Hot water storage water heater

Abstract

To provide a hot water storage water heater capable of increasing the flow rate in the case of hot water supply usage in a bathroom.SOLUTION: A hot water storage water heater (1) includes: a hot water storage tank (2) for storing hot water heated by a main heat source machine (4); a supply water passage (11) for supplying water to the hot water storage tank; a hot water tapping passage (12) for supplying the hot water in the hot water storage tank to an auxiliary heat source machine (5); a hot water supply passage (42) for supplying hot water from the auxiliary heat source machine; and control means for controlling a hot water supply operation for supplying the hot water tapped from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply passage by heating it by the auxiliary heat source or without heating it. A booster pump (15) is equipped in the water supply passage or the hot water tapping passage, and in the hot water tapping passage, flow rate detection means (12a) for detecting the hot water tapping flow rate is equipped. The control means has detection means for detecting the hot water supply usage in a bathroom, and the booster pump is driven, in the case where the hot water supply usage is detected in the bathroom by this detection means.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a hot water storage and supply device that heats hot water stored in a hot water storage tank by a main heat source machine and supplies the hot water through an auxiliary heat source machine.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a heat pump unit with excellent operating efficiency is used as a main heat source machine, and a hot water storage operation is performed in which hot water heated by this main heat source machine is stored in a hot water storage tank, and a hot water storage and supply device with high energy-saving performance that uses this stored hot water for hot water supply is widely used. The hot water storage and supply device is configured to supply hot water adjusted in temperature by mixing the hot water in the hot water storage tank and the city water in the hot water storage unit to a hot water supply faucet or to pour the hot water into a bathtub for bathing, for example, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2.

[0003] Some hot water storage and supply devices are configured such that the hot water discharged from the hot water storage unit is supplied to a hot water supply faucet or poured into a bathtub through an auxiliary heat source machine. This hot water storage and supply device heats or does not heat the hot water whose temperature has been adjusted in the hot water storage unit with an auxiliary heat source machine according to the temperature thereof, and then supplies or pours the hot water.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] A hot water storage and supply device that supplies hot water or pours hot water from a hot water storage unit via an auxiliary heat source machine has a long flow path for hot water and thus a large pressure loss. Therefore, when the supply pressure of the make-up water is low, the flow rate cannot be increased, and there is a risk that the user cannot use it comfortably. Therefore, it is conceivable to arrange a booster pump in the flow path of the hot water. Patent Documents 1 and 2 describe a configuration in which a hot water supply booster pump is provided for hot water supply and a bathtub booster pump is provided for pouring hot water.

[0006] However, the driving of the booster pump that uses electricity reduces the energy-saving performance of the hot water storage and supply device. On the other hand, a large flow rate is often required, for example, when using hot water in a bathroom such as taking a shower or pouring hot water into a bathtub.

[0007] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a hot water storage and supply device that can increase the flow rate when using hot water in a bathroom.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] The hot water storage and supply device according to the invention of claim 1 includes a hot water storage tank that stores hot water heated by a main heat source machine, a water supply passage that supplies water to the hot water storage tank, a hot water outlet passage that supplies the hot water in the hot water storage tank to an auxiliary heat source machine, a hot water supply passage that supplies hot water from the auxiliary heat source machine, and control means that controls a hot water supply operation for supplying the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply passage after being heated or unheated by the auxiliary heat source. In the hot water storage and supply device, a booster pump is equipped in the water supply passage or the hot water outlet passage, a flow rate detection means for detecting the hot water discharge flow rate is equipped in the hot water outlet passage, the control means has a detection means for detecting the use of hot water in a bathroom, and when the detection means detects the use of hot water in the bathroom, the booster pump is driven.

[0009] According to the above configuration, when the use of hot water in the bathroom is detected, the booster pump can be driven to increase the flow rate. Therefore, it is possible to make the use of hot water in a bathroom where a large flow rate is required comfortable.

[0010] The hot water storage and supply device according to the invention of claim 2 is the invention of claim 1, wherein an operation remote control communicatively connected to the control means is installed in the bathroom, the operation remote control has a human presence sensor for detecting a person in the bathroom, and the detection means is configured to determine that hot water supply is being used in the bathroom when the hot water flow rate is detected while a person in the bathroom is being detected. According to the above configuration, when hot water is discharged while detecting a person (user) in the bathroom by an operation remote control equipped with a human presence sensor that has been conventionally used, it can be regarded as hot water supply being used in the bathroom. Therefore, it is not necessary to add sensors for detecting hot water supply in the bathroom to the water flow path, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in workability and an increase in manufacturing cost.

[0011] The hot water storage and supply device according to the invention of claim 3 is the invention of claim 1, wherein the control means stores the maximum value of the hot water flow rate due to hot water supply in the bathroom during a test run, and when hot water supply in the bathroom is detected, when the hot water flow rate before driving the booster pump is equal to or more than a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum value, the booster pump is driven. According to the above configuration, when the hot water flow rate due to hot water supply in the bathroom is equal to or more than a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum value, it is regarded that a large flow rate is required and the booster pump is driven. Therefore, the flow rate can be increased according to the user's request.

[0012] The hot water storage and supply device according to the invention of claim 4 is the invention of claim 1, wherein the control means determines whether it is necessary to continue driving the booster pump by comparing the hot water flow rate when the first hour has elapsed since driving the booster pump with the hot water flow rate when the second hour, which is longer than the first hour, has elapsed. According to the above configuration, the hot water flow rate due to hot water supply use in the bathroom is compared with the hot water flow rate at the time of the first hour elapse when increased by driving the booster pump and the hot water flow rate at the time of the subsequent second hour elapse, and it is determined whether to continue driving the booster pump. For example, if the flow rate at the time of the first hour elapse increased by the booster pump has decreased at the time of the second hour elapse, it means that an operation to decrease the flow rate has been performed because a large flow rate is not required, and it can be determined to stop driving the booster pump. On the other hand, if the flow rate has been maintained or increased, it can be determined to continue driving the booster pump because a large flow rate is required. Therefore, the flow rate can be increased according to the user's request.

[0013] The hot water storage and supply device according to the invention of claim 5, in the invention of claim 1, includes an operation remote control communicatively connected to the control means, a pouring passage is branched from the hot water supply passage and connected to the bathtub in the bathroom, and the operation remote control can be used to select whether to drive the booster pump when pouring hot water into the bathtub via the pouring passage. The control means stores the hot water pouring flow rate and required time when the booster pump is driven and not driven during the trial operation, and when a hot water pouring start operation is performed by the operation remote control, notifies the operation remote control of the time that can be shortened by the booster pump in the current hot water pouring calculated based on the storage of the trial operation. According to the above configuration, at the time of the hot water pouring start operation of pouring hot water into the bathtub in the bathroom via the pouring passage, the time that can be shortened in the current hot water pouring by driving the booster pump is calculated based on the result of the trial operation, and this time is notified to the user from the operation remote control. Since it is possible to select whether to drive the booster pump during this hot water pouring from the operation remote control, the flow rate can be increased according to the user's request.

Advantages of the Invention

[0014] According to the hot water storage and supply device of the present invention, when detecting hot water supply use in the bathroom, the booster pump can be driven to increase the flow rate.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described based on examples.

Examples

[0017] First, the configuration of the hot water storage and supply device 1 of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 1, the hot water storage and supply device 1 includes a hot water storage unit 3 having a hot water storage tank 2, a heat pump unit 4 which is a main heat source machine, and a combustion type auxiliary heat source machine 5. This hot water storage and supply device 1 performs a hot water storage operation of heating the hot water from the hot water storage tank 2 to a predetermined target hot water storage temperature by the heat pump unit 4 and returning the heated hot water to the hot water storage tank 2 for hot water storage.

[0018] The auxiliary heat source machine 5 heats or does not heat the hot water discharged from the hot water storage unit 3 according to its temperature in order to supply hot water at the hot water supply set temperature to the hot water supply faucet 6 as shown by the arrow HW, for example. Specifically, when there is hot water at a temperature that can supply hot water at the hot water supply set temperature in the hot water storage tank 2, the hot water whose temperature has been adjusted by the hot water storage unit 3 is supplied for hot water supply without being heated by the auxiliary heat source machine 5. When there is no hot water at a temperature that can supply hot water at the hot water supply set temperature in the hot water storage tank 2, the hot water discharged from the hot water storage unit 3 is heated by the auxiliary heat source machine 5 and supplied for hot water supply.

[0019] Next, the hot water storage unit 3 will be described. At the lower part of the hot water storage tank 2 of the hot water storage unit 3, an outgoing passage 8 equipped with a hot water storage pump 7 is connected to supply the hot and cold water in the hot water storage tank 2 to the heat pump unit 4. At the upper part of the hot water storage tank 2, a return passage 9 for returning the hot and cold water heated by the heat pump unit 4 to the hot water storage tank 2 is connected. In the middle of the return passage 9, a switching valve 10 for switching the flow path of the hot and cold water is arranged. A return branch passage 9a branched from the return passage 9 in this switching valve 10 is connected to the upstream part of the hot water storage pump 7 in the outgoing passage 8.

[0020] On the upstream side of the switching valve 10 in the return passage 9, a return temperature sensor 9b for detecting the temperature of the hot and cold water heated by the heat pump unit 4 is arranged. For example, immediately after the start of the heat pump unit 4, when the detected temperature of the return temperature sensor 9b is lower than a predetermined hot water storage set temperature, the switching valve 10 is switched from the hot water storage tank 2 side to the return branch passage 9a side, and the hot and cold water can be circulated without being returned to the hot water storage tank 2 until it can be sufficiently heated.

[0021] A water supply passage 11 for supplying make-up water indicated by the arrow CW is connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 2. An outgoing hot water passage 12 for discharging the hot and cold water from the hot water storage tank 2 to the hot water storage unit 3 is connected to the top of the hot water storage tank 2. A mixing valve 14 is arranged in the middle of the outgoing hot water passage 12, and a water supply branch passage 11a branched from the middle of the water supply passage 11 is connected to the mixing valve 14. Then, the hot and cold water in the hot water storage tank 2 is mixed with the make-up water from the water supply branch passage 11a by the mixing valve 14 and discharged from the hot water storage unit 3.

[0022] A plurality of hot water storage temperature sensors 2a to 2d are arranged in the hot water storage tank 2 at predetermined intervals in the height direction, and the temperature of the hot and cold water stored in the hot water storage tank 2 and the storage amount of the hot and cold water at that temperature, that is, the stored heat amount, can be detected. And in order to prevent the stored hot and cold water from cooling down, a heat insulating material (not shown) covering these hot water storage temperature sensors 2a to 2d and the hot water storage tank 2 is arranged.

[0023] In the water supply passage 11, a water supply temperature sensor 11b for detecting the temperature of the city water flowing through the water supply passage 11 (water supply temperature) is disposed. In the hot water supply passage 12, a hot water supply flow rate sensor 12a, a tank hot water supply temperature sensor 12b, and a hot water supply temperature sensor 12c are disposed. The hot water supply flow rate sensor 12a detects the hot water supply flow rate from the hot water storage unit 3. The tank hot water supply temperature sensor 12b detects the temperature of the hot water that is discharged from the hot water storage tank 2 and supplied to the mixing valve 14. The hot water supply temperature sensor 12c detects the temperature of the hot water discharged from the hot water storage unit 3 (hot water supply temperature).

[0024] The downstream end of the hot water supply passage 12 is connected to the water supply port 5a of the auxiliary heat source unit 5, and a hot water passage 16 is connected to the hot water supply port 5b of the auxiliary heat source unit 5. In the hot water passage 16, in addition to, for example, a hot water supply faucet 6 in the kitchen as a hot water supply destination, for example, a faucet or a shower in the bathroom is connected.

[0025] The hot water storage unit 3 has a hot water storage unit control unit 18 that controls, for example, the temperature adjustment of the hot water discharged from the hot water storage unit 3. The hot water storage unit control unit 18 drives the heat pump unit 4 and the hot water storage pump 7 to control a hot water storage operation of storing hot water in the hot water storage tank 2 heated to a target hot water storage temperature by the heat pump unit 4. The amount of stored heat in the hot water storage tank 2 is calculated by the hot water storage unit control unit 18 based on the detected temperatures of the hot water storage temperature sensors 2a to 2d.

[0026] When the hot water supply flow rate sensor 12a detects a flow rate equal to or greater than a predetermined flow rate, the hot water storage unit control unit 18 adjusts the mixing ratio of the mixing valve 14 to supply hot water. The mixing ratio is adjusted so that hot water at a predetermined hot water supply temperature is discharged from the hot water storage unit 3 based on the water supply temperature and the detected temperature of the tank hot water supply temperature sensor 12b. The hot water storage unit control unit 18 learns and stores the history of various operations, and controls the hot water storage operation according to the user's usage pattern using, for example, the hot water supply history.

[0027] Next, the configuration of the auxiliary heat source unit 5 will be described with reference to FIG. 2. The auxiliary heat source unit 5 heats or does not heat the hot water discharged from the hot water storage unit 3 according to its temperature, and supplies hot water to the hot water faucet 6, the bathtub faucet 21 in the bathroom, and the shower 22. Further, this auxiliary heat source unit 5 pours the hot water discharged from the hot water storage unit 3 into the bathtub 23 in the bathroom to perform hot water filling, and performs afterburning to heat the hot water in the bathtub 23 to the bath set temperature and then return it to the bathtub 23.

[0028] The auxiliary heat source unit 5 includes a fuel gas supply unit 31, a blower fan 32 that supplies combustion air, a hot water burner 33 and a bath burner 34 that burn the fuel gas, a hot water heat exchanger 35 that heats the hot water using the heat of the high-temperature combustion gas generated by combustion, and a bath heat exchanger 36 that heats the hot water in the bathtub 23. In the water supply passage 37 that supplies the hot water from the hot water storage unit 3 to the hot water heat exchanger 35, a water supply flow rate sensor 38 that detects the flow rate of the hot water (water supply flow rate) and a water supply temperature sensor 39 that detects the temperature of the hot water are arranged. A distribution valve 40 whose distribution ratio can be adjusted is arranged upstream of the water supply flow rate sensor 38.

[0029] In order to control various operations by controlling the distribution ratio of the distribution valve 40 based on the water supply flow rate, etc. and the combustion control of the hot water burner 33, etc., the auxiliary heat source unit 5 is equipped with an auxiliary heat source unit control unit 41. This auxiliary heat source unit control unit 41 is communicably connected to the hot water storage unit control unit 18, and a control means for performing various controls of the hot water storage and supply device 1 is configured. These auxiliary heat source unit control unit 41 and hot water storage unit control unit 18 cooperate to perform hot water supply operations, etc.

[0030] When the temperature of the hot and cold water in the water supply passage 37 is at a temperature adjustable to the hot water supply set temperature or the bath set temperature and the water supply flow rate is equal to or higher than a preset minimum operating flow rate, the auxiliary heat source control unit 41 uses the combustion heat of the hot water supply burner 33 to heat the hot and cold water in the hot water supply heat exchanger 35. This heated hot and cold water is supplied to the hot water supply passage 42, where it is mixed with the unheated hot and cold water from the bypass passage 43 branched from the water supply passage 37 and connected to the hot water supply passage 42 at the distribution valve 40, and is adjusted to the hot water supply set temperature or the bath set temperature. On the other hand, since the hot water storage unit 3 has already been adjusted to the hot water supply set temperature or the bath set temperature, when the water supply temperature is at a temperature that does not require adjustment, the hot and cold water in the water supply passage 37 is supplied to the hot water supply passage 42 without being heated.

[0031] When the supply destination of the hot and cold water is the hot water supply faucet 6, the bathroom faucet 21, or the shower 22, the hot and cold water adjusted to the hot water supply set temperature is supplied. When the supply destination of the hot and cold water is the bathtub 23, the hot and cold water adjusted to the bath set temperature is poured into the bathtub 23 through the pouring passage 45 branched from the hot water supply passage 42. A pouring valve 44 that is closed except during pouring and a pouring flow rate sensor 46 that detects the pouring flow rate are provided in the pouring passage 45.

[0032] A reheating passage 48 equipped with a bath pump 47 is connected to the bath heat exchanger 36 to circulate the hot and cold water in the bathtub 23. The auxiliary heat source control unit 41 drives the bath pump 47, burns with the bath burner 34, and controls the reheating to heat the hot and cold water in the bathtub 23 flowing through the reheating passage 48 with the bath heat exchanger 36 and return it to the bathtub 23.

[0033] The pouring passage 45 is connected to the reheating passage 48 via the bath pump 47. During pouring, the pouring valve 44 is opened, and the hot and cold water adjusted to the bath set temperature is poured into the bathtub 23 from the pouring passage 45 through the reheating passage 48, and the bathtub 23 is filled with water. The auxiliary heat source control unit 41 calculates the amount of water poured into the bathtub 23 based on the pouring flow rate and the pouring time, and when the amount of water poured reaches the amount of water corresponding to the set water level, it sends a signal to stop the hot water discharge to the hot water storage unit control unit 18 to end the water filling.

[0034] On the downstream side of the bath pump 47 in the reheating passage 48, a bath temperature sensor 49 for detecting the temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 23 is disposed. The temperature of the hot water in the bathtub 23 is detected in a state where the bath pump 47 is driven to circulate the hot water in the bathtub 23 through the reheating passage 48.

[0035] The hot water storage and supply device 1 has an operation remote control for performing various setting operations such as the start operation of reheating, the set temperature for hot water supply, and the set temperature for the bath. As this operation remote control, the kitchen remote control 19 in FIG. 1 is installed in the kitchen, and the bathroom remote control 24 in FIG. 2 is installed in the bathroom. These are communicatively connected to either one or both of the hot water storage unit control section 18 and the auxiliary heat source machine control section 41. The kitchen remote control 19 and the bathroom remote control 24 are equipped with display sections 19a, 24a for displaying setting information and the like and voice output sections 19b, 24b in addition to a plurality of operation buttons. Further, the bathroom remote control 24 is equipped with a human presence sensor 24c for detecting a person in the bathroom.

[0036] In the hot water storage and supply device 1, the flow path of the hot water from the water supply passage 11 of the hot water storage unit 3 to the hot water supply passage 42 of the auxiliary heat source machine 5 is long and the pressure loss is large. Therefore, in an environment where the supply pressure of the make-up water supplied to the water supply passage 11 is low, there is a possibility that the flow rate cannot be increased during hot water supply. Thus, the hot water storage and supply device 1 is configured such that, for example, an electric booster pump 15 is disposed in the water supply passage 11 or the hot water discharge passage 12 of the hot water storage unit 3, and the flow rate is increased by driving the booster pump 15.

[0037] When the booster pump 15 is disposed in the water supply passage 11 as shown in FIG. 1, the booster pump 15 is disposed upstream of the branch portion of the water supply branch passage 11a of the water supply passage 11, and a check valve 17 is disposed upstream thereof. When the booster pump 15 is disposed in the hot water discharge passage 12, although not shown, the booster pump 15 is disposed downstream of the mixing valve 14, and a check valve 17 is disposed between the mixing valve 14 and the booster pump 15 (upstream side of the booster pump 15).

[0038] When the boost pump 15 is driven every time hot water is used, the power consumption of the hot water storage and supply device 1 increases, and the energy-saving performance deteriorates. Also, depending on the use of hot and cold water, there are cases where a large flow rate is required and cases where a large flow rate may not be necessary. Generally, for the use of hot and cold water in the bathroom, a large flow rate is often required for a comfortable bath. Therefore, the boost pump 15 is driven to increase the flow rate only in the case of using hot and cold water in the bathroom. The drive determination of this boost pump 15 will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 3. Si (i = 1, 2, ···) in the figure represents a step.

[0039] First, in S1, it is determined whether a person (user) in the bathroom is being detected by the human sensor 24c of the bathroom remote control 24. In the state where the power of the hot water storage and supply device 1 is ON, it is constantly detected whether there is a person in the bathroom. If the determination in S1 is No, the process returns to S1. If the determination in S1 is Yes, the process proceeds to S2.

[0040] Next, in S2, it is determined whether the hot water flow rate sensor 12a has detected the hot water flow rate. If the determination in S2 is No, the process returns to S1. If the determination in S2 is Yes, the process proceeds to S3. And in S3, since hot water is being discharged while a person in the bathroom is being detected, it is determined that hot water is being used in the bathroom, the boost pump 15 is driven, and the process proceeds to S4.

[0041] Next, in S4, the flow rate at the time when the first hour has elapsed since the start of driving of the boost pump 15 is acquired, and the process proceeds to S5. And in S5, the flow rate is acquired at the time when the second hour has elapsed since the start of driving of the boost pump 15, and the process proceeds to S6. The first hour is, for example, 2 seconds, and the second hour is longer than the first hour, for example, 5 seconds.

[0042] Next, in S6, it is determined whether the hot water flow rate at the end of the second hour is lower than that at the end of the first hour. This is a step of determining whether an operation to decrease the flow rate has been performed in response to an increase in the flow rate due to the driving of the booster pump 15. If the determination in S6 is Yes, proceed to S7. In S7, stop the booster pump 15 and proceed to S8. Then, in S8, it is determined whether the hot water flow rate has become zero. If the determination in S8 is No, return to S8. If the determination in S8 is Yes, since the hot water supply use in the bathroom has ended, return, and start the drive determination of this booster pump 15 in preparation for the next hot water supply use in the bathroom.

[0043] On the other hand, if the determination in S6 is No, proceed to S9. In S9, it is determined whether the hot water supply use in the bathroom has ended and the hot water flow rate has become zero. If the determination in S9 is No, return to S9. If the determination in S9 is Yes, proceed to S10. In S10, stop the booster pump 15 and return, and start the drive determination of this booster pump 15 in preparation for the next hot water supply use in the bathroom.

[0044] The booster pump 15 can be driven when it is determined that the user desires a relatively large flow rate. For example, in S11 of FIG. 4, it is determined whether a person (user) in the bathroom is being detected. If the determination in S11 is No, return to S11. If the determination in S11 is Yes, proceed to S12. Then, in S12, it is determined whether the hot water flow rate has been detected. If the determination in S12 is No, return to S11. If the determination in S12 is Yes, proceed to S13.

[0045] Next, in S13, obtain the hot water flow rate and proceed to S14. Then, in S14, it is determined whether the hot water flow rate is equal to or greater than a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum value of the hot water flow rate stored during the trial operation. The maximum value is the maximum value when the booster pump 15 is not driven. The predetermined ratio can be set as appropriate. For example, a ratio of 50% or more of the maximum value is set as the predetermined ratio. This is a step of determining that the user desires a large flow rate when the hot water flow rate has approached the maximum value to a certain extent without driving the booster pump 15. If the determination in S14 is Yes, proceed to S15. In S15, drive the booster pump 15 and proceed to S16.

[0046] Next, in S16, obtain the hot water flow rate at the time when one hour has elapsed since the start of driving the booster pump 15, and proceed to S17. Then, in S17, obtain the hot water flow rate at the time when two hours have elapsed since the start of driving the booster pump 15, and proceed to S18. Next, in S18, determine whether the hot water flow rate at the time when two hours have elapsed has decreased from the hot water flow rate at the time when one hour has elapsed. This is a step of determining whether an operation to decrease the flow rate has been performed in response to an increase in the flow rate due to the driving of the booster pump 15. If the determination in S18 is Yes, proceed to S19. In S19, stop the booster pump 15 and proceed to S20.

[0047] On the other hand, if the determination in S14 is No, proceed to S20 without driving the booster pump 15. Then, in S20, determine whether the hot water flow rate has become zero. If the determination in S20 is No, return to S20. If the determination in S20 is Yes, since the hot water supply use in the bathroom has ended, return, and start the drive determination of this booster pump 15 in preparation for the next hot water supply use in the bathroom.

[0048] Also, if the determination in S18 is No, proceed to S21. In S21, determine whether the hot water supply use in the bathroom has ended and the hot water flow rate has become zero. If the determination in S21 is No, return to S21. If the determination in S21 is Yes, proceed to S22. In S22, stop the booster pump 15 and return, and start the drive determination of this booster pump 15 in preparation for the next hot water supply use in the bathroom.

[0049] If hot water is discharged in a state where the person (user) in the bathroom is not detected, it is either not hot water supply use in the bathroom or pouring hot water into the bathtub 23 in the bathroom. Since this pouring of hot water into the bathtub 23 also corresponds to hot water supply use in the bathroom, the booster pump 15 can be driven to increase the hot water flow rate, and the user can select to drive the booster pump 15. This pouring determination will be described based on the flowchart of FIG. 5.

[0050] When the power supply of the hot water storage and supply device 1 is turned on, it constantly detects various operations including the hot water filling start operation. First, at S31, it is determined whether there is a hot water filling start operation on the kitchen remote control 19 or the bathroom remote control 24. If the determination at S31 is No, it returns to S31. If the determination at S31 is Yes, it proceeds to S32.

[0051] Next, at S32, the remote control where the hot water filling start operation occurred displays the time that can be shortened during hot water filling by driving the booster pump 15, and also displays and prompts the selection of whether the booster pump 15 needs to be driven, and then proceeds to S33. As a result, for example, when you want to take a bath earlier, you can select to drive the booster pump 15, and if there is no need to shorten the hot water filling time, you can select a hot water filling that does not drive the booster pump 15.

[0052] Next, at S33, it is determined whether to drive the booster pump 15. If the determination at S33 is Yes, it proceeds to S34. At S34, hot water injection is started and it proceeds to S35. At S35, the booster pump 15 is driven and it proceeds to S36. Then, at S36, it is determined whether the set hot water injection amount has been reached. The set hot water injection amount is the hot water injection amount corresponding to the water level preset by the user from the operation remote control. If the determination at S36 is No, hot water injection continues and it returns to S36. If the determination at S36 is Yes, it proceeds to S37. At S37, hot water injection is terminated and it proceeds to S38. Then, at S38, the booster pump 15 is stopped and it returns, and this hot water filling determination is started in preparation for the next hot water filling.

[0053] On the other hand, if the determination at S33 is No, it proceeds to S39. At S39, hot water injection is started and it proceeds to S40. Then, at S40, it is determined whether the set hot water injection amount has been reached. If the determination at S40 is No, hot water injection continues and it returns to S40. If the determination at S40 is Yes, it proceeds to S41. At S41, hot water injection is terminated and it returns, and this hot water filling determination is started in preparation for the next hot water filling. In addition, if no selection operation is performed even after a predetermined time (for example, 15 seconds) has elapsed since the display prompting the selection of whether the booster pump 15 needs to be driven, for example, it may proceed to S39 and start hot water injection without driving the booster pump 15.

[0054] The operation and effects of the above-described hot water storage and supply apparatus 1 will be described. The hot water storage and supply apparatus 1 has a booster pump 15 in the water supply passage 11 or the hot water discharge passage 12 of the hot water storage unit 3, and drives the booster pump 15 when the detection means for detecting hot water supply use in the bathroom detects hot water supply use in the bathroom. Thereby, since the hot water discharge flow rate can be increased during hot water supply use in the bathroom, it can be used comfortably in the use of the shower 22 or the like for which a large flow rate is required.

[0055] The detection means for detecting hot water supply use in the bathroom is configured to determine that hot water supply use in the bathroom has occurred when the hot water discharge flow rate is detected while the human presence sensor 24c of the bathroom remote controller 24 detects a person (user) in the bathroom. Since the operation remote controller (bathroom remote controller 24) equipped with the human presence sensor 24c has been conventionally used, it is not necessary to add sensors for detecting hot water supply use in the bathroom to the flow path of hot and cold water, and it is possible to suppress a decrease in workability and an increase in manufacturing cost.

[0056] The hot water storage and supply apparatus 1 stores the maximum value of the hot water discharge flow rate due to hot water supply use in the bathroom during the trial operation, and when hot water supply use in the bathroom is detected, when the hot water discharge flow rate is equal to or more than a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum value without driving the booster pump 15, the booster pump 15 is driven. When the hot water discharge flow rate due to hot water supply use in the bathroom is equal to or more than a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum value during the trial operation, it is determined that a large flow rate is required and the booster pump 15 is driven, so that the flow rate can be increased according to the user's request.

[0057] The hot water storage and supply apparatus 1 compares the hot water discharge flow rate at the elapse of the first hour when the hot water discharge flow rate due to hot water supply use in the bathroom has increased by driving the booster pump 15 with the hot water discharge flow rate at the elapse of the subsequent second hour, and determines whether or not to continue driving the booster pump 15. When a large flow rate is not required, the flow rate increased by the booster pump 15 will decrease due to an operation to decrease the flow rate. Therefore, the flow rate can be increased according to the user's request.

[0058] In order to pour hot water into the bathtub 23 in the bathroom for filling, when starting the hot water filling operation from the kitchen remote control 19 or the bathroom remote control 24, the driving of the booster pump 15 notifies the user from the kitchen remote control 19 or the bathroom remote control 24 being operated of the time that can be shortened during hot water filling. Since the driving of the booster pump 15 during this hot water filling can be selected from the kitchen remote control 19 and the bathroom remote control 24, the flow rate can be increased according to the user's request.

[0059] A flow rate sensor or a water flow switch may be arranged in the passage branched to the bathroom side in the hot and cold water passage 16 as a detection means for detecting the use of hot water supply in the bathroom. In addition, those skilled in the art can implement the above-described embodiment in various modified forms without departing from the spirit of the present invention, and the present invention includes such modified forms.

Explanation of Signs

[0060] 1: Heat pump water heater 2: Hot water storage tank 2a~2d: Hot water storage temperature sensor 3: Hot water storage unit 4: Heat pump unit 5: Auxiliary heat source machine 6: Water supply faucet 7: Hot water storage pump 8: Forward passage 9: Return passage 9a: Return branch passage 10: Changeover valve 11: Water supply passage 11a: Water supply branch passage 11b: Water supply temperature sensor 12: Hot water outlet passage 12a: Hot water outlet flow rate sensor 12b: Hot water outlet temperature sensor of hot water storage tank 12c: Hot water outlet temperature sensor 14: Mixing valve 16: Hot and cold water passage 18: Hot water storage unit control section 19: Kitchen remote control 21: Faucet 22: Shower 23: Bathtub 24: Bathroom remote control 24a: Display unit 24c: Human presence sensor 31: Fuel gas supply unit 32: Blower fan 33: Water heating burner 34: Bathtub burner 35: Water heating heat exchanger 36: Bathtub heat exchanger 37: Water supply passage 38: Water supply flow sensor 39: Water supply temperature sensor 40: Distribution valve 41: Auxiliary heat source control unit 42: Water heating passage 43: Bypass passage 44: Pouring valve 45: Pouring passage 46: Pouring flow sensor 47: Bathtub pump 48: Afterburning passage 49: Bathtub temperature sensor

Claims

1. A hot water storage and supply device comprising a hot water storage tank for storing hot water heated by a main heat source machine, a water supply passage for supplying water to the hot water storage tank, a hot water discharge passage for supplying the hot water in the hot water storage tank to an auxiliary heat source machine, a hot water supply passage for supplying hot water from the auxiliary heat source machine, and control means for controlling a hot water supply operation of supplying the hot water discharged from the hot water storage tank to the hot water supply passage after heating or without heating by the auxiliary heat source machine, wherein a booster pump is provided in the water supply passage or the hot water discharge passage, wherein a flow rate detection means for detecting the hot water discharge flow rate is provided in the hot water discharge passage, wherein the control means has detection means for detecting hot water supply use in a bathroom, and when the detection means detects hot water supply use in the bathroom, the booster pump is driven. The hot water storage and supply device is characterized by this.

2. An operation remote control communicatively connected to the control means is installed in the bathroom, wherein the operation remote control has a human presence sensor for detecting a person in the bathroom, The hot water storage and supply device according to claim 1, wherein the detection means is configured to determine that hot water supply use in the bathroom has occurred when the hot water discharge flow rate is detected while the user in the bathroom is being detected.

3. The control means stores the maximum value of the hot water discharge flow rate due to hot water supply use in the bathroom during a trial operation, and when hot water supply use in the bathroom is detected, when the hot water discharge flow rate before driving the booster pump is equal to or more than a predetermined ratio with respect to the maximum value, the booster pump is driven. The hot water storage and supply device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

4. The control means determines whether it is necessary to continue driving the booster pump by comparing the hot water discharge flow rate when the first hour has elapsed since driving the booster pump with the hot water discharge flow rate when the second hour, which is longer than the first hour, has elapsed. The hot water storage and supply device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

5. comprising an operation remote control communicatively connected to the control means, wherein a pouring hot water passage branches from the hot water supply passage and is connected to a bathtub in the bathroom, wherein the operation remote control is configured to be able to select whether to drive the booster pump when pouring hot water into the bathtub via the pouring hot water passage, The control means stores the hot water pouring flow rate and required time when the booster pump is driven and not driven during a trial operation, and when a hot water pouring start operation is performed by the operation remote control, notifies the operation remote control of the time that can be shortened by the booster pump in the current hot water pouring calculated based on the storage of the trial operation. The hot water storage and supply device according to claim 1 is characterized by this.

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