HOT WATER STORAGE-TYPE HOT WATER SUPPLY UNIT

Abstract

 A storage type hot water supplying apparatus includes: a hot water storage tank; a feed water inlet located at a lower part of the hot water storage tank; a hot water outlet located at a higher part of the hot water storage tank; an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant; a compressor for compressing the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator; a condenser having a refrigerant passage located at the hot water storage tank, the condenser being configured to condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant compressed by the compressor and water in the hot water storage tank; an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser; control circuitry configured to control a hot water storage operation, the hot water storage operation being an operation to heat the water in the hot water storage tank with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage of the condenser; and a hot water supply detection sensor capable of detecting that a hot water supply operation is started, the hot water supply operation being an operation in which hot water in the hot water storage tank flows out of the hot water outlet and water flows into the hot water storage tank from the feed water inlet. The control circuitry is configured to increase an opening degree of the expansion valve when the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation.

Description

Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a storage type hot water supplying apparatus. Background

[0002] A heat pump hot water supplying apparatus disclosed in the following PTL 1 includes heat pump circuitry, water circulation circuitry, a feed water pipe, and a hot water supply pipe, and is configured such that the feed water pipe is connected to the inlet of a hot water supply tank and to the inlet of a water heater in a branched manner, the hot water supply pipe is connected to the outlet of the hot water supply tank and to the outlet of the water heater in a branched manner, and valves are provided to switch between hot water supply from the hot water supply tank and hot water supply from the water heater. A water heat exchanger including the water heater and a condenser is wound in a spiral to form a cylindrical shape, and is installed so as to surround the hot water supply tank.

Citation List

Patent Literature

[0003] [PTL 1] JP 2003-314892 A

Summary

Technical Problem

[0004] For a storage type hot water supplying apparatus in which a condenser is located at a hot water storage tank, there is a need to further increase the COP (Coefficient Of Performance) during a hot water storage operation in order to further save energy.

[0005] The present disclosure has been made to solve the above-described problem, and it is an object of the present disclosure to provide a storage type hot water supplying apparatus that has an advantage of increasing the COP during the hot water storage operation.

Solution to Problem

[0006] A storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to the present disclosure includes: a hot water storage tank; a feed water inlet located at a lower part of the hot water storage tank; a hot water outlet located at a higher part of the hot water storage tank; an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant;
a compressor for compressing the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator; a condenser having a refrigerant passage located at the hot water storage tank, the condenser being configured to condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant compressed by the compressor and water in the hot water storage tank; an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser; control circuitry configured to control a hot water storage operation, the hot water storage operation being an operation to heat the water in the hot water storage tank with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage of the condenser; and a hot water supply detection sensor capable of detecting that a hot water supply operation is started, the hot water supply operation being an operation in which hot water in the hot water storage tank flows out of the hot water outlet and water flows into the hot water storage tank from the feed water inlet. The control circuitry is configured to increase an opening degree of the expansion valve when the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation.

Advantageous Effects of Invention

[0007] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to provide a storage type hot water supplying apparatus that has an advantage of increasing the COP during the hot water storage operation.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0008] 

Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus 1 according to an embodiment 1.

Fig. 2 is a graph illustrating a change in tank water temperature distribution along the vertical direction and a change in refrigerant temperature distribution in a condenser in the case in which a hot water supply operation is started during a hot water storage operation.

Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to the embodiment 1.

Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to an embodiment 2.

Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to the embodiment 2.

Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to an embodiment 3.

Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to the embodiment 3.

Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to an embodiment 4.

Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to the embodiment 4.

Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to an embodiment 5.

Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to the embodiment 5.

Description of Embodiments

[0009] Hereinafter, embodiments will be described with reference to drawings. In the respective drawings, the identical or corresponding elements are given the same reference symbols, and the description of such elements will be simplified or omitted. In the description made hereinafter, in principle, the term "water" or "hot water" means liquid water, and includes cold water and boiling water.

Embodiment 1.

[0010] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus 1 according to an embodiment 1. As shown in Fig. 1, the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 1 according to the embodiment 1 includes a heat source machine 2 and a tank unit 3. The heat source machine 2 is located outdoors. The tank unit 3 may be located outdoors, or may be located in the room. The heat source machine 2 and the tank unit 3 are connected with each other via a refrigerant pipe 4, a refrigerant pipe 5, and an electric cable (not shown in the drawing). The storage type hot water supplying apparatus 1 may be a household hot water supplying apparatus or a commercial hot water supplying apparatus.

[0011] A hot water storage tank 6 is provided in the tank unit 3. The hot water storage tank 6 in the present embodiment has a cylindrical profile. The center axis of the hot water storage tank 6 is substantially parallel to the vertical line. In the hot water storage tank 6, due to a difference in the density of water at different temperatures, a temperature stratification is formed in which the upper portion of the temperature stratification has a high temperature and the lower portion of the temperature stratification has a low temperature.

[0012] A feed water inlet 7 is located at the lower part of the hot water storage tank 6. A hot water outlet 8 is located at the higher part of the hot water storage tank 6. A feed water pipe 9 is connected to the feed water inlet 7. A hot water supply pipe 10 is connected to the hot water outlet 8. The downstream of the hot water supply pipe 10 is connected to a hot water supply terminal (not shown in the drawing) installed in the building. The hot water supply terminal may include, for example, at least one of a faucet, a shower, and a bathtub.

[0013] Water supplied from a water source, such as a water supply, for example, flows into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 6 through the feed water pipe 9, so that the inside of the hot water storage tank 6 is always maintained in a state of being fully filled with water. In performing a hot water supply operation in which hot water is supplied to the hot water supply terminal, hot water in the hot water storage tank 6 flows out to the hot water supply pipe 10 from the hot water outlet 8 due to a water pressure from the feed water pipe 9. With such outflow of hot water, the same amount of water flows into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 6 from the feed water pipe 9 through the feed water inlet 7. As described above, the hot water supply operation is an operation in which hot water in the hot water storage tank 6 flows out of the hot water outlet 8 and water flows into the hot water storage tank 6 from the feed water inlet 7. Hereinafter, water to be fed to the hot water storage tank 6 from the feed water pipe 9 may be referred to as "feed water".

[0014] The heat source machine 2 is provided with an evaporator 11, a compressor 12, an expansion valve 13, and control circuitry 14, the evaporator 11 evaporating refrigerant, the compressor 12 compressing the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator 11. The evaporator 11 in the present embodiment evaporates refrigerant by exchanging heat between outdoor air and refrigerant. In the example shown in the drawing, the heat source machine 2 further includes a blower 15 for sending outdoor air to the evaporator 11.

[0015] The storage type hot water supplying apparatus 1 further includes a condenser 17. The condenser 17 condenses refrigerant by exchanging heat between refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 and water in the hot water storage tank 6. The condenser 17 has a refrigerant passage 18 located at the hot water storage tank 6. In the present embodiment, the refrigerant passage 18 is formed of a refrigerant pipe wound around the outer periphery of the hot water storage tank 6 in a helical shape or a coil shape. The refrigerant pipe forming the refrigerant passage 18 is in contact with the outer wall surface of the hot water storage tank 6. The heat of refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 18 is transferred to the peripheral wall of the hot water storage tank 6. The heat transferred to the peripheral wall of the hot water storage tank 6 is transferred to water in the hot water storage tank 6, so that the water in the hot water storage tank 6 is heated. The refrigerant passage 18 is located such that the position of the refrigerant passage 18 gradually descends from the upstream side toward the downstream side of the refrigerant passage 18 while winding around the outer periphery of the hot water storage tank 6.

[0016] Refrigerant compressed by the compressor 12 moves to the tank unit 3 from the heat source machine 2 through the refrigerant pipe 4, and flows into the inlet of the condenser 17, that is, into the inlet of the refrigerant passage 18. The refrigerant flowing out of the outlet of the condenser 17, that is, the outlet of the refrigerant passage 18, returns to the heat source machine 2 from the tank unit 3 through the refrigerant pipe 5, and flows into the expansion valve 13. The uppermost part of the condenser 17, that is, the inlet portion of the refrigerant passage 18 is located at a position lower than the hot water outlet 8. The lowermost part of the condenser 17, that is, the outlet portion of the refrigerant passage 18, is located at a height position substantially equal to the feed water inlet 7 or at a height position slightly higher than the feed water inlet 7. In the example shown in the drawing, of the barrel portion of the hot water storage tank 6, the refrigerant passage 18 is located in a region close to the lower side. That is, of the barrel portion of the hot water storage tank 6, the refrigerant passage 18 is not located in the upper region. The hot water storage tank 6 and the condenser 17 are covered by a heat insulating material (not shown in the drawing) provided in the tank unit 3.

[0017] In the present embodiment, the refrigerant passage 18 of the condenser 17 is provided outside the hot water storage tank 6. As a modification, the refrigerant passage 18 of the condenser 17 may be provided in the hot water storage tank 6. For example, a helical-shaped or a coil-shaped refrigerant pipe forming the refrigerant passage 18 may be installed in a state of being in contact with the inner wall surface of the hot water storage tank 6. Alternatively, a helical-shaped or a coil-shaped refrigerant pipe forming the refrigerant passage 18 may be located in the hot water storage tank 6 without being in contact with the inner wall surface of the hot water storage tank 6.

[0018] The expansion valve 13 expands refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 17. The refrigerant is reduced in pressure when passing through the expansion valve 13. The expansion valve 13 may be a linear expansion valve the opening degree of which can be continuously controlled. After refrigerant passes through the expansion valve 13, the refrigerant flows into the evaporator 11. The refrigerant evaporated by the evaporator 11 flows into the compressor 12, and is compressed.

[0019] The control circuitry 14 controls a hot water storage operation. The hot water storage operation is an operation to heat water in the hot water storage tank 6 with refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage 18 of the condenser 17. The control circuitry 14 may include at least one processor and at least one memory. At least one processor may achieve the respective functions of the control circuitry 14 by reading and executing a program stored in at least one memory. The control circuitry 14 may include at least one dedicated hardware. The control circuitry 14 may be, for example, single circuitry, composite circuitry, a programmed processor, a parallel-programmed processor, an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit), an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array), or a combination of the above.

[0020] In the example shown in the drawing, the control circuitry 14 is located in the heat source machine 2. However, as a modification, the control circuitry 14 may be located in the tank unit 3. The functions of the control circuitry 14 may be achieved by a controller located in the heat source machine 2 and a controller located in the tank unit 3 mutually communicating to cooperate with each other. At least some functions of the control circuitry 14 may be achieved by a cloud server connected via a network, such as the internet.

[0021] During the hot water storage operation, the control circuitry 14 controls the operation of the compressor 12 and the opening degree of the expansion valve 13. The operation speed of the compressor 12 may be variable. The control circuitry 14 may variably control the operation speed of the compressor 12 by allowing the operating frequency of an electric motor included in the compressor 12 to be variably controlled by inverter control. A higher operating frequency of the compressor 12 causes a higher operation speed of the compressor 12. A higher operation speed of the compressor 12 causes a larger circulation amount of refrigerant, leading to a higher heating power. A heating power is the quantity of heat applied per unit time period to water in the hot water storage tank 6 from refrigerant, and the unit of heating power is the watt.

[0022] The storage type hot water supplying apparatus 1 further includes a hot water supply detection sensor 19 capable of detecting that the hot water supply operation is started. The control circuitry 14 can receive signals from the hot water supply detection sensor 19 by wired communication or wireless communication. The hot water supply detection sensor 19 may adopt any method to detect that the hot water supply operation is started. For example, the hot water supply terminal connected downstream of the hot water supply pipe 10 may be provided with the hot water supply detection sensor 19 that detects whether the hot water supply terminal is opened. When the user opens the hot water supply terminal, hot water flows out of the hot water supply terminal, so that the hot water supply operation is started. Therefore, by the hot water supply detection sensor 19 detecting that the hot water supply terminal is opened, it is possible to detect that the hot water supply operation is started. Other examples of the hot water supply detection sensor 19 will be described in an embodiment 2 and the following embodiments.

[0023] As in the case of the example shown in the drawing, the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 1 may further include at least one sensor selected from a discharge temperature sensor 16, a stored hot water temperature sensor 20, a condensation temperature sensor 21, an evaporation temperature sensor 22, and an outside air temperature sensor 23. The discharge temperature sensor 16 detects the temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 12. In the description made hereinafter, the temperature of refrigerant discharged from the compressor 12 is referred to as "compressor discharge temperature".

[0024]  The stored hot water temperature sensor 20 is a sensor for detecting a stored hot water temperature. Hereinafter, the temperature of water in the hot water storage tank 6 may be referred to as "tank water temperature". In the example shown in the drawing, the stored hot water temperature sensor 20 is attached to the hot water storage tank 6 at a position higher than the uppermost part of the condenser 17 and lower than the hot water outlet 8. The stored hot water temperature sensor 20 detects, as "stored hot water temperature", a tank water temperature at such a position.

[0025] The condensation temperature sensor 21 is a sensor for detecting the condensation temperature of refrigerant in the condenser 17. In the example shown in the drawing, the condensation temperature sensor 21 is attached to the refrigerant passage 18 at a position close to the center of the entire length of the refrigerant passage 18.

[0026] The evaporation temperature sensor 22 is a sensor for detecting the evaporation temperature of refrigerant in the evaporator 11. The outside air temperature sensor 23 is a sensor for detecting the temperature of outdoor air before the outdoor air exchanges heat in the evaporator 11.

[0027] During the hot water storage operation, the control circuitry 14 may determine a target discharge temperature according to the condensation temperature detected by the condensation temperature sensor 21 and the evaporation temperature detected by the evaporation temperature sensor 22, and may adjust the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 such that the compressor discharge temperature detected by the discharge temperature sensor 16 becomes equal to the target discharge temperature.

[0028] In the present embodiment, when the hot water supply detection sensor 19 detects, during the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13. Such an operation brings about an advantage of increasing the COP (Coefficient Of Performance) of a heat pump during the hot water storage operation. The reason will be described hereinafter.

[0029] Fig. 2 is a graph illustrating a change in tank water temperature distribution along the vertical direction and a change in refrigerant temperature distribution in the condenser 17 in the case in which the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation. In respective graphs in Fig. 2(1) to Fig. 2(6), tank water temperature and refrigerant temperature are shown on the horizontal axis, and position along the vertical direction is shown on the vertical axis. Hereinafter, the temperature of refrigerant flowing out of the condenser 17 is referred to as "condenser outlet temperature".

[0030] The graph in Fig. 2(1) shows an example of temperature distribution in the case in which the hot water supply operation is not started during the hot water storage operation. In this graph, a refrigerant temperature at a portion having a constant refrigerant temperature along the vertical direction corresponds to a condensation temperature. A difference between a refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the condenser 17 and a condensation temperature is referred to as "degree of superheat". It can be assumed that a refrigerant temperature at the inlet of the condenser 17 is substantially equal to a compressor discharge temperature. A difference between a condensation temperature and a condenser outlet temperature is referred to as "degree of subcooling". In general, the degree of subcooling is also referred to as "subcooling".

[0031] During the hot water storage operation, when water receives the heat of refrigerant passing through the refrigerant passage 18, thus rising in temperature, the density of the water decreases and hence, the water moves upward in the hot water storage tank 6 by obtaining buoyancy. Thus, convection is generated. Due to the generation of such convection, in the case in which the hot water supply operation is not started, as shown by the water temperature distribution in the graph in Fig. 2(1), a substantially constant tank water temperatures are distributed from the position close to the lowermost part of the condenser 17 to the position close to the uppermost part of the hot water storage tank 6. Such substantially constant distributed tank water temperatures are detected as stored hot water temperature by the stored hot water temperature sensor 20. When a state with such a temperature distribution is maintained, the stored hot water temperature gradually rises. As a stored hot water temperature gradually rises, a condensation temperature also gradually rises. The control circuitry 14 may gradually reduce the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 such that a compressor discharge temperature gradually rises as a stored hot water temperature and a condensation temperature gradually rise.

[0032] The graphs in Fig. 2(2) to Fig. 2(6) sequentially illustrate a change in temperature distribution in the case in which the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation. The graphs of refrigerant temperature distribution in Fig. 2(3) to Fig. 2(6) show changes in refrigerant temperature distribution in the case in which the control circuitry 14 does not increase the opening degree of the expansion valve 13. That is, Fig. 2(3) to Fig. 2(6) correspond to comparison examples of the present embodiment.

[0033] The graph in Fig. 2(2) shows temperature distribution at the point in time slightly after the hot water supply operation is started. When the hot water supply operation is started, feed water at a temperature lower than a stored hot water temperature flows into the lower part in the hot water storage tank 6 from the feed water inlet 7. As a result, the tank water temperature at the lower part in the hot water storage tank 6 falls. With such a fall in the tank water temperature, the condenser outlet temperature falls, resulting in an increase in the degree of subcooling. In contrast, the tank water temperature at the position of the condensation temperature sensor 21 does not yet fall and hence, the detected temperature from the condensation temperature sensor 21 does not yet start to fall. The stored hot water temperature detected by the stored hot water temperature sensor 20 also does not yet start to fall. As described above, when the hot water supply operation is started, although the degree of subcooling increases, the detected temperature from the condensation temperature sensor 21 does not change and the detected temperature from the stored hot water temperature sensor 20 also does not change. For this reason, if the hot water supply detection sensor 19 is not provided, the control circuitry 14 cannot immediately detect that the hot water supply operation is started.

[0034] Hereinafter, a temperature boundary layer between low-temperature feed water flowing into the hot water storage tank 6 and hot water in the hot water storage tank 6 is referred to as "temperature boundary layer 24". When the hot water supply operation is continued from the state shown in Fig. 2(2), thus causing feed water to further flow into the hot water storage tank 6, leading to further upward movement of the position of the temperature boundary layer 24, the state shown in Fig. 2(3) occurs. Fig. 2(3) shows temperature distribution at the point in time at which the temperature boundary layer 24 reaches the position of the condensation temperature sensor 21. From such a point in time, the detected temperature from the condensation temperature sensor 21 starts to fall. At such a point in time, the refrigerant temperature in the refrigerant passage 18 at portions lower than the position of the condensation temperature sensor 21 is lower than the condensation temperature. That is, the refrigerant passage 18 at the portions lower than the position of the condensation temperature sensor 21 is filled with liquid refrigerant being liquefied refrigerant. When a large amount of liquid refrigerant accumulates in the condenser 17, being the high-pressure portion in the refrigerant circuitry, as described above, the amount of refrigerant in the evaporator 11 decreases, the evaporator 11 being a low-pressure portion in the refrigerant circuitry. As a result, an evaporation temperature falls and an evaporation pressure falls, so that the degree of superheat of refrigerant at the outlet of the evaporator 11 increases. Therefore, the quantity of heat absorbed by refrigerant from outside air in the evaporator 11 decreases, leading to a fall in the COP of the heat pump.

[0035] When the hot water supply operation is further continued from the state shown in Fig. 2(3), thus causing feed water to further flow into the hot water storage tank 6, leading to further upward movement of the position of the temperature boundary layer 24, the state shown in Fig. 2(4) occurs. Fig. 2(4) shows temperature distribution at the point in time at which the temperature boundary layer 24 reaches a position higher than the condensation temperature sensor 21. At such a point in time, the detected temperature from the condensation temperature sensor 21 is lower than an actual condensation temperature. As described above, the detected temperature from the condensation temperature sensor 21 starts to fall after the temperature boundary layer 24 moves upward to a position higher than the condensation temperature sensor 21.

[0036] When the hot water supply operation is further continued from the state shown in Fig. 2(4), thus causing feed water to further flow into the hot water storage tank 6, leading to further upward movement of the position of the temperature boundary layer 24, the state shown in Fig. 2(5) occurs. Fig. 2(5) shows temperature distribution at the point in time at which the temperature boundary layer 24 reaches a position directly below the stored hot water temperature sensor 20. From such a point in time, the detected temperature from the stored hot water temperature sensor 20 starts to fall.

[0037] When the hot water supply operation is further continued from the state shown in Fig. 2(5), thus causing feed water to further flow into the hot water storage tank 6, leading to further upward movement of the position of the temperature boundary layer 24, the state shown in Fig. 2(6) occurs. Fig. 2(6) shows temperature distribution at the point in time at which the temperature boundary layer 24 reaches a position higher than the stored hot water temperature sensor 20. At such a point in time, the value of the detected temperature from the stored hot water temperature sensor 20 is substantially equal to the temperature of feed water.

[0038]  As the state shifts from the state shown in Fig. 2(3) to the state shown in Fig. 2(6), a larger amount of liquid refrigerant further accumulates in the condenser 17. As a result, the amount of refrigerant in the evaporator 11 becomes more insufficient, leading to a further fall in COP.

[0039] In contrast, in the present embodiment, when the hot water supply detection sensor 19 detects that a hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13. For example, the control circuitry 14 may increase the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 at the point in time of Fig. 2(2). When the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 increases, the flow rate of refrigerant flowing to the evaporator 11 from the condenser 17 increases. As a result, the amount of refrigerant in the evaporator 11 becomes larger than that in the comparison example and hence, it is possible to surely avoid a fall in evaporation temperature and evaporation pressure. Therefore, the quantity of heat absorbed by refrigerant from outside air in the evaporator 11 becomes larger than that in the comparison example and hence, the COP becomes higher than the COP in the comparison example. In this manner, the present embodiment can surely prevent a large amount of liquid refrigerant from accumulating in the condenser 17 and hence, it is possible to surely prevent the shift of the state from the state shown in Fig. 2(2) to the state shown in Fig. 2(3) or following states. Therefore, the present embodiment has an advantage of increasing the COP.

[0040] Fig. 3 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 1 according to the embodiment 1. In step S1 in Fig. 3, the control circuitry 14 starts a hot water storage operation. Next, in step S2, the control circuitry 14 determines whether the hot water supply detection sensor 19 detects, during the execution of the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started. When the hot water supply detection sensor 19 detects that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 in step S3. Thereafter, the control circuitry 14 continues the hot water storage operation in step S4.

[0041] In contrast, when the hot water supply detection sensor 19 does not detect in step S2 that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 skips step S3 and advances to step S4 where the hot water storage operation is continued without any change.

Embodiment 2.

[0042] Next, the embodiment 2 will be described with reference to Fig. 4 and Fig. 5. However, the description will be mainly made for points that make the embodiment 2 different from the above-described embodiment 1, and the repeated description will be simplified or omitted. Further, elements identical or corresponding to the above-described elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0043] Fig. 4 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus 25 according to the embodiment 2. As shown in Fig. 4, the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 25 according to the embodiment 2 includes a condenser outlet temperature sensor 26. The condenser outlet temperature sensor 26 is attached to the outlet of the condenser 17, that is, to the outlet of the refrigerant passage 18. The condenser outlet temperature sensor 26 in the present embodiment corresponds to the hot water supply detection sensor 19. In the present embodiment, when the condenser outlet temperature sensor 26 detects, during the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13. Thus, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects substantially the same as the advantageous effects of the embodiment 1.

[0044] The condenser outlet temperature sensor 26 is located at the lower part of the hot water storage tank 6, thus easily affected by changes in tank water temperature at the lower part of the hot water storage tank 6. Therefore, when the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation, so that feed water starts to flow into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 6, a condenser outlet temperature immediately falls. Accordingly, with the condenser outlet temperature sensor 26, it is possible to rapidly detect that the hot water supply operation is started.

[0045] Fig. 5 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 25 according to the embodiment 2. In step S1 1 in Fig. 5, the control circuitry 14 starts a hot water storage operation. Next, in step S12, the control circuitry 14 determines whether the condenser outlet temperature sensor 26 detects, during the execution of the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started. For example, when the amount of fall in the detected temperature from the condenser outlet temperature sensor 26 exceeds the reference, the control circuitry 14 may assume that the hot water supply operation is started. Alternatively, when the amount of increase in a difference between the detected temperature from the condenser outlet temperature sensor 26 and the detected temperature from the condensation temperature sensor 21 exceeds the reference, the control circuitry 14 may assume that the hot water supply operation is started.

[0046] When the condenser outlet temperature sensor 26 detects in step S12 that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 in step S13. Thereafter, the control circuitry 14 continues the hot water storage operation in step S14.

[0047] In contrast, when the condenser outlet temperature sensor 26 does not detect in step S12 that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 skips step S13 and advances to step S14 where the hot water storage operation is continued without any change.

[0048] The present embodiment has an advantage that it is unnecessary to attach the hot water supply detection sensor 19 to the hot water supply terminal installed in the building.

Embodiment 3.

[0049] Next, an embodiment 3 will be described with reference to Fig. 6 and Fig. 7. However, the description will be mainly made for points that make the embodiment 3 different from the above-described embodiment 1, and the repeated description will be simplified or omitted. Further, elements identical or corresponding to the above-described elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0050]  Fig. 6 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus 27 according to the embodiment 3. As shown in Fig. 6, the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 27 according to the embodiment 3 includes a feed water temperature sensor 28. The feed water temperature sensor 28 detects the temperature of feed water flowing into the hot water storage tank 6 from the feed water inlet 7. The feed water temperature sensor 28 is attached to the lower part of the hot water storage tank 6. For example, the feed water temperature sensor 28 may be located at a height position substantially equal to the height position of the feed water inlet 7. The feed water temperature sensor 28 may be located at a position lower than the feed water inlet 7. Alternatively, the feed water temperature sensor 28 may be located at a position slightly higher than the feed water inlet 7.

[0051] The feed water temperature sensor 28 in the present embodiment corresponds to the hot water supply detection sensor 19. In the present embodiment, when the feed water temperature sensor 28 detects, during the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13. Thus, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects substantially the same as the advantageous effects of the embodiment 1.

[0052] When the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation, so that feed water starts to flow into the lower part of the hot water storage tank 6, the detected temperature from the feed water temperature sensor 28 immediately falls. Accordingly, with the feed water temperature sensor 28, it is possible to rapidly detect that the hot water supply operation is started.

[0053] Fig. 7 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 27 according to the embodiment 3. In step S21 in Fig. 7, the control circuitry 14 starts a hot water storage operation. Next, in step S22, the control circuitry 14 determines whether the feed water temperature sensor 28 detects, during the execution of the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started. For example, when the amount of fall in the detected temperature from the feed water temperature sensor 28 exceeds the reference, the control circuitry 14 may assume that the hot water supply operation is started.

[0054] When the feed water temperature sensor 28 detects in step S22 that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 in step S23. Thereafter, the control circuitry 14 continues the hot water storage operation in step S24.

[0055] In contrast, when the feed water temperature sensor 28 does not detect in step S22 that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 skips step S23 and advances to step S24 where the hot water storage operation is continued without any change.

[0056] The present embodiment has an advantage that it is unnecessary to attach the hot water supply detection sensor 19 to the hot water supply terminal installed in the building.

[0057]  In step S23, the control circuitry 14 may increase the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 as the temperature of feed water flowing into the hot water storage tank 6 decreases. For example, the control circuitry 14 may increase the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 as the value of the detected temperature from the feed water temperature sensor 28 decreases. Alternatively, the control circuitry 14 may increase the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 as the amount of fall in the detected temperature from the feed water temperature sensor 28 increases. When the same opening degree of the expansion valve 13 is adopted, the lower temperature of feed water flowing into the hot water storage tank 6 is likely to cause the amount of liquid refrigerant accumulating in the condenser 17 to increase. In view of the above, by increasing the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 as the temperature of feed water flowing into the hot water storage tank 6 decreases, it is possible to further surely prevent an increase in the amount of liquid refrigerant in the condenser 17.

Embodiment 4.

[0058] Next, an embodiment 4 will be described with reference to Fig. 8 and Fig. 9. However, the description will be mainly made for points that make the embodiment 4 different from the above-described embodiment 1, and the repeated description will be simplified or omitted. Further, elements identical or corresponding to the above-described elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0059] Fig. 8 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus 29 according to the embodiment 4. As shown in Fig. 8, the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 29 according to the embodiment 4 includes a hot water supply temperature sensor 30. The hot water supply temperature sensor 30 detects the temperature of hot water flowing out of the hot water outlet 8. The hot water supply temperature sensor 30 is attached to the hot water supply pipe 10.

[0060] The hot water supply temperature sensor 30 in the present embodiment corresponds to the hot water supply detection sensor 19. In the present embodiment, when the hot water supply temperature sensor 30 detects, during the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13. Thus, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects substantially the same as the advantageous effects of the embodiment 1.

[0061] When the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation, the detected temperature from the hot water supply temperature sensor 30 immediately rises. Accordingly, with the hot water supply temperature sensor 30, it is possible to rapidly detect that the hot water supply operation is started.

[0062] Fig. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 29 according to the embodiment 4. In step S31 in Fig. 9, the control circuitry 14 starts a hot water storage operation. Next, in step S32, the control circuitry 14 determines whether the hot water supply temperature sensor 30 detects, during the execution of the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started. For example, when the rising amount of the detected temperature from the hot water supply temperature sensor 30 exceeds the reference, the control circuitry 14 may assume that the hot water supply operation is started.

[0063] When the hot water supply temperature sensor 30 detects in step S32 that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 in step S33. Thereafter, the control circuitry 14 continues the hot water storage operation in step S34.

[0064] In contrast, when the hot water supply temperature sensor 30 does not detect in step S32 that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 skips step S33 and advances to step S34 where the hot water storage operation is continued without any change.

[0065] The present embodiment has an advantage that it is unnecessary to attach the hot water supply detection sensor 19 to the hot water supply terminal installed in the building.

Embodiment 5.

[0066] Next, an embodiment 5 will be described with reference to Fig. 10 and Fig. 11. However, the description will be mainly made for points that make the embodiment 5 different from the above-described embodiment 1, and the repeated description will be simplified or omitted. Further, elements identical or corresponding to the above-described elements are given the same reference symbols.

[0067]  Fig. 10 is a diagram showing a storage type hot water supplying apparatus 31 according to the embodiment 5. As shown in Fig. 10, the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 31 according to the embodiment 5 includes a flow sensor 32. The flow sensor 32 detects the presence or absence of a water flow at the feed water inlet 7. In the example shown in the drawing, the flow sensor 32 is attached to the feed water pipe 9. As a substitute of the example shown in the drawing, the flow sensor 32 may be attached to the feed water inlet 7. As a modification, a configuration may be adopted in which the flow sensor 32 is attached to the hot water outlet 8 or the hot water supply pipe 10, and the flow sensor 32 detects the presence or absence of a water flow at the hot water outlet 8 or in the hot water supply pipe 10.

[0068] The flow sensor 32 in the present embodiment corresponds to the hot water supply detection sensor 19. In the present embodiment, when the flow sensor 32 detects, during the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13. Thus, it is possible to obtain advantageous effects substantially the same as the advantageous effects of the embodiment 1.

[0069] When the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation, the flow sensor 32 immediately detects a water flow. Accordingly, with the flow sensor 32, it is possible to rapidly detect that the hot water supply operation is started.

[0070]  The flow sensor 32 may be a sensor that is capable of detecting only the presence or absence of a water flow. Alternatively, the flow sensor 32 may be a sensor capable of detecting the flow rate of water passing through the feed water inlet 7 or the hot water outlet 8. The flow rate of water passing through the feed water inlet 7 is equal to the flow rate of water passing through the hot water outlet 8.

[0071] Fig. 11 is a flowchart showing an example of a process executed by the storage type hot water supplying apparatus 31 according to the embodiment 5. In step S41 in Fig. 11, the control circuitry 14 starts a hot water storage operation. Next, in step S42, the control circuitry 14 determines whether the flow sensor 32 detects, during the execution of the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started. For example, when the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 32 exceeds the reference, the control circuitry 14 may assume that the hot water supply operation is started.

[0072] When the flow sensor 32 detects in step S42 that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 increases the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 in step S43. Thereafter, the control circuitry 14 continues the hot water storage operation in step S44.

[0073] In contrast, when the flow sensor 32 does not detect in step S42 that the hot water supply operation is started, the control circuitry 14 skips step S43 and advances to step S44 where the hot water storage operation is continued without any change.

[0074]  The present embodiment has an advantage that it is unnecessary to attach the hot water supply detection sensor 19 to the hot water supply terminal installed in the building.

[0075] In step S43, the control circuitry 14 may increase the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 as the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 32 increases. When the same opening degree of the expansion valve 13 is adopted, a larger flow rate of water flowing into the hot water storage tank 6 from the feed water inlet 7 causes the water temperature in the lower part in the hot water storage tank 6 to fall faster and hence, the amount of liquid refrigerant accumulating in the condenser 17 is likely to increase. In view of the above, by increasing the opening degree of the expansion valve 13 as the flow rate detected by the flow sensor 32 increases, it is possible to further surely prevent an increase in the amount of liquid refrigerant in the condenser 17.

[0076] Although the respective embodiments have been described heretofore, the storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to the present disclosure is not limited to these embodiments. For example, the hot water supply detection sensor 19 is not limited to the configurations described in the respective embodiments. In the present disclosure, the hot water supply detection sensor 19 may be, for example, a sensor that detects sounds or vibrations generated from the feed water inlet 7, the hot water outlet 8, the feed water pipe 9, or the hot water supply pipe 10. When the hot water supply operation is started, a water flow is generated in the feed water inlet 7, the hot water outlet 8, the feed water pipe 9, and the hot water supply pipe 10 and hence, sounds or vibrations are generated from the feed water inlet 7, the hot water outlet 8, the feed water pipe 9, and the hot water supply pipe 10. Accordingly, by detecting, with the hot water supply detection sensor 19, sounds or vibrations generated from the feed water inlet 7, the hot water outlet 8, the feed water pipe 9, or the hot water supply pipe 10, it is possible to detect that the hot water supply operation is started.

Reference Signs List

[0077] 

1

storage type hot water supplying apparatus

2

heat source machine

3

tank unit

4

refrigerant pipe

5

refrigerant pipe

6

water storage tank

7

feed water inlet

8

hot water outlet

9

feed water pipe

10

hot water supply pipe

11

evaporator

12

compressor

13

expansion valve

14

control circuitry

15

blower

16

discharge temperature sensor

17

condenser

18

refrigerant passage

19

hot water supply detection sensor

20

stored hot water temperature sensor

21

condensation temperature sensor

22

evaporation temperature sensor

23

outside air temperature sensor

24

temperature boundary layer

25

storage type hot water supplying apparatus

26

condenser outlet temperature sensor

27

storage type hot water supplying apparatus

28

feed water temperature sensor

29

storage type hot water supplying apparatus

30

hot water supply temperature sensor

31

storage type hot water supplying apparatus

32

flow sensor

Claims

1. A storage type hot water supplying apparatus, comprising:

a hot water storage tank;

a feed water inlet located at a lower part of the hot water storage tank;

a hot water outlet located at a higher part of the hot water storage tank;

an evaporator for evaporating refrigerant;

a compressor for compressing the refrigerant flowing out of the evaporator;

a condenser having a refrigerant passage located at the hot water storage tank, the condenser being configured to condense the refrigerant by exchanging heat between the refrigerant compressed by the compressor and water in the hot water storage tank;

an expansion valve for expanding the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser;

control circuitry configured to control a hot water storage operation, the hot water storage operation being an operation to heat the water in the hot water storage tank with the refrigerant flowing through the refrigerant passage of the condenser; and

a hot water supply detection sensor capable of detecting that a hot water supply operation is started, the hot water supply operation being an operation in which hot water in the hot water storage tank flows out of the hot water outlet and water flows into the hot water storage tank from the feed water inlet;

wherein the control circuitry is configured to increase an opening degree of the expansion valve when the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation.

2.  The storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a condenser outlet temperature sensor is provided as the hot water supply detection sensor, the condenser outlet temperature sensor being configured to detect a temperature of the refrigerant flowing out of the condenser, and
the control circuitry is configured to increase the opening degree of the expansion valve when the condenser outlet temperature sensor detects, during the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started.

3. The storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a feed water temperature sensor is provided as the hot water supply detection sensor, the feed water temperature sensor being configured to detect a temperature of feed water flowing into the hot water storage tank from the feed water inlet, and
the control circuitry is configured to increase the opening degree of the expansion valve when the feed water temperature sensor detects, during the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started.

4. The storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to claim 3, wherein in a case in which the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation, the control circuitry is configured to increase the opening degree of the expansion valve as the temperature of the feed water flowing into the hot water storage tank decreases.

5. The storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a hot water supply temperature sensor is provided as the hot water supply detection sensor, the hot water supply temperature sensor being configured to detect a temperature of hot water flowing out of the hot water outlet, and
the control circuitry is configured to increase the opening degree of the expansion valve when the hot water supply temperature sensor detects, during the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started.

6. The storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a flow sensor is provided as the hot water supply detection sensor, the flow sensor being configured to detect a water flow at the feed water inlet or a water flow at the hot water outlet, and
the control circuitry is configured to increase the opening degree of the expansion valve when the flow sensor detects, during the hot water storage operation, that the hot water supply operation is started.

7. The storage type hot water supplying apparatus according to claim 6, wherein the flow sensor is capable of detecting a flow rate of water passing through the feed water inlet or the hot water outlet, and
the control circuitry is configured to increase the opening degree of the expansion valve as the flow rate increases in a case in which the hot water supply operation is started during the hot water storage operation.

Drawing