JP2017116165A - Water heater life diagnosis method - Google Patents

Abstract

A life diagnosis method for accurately determining the life of a water heater is provided.
[Solution] Various information of the water heater is acquired (Step 1), a score is given according to a predetermined criterion according to each information (Step 2), and the deterioration of the water heater is inferred from the total score, By determining the lifetime (step 4), the lifetime of the water heater can be accurately determined.
[Selection] Figure 3

Description

  The present invention relates to a life diagnosis method of a water heater for judging deterioration of a water heater such as a boiler.

  Steam boilers and water heaters are used for heating means and hot water supply for buildings, hospitals, hotels and other facilities. The water heater has no statutory useful life, and it is difficult to determine when to replace the water heater. When a water heater breaks down, heating and hot water supply are stopped, and depending on the facility, business may be hindered. For this reason, it is necessary to determine the deterioration of the water heater before the failure occurs, to detect that the life is approaching, and to grasp the replacement time of the water heater.

  For example, conventionally, a steam load analyzer for a boiler that measures the current supplied to the drive motor of the combustion fan and the pressure in the boiler can, and calculates the amount of steam used and the amount of heat used to determine the operating status of the boiler. (For example, see Patent Document 1).

JP 2012-7846 A

  However, since the conventional steam load analyzer for boilers is a device for determining the amount of steam used and the amount of heat used in steam boilers and water heaters, it is difficult to accurately grasp the replacement time, which is the life of the water heater. .

  An object of this invention is to determine the lifetime of a water heater correctly.

  The water heater life diagnosis method of the present invention includes the temperature of the exhaust gas of the water heater, the vibration of the combustion fan motor, the difference in pressure of the hot water circulating in the heat exchanger at the inlet and outlet of the water heater, Measuring the noise, the surface temperature of the water heater and the temperature of the auxiliary power panel, the temperature of the exhaust gas of the water heater, the vibration of the combustion fan motor, the hot water pressure of the hot water circulating in the heat exchanger A step of assigning a higher point for less deterioration with respect to the differential pressure at the inlet and outlet, the noise of the water heater, the surface temperature of the water heater and the temperature of the auxiliary power panel, and a microcomputer mounted on the water heater The step of giving a higher score as the model is newer, the step of giving a higher score according to the number of years of use of the water heater, and a process for obtaining the total score by adding the points When, characterized in that a step of the total score is diagnosed with life of the water heater is lower than the predetermined reference value.

  As described above, by acquiring various information on the water heater, assigning a score on a predetermined basis according to each information, analogizing the deterioration of the water heater by the total score, and judging the life, It is possible to accurately determine the life of the water heater.

Schematic illustrating the relationship between a measuring instrument and a water heater for obtaining various information Schematic illustrating the configuration of a life diagnosis apparatus that determines the life from various information acquired Schematic flowchart showing the life diagnosis method of the water heater of the present invention The figure which shows the vibration value criteria in ISO10816-1. The figure which shows the example which measured the differential pressure for 24 hours Diagram illustrating the performance curve of a water heater circulation pump versus supply current The figure which illustrates the heat exchanger capability with which a water heater is equipped

First, the configuration of a water heater and various measuring instruments used for life diagnosis in one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between a measuring instrument and a water heater for acquiring various types of information, and FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of a life diagnosis apparatus that determines the lifetime from various types of acquired information.

  A plurality of measuring devices are connected to the water heater 1, and various information is acquired in each measuring device. A part of each measuring instrument is connected to the life diagnosis apparatus 2 and transmits the acquired information to the life diagnosis apparatus 2. The life diagnosis apparatus 2 stores various information acquired. The information collected by the remaining measuring instruments is collected by the operator. As the measuring device, for example, the following devices can be used.

  The temperature measuring device 3 is provided in the flue 4 that discharges the exhaust gas of the water heater 1 and measures the temperature of the exhaust gas. In order to measure the temperature of the exhaust gas in the flue 4, the temperature measuring device 3 is provided so that a temperature measuring unit is arranged in the flue 4, and is connected to the life diagnosis device 2 to diagnose the measurement result as a life. Transmit to device 2. As the temperature measuring device 3, for example, a thermocouple or a resistance temperature detector is used.

  The speedometer 5 and the accelerometer 6 are provided in the combustion fan motor 7 that blows air into the combustion chamber 18 of the water heater 1, and measure changes in speed and acceleration due to vibration of the combustion fan motor 7. The speedometer 5 and the accelerometer 6 are installed in a direction orthogonal to the rotation axis of the combustion fan motor 7. The speedometer 5 and the accelerometer 6 are connected to the life diagnosis device 2 and transmit measurement results to the life diagnosis device 2.

  The differential pressure gauge 8 measures the pressure difference between the hot water inlet and the outlet of the hot water circulating through the heat exchanger of the hot water supply circuit or the circulation / heating circuit. The differential pressure gauge 8 is provided at each of the heat exchanger inlet 9 and the heat exchanger outlet 10 in the hot water supply circuit or the circulation / heating circuit, and measures the differential pressure from the water pressure of hot water flowing through the heat exchanger inlet 9 and the heat exchanger outlet 10. To do. The differential pressure can be used to determine the heat exchanger blockage. When it is difficult to install a differential pressure gauge at the heat exchanger inlet 9 and the heat exchanger outlet 10 in the hot water supply circuit, it may be provided at the heat exchanger inlet 9 and the heat exchanger outlet 10 in the circulation circuit or the heating circuit. The differential pressure gauge 8 is connected to the life diagnosis apparatus 2 and transmits the differential pressure measured to the life diagnosis apparatus 2.

  The sound level meter 11 is installed in front of the burner of the water heater 1 and measures noise during operation of the water heater 1. The installation position of the sound level meter 11 is not limited to the front surface of the burner of the water heater 1 but may be installed at a predetermined fixed location such as the front surface of the flue 4. The measurement value obtained by the sound level meter 11 is manually recorded by an operator, for example, manually recorded by the operator in the storage device 17 of the PC 15. Alternatively, the sound level meter 11 and the life diagnosis device 2 may be connected, and the measurement result may be automatically transferred to the storage device 16 of the life diagnosis device 2.

  The thermography 12 measures the heat radiation temperature of the main body of the water heater 1 and the accompanying power panel 13 by infrared imaging. The thermography 12 photographs a place where the temperature is desired to be manually measured, and the water heater 1 photographs the entire surface of the main body. The thermography 12 is manually read by the temperature and stored manually by the operator. For example, it is manually recorded in the storage device 17 of the PC 15 by an operator. Alternatively, the thermography 12 and the life diagnosis device 2 may be connected and the measurement result may be automatically transferred to the storage device 16 of the life diagnosis device 2. Furthermore, infrared photographs may be stored in the thermography 12 and used as reference materials for diagnosis.

  The ammeter 14 is connected to a wiring for supplying current to the combustion fan motor 7 and the fuel solenoid valve of the auxiliary power panel 13 and measures a current value supplied to the combustion fan motor 7 and the fuel solenoid valve. The ammeter 14 can be configured to measure the current value of the current flowing through the wiring by sandwiching the wiring. The ammeter 14 is connected to the life diagnosis apparatus 2 and transmits the measurement result to the life diagnosis apparatus 2.

  The life diagnosis apparatus 2 includes a storage device 16 that acquires various pieces of information as the measurement results and records the measurement results. The operator manually stores information on the microcomputer built in the water heater 1, the years of use of the water heater 1, the model number of the water heater 1, and the like as information in the storage device 17 of the PC 15. The operator reads the collected information and the information stored in the life diagnosis device 2, converts each information into a score corresponding to the degree of deterioration, and diagnoses the life of the water heater 1. For example, the operator records information collected from the remaining measuring devices in the storage device 17 such as the PC 15, and transfers the information stored in the life diagnosis device 2 to the storage device 17. And PC15 grade | etc., Is operated, the information of each water heater 1 preserve | saved at the memory | storage device 17 using spreadsheet software etc. is converted into a score, and a lifetime is diagnosed from the total score. That is, each of these various pieces of information is converted into a score representing the degree of deterioration according to a predetermined standard. And the deterioration of the water heater 1 is judged from the total of these points, and it is diagnosed whether the life of the water heater 1 is near. Alternatively, the operator collects information acquired by the remaining measuring devices and manually inputs the information to the life diagnosis device 2, and the life diagnosis device 2 converts each piece of information according to a predetermined standard to diagnose the life. You can also. In this case, the life diagnosis apparatus 2 includes an input device (not shown) such as a keyboard for manually inputting information. Further, a storage device (not shown) for storing various information, converted points, diagnosis results, and the like can be provided. Furthermore, a computer (not shown) that performs conversion into points and diagnoses the life can be mounted. Further, without using the life diagnosis device 2, each measuring instrument is connected to the PC 15, a part of the measurement result is transferred to the storage device 17 of the PC 15, and the operator manually stores the remaining measurement result in the storage device 17. It can also be configured.

Next, the lifetime diagnosis method of a water heater will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 3 is a schematic flow chart showing the water heater life diagnosis method of the present invention.
First, the life diagnosis apparatus 2 acquires information acquired by each measuring device via wired or wireless. When it is necessary to manually input information to the life diagnosis apparatus 2, the operator manually inputs information to the life diagnosis apparatus 2. When it is necessary to input information to the storage device 17 such as the PC 15, the operator manually inputs information to the storage device 17 (step 1 in FIG. 3).

  Next, the information measured by the various measuring devices and the other information recorded by the workers are converted into points according to a predetermined criterion for each item. The score is determined based on the relationship between the state of deterioration in each item and the measured value, and the higher the score, the lower the degree of deterioration. Each item is given a weight in consideration of the influence on the deterioration of the water heater 1. In the above items, the vibration of the water heater 1 and the differential pressure of the heat exchanger differ significantly in measurement results when the water heater 1 is deteriorated compared to the other items. A weight may be applied to the hot water supply circuit or the differential pressure of the heat exchanger in the circulation / heating circuit. For example, 10 points for the temperature of the exhaust gas, 20 points for the vibration of the water heater 1, 20 points for the differential pressure of the heat exchanger in the hot water supply circuit or the circulation / heating circuit, 10 points for the noise of the water heater 1, 10 points for heat radiation, 10 points for heat dissipation of the power panel 13, 10 points for the version of the microcomputer, and 10 points for the service life of the water heater 1. Each item has a lower score as the deterioration progresses (step 2 in FIG. 3). The conversion method to the score in each item will be described later.

Next, the score in each item is totaled. In the above example, the total score is 100 points (step 3 in FIG. 3).
Finally, it is confirmed whether or not the total score is a predetermined score, for example, 50 or less (step 4 in FIG. 3). If the total score is less than or equal to a predetermined score, the deterioration progresses, the life is near, and it is diagnosed that it is time to replace (step 5 in FIG. 3), and if the total score is greater than the predetermined score, replacement is unnecessary. Diagnose. The score is counted by the worker using Excel. The above diagnosis may be performed by an operator, or may be automatically performed by a computer such as the life diagnosis apparatus 2 or the PC 15 (step 6 in FIG. 3).

  As described above, a plurality of items whose results change with the deterioration of the water heater 1 are measured, and the measurement results of each item are converted into scores corresponding to the deterioration. By diagnosing the deterioration of the water heater 1 and diagnosing whether it is time to replace the water heater 1, it is possible to make a diagnosis more accurately than the diagnosis with a small number of items, and the number of points given according to a predetermined standard In order to make a diagnosis, it is possible to easily diagnose the life of the water heater 1.

  As described above, the life diagnosis apparatus records the measurement data of each process, and the worker performs analysis work based on the data. Note that the above steps may be performed by executing a program. In this case, the program is executed by a computer mounted on the life diagnosis apparatus 2 or the PC 15. Further, the storage device 16 or the storage device 17 is configured to be readable by a computer, and stores a program. The program reads and analyzes various information stored in the storage device 16 and the storage device 17.

Next, an example of a method for converting the measurement result of each item into a score in step 2 of FIG. 3 will be described with reference to FIGS.
4 is a diagram illustrating vibration value determination criteria in ISO 10816-1, FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of measuring a differential pressure for 24 hours, FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating a performance curve of a circulating pump of a water heater with respect to supply current, and FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a heat exchanger capacity graph included in the water heater.

First, the exhaust gas temperature will be described by taking as an example a case where there are 10 points.
The temperature of the exhaust gas during operation of the water heater 1 is compared with the temperature of the exhaust gas when the water heater 1 is introduced, that is, during operation in a new state. The operation of the water heater 1 is a normal operation or a rated operation. Since the temperature of the exhaust gas during the operation of the water heater 1 rises due to deterioration, the deterioration can be determined by measuring the temperature. For the score, the temperature of the exhaust gas when the water heater 1 is operated is used as the reference temperature. If the temperature of the exhaust gas during operation is a reference temperature, 10 points are set. The score is deducted by 1 point each time it exceeds the reference temperature by 6 ° C. If the score exceeds the reference temperature by 60 ° C or more, the score is 0.

Next, the vibration of the water heater 1 will be described by taking as an example a case where there are 20 points.
Since the vibration of the water heater 1 increases due to deterioration, the deterioration can be determined by measuring the vibration. Regarding the vibration of the water heater 1, 10 points are assigned to each of the measured value of the speedometer 5 and the measured value of the accelerometer 6. The measured value of the speedometer 5 is converted into a score in accordance with a zone based on ISO10816-1. In ISO10816-1, it is divided into four classes according to the size and installation state of the water heater 1. In addition, as shown in FIG. 4, each of the four classes is classified into four zones according to the measured speed. Points are given according to the zone to which the measured speed belongs, 10 points when the measured speed enters Zone A, 5 points when entering Zone B, 2 points when entering Zone C, Zone When entering D, it is 0 points. ISO10816-1 defines class 1 as “an engine or machine (as a general-purpose electric motor of 15 kW or less) incorporated as a part of the entire component”, and the water heater is classified into this. In class 1, if the measured speed is 0 mm / s or more and less than 0.71 mm / s, 10 points in zone A, if 0.71 mm / s or more and less than 1.80 mm / s, 5 points in zone B, 1.80 mm / s If it is above 4.50 mm / s, it is 2 points in zone C, and if it is 4.50 mm / s or more, it is 0 in zone D.

  The acceleration is classified into four zones according to the measured acceleration. A score is given according to the zone to which the measured acceleration belongs. If the measured acceleration is 0G or more and less than 0.10G, the zone A is 10 points, and if the measured acceleration is 0.10G or more and less than 0.23G, the zone is given. B is 5 points, and if it is 0.23G or more and less than 0.70G, it is set as zone C, and if it is 0.70G or more, it is set as zone D and 0 point.

Next, the differential pressure of the heat exchanger will be described by taking as an example a case where there are 20 points.
Since the differential pressure indicating the blockage of the heat exchanger increases due to the deterioration, the deterioration can be determined by measuring the differential pressure. First, the differential pressure gauge 8 continuously measures the pressure difference between the hot water inlet and the outlet of the hot water circulating through the heat exchanger of the hot water supply circuit or the circulation / heating circuit for a certain period of time. At this time, if it is difficult to measure the pressure difference of the hot water circulating between the heat exchanger inlet and outlet in the hot water supply circuit, the difference in the pressure of hot water circulating between the heat exchanger inlet and outlet in the circulation circuit or heating circuit The pressure may be measured continuously for a certain time. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, the differential pressure is measured for 24 hours, and the maximum value is detected as a pressure loss in the heat exchanger. In the example of FIG. 5, the maximum value of the differential pressure is 22 kPa.

Next, the current value supplied to the circulation pump measured by the ammeter 14 is acquired. Here, it is assumed that the current value is 5.1A. And it discharges | emits from the circulation pump corresponding to the electric current value supplied to a circulation pump from the performance curve which shows the relationship between the electric current value and discharge amount of the circulation pump mounted in the water heater 1 as shown in FIG. Obtain the discharge amount of hot water. In the example of FIG. 6, the discharge amount corresponding to the current value 5.1 A is 15 m ³ / h.

  Thereafter, an appropriate differential pressure with respect to the discharge amount, which is the flow rate of the circulating hot water, is calculated from the heat exchanger capacity curve of the water heater 1 as shown in FIG. If the detected differential pressure is not more than the appropriate differential pressure, 20 points are set. The number of points when the appropriate differential pressure is exceeded is calculated by dividing the difference between the maximum differential pressure and the appropriate differential pressure by 20 equally from the capacity curve of the heat exchanger. Then, the score of the differential pressure detected therefrom is determined. When the detected differential pressure is the maximum differential pressure, 0 point is set. For example, in FIG. 7, since the appropriate differential pressure is 15 kPa and the maximum differential pressure is 80 kPa, one point is deducted every 3.25 kPa. 18 points at 21.5 kPa and 17 points at 24.75 kPa. Since the detected differential pressure is 22 kPa, it is lowered to 17 points.

Next, the noise of the water heater 1 will be described by taking as an example a case where there are 10 points.
Since noise increases due to deterioration, deterioration can be determined by measuring noise. The sound volume measured by the sound level meter 11 is compared with a reference value using the sound volume measured under the same conditions when the water heater 1 is introduced as a reference value. When the measured sound volume is less than or equal to the reference value, the score is 10 points, and 1 point is deducted every time the reference value exceeds 1 dB. When the value exceeds the reference value by 10 dB, it is set as 0 point. For example, when the reference value is 73 dB and the measured value is 76 dB, 7 points are set.

Next, about the heat dissipation of the water heater 1, the case where a score is 10 points | pieces is demonstrated to an example.
This item confirms the deterioration of the heat insulating material provided on the wall surface of the water heater 1 main body. Since the heat radiation temperature increases due to the deterioration of the heat insulating material, the deterioration can be determined by measuring the heat radiation temperature. From the thermal conductivity coefficient of the heat insulating material provided on the wall surface and the temperature in the water heater 1, the surface temperature of the water heater 1 when the performance of the heat insulating material is fully exhibited is calculated as a reference value. The deterioration is determined by comparing the maximum temperature of the surface of the water heater 1 measured by the thermography 12 with a reference value. When the maximum temperature of the surface of the water heater 1 is equal to or lower than the reference value, 10 points are set, and when the maximum temperature of the surface of the water heater 1 is higher than 60 ° C., for example, 0 points are set. Then, the points between the reference value and 60 ° C. are equally divided into 10 points. For example, when the reference value is 40 ° C. and the measured value is 50 ° C., one point is deducted every 2 ° C., and the score is 5 points.

Next, the heat dissipation of the incidental power panel 13 will be described by taking as an example a case where there are 10 points.
Since the heat radiation of the incidental power panel 13 increases due to deterioration, the deterioration can be determined by measuring the heat radiation temperature. The temperature of the incidental power panel 13 is measured by the thermography 12. Separately measure the ambient temperature. When the upper limit of the operating temperature standard of the incidental power panel is 55 ° C., 0 point is set when the temperature of the incidental power panel 13 is 55 ° C. or higher, and 10 points when the ambient temperature is the ambient temperature. The difference between the ambient temperature and the upper limit of the operating temperature standard is divided into 10 equal parts, and every time the temperature of the incidental power panel 13 is increased from the ambient temperature by this temperature, one point is subtracted to obtain the score.

Next, the case where the score of the microcomputer is 10 points will be described as an example.
About the microcomputer mounted in the water heater 1, the score of 0-10 points is defined every other point beforehand according to the product and version of a microcomputer. For example, the latest version of the latest version of the microcomputer is 10 points, and the old-type microcomputer of a certain level is 0 points. Meanwhile, the score is determined according to the newness of the product. Then, the microcomputer installed is confirmed, and the worker records it in the storage device 17 and applies it to a predetermined standard to score. Alternatively, the product model number and version of the installed microcomputer are manually input to the life diagnosis device 2, and the life diagnosis device 2 automatically gives points according to the correspondence table with the points stored in the life diagnosis device 2. You may do it. In addition, if the water heater 1 and the life diagnosis device 2 or the PC 15 can be connected via a network and the microcomputer information can be acquired by the life diagnosis device 2 or the PC 15, the life diagnosis device 2 or the PC 15 automatically generates a microcomputer product. The life diagnosis device 2 or the PC 15 may automatically give a score based on a correspondence table between the model number and the version, and the score stored in the life diagnosis device 2 or the PC 15.

Next, the service life of the water heater 1 will be described by taking as an example a case where the score is 10 points.
It is assumed that the service life of the water heater 1 is 10 years when the fuel used is gas and 9 years when it is oil. If the service life has passed since the start of use of the water heater 1, it is 0 points, and if it has been less than one year since the start of use, 10 points. Every time one year has elapsed from the start of use, a certain number of points are deducted according to the type of fuel used, and points are given. For example, if the fuel used is gas, 1 point will be deducted every year after the start of use, and if oil is used, 1.1 points will be deducted every year after the start of use, and rounded if rounded. To do. Then, the water heater 1 is confirmed, and an operator records the data in the storage device 17 and applies the score to a predetermined standard. Alternatively, the product model number and age of the water heater 1 are manually input to the life diagnosis device 2, and the life diagnosis device 2 automatically assigns points based on the correspondence table with the points stored in the life diagnosis device 2. You may do it. In addition, if the water heater 1 and the life diagnosis device 2 or the PC 15 can be connected via a network and the life diagnosis device 2 or the PC 15 can acquire information on the water heater 1, the life diagnosis device 2 or the PC 15 automatically adds the hot water. The product model number, age of use, etc. of the device may be acquired, and the life diagnosis device 2 or PC 15 may automatically give a score according to a correspondence table with the points stored in the life diagnosis device 2 or the PC 15.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Water heater 2 Life diagnostic apparatus 3 Temperature measuring device 4 Flue 5 Speedometer 6 Accelerometer 7 Combustion fan motor 8 Differential pressure meter 9 Heat exchanger inlet 10 Heat exchanger outlet 11 Noise meter 12 Thermography 13 Attached power panel 14 Ammeter 15 PC
16 storage device 17 storage device 18 combustion chamber

Claims (2)

Exhaust gas temperature of the water heater, vibration of the fan motor for combustion, pressure difference of the hot water circulating in the heat exchanger at the inlet and outlet of the water heater, noise of the water heater, surface temperature of the water heater and incidental power Measuring the temperature of the panel;
Exhaust gas temperature of the water heater, vibration of the combustion fan motor, pressure difference of hot water circulating in the heat exchanger at the inlet and outlet of the water heater, noise of the water heater, surface temperature of the water heater And a step of giving a higher score for each of the temperatures of the accompanying power panel, the lower the deterioration,
A step of giving a higher score for a microcomputer mounted on the water heater,
A step of assigning a score that increases as the number of years of use decreases according to the years of use of the water heater;
Summing up the points to obtain a total score;
A method of diagnosing the life of the water heater when the total score is lower than a predetermined reference value. The number of points related to the temperature of the exhaust gas of the water heater is given lower as it becomes higher with reference to the temperature of the exhaust gas at the time of introduction of the water heater,
The number of points related to the vibration of the combustion fan motor is given so that the speed and acceleration of the combustion fan motor are measured to become lower than the reference speed and acceleration.
The temperature obtained from the current value by measuring the current value supplied to the circulation pump of the water heater, the number of points relating to the pressure difference between the inlet and outlet of the hot water circulating through the heat exchanger The lower the higher the pressure of the hot water circulating through the heat exchanger corresponding to the discharge amount of the pump, the lower the pressure on the basis of the differential pressure at the outlet,
The score related to the noise of the water heater is given lower as it becomes higher with reference to the noise at the time of introduction of the water heater,
The score related to the surface temperature of the water heater is given lower as the surface temperature of the water heater obtained from the thermal conductivity coefficient of the heat insulating material provided on the wall surface of the water heater and the temperature inside the water heater becomes higher,
The hot water heater life diagnosis method according to claim 1, wherein a score related to the temperature of the incidental power panel is given lower as the temperature becomes higher than a predetermined reference temperature.

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