JP2005098995A - Ultrasonic flow meter and hot water supply system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an ultrasonic flow meter and a hot water supply system capable of measuring the flow velocity and / or flow rate of a plurality of liquids having different temperatures in a smaller installation space than before.
According to an ultrasonic flowmeter of the present invention, a measurement value (flow velocity, flow rate, temperature) related to room temperature water and measurement related to heated water obtained by heating room temperature water in one common processing unit. Since both of the values can be calculated, the size of the ultrasonic flow meter 10 can be made smaller than a simple combination of two conventional impeller-type flow meters. It can be kept smaller than before. In addition, the amount of heat consumed due to the use of heated water is calculated from the temperature difference between normal temperature water and heated water and the flow rate (used amount) of heated water, so even if the temperature of normal temperature water fluctuates, The amount of heat consumed can be accurately determined.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to an ultrasonic flow meter and a hot water supply system.

  In a house equipped with a hot water supply facility, a hot water pipe connected to the hot water supply facility is provided separately from the tap water piping. And the flow volume of tap water and the flow volume of warm water are separately measured with the impeller-type flow meter attached to these piping, respectively.

  By the way, due to the recent housing situation, downsizing of the installation space of the flow meter is being studied. However, since it is difficult to integrate a plurality of impeller-type flow meters, it requires a space for installing the flow meters for tap water and hot water, and it is difficult to make them compact. It was. In addition, prior art documents related to the present invention could not be found.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and is an ultrasonic flowmeter and a hot water supply system capable of measuring the flow velocity and / or flow rate of a plurality of liquids having different temperatures in a compact installation space than conventional ones. For the purpose of provision.

  In order to achieve the above object, an ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 1 is a liquid in which the temperature is different between the first measurement unit provided in the first flow path through which the liquid flows and the liquid flowing through the first flow path. The second measurement unit provided in the second flow path through which the gas flows, the first measurement unit, and the second measurement unit are provided respectively, and are arranged separately on the upstream side and the downstream side of the flow path. Forward and reverse between a pair of ultrasonic transducers that transmit and receive ultrasound in both the forward direction along the flow of the liquid and the reverse direction reverse to the flow, and the pair of ultrasonic transducers A calculation unit that calculates a difference in arrival times of ultrasonic waves in the direction, and a switching unit that alternately switches between the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit and connects to the calculation unit. Calculates the flow velocity and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path based on the difference in arrival time of ultrasonic waves when connected to Rutotomoni, characterized in was configured to calculate the flow rate and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path based on the arrival time difference of the ultrasonic waves to when connected to the second measurement unit.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic flowmeter according to the first aspect, a normal temperature liquid is caused to flow through the second flow path, and a liquid obtained by heating the normal temperature liquid is caused to flow through the first flow path. When the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is W1, the temperature of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is P1, the temperature of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is P2, and the amount of heat is Q In addition, the calculation unit
Q = (P1-P2) · W1
A characteristic is that the heat quantity Q is obtained from the above relational expression.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic flowmeter according to the first aspect, the heated liquid is supplied to a predetermined portion by the first flow path, and a part of the liquid is consumed at the predetermined portion. The remaining liquid is collected in the second flow path, and the flow rate of the liquid flowing in the first flow path is set to W1, the flow rate of the liquid flowing in the second flow path is set to W2, and flows in the first flow path. When the liquid temperature is P1 and the heat quantity is Q, the calculation unit
Q = P1 · (W1-W2)
It is characterized in that the heat quantity Q is calculated using the above relational expression.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic flowmeter according to the first aspect, the heated liquid is supplied to a predetermined portion by the first flow path, and heat is deprived at the predetermined portion of the liquid. The remaining liquid is collected in the second flow path, the flow rate of the liquid flowing in the second flow path is W2, the temperature of the liquid flowing in the first flow path is P1, and the liquid flowing in the second flow path When the temperature of P2 is P2 and the heat quantity is Q,
Q = (P1-P2) · W2
It is characterized in that the heat quantity Q is calculated using the above relational expression.

According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the ultrasonic flowmeter according to the first aspect, the heated liquid is supplied to a predetermined portion by the first flow path, and heat is deprived or partially at the predetermined portion of the liquid. Is collected in the second flow path, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is W1, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is W2, and the first flow When the temperature of the liquid flowing through the path is P1, the temperature of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is P2, and the amount of heat is Q,
Q3 = P1 / W1-P2 / W2
It is characterized in that the heat quantity Q is calculated using the above relational expression.

  A sixth aspect of the present invention is the ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of the second to fifth aspects, wherein the flow velocity and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path calculated by the calculation unit, It is characterized in that a common output means for outputting the flow rate and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the flow path and the amount of heat to the communication line is provided.

  The invention according to claim 7 is the ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of claims 2 to 6, wherein the flow velocity and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing in the first flow path calculated by the calculation unit, It is characterized by having a common display unit that displays the flow rate and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the flow path and the amount of heat.

  The invention according to claim 8 is the ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the first flow connected to the middle of the first flow path and constituting a part of the first flow path. A pair of superstructures provided in the first measurement unit, including a path configuration unit and a second channel configuration unit that is connected in the middle of the second channel and configures a part of the second channel. The ultrasonic transducer is disposed in the first flow path component, and the pair of ultrasonic transducers provided in the second measurement unit is disposed in the second flow path component. Has characteristics.

A ninth aspect of the present invention is the ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of the first to eighth aspects, wherein each of the pair of ultrasonic transducers provided in the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit is a first one. Arranged in parallel with the flow direction of the liquid in the flow path and the second flow path, the arrival time of the ultrasonic wave in the forward direction is T1, the arrival time of the ultrasonic wave in the reverse direction is T2, and the distance between the ultrasonic transducers Is d and the propagation speed of the ultrasonic wave is C,
1 / T1 + 1 / T2 = 2C / d
A characteristic is that the propagation velocity C is calculated using the above relational expression, and the temperatures of the liquid flowing through the first flow path and the liquid flowing through the second flow path are obtained from the relational expression of the propagation speed C. Have.

  The invention according to claim 10 is the ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the measurement values of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are both within a preset numerical range. It is characterized in that it is provided with a measurement value judging means for judging whether or not.

  The invention of claim 11 is the ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the ratio between the measurement value of the first measurement unit and the measurement value of the second measurement unit is a numerical value range set in advance. It is characterized in that it is provided with a ratio determining means for determining whether or not it is within.

  The invention according to claim 12 is the ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 11, wherein the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit in which the ratio of the measurement values is determined by the ratio determination unit are communicated to a common device. It is characterized by being disposed in the first flow path and the second flow path.

  A hot water supply system according to a thirteenth aspect includes the ultrasonic flowmeter according to the second aspect, wherein the liquid that flows through the second flow path is room temperature water, and the liquid that flows through the first flow path is at room temperature. It is characterized by being hot water or hot water obtained by heating water.

  A hot water supply system according to a fourteenth aspect includes the ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of the third to fifth aspects, wherein the liquid flowing through the first flow path and the second flow path is hot water or hot water. Has characteristics.

[Invention of Claim 1]
According to the invention according to claim 1 configured as described above, in the calculation unit, in the ultrasonic transducer provided in the one connected by the switching unit between the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit. The flow velocity and / or flow rate are calculated based on the difference in arrival time of the ultrasonic waves. That is, the flow velocity and / or flow rate of two liquids having different temperatures can be calculated by one common calculation unit. Therefore, the size of the flow meter can be made smaller than a simple combination of two conventional impeller-type flow meters, and the installation space can be kept smaller than before. Furthermore, compared with the case where the calculation part is provided for every flow path, the component cost concerning a calculation part can be reduced.

[Invention of claim 2]
According to the second aspect of the present invention, the temperature of the normal-temperature liquid that has flowed through the second flow path is P2, the flow rate of the liquid that has heated the normal-temperature liquid flowed through the first flow path is W1, and the temperature is When P1 is set and Q is the amount of heat, the calculation unit is
Q = (P1-P2) · W1
The amount of heat Q is calculated from the above relational expression. That is, based on the temperature difference between the liquid at normal temperature and the heated liquid, the amount of heat consumed due to consumption of the heated liquid can be obtained. Therefore, even when the temperature of the liquid at normal temperature fluctuates, the amount of heat consumed by consumption of the heated liquid can be accurately calculated.

[Invention of claim 3]
According to the invention of claim 3, the heated liquid is supplied to the predetermined part by the first flow path, and the remaining liquid that has been partially consumed at the predetermined part of the liquid is supplied to the second flow path. The flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is W1, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is W2, the temperature of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is P1, and the amount of heat is When Q is used, the calculation unit
Q = P1 · (W1-W2)
The amount of heat Q is calculated using the above relational expression. That is, consumption when a part of the heated liquid is consumed at the predetermined portion and the temperature P1 of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is equal to or approximate to the temperature P2 of the liquid flowing through the second flow path. The amount of heat can be calculated.

[Invention of claim 4]
According to the invention of claim 4, the heated liquid is supplied to the predetermined part by the first flow path, and the remaining liquid that has been deprived of heat at the predetermined part is supplied by the second flow path. In the recovery configuration, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is W2, the temperature of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is P1, the temperature of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is P2, and the amount of heat is Q. When the calculation unit is
Q = (P1-P2) · W2
The amount of heat Q is calculated using the above relational expression. That is, it is possible to calculate the amount of heat consumed when the heat of the liquid heated at the predetermined portion is deprived and the flow rate W1 in the first flow path and the flow rate W2 in the second flow path match or approximate.

[Invention of claim 5]
According to the invention of claim 5, the heated liquid is supplied to the predetermined portion by the first flow path, and the remaining liquid that has been deprived of heat or partially consumed among the liquid is supplied. In the configuration of collecting in the second flow path, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is W1, the temperature is P1, the flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is W2, the temperature is P2, and the amount of heat is the amount of heat. Where Q is Q,
Q = P1 / W1-P2 / W2
The amount of heat Q is calculated using the above relational expression. That is, it is possible to calculate the amount of heat consumed when the heat of the heated liquid is deprived at a predetermined site or when a part of the heated liquid is consumed.

[Invention of claim 6]
According to the invention of claim 6, the flow velocity and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow channel, the flow velocity and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow channel, and the heat quantity are shared by one common communication means. Therefore, even if the flow meter is provided with a communication means, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the flow meter and to reduce the cost of parts applied to the communication means.

[Invention of Claim 7]
According to the seventh aspect of the present invention, the flow rate and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow channel, the flow rate and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow channel, and the heat quantity are shared by one common display unit. Therefore, even if the flow meter is provided with a display unit, it is possible to suppress an increase in the size of the flow meter and to reduce the cost of parts applied to the display unit.

[Invention of Claim 8]
According to the invention of claim 8, the ultrasonic flowmeter connects the first flow path component in the middle of the first flow path and connects the second flow path component in the middle of the second flow path. Since the ultrasonic transducers can be installed in the respective flow paths only, the ultrasonic transducers can be easily installed in the respective channels.

[Invention of claim 9]
According to the invention of claim 9, the arrival time of the ultrasonic wave in the forward direction is T1, the arrival time of the ultrasonic wave in the reverse direction is T2, the interval between the pair of ultrasonic transducers is d, and the ultrasonic wave When the propagation speed of C is C, the calculation unit is 1 / T1 + 1 / T2 = 2C / d
The propagation speed C is calculated using the above relational expression, and the temperatures of the liquid flowing through the first flow path and the liquid flowing through the second flow path can be obtained from the relational expression of the propagation speed C. Thereby, the temperature of the liquid which flows through a different flow path can be measured, without providing the apparatus which measures temperature separately.

[Invention of Claim 10]
According to invention of Claim 10, it can be determined whether the measured value of a 1st measurement part and a 2nd measurement part is in the numerical value range set beforehand.

[Invention of Claim 11]
According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not the ratio between the measurement value of the first measurement unit and the measurement value of the second measurement unit is within a preset numerical range.

[Invention of Claim 12]
According to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine whether or not the state of the common device is normal based on the determination result by the ratio determining means.

[Invention of Claim 13]
According to the invention of claim 13, since warm water or hot water obtained by heating normal temperature water flowing in the second flow path flows in the first flow path, it is consumed by using warm water or hot water. The amount of heat can be calculated based on the temperature difference between normal temperature water and hot water or hot water. Therefore, even when the temperature of room temperature water fluctuates, the amount of heat consumed due to consumption of hot water or hot water can be accurately calculated.

[Invention of Claim 14]
According to the fourteenth aspect of the present invention, the amount of heat consumed by depriving heat or consuming part of the hot water or hot water supplied from the first flow path to the predetermined portion is calculated. can do.

[First Embodiment]
Hereinafter, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 1 shows an entire hot water supply system including an ultrasonic flowmeter 10 to which the present invention is applied. The hot water supply device 60 provided in the hot water supply system of the present embodiment heats normal temperature water supplied from the water supply 55 to make hot water or hot water (hereinafter collectively referred to as “heating water”).

  The ultrasonic flowmeter 10 includes a water pipe 50 (corresponding to a “second flow path” of the present invention) extending from the water supply 55 and a hot water pipe 51 (a “first flow” of the present invention) connected to the hot water supply device 60. The flow rate of normal temperature water flowing in the water pipe 50 and the flow rate of heated water flowing in the hot water supply pipe 51 are measured. The ultrasonic flow meter 10 includes a pair of water pipe coupling portions 13 and 13 and a pair of hot water pipe coupling portions 15 and 15.

  For example, a water pipe 50A extending into the residence is connected to one of the pair of water pipe coupling portions 13 and 13, and a water pipe 50B extending from the water supply 55 is connected to the other water pipe coupling portion 13, for example. Yes. And normal temperature water is discharge | released from the water supply port 56 with which 50 A of water pipes were equipped, and the flow volume of normal temperature water at that time is measured.

  For example, a hot water supply pipe 51 </ b> A extending into the residence is connected to one of the hot water supply pipe coupling parts 15, 15, and a hot water supply pipe 51 </ b> B extending from the hot water supply apparatus 60 is connected to the other hot water supply pipe coupling part 15. And heated water is discharge | released from the hot water supply port 57 with which the hot water supply pipe 51A was equipped, and the flow volume of the heated water at that time is measured.

  The ultrasonic flow meter 10 is provided with a normal temperature water flow path 11 (corresponding to the “second flow path constituting part” of the present invention) so as to connect the two water pipe coupling portions 13 and 13. A pair of ultrasonic transducers 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B is provided in the middle portion of the path 11 along the water flow direction. As shown in FIG. 2, these ultrasonic transducers 20A and 20B are controlled by a transmission / reception switching signal from the control unit 44, and when one becomes a transmitter, the other becomes a receiver, and at a predetermined timing, The transmitter and receiver are switched. Then, the detection signals of the ultrasonic transducers 20 </ b> A and 20 </ b> B as the wave receivers are taken into the clock counter 17 through the amplifier circuit 25.

  Similarly, a heated water flow path 12 (corresponding to the “first flow path constituting part” of the present invention) is provided between the two hot water pipe connecting portions 15 and 15, and an intermediate portion of the heated water flow path 12. Are provided with a pair of ultrasonic transducers 30A and 30B along the flow direction of the heated water. These ultrasonic transducers 30A and 30B are also controlled by the control unit 44 (see FIG. 2), and the transmitter and the receiver are switched at a predetermined timing. Then, the detection signals of the ultrasonic transducers 30 </ b> A and 30 </ b> B as the wave receivers are taken into the clock counter 17 through the amplifier circuit 25. In addition, although the normal temperature water flow path 11 and the heating water flow path 12 may be comprised with metal piping, if flexible piping which has flexibility is used, the attachment operation | work to the water pipe 50 and the hot water supply pipe 51 will be further easier. It becomes. Further, even when the relative position between the water pipe 50 and the hot water supply pipe 51 varies in each house, the flow paths 11 and 12 can be attached to the water pipe 50 and the hot water supply pipe 51.

  The clock counter 17 includes a time until the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the upstream ultrasonic transducers 20A and 30A are received by the downstream ultrasonic transducers 20B and 30B (forward arrival time) and a downstream side. The time until the ultrasonic waves transmitted from the ultrasonic transducers 20B and 30B are received by the upstream ultrasonic transducers 20A and 30A (reverse direction arrival time) is counted.

  The arrival times in both the forward and reverse directions counted by the clock counter 17 are transmitted to the arithmetic processing unit 18 (corresponding to the “calculating unit” of the present invention). The arithmetic processing unit 18 calculates the difference between the forward arrival time and the reverse arrival time, and calculates the flow velocity / flow rate of the normal temperature water and the heated water flowing in the water pipe 50 and the hot water supply pipe 51 based on the difference. The calculation result in the calculation processing unit 18 is output to the display device 43 (corresponding to the “display unit” of the present invention), and the flow rate / flow rate of normal temperature water and heated water is displayed.

  The arithmetic processing unit 18 is connected to a communication processing unit 41 (corresponding to the “output unit” of the present invention), and data is transmitted between the arithmetic processing unit 18 and the management center 45 through the communication processing unit 41. Can send and receive. Specifically, in the communication processing unit 41, the flow rate value and the flow rate value of normal temperature water and heating water input from the arithmetic processing unit 18 are D / A converted and output to the communication line 46.

  The clock counter 17, the arithmetic processing unit 18, the communication processing unit 41, the display device 43, and the control unit 44 are mounted on the electronic circuit board 40 of the ultrasonic flow meter 10. Electric power is supplied to the electronic circuit board 40 from the power supply unit 42 provided in the ultrasonic flowmeter 10. The electronic circuit board 40 and the power supply unit 42 are accommodated in a case (not shown).

Next, operation | movement of the ultrasonic flowmeter 10 of this embodiment is demonstrated.
The control unit 44 controls the measuring instrument switch SW5 to select an ultrasonic transducer that transmits and receives ultrasonic waves. The measuring instrument changeover switch SW5 is switched by the measuring instrument switching signal from the control unit 44. For example, when the control unit 44 is connected to the transmission circuit 23 as shown in FIG. Ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received between the transducers 20A and 20B. Specifically, the control unit 44 controls the switches SW1 and SW2 to connect the upstream ultrasonic transducer 20A to the transmission circuit 23 and to connect the downstream ultrasonic wave as shown in FIG. After the transmitter / receiver 20B is connected to the receiver circuit 24, a transmission command signal is output to the transmitter circuit 23. Then, the transmission circuit 23 drives the ultrasonic transducer 20A on the upstream side, and the ultrasonic wave is transmitted from the ultrasonic transducer 20A on the upstream side to the ultrasonic transducer 20B on the downstream side at the same time. The counter 17 starts measuring time based on the clock pulse.

  The signal transmitted from the upstream ultrasonic transducer 20A is received by the downstream ultrasonic transducer 20B after a predetermined time. Then, the signal is input to the amplification circuit 25 from the reception circuit 24 connected to the ultrasonic transmitter / receiver 20 </ b> B on the downstream side, amplified here, and input to the clock counter 17. Then, the clock counter 17 stops time measurement, outputs the measurement result to the arithmetic processing unit 18, and is reset to zero.

  When the measurement result is input to the arithmetic processing unit 18, the transmission circuit 23 stops driving the upstream ultrasonic transducer 20 </ b> A and then enters a waiting state for a transmission command signal output from the control unit 44. Further, a signal is transmitted from the arithmetic processing unit 18 to the control unit 44, and the control unit 44 drives the switches SW1 and SW2 due to the input of this signal. Then, the transmission circuit 23 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 20B on the downstream side, and the reception circuit 24 is connected to the ultrasonic transducer 20A on the upstream side.

  Next, the control unit 44 outputs a transmission command signal to the transmission circuit 23. As a result, this time, the same processing as described above is performed with the ultrasonic wave transmission direction reversed. Then, the arithmetic processing unit 18 obtains the difference between the count values of the clock counter 17 measured in both the forward direction and the reverse direction with respect to the flow of the normal temperature water, and the normal temperature flowing through the water pipe 50 based on the difference between the count values. The flow rate / flow rate of water is calculated. Here, when the control unit 44 and the transmission circuit 23 are connected by the measuring instrument changeover switch SW5, the transmission command signal from the control unit 44 is not input to the transmission circuit 33. Transmission / reception of ultrasonic waves is not performed between the received ultrasonic transducers 30A and 30B.

  Now, when the above operation is repeated for one second, a measuring instrument switching signal is output from the control unit 44 again. Then, the measuring instrument changeover switch SW5 is switched, and the control unit 44 and the transmission circuit 33 are connected. Thereby, transmission / reception of an ultrasonic wave is started between the ultrasonic transducers 30 </ b> A and 30 </ b> B provided in the heated water flow path 12. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the transmission circuit 33 and the upstream ultrasonic transducer 30A are connected, and the reception circuit 34 and the downstream ultrasonic transducer 30B are connected. . Then, a signal is transmitted from the upstream ultrasonic transducer 30A to the downstream ultrasonic transducer 30B, and the arrival time of the ultrasonic wave in the forward direction is measured by the clock counter 17. Next, the switches SW3 and SW4 are switched by the transmission / reception switching signal from the control unit 44, and a signal is transmitted from the downstream ultrasonic transducer 30B to the upstream ultrasonic transducer 30A, and the clock counter 17 performs the reverse direction. The arrival time of the ultrasonic wave at is measured. And the difference of the count value of the clock counter 17 measured in the forward direction and the reverse direction with respect to the flow of the heated water by the arithmetic processing unit 18 is obtained, and the heating flowing through the hot water supply pipe 51 based on the difference of the count value The flow rate / flow rate of water is calculated. When the flow rate / flow rate of the heated water is calculated, no ultrasonic wave is transmitted / received between the ultrasonic transducers 20A and 20B provided in the room temperature water channel 11.

  When the above operation is repeated for 1 second, the measuring instrument change-over switch SW5 is switched again, and ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received between the ultrasonic transducers 20A and 20B provided in the room temperature water flow path 11, and the water supply The flow rate / flow rate of normal temperature water flowing through the pipe 50 is calculated. That is, the flow rate / flow rate of normal temperature water flowing through the water pipe 50 and the flow rate / flow rate of heated water flowing through the hot water supply pipe 51 are alternately calculated every second by the single processing unit 18. The control unit 44 and the switch SW5 correspond to the “switching means” of the present invention. The entire transmission circuit 23, reception circuit 24, ultrasonic transducers 20A and 20B, and switches SW1 and SW2 correspond to the “second measurement unit” of the present invention, and the transmission circuit 33 and the reception circuit 34. The ultrasonic transducers 30A and 30B and the switches SW3 and SW4 as a whole correspond to the “first measurement unit” of the present invention.

Here, the arithmetic processing unit 18 calculates the temperature of the normal temperature water and the heated water as follows. That is, as shown in FIG. 3, the ultrasonic arrival time when the ultrasonic waves are transmitted from the upstream ultrasonic transducers 20A and 30A toward the downstream ultrasonic transducers 20B and 30B is expressed as T1. And T2 is the arrival time of the ultrasonic waves when transmitting the ultrasonic waves from the ultrasonic transducers 20B and 30B on the downstream side toward the ultrasonic transducers 20A and 30A on the upstream side, and the ultrasonic transmission / reception on the upstream side When the distance between the wave transducers 20A, 30A and the downstream ultrasonic transducers 20B, 30B is d, the sound velocity C in normal temperature water and heated water is expressed by the following relational expression 1 / T1 + 1 / T2 = 2C. / D
Is calculated from And in the arithmetic processing part 18, based on the data table reflecting the relational expression or relational curve of the temperature of water and the speed of sound C well-known in a science chronology etc., the temperature of normal temperature water or heating water is calculated, for example. ing. Thereby, liquid temperature can be measured, without requiring the apparatus which measures temperature separately.

Now, the ultrasonic flowmeter 10 of this embodiment also has a function as a calorimeter. That is, the arithmetic processing unit 18 calculates the amount of heat based on the flow rate and temperature of the normal temperature water and the heated water obtained as described above. Specifically, when the flow rate of the heating water is W1, the temperature of the heating water is P1, the temperature of the room temperature water is P2, and the amount of heat is Q, the arithmetic processing unit 18
Q = (P1-P2) · W1
The amount of heat consumed by using the heating water is calculated based on the above formula, that is, the temperature difference between the normal temperature water and the heating water ("P1-P2"). Here, since the normal temperature water is supplied from the water supply 55 provided outdoors, the temperature fluctuates depending on the outside air temperature. However, according to the present embodiment, the temperature of the normal temperature water is actually measured. Even when the temperature changes, the heat consumption can be accurately calculated. And compared with the case where normal temperature water is assumed to be constant temperature and the amount of heat consumption is computed like before, heating water can be traded at a more appropriate charge.

  Furthermore, in the hot water supply device 60, when the heating water having a predetermined temperature is produced from the normal temperature water, the hot water supply device 60 can be operated under optimum conditions by feeding back the measured temperature of the normal temperature water. In this way, for example, the amount of fuel used to heat normal temperature water can be optimized.

  The flow rate, flow rate, and temperature of the normal temperature water and heated water calculated by the arithmetic processing unit 18 (hereinafter, these three are collectively referred to as “measured values”) and the amount of heat consumed by the consumption of the heated water are displayed on the display 43. It is displayed. Thereby, compared with the case where separate displays are provided for room temperature water and heated water, it is possible to suppress the enlargement of the ultrasonic flowmeter 10 and to reduce the cost of components applied to the display. Moreover, since the measured value of both normal temperature water and heated water and the amount of heat consumed by using heated water can be confirmed with the same display device 43, the efficiency of meter-reading work can be improved. The display 43 is provided with a display switching button so that each time the display switching button is pressed, the measured value related to room temperature water, the measured value related to heated water, and the amount of heat consumed by using heated water are switched and displayed. Alternatively, the display contents may be switched in the order of flow velocity, flow rate, temperature, and heat consumption.

  Furthermore, the measured values of the normal temperature water and the heated water calculated by the arithmetic processing unit 18 and the heat consumption due to the use of the heated water are also output to the communication processing unit 41. The communication processing unit 41 performs D / A conversion on the measured values of the normal temperature water and the heated water input from the arithmetic processing unit 18 and the heat consumption, and outputs the result to the communication line 46. Here, since the communication processing unit 41 can output the measured values of both the room temperature water and the heated water, the ultrasonic flowmeter 10 is compared with the case where separate communication processing units are provided for the room temperature water and the heated water. Can be suppressed, and the cost of components applied to the communication processing unit can be suppressed. And in the management center 45, the measured value of the normal temperature water and the heating water from the ultrasonic flowmeter 10 with which each house was equipped, and the heat consumption by heating water use can be managed collectively.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, in one common processing unit 18, measured values (flow rate / flow velocity / temperature) related to room temperature water and measured values (flow rate / flow velocity / temperature) related to heated water obtained by heating the normal temperature water. Temperature), the size of the ultrasonic flow meter 10 can be made smaller than that obtained by simply combining two conventional impeller-type flow meters. Can be kept smaller than before. In addition, the amount of heat consumed due to the use of heated water is calculated from the temperature difference between normal temperature water and heated water and the flow rate (used amount) of heated water, so even if the temperature of normal temperature water fluctuates, The amount of heat consumed can be accurately determined.

  Further, the ultrasonic flowmeter connects the water pipe coupling portions 13 and 13 of the room temperature water flow path 11 to the water pipes 50A and 50B, and connects the hot water pipe coupling portions 15 and 15 of the heating water flow path 12 to the hot water supply pipes 51A and 51B. The ultrasonic transducers 20A and 20B and the ultrasonic transducers 30A and 30B can be installed in the water pipe 50 and the hot water supply pipe 51, respectively, so that the water pipe 50 and the hot water supply of the ultrasonic flow meter 10 can be installed. Attachment to the pipe 51 is facilitated.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 4 shows a second embodiment of the present invention.
This 2nd Embodiment makes the structure of the hot water supply system different from the said 1st Embodiment. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same configurations, and duplicate descriptions are omitted.

  In the hot water supply system of the present embodiment, the heating water produced by the hot water supply device 60 is circulated by the circulation flow path 70. The ultrasonic flowmeter 10 includes a feed side pipe 71 (corresponding to the “first flow path” of the present invention) connected to the hot water supply device 60 and a feed side pipe in the middle of the circulation flow path 70. 71 is attached in the middle of a return side pipe 72 (corresponding to the “second flow path” of the present invention) provided on the downstream side of 71, and the heated water flowing in the feed side pipe 71 and the return side pipe 72 The flow rate is being measured.

  Between the feed side pipe 71 and the return side pipe 72, a water intake part 73 capable of releasing a part of the heated water flowing through the feed side pipe 71 to the outside of the circulation channel 70, and the heating supplied from the feed side pipe 71 And an air conditioner 74 that performs air conditioning by the heat of water. Thereby, in the ultrasonic flowmeter 10, the flow rate and temperature of the heated water before flowing into the water intake unit 73 and the air conditioner 74, and heat is taken away by the air conditioner 74, or part of the water is consumed by the water intake unit 73. The flow rate and temperature of the remaining heated water after being heated are measured. The water intake unit 73 and the air conditioner 74 correspond to the “predetermined part” of the present invention.

The arithmetic processing unit 18 calculates the amount of heat from the flow rate and temperature of the heated water flowing through the feed side pipe 71 and the flow rate and temperature of the heated water flowing through the return side pipe 72. Specifically, when the flow rate of the heated water flowing through the feed side pipe 71 is W1, the temperature is P1, the flow rate of the heated water flowing through the return side pipe 72 is W2, the temperature is P2, and the heat quantity is Q, the calculation is performed. The processing unit 18
Q = P1 · (W1-W2) (1)
Q = (P1-P2) · W2 (2)
Q = P1 / W1-P2 / W2 (3)
The amount of heat consumption is calculated based on the relational expression (1) to (3) above.

  For example, when the temperature of the heated water flowing in the feed side pipe 71 and the temperature of the used heated water flowing in the return side pipe 72 are the same or approximate, and the flow rate W1 in the feed side pipe 71 and the flow rate W2 in the return side pipe 72 are different. Is calculated based on the relational expression (1). Further, the flow rate W1 in the feed side pipe 71 and the flow rate W2 in the return side pipe 72 match or approximate, and the temperature P1 of the heated water in the feed side pipe 71 and the temperature P2 of the used heated water in the return side pipe 72 are Is different, the heat consumption Q is calculated based on the relational expression (2). Further, when the flow rate (W1, W2) and the temperature (P1, P2) in the feed side pipe 71 and the return side pipe 72 are different from each other, the heat consumption Q is calculated based on the relational expression (3). That is, by calculating the difference between the amount of heat of the heated water flowing through the feed side pipe 71 and the amount of heat of the used heated water flowing through the return side pipe 72, a part of the heated water flowing through the feed side pipe 71 is consumed. Then, the amount of heat consumed due to the heat from the heated water being taken away by the air conditioner 74 is calculated. In relational expression (3), the relational expression in which P1 = P2 is synonymous with relational expression (1), and the relational expression in which W1 = W2 is synonymous with relational expression (2).

  According to the present embodiment, since the arithmetic processing unit 18 calculates the temperature from the ultrasonic propagation time C, the heating water flowing through the feed pipe 71 and the return pipe 72 is not provided separately. Each temperature can be calculated. In addition, since the flow rate of the heating water flowing through the feed side piping 71 and the flow rate of the heating water flowing through the return side piping 72 are measured, the flow rate of the heating water changes between the feed side piping 71 and the return side piping 72. In other words, that is, even when a part of the heated water is discharged to the outside of the circulation flow path 70 in the middle of the circulation flow path 70, the heat consumption can be accurately calculated.

  Furthermore, since it is possible to grasp whether consumption of the heated water in the water intake unit 73 and use of the air conditioning device 74 are performed simultaneously or individually, it becomes easier to control the operation state of the hot water supply device 60 and the operation. Efficiency can be improved.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 5 shows a third embodiment of the present invention. The third embodiment differs from the first and second embodiments in that the fuel cell system includes the ultrasonic flowmeter 10 of the present invention. Since other configurations are the same as those in the first and second embodiments, the same components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant description is omitted.

  In FIG. 5, reference numeral 100 denotes a so-called polymer electrolyte fuel cell (PEFC) system (hereinafter simply referred to as “fuel cell system”). The fuel cell system 100 includes various devices such as a reformer 101, a battery stack 103, and an inverter 104.

  For example, the reformer 110 reforms city gas to generate hydrogen gas, and supplies the generated hydrogen gas to the battery stack 103. The battery stack 103 reacts the supplied hydrogen gas and oxygen gas to generate electricity and outputs it to the inverter 104. The inverter 104 converts direct current electricity output from the battery stack 103 into alternating current and outputs the alternating current.

  A gas supply pipe 110A through which city gas flows is connected to the reformer 101, and a water supply pipe 111 and an air supply pipe 112 through which water and air used for gas reforming are connected. Further, a burner gas pipe 110B for supplying city gas and a burner air pipe 113 for supplying air are connected to the heating burner 102.

  The reformer 101 and the battery stack 103 are connected by a hydrogen gas pipe 114, and the hydrogen gas generated by the reformer 101 is supplied from the hydrogen gas pipe 114 to the battery stack 103. In addition to the hydrogen gas pipe 114, the battery stack 103 is supplied to the battery stack 103 and a residual hydrogen gas pipe 115 for supplying the hydrogen gas remaining when the battery stack 103 generates electricity to the burner 102. A humidification pipe 116 extending from a humidifier (not shown) for humidifying the hydrogen gas and oxygen gas is connected.

  By the way, the fuel cell system 100 includes a heat exchanger 105 for recovering heat generated from the battery stack 103, and a cooling pipe 117 provided between the heat exchanger 105 and the battery stack 103. Cooling water circulates inside. Furthermore, in the heat exchanger 105, for example, warm water is produced by heating normal temperature water using heat recovered from the battery stack 103. That is, the room temperature water pipe 119 is connected to the heat exchanger 105, and the room temperature water is passed through the heat exchanger 105. While passing through the heat exchanger 105, the room temperature water is heated by the heat recovered by the heat exchanger 105 to become hot water or hot water (hereinafter collectively referred to as heated water), and a hot water storage tank is provided by the heated water pipe 118. 106. The heated water stored in the hot water storage tank 106 is supplied with hot water, for example, into a residence.

  In the present embodiment, the normal temperature water flow path 11 (corresponding to the “second flow path constituent part” of the present invention) provided in the ultrasonic flowmeter 10 includes the normal temperature water pipe 119 and the reforming water. It is connected in the middle of a flowing water supply pipe 111 (corresponding to a “second flow path” according to the present invention). Further, the heating water channel 12 (corresponding to the “first channel component” of the present invention) includes a channel from the battery stack 103 to the heat exchanger 105 in the cooling pipe 117 and the heating water pipe 118. (Corresponding to the “first flow path” according to the present invention). Then, ultrasonic waves are transmitted / received to / from the ultrasonic transducers 20A and 20B provided in the normal temperature water flow path 11, and the normal temperature water that has flowed into the heat exchanger 105 and the reformer in the arithmetic processing unit 18 The flow velocity / flow rate of the water for reforming supplied to 101 is calculated. In addition, ultrasonic waves are transmitted and received between the ultrasonic transducers 30A and 30B provided in the heating water flow path 12, and the arithmetic processing unit 18 passes the cooling water heated by passing through the battery stack 103. The flow rate / flow rate of the heated water sent from the heat exchanger 105 to the hot water storage tank 106 is calculated. The arithmetic processing unit 18 checks whether or not the ratio of the flow rate of water flowing through the four pipes 111, 117, 118, and 119 is within a predetermined numerical range set in advance. It is monitored whether the water flowing into 101 and the water flowing into or out of the heat exchanger 105 are normal. That is, the flow of a plurality of liquids having different temperatures in the fuel cell system 100 is monitored. The arithmetic processing unit 118 corresponds to the “ratio determination unit” of the present invention, and the heat exchanger 105 corresponds to the “common device” according to the present invention.

[Other Embodiments]
The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment. For example, the embodiments described below are also included in the technical scope of the present invention, and various other than the following can be made without departing from the scope of the invention. It can be changed and implemented.
(1) In the said 1st-3rd embodiment, although the flow velocity and flow volume of the water as a liquid were measured, you may measure not only water but another liquid.

(2) In the first and second embodiments, the common indicator 43 displays the normal temperature water and the heated water, or the measured values of the heated water in the feed side pipe 71 and the heated water in the return side pipe 72. However, it may be displayed on a separate display.

(3) In the first and second embodiments, the ultrasonic transducers 20A and 20B provided in the room temperature water flow path 11 or the return side pipe 72 and the ultrasonic transmission / reception wave provided in the heating water flow path 12 or the feed side pipe 71 are provided. The devices 30A and 30B are switched and driven every second, but may be switched every 0.5 seconds or every two seconds, for example.

(4) In the hot water supply system according to the second embodiment, the water intake unit 73 is provided in the middle of the circulation flow path 70. However, in the configuration in which the water intake unit 73 is not provided, that is, the configuration in which the heated water is completely circulated. Good. Further, the air conditioner 74 may not be provided, and only the water intake part 73 may be provided.

(5) In the third embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 18 checks whether or not the ratio of the flow rate of the water flowing through each of the pipes 111, 117, 118, and 119 is within a predetermined numerical range. Alternatively, it may be checked whether the flow rate or flow velocity of the water flowing through each of the pipes 111, 117, 118, and 119 is within a predetermined numerical range. In this case, the arithmetic processing unit 18 corresponds to the “measurement value determination unit” of the present invention.

(6) In the third embodiment, the arithmetic processing unit 18 checks whether or not the ratio of the flow rate of the water flowing through the four pipes 111, 117, 118, 119 is within a predetermined numerical range. However, it is checked whether the flow rate or flow rate ratio of the water flowing through any two or three of these four pipes 111, 117, 118, 119 is within a predetermined numerical range. You may make it do.

The block diagram of the hot-water supply system which concerns on 1st Embodiment of this invention. Ultrasonic flow meter block diagram Cross-sectional side view of flow path equipped with ultrasonic transducer The block diagram of the hot-water supply system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention. Block diagram of a fuel cell system according to a third embodiment

Explanation of symbols

10 Ultrasonic flow meter 11 Normal temperature water flow path (second flow path component)
12 Heating water channel (first channel component)
18 Arithmetic processing part (calculation part, measured value judging means, ratio judging means)
20A, 20B ultrasonic transducer 30A, 30B ultrasonic transducer 41 Communication processing unit (output means)
43 Display (display unit)
50 Water pipe (second flow path)
51 Hot water supply pipe (first flow path)
71 Feeding side piping (first flow path)
72 Return-side piping (second flow path)
73 Water intake (predetermined part)
74 Air conditioning equipment (predetermined part)
111 Water supply pipe (second flow path)
117 Piping for cooling (first flow path)
118 Heating water piping (first flow path)
119 Pipe for room temperature water (second flow path)

Claims (14)

A first measurement unit provided in the first flow path through which the liquid flows;
A second measurement unit provided in a second flow path through which a liquid having a temperature different from that of the liquid flowing in the first flow path;
Provided in each of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit and arranged separately on the upstream side and the downstream side of the flow path, and reverse to the forward direction and the flow along the flow of the liquid A pair of ultrasonic transducers that transmit and receive ultrasonic waves in both directions opposite to
A calculation unit that calculates a difference between arrival times of the ultrasonic waves in the forward direction and the reverse direction between the pair of ultrasonic transducers;
Switching means for alternately switching between the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit and connecting to the calculation unit;
The computing unit calculates the flow velocity and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path based on the difference in arrival time of ultrasonic waves when connected to the first measurement unit, and is connected to the second measurement unit In this case, the ultrasonic flowmeter is configured to calculate the flow velocity and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path based on the difference in arrival time of the ultrasonic waves. A liquid at room temperature is flowed through the second flow path,
A liquid obtained by heating the room temperature liquid is flowed through the first flow path, and
The flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is W1,
The temperature of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is P1,
The temperature of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is P2,
If the heat quantity is Q,
The computing unit is
Q = (P1-P2) · W1
2. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 1, wherein the heat quantity Q is obtained from the relational expression. Supplying the heated liquid to a predetermined site by the first channel, and collecting the remaining liquid that is partially consumed at the predetermined site in the second channel;
The flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is W1,
The flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is W2,
The temperature of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is P1,
If the heat quantity is Q,
The computing unit is
Q = P1 · (W1-W2)
The ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic flowmeter is configured to calculate a heat quantity Q using the relational expression. Supplying the heated liquid to a predetermined site by the first flow path, and collecting the remaining liquid from which the heat has been deprived at the predetermined position in the second flow path; and
The flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is W2,
The temperature of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is P1,
The temperature of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is P2,
If the heat quantity is Q,
The computing unit is
Q = (P1-P2) · W2
The ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic flowmeter is configured to calculate a heat quantity Q using the relational expression. The heated liquid is supplied to a predetermined part by the first flow path, and the remaining liquid from which heat has been deprived or partly consumed is supplied to the second flow path. And collect
The flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is W1,
The flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is W2,
The temperature of the liquid flowing through the first flow path is P1,
The temperature of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is P2,
If the heat quantity is Q,
The computing unit is
Q = P1 / W1-P2 / W2
The ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 1, wherein the ultrasonic flowmeter is configured to calculate a heat quantity Q using the relational expression.   The flow rate and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path, the flow rate and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path, and the heat amount calculated by the calculation unit are output to the communication line. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 2, further comprising a common output unit.   A common flow rate and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the first flow path, a flow rate and / or flow rate of the liquid flowing through the second flow path, and the heat amount calculated by the calculation unit are displayed. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 2, further comprising a display unit. A first flow path component connected in the middle of the first flow path and constituting a part of the first flow path;
A second flow path component connected to the second flow path and constituting a part of the second flow path;
The pair of ultrasonic transducers provided in the first measurement unit is disposed in the first flow path component and the pair of ultrasonic transducers provided in the second measurement unit. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein a vessel is disposed in the second flow path component. The pair of ultrasonic transducers provided in the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are arranged in parallel with the liquid flow direction in the first channel and the second channel, respectively.
The arrival time of the ultrasonic wave in the forward direction is T1,
The arrival time of the ultrasonic wave in the reverse direction is T2,
The interval between the ultrasonic transducers is d,
When the ultrasonic propagation velocity is C, the calculation unit is
1 / T1 + 1 / T2 = 2C / d
The propagation speed C is calculated using the above relational expression, and the temperature of the liquid flowing through the first flow path and the temperature of the liquid flowing through the second flow path is obtained from the relational expression of the propagation speed C. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of claims 1 to 8, wherein   10. A measurement value determination unit that determines whether or not the measurement values of the first measurement unit and the second measurement unit are both within preset numerical ranges. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of the above.   The ratio determination means for determining whether or not the ratio between the measurement value of the first measurement unit and the measurement value of the second measurement unit is within a preset numerical range. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of 1 to 10.   The first measurement unit and the second measurement unit in which the ratio of measurement values is determined by the ratio determination unit are arranged in the first flow path and the second flow path that are communicated to a common device. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 11. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to claim 2 is provided.
The liquid flowing through the second flow path is room temperature water,
The hot water supply system, wherein the liquid flowing through the first flow path is hot water or hot water obtained by heating the room temperature water. The ultrasonic flowmeter according to any one of claims 3 to 5,
The hot water supply system, wherein the liquid flowing through the first channel and the second channel is hot water or hot water.

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