Hot water supply control method, program, and hybrid hot water supply system

Abstract

To determine a boiling-up temperature capable of minimizing running cost and enable automatic change to the boiling-up temperature.SOLUTION: In a hot water supply system, low layer water taken out from a hot water storage unit (4) is boiled up to obtain hot water having a predetermined temperature by using first hot water supply means (HP unit 6) and is stored in the hot water storage unit, and intermediate layer water in the hot water storage unit is boiled up to a predetermined temperature by second hot water supply means (gas water heater 8), is stored in the hot water storage unit and is delivered from the hot water storage unit. In a hot water supply control method for the hot water supply system, a control section (hybrid control section 9) uses a boiling-up temperature of hot water as a parameter. The hot water supply control method includes steps of: calculating a minimum value of running cost or a value near the minimum value by using electric power consumption and gas consumption generated during the hot water supply in a fixed period; and changing the boiling-up temperature of hot water by the first hot water supply means to a boiling-up temperature that enables the running cost to become the minimum value or the value near the minimum value.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a control technology for hybrid water supply that combines, for example, a heat pump unit (hereinafter referred to as "HP unit") and a gas water heater as a hot water supply heat source and uses a hot water storage unit for heat storage.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, a hybrid water supply system that combines a water supply means using an HP unit as a heat source and a water supply means using the combustion heat of fuel gas as a heat source and uses a hot water storage unit for heat storage has been put into practical use.

[0003] Regarding this hybrid water supply system, based on past operation history, a plurality of scheduled usage times on the current day are estimated, predicted temperature information indicating the predicted temperature at the scheduled usage time is obtained, and either the boiling-up set temperature or the boiling-up set amount is corrected according to the difference between the predicted temperature indicated by the predicted temperature information and the reference temperature, and either or both of the boiling-up set temperature or the boiling-up set amount that conforms to the hot water supply demand are set (for example, Patent Document 1).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0004]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0005] Incidentally, in a hybrid water heating system, electric power and fuel gas with different energy costs are used as heat sources, and the excellent functions of a gas water heater and the excellent functions of an HP unit not available in the gas water heater are used in combination to take advantage of both and reduce running costs. A gas water heater can supply hot water at a high temperature, while an HP unit has advantages such as high operating efficiency by continuously supplying hot water at a low temperature. In a conventional hybrid water heating system, the HP unit raises the temperature to a low temperature with good operating efficiency, stores the hot water in a hot water storage unit, and supplies hot water from this hot water storage unit. When the amount of hot water supplied from this hot water storage unit is insufficient, an operation method has been adopted in which the shortage is compensated by heating with a gas water heater. However, it has been pointed out that there is a problem that the running cost deteriorates due to, for example, an increase in the operating rate of the gas water heater or an increase in the downtime of the HP unit depending on the hot water supply for a certain period of time.

[0006] For example, compare a store such as a restaurant where the daily hot water demand is 5,000 liters and there is always a hot water demand throughout the day, and a store such as a restaurant where there is an intermittent hot water demand. Fig. 20 shows a time-by-time hot water supply-demand ratio pattern with the time on the horizontal axis and the hot water supply-demand ratio (%) on the vertical axis. However, one day (24 hours) is taken as 100%. In this case, in store A, there is always a large hot water demand, while in store B, the hot water demand time is short. That is, in store A, since the operation time of the HP unit is long, if the boiling temperature is set to 65°C, the cost can be reduced.

[0007] On the other hand, in store B, the hot water supply stop time is long, the hot water storage unit is in a so-called full storage state, and the operation stop time of the HP unit is long. In this case, if the boiling temperature is set to 85°C, the operation time of the HP unit becomes long, so the cost can be reduced compared to the case where the boiling temperature is set to 65°C. The power consumption (electricity cost) of the HP unit depends on the operating time, boiling temperature, efficiency, etc. of the HP unit, and the gas consumption (gas cost) of the gas water heater depends on the operating time, hot water supply set temperature, water supply temperature, etc. Therefore, it can be said that reducing the running cost lies in optimizing the ratio of the power consumption of the HP unit and the gas consumption of the gas water heater required to supply the hot water volume.

[0008] However, the electricity cost of the HP unit is affected by variable factors such as the efficiency of the HP unit, its boiling temperature (heat storage temperature), hot water demand and its fluctuations, and the outside air temperature according to the season. Furthermore, the efficiency and capacity of the HP unit are affected by the water supply temperature. The gas cost of the gas water heater is also affected by variable factors such as hot water demand and its fluctuations, and the outside air temperature. In response to such problems, the inventor calculated the minimum value of the running cost in hot water supply for a certain period, and obtained the finding that it is effective in reducing the running cost to switch to that boiling temperature at any time by selecting the boiling temperature of the HP unit that can satisfy this minimum value. Therefore, based on the above problems and findings, an object of the present invention is to obtain the boiling temperature that can minimize the running cost and enable automatic change to this boiling temperature.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0009] According to one aspect of the hot water supply control method of the present invention to achieve the above object , storageA step of boiling the lower-layer water taken out from the hot water unit into hot water at a predetermined boiling temperature by the first hot water supply means and storing the hot water in the hot water storage unit; calculating the insufficient heat amount required for hot water supply at the set temperature, and boiling the middle-layer water of the hot water storage unit to a predetermined temperature by the second hot water supply means according to the hot water supply demand and the insufficient heat amount, and storing the hot water in the hot water storage unit; a step in which the control unit determines whether to acquire any one or two or more of the efficiency information, the unit price information, and the hot water supply demand information of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means; a step in which the control unit determines the operating period from the detected temperature using table information in which thresholds are set for at least the frosting period, the winter period, the summer period, and the intermediate period between the winter period and the summer period as different operating periods with respect to the detected temperature of the temperature sensor; a step in which the control unit acquires the power consumption amount and the gas consumption amount generated during hot water supply for a certain period; a step in which the control unit calculates a plurality of running costs using the power consumption amount and the gas consumption amount in the certain period with the boiling temperature as a parameter; a step in which the control unit selects the minimum value or a value in the vicinity thereof from the plurality of running costs; and a step in which the control unit changes the boiling temperature of the hot water of the first hot water supply means to the boiling temperature corresponding to the minimum value or the value in the vicinity of the running cost. In this hot water supply control method, further, the control unit may use any one or two or more of the efficiency, the unit price, the hot water supply amount, and the operating period of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means as variable elements in the calculation of the minimum value or the value in the vicinity of the running cost. In this hot water supply control method, further, the control unit includes a step of generating presentation information including at least any one or two or more of the hot water supply temperature, the boiling temperature, or the running cost, and a step in which the information presentation unit presents the presentation information.

[0010] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the program of the present invention , coA program for execution by a computer, which has a function of boiling the lower-layer water taken out from a hot water storage unit into hot water at a predetermined boiling temperature by a first hot water supply means and storing the hot water in the hot water storage unit, a function of calculating the insufficient heat amount required for hot water supply at a set temperature, and boiling the middle-layer water of the hot water storage unit to a predetermined temperature by a second hot water supply means and storing the hot water in the hot water storage unit according to a hot water supply request and the insufficient heat amount, a function of determining whether to acquire any one or two or more of efficiency information, unit price information, and hot water supply demand information of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means, a function of determining an operating period from the detected temperature using table information in which thresholds are set for at least a frosting period, a winter period, a summer period, and an intermediate period between winter and summer as different operating periods with respect to the detected temperature of a temperature sensor, a function of acquiring the power consumption amount and the gas consumption amount generated during hot water supply for a certain period, a function of calculating a plurality of running costs using the boiling temperature as a parameter and the power consumption amount and the gas consumption amount in the certain period, a function of selecting a minimum value or a value in the vicinity thereof from the plurality of running costs, and a function of changing the boiling temperature of the hot water of the first hot water supply means to the boiling temperature corresponding to the minimum value or the value in the vicinity of the running cost are executed by the computer. In this program, further, a function of using any one or two or more of the efficiency, unit price, hot water supply amount, and operating period of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means as variable elements in the calculation of the minimum value or the value in the vicinity of the running cost may be executed by the computer. In this program, further, a function of generating presentation information including at least any one or two or more of a hot water supply temperature, the boiling temperature, or the running cost, and a function of causing an information presentation unit to present the presentation information may be executed by the computer.

[0011] To achieve the above object, according to one aspect of the hybrid hot water supply system of the present invention , supplyA hot water storage unit that discharges hot water according to water, a first hot water supply means for taking out lower layer water from the hot water storage unit and boiling the hot water to a predetermined boiling temperature and storing the hot water in the hot water storage unit, calculating the insufficient heat amount required for hot water supply at a set temperature, and taking out middle layer water taken out from the hot water storage unit according to the hot water supply request and the insufficient heat amount and boiling it by combustion of fuel gas and storing it in the hot water storage unit A second hot water supply means, determining whether to acquire any one or two or more of the efficiency information, rate unit price information, and hot water supply demand information of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means, and at least for the detection temperature of the temperature sensor Using table information in which thresholds are set for different operating periods for the frosting period, winter period, summer period, and intermediate period between winter and summer, the operating period is determined from the detected temperature, and the power consumption and gas consumption generated during hot water supply for a certain period are obtained. Using the boiling temperature as a parameter, calculating a plurality of running costs using the power consumption and gas consumption during the certain period, selecting the minimum value or a value in the vicinity thereof from the plurality of running costs, and boiling the hot water of the first hot water supply means to the boiling temperature corresponding to the minimum value or the value in the vicinity of the running cost And a control unit for changing. In this hybrid hot water supply system, further, the control unit may use any one or two or more of the efficiency, rate unit price, hot water supply amount, and operating period of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means as variable elements in calculating the minimum value or the value in the vicinity of the running cost. In this hybrid hot water supply system, further, an information presentation unit is provided, and the control unit generates presentation information including at least any one or two or more of the hot water supply temperature, the boiling temperature, or the running cost, and causes the information presentation unit to present this presentation information.

Advantages of the Invention

[0012] According to the present invention, any of the following effects can be obtained. (1) For hot water supply for a certain period of about one week, the minimum value or a value in the vicinity thereof of the running cost is calculated, an optimal boiling temperature that can satisfy this running cost is selected, automatic switching is possible, and the running cost can be reduced. (2) By simply setting the unit price of electricity or fuel gas, the optimal boiling temperature is automatically set from the minimum value or a value close to it of the running cost, so that a system with high convenience can be realized without the need for user effort. (3) By the linked operation of the first and second hot water supply means, the capacity of the hot water storage unit can be suppressed, and the system can be made more compact. (4) Even if the seasonal operating conditions and installation environments are different, it can be absorbed by calculating the minimum value or a value close to it of the running cost, so that a highly convenient and reliable hybrid hot water supply system can be provided.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0013]

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Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0014] 〔First Embodiment〕 FIG. 1 shows a hot water supply control process according to the first embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 1 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a process. This hot water supply control process is realized by the hot water supply control method or program of the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, S represents a process, and the numbers attached to S are an example of the process order. Each functional part of the hybrid hot water supply system 2 (FIG. 2) is cited in the description of this hot water supply control process.

[0015] This hot water supply control process includes determination of the boiling temperature automatic switching mode (S101), acquisition confirmation of efficiency information (S102), acquisition determination of the unit price information (S103), acquisition determination of the hot water supply demand information (S104), determination of the operation period (S105), calculation of the running cost RC (S106), selection of the boiling temperature Th (S107), automatic switching of the boiling temperature Th (S108), etc. Determination of the boiling temperature automatic switching mode (S101): The hybrid control unit 9 determines whether the boiling temperature automatic switching mode is set. The boiling temperature automatic switching mode is specified by a user operation from the remote control unit 10 (Fig. 2). Based on the specification of the boiling temperature automatic switching mode, the hybrid control unit 9 executes the boiling temperature automatic switching mode.

[0016] Determination of obtaining efficiency information (S102): The hybrid control unit 9 determines whether it has obtained efficiency information such as the COP (Coefficient Of Performance) of the HP unit 6 and the hot water supply efficiency of the gas water heater 8, or uses the operation information database (DB) 104 (Fig. 9) for the determination. COP is the growth coefficient and is an index representing the energy-saving performance of the HP unit 6. Together with the hot water supply efficiency of the gas water heater 8, it is closely related to the running cost of the hybrid hot water supply system 2. Determination of obtaining unit price information (S103): The hybrid control unit 9 determines whether it has obtained the unit price information. The unit price includes the unit price of power consumption and the unit price of gas consumption. The former is used for calculating the running cost from the power consumption amount, and the latter is used for calculating the running cost from the gas consumption amount.

[0017] Determination of obtaining hot water supply demand information (S104): The hybrid control unit 9 determines whether it has obtained the hot water supply demand information. The hot water supply demand is the amount of hot water supplied from the hot water storage unit 4, for example, the amount of hot water supplied in a certain period, such as one week. The start and end points of one week may be based on the arrival time of the same day of the week, for example. The certain period for obtaining the hot water supply demand information may be 10 days, 20 days, one month, etc. Determination of the operating period (S105): The operating period indicates the season when the hybrid hot water supply system 2 is operating. This season is assumed to be, for example, the frosting period, winter period, intermediate period, and summer period, and these seasons are specified by the outside air temperature. For example, the frosting period < 10°C, 8°C < winter period < 18°C, 16°C < intermediate period < 25°C, 23°C < summer period can be set.

[0018] Calculation of running cost RC (S106): The hybrid control unit 9 calculates the running cost RC using, as parameters, a plurality of boiling temperatures Th of the HP unit 6, for example, 65°C and 85°C. The running cost RC is calculated by using, as parameters, a plurality of boiling temperatures Th, and determining the power consumption and gas consumption over a certain period by using the COP of the HP unit 6, the hot water supply efficiency of the gas water heater 8, the unit prices of electricity and gas, the hot water supply amount over a certain period, and the temperature setting representing the operation period, and then integrating the running cost. In this case, a plurality of running costs RC are calculated using, as parameters, the boiling temperatures Th = 65°C, 75°C, 85°C, and the hot water temperature linked value.

[0019] Selection of boiling temperature Th (S107): The hybrid control unit 9 selects the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the minimum value of the running cost RC from the results of the running cost RC calculated for each boiling temperature Th used as a parameter, and selects the optimal boiling temperature Th corresponding to this minimum value or the value in its vicinity. Automatic switching of boiling temperature Th (S108): The hybrid control unit 9 sets the selected boiling temperature Th in the HP control unit 30 of the HP unit 6. As a result, the boiling temperature Th of the HP unit 6 is automatically switched by the hybrid control unit 9.

[0020] <Hybrid hot water supply system 2> FIG. 2 shows an example of the hybrid hot water supply system 2 according to the first embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 2 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. This hybrid hot water supply system 2 includes a hot water storage unit 4, an HP unit 6, a gas water heater 8, a hybrid control unit 9, a remote control unit 10, and an information presentation unit 11. In this example, the hybrid control unit 9 is shown independently, but this hybrid control unit 9 may be installed together with the hot water storage control unit 13 in the hot water storage unit 4, or may be installed in the remote control unit 10.

[0021] The hot water storage unit 4 includes a hot water storage tank 12 and a hot water storage control unit 13. The hot water storage tank 12 receives the feed water W, stores the hot water HW heated by the HP unit 6, compensates for the insufficient heat quantity during hot water supply by heating with the gas water heater 8, and supplies hot water at the set temperature. The hot water storage tank 12 is an example of the hot water storage means. The feed water W is supplied to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 12 through the feed water pipe 14. The hot water HW is supplied from the hot water supply pipe 18 provided with an overpressure relief valve 16. The hot water storage control unit 13 controls the hot water supply from the hot water storage unit 4, calculates the insufficient heat quantity of the hot water supply at the set temperature, and provides control information including this insufficient heat quantity to the hybrid control unit 9.

[0022] The HP unit 6 is an example of the first hot water supply means. This HP unit 6 includes a heat medium circulation path 20, an air heat exchanger 22, a compressor 24, a heat medium heat exchanger 26, an expansion valve 28, and an HP control unit 30. The heat medium circulation path 20 circulates the heat medium HM which is the heating medium of the feed water W. The air heat exchanger 22 heats the heat medium HM by heat exchange with the heat of the air 32. The compressor 24 raises the temperature and pressure of the heat medium HM by compression. The heat medium heat exchanger 26 exchanges heat between the heat medium HM flowing in the heat medium circulation path 20 and the feed water W flowing in the first hot water storage circulation path 34, and heats the feed water W with the heat of the heat medium HM. The feed water W from the lower layer part of the hot water storage tank 12 flows from the hot water storage circulation path 34 into the heat medium heat exchanger 26, and the hot water HW is supplied from this heat medium heat exchanger 26 to the upper layer part of the hot water storage tank 12. The pressure of the heat medium HM expanded by heat exchange is regulated by the expansion valve 28. The HP control unit 30 has the boiling temperature Th set by the hybrid control unit 9, and heats the feed water W to this boiling temperature Th to make hot water HW.

[0023] The gas water heater 8 is an example of the second hot water supply means. This gas water heater 8 is connected to the second hot water storage circulation path 36, and includes a burner 38, a primary heat exchanger 40, a secondary heat exchanger 42, a hot water supply control unit 44, etc. The second hot water storage circulation path 36 takes out the hot water HW with a low temperature from the middle layer of the hot water storage tank 12, and the hot water HW with the insufficient heat quantity supplemented by heating is supplied to the upper layer of the hot water storage unit 4. The burner 38 is an example of a combustion means for the fuel gas G, and combustion exhaust gas EG is generated by the combustion of the fuel gas G. The secondary heat exchanger 42 mainly exchanges latent heat with the hot water HW from the downstream side of the combustion exhaust gas EG. The primary heat exchanger 40 receives the supply of the hot water HW that has passed through the secondary heat exchanger 42, and mainly exchanges sensible heat with the hot water HW from the upstream side of the combustion exhaust gas EG. The hot water supply control unit 44 receives control information from the hybrid control unit 9, heats the hot water HW from the hot water storage unit 4, and compensates for the insufficient heat quantity of the hot water supply at the set temperature.

[0024] Then, the hybrid control unit 9 executes the hybrid control described in FIG. 1, calculates the minimum value of the running cost RC using, for example, the hot water supply amount for one week as a parameter and a plurality of boiling temperatures Th, selects the boiling temperature Th from the running cost RC corresponding to this minimum value, provides this boiling temperature Th to the HP control unit 30, and automatically switches the boiling temperature Th of the HP unit 6. Regarding the selection of this boiling temperature Th, it is sufficient to use the minimum value of the running cost RC as a reference, but the running cost RC may be selected from values near this minimum value, and the boiling temperature Th may be selected from the running cost RC. The remote control unit 10 is used for remote instructions for various controls, such as setting the setting mode of the boiling temperature Th. The information presentation unit 11 is mounted on, for example, the remote control unit 10 and is used for presenting information such as the boiling temperature Th.

[0025] <Effects of the First Embodiment> According to this first embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained. (1) For the hot water supply for a fixed period of about one week, the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the minimum value of the running cost RC of the hybrid hot water supply system 2 is calculated with the boiling temperature Th of the HP unit 6 as a parameter, the boiling temperature Th corresponding to the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the minimum value of the running cost RC can be selected, and the boiling temperature Th of the HP unit 6 can be automatically switched, thereby reducing the running cost. (2) By simply setting the unit price of electricity or fuel gas, the operation period can be selected by obtaining temperature information. Therefore, the optimal boiling temperature can be automatically set from the minimum value or a value close to the minimum value of the running cost RC, eliminating the need for user effort and realizing a highly convenient system. (3) Through the coordinated operation of the HP unit 6 and the gas water heater 8, it is possible to contribute to reducing the capacity of the hot water storage tank 12 of the hot water storage unit 4 and make the system more compact. (4) Even when seasonal operating conditions and installation environments are different, errors in the running cost RC can be absorbed by calculating the minimum value or a value close to the minimum value of the running cost RC, so a highly convenient hybrid water supply system 2 can be provided.

[0026] [Second Embodiment] FIG. 3 shows the hybrid water supply system 2 according to the second embodiment. The configuration shown in FIG. 3 is an example, and the present invention is not limited to such a configuration. This hybrid water supply system 2 is composed of a hot water storage unit 4, an HP unit 6, a gas water heater 8, and a remote control unit 10 as independent devices.

[0027] <Hot water storage unit 4> FIG. 4 shows an example of the hot water storage unit 4. A water supply pipe 14 is connected to the bottom of the hot water storage tank 12, and water supply W such as tap water is supplied from this water supply pipe 14 to the lower layer side of the hot water storage tank 12. The temperature sensor 46-1 detects the water supply temperature. The temperature sensor 46-2 detects the temperature of the hot water HW flowing through the hot water outlet pipe 48. The temperature sensor 46-3 detects the upper layer temperature of the hot water storage tank 12, the temperature sensor 46-4 detects the middle layer temperature of the hot water storage tank 12, the temperature sensor 46-5 detects the middle layer temperature of the hot water storage tank 12, and the temperature sensor 46-6 detects the lower layer temperature of the hot water storage tank 12.

[0028] The mixing valve 50 is installed at the confluence point of the hot water outlet pipe 48 and the bypass pipe 52, mixes the hot water HW and the water supply W from the water supply side, and flows the mixed water into the hot water supply pipe 18. This mixing ratio is determined by the opening degrees on the bypass pipe 52 side and the hot water outlet pipe 48 side. The flow rate sensor 54 detects the presence or absence or the passing flow rate of only the water supply W from the bypass pipe 52, the mixed hot water of this water supply W and the hot water HW from the hot water outlet pipe 48, or only the hot water HW from the hot water outlet pipe 48. The temperature sensor 46-7 detects the temperature of the hot water HW passing through the hot water supply pipe 18.

[0029] The hot water storage circulation path 34 is a circulation path connected between the hot water storage tank 12 and the HP unit 6. This hot water storage circulation path 34 includes an outgoing pipe 34-1, a return pipe 34-2, and a bypass pipe 34-3. The outgoing pipe 34-1 is a pipe that guides the lower layer water of the hot water storage tank 12 to the HP unit 6 and is provided with a circulation pump 56 and a temperature sensor 46-8. The temperature sensor 46-8 detects the temperature of the water supply W flowing from the hot water storage tank 12 to the HP unit 6.

[0030] The return pipe 34-2 is a pipe that guides the hot water HW heated by the HP unit 6 to the upper layer of the hot water storage tank 12 and is provided with a temperature sensor 46-9 and a switching valve 58. The temperature sensor 46-9 detects the temperature of the hot water HW from the HP unit 6. When the temperature T9 of the temperature sensor 46-9 reaches the lower limit temperature, the switching valve 58 switches the flow direction of the hot water HW from the bypass pipe 34-3 to the return pipe 34-2.

[0031] The hot water storage circulation path 36 is a circulation path connected between the hot water storage tank 12 and the gas water heater 8. This hot water storage circulation path 36 includes an outgoing pipe 36-1, a return pipe 36-2, and a circulation pump 60. When heating the hot water HW in the hot water storage tank 12, the circulation pump 60 is driven. When the circulation pump 60 is driven, the middle layer water of the hot water storage tank 12 is taken out by the outgoing pipe 36-1 and circulated to the gas water heater 8, and after being heated by this gas water heater 8, it is returned to the upper layer part of the hot water storage tank 12 through the return pipe 36-2. A temperature sensor 46-10 for detecting the outside air temperature is installed in the hot water storage unit 4. The detected temperature of this temperature sensor 46-10 is used to determine the season corresponding to the operating period, such as whether the operating period is the frosting period, winter, intermediate period, summer, etc.

[0032] The hot water storage control unit 13 acquires the detected temperatures of each temperature sensor 46-1, 46-2, 46-3, 46-4, 46-5, 46-6, 46-7, 46-8, 46-9, 46-10 and the detected flow rate of the flow rate sensor 54, generates the switching control outputs of the mixing valve 50 and the switching valve 58, and the control outputs of the circulation pumps 56 and 60, and performs the hot water storage control of the hot water storage unit 4.

[0033] <HP unit 6> Figure 5 shows an example of the HP unit 6. As an example, this HP unit 6 includes a heat medium heat exchanger 26, an air heat exchanger 22, a compressor 24, an expansion valve 28, and a heat medium circulation path 20, and constitutes a 2 heat medium cycle. The heat medium heat exchanger 26 performs heat exchange between the feed water W on the hot water storage tank 12 side and the heat medium HM on the heat medium circulation path 20 side. The temperature sensor 46-11 detects the inlet temperature of the heat medium heat exchanger 26, and the temperature sensor 46-12 detects the outlet temperature thereof. The air heat exchanger 22 performs heat exchange between the atmosphere and the heat medium HM before compression circulating in the heat medium circulation path 20 by the rotation of the fan 62, and causes the heat medium HM to absorb heat. The compressor 24 compresses the heat medium by electricity. The temperature sensor 46-13 detects the temperature of the outside air taken into the HP unit 6. The temperature sensor 46-14 detects the outlet temperature of the air heat exchanger 22, and the temperature sensor 46-15 detects the outlet temperature of the compressor 24.

[0034] The HP unit 6 is always maintained in an operating state and supplements the hot water heat quantity of the hot water storage tank 12 in preparation for the hot water supply demand by single operation. When the lower layer water temperature of the hot water storage tank 12 reaches the upper limit temperature, the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 46-11 rises, so the operation of the HP unit 6 may be stopped.

[0035] <Gas water heater 8> FIG. 6 shows an example of the gas water heater 8. The hot water storage circulation path 36 connected between the gas water heater 8 and the hot water storage tank 12 includes a forward pipe 36-1 and a return pipe 36-2. A flow rate sensor 64 and a temperature sensor 46-16 are installed in the forward pipe 36-1, and a temperature sensor 46-17 is installed in the return pipe 36-2. The flow rate sensor 64 detects the flow rate of the middle layer water of the hot water storage tank 12 flowing into the gas water heater 8. The temperature sensor 46-16 detects the temperature of the middle layer water entering the gas water heater 8. The temperature sensor 46-17 detects the temperature of the hot water HW returned from the gas water heater 8 to the hot water storage tank 12. The gas water heater 8 may be provided with a bypass pipe that bypasses the secondary heat exchanger 42 and the primary heat exchanger 40 on the downstream side of the flow rate sensor 64 and the upstream side of the temperature sensor 46-17, and a mixing valve where the bypass pipe and the hot water storage circulation path merge.

[0036] <Remote control unit 10> A in FIG. 7 shows an example of the remote control unit 10. This remote control unit 10 is provided with an information display screen 66 of the information presentation unit 11, a hot water supply button 68, a hot water supply lamp 69, a constant boiling button 70, a constant boiling lamp 71, a scheduled operation button 72, a scheduled operation lamp 73, and an opening / closing lid 74 is installed. Operation information such as the boiling temperature, hot water supply temperature, and hybrid operation is presented on the information display screen 66. The hot water supply button 68 is operated to start or stop the hot water supply operation, and the hot water supply lamp 69 lights up during the hot water supply operation. The constant boiling button 70 is operated when constantly filling the hot water storage tank 12 with the hot water HW, and the constant boiling lamp 71 lights up during that operation. The scheduled operation button 72 is operated, for example, to set a schedule such as boiling the hot water HW according to business hours, and the scheduled operation lamp 73 lights up during the scheduled operation.

[0037] B in FIG. 7 shows the setting operation unit 76 of the remote control unit 10 with the opening / closing lid 74 opened. This setting operation unit 76 is provided with a boiling-up setting button 78, a rapid button 80, a business setting button 82, a pause setting button 84, a usage status confirmation button 86, a menu button 88, a hot water supply temperature setting button 90, a determination button 92, and a return button 94 for returning to the previous screen. The boiling-up setting button 78 is operated when setting the boiling-up temperature of the hot water HW stored in the hot water storage tank 12. Also, the boiling-up setting button 78 enables selection of the boiling-up temperature automatic switching mode. The rapid button 80 is operated during rapid operation, for example, when boiling up for hot water supply outside business hours. The business setting button 82 is used for time settings such as the business hours of the store. The pause setting button 84 is used for pause settings such as on holidays other than regular holidays. The usage status confirmation button 86 is operated to confirm the usage status. The menu button 88 is used for remote control settings. The hot water supply temperature setting button 90 is interlocked with the boiling-up setting button 78, the usage status confirmation button 86, the menu button 88, etc., and is operated to increase or decrease the set temperature and select various setting parameters. The determination button 92 is used to confirm the selected temperature or various setting parameters. By operating the return button 94, the selected temperature or various setting parameters are not confirmed and the screen returns to the previous one.

[0038] <Power consumption, gas consumption, and running cost of the hybrid hot water supply system 2> 1) Power consumption In the HP unit 6, functional parts such as the compressor 24 and the drive motor of the fan 62 are power loads, so power is consumed during the operation period. Therefore, for example, the running cost regarding the power consumption of the HP unit 6 alone for a certain period can be obtained by multiplying the power consumption during that period by the unit price of the electricity charge. Regarding other power consumption, in the hot water storage unit 4, functional components such as the mixing valve 50, circulation pumps 56 and 60, switching valve 58, and hot water storage control unit 13 are power loads, so they consume power during the operation period. In the gas water heater 8 as well, functional components such as the fuel switching mechanism of the burner 38 and the hot water supply control unit 44 are power loads, so they consume power during the operation period. Also, there is power consumption in the hybrid control unit 9 and the remote control unit 10. However, since these power consumptions are small values compared to the power consumption of the HP unit 6, they may be omitted when calculating the running cost RC of the hybrid hot water supply system 2.

[0039] 2) Gas consumption In the gas water heater 8, during the operation period of gas hot water supply, the burner 38 burns to consume the fuel gas G. Therefore, the running cost RC regarding the gas consumption of the gas water heater 8 for a certain period can be calculated by multiplying the gas consumption by the unit price.

[0040] <Hardware of the hybrid control unit 9> FIG. 8 shows the hardware of the hybrid control unit 9 and the relationship with the hot water storage control unit 13, the HP control unit 30, the hot water supply control unit 44, and the remote control unit 96. The hybrid control unit 9 includes a processor 98, a storage unit 100, and an input / output unit (I / O) 102. The processor 98 executes information processing by the OS (Operating System) in the storage unit 100. This information processing includes executing various programs such as a hot water supply control program, and various controls such as calculating the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the running cost, and determining the boiling temperature optimal for realizing this minimum value or a value in the vicinity. In addition to the OS, a hot water supply control program is stored in the storage unit 100, and it can be composed of storage elements such as ROM (Read-Only Memory), RAM (Random-Access Memory), and EEPROM (Electrically Erasable Programmable Read-Only Memory). Under the control of the processor 98, the I / O 102 exchanges information with the hot water storage control unit 13, the HP control unit 30, the hot water supply control unit 44, and the remote control unit 96.

[0041] Although not shown, the remote control unit 96 has computer functions such as a processor similar to the hybrid control unit 9, and presents various presentation information such as temperature information representing the boiling temperature sent from the hybrid control unit 9 to the information presentation unit 11. Since the configuration of the setting operation unit 76 has been described above, its description will be omitted. The hot water storage control unit 13 is connected to the aforementioned temperature sensors 46-1 to 46-10, the mixing valve 50, the flow rate sensor 54, the circulation pumps 56, 60, and the switching valve 58. The detection information of various sensors is transmitted to the hybrid control unit 9 through the hot water storage control unit 13. The hot water supply control unit 44 is connected to the aforementioned flow rate sensor 64 and temperature sensors 46-16, 46-17. Similarly, the detection information of various sensors is transmitted to the hybrid control unit 9 through the hot water supply control unit 44.

[0042] <Information Processing by Processor 98> The information processing of the processor 98 by executing the program includes a) Coordinated control of the hot water storage control unit 13, the HP control unit 30, the hot water supply control unit 44, and the remote control unit 96 b) Acquisition of hot water supply demand information c) Calculation of power consumption and gas consumption d) Setting of the boiling temperature e) Acquisition of efficiency information f) Acquisition of operation period information and determination of the operation period g) Calculation of the running cost RC h) Selection and automatic setting of the boiling temperature Th i) Generation of the operation information DB104 j) Presentation of operation information and the running cost RC etc.

[0043] <Operation Information DB104> Figure 9 shows an example of the operation information DB 104. In this operation information DB 104, an operation information file 106 is stored. In this operation information file 106, a date and time section 108, an operation period section 109, a calculation period section 110, a hot water storage unit section 112, an HP unit section 114, a gas water heater section 116, a hot water supply and demand ratio section 118, a running cost section 120, and a boiling temperature section 122 are set.

[0044] The date and time section 108 stores date and time information indicating the date and time such as the operation period. The operation period section 109 stores operation period information indicating operation periods such as the frosting period, winter period, intermediate period, and summer period. The operation period is set with seasons such as the frosting period, winter period, intermediate period, and summer period, for example. These seasons are determined and set by the hybrid control unit 9 from the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 46-10. The calculation period section 110 stores period information representing a calculation period such as one week as the calculation period of the running cost RC.

[0045] The hot water storage unit section 112 stores the operation information of the hot water storage unit 4. In this hot water storage unit section 112, a water supply temperature section 112-1, a hot water output section 112-2, and a hot water supply load section 112-3 are set. The water supply temperature section 112-1 stores temperature information representing the water supply temperature of the water supply W. The hot water output section 112-2 stores hot water output information indicating the hot water output of the hot water HW from the hot water storage unit 4. The hot water supply load section 112-3 stores load information indicating the hot water supply load on the hot water storage unit 4 such as the hot water supply temperature.

[0046] The HP unit section 114 stores the operation information of the HP unit 6. In this HP unit section 114, a COP section 114-1, an operation time section 114-2, a power consumption section 114-3, a unit price section 114-4, and a cost information section 114-5 are set. The COP unit 114-1 stores the COP information of the HP unit 6. The operation time unit 114-2 stores the time information representing the operation time of the HP unit 6. The power consumption unit 114-3 stores the power information representing the power consumption of the HP unit 6. The unit price part 114-4 stores the unit price information representing the unit price of the power consumption, for example, the unit price of the commercial AC power supply. The cost information unit 114-5 stores, for example, the cost information given by the product of the power consumption, the operation time, and the unit price.

[0047] The gas water heater unit 116 stores the operation information of the gas water heater 8. The gas water heater unit 116 is set with an operation time unit 116-1, a gas consumption unit 116-2, a unit price unit 116-3, and a cost information unit 116-4. The operation time unit 116-1 stores the time information representing the operation time of the gas water heater 8. The gas consumption unit 116-2 stores the gas consumption information representing the gas consumption from the gas water heater 8 during the operation time of the gas water heater 8. The unit price unit 116-3 stores the unit price information representing the unit price of the gas consumption, for example, the unit price of LP gas or city gas. The cost information unit 116-4 stores, for example, the cost information given by the product of the gas consumption and the unit price.

[0048] The hot water supply demand ratio unit 118 stores the ratio information representing the hot water supply demand ratio of the HP unit 6 and the gas water heater 8 as the burden distribution for the hot water supply demand. The hot water supply demand ratio unit 118 is set with an HP unit part 118-1 and a gas water heater part 118-2. The HP unit part 118-1 stores the ratio information representing the demand supply amount borne by the HP unit 6 for the hot water supply demand. The gas water heater part 118-2 stores the ratio information representing the demand supply amount borne by the gas water heater 8 for the hot water supply demand. The demand supply amount of the gas water heater part 118-2 includes the supplementary information of the insufficient heat amount of the hot water storage unit 4 with respect to the hot water supply temperature.

[0049] The running cost unit 120 stores the cost information representing the running cost. The running cost unit 120 is set with a boiling temperature unit 120-1 and a minimum value unit 120-2. Parameter information for calculating the running cost RC is stored in the boiling temperature section 120-1. In this boiling temperature section 120-1, a 65°C section 120-11, a 75°C section 120-12, an 85°C section 120-13, and a hot water supply temperature linkage section 120-14 are set.

[0050] Cost information representing the running cost when using 65°C as a parameter is stored in the 65°C section 120-11. Cost information representing the running cost when using 75°C as a parameter is stored in the 75°C section 120-12. Cost information representing the running cost when using 85°C as a parameter is stored in the 85°C section 120-13. Also, cost information representing the running cost when using the hot water supply temperature linkage value as a parameter is stored in the hot water supply temperature linkage section 120-14.

[0051] Cost information representing the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the minimum value of the running cost RC, along with temperature information representing the boiling temperature Th corresponding to this cost information, is stored in the minimum value section 120-2. And temperature information representing the optimal boiling temperature Th corresponding to the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the minimum value of the running cost RC is stored in the boiling temperature section 122.

[0052] <Hot water supply control> Figure 10 shows the hot water supply control of the hybrid hot water supply system 2. The hot water supply control of this hybrid hot water supply system 2 includes setting the boiling temperature Th (S201), boiling the hot water HW by the HP unit 6 (S202), storing hot water by the hot water storage unit 4 (S203), hot water supply request (S204), determination of hot water discharge at the set temperature (S205), calculation of the insufficient heat quantity (S206), heating the hot water by the gas water heater 8 (S207), determination of hot water discharge at the set temperature (S208), hot water discharge at the set temperature (S209), etc.

[0053] Setting of the boiling temperature Th (S201): In the hybrid control unit 9, boiling temperatures such as boiling temperature Th = 65°C, 75°C, 85°C and hot water supply temperature linkage are set. Note that this boiling temperature Th can also be set by the user from the setting operation unit 76 of the remote control unit 10. Boiling of hot water HW by the HP unit 6 (S202): The hybrid control unit 9 receives the "ON" input of the hot water supply button 68 of the remote control unit 10 and shifts to the operating state. As a result, the HP control unit 30 of the HP unit 6 receives the start of operation, and the boiling of the hot water HW by the HP unit 6 is started. Hot water storage by the hot water storage unit 4 (S203): The hot water storage unit 4 performs hot water storage of the hot water HW based on the boiling by the HP unit 6.

[0054] Hot water supply request (S204): When the hot water storage unit 4 receives a hot water supply request due to the occurrence of hot water supply demand, the hot water HW of the hot water storage unit 4 is supplied to the hot water supply demand location. Determination of hot water discharge at the set temperature (S205): The hybrid control unit 9 determines whether hot water supply at the set temperature is possible from the heat storage information of the hot water storage unit 4 with the hot water supply request as an opportunity. If hot water supply at the set temperature is possible (YES in S205), hot water discharge at the set temperature (S209) is executed.

[0055] Calculation of insufficient heat quantity (S206): If hot water discharge at the set temperature is not possible (NO in S205), the hot water storage control unit 13 calculates the insufficient heat quantity and provides control information for supplementing the insufficient heat quantity to the hybrid control unit 9. Hot water heating by the gas water heater 8 (S207): As control for supplementing the insufficient heat quantity, the hybrid control unit 9 drives the circulation pump 60. By driving this circulation pump 60, intermediate layer water is supplied from the hot water storage tank 12 to the gas water heater 8 through the forward pipe 36-1 of the circulation path 36. This water supply becomes a hot water supply request, and the gas water heater 8 starts hot water supply. That is, due to this hot water supply request, the burner 38 ignites and shifts to the operating state. As a result, the intermediate layer water is heated to high-temperature hot water HW and returned to the upper layer part of the hot water storage tank 12 through the return pipe 36-2.

[0056] Hot water supply determination at the set temperature (S208): The hybrid control unit 9 determines whether hot water supply at the set temperature is possible from the heat storage information of the hot water storage unit 4. If hot water supply at the set temperature is possible (YES in S208), hot water supply at the set temperature (S209) is executed. If hot water supply at the set temperature is not possible (NO in S208), calculation of the insufficient heat quantity (S206) and hot water heating by the gas water heater 8 (S207) are executed again. Hot water supply at the set temperature (S209): With such control, hot water supply at the set temperature can be obtained from the hybrid hot water supply system 2.

[0057] <Calculation of running cost RC and automatic switching of boiling temperature> FIG. 11 shows the calculation of the running cost RC and the automatic switching control of the boiling temperature of the hybrid hot water supply system 2. The calculation of the running cost RC and the automatic switching control of the boiling temperature of the hybrid hot water supply system 2 include determination of the calculation period (S301), setting of the boiling temperature Th (S302), calculation of the power consumption of the HP unit 6 (S303), calculation of the gas consumption of the gas water heater 8 (S304), calculation of the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the running cost RC (S305), selection of the boiling temperature Th (S306), automatic switching of the boiling temperature Th (S307), etc.

[0058] Determination of the calculation period (S301): The hybrid control unit 9 determines the calculation period. This calculation period is, for example, one week. If it is one week, the seven days between the same days of the week are the calculation period. In this example, the hybrid control unit 9 is determining the elapse of one week. Setting of the boiling temperature Th (S302): The hybrid control unit 9 sets a plurality of boiling temperatures Th. As described above, the hybrid control unit 9 sets a plurality of boiling temperatures Th as parameters for calculating a plurality of running costs RC.

[0059] Calculation of power consumption of the HP unit 6 (S303): The hybrid control unit 9 calculates the power consumption of the HP unit 6 during the calculation period using a plurality of boiling temperatures Th as parameters. Calculation of gas consumption of the gas water heater 8 (S304): The hybrid control unit 9 calculates the gas consumption that satisfies the hot water supply demand during the operation period of the gas water heater 8. Calculation of the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the running cost RC (S305): The hybrid control unit 9 calculates the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the running cost RC using the power consumption and gas consumption corresponding to a plurality of boiling temperatures Th.

[0060] Selection of the boiling temperature Th (S306): The hybrid control unit 9 selects the boiling temperature Th corresponding to the minimum value or a value in the vicinity of the running cost RC from a plurality of boiling temperatures Th. Automatic switching of the boiling temperature Th (S307): If the selected boiling temperature Th is different from the boiling temperature Th currently set in the HP unit 6, the hybrid control unit 9 switches to the latest boiling temperature Th. That is, automatic switching of the boiling temperature Th is executed without user operation.

[0061] <Presentation of information> FIG. 12 shows information presentation by the information presentation screen 66 of the remote control unit 10. This information presentation includes a usage status confirmation menu screen 124 (A in FIG. 12), a hot water menu screen 126 (B in FIG. 12), a period selection menu screen 128 (C in FIG. 12), a usage amount presentation screen 130 (D in FIG. 12), a usage amount presentation screen 132 (E in FIG. 12), and a usage amount presentation screen 134 (F in FIG. 12). On the usage status confirmation menu screen 124, as shown in A of FIG. 12, it is possible to select the upper tank temperature, hot water, and electricity, and the usage status in the selected item can be confirmed. In this example, hot water is selected. On the hot water menu screen 126, as shown in B of FIG. 12, it is possible to select the usage amount and graph (usage amount trend), and the selected item is displayed.

[0062] On the period selection menu screen 128, as shown in C of FIG. 12, it is possible to select data for one day, one week, one month, or one year. On the usage display screens 130 and 132, as shown in D and E of FIG. 12, the hot water usage for a specific month is displayed. On the usage display screen 134, as shown in F of FIG. 12, the hot water usage for the same month of the previous year is displayed.

[0063] FIG. 13 shows the presentation of usage information on the information presentation screen 66 of the remote control unit 10. This information presentation includes a usage trend screen 136 (A of FIG. 13) and a usage trend screen 138 (B of FIG. 13). On the usage trend screen 136, as shown in A of FIG. 13, as an example, a graph display showing the trend of hot water usage in the second week (this week) of a specific month is presented. On the usage trend screen 138, as shown in B of FIG. 13, as an example, a graph display showing the trend of hot water usage in the first week (last week) of a specific month is presented.

[0064] <Effects of the Second Embodiment> According to this second embodiment, any of the following effects can be obtained. (1) The same effects as those of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the running cost RC and the boiling temperature Th can be easily confirmed on the information presentation screen 66 of the information presentation unit 11. (2) Since the relationship between the selection of the boiling temperature Th and the running cost RC can be clarified, the user can be convinced of the running cost RC and the boiling temperature Th, and a highly convenient hybrid water supply system 2 can be realized. (3) If the running cost RC and the boiling temperature Th are presented on the information presentation unit 11, a highly convenient system can be configured.

Example

[0065] <Simulation of the Running Cost RC of the Hybrid Water Supply System 2> Figure 14 shows the simulation procedure for the running cost RC. This simulation is performed using a computer capable of simulation mounted on the hybrid control unit 9. The computer calculates the estimated result of the day by 0:00 and determines the boiling temperature. This procedure includes simulations for each time period (S401), calculation of the heat storage amount (S402), simulation with the boiling temperature Th = 65°C (S403), simulation with the boiling temperature Th = 85°C (S404), determination of the boiling temperature Th (S405), etc.

[0066] Simulation for each time period (S401): Estimate for each time period from the hot water supply load data of the same day of the previous week. First, estimate the 0 o'clock period. The hot water supply load data may use not only the data of the previous week but also the average value of the data of the same day of the past. Calculation of the heat storage amount (S402): The heat storage amount of the hot water storage tank 12 is calculated from the detected temperatures of the temperature sensors 46-3, 46-4, 46-5, 46-6 and the most recent water temperature. The most recent water temperature may be the detected temperature (stored value) of the temperature sensor 46-1 at the time of the previous water flow, or the average value of the most recent water temperatures of the previous day may be used. Regarding this detected temperature, instead of the most recent water temperature, the water supply temperature corresponding to the operating period (frost period, winter period, intermediate period, summer period) determined by the detected temperature of the temperature sensor 46-10 that detects the outside air temperature may be used using the setting condition table 140 (Figure 15 or Figure 16).

[0067] Simulation with the boiling temperature Th = 65°C (S403): Perform a simulation for the case where the boiling temperature Th = 65°C. Simulation with the boiling temperature Th = 85°C (S404): Perform a simulation for the case where the boiling temperature Th = 85°C. Determination of the boiling temperature Th (S405): Compare the running cost RC with the boiling temperature Th = 65°C and the running cost RC with the boiling temperature Th = 85°C, and determine the boiling temperature Th with the lower running cost RC.

[0068] On the simulation due date, when the average outside air temperature = 20°C, it is determined as the intermediate period. The tank heat storage amount is 4,320 kcal {=(tank temperature 65°C - recent water temperature 17°C) × tank volume 90 L)}.

[0069] <Simulation (S405) with boiling temperature Th = 65°C> First, perform the simulation for the 0 o'clock period. In this simulation, the hot water supply load is treated as being evenly utilized during the 0 o'clock period. Since the hot water supply load during the 0 o'clock period is 18,750 kcal and the initial heat storage amount of the hot water storage tank 12 is 4,320 kcal, the insufficient heat amount during the 0 o'clock period is 18,750 kcal - 4,320 kcal = 14,430 kcal The heat storage capacity of the HP unit 6 with a boiling temperature Th = 65°C during the intermediate period is 4,567 kca1 obtained by multiplying the capacity (specification value) of the HP unit 5,074 kcal by the heat storage efficiency of 0.90. Therefore, 14,430 kcal / 4,567 kca1 = 3.16 hours (required operating time of the HP unit 6) Therefore, the operating time of the HP unit 6 during the 0 o'clock period is 1 hour (60 minutes) The heating amount by the HP unit 6 is 4,567 kcal × 1 hour: F = 4,567 kcal (heating amount by the HP unit 6 during the 0 o'clock period). In this case, the insufficient heat amount is supplemented by the heating of the gas water heater 8. 14,430 - 4,567 kcal = 9,863 kcal (heating amount by the gas water heater 8)

[0070] The gas consumption is 9,863 kcal / 83.7% (thermal efficiency of the gas water heater 8) = 11,784 kcal (gas consumption) The power consumption of the HP unit 6 is obtained by dividing the capacity (specification value) 5.9 kw by the COP 4.4 and multiplying by the HP operating time of 60 minutes, which is 1.341 kWh (power consumption of the HP unit 6 with boiling temperature Th = 65°C) The simulation for the 0 o'clock period ends. Since all the initial tank heat storage amount and the heating amount by the HP unit 6 during the 0 o'clock period are utilized, the tank heat storage amount is 0 kcal.

[0071] Next, perform the simulation for the 1 o'clock hour. In this simulation, assume that the hot water supply load is evenly utilized during the 1 o'clock hour. Since the hot water supply load at the 0 o'clock hour is 0 kcal and the initial heat storage amount in the hot water storage tank 12 is 0 kcal, the insufficient heat amount at the 0 o'clock hour is 0 kcal During the intermediate period, the heat storage capacity of the HP unit 6 with a boiling temperature Th = 65°C is 4,567 kcal. Therefore, there is no insufficient heat amount at the 1 o'clock hour, but heat can be stored in the hot water storage tank 12: (65°C setting - 17°C) × 90 L = 4,320 kcal (heat storage capacity) Therefore, the operable time of the HP unit 6 is 4,320 kcal:L / 4,567 kcal:D = 0.95 hours (57 minutes)

[0072] The operating time of the HP unit 6 at the 1 o'clock hour is 0.95 hours (57 minutes) The heating amount of the HP unit 6 at the 1 o'clock hour is 4,567 kcal:D × 0.95 hours = 4,320 kcal The heating amount by the gas water heater 8 is 0 kcal because there is no insufficient heat amount The gas consumption is 0 kcal:H / 83.7% (thermal efficiency of the gas water heater 8) = 0 kcal The power consumption of the HP unit 6 is obtained by dividing the capacity (specification value) of 5.9 kw by the COP of 4.4 and then multiplying by the HP operating time of 57 minutes, which is 1,286 kWh:K (power consumption of the HP unit 6 at a boiling temperature Th = 65°C) The trial calculation for the 1 o'clock hour ends above. The tank heat storage amount (full amount) is 4,320 kcal

[0073] Perform the same calculation until the 23 o'clock hour. Calculate the total 24-hour power consumption of the HP unit 6 and the total 24-hour gas consumption heat amount. Gas consumption heat amount / Gas heat amount (kcal / m 3 ) = Gas usage amount (m 3 ) Using the above results, calculate the running cost RC based on the preset electricity rate and gas rate.

[0074] <Simulation with a boiling temperature Th = 85°C (S405)> First, in the simulation at around 0 o'clock, the hot water supply load is assumed to be evenly utilized at around 0 o'clock. Since the hot water supply load at around 0 o'clock is 18,750 kcal and the initial heat storage amount of the hot water storage tank 12 is 4,320 kcal, the insufficient heat amount at around 0 o'clock is 18,750 kcal - 4,320 kcal = 14,430 kcal Since the heat storage capacity of the HP unit 6 during the intermediate period at a boiling temperature Th = 85°C is 4,567 kcal, 14,430 kcal / 4,567 kcal = 3.16 hours (required operating time of the HP unit 6)

[0075] The operating time of the HP unit 6 at around 0 o'clock is 1 hour (60 minutes) The heating amount by the HP unit 6 at around 0 o'clock is 4,567 kcal × 1 hour = 4,567 kcal The insufficient heat amount is heated by the gas water heater 8. 14,430 - 4,567 kcal = 9,863 kcal (heating amount by the gas water heater 8) 9,863 kcal / 83.7% (thermal efficiency of the gas water heater 8) = 11,784 kcal (gas consumption) The power consumption of the HP unit 6 is obtained by dividing the capacity (specification value) of 5.9 kw by the COP of 3.4 and multiplying by the HP operating time of 60 minutes, which is 1.735 kWh (power consumption of the HP unit 6 at a boiling temperature Th = 85°C)

[0076] The simulation at around 0 o'clock ends above. The heat storage amount of the hot water storage tank 12 = 0 kcal Next, in the simulation at around 1 o'clock, the hot water supply load is assumed to be evenly utilized at around 1 o'clock. Since the hot water supply load at around 0 o'clock is 0 kcal and the initial heat storage amount of the hot water storage tank 12 is 0 kcal, the insufficient heat amount at around 0 o'clock is 0 kcal Since the heat storage capacity of the HP unit 6 during the intermediate period at a boiling temperature Th = 85°C is 4,567 kcal, there is no insufficient heat amount at around 1 o'clock, but heat can be stored in the hot water storage tank 12. (85°C setting - 17°C) × 90 L = 6,120 kcal (heat storage capacity) 6,120 kcal / 4,567 kcal = 1.34 hours (required operating time of the HP unit 6)

[0077] The operating time of the HP unit 6 in the 1 o'clock period is 1 hour (60 minutes). The heating amount of the HP unit 6 is 4,567 kcal × 1 hour = 4,567 kcal (the heating amount of the HP unit 6 in the 1 o'clock period). Since there is no shortage of heating amount, it is 0 kcal (the heating amount of the gas water heater 8). The gas consumption is 0 kcal / 83.7% (the thermal efficiency of the gas water heater 8) = 0 kcal The power consumption of the HP unit 6 is obtained by dividing the capacity (specification value) of 5.9 kw by the COP of 3.4 and multiplying by the HP operating time of 60 minutes, which is 1.735 kWh (the power consumption when the boiling temperature Th of the HP unit 6 is 85°C). The trial calculation for the 1 o'clock period is completed above. The tank heat storage amount is 4,644 kcal

[0078] Next, the same calculations are performed until the 23 o'clock period. Adjust the values for the 0 o'clock period so that the heat storage amount of the storage tank 12 at the end of the 23 o'clock period is the same as the heat storage amount of the storage tank 12 at the beginning of the 0 o'clock period. Calculate the running cost RC based on the preset electricity rate and gas rate according to the 24-hour total power consumption of the HP unit 6 and the 24-hour total gas consumption heat of the gas water heater 8. However, gas consumption heat / gas heat (kcal / m 3 ) = gas usage (m 3 )

[0079] Figure 15 shows the setting condition table 140 (A in Figure 15), the HP unit specification table 142 (B in Figure 15), and the HP unit specification table 144 (C in Figure 15) for the setting of the boiling temperature Th = 65°C. As shown in A of Figure 15, the setting condition table 140 shows the relationship between the annual month, the feed water temperature, and the operating period. As shown in B of Figure 15, the HP unit specification table 142 stores the specifications of the HP unit 6 for the intermediate period, summer period, winter period, and frosting period regarding capacity (kW), capacity (kcal), COP, and power consumption (kW).

[0080] Figure 16 shows the simulation result table 146 with the boiling temperature set at 65°C. In this simulation result table 146, with the maximum heat storage capacity and the capacity of the HP unit 6 as parameters, from the hot water supply amount in each time period, the hot water supply demand ratio, hot water supply load, target heat storage amount at the end (heat storage capacity), start of heat storage amount (initial heat storage amount), end of heat storage amount, HP unit operation time, HP unit power consumption, heat storage amount by the HP unit, minimum heat storage amount, gas water heater operation, and gas water heater calculated output are calculated.

[0081] Figure 17 shows the setting condition table 148 (A in Figure 17), the HP unit specification table 150 (B in Figure 17), and the HP unit specification table 152 (C in Figure 17) for the setting where the boiling temperature Th = 85°C. As shown in A of Figure 17, the setting condition table 148 shows the relationship between the annual month, water supply temperature, and operation period. As shown in B of Figure 17, the HP unit specification table 150 stores the specifications of the HP unit 6 for the intermediate period, summer, winter, and frosting period regarding capacity (kW), capacity (kcal), COP, and power consumption (kW). And as shown in C of Figure 17, the HP unit specification table 152 shows the specifications of the HP unit 6 set in the case where May is the intermediate period.

[0082] Figure 18 shows the simulation result table 154 with the boiling temperature set at 85°C. In this simulation result table 154, with the maximum heat storage capacity and the capacity of the HP unit 6 as parameters, from the hot water supply amount in each time period, the hot water supply demand ratio, hot water supply load, target heat storage amount at the end (heat storage capacity), start of heat storage amount (initial heat storage amount), end of heat storage amount, HP unit operation time, HP unit power consumption, heat storage amount by the HP unit, minimum heat storage amount, gas water heater operation, and gas water heater calculated output are calculated.

[0083] <Relationship between boiling temperature setting and hot water supply temperature setting (standard)> FIG. 19 shows the boiling temperatures of the HP unit 6 and the gas water heater 8 for the boiling temperature setting and the hot water supply temperature setting selected by the remote control unit 10, and shows the boiling temperature table 156 (A in FIG. 19) of the HP unit 6 and the gas water heater 8 for the boiling temperature setting and the hot water supply temperature setting when the hot water supply temperature range = standard, and the boiling temperature table 158 (B in FIG. 19) of the HP unit 6 and the gas water heater 8 for the boiling temperature setting and the hot water supply temperature setting when the hot water supply temperature range = high temperature. Regarding the boiling temperature Th = 65 ° C, 75 ° C, 85 ° C at the remote control unit 10 and the hot water supply temperature interlock, the setting of the hot water supply temperature and the setting of the boiling temperature Th can be performed according to whether the hot water supply temperature range is standard or high temperature.

[0084] <Effect of the embodiment> It has been confirmed that the cost reduction of the hybrid hot water supply system 2 of the present disclosure is achieved by the above embodiment.

[0085] 〔Other embodiments〕 (1) In the above embodiment, the HP unit 6 is used as the first hot water supply means, but an electric heat source other than the HP unit 6 may be used. (2) In the above embodiment, the gas water heater 8 is provided with the secondary heat exchanger 42, but the configuration may be only the primary heat exchanger 40. (3) As the water supply temperature or the specification value of the HP unit 6 in the seasonal period, values obtained from the linear approximation of the water supply temperature and the specification value of the HP unit 6 set in each season may be used.

[0086] As described above, the most preferred embodiments of the technology of the present invention have been described. The present invention is not limited to the above description. Based on the gist of the invention described in the claims or disclosed in the form for carrying out the invention, various modifications and changes can be made by those skilled in the art. Needless to say, such modifications and changes are included in the scope of the present invention.

Industrial applicability

[0087] According to the hybrid water heating system of the present disclosure, it is possible to obtain the boiling temperature that minimizes the running cost and automatically switch to this boiling temperature, thereby constructing a highly convenient hybrid water heating system.

Description of Reference Numerals

[0088] 2 Hybrid water heating system 4 Hot water storage unit 6 HP unit 8 Gas water heater 9 Hybrid control unit 10 Remote control unit 11 Information display unit 12 Hot water storage tank 13 Hot water storage control unit 14 Water supply pipe 16 Overpressure relief valve 18 Hot water supply pipe 20 Heat medium circulation path 22 Air heat exchanger 24 Compressor 26 Heat medium heat exchanger 28 Expansion valve 30 HP control unit 32 Air 34 First hot water storage circulation path 34-1 Forward pipe 34-2 Return pipe 34-3 Bypass pipe 36 Second hot water storage circulation path 36-1 Forward pipe 36-2 Return pipe 38 Burner 40 Primary heat exchanger 42 Secondary heat exchanger 44 Hot water supply control unit 46-1, 46-2, 46-3, 46-4, 46-5, 46-6, 46-7, 46-8, 46-9, 46-10, 46-11, 46-12, 46-13, 46-14, 46-15, 46-16, 46-17 Temperature sensor 48 Hot water outlet pipe 50 Mixing valve 52 Bypass pipe 54 Flow sensor 56 Circulation pump 58 Changeover valve 60 Circulation pump 62 Fan 64 Flow sensor 66 Information display screen 68 Hot water supply button 69 Hot water supply lamp 70 Constant boiling button 71 Constant boiling lamp 72 Schedule operation button 73 Schedule operation lamp 74 Open / close lid 76 Setting operation unit 78 Boiling setting button 80 Quick button 82 Business setting button 84 Rest setting button 86 Usage status check button 88 Menu button 90 Hot water supply temperature setting button 92 Decision button 94 Return button 96 Remote control unit 98 Processor 100 Memory unit 102 Input / output unit (I / O) 104 Operation information DB 106 Operation information file 108 Date and time unit 109 Operation period unit 110 Calculation period unit 112 Hot water storage unit 112-1 Feed water temperature unit 112-2 Hot water output unit 112-3 Hot water supply load unit 114 HP unit 114-1 COP unit 114-2 Operation time unit 114-3 Power consumption unit 114-4 Charge unit price unit 114-5 Cost information unit 116 Gas water heater unit 116-1 Operation time unit 116-2 Consumption Gas Quantity Section 116-3 Charge Unit Price Section 116-4 Cost Information Section 118 Hot Water Supply and Demand Ratio Section 120 Running Cost Section 122 Boiling Temperature Section 124 Usage Status Menu Screen 126 Hot Water Menu Screen 128 Period Selection Menu Screen 130, 132, 134 Usage Quantity Display Screen 136, 138 Usage Quantity Trend Screen 140 Setting Condition Table 142, 144 HP Unit Specification Table 146 Simulation Result Table 148 Setting Condition Table 150, 152 HP Unit Specification Table 154 Simulation Result Table 156, 158 Boiling Temperature Setting and Hot Water Supply Temperature Setting Table

Claims

1. A step of boiling the underlayer water taken out from the hot water storage unit to a predetermined boiling temperature by a first hot water supply means and storing the hot water in the hot water storage unit; calculating a heat deficit required for hot water supply at a set temperature, and boiling the middle layer water of the hot water storage unit to a predetermined temperature by a second hot water supply means in accordance with the hot water supply request and the heat deficit, and storing the hot water in the hot water storage unit; A step in which a control unit determines whether to acquire any one or more of efficiency information, unit price information, and hot water demand information of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means; The control unit determines an operating period from the detected temperature by using table information in which threshold values ​​are set for at least the frosting period, winter, summer, and intermediate period between winter and summer as different operating periods for the detected temperature of the temperature sensor; The control unit acquires the amount of power consumption and the amount of gas consumption generated during hot water supply for a certain period of time; The control unit calculates a plurality of running costs using the power consumption amount and the gas consumption amount during the certain period with the heating temperature as a parameter; The control unit selects a minimum value or a value close to the minimum value from a plurality of running costs; A step of changing the heating temperature of the hot water of the first hot water supply means to a heating temperature corresponding to the minimum value or the vicinity value of the running cost by the control unit; A hot water supply control method comprising:

2. The hot water supply control method of claim 1, further characterized in that the control unit uses any one or more of the efficiency, unit price, hot water supply amount, and operating period of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means as variable factors in calculating the minimum value or the vicinity value of the running cost.

3. Furthermore, the control unit generates presentation information including at least one or more of the hot water supply temperature, the heating temperature, and the running cost; An information presenting unit presents the presented information; The hot water supply control method according to claim 1 or 2, comprising:

4. A program for execution by a computer, A function of boiling the sublayer water taken out from the hot water storage unit to a predetermined boiling temperature by a first hot water supply means and storing the boiling water in the hot water storage unit; a function of calculating a heat deficit required for hot water supply at a set temperature, and heating the intermediate layer water of the hot water storage unit to a predetermined temperature by a second hot water supply means in response to the hot water supply request and the heat deficit, and storing the hot water in the hot water storage unit; A function of determining whether to acquire any one or more of efficiency information, unit price information, and hot water demand information of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means; A function of determining an operating period from a detected temperature by using table information in which threshold values ​​are set for at least the frost period, winter, summer, and intermediate periods between winter and summer as different operating periods for the detected temperature of the temperature sensor; and A function to obtain the amount of electricity and gas consumed during a certain period of hot water supply, A function of calculating a plurality of running costs using the heating temperature as a parameter and the power consumption amount and the gas consumption amount during the certain period; A function to select the minimum or a value close to the minimum value from multiple running costs; a function of changing the heating temperature of the hot water of the first hot water supply means to a heating temperature corresponding to the minimum value or the value close to the minimum value of the running cost; A program for executing the above by the computer.

5. The program described in claim 4 further causes the computer to execute a function of using any one or more of the efficiency, unit price, hot water supply amount, and operating period of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means as variable factors in calculating the minimum value or the vicinity value of the running cost.

6. Further, a function of generating presentation information including at least one of the hot water supply temperature, the heating temperature, and the running cost, or two or more of the hot water supply temperature, the heating temperature, and the running cost; A function of causing an information presentation unit to present the presentation information; 6. The program according to claim 4 or 5, for causing the computer to execute the steps.

7. A hot water storage unit that supplies hot water according to the water supply; a first hot water supply means for extracting sublayer water from the hot water storage unit, boiling the water to a predetermined boiling temperature, and storing the hot water in the hot water storage unit; a second hot water supply means for calculating a heat deficit required for supplying hot water at a set temperature, and for boiling intermediate layer water taken out of the hot water storage unit in response to a hot water supply request and the heat deficit by combustion of a fuel gas, and storing the boiled water in the hot water storage unit; a control unit which determines whether to obtain any one or more of efficiency information, unit price information, and hot water demand information of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means, determines an operating period from the detected temperature using table information in which at least frosting season, winter, summer, and intermediate periods between winter and summer are set as different operating periods, obtains the amount of power consumption and the amount of consumed gas generated in hot water supply for a certain period, calculates multiple running costs using the power consumption and the amount of consumed gas for the certain period with the heating temperature as a parameter, selects a minimum value or a value close to the minimum value from the multiple running costs, and changes the heating temperature of the hot water of the first hot water supply means to a heating temperature corresponding to the minimum value or the value close to the minimum value of the running cost; A hybrid hot water system comprising:

8. The hybrid hot water supply system of claim 7, further characterized in that the control unit uses any one or more of the efficiency, unit price, hot water supply amount, and operating period of the first hot water supply means or the second hot water supply means as variable factors in calculating the minimum value or the vicinity value of the running cost.

9. The hybrid hot water supply system of claim 7 or claim 8 further comprises an information presentation unit, wherein the control unit generates presentation information including at least one or more of the hot water temperature, the boiling temperature, and the running cost, and causes the information presentation unit to present the presentation information.

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