Water heater system

Abstract

To provide a water heater system which can set a required boiling-up time to an optimum time zone, and can avoid an erroneous display that boiling-up is finished in spite of being in boiling-up operation.SOLUTION: A water heater system is such that a control device 10 includes: oiling-up time calculation means 11 calculating a required boiling-up time in daytime of the day on the previous day; predicted solar radiation amount information acquisition means 12 acquiring predicted solar radiation amount information 6 per unit time in daytime in the day on the previous day; and daytime boiling-up time zone calculation means 13 calculating a time zone as a maximum solar radiation amount from the predicted solar radiation amount information 6 using the required boiling-up time as the daytime boiling-up time zone. The daytime boiling-up time zone calculated by the daytime boiling-up time zone calculation means 13 is displayed on display means 8.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a water heater system that is set to perform a water heating operation during daytime hours. [Background technology]

[0002] In recent years, attention has been focused on water heater systems that are set to perform boiling operation during daytime hours in order to utilize the electricity generated by a solar power generation unit. Patent document 1 proposes a hot water supply system that acquires weather forecast information including solar radiation data by time of day, and sets the start and end times of a hot water storage allowance period during which hot water storage is permitted based on the solar radiation data in the acquired weather forecast information. In Patent Document 1, the start time of the hot water storage allowable period is set when the amount of solar radiation is expected to exceed a first predetermined value, and the end time of the hot water storage allowable period is set when the amount of solar radiation is expected to fall below a second predetermined value that is lower than the first predetermined value. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-62876 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, the amount of hot water used varies from household to household, and even within the same household it varies depending on the season and usage conditions. Therefore, it is desirable to calculate the required boiling time based on the amount of hot water used per day and set this required boiling time at the optimal time. It is also preferable to display the set daytime heating time period so that the user can understand it. However, for example, if the amount of hot water used on the day differs significantly from the predicted amount of hot water used, and the actual boiling operation time does not match the set daytime boiling time period, the displayed daytime boiling time period will differ from the actual boiling operation time.

[0005] Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a water heater system that can set the required boiling time to an optimal time period. Another object of the present invention is to provide a water heater system that can avoid a false indication that water heating has finished even when the water heating operation is still in progress. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The water heater system of the present invention described in claim 1 is a water heater system comprising a hot water storage tank 30, a heat pump unit 2 that heats the hot water in the hot water storage tank 30, and a control device 10, wherein the control device 10 has a heating time calculation means 11 that calculates the required daytime heating time on the previous day, a predicted solar radiation information acquisition means 12 that acquires predicted solar radiation information 6 for each unit hour during the daytime on the previous day, and a daytime heating time zone calculation means 13 that uses the required heating time to calculate the time zone with the maximum amount of solar radiation from the predicted solar radiation information 6 as the daytime heating time zone, and is characterized in that the daytime heating time zone calculated by the daytime heating time zone calculation means 13 is displayed on a display means 8. The present invention described in claim 2 is characterized in that, in the water heater system described in claim 1, the daytime heating time period is a continuous period from the start of heating to the end of heating, and the time from the start of heating to the end of heating is the required heating time. The present invention described in claim 3 is characterized in that, in the water heater system described in claim 1, it is provided with a hot water volume detection means 35 that detects the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 30, the control device 10 has a daily calculated heating end time calculation means 14 that calculates the daily calculated heating end time from the hot water volume detected during the daytime heating period, and the display means 8 displays the daily calculated heating end time instead of the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating period. The present invention described in claim 4 is characterized in that, in the water heater system described in claim 3, the display means 8 displays the calculated end time of boiling for the day instead of the actual end time of boiling if the calculated end time of boiling for the day is later than the actual end time of boiling. The present invention described in claim 5 is characterized in that, in the water heater system described in claim 3, the control device 10 has a setting condition memory means 17 that stores a set daytime heating time period, which is a time period that can be set as the daytime heating time period, and the display means 8, when the set daytime heating time period is set, displays the set heating end time, which is the end time of the set daytime heating time period stored in the setting condition memory means 17, instead of the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating time period or the calculated heating end time for the day. The water heater system of the present invention described in claim 6 is characterized in that, in the water heater system described in claim 3, when the display means 8 displays a time later than the end time of boiling, the display means 8 displays the calculated end time of boiling for that day instead of the end time of boiling. The present invention described in claim 7 is characterized in that, in the water heater system described in claim 1, when the display means 8 displays at a time later than the end time of heating and earlier than the information acquisition time at which the predicted solar radiation information acquisition means 12 acquires the predicted solar radiation information 6 for the daytime of the next day, the display means 8 does not display the daytime heating time period for the daytime of the same day. The water heater system of the present invention described in claim 8 is a water heater system comprising a hot water storage tank 30, a heat pump unit 2 that heats the hot water in the hot water storage tank 30, a hot water volume detection means 35 that detects the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 30, and a control device 10, wherein the control device 10 has a daytime heating time zone calculation means 13 that calculates a daytime heating time zone during which the heat pump unit 2 is operated to heat the hot water, and a day-calculated heating end time calculation means 14 that calculates a day-calculated heating end time from the amount of hot water stored detected during the daytime heating time zone, and the display means 8 displays the daytime heating time zone calculated by the daytime heating time zone calculation means 13, and the day-calculated heating end time is later than the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating time zone, and when the display means 8 displays at a time later than the heating end time, the day-calculated heating end time is displayed instead of the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating time zone. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the present invention, the daytime heating time period is calculated as the time period with the greatest amount of solar radiation based on the required daytime heating time calculated the previous day and the predicted solar radiation information for each unit hour during the daytime on the current day obtained the previous day.This allows, for example, efficient daytime heating operation by utilizing surplus power from a solar power generation unit, and the calculated daytime heating time period can be displayed on a display means so that the user can understand the operating status of the heat pump unit. Furthermore, according to the present invention, if the calculated boiling end time for that day is later than the boiling end time and the time to be displayed is later than the boiling end time, the calculated boiling end time for that day is displayed instead of the boiling end time, thereby avoiding an erroneous display that boiling has ended even though boiling is in progress. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a block diagram of a water heater system according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Figure 2]A block diagram showing the control device of the water heater system in terms of function realization means. [Figure 3] Flow diagram of the water heater system [Figure 4] FIG. 10 shows a screen image displayed on the display means of the water heater system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] In a water heater system according to a first embodiment of the present invention, the control device includes a water heater time calculation means for calculating the required daytime water heater time on the previous day, a predicted solar radiation information acquisition means for acquiring predicted solar radiation information for each unit hour of the daytime on the previous day, and a daytime water heater time slot calculation means for calculating the time slot with the maximum solar radiation from the predicted solar radiation information using the required water heater time, and the daytime water heater time slot calculated by the daytime water heater time slot calculation means is displayed on a display means. According to this embodiment, by calculating the time slot with the maximum solar radiation as the daytime water heater time slot from the required daytime water heater time calculated on the previous day and the predicted solar radiation information for each unit hour of the daytime on the previous day, it is possible to efficiently perform daytime water heater operation by utilizing surplus power from a solar power generation unit, for example, and the calculated daytime water heater time slot can be displayed on a display means so that a user can understand the operating status of the heat pump unit.

[0010] In the second embodiment of the present invention, in the water heater system according to the first embodiment, the daytime heating time period is a continuous time from the start to the end of heating, and the time from the start to the end of heating is the required heating time. According to this embodiment, by making the daytime heating time period a continuous time period, efficient operation of the heat pump unit can be performed.

[0011] A third embodiment of the present invention relates to the water heater system of the first embodiment, further comprising a hot water volume detection means for detecting the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, a control device including a daily calculated water heating end time calculation means for calculating a daily calculated water heating end time based on the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank detected during the daytime water heating period, and a display means for displaying the daily calculated water heating end time instead of the calculated daily water heating end time for the daytime water heating period. According to this embodiment, if water heating does not end at the pre-calculated end time for the daytime water heating period due to factors such as the amount of hot water used during the daytime water heating period or the outside temperature, the display can be adjusted to reflect the actual operating status of the heat pump unit by displaying the daily calculated water heating end time calculated based on the detected amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank. This prevents users from misunderstanding the operating status of the heat pump unit.

[0012] In a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in the water heater system according to the third embodiment, the display means displays the calculated water heating end time for that day instead of the water heating end time if the calculated water heating end time for that day is later than the water heating end time. According to this embodiment, the calculated water heating end time for that day is displayed if the calculated water heating end time for that day is later than the water heating end time, and the water heating end time for the daytime water heating period is displayed if the calculated water heating end time for that day is earlier than the water heating end time. This eliminates frequent changes to the end time display and allows the user to correctly understand whether the heat pump unit will continue operating until a time later than the water heating end time.

[0013] In a fifth embodiment of the present invention, in the water heater system according to the third embodiment, the control device includes a setting condition storage means for storing a set daytime heating time slot, which is a time slot that can be set as a daytime heating time slot, and the display means, when a set daytime heating time slot is set, displays the set heating end time, which is the end time of the set daytime heating time slot stored in the setting condition storage means, instead of the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating time slot or the calculated heating end time for the day. According to this embodiment, even if an event occurs in which heating does not end at the set heating end time or the calculated heating end time for the day, the set heating end time is displayed as the end time of heating, so that the screen does not display that heating has ended when it has not, thereby preventing the user from mistaking the time.

[0014] A sixth embodiment of the present invention is a water heater system according to the third embodiment, in which when the display means displays a time later than the boiling end time, the display means displays the boiling end time calculated for that day instead of the boiling end time. According to this embodiment, if the time displayed by the display means is later than the boiling end time, the display means displays the boiling end time calculated for that day instead of the boiling end time, and if the time displayed by the display means is earlier than the boiling end time, the display means displays the boiling end time, thereby avoiding an erroneous display that boiling has ended even when boiling is in progress.

[0015] In a seventh embodiment of the present invention, in the water heater system according to the first embodiment, when the display means displays the daytime heating time slot for the daytime on the same day at a time later than the heating end time and earlier than the information acquisition time at which the predicted solar radiation information acquisition means acquires the predicted solar radiation information for the daytime on the next day, the display means does not display the daytime heating time slot for the daytime on the same day. This embodiment prevents the user from mistaking the daytime heating time slot for the daytime on the same day for the daytime heating time slot for the daytime on the next day.

[0016] In a water heater system according to an eighth embodiment of the present invention, the control device includes a daytime heating time slot calculation means for calculating a daytime heating time slot during which the heat pump unit is operated to heat hot water, and a daily calculated heating end time calculation means for calculating a daily calculated heating end time from the amount of hot water stored during the daytime heating time slot, and the display means displays the daytime heating time slot calculated by the daytime heating time slot calculation means, and when the daily calculated heating end time is later than the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating time slot and the display means displays the daily calculated heating end time instead of the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating time slot. According to this embodiment, if the daily calculated heating end time is later than the heating end time and the time to be displayed is later than the heating end time, the daily calculated heating end time is displayed instead of the heating end time, thereby avoiding an erroneous display that heating has ended even when heating is in progress. [Example]

[0017] An embodiment of the present invention will now be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a water heater system according to this embodiment. The hot water heater system of this embodiment is made up of a hot water storage unit 1 and a heat pump unit 2. The control device 10 controls the hot water storage unit 1 and the heat pump unit 2. The heat pump unit 2 includes a heat pump circuit 20 and heats the water in the hot water storage tank 30 . The heat pump circuit 20 includes a compressor 21 that compresses a refrigerant and discharges a high-temperature refrigerant, a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 22 that exchanges heat between water and the high-temperature refrigerant to produce hot water, a pressure reducing device 23 that reduces the pressure of the refrigerant, and an evaporator 24 that exchanges heat between air and the refrigerant, all connected by refrigerant piping 25. The water-refrigerant heat exchanger 22 may be a plate-type heat exchanger or a double-pipe heat exchanger.

[0018] The hot water storage unit 1 includes a hot water storage tank 30 for storing hot water, a boiling circuit 40 for boiling the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 30, a hot water supply circuit 50 for supplying the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 30, a reheating circuit 60 for reheating the hot water in the bathtub 3 using the hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 30, and a water supply circuit 70 for supplying water to the hot water storage tank 30.

[0019] The hot water storage tank 30 is a layered boiling type, and during boiling operation, high-temperature water is layered in the upper part, low-temperature water in the lower part, and medium-temperature water in the middle part. A high-temperature water outlet pipe 31 is connected to the top of the hot water storage tank 30, and a water supply pipe 32 and a low-temperature water inlet / outlet joint 33 are connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 30. The high-temperature water outlet pipe 31 is provided with an open valve 80 . A low-temperature water drain pipe 90 is connected to the low-temperature water inlet / outlet joint 33, and a relief valve 91 (second release valve) is provided on the low-temperature water drain pipe 90. When the hot water storage tank 30 becomes overpressurized, the relief valve 91 opens and drains the water, thereby reducing the pressure inside the hot water storage tank 30. The relief valve 91 also functions as a discharge valve that discharges the water stored in the hot water storage tank 30. Note that, although the present embodiment shows a case where the relief valve 91 is provided in the low-temperature water drain pipe 90, the relief valve 91 may be provided in a hot water outflow pipe other than the low-temperature water drain pipe 90, as long as the temperature of the hot water discharged from the relief valve 91 is lower than that of the high-temperature water discharged from the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31.

[0020] The boiling circuit 40 connects the low-temperature water inlet / outlet joint 33, the boiling pump 41, the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 22, and the hot water storage tank 30 with a boiling water pipe 42. By driving the boiling pump 41, low-temperature water is sent from the low-temperature water inlet / outlet joint 33 to the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 22, where heat is absorbed from the refrigerant to produce high-temperature water. The high-temperature water produced in the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 22 is returned to the hot water storage tank 30. A three-way valve 43 is provided in the boiling water piping 42. The high-temperature water generated in the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 22 is returned to the top or bottom of the hot water storage tank 30 by switching the three-way valve 43. The boiling water piping 42 downstream of the three-way valve 43 is connected to a low-temperature water inlet / outlet joint 33, and high-temperature water flows into the bottom of the hot water storage tank 30 from the low-temperature water inlet / outlet joint 33.

[0021] During initial boiling operation or anti-freeze operation when there is almost no high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 30, the three-way valve 43 is switched so that high-temperature water is directed to the low-temperature water inlet / outlet joint 33, and during normal boiling operation, high-temperature water is directed to the top of the hot water storage tank 30. The hot water storage tank 30 is equipped with hot water amount detection means 35 that detects the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 30. The hot water amount detection means 35 is composed of, for example, multiple temperature detection sensors installed at different heights in the hot water storage tank 30, and the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 30 can be detected from the hot water temperatures detected by each temperature detection sensor.

[0022] A boiler body protection valve 44 (third open valve) is provided in the boiling water piping 42. By providing the boiler body protection valve 44 in the boiling circuit 40, when the hot water storage tank 30 becomes overpressurized, the boiler body protection valve 44 opens, drains water, and reduces the pressure in the hot water storage tank 30. Note that while this embodiment shows a case where the boiler body protection valve 44 is provided in the boiling circuit 40, it may also be provided in a hot water outflow piping other than the boiling circuit 40, as long as the hot water discharged from the boiler body protection valve 44 has a lower temperature than the high-temperature water discharged from the high-temperature water outflow piping 31.

[0023] The hot water supply circuit 50 connects the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31 and the hot water tap 4 via a hot water supply pipe 51 . An intermediate mixing valve 52 is provided in the hot water supply pipe 51. The intermediate mixing valve 52 allows high-temperature water from the high-temperature water outlet pipe 31 to be mixed with medium-temperature water from the medium-temperature water outlet pipe 34. The medium-temperature water outlet pipe 34 is connected to the hot water storage tank 30 at an intermediate position in the height direction. When the required temperature of hot water is not high, high-temperature water can be secured by using medium-temperature water from the medium-temperature water outlet pipe 34. A hot water mixing valve 53 is provided on the hot water supply pipe 51. The hot water mixing valve 53 mixes high-temperature water from the hot water storage tank 30 with low-temperature water from the water supply pipe 71 to obtain the required hot water temperature.

[0024] The reheating circuit 60 connects the high-temperature water outflow pipe 31 , the water-water heat exchanger 61 , the reheating pump 62 , and an intermediate portion of the hot water storage tank 30 with a reheating water pipe 63 . By driving the hot water boiler pump 62, high temperature water is sent from the high temperature water outflow pipe 31 to the water-water heat exchanger 61, where it dissipates heat to become medium temperature water, and the medium temperature water is returned to the middle part of the hot water storage tank 30. Low-temperature bath water is guided to the water-water heat exchanger 61 by a bath water circulation pipe 65 equipped with a circulation pump 64, and the bath water that has absorbed heat in the water-water heat exchanger 61 is returned to the bathtub 3 by the bath water circulation pipe 65.

[0025] The water supply circuit 70 connects the water pipe 5 extending from the water supply source to the water supply piping 32 via a water supply pipe 71. The water supply pipe 71 branches and is connected to the hot water mixing valve 53. When the amount of water stored in the hot water storage tank 30 decreases, water is supplied from the water supply pipe 71. Furthermore, the water supply pipe 71 supplies the hot water mixing valve 53 with the required amount of low-temperature water.

[0026] A high-temperature water branch pipe 66 for supplying hot water to the bathtub, which branches off from the hot water supply pipe 51 downstream of the intermediate mixing valve 52 and upstream of the hot water mixing valve 53, and a low-temperature water branch pipe 67 for supplying hot water to the bathtub, which branches off from the water supply pipe 71 upstream of the hot water mixing valve 53, are connected to the bathtub mixing valve 68, and the mixed water flowing out from the bathtub mixing valve 68 is led to the bathtub 3 by the bathtub hot water supply pipe 69. A bathtub hot water valve 69a is provided on the bathtub hot water supply pipe 69. When the bathtub hot water valve 69a is opened, mixed water mixed by the bathtub mixing valve 68 to the set bathtub temperature is guided to the bathtub 3 through the bathtub hot water supply pipe 69.

[0027] The water heater system of this embodiment can effectively use electric power by using the heat pump circuit 20. Furthermore, the water heater system of this embodiment receives power from a solar power generation unit, and can use the power obtained by the solar power generation unit in daytime mode. In this way, by linking with the solar power generation unit, the power obtained by the solar power generation unit can be effectively used to heat water in daytime hours.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the control device of the hot water supply system according to this embodiment in terms of function realization means. The control device 10 can acquire predicted solar radiation information 6 from an external database via a communication line. The predicted solar radiation information 6 is the predicted solar radiation per unit time, such as one hour. The predicted solar radiation information 6 can be data provided by the Japan Meteorological Agency or other organizations, for example. The water heater system according to this embodiment is provided with an operating means 7 that allows a user to set the setting conditions of the control device 10. The user can use the operating means 7 to set the daytime heating time period as the set daytime heating time period. The control device 10 has a boiling time calculation means 11, a predicted solar radiation information acquisition means 12, a daytime boiling time period calculation means 13, a boiling end time calculation means 14 calculated for that day, a timer means 15, a water usage amount storage means 16, a setting condition storage means 17, a boiling end time display determination means 18, and a boiling time display determination means 19.

[0029] The boiling time calculation means 11 calculates the required boiling time for the daytime on the previous day based on the hot water usage history stored in the hot water usage storage means 16. The required boiling time is the time required to boil the amount of hot water to be used on that day. The predicted solar radiation information acquisition means 12 acquires predicted solar radiation information 6 for each unit hour during the daytime on the previous day. For example, if one hour is taken as the unit time, the predicted solar radiation amount from 8:00 to 9:00 is 1.53 (MJ / m 2 ), and 2.14 (MJ / m 2), and 2.45 (MJ / m 2 ), 11:00-12:00 2.60 (MJ / m 2 ), and 2.43 (MJ / m 2 ), and 2.37 (MJ / m 2 ), and 1.89 (MJ / m 2 ), and 1.17 (MJ / m 2 ), and 0.75 (MJ / m 2 ), each value is acquired as predicted solar radiation information 6 for each unit time. The daytime boiling time period calculation means 13 uses the required boiling time to calculate the time period when the amount of solar radiation is maximum from the predicted solar radiation amount information 6 as the daytime boiling time period.

[0030] For example, if the required heating time is four hours, the predicted solar radiation is calculated for each of the following times: 8:00-12:00, 9:00-13:00, 10:00-14:00, 11:00-15:00, 12:00-16:00, and 13:00-17:00, and the time period with the greatest solar radiation within the four hours (the time period with the greatest solar radiation) is designated as the daytime heating time period. In the above case, the total solar radiation is greatest from 10:00-14:00, so 10:00-14:00 is designated as the daytime heating time period. For example, if the required boiling time is five hours, the predicted solar radiation is calculated for each of the following times: 8:00-13:00, 9:00-14:00, 10:00-15:00, 11:00-16:00, and 12:00-17:00, and the time period with the greatest solar radiation within the five hours (the time period with the greatest solar radiation) is designated as the daytime boiling time period. In the above case, the total solar radiation is greatest from 9:00-14:00, so 9:00-14:00 is designated as the daytime boiling time period. In this way, by making the daytime heating period a continuous period from the start to the end of heating, it is possible to efficiently operate the heat pump unit 2. The time from the start to the end of heating is the required heating time. The calculated boiling end time of the day calculation means 14 calculates the calculated boiling end time of the day from the amount of stored hot water detected during the daytime boiling period. The calculated boiling end time of the day is the time when boiling ends, calculated for that day, based on the amount of stored hot water detected during the daytime boiling period on that day.

[0031] The timer means 15 measures time, and the timer means 15 can determine the date and time. The hot water usage storage means 16 stores, for example, the amount of hot water detected by the hot water usage detection means together with the time measured by the timer means 15. The hot water usage storage means 16 stores the amount of hot water by time period for a predetermined period such as one day, one week, one month, or one year as a hot water usage history. The set condition storage means 17 stores at least one set condition among the daytime operation start time, daytime operation end time, and daytime operation execution duration. The set condition storage means 17 can also store the solar panel capacity of the solar power generation unit as a set condition. These set conditions are set by the operation means 7. When a set daytime heating time period is set by the user, the set daytime heating time period is stored in the set condition storage means 17. In this embodiment, the set daytime heating time period is shown as being set with the daytime operation start time at 8:00 and the daytime operation end time at 17:00, or set with the daytime operation start time at 8:00 and the daytime operation execution duration at 9 hours. A boiling end time display determination means 18 compares the boiling end time calculated for the day calculated by the boiling end time calculation means 14 with the boiling end time for the daytime boiling time period calculated by the daytime boiling time period calculation means 13, and determines whether the boiling end time calculated for the day is later than the boiling end time. The boiling time display determining means 19 causes the display means 8 to display the daytime boiling time period calculated by the daytime boiling time period calculating means 13 at least until the daytime boiling time period of the day.

[0032] As in this embodiment, by calculating the time period when the amount of solar radiation is maximum as the daytime heating time period based on the required daytime heating time calculated the previous day and the predicted solar radiation information 6 for each unit hour during the daytime on the current day obtained the previous day, it is possible to efficiently perform daytime heating operation by utilizing surplus power from the solar power generation unit, for example, and by displaying the calculated daytime heating time period on the display means 8, the user can understand the operating status of the heat pump unit 2.

[0033] Furthermore, the water heating time display determination means 19 displays the water heating end time calculated for the day on the display means 8 instead of the water heating end time calculated for the daytime water heating period. For example, if water heating does not end at the pre-calculated end time for the daytime water heating period due to the amount of hot water used during the daytime water heating period or the outside temperature, the water heating end time calculated for the day from the detected amount of hot water stored can be displayed on the display means 8, thereby displaying a time that matches the actual operating status of the heat pump unit 2.

[0034] Furthermore, it is preferable that the boiling time display determination means 19 displays the calculated boiling end time of the day on the display means 8 instead of the boiling end time, particularly when the calculated boiling end time of the day is later than the boiling end time, and displays the boiling end time of the daytime boiling time slot when the calculated boiling end time of the day is earlier than the boiling end time. In this way, by displaying the calculated boiling end time of the day when the calculated boiling end time of the day is later than the boiling end time, and displaying the boiling end time of the daytime boiling time slot when the calculated boiling end time of the day is earlier than the boiling end time, frequent changes to the end time display can be eliminated, and the user can correctly understand whether the heat pump unit 2 will continue operating until later than the boiling end time.

[0035] Furthermore, when the display means 8 displays a time later than the boiling end time, the boiling time display determination means 19 displays the boiling end time calculated for that day instead of the boiling end time. When the display means 8 displays a time later than the boiling end time, the boiling end time calculated for that day is displayed instead of the boiling end time, and when the display means 8 displays a time earlier than the boiling end time, the boiling end time is displayed, thereby avoiding a false display that boiling has ended even though boiling is currently in operation.

[0036] Furthermore, when the boiling time display determination means 19 displays the daytime boiling time slot for the day on the display means 8 at a time later than the boiling end time and earlier than the information acquisition time when the predicted solar radiation information acquisition means 12 acquires the predicted solar radiation information 6 for the next daytime, the boiling time display determination means 19 does not cause the display means 8 to display the daytime boiling time slot for the current day. This prevents the user from mistakenly recognizing the daytime boiling time slot for the next daytime.

[0037] The display means 8 can be a mobile terminal connected via a public network such as a smartphone or tablet, but may also be directly connected to the control device 10 by wire or wirelessly together with the operation means 7. The operation means 7 may also be a mobile terminal connected via a public network.

[0038] FIG. 3 is a flow diagram of the hot water heater system according to this embodiment. Prior to the day on which the boiling operation is to be performed (the current day), in this embodiment the previous day, the required boiling time during the day is calculated based on the hot water usage history stored in the hot water usage storage means 16 (S1). Further, the predicted solar radiation information acquisition means 12 acquires predicted solar radiation information 6 for each unit hour during the day on the previous day (S2). Then, the daytime boiling time slot calculation means 13 uses the required boiling time to calculate the time slot during which the amount of solar radiation is maximum from the predicted solar radiation information 6 as the daytime boiling time slot (S3). The daytime heating time period calculated in S3 can be displayed by the display means 8 (S4). If a set daytime boiling time period is set (No in S5), the set boiling end time is displayed (S6). As a result, even if boiling does not end at the set boiling end time or the calculated boiling end time for that day, the set boiling end time is displayed as the boiling end time, so the screen will not display that boiling has ended even though it has not, and the occurrence of an event where the user is mistaken can be reduced. If the daytime boiling time zone is not set (Yes in S5), on the day, the hot water storage amount is periodically detected by the means 14 for calculating the calculated boiling end time for that day, and the calculated boiling end time for that day is calculated from the detected hot water storage amount (S7).

[0039] If the calculated boiling end time of the day calculated by S7 is later than the boiling end time of the daytime boiling time period calculated by the daytime boiling time period calculation means 13 (Yes in S8), the calculated boiling end time of the day is displayed (S9). If the calculated boiling end time for the day calculated by S7 is not later than the boiling end time for the daytime boiling time period calculated by the daytime boiling time period calculation means 13 (No in S8), the display of the boiling end time for the daytime boiling time period (S4) continues.

[0040] When the boiling operation for the day ends and there is no daytime boiling time period set, the end of boiling for the day is displayed (S11) when the later of the boiling end time or the calculated boiling end time for the day has passed (Yes in S10). If the boiling operation for that day is still ongoing and the later of the boiling end time or the calculated boiling end time for that day has not yet passed (No in S10), the display of the boiling end time for the daytime boiling period (S4) or the calculated boiling end time for that day (S9) will continue. When the boiling operation for the day is completed and the set daytime boiling time period is set, the set boiling end time has passed (Yes in S10), and the end of boiling for the day is displayed (S11).

[0041] When the boiling end time has passed (Yes in S10), the required boiling time for the daytime of the following day is calculated on that day based on the hot water usage history stored in the hot water usage storage means 16 (S12). Further, the predicted solar radiation information acquisition means 12 acquires predicted solar radiation information 6 for each unit hour during the daytime of the next day on that day (S13). Then, on the day, the daytime boiling time slot for the next day is calculated by the daytime boiling time slot calculation means 13 from the predicted solar radiation amount information 6 using the required boiling time (S14). When the next daytime boiling time slot is calculated in S14, the display of the end of boiling for that day (S11) is terminated, and the next daytime boiling time slot is displayed by the display means 8 (S15).

[0042] FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a screen image displayed on the display means of the hot water heater system according to this embodiment. For example, from 11pm on the previous day to 5pm on the current day, the daytime boiling time for that day, or the calculated boiling end time for that day, or the set daytime boiling time is displayed, and from 5pm on the current day onwards, the daytime boiling time for the next day is displayed. When the daytime boiling time period calculation means 13 calculates the daytime boiling time period (S3), the calculated daytime boiling time period is displayed by the display means 8, as shown in FIG. 4(a). If the calculated boiling end time for the day calculated by the calculated boiling end time calculation means 14 is later than the boiling end time for the daytime boiling time period calculated by the daytime boiling time period calculation means 13 (Yes in S8), the calculated boiling end time for the day is displayed by the display means 8, as shown in Figure 4(b). When the boiling operation for the day is completed and the boiling end time has passed (Yes in S10), the display means 8 displays a message indicating that boiling has ended for the day, as shown in FIG. 4(c). Then, on the same day, when the daytime boiling time slots for the next day are calculated by the daytime boiling time slot calculation means 13, the daytime boiling time slots for the next day are displayed by the display means 8, as shown in FIG. 4(d).

[0043] In another embodiment of the hot water heater system of the present invention, the control device 10 includes a daytime heating time slot calculation means 13 that calculates a daytime heating time slot during which the heat pump unit 2 is operated to heat hot water, and a daily calculated heating end time calculation means 14 that calculates a daily calculated heating end time from the amount of hot water stored during the daytime heating time slot. The display means 8 displays the daytime heating time slot calculated by the daytime heating time slot calculation means 13. If the daily calculated heating end time is later than the heating end time and the displayed time is later than the heating end time, the daily calculated heating end time may be displayed instead of the calculated heating end time for the daytime heating time slot. According to this embodiment, if the daily calculated heating end time is later than the heating end time and the displayed time is later than the heating end time, the daily calculated heating end time is displayed instead of the heating end time, thereby avoiding an erroneous display that heating has ended even when heating is in progress. [Configuration supported by the above embodiment] The above embodiment supports the following configurations:

[0044] (Configuration 1) A water heater system comprising a hot water storage tank, a heat pump unit that heats the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a control device, wherein the control device has a heating time calculation means that calculates the required heating time during the day on the previous day, a predicted solar radiation information acquisition means that acquires predicted solar radiation information for each unit hour during the day on the previous day, and a daytime heating time zone calculation means that uses the required heating time to calculate the time zone with the greatest amount of solar radiation from the predicted solar radiation information, and displays the daytime heating time zone calculated by the daytime heating time zone calculation means on a display means. According to this configuration, the daytime heating time period is calculated as the time period with the greatest amount of solar radiation based on the required daytime heating time calculated the previous day and the predicted solar radiation information for each unit hour during the daytime on the current day obtained the previous day.This allows, for example, efficient daytime heating operation by utilizing surplus power from the solar power generation unit, and the calculated daytime heating time period can be displayed on a display means so that the user can understand the operating status of the heat pump unit.

[0045] (Configuration 2) The water heater system described in configuration 1, characterized in that the daytime heating time period is a continuous period from the start of heating to the end of heating, and the required heating time is the period from the start of heating to the end of heating. According to this configuration, the daytime heating time period is set as a continuous time period, thereby enabling efficient operation of the heat pump unit.

[0046] (Configuration 3) A water heater system as described in configuration 1 or 2, characterized in that it is equipped with a hot water volume detection means for detecting the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, the control device has a calculated current day heating end time calculation means for calculating the calculated current day heating end time from the hot water volume detected during the daytime heating period, and the display means displays the calculated current day heating end time instead of the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating period. With this configuration, if the water heating does not finish at the pre-calculated end time for the daytime heating period due to factors such as the amount of hot water used during the daytime heating period or the outside temperature, the display can be adjusted to match the actual operating status of the heat pump unit by calculating the end time for that day from the detected amount of hot water stored, thereby preventing the user from misunderstanding the operating status of the heat pump unit.

[0047] (Configuration 4) The water heater system described in configuration 3 is characterized in that, if the calculated end time of boiling for the day is later than the actual end time of boiling, the display means displays the calculated end time of boiling for the day instead of the actual end time of boiling. According to this configuration, if the calculated end time of heating for that day is later than the end time of heating, the calculated end time of heating for that day is displayed, and if the calculated end time of heating for that day is earlier than the end time of heating, the end time of heating for the daytime heating period is displayed, thereby eliminating frequent changes to the end time display and allowing the user to correctly understand whether the heat pump unit will continue operating until a time later than the end time of heating.

[0048] (Configuration 5) The water heater system described in configuration 3 is characterized in that the control device has a setting condition memory means for storing a set daytime heating time period, which is a time period that can be set as the daytime heating time period, and the display means, when the set daytime heating time period is set, displays the set heating end time, which is the end time of the set daytime heating time period stored in the setting condition memory means, instead of the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating time period or the calculated heating end time for the day. With this configuration, even if boiling does not end at the scheduled end time or the calculated end time for that day, the set end time for boiling is displayed as the end time for boiling, so the screen will not display that boiling has ended even though it has not, thereby preventing the user from mistaking the time.

[0049] (Configuration 6) The water heater system described in configuration 3 is characterized in that when the display means displays a time later than the end time of boiling, the display means displays the calculated end time of boiling for that day instead of the end time of boiling. According to this configuration, if the time displayed by the display means is later than the boiling end time, the boiling end time calculated for that day is displayed instead of the boiling end time, and if the time displayed by the display means is earlier than the boiling end time, the boiling end time is displayed, thereby avoiding a false display that boiling has ended even though boiling is in progress.

[0050] (Configuration 7) A water heater system described in any one of configurations 1 to 6, characterized in that when the display means displays at a time later than the end time of heating and earlier than the information acquisition time at which the predicted solar radiation information acquisition means acquires predicted solar radiation information for the daytime of the next day, the display means does not display the daytime heating time period for the daytime of the same day. This configuration prevents the user from mistakenly recognizing the daytime boiling time period on the same day as the daytime boiling time period on the next day.

[0051] (Configuration 8) A water heater system comprising a hot water storage tank, a heat pump unit for heating hot water in the hot water storage tank, a hot water volume detection means for detecting the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, and a control device, wherein the control device has a daytime heating time zone calculation means for calculating a daytime heating time zone during which the heat pump unit is operated to heat the hot water, and a current day calculated heating end time calculation means for calculating a current day calculated heating end time from the amount of hot water stored detected during the daytime heating time zone, and a display means for displaying the daytime heating time zone calculated by the daytime heating time zone calculation means, wherein the current day calculated heating end time is later than the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating time zone, and when the display means displays at a time later than the heating end time, the current day calculated heating end time is displayed instead of the heating end time calculated for the daytime heating time zone. According to this configuration, if the calculated boiling end time for that day is later than the boiling end time and the time to be displayed is later than the boiling end time, the calculated boiling end time for that day is displayed instead of the boiling end time, thereby avoiding a false display that boiling has ended even though boiling is in progress. [Industrial Applicability]

[0052] According to the present invention, for example, surplus electricity from a solar power generation unit can be used to efficiently perform daytime heating operation, and the calculated daytime heating time period can be displayed on a display means so that the user can understand the operating status of the heat pump unit.If the calculated heating end time for that day is later than the heating end time and the time to be displayed is later than the heating end time, the calculated heating end time for that day is displayed instead of the heating end time, thereby avoiding an erroneous display that heating has ended even when heating operation is in progress. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 Hot water storage unit 2 Heat pump unit 3. Bathtub 4 Hot water tap 5. Water pipes 6. Forecasted solar radiation information 7 Operating means 8 Display means 10 Control device 11. Boiling time calculation method 12. Means of obtaining predicted solar radiation information 13 Daytime heating time period calculation method 14. Means for calculating the end time of boiling water on the day 15 Timer means 16. Means for storing the amount of hot water used 17 Setting condition storage means 18. Boiling end time display determination means 19. Boiling time display determination means 20 Heat pump circuit 21 Compressor 22 Water refrigerant heat exchanger 23 Pressure reducing device 24 Evaporator 25 Refrigerant piping 30 Hot water tank 31 High temperature water outflow piping 32 Water supply piping 33 Low temperature water inlet / outlet joint 34 Medium temperature water outflow piping 35 Hot water volume detection means 40 Boiling circuit 41 Boiling pump 42 Boiling water piping 43 Three-way valve 44 Boiler body protection valve (third opening valve) 50 Hot water circuit 51 Hot water supply piping 52 Intermediate mixing valve 53 Hot water mixing valve 60 Reheating circuit 61 Water-water heat exchanger 62 Reheating pump 63 Reheating water piping 64 Circulation Pump 65 Bathtub water circulation piping 66 High temperature water branch piping for bathtub hot water supply 67 Low-temperature water branch piping for bathtub hot water supply 68 Bathtub Mixing Valve 69 Bathtub hot water supply piping 69a Bathtub hot water valve 70 Water supply circuit 71 Water supply pipe 80 Release valve 90 Low temperature water drain pipe 91 Relief valve (second release valve)

Claims

1. A hot water heater system including a hot water storage tank, a heat pump unit that heats hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a control device, The control device A boiling time calculation means for calculating the required boiling time during the day on the previous day; a predicted solar radiation amount information acquisition means for acquiring predicted solar radiation amount information for each unit hour during the daytime on the day before; a daytime heating time zone calculation means for calculating a time zone in which the amount of solar radiation is maximum from the predicted solar radiation amount information using the required heating time; and The daytime boiling time period calculated by the daytime boiling time period calculation means is displayed on a display means. A water heater system characterized by:

2. The daytime boiling time period is a continuous time from the start of boiling to the end of boiling, and the time from the start of boiling to the end of boiling is the required boiling time. The water heater system according to claim 1 .

3. a hot water amount detection means for detecting the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank; The control device a means for calculating a day's calculated boiling end time for calculating a day's calculated boiling end time from the amount of hot water stored in the water detected during the daytime boiling period; The display means displays the boiling end time calculated for the day instead of the boiling end time calculated for the daytime boiling time period. The water heater system according to claim 1 .

4. When the calculated boiling end time of the day is later than the boiling end time, the display means displays the calculated boiling end time of the day instead of the boiling end time. The water heater system according to claim 3 .

5. The control device a setting condition storage means for storing a set daytime heating time period, which is a time period that can be set as the daytime heating time period; When the set daytime boiling time period is set, the display means displays the set boiling end time, which is the end time of the set daytime boiling time period stored in the setting condition storage means, instead of the boiling end time calculated for the daytime boiling time period or the calculated boiling end time for the day. The water heater system according to claim 3 .

6. When the display means displays a time later than the boiling end time, the display means displays the boiling end time calculated for that day instead of the boiling end time. The water heater system according to claim 3 .

7. When the display on the display means is performed at a time later than the boiling end time and earlier than the information acquisition time at which the predicted solar radiation information acquisition means acquires predicted solar radiation information for the daytime of the next day, the display means does not display the daytime boiling time period for the daytime of the same day. The water heater system according to claim 1 .

8. A hot water heater system including a hot water storage tank, a heat pump unit that heats hot water in the hot water storage tank, a hot water amount detection means that detects the amount of hot water stored in the hot water storage tank, and a control device, The control device a daytime heating time period calculation means for calculating a daytime heating time period during which the heat pump unit is operated to heat the hot water; a means for calculating a day's calculated boiling end time for calculating a day's calculated boiling end time from the amount of hot water stored in the water detected during the daytime boiling period; The display means displays the daytime boiling time period calculated by the daytime boiling time period calculation means, and when the calculated boiling end time of the day is later than the boiling end time calculated for the daytime boiling time period and the display means displays the calculated boiling end time of the day instead of the boiling end time calculated for the daytime boiling time period. A water heater system characterized by:

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