Cooling system

Abstract

A cooling system (1) comprises: a water heater (10) comprising an air heat exchanger (13) that is provided in a first refrigerant circuit (19) through which a first refrigerant flows and that heats the first refrigerant by exchanging heat with air, a water heat exchanger (16) that is provided in the first refrigerant circuit (19) and that exchanges heat with the first refrigerant heated by the air heat exchanger (13) to heat water, and a water heater blower (18) that generates an airflow causing the air that has exchanged heat with the first refrigerant by means of the air heat exchanger (13), thus having a lower temperature than the outside air, to be blown out from a water heater blowout port (17) as exhaust cooled air; and a refrigeration cycle device (30) comprising a condenser (33) that is provided in a second refrigerant circuit (39) through which a second refrigerant flows and that exchanges heat between the second refrigerant and air to liquefy the second refrigerant, an outdoor blower (38) that generates an airflow causing the exhaust cooled air blown out from the water heater blowout port (17) to strike the condenser (33), and an evaporator (36) that is provided in the second refrigerant circuit (39) and that exchanges heat with the second refrigerant to cool air or water.

Description

Cooling system

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a cooling system that utilizes cold exhaust air from a water heater.

[0002] Conventionally, air conditioners and water heaters are known as air-cooled heat pump devices that have a refrigerant circuit and transfer thermal energy by circulating a refrigerant through the refrigerant circuit. Air-cooled heat pump devices exchange heat between the refrigerant and air. During heating operation, air conditioners absorb heat from the air to evaporate the refrigerant, resulting in the exhaust of air at a lower temperature than the outside air. At this time, the higher the outside air temperature, the easier it is for heat to transfer from the outside air to the refrigerant circuit, thereby reducing the load on the air conditioner. On the other hand, during cooling operation, air conditioners liquefy the refrigerant by releasing heat into the air, resulting in the exhaust of air at a higher temperature than the outside air. At this time, the lower the outside air temperature, the easier it is for heat to transfer from the refrigerant circuit to the outside air, thereby reducing the load on the air conditioner.

[0003] Therefore, Patent Document 1 discloses a technology for increasing the efficiency of heating operation by taking in exhaust air at a temperature higher than the outside air from the outdoor unit of an air conditioner performing cooling operation into the outdoor unit of an air conditioner performing heating operation. Patent Document 1 also discloses a technology for increasing the efficiency of cooling operation by taking in exhaust air at a temperature lower than the outside air from the outdoor unit of an air conditioner performing heating operation into the outdoor unit of an air conditioner performing cooling operation.

[0004] JP 2012-167915 A

[0005] The technology disclosed in Patent Document 1 is more effective when an air conditioner performing cooling operation and an air conditioner performing heating operation are operated simultaneously. Generally, air conditioner users operate the air conditioner in cooling operation when the outside temperature is high and in heating operation when the outside temperature is low. Therefore, there are few opportunities to operate an air conditioner performing cooling operation and an air conditioner performing heating operation simultaneously, which results in poor usability.

[0006] In a heat pump water heater, heat is exchanged between a refrigerant and outside air, and water is heated by a high-temperature, high-pressure refrigerant. During this process, air at a lower temperature than the outside air is exhausted from the water heater, just like in the heating mode of an air conditioner. If the cold air exhausted from the water heater could be used for cooling the refrigeration cycle device, such as the air conditioner's cooling mode, the load on the refrigeration cycle device could be reduced.

[0007] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a cooling system that uses the cold exhaust air from a water heater for cooling operation of a refrigeration cycle device, thereby reducing the load on the refrigeration cycle device.

[0008] The cooling system according to the present disclosure comprises a heat pump type water heater including: a first refrigerant circuit through which a first refrigerant flows; an air heat exchanger provided in the first refrigerant circuit for heating the first refrigerant by exchanging heat with air; a water heat exchanger provided in the first refrigerant circuit for heating water by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant heated by the air heat exchanger; and a water heater blower that generates an airflow from the water heater outlet after the air has exchanged heat with the first refrigerant and become colder than the outside air, as exhaust air; a heat pump type refrigeration cycle device including: a second refrigerant circuit through which a second refrigerant flows; a condenser provided in the second refrigerant circuit for liquefying the second refrigerant by exchanging heat between the second refrigerant and air; an outdoor blower that generates an airflow that directs the exhaust air blown out of the water heater outlet toward the condenser; and an evaporator provided in the second refrigerant circuit for cooling air or water by exchanging heat with the second refrigerant.

[0009] According to the present disclosure, a cooling system can be obtained that utilizes the cold exhaust air from a water heater for the cooling operation of a refrigeration cycle device, thereby reducing the load on the refrigeration cycle device.

[0010] 1 is a system configuration diagram illustrating an example configuration of a cooling system according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 1 is an example of an arrangement of a heat pump unit 11 of a water heater 10 and a refrigeration cycle device 30 in the cooling system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 by a control unit 50. FIG. 3 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a modified example of the cooling system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 4 is an example of an arrangement of a heat pump unit 11 of a water heater 10 and a refrigeration cycle device 30 in the cooling system 1 according to a second embodiment. FIG. 5 is an example of an arrangement of a heat pump unit 11 of a water heater 10 and a refrigeration cycle device 30 in the cooling system 1 according to a third embodiment. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram illustrating a configuration of a control unit 50 according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 7 is an example of a one-day amount of refrigeration cycle device operation data 53a stored by the control unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 8 is an example of a one-day amount of water heater hot water usage data 53b stored by the control unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a water heater boil-up suppression process by the control unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a first time zone prediction process for performing cooling operation. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 by the control unit 50 according to embodiment 5. FIG. 11 is an example of arrangement of the water heater 10, the refrigeration cycle device 30, and the cooling auxiliary device 81 in the cooling system 1 according to embodiment 6. FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of cooperative operation between the water heater 10, the refrigeration cycle device 30, and the cooling auxiliary device 81 by the control unit 50 according to embodiment 6.

[0011] The following describes embodiments of the subject matter of 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 explanations are appropriately simplified or omitted. Note that the subject matter of the present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and it is possible to combine the embodiments, modify or omit any of the components, within the scope of the present disclosure.

[0012] Embodiment 1. Fig. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing an example of a cooling system 1 according to embodiment 1 of the present disclosure. The cooling system 1 is composed of a heat pump water heater 10, a refrigeration cycle device 30 that cools air or water, and a control unit 50 that controls the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30. The heat pump refrigeration cycle device 30 is a device that uses a heat pump to cool air or water. The heat pump refrigeration cycle device 30 is, for example, an air conditioner that performs cooling operation, a chilled water chiller, or a refrigerator. Fig. 1 illustrates a case where an air conditioner having an outdoor unit 31 and an indoor unit 40 that cools the space in which the indoor unit 40 is installed is used as the heat pump refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0013] The water heater 10 includes a heat pump unit 11 , a hot water storage unit 21 , and a water heater control unit 51 that controls the heat pump unit 11 and the hot water storage unit 21 .

[0014] The heat pump unit 11 includes a compressor 14, a water heat exchanger 16, an expansion valve 15, an air heat exchanger 13, a water heater blower 18, a water heater intake port 12, and a water heater outlet port 17. The compressor 14, the water heat exchanger 16, the expansion valve 15, and the air heat exchanger 13 are connected in a ring shape by refrigerant piping through which a first refrigerant, the refrigerant for the water heater 10, flows, forming a first refrigerant circuit 19. The compressor 14 compresses the first refrigerant drawn in through the suction port, converting it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas, and discharges it from the discharge port. The water heat exchanger 16 has a refrigerant flow path and a water flow path formed therein. The water heat exchanger 16 heats the water by exchanging heat between the first refrigerant flowing into its internal refrigerant flow path from the first refrigerant circuit 19 and water flowing through the water flow path. The heated water that passes through the water flow path of the water heat exchanger 16 flows through the water piping 20a to the hot water storage unit 21. The expansion valve 15 depressurizes the first refrigerant passing through its interior. The air heat exchanger 13 has a refrigerant flow path formed therein, and performs heat exchange between the first refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant flow path and air.

[0015] The water heater blower 18 has a motor 18a and a fan 18b. When the motor 18a drives the fan 18b, the water heater blower 18 draws in outside air through the water heater inlet 12, passes through the air heat exchanger 13, and generates an airflow 60 that is blown out from the water heater outlet 17. In FIG. 1, the airflow 60 shown in the heat pump unit 11 represents the airflow inside the water heater 10 generated by the water heater blower 18. The air drawn in by the rotation of the fan 18b of the water heater blower 18 exchanges heat with the first refrigerant as it passes through the air heat exchanger 13, thereby lowering its temperature. Therefore, the air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 is cooler than the outside air. Hereinafter, the low-temperature air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 will be referred to as exhaust cool air. In Figure 1, the water heater blower 18 is installed near the water heater outlet 17, but the installation location is not important as long as it can draw in outside air from the water heater inlet 12, pass through the air heat exchanger 13, and generate an air flow 60 that is blown out from the water heater outlet 17.

[0016] The hot water storage unit 21 includes a hot water storage tank 22. The hot water storage tank 22 stores water therein. The water stored in the hot water storage tank 22 will be referred to as "tank water" in the following description. The tank water flows from the bottom of the hot water storage tank 22 through water piping 20b into the water flow path of the water heat exchanger 16, exchanges heat with the first refrigerant in the water heat exchanger 16, is heated, and flows into the top of the hot water storage tank through water piping 20a. Generally, the higher the temperature of water, the lower the density, and the lower the temperature, the higher the density. Therefore, by heating the tank water in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 22, which is relatively low in temperature, in the water heat exchanger 16 to produce high-temperature water, and then allowing the high-temperature water to flow into the top of the hot water storage tank 22, a temperature stratification is formed inside the hot water storage tank 22, with high-temperature water at the top and low-temperature water at the bottom. The high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 22 is connected to a hot water supply location (not shown), such as a faucet or a bathtub, through water piping 20c, and hot water is supplied as needed. The hot water storage tank 22 is connected to a water supply source (not shown) by a water pipe 20d, and water is supplied from the outside.

[0017] The water heater control unit 51 has a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O ports, etc. The water heater control unit 51 is configured to control the operation of the entire water heater 10 based on an operation signal from an operating device (not shown) such as a remote control, or a detection signal from a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the hot water storage tank 22. For example, the water heater control unit 51 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 14, the operating frequency of the water heater blower 18, and the water pumps (not shown) and on-off valves (not shown) installed in each water pipe 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d. The water heater control unit 51 is installed in the heat pump unit 11 or the hot water storage unit 21. Alternatively, the water heater control unit 51 is installed in a location separate from the heat pump unit 11 and the hot water storage unit 21 and is connected to the heat pump unit 11 and the hot water storage unit 21 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0018] Next, we will explain the boiling operation by the water heater 10. The boiling operation is performed when the amount of high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 22 becomes low, when a signal to perform the boiling operation is received from an operating device such as a remote control, or when a time preset in the water heater control unit 51 has arrived.

[0019] When the heating operation starts, the water heater control unit 51 causes the low-temperature tank water stored in the lower part of the hot water storage tank 22 to flow through the water pipe 20b into the water flow path of the water heat exchanger 16. Due to a refrigeration cycle using the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 19 described below, the low-temperature water that has flowed into the water flow path exchanges heat with the first refrigerant in the water heat exchanger 16, becoming high-temperature water. The high-temperature water flows into the hot water storage tank 22 from the upper part via the water pipe 20a.

[0020] Furthermore, when the boiling operation is initiated, the water heater control unit 51 drives the compressor 14. Driving the compressor 14 causes the first refrigerant in the first refrigerant circuit 19 to change as follows: The high-temperature, high-pressure gaseous first refrigerant discharged from the compressor 14 loses heat to the water flowing through the water heat exchanger 16 and drops in temperature. At this time, if the high-pressure refrigerant pressure is below the critical pressure, the first refrigerant liquefies and releases heat. The high-pressure, low-temperature first refrigerant flowing out of the water heat exchanger 16 is reduced in pressure to a low-pressure, gas-liquid two-phase state by passing through the expansion valve 15. The reduced-pressure first refrigerant then absorbs heat from the air while flowing through the air heat exchanger 13, evaporating and gasifying. The low-pressure refrigerant flowing out of the air heat exchanger 13 is again drawn into the compressor 14 and circulated. This circulation forms a refrigeration cycle, i.e., a heat pump cycle. The water heater control unit 51 also drives the water heater blower 18. When the water heater blower 18 is driven, outside air is drawn in through the water heater inlet 12, passes through the air heat exchanger 13, and is blown out from the water heater outlet 17, generating an airflow 60. The outside air hits the air heat exchanger 13, thereby efficiently exchanging heat between the first refrigerant and the air. The air that has absorbed heat into the first refrigerant in the air heat exchanger 13 is cooled, becoming exhaust air and being blown out from the water heater outlet 17.

[0021] The water heater 10 may be a hot water circulation type water heater. The heat pump unit 11 of a hot water circulation type water heater is similar in configuration to that shown in FIG. 1 . Therefore, during the water heating operation of the water heater 10, cooled exhaust air is blown out from the water heater outlet 17. In a hot water circulation type water heater, the water pipes 20c and 20d are connected, and the hot water storage tank 22, the water pipes 20c, and the water pipes 20d form a hot water circulation path. Because the tank water in the hot water storage tank 22 is constantly circulating through the hot water circulation path, the tank water in the hot water storage tank 22 remains at the same temperature, and temperature stratification does not occur. The hot water circulation path is used for hot water floor heating, etc. The hot water circulation path also includes hot water supply points such as faucets and bathtubs along the way, and hot water is supplied as needed. When the tank water circulating through the hot water circulation path decreases due to hot water supply, water is supplied to the hot water storage tank from a water supply source (not shown) connected to the hot water storage tank 22. In addition, in a hot water circulation type water heater, when the temperature of the tank water drops below a set value, a boiling operation is performed.

[0022] Next, a description will be given of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30. The refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 includes an outdoor unit 31, an indoor unit 40, and a refrigeration cycle apparatus control unit 52 that controls the outdoor unit 31 and the indoor unit 40.

[0023] The outdoor unit 31 includes a housing with an outdoor air inlet 32 ​​and an outdoor air outlet 37, and includes a compressor 34, a condenser 33, an expansion valve 35, and an outdoor blower 38. The compressor 34, the condenser 33, the expansion valve 35, and an evaporator 36 of the indoor unit 40 (described later) are connected in a ring shape by refrigerant piping through which a second refrigerant, the refrigerant of the refrigeration cycle device 30, flows, forming a second refrigerant circuit 39. The compressor 34 compresses the second refrigerant drawn through the suction port, converting it into a high-temperature, high-pressure gas and discharging it from the discharge port. The condenser 33 has a refrigerant flow path formed therein. In the condenser 33, the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant circuit 39 dissipates heat into the air, becoming a high-pressure liquid. The expansion valve 35 reduces the pressure of the second refrigerant passing through it.

[0024] The indoor unit 40 has an evaporator 36. A refrigerant flow path is formed inside the evaporator 36. The evaporator 36 performs heat exchange between the second refrigerant, which has been decompressed after passing through the expansion valve 35, and the air. In the evaporator 36, the second refrigerant absorbs heat from the air, lowering the temperature of the air and allowing the indoor unit 40 to function as a cooler.

[0025] The outdoor blower 38 draws in outside air through the outdoor air inlet 32, passes through the condenser 33, and generates an airflow 61 that is blown out through the outdoor air outlet 37. The outdoor blower 38 has a motor 38a and a fan 38b. The motor 38a drives the fan 38b, which rotates to generate the airflow. In FIG. 1 , the airflow 61 shown in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 represents the airflow generated by the outdoor blower 38. In the condenser 33, the second refrigerant condenses by releasing heat to the air drawn in by the outdoor blower 38. Therefore, the lower the temperature of the air exchanging heat with the second refrigerant in the condenser 33, the more efficiently the second refrigerant absorbs heat from the second refrigerant and liquefies. The water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 are positioned so that the airflow 60 blown out by the water heater blower 18 is drawn in through the outdoor air inlet 32 ​​by the outdoor blower 38. As a result, the exhaust cold air, which is lower in temperature than the outside air and is blown out from the water heater outlet 17 of the water heater 10, can be drawn in from the outdoor inlet 32 ​​of the outdoor unit 31, and this exhaust cold air can be blown onto the condenser 33. Although the outdoor blower 38 is installed near the outdoor outlet 37 in Fig. 1, the installation location is not important as long as it draws in outside air from the outdoor inlet 32, passes through the condenser 33, and generates an airflow 61 that is blown out from the outdoor outlet 37.

[0026] 1 , the condenser 33 of the outdoor unit 31 is located inside the housing, and is configured so that air drawn in from the outdoor air inlet 32 ​​by driving the outdoor blower 38 hits the condenser 33. Alternatively, the condenser 33 may be disposed so as to be exposed to the outside of the housing, and the outdoor air may be configured so that outside air passes through the condenser 33 and enters the inside of the housing by driving the outdoor blower 38. In other words, the outdoor blower 38 generates an air current that blows outside air against the condenser 33.

[0027] The refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 has a microcomputer equipped with a CPU, ROM, RAM, I / O ports, etc. The refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 is configured to control the outdoor unit 31 and the indoor unit 40 based on an operation signal from an operation device (not shown) such as a remote control, or a detection signal from a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the space to be cooled. For example, the refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 controls the operating frequency of the compressor 34 and the operating frequency of the outdoor blower 38. The refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 is installed inside the outdoor unit 31 or the indoor unit 40. Alternatively, the refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 is installed in a location separate from the outdoor unit 31 and the indoor unit 40 and is connected to the outdoor unit 31 and the indoor unit 40 so as to be able to communicate with them.

[0028] The control unit 50 is communicably connected to the water heater control unit 51 and the refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 to operate the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 in cooperation with each other. Note that the control unit 50 may be configured to be able to control the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 without going through the water heater control unit 51 and the refrigeration cycle device control unit 52. Specifically, the control unit 50 is configured to receive signals notifying the operating state of the refrigeration cycle device 30 from an operating device (not shown) such as a remote control of the refrigeration cycle device 30 and a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the space to be cooled, and to transmit control signals to the compressor 14 of the water heater 10, the water heater blower 18, and water pumps (not shown) and on-off valves (not shown) installed in each of the water pipes 20a, 20b, 20c, and 20d, thereby enabling the water heater 10 to perform a boil-up operation. In addition, the water heater control unit 51 and the refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 may be configured to be connectable to an external network such as the Internet, and the control unit 50 may be configured to control the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 via the external network.

[0029] 2 shows an example of the arrangement of the heat pump unit 11 of the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 in the cooling system 1. Note that in the present disclosure, the refrigeration cycle device 30 may have a condenser 33 and an evaporator 36 installed in a single housing (the refrigeration cycle device 30 shown in FIG. 2). In the refrigeration cycle device 30 configured with an outdoor unit 31 and an indoor unit 40 as shown in FIG. 1, the outdoor unit 31 equipped with the condenser 33 corresponds to the refrigeration cycle device 30 in FIG. 2. In order to utilize the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10, the heat pump unit 11 of the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 are installed so that the blowing range 70 of the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10 overlaps with the suction range 71 of the refrigeration cycle device 30. The discharge range 70 of the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10 is the range reached by the airflow 60 generated by the water heater blower 18 operating from the water heater outlet 17, and is determined by the rotation speed of the water heater blower 18 and the shape of the water heater outlet 17. The suction range 71 of the refrigeration cycle device 30 is the range reached by the airflow 61 that is generated by the operation of the outdoor blower 38 and draws air outside the outdoor unit 31, and is determined by the rotation speed of the outdoor blower 38 and the shape of the outdoor unit 31. In the example of FIG. 2 , the water heater outlet 17 is formed on the top surface of the heat pump unit 11, and the outdoor blower 38 draws outside air from the condenser 33 onto the side of the outdoor unit 31. As shown in FIG. 2 , the outdoor unit 31 is installed on a pedestal 80, higher than the heat pump unit 11. The height of the pedestal 80 is set so that the top of the condenser 33 is higher than the water heater outlet 17. In particular, it is desirable to set the height of the stand 80 so that the height of the water heater outlet 17 is between the lower end and the upper end of the condenser 33. This allows the discharge range 70 of the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10 to overlap with the suction range 71 of the refrigeration cycle device 30. To make it easier for the refrigeration cycle device 30 to use the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10, it is desirable to have the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 as close to each other as possible. Furthermore, it is desirable to set the height of the stand 80 so that the lower end of the condenser 33 is at the same height as the water heater outlet 17. This increases the overlap area between the discharge range 70 of the cold exhaust air and the suction range 71 of the refrigeration cycle device 30 compared to when the height of the stand 80 is set so that the water heater outlet 17 is located between the lower end and the upper end of the condenser 33.Therefore, a large amount of the exhaust cold air blown out from the heat pump unit 11 of the water heater 10 can be applied to the condenser 33, making it easier for the refrigeration cycle device 30 to use the exhaust cold air.

[0030] If the airflow 60 from the water heater blower 18 is fast, the height of the platform 80 should be set so that the lower end of the condenser 33 is higher than the water heater outlet 17. The airflow 60 forcefully blown out of the water heater outlet 17 by the water heater blower 18 has a high wind speed immediately after blowing out, and the width of the wind spreads little laterally, causing the exhaust cold air to flow upward. Therefore, the outdoor blower 38 may not be able to sufficiently take in the exhaust cold air when the airflow 61 is sucked in from the lateral direction of the refrigeration cycle device 30. Therefore, the height of the platform 80 is set so that the wind speed of the airflow 60 blown out of the water heater outlet 17 by the water heater blower 18 is less than a certain value. This certain value is, for example, the wind speed at which the airflow 61 is sucked in by the outdoor blower 38. As a result, the cold exhaust air, whose wind speed has decreased after being blown out from the water heater outlet 17 by the water heater blower 18, can be efficiently sucked in by the outdoor blower 38 and blown onto the condenser 33.

[0031] Next, the cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 by the control unit 50 will be described. When the refrigeration cycle device 30 starts cooling operation, the refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 sends a signal to the control unit 50 indicating that the refrigeration cycle device 30 has started cooling operation. The control unit 50 sends a signal to the water heater control unit 51 requesting that the water heater 10 start heating operation. The water heater control unit 51 starts heating operation if the water heater 10 is capable of heating operation. Whether heating operation is possible or not is determined by the amount of high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 22. If the amount of high-temperature water in the tank is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount depending on the capacity of the hot water storage tank 22, the water heater 10 does not perform heating operation. In the following description, the state of the hot water storage tank 22 when the water heater 10 is not performing heating operation, i.e., the state of the hot water storage tank 22 when the amount of high-temperature water in the tank is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount depending on the capacity of the hot water storage tank 22, will be referred to as full.

[0032] Furthermore, when the load of the refrigeration cycle device 30 exceeds a set value, the control unit 50 may send a signal to the water heater control unit 51 requesting the water heater 10 to start a heating operation. The load of the refrigeration cycle device 30 refers to the amount of energy required for the refrigeration cycle device 30 to cool water or air. The load may also refer to the power consumption required to drive the refrigeration cycle device 30. Generally, the lower the temperature set in the refrigeration cycle device 30 compared to the outside air temperature, the higher the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30. The set value is a value preset in the control unit 50. For example, the set value may be a load when the refrigeration cycle device 30 is performing cooling operation at maximum output. Alternatively, the user may be able to set in the control unit 50 a load value for the refrigeration cycle device 30 when the user feels that the cooling capacity is insufficient while using the refrigeration cycle device 30, or an upper limit of the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 that the user can tolerate. Regarding the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30, FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 by the control unit 50. The control for performing the boiling operation of the water heater 10 when the load of the refrigeration cycle device 30 exceeds a set value will be described with reference to FIG.

[0033] First, in step S101, when the control unit 50 receives a signal from the refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 indicating that the refrigeration cycle device 30 has started air conditioning operation, the control unit 50 starts a flow of cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30. Next, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0034] In step S102, the control unit 50 determines whether the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is equal to or greater than a set value. The load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is, for example, the power consumption required to operate the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30. The control unit 50 transmits a signal requesting the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 to the refrigeration cycle apparatus control unit 52 and acquires the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 in response from the refrigeration cycle apparatus control unit 52. The control unit 50 compares the acquired load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 with a set value previously set in the control unit 50. If the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is high (S102: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S103. If the acquired load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is lower than the set value (S102: No), the control unit 50 returns to step S102 and repeats step S102 until the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 exceeds the set value.

[0035] In step S103, the control unit 50 determines whether the water heater 10 is capable of water heating operation. The control unit 50 inquires of the water heater control unit 51 whether the water heater 10 is capable of water heating operation. Whether water heating operation is possible or not is determined by the amount of high-temperature water in the hot water storage tank 22. If the amount of high-temperature water in the tank is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount depending on the capacity of the hot water storage tank 22, that is, when the hot water storage tank 22 is full, the water heater 10 will not perform water heating operation, and the water heater control unit 51 sends a signal to the control unit 50 indicating that water heating operation is not possible. If the water heater 10 is capable of water heating operation (S103: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S104. If the water heater 10 is not capable of water heating operation (S103: No), the control unit 50 ends the flow of the cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0036] In step S104, control unit 50 transmits a signal to water heater control unit 51 requesting that water heater 10 start a heating operation. When water heater 10 receives the signal and starts a heating operation, water heater 10 blows out, from water heater outlet 17, exhaust cold air, which is air whose temperature has been reduced by heat exchange with the first refrigerant. Refrigeration cycle device 30 uses the exhaust cold air for heat exchange with the second refrigerant in condenser 33, thereby reducing the load on refrigeration cycle device 30. This concludes the flow of coordinated operation between water heater 10 and refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0037] As described above, the cooling system 1 of the present disclosure includes the first refrigerant circuit 19 through which the first refrigerant flows, the air heat exchanger 13 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 and configured to heat the first refrigerant by exchanging heat with air, the water heat exchanger 16 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 and configured to heat water by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant heated by the air heat exchanger 13, and the water heater air blower 17 that generates an airflow 60 in which the air that has been heat exchanged with the first refrigerant by the air heat exchanger 13 and has become colder than the outside air is blown out from the water heater outlet 17 as cooled exhaust air. The present invention includes a heat pump type water heater (10) including a second refrigerant circuit (39) through which a second refrigerant flows, a condenser (33) provided in the second refrigerant circuit (39) for liquefying the second refrigerant by heat exchange between the second refrigerant and air, an outdoor fan (38) for generating an airflow (61) that directs exhaust cold air blown out of the water heater outlet (17) toward the condenser (33), and an evaporator (36) provided in the second refrigerant circuit (39) for cooling air or water by heat exchange with the second refrigerant. With this configuration, the exhaust cold air blown out by the operation of the water heater (10) can be used by the refrigeration cycle device (30) to cool the second refrigerant, thereby reducing the load on the refrigeration cycle device (30).

[0038] The cooling system 1 of the present disclosure further includes a control unit 50 that controls the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device, and the control unit 50 controls the water heater 10 to perform a boiling operation to heat water when the refrigeration cycle device 30 performs an air or water cooling operation. By such control, when the refrigeration cycle device 30 performs a cooling operation, the water heater 10 performs a boiling operation to blow out cold exhaust air and have it sucked into the refrigeration cycle device 30, so that the refrigeration cycle device 30 can use the cold exhaust air to cool the second refrigerant, thereby reducing the load on the refrigeration cycle device.

[0039] Furthermore, in the cooling system 1 of the present disclosure, the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 are arranged so that the discharge range 70 of the cold exhaust air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 overlaps with the suction range 71 of the refrigeration cycle device 30, so that the cold exhaust air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 is directed toward the condenser 33. With this configuration, the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10 can be directed toward the condenser 33 of the refrigeration cycle device 30, and the cold exhaust air can be used by the refrigeration cycle device 30 to cool the second refrigerant.

[0040] Furthermore, in the cooling system 1 of the present disclosure, the water heater outlet 17 is formed on the top surface of the water heater 10, the condenser 33 is disposed on the side surface of the refrigeration cycle device 30, and the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 are installed so that the lower end of the condenser 33 is positioned higher than the water heater outlet 17. With this configuration, the blowing range 70 of the exhaust cold air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 and the suction range 71 of the refrigeration cycle device 30 can be made to overlap.

[0041] In the refrigeration cycle device 30, the condenser 33 and the evaporator 36 may be installed in a single housing. Fig. 4 is a system configuration diagram illustrating a modified example of the cooling system 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure. In the example of Fig. 4, the evaporator 36 has a refrigerant flow path and a water flow path formed therein. The evaporator 36 performs heat exchange between the second refrigerant flowing through the second refrigerant circuit 39 and the water flowing through the water flow path, thereby cooling the water flowing through the water flow path to obtain chilled water.

[0042] Embodiment 2 Next, embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 5. Fig. 5 shows an example of the arrangement of the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 in the cooling system 1 according to embodiment 2. Note that a description of the same parts of this embodiment as those of the above-described embodiment will be omitted. Furthermore, the configuration of the refrigeration cycle device 30 may be either a configuration having an outdoor unit 31 in which the condenser 33 is installed and an indoor unit 40 in which the evaporator 36 is installed as shown in Fig. 1, or a configuration in which the condenser 33 and the evaporator 36 are installed in a single housing as shown in Fig. 4.

[0043] In this embodiment, in order to utilize the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10, the cooling system 1 is provided with a duct 62 that sends the cold exhaust air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 to the condenser 33 of the refrigeration cycle device 30. When the water heater blower 18 is driven, the cold exhaust air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 passes through the duct 62 and is sent to the condenser 33 of the refrigeration cycle device 30. By providing the duct 62, even if the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 are installed apart, the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10 can be directed to the condenser 33, and the refrigeration cycle device 30 can utilize the cold exhaust air. Note that a blower may be provided inside the duct 62 to efficiently send the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10 to the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0044] As described above, the cooling system 1 of this embodiment includes a heat pump type water heater 10 including a first refrigerant circuit 19 through which a first refrigerant flows, an air heat exchanger 13 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating the first refrigerant by exchanging heat with air, a water heat exchanger 16 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating water by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant heated by the air heat exchanger 13, and a water heater blower 18 for generating an airflow 60 that blows out, as exhaust cool air, air that has been heat exchanged with the first refrigerant by the air heat exchanger 13 and has a temperature lower than that of outside air from a water heater outlet 17; a condenser 33 provided in the second refrigerant circuit 39 for liquefying the second refrigerant by exchanging heat between the second refrigerant and air, an outdoor fan 38 for generating an air flow 61 that directs the cold exhaust air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 toward the condenser 33, and an evaporator 36 provided in the second refrigerant circuit 39 for cooling the air or water by exchanging heat with the second refrigerant, and further provided with a duct 62 that directs the cold exhaust air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 to the condenser 33, so that the cold exhaust air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 is directed toward the condenser 33.

[0045] With this configuration, even if the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 are installed apart, the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10 can be directed to the condenser 33, and the cold exhaust air can be used by the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0046] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 6. Fig. 6 shows an example of the arrangement of the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 in the cooling system 1 according to the third embodiment. Note that the description of the same parts of this embodiment as those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted.

[0047] In relatively large buildings such as buildings and factories, multiple water heaters 10 and refrigeration cycle devices 30 may be installed. Arranging multiple water heaters 10 and refrigeration cycle devices 30 in one location has the advantages of efficient space utilization and efficient inspection. In the refrigeration cycle device 30, heat is dissipated from the second refrigerant, and air that is hotter than the outside air (hereinafter referred to as exhaust air) is blown out from the outdoor blower 38. Arranging multiple refrigeration cycle devices 30 in one location increases the amount of exhaust air blown out from the outdoor blower 38, which can cause the exhaust air to stagnate around the refrigeration cycle device 30. This causes the exhaust air to be included in the air drawn into the condenser 33, reducing the amount of heat dissipated by the second refrigerant to the air in the condenser 33, resulting in an increased load on the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0048] The cooling system 1 of this embodiment includes at least two water heaters 10 and refrigeration cycle devices 30, and the water heaters 10 and refrigeration cycle devices 30 are arranged alternately as shown in FIG. 6 . As a result, cold exhaust air is blown out from the water heater outlet 17 of the water heater 10 and mixes with the hot exhaust air stagnating around the refrigeration cycle device 30, thereby lowering the temperature around the refrigeration cycle device 30. Therefore, lower-temperature air can be directed toward the condenser 33 of the refrigeration cycle device 30 than when multiple refrigeration cycle devices 30 are arranged together in one location, thereby reducing the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the closer the distance between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30, the easier it is for the refrigeration cycle device 30 to utilize the cold exhaust air from the water heater 10.

[0049] In the water heater 10, the water heater outlet 17 is often formed in a nozzle shape so that the cold exhaust air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 travels straight upward. In the water heater 10 of this embodiment, the water heater outlet 17 is desirably shaped so that the cold exhaust air blown out can easily diffuse around rather than upward (for example, an anemometer type). This allows the cold exhaust air blown out from the water heater 10 to spread around rather than upward, thereby lowering the temperature around the adjacent refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0050] As described above, the cooling system 1 of this embodiment includes the first refrigerant circuit 19 through which the first refrigerant flows, the air heat exchanger 13 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating the first refrigerant by exchanging heat with air, the water heat exchanger 16 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating water by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant heated by the air heat exchanger 13, and the water heater 16 for generating an airflow 60 in which the air that has been heat exchanged with the first refrigerant by the air heat exchanger 13 and whose temperature is lower than that of the outside air is blown out from the water heater outlet 17 as cooled exhaust air. The cooling system 1 includes a heat pump water heater 10 including a water heater blower 18, a second refrigerant circuit 39 through which a second refrigerant flows, a condenser 33 provided in the second refrigerant circuit 39 for liquefying the second refrigerant by heat exchange between the second refrigerant and air, an outdoor blower 38 for generating an airflow 61 that blows cooled exhaust air blown out from the water heater outlet 17 onto the condenser 33, and an evaporator 36 provided in the second refrigerant circuit 39 for cooling air or water by heat exchange with the second refrigerant. The cooling system 1 includes at least two water heaters and at least two refrigeration cycle devices, and the water heaters and the refrigeration cycle devices 30 are arranged alternately.

[0051] With this configuration, lower temperature air can be directed to the condenser 33 of the refrigeration cycle device 30, compared to when multiple refrigeration cycle devices 30 are arranged together in one place, thereby increasing the efficiency of the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0052] Embodiment 4 Next, embodiment 4 will be described. In this embodiment, the control unit 50 predicts a time period during which the refrigeration cycle device 30 performs cooling operation as a first time period, and suppresses the heating operation of the water heater 10 before the first time period during which the cooling operation is performed, in order to perform the heating operation of the water heater 10 during the first time period during which the cooling operation is performed. Note that, in this embodiment, descriptions of the same parts as those of the above-mentioned embodiments will be omitted.

[0053] 7 is a functional block diagram showing the configuration of the control unit 50 in the embodiment 4. As shown in FIG. 7, the control unit 50 has a storage unit 53, a communication unit 54, and a cooperation control unit 55.

[0054] The storage unit 53 is a non-volatile or volatile memory such as a RAM, a ROM, a flash memory, an EPROM, an EEPROM, etc. The storage unit 53 stores refrigeration cycle device operation data 53a and hot water consumption data 53b of the water heater.

[0055] The refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a is data storing, for each hour of a certain period, such as one week, the operation status of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30, the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30, and the air temperature. FIG. 8 shows an example of one day's worth of refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a stored by the control unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment. The control unit 50 receives the operation status and the load of the cooling operation periodically transmitted by the refrigeration cycle apparatus control unit 52, and stores the data for the most recent certain period in the memory unit 53. The air temperature in the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a is acquired by the communication unit 54 (described later) and stored by the control unit 50. Alternatively, the refrigeration cycle apparatus control unit 52 may periodically transmit a value detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30, and the control unit 50 may store the data.

[0056] The water heater hot water usage data 53b is data storing the remaining hot water volume in the hot water storage tank 22 of the water heater 10 for each time period, for example, for a certain period, such as one week. The water heater hot water usage data 53b also includes the hot water usage volume for each time period calculated from the remaining hot water volume. The remaining hot water volume is the heat content of the high-temperature water remaining in the hot water storage tank 22. Alternatively, the remaining hot water volume in the hot water storage tank 22 may be calculated by converting the heat content of the high-temperature water remaining in the hot water storage tank 22 into a volume of hot water at hot water supply temperature. Because the remaining hot water volume is the heat content of the high-temperature water remaining in the hot water storage tank 22, it may decrease over time due to a decrease in the tank water temperature, even if the water heater 10 is not supplying hot water. Figure 9 shows an example of the water heater hot water usage data 53b for one day stored by the control unit 50 according to the fourth embodiment. In Figure 9, the heat content of the high-temperature water remaining in the hot water storage tank 22 is expressed as a value converted into a volume of hot water at hot water supply temperature. The control unit 50 receives the amount of remaining hot water periodically transmitted by the water heater control unit 51 and stores the amount for the most recent fixed period in the memory unit 53. In the example of Figure 9, the water heater 10 performs a heating operation from 2:00 to 4:00, and the amount of remaining hot water increases in the hot water storage tank 22. During the heating operation period, the control unit 50 receives the amount of remaining hot water before the heating operation was performed from the water heater control unit 51, and calculates the amount of hot water used using the amount of remaining hot water before the heating operation was performed and the next received amount of remaining hot water.

[0057] The communication unit 54 acquires temperature forecast data 57 via an external network 56 such as the Internet. The temperature forecast data 57 is a predicted value of the temperature at the location where the cooling system 1 is installed. The temperature forecast data 57 includes a predicted value of the temperature for each time period on a day when the control unit 50 performs the water heater overheating suppression process described below.

[0058] The cooperation control unit 55 includes a refrigeration cycle device operation prediction unit 55a, a refrigeration cycle device load prediction unit 55b, a water heater usage prediction unit 55c, and a water heater heating suppression unit 55d. The refrigeration cycle device operation prediction unit 55a predicts a time period during which the refrigeration cycle device 30 will perform cooling operation as a first time period using the refrigeration cycle device operation data 53a and the temperature forecast data 57. The refrigeration cycle device load prediction unit 55b predicts the load of the refrigeration cycle device 30 during the first time period during which cooling operation is predicted. The operation prediction of the refrigeration cycle device 30 is performed once a day during a time period when the refrigeration cycle device 30 operates less frequently, such as late at night. The water heater usage prediction unit 55c predicts the amount of hot water used by the water heater 10 using the water heater hot water usage data 53b. The water heater heating suppression unit 55d controls the water heater control unit 51 to suppress the heating operation of the water heater 10 until the first time period during which the refrigeration cycle device 30 is predicted to perform cooling operation, so that the water heater 10 can perform heating operation during the first time period during which the refrigeration cycle device 30 is predicted to perform cooling operation.

[0059] FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the water heater heating suppression process of the control unit 50. An example of the water heater heating suppression process performed by the control unit 50 will be described using FIG. 10 . The water heater heating suppression process is performed once a day at a predetermined time, for example, during a time when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 operates less frequently, such as late at night. The water heater heating suppression process predicts the use of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 and the water heater 10 for a day, and suppresses the heating of the water heater 10 when the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is in use so that the cold air exhausted from the water heater 10 can be used by the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30. In the water heater heating suppression process, the one-day period for which the use of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 and the water heater 10 is predicted will hereinafter be referred to as the "day."

[0060] First, in step S201, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a predicts a first time slot during which cooling operation will be performed in the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30. The refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a reads the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a stored in the memory unit 53 and the temperature forecast data 57 acquired by the communication unit 54, and predicts the first time slot during which cooling operation will be performed on a given day. Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing a process for predicting the first time slot during which cooling operation will be performed. A specific example of prediction of the first time slot during which cooling operation will be performed on a given day will be described using Fig. 11.

[0061] First, in step S301, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a sets the time period to be predicted to time period T1 in Fig. 8. Next, the process proceeds to step S302.

[0062] In step S302, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a checks whether or not a cooling operation was performed in the time zone T1 for the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a for one week, and if a cooling operation was performed for even one day (S302: Yes), the process proceeds to step S303. On the other hand, if a cooling operation was not performed in the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a for seven days (S302: No), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0063] In step S303, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a determines whether the predicted temperature value in the temperature forecast data 57 for the predicted time period is equal to or greater than a lower limit. The lower limit is the lower limit of the temperature for the time period when cooling operation is performed in the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a for one week. Alternatively, the lower limit is a value preset in the control unit 50. If the predicted temperature value is equal to or greater than the lower limit (S303: Yes), the process proceeds to step S304. If the predicted temperature value is not equal to or greater than the lower limit (S303: No), the process proceeds to step S305.

[0064] In step S304, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a predicts the time period to be predicted as a first time period in which the cooling operation is performed. Next, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0065] In step S305, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a predicts that the time period to be predicted is a time period during which cooling operation is not performed. Next, the process proceeds to step S306.

[0066] In step S306, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a determines whether the time period to be predicted is time period T12 in Fig. 8, i.e., whether prediction has been completed for all time periods. If the time period to be predicted is time period T12 (S306: Yes), the process ends. If the time period to be predicted is not time period T12 (S306: No), the process proceeds to step S307, where the time period to be predicted is set to the next time period, and the process returns to step S302.

[0067] As described above, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a performs a first time zone prediction process for performing cooling operation. However, the prediction of the first time zone for performing cooling operation is not limited to the above description, as long as it is a process for predicting the first time zone for performing cooling operation using at least one of the temperature forecast data 57 and the presence or absence of operation of the refrigeration cycle apparatus included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a. For example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a may use the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a to predict a time zone in which cooling operation was performed at least once as the first time zone for performing cooling operation. Alternatively, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a may use the temperature forecast data 57 to predict a time zone in which the predicted temperature is predicted to exceed a set value as the first time zone for performing cooling operation.

[0068] The refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a may use a combination of the presence or absence of cooling operation and the air temperature included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a as learning data, and predict the first time period during which cooling operation will be performed using a known learning algorithm using a predicted value of the air temperature for that day included in the air temperature forecast data 57. The learning algorithm uses a known machine learning algorithm such as a neural network. In this case, it is desirable that the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a include data for a long period, such as one year.

[0069] Returning to FIG. 10 , the water heater heat-up suppression process will be described. In step S202, the refrigeration cycle apparatus load prediction unit 55b predicts the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 during the first time slot during which the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a predicts that the cooling operation will be performed. The load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is predicted using the predicted value of the temperature during the first time slot during which the cooling operation will be performed, which is included in the temperature forecast data 57, and the relationship between the temperature and the load, which is included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a. Specifically, the refrigeration cycle apparatus load prediction unit 55b selects a temperature closest to the predicted value of the temperature from the temperatures included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a, and sets the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 at that time as the predicted value. Note that the prediction of the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is not limited to the above description, as long as it is a process of predicting the load using the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a or the temperature forecast data 57. For example, the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a uses the combination of the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 and the temperature included in the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation data 53a as learning data, and predicts the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 for the day in question by a known learning algorithm using the predicted value of the temperature for the day in question included in the temperature forecast data 57. Next, the process proceeds to step S203.

[0070] In step S203, the cooperation control unit 55 determines whether there is a time period during which the load of the refrigeration cycle device 30 predicted by the refrigeration cycle device operation prediction unit 55a will be equal to or greater than a predetermined set value (hereinafter referred to as a second time period). The set value is set to the load when the refrigeration cycle device 30 is operating in cooling mode at maximum output. Alternatively, the set value may be set to a value that provides a buffer, such as 80%, relative to the load when the refrigeration cycle device 30 is operating in cooling mode at maximum output. Alternatively, the set value may be set by a user via an operation device (not shown) communicatively connected to the control unit 50. If there is a second time period during which the load of the refrigeration cycle device 30 is predicted to be equal to or greater than the set value (S203: Yes), the cooperation control unit 55 proceeds to step S204. The cooperation control unit 55 performs heating operation of the water heater 10 during the second time period during which the load of the refrigeration cycle device 30 is predicted to be equal to or greater than the set value, thereby utilizing the cooled air discharged from the water heater 10 for the refrigeration cycle device 30 and reducing the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30. On the other hand, if there is no second time period in which the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is predicted to be equal to or greater than the set value (S203: No), it can be determined that there is no need to perform the water heater 10 heating operation on that day in order to reduce the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S207, and the coordination control unit 55 controls the water heater 10 to perform the heating operation without coordinating with the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0071] In step S204, the water heater usage prediction unit 55c reads the water heater hot water usage data 53b stored in the memory unit 53 and predicts the amount of hot water usage for each time period on the day. Specifically, the water heater usage prediction unit 55c obtains the amount of hot water usage for each time period from the water heater hot water usage data 53b. Next, the water heater usage prediction unit 55c calculates the average amount of hot water usage for each time period for the week, and sets this as the predicted value of the amount of hot water usage for each time period on the day. Note that the prediction of the amount of hot water usage is not limited to the above description, as long as it is a process that predicts the amount of hot water usage for each time period. For example, the temperature may be used to predict the amount of hot water usage. When storing the remaining amount of hot water in the water heater hot water usage data 53b, the memory unit 53 also stores the temperature. The memory unit 53 stores, as the temperature, the temperature included in the temperature forecast data 57 acquired by the communication unit or a value detected by a temperature sensor (not shown) installed in the refrigeration cycle device 30. The water heater usage prediction unit 55c uses the combination of the temperature and the amount of hot water used as learning data and predicts the amount of hot water used on that day using a known learning algorithm and the temperature forecast data 57. Next, the process proceeds to step S205.

[0072] In step S205, the cooperation control unit 55 obtains the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank 22 of the water heater 10 from the water heater control unit 51. Using the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank 22 and the amount of hot water usage predicted by the water heater usage prediction unit 55c, the cooperation control unit 55 determines whether the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 22 will be sufficient until the second time slot predicted to be when the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 will be equal to or greater than the set value. If it is determined that there is sufficient hot water remaining and there will be no hot water shortage (S205: Yes), the process proceeds to step S206. If it is determined that there is insufficient hot water remaining and there will be a hot water shortage (S205: No), the process proceeds to step S207. In step S207, the cooperation control unit 55 controls the water heater 10 to perform boiling operation to prevent hot water shortages.

[0073] In step S206, the cooperation control unit 55 sets the water heater control unit 51 to perform the water heater 10 heating operation during a second time period when the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 predicted by the refrigeration cycle apparatus operation prediction unit 55a in step S203 is equal to or greater than a set value. Alternatively, the cooperation control unit 55 controls the water heater 10 to maintain a state in which the water heater 10 is capable of heating water before the second time period so that the water heater 10 can perform the heating operation during the second time period. Specifically, the cooperation control unit 55 suppresses the water heater 10 heating operation before the second time period so that the hot water storage tank 22 does not become full. Note that two setting values ​​may be set for predicting the second time period: a first setting value and a second setting value greater than the first setting value. The time period when the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is equal to or greater than the first setting value is referred to as second time period A, and the time period when the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is equal to or greater than the second setting value is referred to as second time period B. During a second time period A when the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is predicted to be equal to or greater than the first set value, the cooperation control unit 55 sets the water heater 10 to perform normal boiling operation. During a second time period B when the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is equal to or greater than the second set value, the cooperation control unit 55 sets the water heater 10 to perform rapid boiling operation, which increases the compressor frequency of the water heater 10 compared to normal boiling operation. By performing rapid boiling operation, the water heater 10 blows out more exhaust cold air than in normal boiling operation. As a result, during the second time period B when the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is greater than in second time period A, the refrigeration cycle device 30 can utilize more exhaust cold air through rapid boiling operation than in normal boiling operation.

[0074] The processing of steps S204, 205, and 206 is not limited to the above description. It is sufficient to control the water heater 10 so that the water heater 10 can perform the water heater operation during the second time period by suppressing the water heater operation before the second time period and preventing the hot water storage tank 22 from running out of hot water. For example, the linkage control unit 55 may control the water heater 10 using a learning function. Specifically, the linkage control unit 55 uses a combination of water heater hot water usage data 53b, which indicates the amount of hot water used for each time period, and temperature information corresponding to the water heater hot water usage data 53b as learning data, and uses a known learning algorithm with temperature forecast data 57 and the predicted second time period as input data to output the amount of hot water for each time period in which the water heater 10 is capable of performing the water heater operation during the second time period and in which the remaining hot water in the hot water storage tank 22 is sufficient for the predicted amount of hot water used. The state in which the water heater 10 is capable of performing the water heater operation during the second time period means that the hot water storage tank 22 is not full during the second time period. Furthermore, the statement that the remaining amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 22 is sufficient for the predicted amount of hot water usage means that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 22 is maintained by the water heater 10's water heating operation so that the hot water storage tank 22 does not run out of hot water during any time period. The linkage control unit 55 controls the water heater 10's water heating operation so that the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank 22 is equal to the amount output for each time period. In this case, the water heater water usage data 53b and the temperature information preferably include data for a long period, such as one year. By using a learning function, the linkage control unit 55 can accurately control the water heater 10 to perform the water heater operation during the second time period and prevent the hot water storage tank 22 from running out of hot water, according to how the user uses the water heater 10.

[0075] This completes the water heater boil-up suppression process. The control unit 50 suppresses the boil-up operation of the water heater 10 so that the water heater 10 can perform boil-up operation during the second time period when the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is predicted to be high. If the amount of high-temperature water in the tank is equal to or greater than a predetermined amount based on the capacity of the hot water storage tank 22, the water heater 10 will not perform boil-up operation. In this way, the water heater boil-up suppression process prevents the water heater 10 from being unable to perform boil-up operation when the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is high. When the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is high, a sufficient cooling effect may not be achieved. By performing boil-up operation of the water heater 10 when the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is high, the refrigeration cycle device 30 can utilize the cold air exhausted from the water heater 10, allowing the refrigeration cycle device 30 to perform cooling operation without impairing the cooling effect of the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0076] Since the water heater 10 has the hot water storage tank 22 that stores heated water at a high temperature, the water heater 10 can be operated at any time, not just during the time period when hot water is used, to generate hot water in advance and store it in the hot water storage tank 22. Therefore, as explained in the water heater boiling suppression process, the boiling operation can be performed according to the time period when the refrigeration cycle device 30 is used.

[0077] In the example of FIG. 10 , the water heater heating operation is controlled so that the water heater 10 performs the heating operation when the load of the refrigeration cycle device 30 is predicted to be equal to or greater than a set value. Note that the water heater heating suppression may be performed so that the water heater 10 performs the heating operation during a first time slot during which the refrigeration cycle device 30 is predicted to perform the cooling operation. Alternatively, the coordination control unit 55 controls the water heater 10 to maintain a state in which the water heater 10 can perform the heating operation before the first time slot so that the water heater 10 can perform the heating operation during the first time slot. Specifically, the coordination control unit 55 suppresses the water heater 10's heating operation before the first time slot so that the hot water storage tank 22 does not become full. In this case, the predicted amount of hot water usage is compared with the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank 22, and if it is determined that the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank 22 will be insufficient by the time of the first time slot, the coordination control unit 55 controls the water heater 10 to perform the heating operation before the first time slot. This prevents the hot water storage tank 22 from running out of hot water.

[0078] As described above, the cooling system 1 of the present disclosure includes a heat pump water heater 10 including: a first refrigerant circuit 19 through which a first refrigerant flows; an air heat exchanger 13 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating the first refrigerant by exchanging heat with air; a water heat exchanger 16 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating water by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant heated by the air heat exchanger 13; and a water heater blower 18 for generating an airflow 60 that blows out, from a water heater outlet 17, the air that has been heat exchanged with the first refrigerant by the air heat exchanger 13 and has become colder than the outside air, as exhaust air; a second refrigerant circuit 39 through which a second refrigerant flows; The heat pump refrigeration cycle device 30 includes a condenser 33 provided in the water heater 30 circuit 39 for liquefying the second refrigerant by heat exchange between the second refrigerant and air, an outdoor fan 38 for generating an airflow 61 that blows cooled exhaust air blown from the water heater outlet 17 onto the condenser 33, and an evaporator 36 provided in the second refrigerant circuit 39 for cooling air or water by heat exchange with the second refrigerant, and a control unit 50 for controlling the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device, wherein the control unit 50 predicts a first time period during which the refrigeration cycle device performs cooling operation and suppresses the water heater's heating operation before the first time period. This configuration prevents the water heater 10 from being unable to perform heating operation when the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is high.

[0079] Fifth Embodiment Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, the operation of the refrigeration cycle device 30 is started, and if the water heater 10 cannot perform the heating operation, the water heater blower 18 is operated to reduce the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30. In this embodiment, the configuration of the cooling system 1 is the same as in the first or second embodiment, and therefore a description thereof will be omitted.

[0080] Fig. 12 is a flowchart showing an example of the cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30 by the control unit 50 according to embodiment 5. In Fig. 12, the same processes as those in embodiment 1 are given the same reference numerals as in Fig. 3, and the description thereof will be omitted or simplified.

[0081] First, in step S101, when the control unit 50 receives a signal from the refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 indicating that the refrigeration cycle device 30 has started a cooling operation, the control unit 50 starts a flow of cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30. Next, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0082] In step S102, the control unit 50 determines whether the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is equal to or greater than a set value. The control unit 50 compares the acquired load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 with a set value previously set in the control unit 50, and if the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is high (S102: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S103. If the acquired load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is lower than the set value (S102: No), the control unit 50 returns to step S102 again and repeats step S102 until the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 exceeds the set value.

[0083] In step S103, the control unit 50 determines whether the water heater 10 is capable of water heating operation. If the water heater 10 is capable of water heating operation (S103: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S104. If the water heater 10 is not capable of water heating operation (S103: No), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S401.

[0084] In step S104, control unit 50 transmits a signal to water heater control unit 51 requesting that water heater 10 start a water heating operation. When water heater control unit 51 receives the request signal and water heater 10 starts a water heating operation, water heater 10 blows out, from water heater outlet 17, exhaust cold air, which is air whose temperature has been lowered by heat exchange with the first refrigerant. Refrigeration cycle device 30 uses the exhaust cold air for heat exchange with the second refrigerant in condenser 33, thereby reducing the load on refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0085] In step S401, the control unit 50 sends a signal to the water heater control unit 51 requesting that the water heater blower 18 be started. Upon receiving the signal, the water heater control unit 51 operates the water heater blower 18 without driving the compressor 14. Because the first refrigerant does not circulate in the first refrigerant circuit 19 of the water heater 10, the air heat exchanger 13 does not exchange heat, and no cooled air is generated. Operating the water heater blower 18 generates an airflow 60 blown out of the water heater outlet 17. The airflow 60 has the same temperature as the outside air. The airflow 60 flows within the intake range of the airflow 61 generated by the outdoor blower 38 and blown out of the outdoor outlet 37 via the condenser 33. This allows the condenser 33 to receive more air than if the water heater blower 18 were not operating. This allows the condenser 33 to efficiently cool the second refrigerant. This completes the flow of the cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0086] As described above, the cooling system 1 of the present disclosure includes a heat pump water heater 10 including: a first refrigerant circuit 19 through which a first refrigerant flows; an air heat exchanger 13 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating the first refrigerant by exchanging heat with air; a water heat exchanger 16 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating water by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant heated by the air heat exchanger 13; and a water heater blower 18 for generating an airflow 60 that blows out, from a water heater outlet 17, the air that has been heat exchanged with the first refrigerant by the air heat exchanger 13 and has a temperature lower than that of the outside air as exhaust cool air; a second refrigerant circuit 39 through which a second refrigerant flows; The system includes a heat pump refrigeration cycle apparatus (30) including a condenser (33) provided in a circuit (39) for liquefying the second refrigerant by heat exchange between the second refrigerant and air, an outdoor fan (38) for generating an airflow (61) that blows cooled exhaust air blown from a water heater outlet (17) against the condenser (33), and an evaporator (36) provided in the second refrigerant circuit (39) for cooling air or water by heat exchange with the second refrigerant. The system also includes a controller (50) for controlling the water heater (10) and the refrigeration cycle apparatus. When the refrigeration cycle apparatus (30) is performing cooling operation, the controller (50) operates the water heater fan (18) if the water heater (10) is unable to perform heating operation. With this configuration, even when the water heater (10) is unable to perform heating operation, the air blown from the water heater fan (18) can send more air than usual into the intake range of the airflow (61), allowing more air to be applied to the condenser (33). This reduces the load on the refrigeration cycle apparatus (30).

[0087] Sixth Embodiment Next, a sixth embodiment will be described with reference to Fig. 13. Fig. 13 shows an example of the arrangement of the water heater 10, the refrigeration cycle device 30, and the auxiliary cooling device 81 in the cooling system 1 according to the sixth embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, as shown in Fig. 13, the cooling system 1 includes the auxiliary cooling device 81. Note that a description of the same parts of the present embodiment as those of the above-described embodiments will be omitted.

[0088] The cooling auxiliary device 81 is a device that cools the condenser 33. The cooling auxiliary device 81 is controlled by the control unit 50. The cooling auxiliary device 81 is, for example, a sprinkler device. The sprinkler device sprinkles water on the condenser 33 and cools the condenser 33 by the heat of vaporization of the water. This allows the second refrigerant in the condenser 33 to be cooled efficiently, and the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 to be reduced.

[0089] Fig. 14 is a flowchart showing an example of the cooperative operation of the water heater 10, the refrigeration cycle device 30, and the cooling auxiliary device 81 by the control unit 50 according to the sixth embodiment. Using Fig. 14, the cooperative operation of the water heater 10, the refrigeration cycle device 30, and the cooling auxiliary device 81 in the cooling system 1 will be described. In Fig. 14, the same processes as those in the first, fourth, or fifth embodiment are assigned the same reference numerals as those in Fig. 3 or Fig. 12, and the description thereof will be simplified.

[0090] First, in step S101, when the control unit 50 receives a signal from the refrigeration cycle device control unit 52 indicating that the refrigeration cycle device 30 has started a cooling operation, the control unit 50 starts a flow of cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30. Next, the process proceeds to step S102.

[0091] In step S102, the control unit 50 determines whether the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is equal to or greater than a set value. The control unit 50 compares the acquired load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 with a set value previously set in the control unit 50, and if the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is high (S102: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S103. If the acquired load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 is lower than the set value (S102: No), the control unit 50 returns to step S102 again and repeats step S102 until the load of the refrigeration cycle apparatus 30 exceeds the set value.

[0092] In step S103, the control unit 50 determines whether the water heater 10 is capable of water heating operation. If the water heater 10 is capable of water heating operation (S103: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S104. If the water heater 10 is not capable of water heating operation (S103: No), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S401.

[0093] In step S104, control unit 50 transmits a signal to water heater control unit 51 requesting that water heater 10 start a water heating operation. When water heater 10 receives the signal and starts a water heating operation, water heater 10 blows out, from water heater outlet 17, exhaust cold air, which is air whose temperature has been reduced by heat exchange with the first refrigerant. Refrigeration cycle device 30 uses the exhaust cold air for heat exchange with the second refrigerant in condenser 33, thereby reducing the load on refrigeration cycle device 30. Next, proceed to step S501.

[0094] Meanwhile, in step S401, the control unit 50 sends a signal to the water heater control unit 51 requesting that the water heater blower 18 be started. Upon receiving the signal, the water heater control unit 51 operates the water heater blower 18 without driving the compressor 14. This allows more air to be applied to the condenser 33 than when the water heater blower 18 is not operated. This allows the condenser 33 to efficiently cool the second refrigerant, reducing the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30. Next, proceed to step S501.

[0095] In step S501, the control unit 50 determines whether the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is equal to or greater than a preset value. The control unit 50 compares the acquired load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 with a preset value previously set in the control unit 50. If the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is high (S501: Yes), the control unit 50 proceeds to step S502. The preset value in step S501 is the same as the preset value in S102. Alternatively, it is set to a value lower than the preset value in S102. If the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is higher than the preset value, it can be determined that the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 has not been sufficiently reduced, even if the cold exhaust air from the water heater's heating operation or the water heater blower 18 is used. If the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 becomes high, a sufficient cooling effect may not be achieved. On the other hand, if the acquired load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is lower than the preset value (S501: No), the control unit 50 terminates the flow of the cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0096] In step S502, the control unit 50 starts operation of the cooling auxiliary device 81. By operating the cooling auxiliary device 81, the condenser 33 is cooled and the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is reduced. This completes the flow of the cooperative operation between the water heater 10 and the refrigeration cycle device 30.

[0097] By the above control, when the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 is high and a sufficient cooling effect cannot be obtained even by using the cold exhaust air from the boiling operation of the water heater 10 or the airflow 60 generated by the water heater blower 18, it is possible to reduce the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30. Therefore, the refrigeration cycle device 30 can generate a sufficient cooling effect.

[0098] As described above, the cooling system 1 of the present disclosure includes a heat pump water heater 10 including: a first refrigerant circuit 19 through which a first refrigerant flows; an air heat exchanger 13 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating the first refrigerant by exchanging heat with air; a water heat exchanger 16 provided in the first refrigerant circuit 19 for heating water by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant heated by the air heat exchanger 13; and a water heater blower 18 for generating an airflow 60 that blows out air that has been heat exchanged with the first refrigerant by the air heat exchanger 13 and has a temperature lower than that of outside air as exhaust cool air from a water heater outlet 17; a second refrigerant circuit 39 through which a second refrigerant flows; and a water heat exchanger 16 provided in the second refrigerant circuit 39 for heating water by exchanging heat with the second refrigerant and air. The heat pump refrigeration cycle system includes a condenser that liquefies a second refrigerant, an outdoor fan that generates an airflow that blows cold exhaust air from a water heater outlet onto the condenser, an evaporator in a second refrigerant circuit that exchanges heat with the second refrigerant to cool air or water, a control unit that controls the water heater and the refrigeration cycle system, and a cooling auxiliary device that cools the condenser of the refrigeration cycle system. The control unit operates the cooling auxiliary device when the load on the refrigeration cycle system exceeds a predetermined value during the water heater's heating operation or the water heater fan. This configuration allows the load on the refrigeration cycle system to be reduced when the load on the refrigeration cycle system is high and sufficient cooling is not achieved even when the cold exhaust air from the water heater's heating operation or the water heater fan is used.

[0099] Furthermore, the cooling auxiliary device 81 of the cooling system 1 is a sprinkler device that sprinkles water on the condenser 33. The cooling auxiliary device 81 sprinkles water on the condenser 33 and cools the condenser 33 by the heat of vaporization of the water. This allows the second refrigerant to be cooled efficiently in the condenser 33, and the load on the refrigeration cycle device 30 can be reduced.

[0100] According to the present disclosure, a cooling system can be provided that utilizes the cold exhaust air from a water heater in a heat pump type refrigeration cycle device, thereby reducing the load on the refrigeration cycle device.

[0101] 1 Cooling system, 10 Water heater, 11 Heat pump unit, 12 Water heater suction port, 13 Air heat exchanger, 14 Compressor, 15 Expansion valve, 16 Water heat exchanger, 17 Water heater outlet, 18 Water heater blower, 19 First refrigerant circuit, 20a Water piping, 20b Water piping, 20c Water piping, 20d Water piping, 21 Hot water storage unit, 22 Hot water storage tank, 30 Refrigeration cycle device, 31 Outdoor unit, 32 Outdoor suction port, 33 Condenser, 34 Compressor, 35 Expansion valve, 36 Evaporator, 37 Outdoor outlet, 38 Outdoor blower, 39 Second refrigerant circuit, 40 Indoor unit, 50 Control unit, 51 Water heater control unit, 52 Refrigeration cycle device control unit, 53 Memory unit, 53a Refrigeration cycle device operating data, 53b Water heater hot water usage data, 54 communication unit, 55 linkage control unit, 55a refrigeration cycle device operation prediction unit, 55b refrigeration cycle device load prediction unit, 55c water heater usage prediction unit, 55d water heater heating suppression unit, 56 external network, 57 temperature forecast data, 60 air flow, 61 air flow, 62 duct, 70 blowing range, 71 suction range, 80 unit, 81 cooling auxiliary device.

Claims

1. A cooling system comprising: a heat pump water heater including: a first refrigerant circuit through which a first refrigerant flows; an air heat exchanger provided in the first refrigerant circuit for heating the first refrigerant by exchanging heat with air; a water heat exchanger provided in the first refrigerant circuit for heating water by exchanging heat with the first refrigerant heated by the air heat exchanger; and a water heater blower for generating an airflow that blows the air, which has been heat exchanged with the first refrigerant by the air heat exchanger and has a temperature lower than that of outside air, from a water heater outlet as cooled exhaust air; and a refrigeration cycle device including: a second refrigerant circuit through which a second refrigerant flows; a condenser provided in the second refrigerant circuit for liquefying the second refrigerant by exchanging heat between the second refrigerant and air; an outdoor blower for generating an airflow that blows the cooled exhaust air blown from the water heater outlet against the condenser; and an evaporator provided in the second refrigerant circuit for cooling air or water by exchanging heat with the second refrigerant.

2. The cooling system of claim 1, further comprising a control unit that controls the water heater and the refrigeration cycle device, wherein the control unit controls the water heater to perform a boiling operation to heat water when the refrigeration cycle device performs an air or water cooling operation.

3. A cooling system as described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the water heater and the refrigeration cycle device are arranged so that the discharge range of the exhaust cold air blown out from the water heater outlet overlaps with the suction range of the refrigeration cycle device, thereby causing the exhaust cold air blown out from the water heater outlet to be directed at the condenser.

4. A cooling system as described in claim 3, characterized in that the water heater outlet is formed on the top surface of the water heater, the condenser is arranged on the side of the refrigeration cycle device, and the water heater and the refrigeration cycle device are installed so that the upper end of the condenser is at a higher position than the water heater outlet.

5. The cooling system described in claim 1 or 2, characterized in that the cooling system comprises at least two or more of the water heaters and at least two or more of the refrigeration cycle devices, and the water heaters and the refrigeration cycle devices are arranged alternately.

6. The cooling system described in claim 2, characterized in that the control unit predicts a first time period during which the refrigeration cycle device will perform the cooling operation, and controls the water heater to maintain a state in which it can perform boiling operation before the first time period.

7. The cooling system described in claim 6, characterized in that the control unit predicts the first time period using at least one of refrigeration cycle device operation data, which stores whether or not the refrigeration cycle device is operating for each hour during a certain period of time, and temperature forecast data, which is a predicted value of the temperature.

8. The cooling system described in claim 6, characterized in that the water heater further comprises a hot water storage tank for storing water heated by the boiling operation, and the control unit predicts the amount of hot water to be used for each time period, compares the predicted amount of hot water to the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank, and if it determines that the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank will be insufficient by the time of the first time period, controls the water heater to perform boiling operation before the first time period.

9. The cooling system described in claim 2, characterized in that the control unit predicts the load on the refrigeration cycle device, predicts a second time period in which the predicted load on the refrigeration cycle device will be higher than a predetermined set value, and operates the water heater during the second time period.

10. The cooling system described in claim 9, characterized in that the control unit predicts the load of the refrigeration cycle device using at least one of refrigeration cycle device operation data, which stores the load and air temperature of the refrigeration cycle device by hour over a certain period of time, and air temperature forecast data, which is a predicted value of air temperature.

11. The cooling system described in claim 9, characterized in that the water heater further comprises a hot water storage tank for storing water heated by the boiling operation, and the control unit uses water heater hot water usage data that stores the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank for each time period during a certain period and air temperature information for the certain period to estimate the amount of hot water in the hot water storage tank for each time period when the water heater is able to perform boiling operation during the second time period and the amount of hot water remaining in the hot water storage tank is sufficient for the amount of hot water used, and controls the water heater based on the estimated amount of hot water for each time period.

12. The cooling system described in claim 2, characterized in that the control unit operates the water heater blower when the refrigeration cycle device is performing the cooling operation and the water heater cannot perform the heating operation.

13. The cooling system of claim 12, further comprising an auxiliary cooling device that cools the condenser of the refrigeration cycle device, wherein the control unit operates the auxiliary cooling device when the load on the refrigeration cycle device becomes higher than a predetermined set value when the water heater is in boiling operation or the water heater blower is operating.

14. The cooling system according to claim 13, wherein the auxiliary cooling device is a sprinkler device that cools the condenser by spraying water onto the condenser.

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