DE102009024164A1 - System for supplying hot water - Google Patents

Abstract

A system for supplying hot water according to the present invention comprises a container (3) for heating and retaining water therein, and a rechargeable battery (4) for supplying power for driving a device (1) for heating water. The container (3) and the rechargeable battery (4) are contained in a same inner space of a housing (6). The rechargeable battery (4) is warmed up by air heated by the hot water in the container (3) to achieve a good charging efficiency. Preferably, a power controller (5) for charging the rechargeable battery (4) in the same interior of the housing (6) is included to use in the power controller (5) generated heat to heat the rechargeable battery (4). The rechargeable battery (4), when its temperature (Tb) is low, can be charged after being warmed up by the hot water in the container (3), while being charged when its temperature (Tb) is high, before the water in the container (3) is heated.

Description

Background of the invention

1. Field of the invention

The The present invention relates to a system for delivering hot Water holding a container for heating and retention of water in it.

1. Description of the Related Art

An example of this type of hot water supply system is in JP-A-2005-164124 disclosed. This system includes means for controlling the battery temperature by exchanging heat between the battery and refrigerant in a heat pump cycle as the battery temperature rises. This system also includes a latent heat storage material that covers the battery to control the temperature of the battery.

It however, there is a problem in the conventional system that the device for controlling the battery temperature is very complex becomes. Inventors of the present invention have found that is possible, the device for controlling the battery temperature simplify by using a hot water retention tank and the battery is properly positioned in a housing become.

Summary of the invention

The The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned Problems and is an object of the present invention it is an improved system for delivering hot water provide in which the temperature of a battery in a simple Way is controlled.

The System for supplying hot water according to the present invention can be used in individual private households become. A container for heating water and retention of hot water in it and a rechargeable battery for supplying power to a heating device, such as a Heat pump unit, are contained in an interior of the housing. Since the rechargeable battery of the in the container warmed up with retained hot water the rechargeable battery can be charged at a temperature which shows a good charging efficiency. In other words The temperature of the rechargeable battery is at a suitable temperature controlled to the rechargeable battery with a high charging efficiency to charge without using an additional heater.

It It is preferable to place the rechargeable battery in one place Position where the heat from the container is correct is transmitted to the rechargeable battery, d. H. in a place above the container or side of the container. The rechargeable battery can consist of several flat battery packs that are held in a rack be composed. The multiple battery packs can be vertically aligned in the frame, leaving a space between is formed adjacent battery packs. The battery packs can be aligned in a zigzag fashion in two rows be heated to effective.

It is preferred, a power control for charging the rechargeable Battery under the rechargeable battery in the same interior to position the housing. Because the power control generates a considerable amount of heat, which helps air heated by the power control, the rechargeable To warm up the battery. An inlet hole or holes can / can in a bottom plate of the housing be formed so that outside air initiated effectively and supplied to the power controller to cool it. The air heated by the power control is sent to the rechargeable Battery supplied to warm it up. A fan can be provided near the inlet hole, to continue to circulate the outside air effectively. A guide plate, the Standing from the bottom plate of the housing, between the Container and the rechargeable battery arranged be effective to air heated by the power control was to deliver to the rechargeable battery.

The Water in the container may be from a heat pump unit, which is arranged outside the housing, heated and the operation of the heat pump unit and the Power control can be controlled by a control panel in the enclosure is arranged to be controlled. When the temperature of the rechargeable Battery lower than a predetermined temperature, z. 25 ° C, The rechargeable battery can be started before charging is heated by the hot water in the container to achieve a higher charging efficiency. When the temperature of the rechargeable battery higher than the predetermined temperature, the charging is initiated, before the water is heated by the heat pump unit.

According to the present invention, the temperature of the rechargeable battery is properly controlled to achieve high charging efficiency without using any additional devices other than the essential components constituting the hot water supply system. Other objects and features of the present invention will be better understood of the preferred embodiment described below with reference to the following drawings.

Brief description of the drawings

1 Fig. 15 is a cross sectional view showing an overall structure of a hot water supply system as a first embodiment of the present invention;

2 is one along the in 1 taken line II-II cross-sectional view showing the hot water supply system;

3 Fig. 10 is a flowchart showing a method of controlling the charging of a battery and the heating of water;

4 Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a container unit of a hot water supply system as a second embodiment of the present invention;

5 Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a tank unit of a hot water supply system as a third embodiment of the present invention;

6 Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a container unit as a fourth embodiment of the present invention;

7 Fig. 15 is a cross-sectional view showing a part of a container unit as a fifth embodiment of the present invention;

8th Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a tank unit of a hot water supply system as a sixth embodiment of the present invention;

9 Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a tank unit of a hot water supply system as a seventh embodiment of the present invention;

10 Fig. 10 is a cross-sectional view showing a tank unit of a hot water supply system as an eighth embodiment of the present invention;

11 Fig. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a container unit of a hot water supply system as a ninth embodiment of the present invention; and

12 FIG. 12 is a cross-sectional view showing a tank unit of a hot water supply system as a tenth embodiment of the present invention. FIG.

Detailed description of the preferred embodiments

A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 1 - 3 described. First, reference will be made 1 a hot water supply system according to the present invention is described. The system is a heat pump hot water supply system and is a heat pump unit 1 and a container unit 2 composed. The system is mainly used in private households for supplying hot water to various places such as a kitchen, a laundry room and a bathroom. Water in a container 3 is heated by heat between refrigerant in the heat pump unit 1 and the water is exchanged, and is delivered to various places.

The heat pump unit 1 includes at least a compressor, a heat storage heat exchanger, an expansion valve and an evaporator forming a refrigeration cycle. As the refrigerant circulating in the heat pump cycle, carbon dioxide having a low critical temperature is used. A supercritical heat pump cycle in which a refrigerant pressure on a high pressure side becomes higher than a critical pressure of the refrigerant is formed by using carbon dioxide. In the supercritical heat pump cycle, water may be at a higher temperature than in a conventional heat pump cycle, e.g. B. at 85-90 ° in the container 3 be withheld. The heat pump cycle may be operated using electrical heating power provided by a utility company at midnight. Alternatively, electrical power supplied by solar panels or wind generators may be used.

The container 3 is made of a metallic material such as stainless steel in a rectangular shape elongated in a vertical direction. The container 3 is with a heat insulator 31 wrapped to keep the hot water at a high temperature for a long time.

The container unit 2 is out of the container 3 , a rechargeable battery 4 , a power control 5 and functional components 10A including a control panel 10 assembled, all in one housing 6 are included. The functional components 10A include next to the control panel 10 a valve for mixing cold and hot water, a bypass valve for preventing the freezing of the heat pump, a pump for circulating hot water in one Bath, a shaft with an electromagnetic valve and a three-way valve for a bath.

The rechargeable battery 4 is made of several battery packs 41 and a rack 42 to hold the battery packs 41 assembled in the interior of the housing. Every battery pack 41 consists of one or more rechargeable battery units, such as lithium-ion battery units. The battery pack 41 is formed in a flat rectangular shape. The frame 42 is made of a material with a high thermal conductivity, such as aluminum. The several battery packs 41 be in the frame 42 held in a vertical direction, wherein, as in 1 shown a space between adjacent packs 41 is formed.

A temperature sensor 43 is at a middle section of the frame 42 arranged in the vertical direction to the temperature of the rechargeable battery 4 capture. The temperature sensor 43 detects a mean temperature among the multiple battery packs 41 , Signals representing the detected temperature are sent to the system controller 10 Posted. Two or more battery sensors 43 can be at different positions in the frame 42 to be ordered. Alternatively, the battery sensor 43 in the battery pack 41 to be ordered. It may be better, however, the temperature sensor 43 in the frame 42 because the installation and removal of the temperature sensor are easier when placed in the rack 42 is arranged.

The power control 5 provides external electrical power to the rechargeable battery in a controlled manner 4 and to electrical components in the heat pump unit 1 and other electrical components in the container unit 2 , The power control 5 also supplies electrical energy stored in the battery in a controlled manner to the electrical components in the heat pump unit 1 and the container unit 2 , This means that the power control 5 under other controls the charging and discharging of the battery 4 controls. The power control 5 includes elements such as power transistors that generate heat. Therefore, the power control generates 5 a relatively high amount of heat. Heat radiating fins 52 are on a top surface of a control box 51 arranged.

The system control 10 controls the operation of the heat pump unit 1 ie controls the heating of water in the tank 3 is to be retained, corresponding to an amount of hot water used and an amount of in the container 3 retained hot water. The system control 10 also feeds commands into the power control 5 to charge the battery 4 according to the temperature sensor 43 to control transmitted signals and other signals.

The housing 6 is in a box shape with a main body 61 and side plates 63 to close the side openings 62 , which are open on both sides, trained. legs 7 for arranging the container unit 2 in one place, like the ground, are with a bottom plate 64 of the housing 6 connected. As mentioned above, the container 3 , the battery 4 , the power control 5 and the functional components 10A all in the interior of the housing 6 contain. The frame 42 that the battery 4 is on one side of the container 3 arranged to be parallel to the container 3 to extend, and the highest section of the battery 4 is at about the same height or higher than an upper portion 32 of the container 3 positioned. The power control 5 is under the battery 4 positioned and substantially within a width of the battery 4 aligned.

As in 2 shown is every battery pack 41 from the right side of the frame 42 in (not shown) grooves in the frame 42 are trained, used. The right side opening 62 of the housing 6 is opened by the side plate 63 is removed, thereby removing the battery packs 41 to install or remove it from the rack 42 to remove. In this way, the maintenance of the rechargeable battery 4 be easily done. As in 2 shown are the functional components 10A with the control panel 10 arranged in corner spaces, in the interior of the housing 6 are formed. The corner spaces are created by arranging the functional components 10A effectively exploited, creating space in the housing 6 is saved and the housing 6 as a whole is made compact. The functional components 10A are through conduits and connecting pipes with other parts including the container 3 and the power control 5 connected. The maintenance of the functional components 10A can through the opening 62 performed by removing the side plate 63 is opened. As in 1 and 2 shown are the container 3 and the functional components 10A positioned in a left side room, and the rechargeable battery 4 and the power control 5 are in a right side space in the housing 6 positioned.

With reference to 3 is a method for heating water and a method for charging the rechargeable battery 4 described. In step S100, it is checked if the time has reached 23 o'clock or not. When the time has come to 23 hours, the process proceeds to step S110, where it is determined whether the temperature Tb of the rechargeable battery 4 is equal to or higher than 25 ° C. It is preferred the rechargeable battery 4 at a temperature in a range of 25-40 ° C, since charging (or discharging) efficiency of the lithium ion battery used in this embodiment is high in this temperature range. If the battery temperature is equal to or higher than 25 ° C, the process proceeds to step S120, in which the system controller 10 to the power control 5 sends a command to charge the rechargeable battery 4 to start.

Then, at step S130, it is determined whether the time has reached a time to start heating water. The time for starting the heating is preset, assuming that the charging of the battery is based on heating conditions such as a temperature of the hot water to be heated and the time when the hot water reaches the set temperature 23 clock begins. When the time for starting the heating has come, the process proceeds to step S140, in which heating is performed by operating the heat pump unit 1 started and hot water in the tank 3 is held back. Then the process comes to an end. If the time for starting the heating has not yet come, the process returns to step S130 and waits for the time to start the heating.

On the other hand, if it is determined at step S110 that the battery temperature is lower than 25 ° C, the process proceeds to step S150, in which water is operated by operating the heat pump unit 1 is heated, and the hot water is in the container 3 retained. During the process of heating water, the battery temperature becomes the temperature sensor 43 continuously recorded. At step S160, it is checked whether the battery temperature has become equal to or higher than 25 ° C. When the battery temperature reaches 25 ° C, the process proceeds to step S170, in which the water heating operation is temporarily interrupted. If not, the process returns to step S160 to wait until the battery temperature reaches 25 ° C. At step S180, the charging of the battery is started.

After the battery charging has been started, the process proceeds to step S190, where it is determined whether or not the time for starting the additional heating of water has come. The time for starting the additional heating is preset in a similar manner as described in step S130. However, an amount of additional heating is calculated by subtracting a heating amount performed in step S150 from a total heating amount needed to heat water to the preset temperature. When the time comes to start the additional heating, the process proceeds to step S140, in which the water is operated by operating the heat pump 1 is heated, and the hot water is in the container 3 retained. Then the process comes to an end. If the time for starting the additional heating has not come yet, the process returns to step S190 to wait until the time comes.

As described above, the charging is started before the water heating starts when the battery temperature Tb is higher than a predetermined temperature (eg, 25 ° C). On the other hand, when the battery temperature Tb is lower than the predetermined level (eg, 25 ° C), the charging is started after the battery temperature Tb has increased to the predetermined level by performing the water heating for a while. In this way, the rechargeable battery 4 charged with a high charging efficiency. The reason why charging and heating are performed after 11pm is that commercial electric power is at midnight, e.g. B. 23-7 clock, cheaper. The time set at 23 o'clock at step S100 may be varied according to the actual situation of the energy cost. If electric power from solar panels is used, the time would be set according to their power costs.

Advantages obtained in the first embodiment described above are summarized below. The rechargeable battery 4 is in the interior of the housing 6 together with the container 3 , which holds back the hot water, arranged. Consequently, the temperature of the rechargeable battery 4 by the heat of the container 3 be retained retained hot water. In addition, the rechargeable battery 4 on one side of the container 3 and at an upper portion of the interior of the housing 6 arranged where the hot air tends to linger. Therefore, the rechargeable battery 4 easily by the heat of the container 3 retained hot water heated. Further, the rechargeable battery 4 over the power control 5 , which generates heat, positioned. Consequently, the rechargeable battery can 4 from the heat of the power control 5 be heated.

The rechargeable battery 4 is charged after being heated above the predetermined temperature (eg 25 ° C) when its temperature is low. The rechargeable battery 4 is charged before the heat pump 1 is operated and the battery 4 is from the hot water in the container 3 is heated, wherein the battery temperature is raised above the appropriate height when its temperature is sufficiently high. Therefore, the rechargeable battery 4 charged at a suitable temperature at which the high charging efficiency degree is realized.

A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to 4 described. In this embodiment, inlet holes 65 for introducing outside air in the interior of the housing 6 below the power control 5 in the bottom plate 64 educated. Other structures and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The outside air is through the inlet holes 65 initiated, and the power control 5 is cooled by the outside air. The rechargeable battery 4 that over the power control 5 is positioned by the air, by the power control 5 is heated, heated. Therefore, the rechargeable battery 4 be heated while the power control 5 is cooled.

A third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 5 described. In this embodiment, a guide plate 9 coming from the bottom plate 64 to the middle height of the housing 6 is added to the second embodiment. Other structures and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment described above. The through the inlet holes 65 introduced outside air smoothly becomes the power control 5 and the rechargeable battery 4 while suppressing the outside air toward the container 3 flows. Since an efficiency for heating water (COP) becomes low, when water with a lower temperature, located in a lower position in the tank 3 is located, it is very desirable, that of the power control 5 heated air only to the rechargeable battery 4 respectively. Because the guide plate 9 not above the average height of the case 6 extends, the air coming from the hot water in the container 3 heated to a higher temperature, easily to the rechargeable battery 4 to be delivered. It also reaches from the top of the container 3 radiated heat easily the rechargeable battery 4 ,

A fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 6 described. In this embodiment, an inlet hole 65 for introducing outside air and a fan 8th for sending the outside air to the power controller 5 added. Other structures and functions are the same as those of the first embodiment. The through the inlet hole 65 introduced outside air is forcibly fed to the interior. Therefore, the interior of the case 6 through the of the power control 5 heated air heats while holding the rechargeable battery 4 heats, thereby preventing components, such as conduits, in the housing 6 freeze.

A fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 7 described. In this embodiment, U-shaped legs 7 with the bottom plate 64 connected, so through the legs 7 Air passages are formed. The inlet holes 65 in the bottom plate 64 of the housing 6 are formed to the air passages that are in the U-shaped legs 7 are formed, open. Other structures and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment. The outside air is through the air passages in the legs 7 and the inlet holes 65 effective in the interior of the housing 6 initiated. Therefore, the power control 5 well cooled from the outside air while the rechargeable battery 4 is heated properly.

A sixth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 8th described. In this embodiment, the battery packs 41 aligned in two vertical rows, by a frame 642 be kept and a rechargeable battery 604 form. The battery packs 41 are, as in 8th shown aligned in a zigzag manner. Right ends of the battery packs 41 in the left row are essentially at the same horizontal positions of the left ends of the battery packs 41 positioned in the right row. Other structures and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment. The from the power control 5 heated upflowing air heats each battery pack 41 effective.

A seventh embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 9 described. In this embodiment, the battery packs 41 one in a rack 742 kept rechargeable battery 704 form, in the direction of the container 3 inclined. Other structures and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment. battery packs 41 be from the air, by the power control 5 is heated and along the beveled surfaces of the battery packs 41 flows, effectively heated. Because the bevelled surface of each battery pack 41 the container 3 facing, takes the battery pack 42 slightly from the container 3 radiated heat on.

An eighth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 10 described. In this embodiment, the frame 42 that the battery packs 41 stops at a highest position in the housing 6 positioned, and the power control 5 is under the rack 42 positioned. Both the rechargeable battery 4 as well as the power control 5 are above the container 3 positioned. Every battery pack 41 is in the frame 42 held upright, and several bat teriepackungen 41 are, as in 10 shown aligned in the horizontal direction. Other structures and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment. The rechargeable battery 4 is made of air, both from the power control 5 as well as the container 3 heated, effectively warmed up. Because the power control over the container 3 is positioned, water is in the lower portion of the container 3 from the through the power control 5 heated air is not heated unnecessarily. Although in this embodiment, an entire portion of the rechargeable battery 4 above the upper section 32 is positioned on the container, it is possible only a part of the rechargeable battery 4 above the upper section 32 of the container 3 to position.

A ninth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 11 described. In this embodiment, an inlet hole is on the left side 965 for introducing outside air into the housing 6 in the side plate 63 educated. The rechargeable battery 4 and the power control 5 are above the container as in the tenth embodiment 3 positioned. The inlet hole 965 is formed at the same vertical height as the power control 5 is positioned. Other structures and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment. Outside air passing through the inlet hole 965 is initiated, cools the power control 5 effective, and that of the power control 5 heated air warms the rechargeable battery 4 on. Because the inlet hole 965 above the upper section 32 the container is positioned, the container 3 not unnecessary from the through the inlet hole 965 introduced outside air cooled.

A tenth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG 12 described. In this embodiment, the frame 42 that the battery packs 41 which the rechargeable battery 4 Make upright hold over the container 3 positioned, and the power control 5 is on the right side of the container 3 positioned in the upright posture. Other structures and functions are the same as those in the first embodiment. The battery packs 41 be from the air flowing in the vertical direction through the spaces between the battery packs 41 flows and from the container 3 heated, effectively warmed up. In addition, the rechargeable battery 4 from in the power control 5 warmed up heat generated. Because the power control 5 on one side of the container 4 is positioned, water that is in a lower part of the container 3 is not unnecessary by those in the power control 5 warmed up heat generated.

The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments but can be variously modified. The rechargeable battery 4 ( 604 . 704 ) is made up of several flat battery packs 41 assembled, which are included in a rectangular box in the previous embodiment. It is possible the battery packs 41 to take in a housing that has a shape other than the rectangular box shape, as long as a part of the rechargeable battery 4 above the upper section 32 of the container 3 is positioned. It is not always necessary to use the rechargeable battery 4 above the upper section 32 of the container 3 to position as long as the rechargeable battery 4 through the from the container 3 radiated heat is warmed up. It is not always necessary to control the power 5 in the same room as the rechargeable battery 4 ( 604 . 704 ) and the container 3 to position. The power control 5 can be repositioned as long as the rechargeable battery 4 ( 604 . 704 ) through the container 3 radiated heat is warmed up. Although, in the foregoing embodiments, electric power is supplied from the rechargeable battery to the heat pump unit 1 and electrical components in the container 3 is delivered, the electric power can not be supplied to all of them, as long as the rechargeable battery in the same room as the container 3 is positioned.

While the present invention with reference to the preceding preferred Embodiments has been described is for Technicians skilled in the obvious that changes in the shape and detail of which can be made without departing from the scope of the invention as set forth in the appended claims Claims defined deviate.

QUOTES INCLUDE IN THE DESCRIPTION

This list The documents listed by the applicant have been automated generated and is solely for better information recorded by the reader. The list is not part of the German Patent or utility model application. The DPMA takes over no liability for any errors or omissions.

Cited patent literature

• - JP 2005-164124 A [0002]

Claims (14)

System for supplying hot water, comprising: a container ( 3 ) for heating and retaining hot water; a rechargeable battery ( 4 ); and a housing ( 6 ), which contains the container and the rechargeable battery in its interior. The system of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) over an upper section ( 32 ) of the container ( 3 ) is positioned. A system according to claim 2, wherein an entire section of the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) above the upper section ( 32 ) of the container ( 3 ) is positioned. The system of claim 1, wherein the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) on one side of the container ( 3 ) and an upper portion of the rechargeable battery is positioned at a substantially same height as an upper portion (FIG. 32 ) of the container ( 3 ) is positioned. The system of any of claims 1-4, further comprising power control ( 5 ) for controlling the power supply to the rechargeable battery ( 4 ), wherein the power control in the interior of the housing ( 6 ) and under the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) is positioned. A system according to claim 5, wherein the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) of a plurality of vertically oriented flat battery packs ( 41 ) and adjacent battery packs ( 41 ) are shifted in a zigzag manner in a horizontal direction. A system according to claim 5, wherein the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) of a plurality of vertically oriented flat battery packs ( 41 ) and all battery packs ( 41 ) are inclined relative to a horizontal direction. System according to any one of claims 5-7, wherein at least one inlet hole ( 65 ) in the housing ( 6 ) is designed to introduce outside air and send it to the power control ( 5 ) to deliver. The system of claim 8, wherein the inlet hole (16) 65 ) under the power control ( 5 ) is positioned. The system of claim 9, further comprising a leg ( 7 ), which is provided with a bottom plate ( 64 ) of the housing ( 6 ), wherein the leg is formed in a U-shape when viewed in the horizontal direction, and the inlet hole is formed into an opening of the U-shaped leg (FIG. 7 ) is open. A system according to any of claims 8-10, further comprising a fan ( 8th ) to introduce outside air and send it to the power control ( 5 ), wherein the fan in a neighborhood of the inlet hole ( 65 ) is arranged. A system according to any of claims 8-11, further comprising a guide plate ( 9 ) for guiding the outside air through the inlet hole ( 65 ) and by the power control ( 5 ), to the rechargeable battery which is between the container ( 3 ) and the power control ( 5 ) is arranged. A system according to any of claims 5-12, further comprising means ( 1 ) for heating a heat transfer medium, the water in the container ( 3 ) heats, and a system control ( 10 ) for controlling the operation of the heating devices ( 1 ) and the power control ( 5 ), wherein the system controller ( 10 ) the power control ( 5 ) to charge the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) after the heaters ( 1 ) and the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) was heated to raise its temperature (Tb) to a level higher than a predetermined temperature set based on a charging efficiency when the temperature (Tb) of the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) is lower than the predetermined temperature; and the system control ( 10 ) the power control ( 5 ) to charge the rechargeable battery ( 4 ), before the heaters operate, when the temperature (Tb) of the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) is higher than the predetermined temperature. A system according to claim 5, wherein the rechargeable battery ( 4 ) from several flat battery packs ( 41 ) and the battery packs in a rack ( 42 ) to form a single vertical row with a space between adjacent battery packs ( 41 ) is formed.