not possible to respond to the request. According to the configuration of the hot water heating device 1 according to Embodiment 1, the hot water heating device 1 can be operated while suppressing the total power consumption below a certain value.

[0077] Further, the remote controller 20 can set a first period (predetermined period) for performing the first limit control, and the control device 100 may perform the first limit control only during the first period. According to this configuration, the power consumption can be suppressed below a certain value only during the period when it is desired to suppress the total power consumption below a certain value. The period when it is desired to suppress the power consumption below a certain value is, for example, the period required by a region or a local government, or the period when the demand for electricity peaks.

[0078] Further, when performing the first limit control, the control device 100 may maintain the frequency of the compressor 2 at the minimum frequency when the power consumption is above the target power consumption and the frequency of the compressor 2 is equal to the minimum frequency in the operation of the compressor. According to this configuration, since the compressor 2 does not operate below the specified minimum frequency, the reliability of the operation of the compressor 2 can be ensured.

[0079] Further, the remote controller 20 can set a maximum power consumption greater than the target power consumption, and the control device 100 may perform a second limit control to stop the operation of the compressor 2 when the total power consumption becomes equal to or greater than the maximum power consumption. According to this configuration, the total power consumption can be suppressed below the desired maximum power consumption.

[0080] Further, an electric current value sensor 130 for detecting the electric current value of the electric current flowing through each part including the compressor 2 is provided, and the control device 100 calculates a target current value which is the electric current value corresponding to the target power consumption and a maximum current value which is the electric current value corresponding to the maximum power consumption. When performing the first limit control, the control device 100 decreases the frequency of the compressor 2 when the detected value of the electric current value sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the target current value, and allows the compressor 2 to operate normally when the detected value of the electric current value sensor 130 is less than the target current value. When performing the second limit control, the control device 100 may stop the operation of the compressor 2 when the detected value of the electric current value sensor 130 is equal to or greater than the maximum current value. According to this configuration, since the calculation unit 123 calculates the power consumption from the current value, it is possible to operate while suppressing the overall power consumption to a certain value or less by using a current value that is easy to detect.

[0081] (Other embodiments) As described above, as an example disclosed in the present application, the above-described Embodiment 1 has been described. However, the technology in the present disclosure is not limited thereto, and can also be applied to embodiments in which changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. are made. Further, it is also possible to combine the respective components described in the above Embodiment 1 to form a new embodiment. Therefore, other embodiments will be exemplified below.

[0082] The control processor 120 may be configured by a single processor or may be configured by a plurality of processors. These processors may be hardware programmed to realize the corresponding functional units. That is, these processors may be configured by, for example, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array).

[0083] The configuration of the control device 100 of the hot water heating device 1 shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the specific implementation form is not particularly limited. That is, it is not necessarily the case that hardware corresponding to each part is individually mounted, and it is also possible to adopt a configuration in which one processor executes a program to realize the functions of each part. Further, a part of the functions realized by software in the above-described embodiment may be implemented as hardware, or a part of the functions realized by hardware may be realized by software.

[0084] The step units of the operations shown in FIGS. 3, 4, and 5 are divided according to the main processing content in order to facilitate the understanding of the operations, and the operations are not limited by the way of dividing the processing units or their names. Depending on the processing content, it may be further divided into more step units. Also, one step unit may be divided to include more processes. Further, the order of the steps may be appropriately changed within the scope that does not hinder the gist of the present disclosure.

[0085] The control processor 120 may further include a setting unit as a functional unit. In this case, the control device 100 may include a switch that receives various operations from the user, a display that displays the current settings of the hot water heating device 1, and the like. The reception unit 122 may further receive a second period instruction for performing the second restriction only during the second period from the remote controller 20. In this case, when the remote controller 20 is operated by the user, the remote controller 20 outputs a second period instruction signal indicating the second period instruction to the control device 100. The second period instruction signal describes a value indicating the second start time at which the second restriction starts and a value indicating the second end time at which the second restriction ends. In this case, the reception unit 122 receives the period instruction from the remote controller 20 by receiving the second period instruction signal from the remote controller 20 via the communication device 140.

[0086] Note that the above-described embodiments are for exemplifying the technology in the present disclosure, and various changes, replacements, additions, omissions, etc. can be made within the scope of the claims or their equivalents.

[0087] (Supplementary Note) With the description of the above embodiments, the following technology is disclosed.

[0088] (Technology 1) A hot water heating device including a compressor and a heating terminal through which hot water circulates, comprising: a control device that controls the compressor; and a setting unit that sets a target power consumption. When the target power consumption is set by the setting unit, the control device performs first limit control to adjust the frequency of the compressor so that the total power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption. According to this, it is possible to operate while suppressing the total power consumption below a certain value. Therefore, the energy saving performance of the hot water heating device can be improved.

[0089] (Technology 2) The setting unit can set a predetermined period for performing the first limit control, and the control device performs the first limit control only for the predetermined period, the hot water heating device according to Technology 1. According to this, it is possible to suppress the power consumption below a certain value only for a period when it is desired to suppress the total power consumption below a certain value.

[0090] (Technology 3) When performing the first limit control, the control device maintains the frequency of the compressor at the minimum frequency when the power consumption is equal to or higher than the target power consumption and the frequency of the compressor is equal to the minimum frequency in the operation of the compressor, the hot water heating device according to Technology 1. According to this, since the compressor does not operate at a frequency below the specified minimum frequency, the reliability of the operation of the compressor can be ensured.

[0091] (Technology 4) The setting unit can set a maximum power consumption greater than the target power consumption, and the control device performs second limit control to stop the operation of the compressor when the total power consumption becomes equal to or higher than the maximum power consumption, the hot water heating device according to Technology 1 or 2. According to this, it is possible to suppress the total power consumption below the desired maximum power consumption.

[0092] (Technology 5) The hot water heating device according to Technology 4 is provided with a current value sensor for detecting the current value of the current flowing through each part including the compressor, and the control device calculates a target current value which is the current value corresponding to the target power consumption and a maximum current value which is the current value corresponding to the maximum power consumption. When performing the first limit control, if the detected value of the current value sensor is greater than or equal to the target current value, the control device reduces the frequency of the compressor; if the detected value of the current value sensor is less than the target current value, the control device allows the compressor to operate normally. When performing the second limit control, if the detected value of the current value sensor is greater than or equal to the maximum current value, the control device stops the operation of the compressor. According to this, since the control device calculates the power consumption from the current value, it is possible to operate while suppressing the total power consumption below a certain value by using the easily detectable current value.

Industrial Applicability

[0093] As described above, the hot water heating device according to the present invention can be used for applications that control the total power consumption below a desired value.

Explanation of Signs

[0094] 1 Hot water heating device 2 Compressor 3 Radiator 4 Pressure reducing mechanism 5 Evaporator 6 Evaporator 7 Fan 8 Four-way valve 9 Water pump 10 Heating terminal 11 Heater 20 Remote control (setting part) 100 Control device 110 Control memory 111 Control program 112 Control storage part 120 Control processor 121 Operation control part 122 Reception part 123 Calculation part 130 Current value sensor 140 Communication device

Claims

1. A hot water heating device comprising a compressor and a heating terminal through which hot water circulates, a control device for controlling the compressor, and a setting unit for setting a target power consumption, and when the target power consumption is set by the setting unit, the control device performs first limit control to adjust the frequency of the compressor so that the overall power consumption is equal to or less than the target power consumption. A hot water heating device.

2. The setting unit can set a predetermined period for performing the first limit control, and the control device performs the first limit control only for the predetermined period. The hot water heating device according to Claim 1.

3. The control device, when performing the first limit control, if it is equal to or greater than the target power consumption and the frequency of the compressor is equal to the minimum frequency in the operation of the compressor, maintains the frequency of the compressor at the minimum frequency. The hot water heating device according to Claim 1.

4. The setting unit can set a maximum power consumption greater than the target power consumption, and the control device performs second limit control to stop the operation of the compressor when the overall power consumption is equal to or greater than the maximum power consumption. The hot water heating device according to Claim 1 or 2.

5. Equipped with a current value sensor for detecting the current value of the current flowing through each part including the compressor, The control device, calculates a target current value which is the current value corresponding to the target power consumption and a maximum current value which is the current value corresponding to the maximum power consumption, when the control device performs the first limit control, if the detected value of the current value sensor is equal to or greater than the target current value, reduces the frequency of the compressor, if the detected value of the current value sensor is less than the target current value, allows the compressor to operate normally, when performing the second limit control, if the detected value of the current value sensor is equal to or greater than the maximum current value, stops the operation of the compressor. The hot water heating device according to Claim 4.

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