Circulation type water treatment system, control method, and control program

Abstract

This circulation type water treatment system includes a control device for controlling the flow rate of circulating water flowing through a return pipe on the basis of a predetermined outdoor pipe temperature range.

Description

Recirculating water treatment system, control method, and control program

[0001] The technology disclosed herein relates to a circulating water treatment system, a control method, and a control program.

[0002] Japanese Patent Publication No. 60-240953 states that "Three-way valves 14 and 15 are provided in the supply and return pipes between the hot water connection port 6 and the main unit 1 of the equipment. By switching the three-way valves 14 and 15, a hot water circuit is formed in which hot water from the main unit 1 of the equipment circulates to the hot water connection port 6 provided in the bathtub 2, and a bypass hot water circuit 16 is formed in which hot water circulates from the three-way valve 14 on the supply pipe side to the three-way valve 15 on the return pipe side. This configuration is configured to work in conjunction with the operation switch 10a of the remote controller 10."

[0003] A circulating water treatment system is known that circulates treated water as recirculated water. In this system, the return piping for the circulating water is sometimes installed outdoors. However, when the return piping is installed outdoors, there is a risk that the piping will be damaged by changes in outside temperature.

[0004] Therefore, the present disclosure aims to provide a system, method, and program that can reduce the risk of damage to the piping due to changes in ambient temperature, even when the return piping for circulating water is located outdoors.

[0005] A circulating water treatment system according to a first aspect of this disclosure includes a control device that controls the flow rate of circulating water flowing through a return pipe based on a predetermined temperature range of the outdoor piping.

[0006] A second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a circulating water treatment system according to the first aspect, wherein the control device increases the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe when the temperature of the outdoor piping is outside the temperature range.

[0007] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a circulating water treatment system according to the first or second aspect, wherein the control device controls the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return piping based on the temperature of the circulating water supplied to the outdoors.

[0008] A circulating water treatment system according to a fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a circulating water treatment system according to any one of the first to third aspects, further comprising a return pipe that returns the circulating water flowing through the return pipe to a storage tank at the water source via a valve, and the control device controls the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe by controlling the valve.

[0009] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a circulating water treatment system according to the fourth aspect, further comprising an air conditioning system for adjusting the temperature of a room in which the storage tank is provided, wherein the control device controls the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe to minimize an objective function in which at least the risk of the return pipe being damaged by the outdoor temperature and the cost of the energy consumed by the air conditioning system are variables.

[0010] A control method according to a sixth aspect of this disclosure comprises a computer controlling the flow rate of circulating water flowing through a return pipe based on a predetermined temperature range of the outdoor piping.

[0011] The control method according to the seventh aspect of this disclosure causes a computer to perform a process to control the flow rate of circulating water flowing through a return pipe based on a predetermined temperature range of the outdoor piping.

[0012] According to the circulating water treatment system, control method, and control program described herein, even if the return piping for circulating water is located outdoors, the risk of damage to the piping due to changes in ambient temperature can be reduced.

[0013] This figure shows an example of the schematic configuration of the circulating water treatment system 1 according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 100 according to this embodiment. This figure shows an example of the functional configuration of the control device 100 according to this embodiment.

[0014] Hereinafter, an example of an embodiment of the technology of this disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. In each drawing, the same or equivalent components and parts are given the same reference numerals. Also, the dimensional ratios in the drawings may be exaggerated for illustrative purposes and may differ from the actual ratios.

[0015] Figure 1 shows an example of a schematic configuration of the circulating water treatment system 1 according to this embodiment. The circulating water treatment system 1 may treat any liquid. To begin with, we will describe an example in which the circulating water treatment system 1 is a small-scale circulating water treatment system that treats wastewater discharged from a building such as a residence via a supply pipe 2 in a machine room, and returns the treated water as circulating water from the machine room to the building via a return pipe 3.

[0016] The machine room is equipped with a first tank 10, a second tank 20, a third tank 30, and an air conditioning system 40.

[0017] The first tank 10 is a storage tank for temporarily storing the liquid to be treated. Here, the first tank 10 is assumed to be a wastewater adjustment tank for temporarily storing wastewater discharged from the building's water utilization system via the supply pipe 2.

[0018] The first tank 10 is equipped with a first pump 11. The first pump 11 is a pump for transferring the liquid to be treated from the first tank 10 to the second tank 20.

[0019] The second tank 20 is a liquid treatment tank that treats the liquid to be treated. Here, the second tank 20 is assumed to be a biological treatment tank that purifies wastewater using microorganisms.

[0020] The second tank 20 is equipped with a second pump 21. The second pump 21 is a pump for transferring the liquid in the second tank 20 as treated water from the second tank 20 to the third tank 30. Here, the second pump 21 is assumed to be a membrane filtration pump that filters the biologically treated liquid by sucking it up. The second tank 20 may also be equipped with an aeration device (not shown) to activate the microorganisms in the second tank 20.

[0021] The third tank 30 is a treated water storage tank for temporarily storing treated water. Here, the treated water stored in the third tank 30 returns as circulating water and is returned to the building via the piping 3. Therefore, the third tank 30 is the storage tank that supplies the circulating water.

[0022] A third pump 31 is provided in the third tank 30. The third pump 31 is a pump for transferring treated water from the third tank 30 to the building as circulating water. Here, it is assumed that the third pump 31 is a return pump that returns the treated water to the water utilization system of the building as domestic water.

[0023] The air conditioning equipment 40 is equipment for conditioning the air in the machine room. The air conditioning equipment 40 may be provided with at least a heating and cooling function for adjusting the temperature in the machine room.

[0024] In the circulating water treatment system 1, when the machine room is provided at a position separated from the building, the forward pipe 2 and the return pipe 3 will be provided outdoors. Here, the term "outdoors" refers to the entire area other than the building and the machine room, and may be interpreted as a concept including not only the ground but also underground.

[0025] When the pipes are thus provided outdoors, the pipes will be exposed to the outside air. Therefore, there is a risk that the pipes will be damaged by the outside air temperature. For example, when the outside air temperature drops in winter or the like, the circulating water flowing in the return pipe 3 freezes and expands in volume, causing the return pipe 3 to burst. Also, when the outside air temperature rises in summer or the like, bacteria multiply in the circulating water flowing in the return pipe 3 and corrosive substances are generated, causing the return pipe 3 to decay.

[0026] Therefore, in the circulating water treatment system 1 according to the present embodiment, the control device 100 controls the flow rate of the circulating water flowing in the return pipe 3 based on a predetermined temperature range of the outdoor pipes, thereby reducing the risk of damage to the return pipe 3. To achieve this, the circulating water treatment system 1 may further include a return pipe 4, a valve 5, a first thermometer 6, and a second thermometer 7.

[0027] The return pipe 4 is a pipe branched from the return pipe 3 for returning the circulating water flowing in the return pipe 3 to the third tank 30, which is the storage tank at the water supply source. A valve 5 is provided in the return pipe 4.

[0028] The first thermometer 6 is provided on the outer surface of the return pipe 3 outdoors, and the temperature T of the return pipe 3 １The second thermometer 7 is installed inside the third tank 30 and measures the temperature of the treated water stored inside the third tank 30, that is, the temperature T of the circulating water sent to the outside. ２ Measure it.

[0029] The control device 100 controls the entire circulating water treatment system 1. The control device 100 may be connected to the first pump 11, the second pump 21, the third pump 31, the valve 5, the first thermometer 6, the second thermometer 7, and the air conditioning equipment 40 via wired or wireless means.

[0030] Figure 2 shows an example of the hardware configuration of the control device 100 according to this embodiment. The control device 100 includes a processor 101, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102, a RAM (Random Access Memory) 103, a storage 104, a communication interface 105, and a user interface 106. These components are connected to each other via a bus 109 so that they can communicate with one another.

[0031] The processor 101 executes various programs and controls each component. Here, the processor 101 is assumed to be a CPU (Central Processing Unit). The ROM 102 stores various programs and data. The RAM 103 temporarily stores programs or data as a working area. The storage 104 consists of an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) or SSD (Solid State Drive) and stores various programs and data, including the operating system.

[0032] In the control device 100 according to this embodiment, the control program 107 is stored in the ROM 102 or storage 104. In this figure, the case in which the control program 107 is stored in the storage 104 is shown as an example. The processor 101 reads the control program 107 from the ROM 102 or storage 104 and executes it using the RAM 103 as a working area, thereby performing control of each configuration and various calculation processes according to the control program 107.

[0033] The communication interface 105 is an interface for the control device 100 to communicate with other devices. The user interface 106 is an input / output interface for the control device 100 to exchange information with a user. The user interface 106 may include input devices such as a mouse, keyboard, touch panel, and microphone, and output devices such as a monitor and speakers.

[0034] Figure 3 shows an example of the functional configuration of the control device 100 according to this embodiment. The control device 100 includes a monitoring unit 110, a flow rate control unit 120, and an air conditioning control unit 130. These functional configurations may be implemented in the processor 101 by the processor 101 reading a control program 107 from the ROM 102 or storage 104, expanding it into the RAM 103, and executing it.

[0035] The monitoring unit 110 monitors the temperature T measured by the first thermometer 6. １ The monitoring unit 110 also monitors the temperature T measured by the second thermometer 7. ２ The monitoring unit 110 also monitors the operating status of the air conditioning equipment 40. Furthermore, the monitoring unit 110 monitors the water levels in each tank measured by a water level gauge (not shown).

[0036] The flow rate control unit 120 controls the flow rate of the liquid to be treated being transferred from the first tank 10 to the second tank 20 by controlling the first pump 11. The flow rate control unit 120 also controls the flow rate of treated water being transferred from the second tank 20 to the third tank 30 by controlling the second pump 21. The flow rate control unit 120 also controls the flow rate of circulating water being returned from the third tank 30 to the building via the return pipe 3 by controlling the third pump 31. The flow rate control unit 120 also controls the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 by controlling the valve 5 to return the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 back to the third tank 30.

[0037] The air-conditioning control unit 130 controls the air-conditioning equipment 40 so that the temperature in the machine room becomes an appropriate temperature (for example, 20°C to 25°C). The cases where such a control device 100 controls the circulation-type water treatment system 1 will be described separately in three embodiments. However, the three embodiments do not necessarily have to be implemented independently, and two or three embodiments may be implemented in combination with each other.

[0038] <First Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 is controlled based on the temperature T of the return pipe 3. As described above, as the outside air temperature drops, the temperature of the return pipe 3 provided outdoors drops. Here, if the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 freezes, there is a risk that the volume will expand and the return pipe 3 will burst. １ Therefore, the control device 100 monitors the temperature T of the return pipe 3 measured by the first thermometer 6, and when the temperature T falls below a predetermined threshold value T, increases the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3. The threshold value T may be automatically set by the control device 100 based on at least one of the properties of the circulating water and the specifications of the return pipe 3, or may be manually set by the user based on empirical rules. The threshold value T may be, for example, 5°C, preferably 15°C. Here, it is assumed that the threshold value T is set to 15°C. Thereby, while preventing freezing, it is possible to comfortably use the circulating water for reuse in the building without it being too cold.

[0039] Therefore, the control device 100 may increase the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 when the temperature T falls below 15°C. At this time, the control device 100 may continuously or stepwise control so that the lower the temperature T, the greater the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3. １ of the return pipe 3, and when the temperature T １ falls below a predetermined threshold value T Ｌ , increases the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3. Note that the threshold value T Ｌ may be automatically set by the control device 100 based on at least one of the properties of the circulating water and the specifications of the return pipe 3, or may be manually set by the user based on empirical rules. The threshold value T Ｌ may be, for example, 5°C, preferably 15°C. Here, it is assumed that the threshold value T Ｌ is set to 15°C. Thereby, while preventing freezing, it is possible to comfortably use the circulating water for reuse in the building without it being too cold.

[0040] Thus, the control device 100 may increase the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 when the temperature T １ falls below 15°C. At this time, the control device 100 may continuously or stepwise control so that the lower the temperature T １ , the greater the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3.

[0041] Furthermore, as mentioned above, as the outside temperature rises, the temperature of the return pipe 3 located outdoors also rises. If bacteria proliferate in the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3, there is a risk that corrosive substances will be generated, causing the return pipe 3 to rot.

[0042] Therefore, the control device 100 measures the temperature T of the return pipe 3 measured by the first thermometer 6. １ Monitor the temperature T １ The predetermined threshold T Ｈ If the threshold T is exceeded, the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 is increased. Ｈ Furthermore, the control device 100 may automatically set the threshold T based on at least one of the properties of the circulating water and the specifications of the return pipe 3, or it may be set manually by the user based on empirical rules. Ｈ The threshold temperature may be, for example, 80°C, preferably 60°C, and more preferably 35°C. Here, the threshold T Ｈ The temperature is set to 35°C. This prevents bacterial growth and allows the recycled water to be reused in the building without being too hot, ensuring comfortable use.

[0043] Therefore, the control device 100 controls the temperature T １ If the temperature exceeds 35°C, the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 may be increased. In this case, the control device 100 will control the temperature T １ The flow rate of circulating water flowing into the return pipe 3 may be controlled continuously or in stages, such that the higher the value, the greater the flow rate of circulating water.

[0044] There are two methods for controlling the flow rate of circulating water through the return pipe 3. The first method is to control the valve 5. For example, the control device 100 may control the third pump 31 to pump at a predetermined power (for example, full power). In this case, the return pipe 3 will be full. This makes the circulating water immediately available for use in the building at any time.

[0045] When the return pipe 3 is full, opening the valve 5 creates a flow path that returns the circulating water from the return pipe 3 to the third tank 30 via the return pipe 4. This creates flow in the return pipe 3, thereby increasing the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3.

[0046] In this case, the control device 100 may control the flow rate of the circulating water by adjusting the throttle of the electric valve, or it may control the flow rate of the circulating water by adjusting the opening and closing frequency and interval of the solenoid valve. The control device 100 can control the flow rate of the circulating water flowing to the return pipe 3 by controlling the valve 5 in this manner, for example.

[0047] The second method is to control the third pump 31. The control device 100 can also control the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 by controlling the third pump 31 installed in the return pipe 3.

[0048] The control device 100 may use both of these methods in combination to control the flow rate of the circulating water. This allows the control device 100 to control the flow rate of the circulating water with high precision over a wide range.

[0049] Furthermore, the control device 100 may switch between these two methods to control the flow rate of the circulating water. In this case, for example, the first method may be adopted during the daytime when the circulating water is frequently used in the building, and the second method may be adopted at night when the circulating water is not frequently used in the building. This allows the control device 100 to control the flow rate of the circulating water in a manner that is appropriate to the usage status of the circulating water.

[0050] In this manner, the control device 100 controls the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 based on a predetermined temperature range for the outdoor piping (for example, 5°C to 80°C, preferably 5°C to 60°C, more preferably 15°C to 35°C). When the temperature of the outdoor piping is outside the temperature range, the control device 100 increases the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3. This prevents freezing and bacterial growth, thus reducing the risk of damage to the piping due to changes in ambient temperature, even when the return pipe 3 is located outdoors.

[0051] <Second Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the temperature T of the return pipe 3 １ The case where the flow rate of circulating water flowing into the return pipe 3 is controlled based solely on the temperature T of the circulating water being sent outdoors has been explained. ２ If the temperature is high enough, the water will not freeze even if it passes through the return pipe 3 located in the cold outdoors. Similarly, the temperature T of the circulating water sent outdoors. ２ If the temperature is low at the time of water delivery, bacteria will not multiply even if the water passes through the return pipe 3 located in the hot outdoors.

[0052] Therefore, in the second embodiment, the temperature T of the return pipe 3 １ In addition, the temperature T of the circulating water sent outdoors. ２ Based on this, the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 is controlled. More specifically, the control device 100 controls the temperature T of the return pipe 3 measured by the first thermometer 6. １ In addition, the temperature T of the circulating water sent outdoors, as measured by the second thermometer 7, ２ You may monitor this.

[0053] Next, the control device 100 controls the temperature T １ and temperature T ２ The temperature of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 may be predicted using the following: In this case, the control device 100 may use, for example, the properties of the circulating water, the specifications of the return pipe 3, and the temperature T １ , and temperature T ２ Based on the model output produced by the prediction model in response to the input of the prediction model, the temperature of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 may be predicted.

[0054] Furthermore, the control device 100 may increase the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 if the temperature of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 is outside the temperature range. The temperature range in the second embodiment may be the same as or different from the temperature range in the first embodiment.

[0055] The method for controlling the flow rate of the circulating water may be the same as in the first embodiment, so a redundant explanation will be omitted here. In this way, the control device 100 controls the temperature T of the circulating water sent to the outdoors. ２Based on this, the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 can also be controlled.

[0056] <Third Embodiment> In the first embodiment, the temperature T １ The predetermined threshold T Ｌ If it falls below, and temperature T １ The predetermined threshold T Ｈ The case in which the circulating water is returned to the third tank 30 via the return pipe 4 from the return pipe 3 when the value exceeds a certain limit was explained.

[0057] Here, temperature T １ The predetermined threshold T Ｌ If the temperature falls below a certain level, the circulating water, cooled to a temperature lower than the room temperature of the machine room, will return to the machine room. As a result, the room temperature of the machine room will drop. In response, the control device 100 will strengthen the heating function of the air conditioning system 40 in order to maintain the room temperature of the machine room at an appropriate level. Consequently, the energy cost consumed by the air conditioning system 40 will increase.

[0058] Similarly, temperature T １ The predetermined threshold T Ｈ If the temperature exceeds a certain level, the circulating water, heated to a temperature higher than the room temperature of the machine room, will return to the machine room. As a result, the room temperature of the machine room will rise. In response, the control device 100 will strengthen the cooling function of the air conditioning system 40 in order to maintain the room temperature of the machine room at an appropriate level. Consequently, the energy cost consumed by the air conditioning system 40 will increase.

[0059] Thus, if we try to reduce the risk of the return pipe 3 being damaged by the outdoor temperature, the energy cost consumed by the air conditioning equipment 40 will increase. Therefore, it can be said that there is a trade-off between the two. In the third embodiment, the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 is controlled based on both the risk of damage to the return pipe 3 and the energy consumed by the air conditioning equipment 40.

[0060] More specifically, the control device 100 uses the temperature T1 measured by at least the first thermometer 6, preferably the temperature T measured by the second thermometer 7. ２Based on this, the risk of damage to the return pipe 3 due to outdoor temperature is calculated. In this case, the control device 100 refers to a predetermined table and calculates the temperature T １ and temperature T ２ You may calculate the degree of risk accordingly.

[0061] In parallel with this, the control device 100 monitors the operating status of the air conditioning equipment 40. Next, the control device 100 calculates the energy cost consumed by the air conditioning equipment 40 based on the operating status.

[0062] The control device 100 then controls the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 by solving an objective function with risk and cost as variables. More specifically, the control device 100 may determine the flow rate that minimizes cost while keeping the risk within a predetermined acceptable range by solving the objective function. The control device 100 then controls the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 by controlling the valve 5 according to this flow rate. The control device 100 can also, for example, control the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe 3 in such a way as to minimize an objective function with at least the risk of the return pipe 3 being damaged by outdoor temperatures and the cost of energy consumed by the air conditioning equipment 40 as variables.

[0063] As described above using the three embodiments, the circulating water treatment system 1 according to this embodiment includes a control device 100, which controls the flow rate of circulating water through the return pipe 3 based on a predetermined outdoor temperature range. As a result, the circulating water treatment system 1 according to this embodiment reduces the risk of damage to the pipe due to changes in outside temperature, even when the return pipe 3 carrying the circulating water is located outdoors.

[0064] The processes described above can also be implemented using dedicated hardware circuits. In this case, the process may be executed on a single piece of hardware or on multiple pieces of hardware.

[0065] Furthermore, in the above explanation, the term "processor" refers to a broad type of processor, including general-purpose processors (e.g., CPU: Central Processing Unit, etc.) and specialized processors (e.g., GPU: Graphics Processing Unit, ASIC: Application Specific Integrated Circuit, FPGA: Field Programmable Gate Array, Programmable Logical Device, etc.).

[0066] Furthermore, the processor operations described above may not be performed by a single processor, but may also be performed by multiple processors located in physically separate locations working together. Also, the order of the processor operations is not limited to the order described above and may be changed as appropriate.

[0067] Furthermore, the aforementioned program may be provided on a computer-readable non-temporary recording medium such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory, flexible disk, or CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read Only Memory), or it may be provided online via a network such as the Internet. In this case, the program recorded on the computer-readable non-temporary recording medium is usually transferred to and stored in memory or storage. This program may also be provided, for example, as a standalone application software, or it may be incorporated into the software of each device as a function of that device.

[0068] Furthermore, the aforementioned program can be provided as a program product. A program product includes any form of product for providing a program. For example, a program product includes a program provided via a network such as the Internet, and non-temporary computer-readable recording media such as CD-ROMs and DVDs on which the program is stored.

[0069] This disclosure is not limited to the foregoing, and it goes without saying that it can be implemented in various modified forms without departing from its intent.

[0070] The disclosure of Japanese Patent Application No. 2024-194390, filed on November 6, 2024, is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Furthermore, all documents, patent applications, and technical standards described herein are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual document, patent application, and technical standard were specifically and individually indicated as being incorporated by reference.

Claims

1. A circulating water treatment system equipped with a control device that controls the flow rate of circulating water flowing through a return pipe based on a predetermined temperature range of the outdoor piping.

2. The circulating water treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the control device increases the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe when the temperature of the outdoor pipe is outside the temperature range.

3. The circulating water treatment system according to claim 1, wherein the control device further controls the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe based on the temperature of the circulating water supplied to the outdoors.

4. A circulating water treatment system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising a return pipe that returns the circulating water flowing through the return pipe to a storage tank at the source of the water supply via a valve, wherein the control device controls the valve to control the flow rate of the circulating water flowing through the return pipe.

5. The circulating water treatment system according to claim 4, further comprising an air conditioning system for adjusting the temperature of the room in which the storage tank is provided, wherein the control device controls the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe to minimize an objective function in which at least the risk of the return pipe being damaged by the outdoor temperature and the cost of energy consumed by the air conditioning system are variables.

6. A control method comprising a computer controlling the flow rate of circulating water flowing through a return pipe based on a predetermined temperature range of the outdoor piping.

7. A control program that causes a computer to perform a process to control the flow rate of circulating water flowing through the return pipe based on a predetermined temperature range of the outdoor piping.

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