Air conditioning and hot water supply system, and collective air conditioning and hot water supply system

Abstract

One embodiment of this air-conditioning / hot-water-supply system comprises heat supply equipment for supplying heat, and a plurality of air-conditioning / hot-water-supply equipment for receiving heat from the heat supply equipment, the heat supply equipment being provided with a first circulation circuit for circulating a first heat medium, and the air-conditioning / hot-water-supply equipment being provided with a second circulation circuit for circulating a second heat medium, a branch pipeline connected to the first circulation circuit, a heat pump for moving heat from the branch pipeline to the second circulation circuit, and a pressure-adjusting mechanism for adjusting the pressure of the first heat medium flowing through the interior of the branch pipeline to a prescribed pressure, the pressure-adjusting mechanism being provided to the branch pipeline.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to an air-conditioning and hot water supply system and a centralized air-conditioning and hot water supply system.

Background Art

[0002] For example, Patent Document 1 describes a heat pump water heater and a heat pump water heater system that raise the temperature by compressing a heat medium that has received heat with a compressor and supply hot water by giving heat to city water in a heat exchanger.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the heat pump water heater system as described above, a heat medium that has received waste heat from a data center or the like is circulated to supply heat to each heat pump water heater. However, since pipe resistance acts in the pipe through which the heat medium circulates, the pressure of the heat medium in the pipe decreases as the distance from the pump that pumps the heat medium increases. Then, the heat pump water heater far from the pump may have a smaller flow rate of the heat medium supplied thereto than the heat pump water heater close to the pump, and the heat pump capacity may decrease.

[0005] In view of the above circumstances, an object of the present disclosure is to provide an air-conditioning and hot water supply system and a centralized air-conditioning and hot water supply system that can make the heat pump capacity substantially constant regardless of the installation position of the air-conditioning and hot water supply equipment.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] One aspect of the air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to the present disclosure includes a heat supply facility that supplies heat, and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply facilities that receive heat from the heat supply facility. The heat supply facility includes a first circulation circuit that circulates a first heat medium. The air-conditioning and hot water supply facility includes a second circulation circuit that circulates a second heat medium, a branch pipe connected to the first circulation circuit, a heat pump that transfers heat from the branch pipe to the second circulation circuit, and a pressure adjustment mechanism provided in the branch pipe that adjusts the pressure of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipe to a predetermined pressure. Furthermore, the air-conditioning and hot-water supply equipment is provided on the downstream side of the pressure adjustment mechanism in the branch pipeline, and includes a flow rate adjustment mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline, and a control device for controlling the flow rate adjustment mechanism. The higher the temperature of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger of the heat pump, the lower the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline, and the lower the temperature of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger of the heat pump, the higher the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline. 。 Moreover, one aspect of the air-conditioning and hot-water supply system according to the present disclosure includes a heat supply facility for supplying heat, and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot-water supply facilities for receiving heat from the heat supply facility. The heat supply facility includes a first circulation circuit for circulating a first heat medium. The air-conditioning and hot-water supply equipment includes a second circulation circuit for circulating a second heat medium, a branch pipeline connected to the first circulation circuit, a heat pump for transferring heat from the branch pipeline to the second circulation circuit, and a pressure adjustment mechanism provided in the branch pipeline for adjusting the pressure of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline to a predetermined pressure. The air-conditioning and hot-water supply equipment is provided on the downstream side of the pressure adjustment mechanism in the branch pipeline, and includes a flow rate adjustment mechanism for adjusting the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline, and a control device for controlling the flow rate adjustment mechanism. The heat pump includes a third circulation circuit in which a third heat medium circulates, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the branch pipeline and the third circulation circuit, and a compressor provided in the third circulation circuit for compressing the third heat medium. When the rotational speed of the compressor stops increasing, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger increases, and when the rotational speed of the compressor stops decreasing, the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger decreases.

[0007] One aspect of the collective air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to the present disclosure includes a second heat supply facility that supplies heat, and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply systems that receive heat from the second heat supply facility. At least one of the plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply systems includes the above-described air-conditioning and hot water supply system.

Advantages of the Invention

[0008] According to the present disclosure, the heat pump capacity can be made substantially constant regardless of the installation position of the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0009]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0010] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments and can be arbitrarily changed within the scope of the technical idea of the present disclosure. Also, in the following drawings, in order to make each configuration easier to understand, the scale and number in each structure may be different from those in the actual structure.

[0011] Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the collective air-conditioning and hot water supply system 1 in Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 illustrates the collective air-conditioning and hot water supply system 1 installed in a high-rise condominium such as an apartment building. The collective air-conditioning and hot water supply system 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a central heat supply facility 2 (also referred to as the main heat supply facility) that supplies heat to each floor of the condominium, and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply systems 3 provided on each floor of the condominium and receiving heat from the central heat supply facility 2.

[0012] The central heat supply facility 2 includes a heat pump 11, a circulation circuit 12, a pump 13, an expansion tank 14, and a heat exchanger 15. A plurality of heat pumps 11 are installed, for example, on the rooftop of the condominium. The heat pump 11 collects heat from the atmosphere and heats the heat medium in the pipes of the circulation circuit 12.

[0013] The circulation circuit 12 connects the heat pump 11, the pump 13, the expansion tank 14, and the heat exchanger 15. The pipes of the circulation circuit 12 are filled with a heat medium. An example of the heat medium is water. The pump 13 circulates the heat medium in the pipes of the circulation circuit 12 and supplies the heat medium heated by the heat pump 11 to the heat exchanger 15.

[0014] The heat medium, for example, is at 20°C before being heated by the heat pump 11 and becomes 25°C after being heated. The expansion tank 14 absorbs a part of the heat medium whose volume has increased due to the temperature rise from the circulation circuit 12. The expansion tank 14 is, for example, a sealed tank. Since the heat medium in the sealed tank does not come into contact with the atmosphere, using a sealed tank can suppress the evaporation and oxidation of the heat medium in the sealed tank to the atmosphere.

[0015] The heat exchanger 15 is installed on each floor of the apartment building. The heat exchanger 15 is, for example, a plate heat exchanger. The heat medium dissipates heat in the heat exchanger 15 on each floor, and the air-conditioning and hot water supply system 3 on each floor receives the heat. The heat medium, for example, is at 25°C before dissipating heat in the heat exchanger 15 and becomes 20°C after dissipating heat.

[0016] The air-conditioning and hot water supply system 3 is provided on the floor of each floor of the apartment building. That is, the air-conditioning and hot water supply systems 3 are installed side by side in the vertical direction. On each floor, a plurality of households are arranged side by side in the horizontal direction, and air-conditioning and hot water supply facilities 30 are installed corresponding to each household.

[0017] The air-conditioning and hot water supply system 3 includes a heat supply facility 20 (also referred to as a branch heat supply facility) that relays the heat received from the central heat supply facility 2 and supplies it to each household, and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply facilities 30 that receive heat from the heat supply facility 20. The heat supply facility 20 includes a circulation circuit 21, a pump 22, and an expansion tank 23.

[0018] The circulation circuit 21 connects the pump 22, the expansion tank 23, and the air-conditioning and hot water supply facilities 30. The pipe of the circulation circuit 21 is filled with a heat medium. An example of the heat medium is water. The pump 22 circulates the heat medium in the pipe of the circulation circuit 21 and supplies the heat medium heated in the heat exchanger 15 to the air-conditioning and hot water supply facilities 30.

[0019] The heat medium, for example, is at 15°C before being heated by the heat exchanger 15 and becomes 20°C after being heated. The expansion tank 23 absorbs a part of the heat medium whose volume has increased due to the temperature rise from the circulation circuit 21. The expansion tank 23 is, for example, a sealed tank. Since the heat medium in the sealed tank does not come into contact with the atmosphere, using a sealed tank can suppress the evaporation and oxidation of the heat medium in the sealed tank to the atmosphere.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 in the first embodiment. The air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 shown in FIG. 2 is installed in the dwelling unit 5. Note that the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 may be installed outside the dwelling unit 5 as long as it is installed for each dwelling unit 5. An air-conditioning terminal 6 and a hot water supply terminal 7 are installed in the dwelling unit 5.

[0021] The air-conditioning terminal 6 includes, for example, a radiator panel and air-conditions the inside of the dwelling unit 5 using the heat of hot water or water supplied from the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30. The hot water supply terminal 7 includes, for example, a shower and discharges hot water supplied from the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30. Note that at least one of the air-conditioning terminal 6 and the hot water supply terminal 7 may be connected to the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 in a single or multiple numbers.

[0022] The air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 includes a transformer 31, a control device 32, a tank 33, a circulation circuit 40, a branch pipe line 50, and a heat pump 60. The tank 33 includes a tank heat exchanger 43a inside and stores water. Hereinafter, the water stored inside the tank 33 is referred to as tank water. The tank 33 is connected to the hot water supply terminal 7. The circulation circuit 40 includes an air-conditioning circuit 42 connected to the air-conditioning terminal 6 and a hot water supply circuit 43 connected to the tank heat exchanger 43a.

[0023] The pipe of the circulation circuit 40 is filled with a heat medium. An example of the heat medium is water. The circulation circuit 40 is provided with a pump 41 for circulating the heat medium and a flow path switching mechanism 44 for switching the circulation path of the heat medium to the air conditioning circuit 42 or the hot water supply circuit 43. The flow path switching mechanism 44 is, for example, a three-way switching valve, which connects two of the three flow paths and blocks one.

[0024] Specifically, the flow path switching mechanism 44 can communicate with the air conditioning circuit 42 and block the hot water supply circuit 43. In this case, the heat medium in the pipe of the circulation circuit 40 circulates in the order of the secondary heat exchanger 64 of the heat pump 60, the flow path switching mechanism 44, the air conditioning circuit 42, and the air conditioning terminal 6. The heat medium dissipates heat at the air conditioning terminal 6 and warms the inside of the dwelling unit 5.

[0025] Also, the flow path switching mechanism 44 can communicate with the hot water supply circuit 43 and block the air conditioning circuit 42. In this case, the heat medium in the pipe of the circulation circuit 40 circulates in the order of the secondary heat exchanger 64 of the heat pump 60, the flow path switching mechanism 44, the hot water supply circuit 43, and the tank heat exchanger 43a. The heat medium dissipates heat at the tank heat exchanger 43a and heats the tank water. The heated tank water is used at the hot water supply terminal 7.

[0026] The circulation circuit 40 is provided with a temperature sensor 45. The temperature sensor 45 is arranged in the circulation circuit 40 on the downstream side of the secondary heat exchanger 64 of the heat pump 60 and on the upstream side of the flow path switching mechanism 44. The temperature sensor 45 measures the temperature of the heat medium (hot water temperature) flowing out from the secondary heat exchanger 64 of the heat pump 60.

[0027] The heat pump 60 transfers the heat of the branch pipe 50 connected to the circulation circuit 21 of the heat supply facility 20 to the circulation circuit 40. The heat pump 60 includes a circulation circuit 61, a compressor 62, an expansion mechanism 63, a secondary heat exchanger 64, a primary heat exchanger 65, and a flow path switching mechanism 66.

[0028] The circulation circuit 61 connects a compressor 62, an expansion mechanism 63, a secondary heat exchanger 64, a primary heat exchanger 65, and a flow path switching mechanism 66. The piping of the circulation circuit 61 is filled with a heat medium. An example of the heat medium is difluoromethane or propane. The compressor 62 compresses and discharges the heat medium in the piping of the circulation circuit 61 to circulate the heat medium.

[0029] The primary heat exchanger 65 is thermally connected to the circulation circuit 21 of the heat supply facility 20 via a branch pipe 50. Also, the secondary heat exchanger 64 is thermally connected to the circulation circuits 40 of the air conditioning terminal 6 and the hot water supply terminal 7. The expansion mechanism 63 is, for example, an expansion valve, which expands the heat medium that has passed through the secondary heat exchanger 64 and lowers the temperature.

[0030] Specifically, the heat medium in the piping of the circulation circuit 61 dissipates heat in the secondary heat exchanger 64. The heat medium that has dissipated heat has its temperature lowered when passing through the expansion mechanism 63 and flows into the primary heat exchanger 65. The heat medium that has flowed into the primary heat exchanger 65 absorbs heat from the branch pipe 50 in the primary heat exchanger 65. The heat medium that has absorbed heat flows into the compressor 62 again.

[0031] The heat pump 60 repeats this cycle to transfer the heat of the branch pipe 50 to the circulation circuit 40. An example of the temperature of the heat medium in the piping of the branch pipe 50 is 20°C before dissipating heat in the primary heat exchanger 65 and 15°C after dissipating heat. Also, an example of the temperature of the heat medium in the circulation circuit 40 is 45°C before absorbing heat in the secondary heat exchanger 64 and 50°C after absorbing heat. The amount of heat (watts) that the heat pump 60 transfers from the branch pipe 50 to the circulation circuit 40 is called the heat pump capacity.

[0032] The heat pump capacity can be changed by changing the circulation flow rate of the heat medium in the circulation circuit 61. Specifically, the circulation flow rate (heat pump capacity) of the heat medium in the circulation circuit 61 can be changed by changing at least one of the rotation speed of the compressor 62 and the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 63. By changing the heat pump capacity, the hot water outlet temperature can be raised or lowered.

[0033] The flow path switching mechanism 66 is, for example, a four-way switching valve, and switches the flow path of the circulation circuit 61 to form a heating circuit and a cooling circuit. The heating circuit is a circuit that transfers the heat of the branch pipe 50 to the circulation circuit 40. The cooling circuit is a circuit that transfers the heat of the circulation circuit 40 to the branch pipe 50. In the following description, the case where the flow path switching mechanism 66 forms a heating circuit will be taken as an example for explanation.

[0034] The branch pipe 50 connects the circulation circuit 21 of the heat supply facility 20 and the primary-side heat exchanger 65 of the heat pump 60. The branch pipe 50 is connected to the forward path side of the circulation circuit 21 via the connection point 50a provided in the residential unit 5, and is connected to the upstream side of the primary-side heat exchanger 65 via the connection point 50b provided in the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30.

[0035] Further, the branch pipe 50 is connected to the return path side of the circulation circuit 21 via the connection point 50d provided in the residential unit 5, and is connected to the downstream side of the primary-side heat exchanger 65 via the connection point 50c provided in the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30. That is, the branch pipe 50 connects the forward path side and the return path side of the circulation circuit 21, and forms a flow path that passes through the primary-side heat exchanger 65 of the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30.

[0036] A pressure adjustment mechanism 51 and a flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 are provided in the branch pipe 50. The pressure adjustment mechanism 51 adjusts the pressure of the heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipe 50 to a predetermined pressure. The predetermined pressure is a pressure at which the differential pressure of the heat medium before and after the pressure adjustment mechanism 51 is substantially constant. The pressure adjustment mechanism 51 is, for example, a differential pressure adjustment valve provided with a spring, and reduces the pressure of the inflowing heat medium with the spring to adjust the differential pressure of the heat medium before and after the pressure adjustment mechanism 51 to be substantially constant. Note that the pressure adjustment mechanism 51 is not limited to a spring, and may reduce the pressure with an elastic member such as rubber as long as it can reduce the pressure of the heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipe 50, or may reduce the pressure using hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure.

[0037] The flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 is provided on the downstream side of the pressure adjustment mechanism 51 in the branch pipeline 50, and adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline 50. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 includes, for example, an on-off valve, and changes the flow rate of the heat medium by changing the opening degree of the branch pipeline 50 through which the heat medium flows. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 and the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the branch pipeline 50 decrease as the opening degree of the branch pipeline 50 becomes smaller, and increase as the opening degree of the branch pipeline 50 becomes larger.

[0038] The flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 further includes an electric motor and a communication device. The electric motor is, for example, a stepping motor driven by 24V, and drives the above-described on-off valve to change the opening degree of the branch pipeline 50. The communication device communicates with the control device 32. The communication device receives the target opening degree, which is the target value of the opening degree of the branch pipeline 50, from the control device 32.

[0039] The flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 drives the electric motor so that the opening degree of the on-off valve becomes the target opening degree. The transformer 31 is connected to a power source and supplies power to the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52. The transformer 31 changes the voltage by, for example, electromagnetic induction. The voltage of the power source is, for example, 240V, and the transformer 31 transforms the voltage of the power source to 24V, which is the driving voltage of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52.

[0040] A temperature sensor 53 is provided in the branch pipeline 50. The temperature sensor 53 is arranged in the branch pipeline 50 on the downstream side of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 and on the upstream side of the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60. The temperature sensor 53 measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60.

[0041] FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the control device 32 in the first embodiment. As shown in FIG. 3, the control device 32 is connected to the above-described temperature sensors 45 and 53 and receives the measurement results from the temperature sensors 45 and 53. Further, the control device 32 is connected to the above-described compressor 62, expansion mechanism 63, and flow path switching mechanism 66, and controls the switching between the heating circuit and the cooling circuit and the heat pump capacity of the heat pump 60.

[0042] In addition, the control device 32 is connected to the pump 41 and the flow path switching mechanism 44 described above, and controls the switching between the air conditioning circuit 42 and the hot water supply circuit 43, and the circulation or stop of the heat medium to the air conditioning circuit 42 and the hot water supply circuit 43. Further, the control device 32 is connected to the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 described above, adjusts the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the branch pipe 50, and controls the flow rate of the heat medium supplied to the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60.

[0043] The control device 32 changes the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 53 provided in the branch pipe 50. When the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 53 rises, the control device 32 decreases the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50, and when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 53 drops, the control device 32 increases the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50. The target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 can be selected, for example, between 0% (fully closed) and 100% (fully open).

[0044] In addition, the control device 32 has a target temperature as a control parameter. The target temperature is the target value of the hot water outlet temperature, and is set, for example, to 50°C. The target temperature is usually set based on the temperature that the resident of the household 5 wants to use at the hot water supply terminal 7 or the air conditioning terminal 6. Although details will be described later, the control device 32 changes the rotation speed of the compressor 62, the opening degree of the expansion mechanism 63, and the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 so that the hot water outlet temperature becomes the target temperature.

[0045] In addition, the control device 32 has an upper limit rotation speed that is the upper limit value of the rotation speed of the compressor 62 and a lower limit rotation speed that is the lower limit value of the rotation speed of the compressor 62 as control parameters. When the rotation speed of the compressor 62 reaches the upper limit rotation speed, the control device 32 increases the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50, and when the rotation speed of the compressor 62 reaches the lower limit rotation speed, the control device 32 decreases the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50. Note that the control device 32 may increase (or decrease) the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 immediately before the rotation speed of the compressor 62 reaches the upper (or lower) limit rotation speed.

[0046] Furthermore, the control device 32 has, as control parameters, an upper opening degree which is the upper limit value of the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50, and a lower opening degree which is the lower limit value of the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50. The upper opening degree and the lower opening degree may be set values selected between 0% (fully closed) and 100% (fully open), or the upper opening degree may be 100% (fully open) and the lower opening degree may be 0% (fully closed).

[0047] FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the control of the control device 32 in the first embodiment. In the following description, the control device 32 performs control so that the outlet water temperature becomes the target temperature. First, the control device 32 compares the measurement result (outlet water temperature) of the temperature sensor 45 with the target temperature (step S1).

[0048] When the outlet water temperature is lower than the target temperature, the control device 32 increases the rotation speed of the compressor 62 to raise the outlet water temperature (step S2). Next, the control device 32 compares the rotation speed of the compressor 62 with the upper limit rotation speed (step S3). If the rotation speed of the compressor 62 has not reached the upper limit rotation speed, it returns to step S1 to compare the outlet water temperature with the target temperature.

[0049] On the other hand, if the rotation speed of the compressor 62 reaches the upper limit rotation speed before the outlet water temperature reaches the target temperature, the control device 32 increases the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 as the next step to raise the outlet water temperature (step S4). Next, the control device 32 compares the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 with the upper opening degree (step S5).

[0050] If the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 has not reached the upper opening degree, it returns to step S1 to compare the outlet water temperature with the target temperature. On the other hand, if the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 reaches the upper opening degree before the outlet water temperature reaches the target temperature, the control device 32 ends the control.

[0051] In the case of a NO determination in step S1, the control device 32 compares the outlet water temperature with the target temperature (step S6). When the outlet water temperature is higher than the target temperature, the control device 32 decreases the rotational speed of the compressor 62 to lower the outlet water temperature (step S7). Next, the control device 32 compares the rotational speed of the compressor 62 with the lower limit rotational speed (step S8).

[0052] If the rotational speed of the compressor 62 is not the lower limit rotational speed, it returns to step S1 to compare the outlet water temperature with the target temperature. On the other hand, if the rotational speed of the compressor 62 reaches the lower limit rotational speed before the outlet water temperature drops to the target temperature, the control device 32 decreases the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 as the next step to lower the outlet water temperature (step S9).

[0053] Next, the control device 32 compares the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 with the lower limit opening degree (step S10). If the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 has not reached the lower limit opening degree, it returns to step S1 to compare the outlet water temperature with the target temperature. On the other hand, if the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50 reaches the lower limit opening degree before the outlet water temperature drops to the target temperature, the control device 32 ends the control. As described above, the control device 32 performs control so that the outlet water temperature becomes the target temperature.

[0054] In the air-conditioning and hot water supply system 3 described above, as shown in FIG. 1, since piping resistance acts on the heat medium circulating inside the circulation circuit 21 of the heat supply facility 20, the pressure of the heat medium decreases as the distance from the pump 22 increases. Therefore, even if the pipe diameter of the circulation circuit 21 is constant, the closer the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 is to the pump 22, the easier it is for the flow rate of the heat medium to increase, and the farther the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 is from the pump 22, the easier it is for the flow rate of the heat source medium to decrease. The heat pump capacity of each air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 changes according to the flow rate of the heat medium. When the flow rate of the heat medium is large, the capacity increases, and when the flow rate is small, the capacity decreases. Therefore, the heat pump capacity of each air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 differs depending on its installation position.

[0055] In contrast, as shown in FIG. 2, the air-conditioning and hot-water supply system 3 of the above-described Embodiment 1 includes a pressure adjustment mechanism 51 that adjusts the pressure of the heat medium flowing inside the branch pipe 50 to a predetermined pressure in the branch pipe 50 connected to the circulation circuit 21. According to this configuration, since the differential pressure of the heat medium before and after the pressure adjustment mechanism 51 of each air-conditioning and hot-water supply facility 30 can be adjusted to be substantially constant, regardless of the distance from the pump 22 to the air-conditioning and hot-water supply facility 30, that is, regardless of the position of the dwelling unit 5 in the apartment house, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the air-conditioning and hot-water supply facility 30 becomes substantially constant, and the heat pump capacity of the air-conditioning and hot-water supply facility 30 can be made substantially constant.

[0056] As described above, according to the air-conditioning and hot-water supply system 3 of Embodiment 1, it includes a heat supply facility 20 that supplies heat and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot-water supply facilities 30 that receive heat from the heat supply facility 20. The heat supply facility 20 includes a circulation circuit 21 (first circulation circuit) that circulates a heat medium (first heat medium), and the air-conditioning and hot-water supply facility 30 includes a circulation circuit 40 (second circulation circuit) that circulates a heat medium (second heat medium), a branch pipe 50 connected to the circulation circuit 21, a heat pump 60 that transfers heat from the branch pipe 50 to the circulation circuit 40, and a pressure adjustment mechanism 51 provided in the branch pipe 50 that adjusts the pressure of the heat medium flowing inside the branch pipe 50 to a predetermined pressure. According to this configuration, the heat pump capacity can be made substantially constant regardless of the installation position of the air-conditioning and hot-water supply facility 30.

[0057] Also, according to Embodiment 1, the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 is provided on the downstream side of the pressure regulating mechanism 51 in the branch pipeline 50, and includes a flow rate regulating mechanism 52 that regulates the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline 50, and a control device 32 that controls the flow rate regulating mechanism 52. The control device 32 changes the target opening degree of the branch pipeline 50 based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 53. The flow rate regulating mechanism 52 drives the electric motor so that the opening degree of the on-off valve becomes the target opening degree. By this operation, the control device 32 can control the opening degree of the on-off valve of the flow rate regulating mechanism 52. According to this configuration, since the pressure regulating mechanism 51 adjusts the differential pressure upstream of the flow rate regulating mechanism 52, when the flow rate regulating mechanism 52 changes the opening degree of the branch pipeline 50, regardless of the distance from the pump 22 to the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30, that is, regardless of the position of the household 5 in the apartment house, the relationship between the opening degree of the branch pipeline 50 and the flow rate of the heat medium is stable, and if the opening degrees are the same, the flow rates will be the same. Therefore, the heat pump capacity of the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 becomes substantially constant.

[0058] Also, according to Embodiment 1, the higher the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60, the lower the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline 50 by the flow rate regulating mechanism 52, and the lower the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60, the higher the flow rate of the heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline 50. Thereby, since the flow rate of the heat medium decreases as the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side is higher, an excessive heat pump capacity can be suppressed. Also, according to this configuration, since the flow rate of the heat medium increases as the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side is lower, a shortage of the heat pump capacity can be suppressed.

[0059] Specifically, according to Embodiment 1, the air-conditioning and hot-water supply equipment 30 is provided in the branch pipeline 50 and includes a temperature sensor 53 that measures the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60. The control device 32 controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 53. That is, the control device 32 changes the target opening degree of the branch pipeline 50 based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 53. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 drives the electric motor so that the opening degree of the on-off valve becomes the target opening degree. By this operation, the control device 32 can control the opening degree of the on-off valve of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52. According to this configuration, the amount of heat of the heat medium supplied to the heat pump 60 can be adjusted, and the control range of the hot water outlet temperature can be widened.

[0060] FIG. 5 is a graph showing the relationship between the flow rate of the heat medium flowing inside the branch pipeline 50 and the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60 in Embodiment 1. The graph shown in FIG. 5 exemplifies the case where the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60 is 20°C and the flow rate of the heat medium is 10 L / min. As shown in FIG. 5, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing inside the branch pipeline 50 rises, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60 decreases. Also, when the temperature of the heat medium flowing inside the branch pipeline 50 drops, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60 increases. Further, when the temperature of the heat medium does not change at 20°C and the number of revolutions of the compressor 62 reaches the upper limit number of revolutions, that is, when the number of revolutions of the compressor 62 stops increasing, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60 increases. Also, when the temperature of the heat medium does not change at 20°C and the number of revolutions of the compressor 62 reaches the lower limit number of revolutions, that is, when the number of revolutions of the compressor stops decreasing, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60 decreases.

[0061] The heat pump capacity increases as the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the primary heat exchanger 65 is higher and as the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the primary heat exchanger 65 is larger. Also, the heat pump capacity decreases as the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the primary heat exchanger 65 is lower and as the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the primary heat exchanger 65 is smaller.

[0062] According to Embodiment 1, when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 53 rises, the control device 32 decreases the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50, and when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 53 drops, the control device 32 increases the target opening degree of the branch pipe 50. According to this configuration, as the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the primary heat exchanger 65 is higher, the flow rate of the heat medium decreases, so that an excessive heat pump capacity can be suppressed. Also, according to this configuration, as the temperature of the heat medium flowing into the primary heat exchanger 65 is lower, the flow rate of the heat medium increases, so that a shortage of heat pump capacity can be suppressed.

[0063] Also, according to Embodiment 1, the heat pump 60 includes a circulation circuit 61 (third circulation circuit) in which a heat medium (third heat medium) circulates, a heat exchanger 65 that exchanges heat between the branch pipe 50 and the circulation circuit 61, and a compressor 62 provided in the circulation circuit 61 that compresses the heat medium. By the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52, when the rotational speed of the compressor 62 stops increasing, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 increases, and when the rotational speed of the compressor 62 stops decreasing, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger 65 decreases. Thereby, for example, when the rotational speed of the compressor 62 is increased and the heat pump capacity is increased up to the upper limit rotational speed of the compressor 62, the flow rate of the supplied heat medium further increases, so that the heat pump capacity can be increased to a wider range than the capacity adjustment by the compressor 62. Also, for example, when the rotational speed of the compressor 62 is decreased and the heat pump capacity is decreased down to the lower limit rotational speed of the compressor 62, the flow rate of the supplied heat medium further decreases, so that the heat pump capacity can be decreased to a wider range than the capacity adjustment by the compressor 62.

[0064] Specifically, according to Embodiment 1, the control device 32 controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 based on the rotation speed of the compressor 62. That is, when the rotation speed of the compressor 62 reaches the upper limit rotation speed, the control device 32 increases the target opening degree of the branch pipeline 50, and when the rotation speed of the compressor 62 reaches the lower limit rotation speed, the control device 32 decreases the target opening degree of the branch pipeline 50. The flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 drives the electric motor so that the opening degree of the on-off valve becomes the target opening degree. By this operation, the control device 32 can control the opening degree of the on-off valve of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52. According to this configuration, the amount of heat medium supplied to the heat pump 60 can be adjusted, and the adjustment range of the heat pump capacity can be widened to a range wider than the adjustment range of the heat pump capacity by the compressor 62.

[0065] According to Embodiment 1, when the rotation speed of the compressor 62 reaches the upper limit rotation speed, the control device 32 increases the target opening degree of the branch pipeline 50, and when the rotation speed of the compressor 62 reaches the lower limit rotation speed, the control device 32 decreases the target opening degree of the branch pipeline 50. For example, when the rotation speed of the compressor 62 is increased and the heat pump capacity is increased to the upper limit rotation speed of the compressor 62, the flow rate of the supplied heat medium further increases, so the heat pump capacity can be increased to a range wider than the capacity adjustment by the compressor 62. Also, for example, when the rotation speed of the compressor 62 is decreased and the heat pump capacity is decreased to the lower limit rotation speed of the compressor 62, the flow rate of the supplied heat medium further decreases, so the heat pump capacity can be decreased to a range wider than the capacity adjustment by the compressor 62.

[0066] Since the target temperature is usually set by the resident of the dwelling unit 5 himself / herself to a temperature he / she prefers, the heat pump capacity required in each dwelling unit 5 is different. That is, the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 can individually adjust the heat pump capacity in each dwelling unit 5 according to the set value of the target temperature of each dwelling unit.

[0067] Also, according to Embodiment 1, the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 includes a transformer 31 that is connected to a power source and supplies power to the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52. According to this configuration, the voltage of the power source can be changed to the voltage required for the electric motor of the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52. Therefore, in the dwelling unit 5, there is no need to perform electrical wiring with a voltage different from that of the power source, which simplifies the construction work.

[0068] Further, according to the collective air-conditioning and hot water supply system 1 of Embodiment 1, it includes a central heat supply facility 2 (second heat supply facility) that supplies heat, and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply systems 3 that receive heat from the central heat supply facility 2. At least one (all in Embodiment 1) of the plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply systems 3 includes an air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 including the above pressure adjustment mechanism 51. According to this configuration, even when the system is introduced into a large-scale apartment house, the heat pump capacity can be made substantially constant regardless of the installation position of the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30.

[0069] Further, according to Embodiment 1, the plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply systems 3 are installed side by side in the vertical direction. According to this configuration, even when the system is introduced into a high-rise apartment house, the heat pump capacity can be made substantially constant regardless of the installation position of the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30.

[0070] Embodiment 2. FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 in Embodiment 2. In the following description, for the same configurations as those in the above-described embodiments, the description may be omitted by appropriately assigning the same reference numerals.

[0071] The air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 shown in FIG. 6 includes a pressure opening adjustment unit 34 including a pressure adjustment mechanism 51 and a flow rate adjustment mechanism 52, and an air-conditioning and hot water supply unit 35 including a heat pump 60 and a circulation circuit 40. The air-conditioning and hot water supply unit 35 further includes a transformer 31, a control device 32, a tank 33, etc.

[0072] The branch pipe 50 connects the pressure opening adjustment unit 34 and the air-conditioning and hot water supply unit 35. By adjusting the length of the branch pipe 50 connecting between the pressure opening adjustment unit 34 and the air-conditioning and hot water supply unit 35, the arrangement of the pressure opening adjustment unit 34 and the air-conditioning and hot water supply unit 35 can be adjusted to an arbitrary position for each household 5. Thus, according to Embodiment 2, the installation freedom degree of the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 is improved.

[0073] Embodiment 3. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of the collective air-conditioning and hot-water supply system 1 in Embodiment 3. In the following description, for components having the same configuration as those in the above-described embodiments, the description may be omitted by appropriately assigning the same reference numerals.

[0074] In the collective air-conditioning and hot-water supply system 1 shown in FIG. 7, a pressure adjustment mechanism 25 is provided in each of a plurality of branch pipelines 24 that connect the circulation circuit 12 of the central heat supply facility 2 and the heat exchangers 15 on each floor. The branch pipeline 24 is connected to the forward side of the circulation circuit 12 via a connection point 24b, and is connected to the return side of the circulation circuit 12 via a connection point 24a.

[0075] The pressure adjustment mechanism 25 adjusts the pressure of the heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline 24 to a predetermined pressure. The pressure adjustment mechanism 25 is, for example, a differential pressure adjustment valve provided with a spring, which reduces the pressure of the inflowing heat medium with the spring and adjusts the differential pressure of the heat medium before and after the pressure adjustment mechanism 51 to be substantially constant. The predetermined pressure is a pressure at which the differential pressure of the heat medium before and after the pressure adjustment mechanism 51 becomes substantially constant. Note that the pressure adjustment mechanism 25 is not limited to a spring, and may reduce the pressure with an elastic member such as rubber as long as it can reduce the pressure of the heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipeline 24, or may reduce the pressure using hydraulic pressure or pneumatic pressure.

[0076] Since a hydrostatic head is applied to the heat medium in the circulation circuit 12 due to the height difference, the pressure of the heat medium is lower on higher floors and higher on lower floors. According to Embodiment 3 described above, since the branch pipeline 24 connected to the heat exchanger 15 on each floor is provided with the pressure adjustment mechanism 25, the flow rate of the heat medium flowing into the air-conditioning and hot-water supply system 3 on each floor can be made substantially constant regardless of the height difference. Therefore, the capacity of the air-conditioning and hot-water supply system 3 on each floor can be made substantially constant.

[0077] Although the embodiments in the present disclosure have been described above, the present disclosure is not limited only to the configurations of the above-described embodiments, and the following configurations and methods can also be adopted.

[0078] Each air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 (each household 5) of the air-conditioning and hot water supply system 3 does not need to be installed on the same floor and may be installed across several floors.

[0079] One apartment building may be equipped with a plurality of collective air-conditioning and hot water supply systems 1.

[0080] The central heat supply facility 2 is equipped with a heat pump 11 that collects heat from the atmosphere. However, as a heat source for heating the heat medium, a gas or kerosene boiler may be used. Also, the heat pump 11 may be changed to a heat exchanger so that the heat medium can be heated by the heat generated in a garbage incineration facility, a power plant, a data center, etc.

[0081] The household 5 is an example of a heat utilization space that uses heat in the collective air-conditioning and hot water supply system 1, and it may be not only a house but also a commercial store or an office space.

[0082] The pressure regulating mechanism 51, the flow regulating mechanism 52, and the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility 30 only need to be installed in each individual household 5, and may be within the living space of each individual household 5 (inside the so-called entrance), or outside the living space such as a pipe shaft or a meter box.

[0083] The pressure regulating mechanism 51 and the flow regulating mechanism 52 may be installed on the downstream side of the heat exchanger 65 on the primary side of the heat pump 60 in the branch pipe 50. The flow regulating mechanism 52 only needs to be installed on the downstream side of the pressure regulating mechanism 51.

[0084] The air-conditioning and hot water supply unit 35 may further be composed of two units, a hot water supply circuit unit and an air-conditioning circuit unit.

[0085] The tank heat exchanger 43a may be installed outside the tank 33. In that case, if a tank circulation pump is installed between the tank 33 and the tank heat exchanger 43a, the tank water can be guided to the tank heat exchanger 43a.

[0086] The control device 32 may be configured to include two control devices: a first control device that controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor 53, and a second control device that controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism 52 based on the rotational speed of the compressor 62.

[0087] As described above, each configuration and each method described in this specification can be appropriately combined within a range where they do not conflict with each other.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0088] 1... Central air-conditioning and hot water supply system, 2... Central heat supply facility (second heat supply facility), 3... Air-conditioning and hot water supply system, 5... Dwelling unit, 6... Air-conditioning terminal, 7... Hot water supply terminal, 11... Heat pump, 12... Circulation circuit, 13... Pump, 14... Expansion tank, 15... Heat exchanger, 20... Heat supply facility, 21... Circulation circuit (first circulation circuit), 22... Pump, 23... Expansion tank, 24... Branch pipe, 24a... Connection point, 24b... Connection point, 25... Pressure adjustment mechanism, 30... Air-conditioning and hot water supply equipment, 31... Transformer, 32... Control device, 33... Tank, 34... Pressure opening adjustment unit, 35... Air-conditioning and hot water supply unit, 40... Circulation circuit (second circulation circuit), 41... Pump, 42... Air-conditioning circuit, 43... Hot water supply circuit, 43a... Tank heat exchanger, 44... Flow path switching mechanism, 45... Temperature sensor, 50... Branch pipe, 50a... Connection point, 50b... Connection point, 50c... Connection point, 50d... Connection point, 51... Pressure adjustment mechanism, 52... Flow rate adjustment mechanism, 53... Temperature sensor, 60... Heat pump, 61... Circulation circuit (third circulation circuit), 62... Compressor, 63... Expansion mechanism, 64... Heat exchanger, 65... Heat exchanger, 66... Flow path switching mechanism

Claims

1. A heat supply facility that supplies heat, and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply facilities that receive heat from the heat supply facility, wherein the heat supply facility comprises a first circulation circuit for circulating a first heat medium, and the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility comprises a second circulation circuit for circulating a second heat medium, a branch pipe connected to the first circulation circuit, a heat pump for transferring heat from the branch pipe to the second circulation circuit, and a pressure adjustment mechanism provided in the branch pipe for adjusting the pressure of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipe to a predetermined pressure, and the air-conditioning and hot water supply facility comprises a flow rate adjustment mechanism provided on the downstream side of the pressure adjustment mechanism in the branch pipe for adjusting the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipe, and a control device for controlling the flow rate adjustment mechanism, wherein the higher the temperature of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger of the heat pump, the lower the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipe, and the lower the temperature of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger of the heat pump, the higher the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipe. An air-conditioning and hot water supply system.

2. The air-conditioning and hot water supply facility comprises a temperature sensor provided in the branch pipe for measuring the temperature of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger of the heat pump, and the control device controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism based on the measured temperature of the temperature sensor. The air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to Claim 1.

3. The control device decreases the target opening degree of the branch pipe when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor rises, and increases the target opening degree of the branch pipe when the measured temperature of the temperature sensor drops. The air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to Claim 2.

4. The heat pump comprises a third circulation circuit in which a third heat medium circulates, a heat exchanger that exchanges heat between the branch pipe and the third circulation circuit, and a compressor provided in the third circulation circuit for compressing the third heat medium, wherein the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger increases when the rotational speed of the compressor stops increasing, and the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger decreases when the rotational speed of the compressor stops decreasing. The air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to any one of Claims 1 to 3.

5. A heat supply facility that supplies heat, and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply facilities that receive heat from the heat supply facility, wherein the heat supply facility comprises a first circulation circuit for circulating a first heat medium, The air-conditioning and hot water supply equipment is a second circulation circuit for circulating a second heat medium, a branch pipe connected to the first circulation circuit, a heat pump for transferring heat from the branch pipe to the second circulation circuit, and a pressure adjustment mechanism provided in the branch pipe for adjusting the pressure of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipe to a predetermined pressure. The air-conditioning and hot water supply equipment is a flow rate adjustment mechanism provided on the downstream side of the pressure adjustment mechanism in the branch pipe for adjusting the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing through the inside of the branch pipe, and a control device for controlling the flow rate adjustment mechanism. The heat pump is a third circulation circuit through which a third heat medium circulates, a heat exchanger for exchanging heat between the branch pipe and the third circulation circuit, and a compressor provided in the third circulation circuit for compressing the third heat medium. An air-conditioning and hot water supply system in which the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger increases when the rotational speed of the compressor stops increasing, and the flow rate of the first heat medium flowing into the heat exchanger decreases when the rotational speed of the compressor stops decreasing.

6. The control device controls the flow rate adjustment mechanism based on the rotational speed of the compressor. The air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to claim 4 or 5.

7. The control device increases the target opening degree of the branch pipe when the rotational speed of the compressor reaches the upper limit rotational speed, and decreases the target opening degree of the branch pipe when the rotational speed of the compressor reaches the lower limit rotational speed. The air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to claim 6.

8. The air-conditioning and hot water supply equipment is connected to a power source and includes a transformer for supplying power to the flow rate adjustment mechanism. The air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

9. The air-conditioning and hot water supply equipment is a pressure opening degree adjustment unit including the pressure adjustment mechanism and the flow rate adjustment mechanism, and an air-conditioning and hot water supply unit including the heat pump and the second circulation circuit. The air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. a second heat supply facility for supplying heat, and a plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply systems for receiving heat from the second heat supply facility. A collective air-conditioning and hot water supply system in which at least one of the plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply systems includes the air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The plurality of air-conditioning and hot water supply systems are installed side by side in the vertical direction. The collective air-conditioning and hot water supply system according to claim 10.

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