Storage water heater

Abstract

To provide a hot water storage type water heater which can be used as both a daytime boil-up type and a nighttime boil-up type, and can suppress a boil-up operation in an unintended time zone.SOLUTION: A control part of a hot water storage type water heater comprises: a main boil-up operation part for making a heat pump unit perform a boil-up operation in a set time zone; a main boil-up time zone daytime setting part which can set a set time zone within a range of a preset daytime zone, and prohibits the setting of the set time zone outside the range of the daytime zone; a main boil-up time zone nighttime setting part which can set a set time zone within a range of a preset nighttime zone, and prohibits the setting of the set time zone outside the range of the nighttime zone; and a switching part for switching a first state for validating the main boil-up time zone daytime setting part, and invalidating the main boil-up time zone nighttime setting part, and a second state for invalidating the main boil-up time zone daytime setting part, and validating the main boil-up time zone nighttime setting part.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage type water heater. [Background technology]

[0002] In a storage-type water heater, if it is determined that the system is based on a time-of-day rate system, or if the set time for the start or end of the main heating operation falls within a specific time period within 24 hours, a normal mode is selected in which the main heating operation is performed during the nighttime hours, and if it is determined that the system is based on a flat rate system for day and night and the set time does not fall within a specific time period, a daytime mode is selected in which the main heating operation is performed during the daytime hours (see, for example, Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Patent Publication No. 2021-188768 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, in the storage-type water heater disclosed in Patent Document 1, although a daytime mode is provided in which the primary heating operation is performed during daytime hours, the user can switch the primary heating operation to nighttime after installation. This raises the risk of the primary heating operation being performed during unintended hours due to user error, etc. On the other hand, if it were not possible to change the setting to perform the primary heating operation at night after installation, a user who purchased a daytime heating type domestic heat pump water heater would need to purchase a new device if they wanted to use a nighttime heating type domestic heat pump water heater that primarily heats water at night after removing their solar power generation system or losing their dedicated electricity rate plan.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve such problems. Its purpose is to provide a storage type water heater that can be used as both a daytime heating type domestic heat pump water heater and a nighttime heating type domestic heat pump water heater, and that can prevent heating operation from being performed during unintended time periods due to user operation errors, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The hot water storage type water heater according to the present disclosure is a hot water storage type water heater including a hot water storage unit having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a heat pump unit for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a control unit for controlling the heat pump unit, wherein the control unit includes: a main heating operation unit that causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during a set time period; a main heating time period daytime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a preset daytime time period and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the daytime time period; a main heating time period nighttime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a preset nighttime time period and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the nighttime time period; and a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the main heating time period daytime setting unit is enabled and the main heating time period nighttime setting unit is disabled, and a second state in which the main heating time period daytime setting unit is disabled and the main heating time period nighttime setting unit is enabled. The storage type hot water heater further includes a control board for controlling the storage type hot water heater, and the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by operating a switch provided on the control board. . Alternatively, the hot water storage type water heater according to the present disclosure is a hot water storage type water heater including a hot water storage unit having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a heat pump unit for boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a control unit for controlling the heat pump unit, wherein the control unit includes a main boiling operation unit that causes the heat pump unit to perform boiling operation during a set time period, a main boiling time period daytime setting unit that, when activated, allows the set time period to be set within a preset daytime time period range and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the daytime time period range, and a main boiling time period setting unit that, when activated, prohibits the set time period from being set outside the daytime time period range. The hot water heater comprises a main heating time zone nighttime setting unit that allows the set time zone to be set within the range of nighttime hours and prohibits the set time zone from being set outside the range of nighttime hours, and a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the main heating time zone daytime setting unit is enabled and the main heating time zone nighttime setting unit is disabled, and a second state in which the main heating time zone daytime setting unit is disabled and the main heating time zone nighttime setting unit is enabled, and further comprises a control board that controls the hot water heater, and the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by operating a switching jumper provided on the control board. Alternatively, the hot water storage type water heater according to the present disclosure is a hot water storage type water heater including a hot water storage unit having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a heat pump unit for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a control unit for controlling the heat pump unit, wherein the control unit includes a main heating operation unit for causing the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during a set time period, a main heating time period daytime setting unit that, when activated, allows the set time period to be set within a preset daytime time period and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the daytime time period, and a main heating time period setting unit that, when activated, allows the set time period to be set within a preset nighttime time period and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the daytime time period. The hot water storage type water heater is provided with a main heating time zone nighttime setting unit that prohibits the setting of a set time zone outside the range of the band, and a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the main heating time zone daytime setting unit is enabled and the main heating time zone nighttime setting unit is disabled, and a second state in which the main heating time zone daytime setting unit is disabled and the main heating time zone nighttime setting unit is enabled, and further provided with a remote control for operating the hot water storage type water heater, wherein the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state when a preset switching operation is performed on the remote control, and the switching operation is such that a preset first switching operation is performed followed by a preset second switching operation. Alternatively, the hot water storage type water heater according to the present disclosure is a hot water storage type water heater including a hot water storage unit having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water, a heat pump unit for heating the hot water in the hot water storage tank, and a control unit for controlling the heat pump unit, wherein the control unit includes a main heating operation unit that causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during a set time period, a main heating time period daytime setting unit that, when activated, allows the set time period to be set within a preset daytime time period range and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the daytime time period range, and a control unit that, when activated, causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during a set nighttime time period. The system includes a main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit that allows the set time zone to be set within a range and prohibits the set time zone from being set outside the nighttime time zone range, a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is enabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is disabled, and a second state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is disabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is enabled, and a solar power generation system fault detection unit that detects faults in the solar power generation system, and the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state depending on the detection result by the solar power generation system fault detection unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0007] According to the storage type water heater of the present disclosure, a single storage type water heater can be used as both a daytime heating type domestic heat pump water heater and a nighttime heating type domestic heat pump water heater, and it has the advantage of being able to prevent heating operation from being performed at unintended times due to user operation errors, etc. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0008] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a storage type hot water heater according to a first embodiment. [Figure 2] 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit of the storage type hot water heater according to the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 3] 4 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the storage type hot water heater according to the first embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0009] The following describes embodiments of a hot water storage type water heater according to the present disclosure, with reference to the accompanying drawings. In each drawing, identical or corresponding parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and redundant descriptions are appropriately simplified or omitted. For convenience, the following description may express the positional relationship of each structure based on the illustrated state. Note that the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and any combination of the embodiments, any modification of any component of each embodiment, or any omission of any component of each embodiment are possible within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0010] Embodiment 1 A first embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to Figures 1 to 3. Figure 1 is a diagram showing the configuration of a storage type water heater. Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of a control unit of the storage type water heater. Figure 3 is a flowchart showing an example of the operation of the storage type water heater.

[0011] As shown in Figure 1, the hot water storage type water heater 35 according to this embodiment includes a tank unit 33, a heat pump unit 7, and a remote control 44. The tank unit 33 is a unit having a hot water storage tank 8 that stores hot water. The heat pump unit 7 is a unit having a heat pump cycle for boiling the hot water in the hot water storage tank 8. The remote control 44 is used to operate the hot water storage type water heater 35. By operating an operation unit (described later) provided on the remote control 44, the user can issue operating commands to the hot water storage type water heater 35, change setting values, and the like.

[0012] The heat pump unit 7 and the tank unit 33 are connected via the heat pump supply pipe 14, the heat pump return pipe 15, and electrical wiring (not shown). A control unit 36 is built into the tank unit 33. The operation of the various valves, pumps, etc. provided in the tank unit 33 and the heat pump unit 7 is controlled by the control unit 36, which is electrically connected to these. The control unit 36 and the remote control 44 are connected to be able to communicate with each other. Although not shown, the remote control 44 is equipped with a display unit that displays information such as the status of the hot water storage type water heater 35, an operating unit such as switches operated by the user, a speaker, a microphone, etc.

[0013] The heat pump unit 7 functions as a heating means for heating low-temperature water guided from the hot water storage tank 8 of the tank unit 33. The heat pump unit 7 includes a compressor 1, a water-refrigerant heat exchanger 3, an expansion valve 4, a refrigerant pipe 5, and an air heat exchanger 6. The compressor 1, the water-refrigerant heat exchanger 3, the expansion valve 4, and the air heat exchanger 6 of the heat pump unit 7 are connected in a ring shape by the refrigerant pipe 5 to form a heat pump cycle. The water-refrigerant heat exchanger 3 is used to exchange heat between the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant pipe 5 and the low-temperature water guided from the tank unit 33.

[0014] The tank unit 33 is equipped with the following various parts, piping, etc. The hot water storage tank 8 is for storing hot water. A water inlet 8a is provided at the bottom of the hot water storage tank 8. A third water supply pipe 9c is connected to the water inlet 8a. Water supplied from a water source such as a tap is adjusted to a preset pressure by a pressure reducing valve 31 and flows into the hot water storage tank 8 through the third water supply pipe 9c. A hot water inlet outlet 8d is provided at the top of the hot water storage tank 8. A hot water supply pipe 21 and a hot water delivery pipe 13 are connected to the hot water inlet outlet 8d. The hot water supply pipe 21 is a pipe for supplying hot water stored in the hot water storage tank 8 to the outside of the hot water storage type water heater 35.

[0015] Hot water is stored in the hot water storage tank 8 so that a temperature difference occurs between the upper and lower parts thereof, as high-temperature water heated using the heat pump unit 7 flows into the hot water inlet 8d and low-temperature water from the third water supply pipe 9c flows into the hot water storage tank 8 through the water inlet 8a. Multiple hot water temperature sensors are attached at different heights on the surface of the hot water storage tank 8. In the illustrated example, a first hot water temperature sensor 42 and a second hot water temperature sensor 43 are provided as the multiple hot water temperature sensors. Note that the number of multiple hot water temperature sensors is not limited to two. By detecting the temperature distribution of the hot water in the hot water storage tank 8 with these hot water temperature sensors, the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank 8 can be determined, and the start and stop of the hot water boiling operation in the hot water storage tank 8 by the heat pump unit 7 can be controlled.

[0016] The tank unit 33 further includes a heat source pump 12 and a bath heat exchanger 20. The heat source pump 12 is a pump for circulating hot water through various pipes described below within the tank unit 33. The heat source pump 12 is provided on the heat pump supply pipe 14. The bath heat exchanger 20 is a heat exchanger for using high-temperature hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 or the heat pump unit 7 to heat the water to be heated on the secondary side (bathtub water, heating water, etc.). Here, the secondary side configuration of the bath heat exchanger 20 will be described using as an example the bath supply pipe 27 and bath return pipe 28 that circulate the hot water in the bathtub 30. The bath heat exchanger 20 is installed midway between the bath supply pipe 27 and bath return pipe 28.

[0017] A bath supply temperature sensor 37 is provided in the bath supply piping 27. The bath supply temperature sensor 37 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the hot water after heat exchange that comes out of the bath heat exchanger 20. A bath circulation pump 29 and a bath return temperature sensor 38 are provided in the bath return piping 28. The bath circulation pump 29 is a pump for circulating bath water. The bath return temperature sensor 38 is a sensor that detects the temperature of the bath water that comes out of the bathtub 30.

[0018] The three-way valve 11 is a flow path switching means having ports a and b through which hot and cold water flows in and port c through which hot and cold water flows out. The four-way valve 18 is a flow path switching means having ports b and c through which hot and cold water flows in and ports a and d through which hot and cold water flows out. The four-way valve 18 can switch the flow path among four paths: a path connecting ports a and b, a path connecting ports a and c, a path connecting ports b and d, and a path connecting ports c and d.

[0019] The tank unit 33 further includes a water outlet pipe 10, a hot water inlet pipe 20a, a first bypass pipe 16, a hot water outlet pipe 20b, and a second bypass pipe 17. A water outlet 8b is provided at the bottom of the hot water storage tank 8. The water outlet pipe 10 connects the water outlet 8b to port a of the three-way valve 11. The heat pump supply pipe 14 connects port c of the three-way valve 11 to the inlet side of the heat pump unit 7. The heat pump return pipe 15 connects the outlet side of the heat pump unit 7 to port c of the four-way valve 18. The hot water supply pipe 13 connects port d of the four-way valve 18 to a hot water inlet 8d at the top of the hot water storage tank 8. A hot water inlet 8c is provided between the center and bottom of the hot water storage tank 8. The first bypass pipe 16 connects port a of the four-way valve 18 to the hot water inlet 8c. The hot water inlet pipe 20a branches off midway through the hot water supply pipe 13 and is connected to the primary inlet of the bath heat exchanger 20. The hot water outlet pipe 20b connects the primary outlet of the bath heat exchanger 20 to port b of the three-way valve 11. The second bypass pipe 17 branches off from the heat pump supply pipe 14 between the heat source pump 12 and the inlet side of the heat pump unit 7 and is connected to port b of the four-way valve 18.

[0020] The tank unit 33 further includes a water supply pipe 9, a hot water supply mixing valve 22, a bath mixing valve 23, a first hot water supply pipe 24, and a second hot water supply pipe 25. The water supply pipe 9 consists of a first water supply pipe 9a, a second water supply pipe 9b, and a third water supply pipe 9c. One end of the first water supply pipe 9a is connected to a water source such as a tap. The other end of the first water supply pipe 9a is connected to the second water supply pipe 9b and the third water supply pipe 9c via a pressure reducing valve 31. The second water supply pipe 9b branches off midway and is connected to the hot water supply mixing valve 22 and the bath mixing valve 23. The hot water supply pipe 21 also branches off midway and is connected to the hot water supply mixing valve 22 and the bath mixing valve 23.

[0021] A bath solenoid valve 26 and a bath flow rate sensor 45 are provided along second hot water supply pipe 25. Bath solenoid valve 26 is a valve that opens and closes second hot water supply pipe 25. Bath flow rate sensor 45 is a sensor that detects the flow rate of hot water passing through second hot water supply pipe 25.

[0022] The hot water supply mixing valve 22 and the bath mixing valve 23 adjust the flow rate ratio between high-temperature hot water supplied from the hot water supply pipe 21 and low-temperature water supplied from the second water supply pipe 9b to produce hot water at a set temperature set by the user via remote control 44, and cause the hot water to flow into the first hot water supply pipe 24 and the second hot water supply pipe 25, respectively. The hot water whose temperature has been adjusted by the hot water supply mixing valve 22 is supplied from the first hot water supply pipe 24 via the hot water tap 34 to a faucet (not shown) used by the user, such as a shower or faucet. Meanwhile, the hot water adjusted to the set temperature by the bath mixing valve 23 is supplied from the second hot water supply pipe 25 via the bath solenoid valve 26, the bath flow sensor 45, the bath supply pipe 27, and the bath return pipe 28 to the bathtub 30.

[0023] The three-way valve 11 switches the hot and cold water flow path in the tank unit 33 between two flow path configurations: one in which the water outlet pipe 10 communicates with the heat pump supply pipe 14, and the other in which the hot water outlet pipe 20b communicates with the heat pump supply pipe 14. The four-way valve 18 switches the hot and cold water flow path in the tank unit 33 between four flow path configurations: one in which the heat pump return pipe 15 communicates with the hot water supply pipe 13, one in which the heat pump return pipe 15 communicates with the first bypass pipe 16, one in which the first bypass pipe 16 communicates with the second bypass pipe 17, and one in which the hot water supply pipe 13 communicates with the second bypass pipe 17.

[0024] As described above, the control unit 36 controls the operation of various valves, pumps, etc. provided in the tank unit 33 and the heat pump unit 7, thereby controlling the storage type water heater 35 including the tank unit 33 and the heat pump unit 7. The storage type water heater 35 may be provided with a control board (not shown) for controlling the storage type water heater 35. In this case, the functions of the control unit 36 described below may be realized by a processing circuit mounted on the control board.

[0025] As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 has, as its functions, a main boiling operation unit 51, a daytime main boiling time slot setting unit 52, a nighttime main boiling time slot setting unit 53, and a switching unit 54. The main boiling operation unit 51 causes the heat pump unit 7 to perform main boiling operation (main boiling operation) during a set time slot. The boiling operation is an operation that heats water in the hot water storage tank 8. The main boiling operation is an operation that maximizes the total amount of heat generated during the boiling operations performed in a 24-hour period. The set time slot is a set value for the time slot during which the main boiling operation is performed. In the present disclosure, the set time slot during which the main boiling operation is performed is also referred to as the "main boiling time slot." The set time slot is set in advance by the user, for example, by operating the remote control 44 or the like.

[0026] When activated, the main boiling daytime time zone setting unit 52 allows the set time zone to be set within a preset daytime time zone. When activated, the main boiling daytime time zone setting unit 52 prohibits the set time zone from being set outside the daytime time zone. The daytime time zone may be, for example, from 8:00 to 17:00. Furthermore, when activated, the main boiling daytime time zone setting unit 52 may set the set time zone to a default time zone within the daytime time zone. Specifically, the default set time zone within the daytime time zone may be, for example, from 9:00 to 16:00.

[0027] When activated, main boiling nighttime time zone setting unit 53 allows the set time zone to be set within a preset nighttime time zone range. When activated, main boiling nighttime time zone setting unit 53 prohibits the set time zone from being set outside the nighttime time zone range. A nighttime time zone may be, for example, from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM the following day. Furthermore, when activated, main boiling nighttime time zone setting unit 53 may set the set time zone to a default time zone within the nighttime time zone range. Specifically, a default set time zone within the nighttime time zone range may be, for example, from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM the following day.

[0028] Switching unit 54 selectively switches between a first state and a second state. In the first state, main boiling time zone daytime setting unit 52 is enabled and main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit 53 is disabled. In the second state, main boiling time zone daytime setting unit 52 is disabled and main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit 53 is enabled. In other words, switching unit 54 switches whether main boiling time zone daytime setting unit 52 or main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit 53 is enabled, enabling only one of them and disabling the other.

[0029] For example, the switching unit 54 switches between the first state and the second state by operating a switching jumper provided on the control board described above. Alternatively, the switching unit 54 may switch between the first state and the second state by operating a changeover switch provided on the control board described above.

[0030] Next, an example of the control operation of the storage-type hot water heater 35 according to this embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart in Figure 3. First, in step S40, the switching unit 54 of the control unit 36 determines whether or not a switching jumper is provided on the control board. In this disclosure, a state in which a jumper plug is inserted into the terminals of the switching jumper and the terminals of the switching jumper are shorted (connected) is referred to as a state in which the switching jumper is "present." Conversely, a state in which a jumper plug is not inserted into the terminals of the switching jumper and the terminals of the switching jumper are disconnected is referred to as a state in which the switching jumper is "absent."

[0031] If the determination result in step S40 is that the switching jumper is "present," the control unit 36 then performs the process of step S41. In step S41, the switching unit 54 enters the first state described above. That is, the switching unit 54 enables the main boiling time period daytime setting unit 52. The switching unit 54 then disables the main boiling time period nighttime setting unit 53.

[0032] On the other hand, if the determination result in step S40 is that the switching jumper is "not present," the control unit 36 then performs the process of step S42. In step S42, the switching unit 54 enters the second state described above. That is, the switching unit 54 disables the main boiling time period daytime setting unit 52. Then, the switching unit 54 enables the main boiling time period nighttime setting unit 53.

[0033] After step S41 or S42, the control unit 36 then performs the process of step S43. In step S43, the switching unit 54 of the control unit 36 determines whether the main boiling time period daytime setting unit 52 or the main boiling time period nighttime setting unit 53 is enabled. If it is determined that the main boiling time period daytime setting unit 52 is enabled, the control unit 36 then performs the process of step S44. In step S44, the main boiling time period daytime setting unit 52 sets the main boiling time period to a default value for the daytime period, for example, from 9:00 to 16:00. Then, in the following step S45, the main boiling time period daytime setting unit 52 sets the changeable range of the main boiling time period to the daytime period, for example, from 8:00 to 17:00.

[0034] On the other hand, if it is determined in step S43 that main boiling time period nighttime setting unit 53 is enabled, control unit 36 then performs the process of step S46. In step S46, main boiling time period nighttime setting unit 53 sets the main boiling time period to a default value for the nighttime period, for example, from 11:00 PM to 7:00 AM the next day. Then, in the following step S47, main boiling time period nighttime setting unit 53 sets the changeable range of the main boiling time period to the nighttime period, for example, from 10:00 PM to 8:00 AM the next day.

[0035] After step S45 or S47, the control unit 36 then performs the process of step S48. In step S48, the control unit 36 determines whether an operation to change the main boiling time period has been performed, such as by operating the remote control 44. If an operation to change the main boiling time period has been performed, the control unit 36 then performs the process of step S49. In step S49, the control unit 36 accepts a change to the main boiling time period within the changeable range of the main boiling time period set in step S45 or S47.

[0036] After step S49, the control unit 36 then performs the process of step S50. Also, if no operation to change the main boiling time period was performed in step S48, the control unit 36 then performs the process of step S50 without going through the process of step S49. In step S50, the main boiling operation unit 51 of the control unit 36 determines whether the current time is within the main boiling time period set in step S44 or S46, or changed in step S49. If the current time is not within the main boiling time period, the series of operations ends.

[0037] On the other hand, if the current time is within the main boiling time period in step S50, the control unit 36 then performs the process of step S51. In step S51, the main boiling operation unit 51 of the control unit 36 causes the heat pump unit 7 to perform main boiling operation. When the process of step S50 is completed, the series of operations ends.

[0038] With the hot water storage type water heater 35 configured as described above, it is possible to switch between activating the daytime main heating time slot setting unit 52 and the nighttime main heating time slot setting unit 53, and to select whether to use the hot water storage type water heater as a daytime heating type domestic heat pump water heater or as a nighttime heating type domestic heat pump water heater. In other words, one hot water storage type water heater 35 can be used as both a daytime heating type domestic heat pump water heater and a nighttime heating type domestic heat pump water heater.

[0039] Therefore, for example, if a user who has been using the storage water heater 35 as a daytime-heating type domestic heat pump water heater removes the solar power generation system or loses the dedicated electricity rate plan and wants to use it as a nighttime-heating type domestic heat pump water heater that mainly heats water at night, they can call a contractor or service person to operate a switching jumper on the control board to enable the main heating time period night setting unit 53, and continue using it as a nighttime-heating type domestic heat pump water heater without having to buy a new device. This eliminates the need to buy a new device and reduces unnecessary expenses.

[0040] Furthermore, with the hot water storage type water heater 35 configured as described above, when used as a daytime heating type domestic heat pump water heater, the main heating time period can be set only to daytime hours, and when used as a nighttime heating type domestic heat pump water heater, the main heating time period can be set only to nighttime hours. In other words, it is possible to prevent heating operation from being performed during unintended time periods due to user operation errors, etc. Therefore, for example, it is possible to prevent an increase in electricity bills caused by a user who wants to use the hot water storage type water heater 35 as a daytime heating type domestic heat pump water heater from accidentally setting the main heating time period to nighttime, etc. due to operation errors, etc.

[0041] In particular, for example, as described above, by operating a changeover jumper or a changeover switch or the like provided on the control board of the storage type water heater 35, it is possible to switch between enabling the daytime main heating time slot setting unit 52 and the nighttime main heating time slot setting unit 53. This prevents ordinary users from directly switching between enabling the daytime main heating time slot setting unit 52 and the nighttime main heating time slot setting unit 53 using an operating means such as the remote control 44 that is used by ordinary users to normally operate the storage type water heater 35. This more reliably prevents the water heater from operating during unintended time slots due to user error, etc.

[0042] In the hot water storage type water heater 35 according to this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 36 may further include a heat usage calculation unit 55 and a target heat usage calculation unit 56. The heat usage calculation unit 55 calculates the amount of heat generated from the hot water storage tank 8 based on the amount and temperature of hot water supplied from the hot water storage tank 8 during a predetermined period, for example, and calculates the amount of heat usage. The target heat usage calculation unit 56 calculates the target heat usage from the amount of heat usage calculated by the heat usage calculation unit 55. The main boiling operation unit 51 then performs the main boiling operation so as to ensure the target heat usage calculated by the target heat usage calculation unit 56 during the set time period. That is, the main boiling operation unit 51 performs the boiling operation of the heat pump unit 7 during the set time period in accordance with the target heat usage calculated by the target heat usage calculation unit 56.

[0043] The calculation of the target heat quantity by target heat quantity calculation unit 56 is not limited to being based on the heat quantity used calculated by heat quantity used calculation unit 55. Alternatively, for example, target heat quantity calculation unit 56 may set the target heat quantity to a predetermined constant value. In this case, target heat quantity calculation unit 56 may determine the target heat quantity based on the heat quantity when hot water storage tank 8 is filled with hot water (full state).

[0044] In the storage-type hot water heater 35 according to this embodiment, the switching unit 54 may be configured to switch between the first state and the second state when a preset switching operation is performed on the remote control 44. This configuration allows the user to switch between the daytime main heating time slot setting unit 52 and the nighttime main heating time slot setting unit 53 by operating the remote control 44, improving convenience. In this case, the details of the switching operation should not be made known to general users of the storage-type hot water heater 35, but should be made known only to specific personnel, such as installers and maintenance personnel of the storage-type hot water heater 35. This configuration improves the convenience of the switching operation and prevents general users of the storage-type hot water heater 35 from incorrectly setting the main heating operation time slot. Furthermore, by informing general users of the details of the switching operation when necessary, the switching operation can be performed by anyone other than specific personnel, such as installers and maintenance personnel.

[0045] Furthermore, the aforementioned switching operation should be an operation unlikely to be performed by a general user during normal remote control operation. For example, a switching operation may be performed by performing a preset first switching operation followed by a preset second switching operation. In this case, even if the second switching operation is performed on the remote control 44 under normal circumstances, the switching unit 54 does not switch between the first state and the second state. When the first switching operation is performed on the remote control 44, the second switching operation enables switching between the first state and the second state. In other words, under normal circumstances, switching between the daytime main boiling time slot setting unit 52 and the nighttime main boiling time slot setting unit 53 is prohibited. When the first switching operation is performed to release this prohibition, the second switching operation, which switches between the daytime main boiling time slot setting unit 52 and the nighttime main boiling time slot setting unit 53, becomes valid. In this case, the first switching operation may be, for example, inputting a specific code by operating a button on the remote control 44.

[0046] This more reliably prevents the water heating operation from being performed during unintended times due to user error, etc. Furthermore, when necessary, the content of the first switching operation (such as a specific code) can be notified to the user, allowing the user to perform the switching operation themselves. Here, "when necessary" refers to, for example, a case where a user who has been using the storage-type water heater 35 as a daytime-heating type heat pump water heater removes a solar power generation system or loses a dedicated electricity rate plan and now wants to use the water heater as a nighttime-heating type heat pump water heater that primarily heats water at night. In such a case, the user notifies the power supplier that supplies power to the storage-type water heater 35 of the change, and the power supplier, upon receiving this notification, provides the user with the specific code, allowing the user to perform the switching operation.

[0047] In the hot water storage type water heater 35 according to this embodiment, the control unit 36 may further include a power contract acquisition unit 57. The power contract acquisition unit 57 acquires power contract information with a power supply company. The power contract information is information relating to the contents of a power contract concluded between a user of the hot water storage type water heater 35 and the power supply company. The power contract acquisition unit 57 acquires the power contract information from a server (not shown) of the power supply company, for example, via a telecommunications line such as the Internet. The user may input the power contract information using the remote control 44, etc., and the input power contract information may be acquired by the power contract acquisition unit 57.

[0048] Then, based on the power contract information acquired by the power contract acquisition unit 57, the switching unit 54 switches between the first state and the second state described above, i.e., switches whether to enable the daytime main heating time slot setting unit 52 or the nighttime main heating time slot setting unit 53. For example, based on the power contract information, the switching unit 54 compares the electricity rate when main heating is performed during the daytime with the electricity rate when main heating is performed during the nighttime, and selects the time slot with the lower electricity rate. Generally, there are power contract plans from power suppliers that are suitable for daytime heating type domestic heat pump water heaters and nighttime heating type domestic heat pump water heaters, respectively. Therefore, by switching the time slot for main heating to either the daytime or nighttime based on the power contract information, it is possible to perform heating operation that is suitable for the power contract plan and reduce electricity charges.

[0049] In the hot water storage type water heater 35 according to this embodiment, the control unit 36 may further include a solar power generation system failure detection unit 58. The solar power generation system failure detection unit 58 detects a failure in the solar power generation system (not shown). Then, the switching unit 54 switches between the first state and the second state described above according to the detection result by the solar power generation system failure detection unit 58, i.e., switches whether to enable the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit 52 or the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit 53.

[0050] In this case, the switching unit 54 may switch from the first state to the second state when the photovoltaic power generation system failure detection unit 58 detects a failure in the photovoltaic power generation system. That is, when the photovoltaic power generation system failure detection unit 58 does not detect a failure in the photovoltaic power generation system, the switching unit 54 enables the daytime main boiling time period setting unit 52. Then, when the photovoltaic power generation system failure detection unit 58 detects a failure in the photovoltaic power generation system, the switching unit 54 enables the nighttime main boiling time period setting unit 53. In this way, when the photovoltaic power generation system fails, the time period during which the main boiling operation is performed can be automatically switched from daytime to nighttime. This reduces the effort required for switching, improves convenience, and makes it possible to reduce the use of commercial electricity during the day.

[0051] In the hot water storage type water heater 35 according to this embodiment, the remote control 44 may be capable of displaying information that enables the user to determine whether the main heating time period daytime setting unit 52 or the main heating time period nighttime setting unit 53 is active. In other words, the remote control 44 may be provided with a display that enables the user to display whether the remote control 44 is in the first state or the second state. The electricity contract plan of an electricity supplier may stipulate, as a subscription requirement, that a daytime heating type domestic heat pump water heater be installed. Therefore, by displaying information on the remote control 44 that enables the user to determine whether the time period during which the main heating operation is performed is daytime or nighttime, the user can easily confirm whether the subscription requirements are met.

[0052] In the present disclosure, the embodiments may be combined in any manner without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Examples of various aspects of the present disclosure are summarized below as appendices. (Appendix 1) a hot water storage unit having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water; a heat pump unit that boils the hot water in the hot water storage tank; A hot water storage type water heater comprising: a control unit that controls the heat pump unit; The control unit a main heating operation unit that causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during a set time period; a main heating time period daytime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a range of a preset daytime time period and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the range of the daytime time period; a main heating time period nighttime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a preset nighttime time period range and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the nighttime time period range; A storage-type water heater equipped with a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is enabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is disabled, and a second state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is disabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is enabled. (Appendix 2) The control unit a heat usage calculation unit that calculates a heat usage amount from the heat amount of hot water dispensed from the hot water storage tank; a target heat amount calculation unit that calculates a target heat amount from the heat amount used calculated by the heat amount used calculation unit, A storage-type water heater as described in Appendix 1, wherein the main heating operation unit causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during the set time period in accordance with the target heat quantity calculated by the target heat quantity calculation unit. (Appendix 3) Further provided is a control board for controlling the hot water storage type water heater, The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by operating a changeover switch provided on the control board. (Appendix 4) Further provided is a control board for controlling the hot water storage type water heater, A hot water storage type water heater as described in Appendix 1 or Appendix 2, wherein the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by operating a switching jumper provided on the control board. (Appendix 5) Further provided is a remote controller for operating the hot water storage type water heater, The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state when a preset switching operation is performed on the remote controller. (Appendix 6) A hot water storage type water heater as described in Appendix 5, wherein the switching operation is a predetermined first switching operation followed by a predetermined second switching operation. (Appendix 7) Further provided is a remote controller for operating the hot water storage type water heater, A hot water storage type water heater as described in any one of Supplementary Note 1 to Supplementary Note 4, wherein the remote control is provided with a display unit capable of displaying whether the remote control is in the first state or the second state. (Appendix 8) the control unit further includes a power contract acquisition unit that acquires power contract information relating to a power contract with a power supply company; A storage type water heater described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 7, wherein the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state based on power contract information acquired by the power contract acquisition unit. (Appendix 9) the control unit further includes a photovoltaic power generation system failure detection unit that detects a failure in the photovoltaic power generation system, A hot water storage type water heater described in any one of Appendix 1 to Appendix 8, wherein the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state depending on the detection result by the solar power generation system failure detection unit. (Appendix 10) A hot water storage type water heater as described in Appendix 9, wherein the switching unit switches from the first state to the second state when the solar power generation system failure detection unit detects a failure in the solar power generation system. [Explanation of symbols]

[0053] 1 Compressor 3 Water refrigerant heat exchanger 4 Expansion valve 5 Refrigerant piping 6. Air heat exchanger 7 Heat pump unit 8 Hot Water Tank 8a Water inlet 8b Water outlet 8c Hot water inlet 8d Hot water inlet outlet 9 Water supply pipeline 9a First water supply pipe 9b Second water supply pipe 9c Third water supply pipe 10 Water outlet piping 11 Three-way valve 12 Heat source pump 13 Hot water supply piping 14 Heat pump supply piping 15 Heat pump return pipe 16 First bypass piping 17 Second bypass piping 18 Four-way valve 20 Bath heat exchanger 20a Hot water intake piping 20b Hot water outlet piping 21 Hot water supply piping 22 Hot water mixing valve 23 Bath mixing valve 24 First hot water supply pipe 25 Second hot water supply pipe 26 Bath solenoid valve 27 Bath piping 28 Bath return pipe 29 Bath circulation pump 30 Bathtub 31 Pressure reducing valve 33 Tank Unit 34 Hot water tap 35 Storage water heater 36 Control Unit 37 Bath temperature sensor 38 Bath return temperature sensor 42 First hot water storage temperature sensor 43 Second hot water storage temperature sensor 44 Remote Control 45 Bath flow sensor 51 Main boiling operation unit 52 Main heating time zone daytime setting section 53 Main heating time period night setting section 54 Switching section 55 Calorie usage calculation section 56 Target heat amount calculation section 57 Electricity Contract Acquisition Department 58 Photovoltaic power generation system failure detection unit

Claims

1. a hot water storage unit having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water; a heat pump unit that boils the hot water in the hot water storage tank; A hot water storage type water heater comprising: a control unit that controls the heat pump unit; The control unit a main heating operation unit that causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during a set time period; a main heating time period daytime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a range of a preset daytime time period and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the range of the daytime time period; a main heating time period nighttime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a preset nighttime time period range and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the nighttime time period range; a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is enabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is disabled, and a second state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is disabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is enabled, Further provided is a control board for controlling the hot water storage type water heater, The switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by operating a changeover switch provided on the control board.

2. A hot water storage unit having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water; a heat pump unit that boils the hot water in the hot water storage tank; A hot water storage type water heater comprising: a control unit that controls the heat pump unit; The control unit a main heating operation unit that causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during a set time period; a main heating time period daytime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a range of a preset daytime time period and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the range of the daytime time period; a main heating time period nighttime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a preset nighttime time period range and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the nighttime time period range; a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is enabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is disabled, and a second state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is disabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is enabled, Further provided is a control board for controlling the hot water storage type water heater, The switching unit switches between the first state and the second state by operating a switching jumper provided on the control board.

3. A hot water storage unit having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water; a heat pump unit that boils the hot water in the hot water storage tank; A hot water storage type water heater comprising: a control unit that controls the heat pump unit; The control unit a main heating operation unit that causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during a set time period; a main heating time period daytime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a range of a preset daytime time period and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the range of the daytime time period; a main heating time period nighttime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a preset nighttime time period range and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the nighttime time period range; a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is enabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is disabled, and a second state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is disabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is enabled, Further provided with a remote control for operating the hot water storage type water heater, the switching unit switches between the first state and the second state when a preset switching operation is performed on the remote control; The hot water storage type water heater, wherein the switching operation is a predetermined first switching operation followed by a predetermined second switching operation.

4. A storage type water heater as described in Claim 3, wherein the remote control is provided with a display unit capable of indicating whether the remote control is in the first state or the second state.

5. A hot water storage unit having a hot water storage tank for storing hot water; a heat pump unit that boils the hot water in the hot water storage tank; A hot water storage type water heater comprising: a control unit that controls the heat pump unit; The control unit a main heating operation unit that causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during a set time period; a main heating time period daytime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a range of a preset daytime time period and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the range of the daytime time period; a main heating time period nighttime setting unit that, when enabled, allows the set time period to be set within a preset nighttime time period range and prohibits the set time period from being set outside the nighttime time period range; a switching unit that switches between a first state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is enabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is disabled, and a second state in which the main boiling time zone daytime setting unit is disabled and the main boiling time zone nighttime setting unit is enabled; a photovoltaic power generation system failure detection unit that detects a failure in the photovoltaic power generation system, The switching unit switches between the first state and the second state in accordance with a detection result by the solar power generation system failure detection unit.

6. The hot water storage type water heater according to claim 5 , wherein the switching unit switches from the first state to the second state when the photovoltaic power generation system failure detection unit detects a failure in the photovoltaic power generation system.

7. The control unit a heat usage calculation unit that calculates a heat usage amount from the heat amount of hot water dispensed from the hot water storage tank; a target heat amount calculation unit that calculates a target heat amount from the heat amount used calculated by the heat amount used calculation unit, A storage type water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 6, wherein the main heating operation unit causes the heat pump unit to perform heating operation during the set time period in accordance with the target heat quantity calculated by the target heat quantity calculation unit.

Images