Adaptive temperature control method of water heater and water heater

Abstract

This application relates to an adaptive temperature control method for a water heater and a water heater in general. The method includes: acquiring a preset outlet water temperature of the water heater and setting the current outlet water temperature to be equal to the preset outlet water temperature; activating a test preheating function, acquiring and recording the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time of the hot water at the return valve, and then deactivating the test preheating function; when activating the normal preheating function, compensating the outlet water temperature with a temperature compensation value determined based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time. This method can determine a suitable temperature compensation value for each water point, regardless of the varying pipe lengths, avoiding gas waste caused by excessively high temperature compensation values ​​and gas waste caused by excessively low temperature compensation values ​​leading to excessively long preheating times.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home appliance technology, and in particular to an adaptive temperature control method for a water heater and a water heater thereof. Background Technology

[0002] Most water heaters on the market use a mechanical return valve installed at the furthest point of use to connect the hot and cold water pipes, forming a circulation pipeline for preheating. However, connecting the hot and cold water pipes can easily cause cross-contamination, leading to the water heater starting erroneously and wasting gas resources.

[0003] To solve the problem of water leakage between hot and cold water pipes, which can cause the water heater to start erroneously, the mechanical return valve is replaced with an electronic return valve. By controlling the opening and closing of the electronic return valve, the flow of the circulation pipe can be controlled.

[0004] During the preheating process of a water heater, due to the complex environment of the actual installation pipeline, the hot water loses heat in the pipeline, causing the actual outlet water temperature to be lower than the preset outlet water temperature. At this time, the water heater (with an electronic return valve installed at the water point) often uses a specific temperature compensation value to compensate for and correct the current outlet water temperature. However, when the pipeline is short, theoretically the temperature compensation value does not need to be so high, but in practice, a higher temperature compensation value is still used for compensation and correction, resulting in unnecessary gas consumption. When the pipeline is long, an insufficient compensation temperature value will lead to an excessively low actual outlet water temperature, which cannot compensate for the water temperature loss caused by heat dissipation in the pipeline, resulting in an excessively long normal preheating time, also causing unnecessary gas consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an adaptive temperature control method and a water heater that can save gas resources to address the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, this application provides an adaptive temperature control method for a water heater. The water heater includes a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe; a first inlet of a return valve located at the point of use is connected to the cold water pipe, and a second inlet of the return valve is connected to the hot water pipe; the method includes:

[0007] Obtain the preset outlet water temperature of the water heater and make the current outlet water temperature equal to the preset outlet water temperature; start the test preheating function, obtain the circulating water flow rate of the water heater and the arrival time of the hot water to the return water valve, and then turn off the test preheating function.

[0008] When the normal preheating function is started, the temperature compensation value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time, and the outlet water temperature is compensated with the temperature compensation value.

[0009] In one embodiment, the arrival time is the duration between the start time of the test preheating function and the moment when the water temperature at the return valve changes.

[0010] The method also includes:

[0011] Based on the preset outlet water temperature, determine the preset closing temperature at which the water heater's return water valve will close;

[0012] After starting the test warm-up function, the steps include:

[0013] If the water temperature at the return valve reaches the preset closing temperature, the preheating time is obtained. The preheating time is the duration between the start time of the test preheating function and the moment when the water temperature at the return valve reaches the preset closing temperature. The test preheating function is then turned off.

[0014] When the normal preheating function is started, the temperature correction value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time, and the preset shutdown temperature is corrected based on the temperature correction value.

[0015] In one embodiment, the step of determining the temperature compensation value based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time includes:

[0016] Based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time, obtain the pipeline operating status corresponding to the return water valve;

[0017] Confirm the threshold conditions that the pipeline operation status meets, and obtain the temperature compensation value.

[0018] In one embodiment, the temperature compensation value is either the maximum compensation value or the minimum compensation value;

[0019] The steps for confirming the threshold conditions met by the pipeline operating status and obtaining the temperature compensation value include:

[0020] If the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is less than or equal to the first threshold, then the minimum compensation value is confirmed as the temperature compensation value.

[0021] If the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the maximum compensation value is confirmed as the temperature compensation value; the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0022] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0023] If the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, then the temperature compensation model is used to confirm the temperature compensation value.

[0024] The temperature compensation model is used to reflect the correspondence between the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time and the outlet water temperature difference; the outlet water temperature difference is the difference between the outlet water temperature and the actual outlet water temperature at the point of use.

[0025] In one embodiment, the step of determining the temperature correction value based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time includes:

[0026] Based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time, the hot water flow rate corresponding to the return water valve is obtained, and the temperature correction value is obtained based on the threshold conditions met by the hot water flow rate.

[0027] Among them, the threshold condition is used to characterize the hot water flow status in the cold water pipeline.

[0028] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining a temperature correction value based on a threshold condition met by the hot water flow rate includes:

[0029] If the hot water flow rate is less than the first flow rate threshold, then the temperature correction value is confirmed as the first correction value;

[0030] If the hot water flow rate is greater than or equal to the first flow rate threshold and the hot water flow rate is less than the second flow rate threshold, then the temperature correction value is confirmed as the second correction value; the second flow rate threshold is greater than the first flow rate threshold.

[0031] If the hot water flow rate is greater than or equal to the second flow rate threshold, the temperature correction value is confirmed as the third correction value; among them, the first correction value, the second correction value, and the third correction value increase sequentially.

[0032] In one embodiment, the step of activating the test warm-up function includes:

[0033] Determine whether the water heater meets the initial preheating conditions; the initial preheating conditions include that the duration of the water heater in standby mode is greater than the preset duration, and the difference between the outlet water temperature and the inlet water temperature of the water heater is less than or equal to the preset difference.

[0034] When the water heater meets the initial preheating conditions, the test preheating function is activated;

[0035] When the water heater does not meet the initial preheating conditions, the water heater is controlled to be in standby mode.

[0036] Secondly, this application also provides an adaptive temperature control device for a water heater. The water heater includes a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe; a first inlet of a return water valve located at the point of use is connected to the cold water pipe, and a second inlet of the return water valve is connected to the hot water pipe; the device includes:

[0037] The preheating start module is used to obtain the preset outlet water temperature of the water heater and make the current outlet water temperature equal to the preset outlet water temperature; it starts the test preheating function, obtains the circulating water flow rate of the water heater and the arrival time of the hot water to the return water valve, and then stops the test preheating function.

[0038] The compensation and correction module is used to determine the temperature compensation value based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time when the normal preheating function is started, and to compensate the outlet water temperature with the temperature compensation value.

[0039] Thirdly, this application also provides a water heater. The water heater includes a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe; a first inlet of a return valve located at the point of use is connected to the cold water pipe, and a second inlet of the return valve is connected to the hot water pipe;

[0040] The water inlet of the water heater is connected to the first inlet of the return valve via a cold water pipe, and the water outlet of the water heater is connected to the second inlet of the return valve via a hot water pipe; the water heater is equipped with a water pump and a water flow sensor; one end of the water pump is connected to the cold water pipe, the other end of the water pump is connected to one end of the water flow sensor, and the other end of the water flow sensor is connected to the hot water pipe;

[0041] The return valve includes a solenoid valve and a temperature sensor; one end of the temperature sensor is connected to the cold water pipe, the other end of the temperature sensor is connected to one end of the solenoid valve, and the other end of the solenoid valve is connected to the hot water pipe; the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature at the solenoid valve.

[0042] The water heater is used to implement the adaptive temperature control method described above.

[0043] The aforementioned adaptive temperature control method and water heater, upon obtaining a preset outlet water temperature, ensure that the current outlet water temperature is equal to the preset outlet water temperature; activate the test preheating function to obtain the circulating water flow rate of the water heater and the arrival time of the hot water at the return valve, and then deactivate the test preheating function; when activating the normal preheating function, determine a temperature compensation value based on the obtained circulating water flow rate and arrival time, and compensate the outlet water temperature with the temperature compensation value; by obtaining the circulating water flow rate and arrival time of the water heater when performing the test preheating function, this application can determine a suitable temperature compensation value for each water point with varying pipe lengths, avoiding excessively high temperature compensation values ​​that cause gas waste, and avoiding excessively low temperature compensation values ​​that cause excessively long preheating times, thereby reducing the waste of gas resources. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Figure 1 This is a diagram illustrating the application environment of an adaptive temperature control method for a water heater in one embodiment.

[0045] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating an adaptive temperature control method for a water heater in one embodiment.

[0046] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a line graph showing the relationship between water temperature reading and time from the return water valve in one embodiment.

[0047] Figure 4This is a flowchart illustrating the adaptive temperature control method for a water heater in another embodiment;

[0048] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of the adaptive temperature control device for a water heater in one embodiment;

[0049] Figure 6 This is a diagram showing the internal structure of the water heater and return valve in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0050] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0051] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0052] It is understood that, and should be noted, the terms “first” and “second” in this application are used to distinguish different objects, rather than to describe a specific order.

[0053] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising,” “including,” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated feature, whole, step, operation, component, part, or combination thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof.

[0054] Currently, when the water heater (with an electronic return valve installed at the water point) is circulating and preheating, the electronic return valve opens, the circulation pipeline is connected, and the water heater can preheat normally; when the hot water reaches the electronic return valve and is identified by the built-in temperature sensor, the electronic return valve closes, the circulation pipeline is disconnected, and only the hot water pipe corresponding to the water point is heated, so that too much hot water will not flow into the cold water pipe.

[0055] Meanwhile, during the preheating process, the actual outlet water temperature and the closing temperature of the electronic return valve will be adjusted to a fixed value by increasing or decreasing the rated temperature value according to the set temperature. For example, if the set temperature of the water heater is 42℃, the actual outlet water temperature is 42+2 (temperature compensation value) = 44℃, and the closing temperature of the electronic return valve is 42-5-0 (temperature correction value) = 37℃.

[0056] However, due to the complex environment of actual installation pipelines, the hot water will also lose heat during the preheating process, causing the water temperature to drop. Furthermore, the length of the pipeline varies for each water point, resulting in different temperatures lost. If an excessively high temperature compensation value is set, and this is applied to short pipelines, it will increase gas consumption during preheating, leading to gas waste. Conversely, if an excessively low temperature compensation value is set, and this is applied to long pipelines, it will fail to compensate for the temperature loss caused by heat dissipation, resulting in excessively long preheating times, which will also increase gas consumption and waste gas.

[0057] Meanwhile, if the temperature correction value is set too high, there will be too much cold hot water in the cold water pipe, affecting the user's normal use of cold water; if the temperature correction value is set too low, it will take longer for the hot water to reach the set temperature when the user uses water, resulting in a long waiting time for the user and a poor user experience.

[0058] The adaptive temperature control method for water heaters provided in this application embodiment can be applied to, for example... Figure 1 The water heater 100 shown includes a cold water pipe 102 and a hot water pipe 104; a return valve 200 located at the point of use has its first inlet connected to the cold water pipe 102 and its second inlet connected to the hot water pipe 104, and the water heater 100 and the return valve 200 are communicatively connected.

[0059] Furthermore, the water heater 100 may be equipped with a flow detection device, such as a water flow sensor, to detect the circulating water flow rate when the water heater performs the test preheating function; the return valve 200 may include a solenoid valve and a temperature detection device, such as a temperature sensor, to detect the water temperature at the return valve, and the solenoid valve may be used to close the return valve; there may be multiple water points. When the water heater 100 performs the test preheating function, the water heater 100 can obtain the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time of the hot water at the return valve 200, and obtain a reasonable temperature compensation value based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time, so that the water heater can automatically adapt to different pipe installation environments and pipe lengths at different water points, reducing gas resource waste.

[0060] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, an adaptive temperature control method for a water heater is provided, which is applied to... Figure 1 Taking a water heater as an example, the method includes the following steps:

[0061] S202, obtain the preset outlet water temperature of the water heater, make the current outlet water temperature of the water heater equal to the preset outlet water temperature; start the test preheating function, obtain the circulating water flow rate of the water heater and the arrival time of the hot water to the return water valve, and turn off the test preheating function.

[0062] The preset water temperature can be set according to actual conditions and is not limited in this application.

[0063] Specifically, when the water heater is in standby mode after installation, it can obtain the preset outlet water temperature and make the current outlet water temperature equal to the preset outlet water temperature. At this time, the water heater can receive the user's instruction to start the adaptive mode, or the adaptive mode of the water heater is enabled by default.

[0064] Furthermore, when the water heater is in adaptive mode, it can activate the test preheating function, control the water pump in the water heater to start working, and control the corresponding return water valve to open. The water heater can detect and record the corresponding circulating water flow rate when the water heater performs the test preheating function, as well as the arrival time of the hot water to the return water valve.

[0065] It should be noted that the return water valve in the embodiments of this application can refer to a return water valve with temperature detection function and pipeline opening and closing function, such as an electronic return water valve.

[0066] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, arrival time t1 is the time between the start time of the test preheating function and the moment when the water temperature at the return valve changes.

[0067] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, when the water heater starts the test preheating function, the temperature sensor in the electronic return valve begins to read the water temperature. The time between when the electronic return valve (temperature sensor) starts reading the water temperature and when the water temperature changes is recorded as arrival time t1.

[0068] S204 When the normal preheating function is started, the temperature compensation value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time, and the outlet water temperature is compensated with the temperature compensation value.

[0069] Specifically, when the water heater starts its normal preheating function, the water heater can determine the temperature compensation value based on the obtained circulating water flow and arrival time, and confirm the sum of the temperature compensation value and the preset outlet water temperature as the actual outlet water temperature of the water heater, so as to reduce the difference between the actual outlet water temperature and the preset outlet water temperature, improve the user experience and save gas resources.

[0070] In one embodiment, the step of determining the temperature compensation value based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time includes:

[0071] Based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time, obtain the pipeline operating status corresponding to the return water valve;

[0072] Confirm the threshold conditions that the pipeline operation status meets, and obtain the temperature compensation value.

[0073] The threshold conditions can be set according to the actual situation; the pipeline operation status can include the corresponding length of the pipeline and the hot water flow rate in the pipeline.

[0074] For example, the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time can be associated with the corresponding length of the pipeline. The larger the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time, the longer it takes for hot water to reach the point of use, that is, the longer the corresponding length of the circulating pipeline. By determining the threshold conditions that the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time meets, a reasonable temperature compensation value can be obtained.

[0075] In this embodiment, by configuring corresponding threshold conditions, a reasonable temperature compensation value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time to compensate for the outlet water temperature corresponding to water points with different circulating pipeline lengths. This avoids the waste of gas resources caused by excessively high or low temperature compensation values, while also improving the user experience.

[0076] In one embodiment, the temperature compensation value is either the maximum compensation value or the minimum compensation value;

[0077] The steps for confirming the threshold conditions met by the pipeline operating status and obtaining the temperature compensation value include:

[0078] If the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is less than or equal to the first threshold, then the minimum compensation value is confirmed as the temperature compensation value.

[0079] If the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the maximum compensation value is confirmed as the temperature compensation value; the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0080] The threshold conditions, the first threshold, and the second threshold can all be set according to the actual situation. In this embodiment, the first threshold is 275 as an example, and the second threshold is 1025 as an example.

[0081] Specifically, the operating states of different pipelines are divided into different ranges based on the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time, and a temperature compensation value is set for each range. It should be noted that regardless of the length of the pipeline, hot water will dissipate heat in the pipeline, causing the water temperature to drop, so a minimum compensation value needs to be set. In order to avoid the actual outlet water temperature of the water heater being too high, which would cause the actual outlet water temperature at the water point to deviate too much from the set temperature, a maximum compensation value needs to be configured. The maximum compensation value and the minimum compensation value can be set according to the actual situation. In this embodiment, the maximum compensation value is 7 and the minimum compensation value is 1 as an example for explanation.

[0082] If the product of the circulating water flow rate and arrival time associated with the pipeline operating status is less than or equal to 275, it can be said that the pipeline length between the return valve and the water heater is relatively short, and the heat dissipation of the hot water in the pipeline does not have a significant impact on the actual outlet water temperature at the return valve. In this case, 1 (minimum compensation value) can be confirmed as the temperature compensation value. If the product of the circulating water flow rate and arrival time associated with the pipeline operating status is greater than or equal to 1025, it can be said that the pipeline length between the return valve and the water heater is relatively long, and the heat dissipation of the hot water in the pipeline has a significant impact on the actual outlet water temperature at the return valve. In this case, 7 (maximum compensation value) needs to be confirmed as the temperature compensation value.

[0083] In this embodiment of the application, by confirming the threshold condition that the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time associated with the pipeline operation status meets, a temperature compensation value suitable for the pipeline operation status corresponding to the water point is determined, thereby automatically adapting to different pipeline installation environments and different pipeline lengths at different water points, reducing the waste of gas resources.

[0084] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0085] If the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, then the temperature compensation model is used to confirm the temperature compensation value.

[0086] The temperature compensation model is used to reflect the correspondence between the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time and the outlet water temperature difference; the outlet water temperature difference is the difference between the outlet water temperature and the actual outlet water temperature at the point of use.

[0087] Specifically, if the product of the circulating water flow rate and arrival time associated with the pipeline operating status is greater than 275 and less than 1025, the impact of the heat dissipation of hot water in the pipeline on the actual outlet water temperature at the return valve needs to be confirmed according to different pipeline operating statuses, and the corresponding temperature compensation value needs to be determined.

[0088] For example, the temperature compensation model can refer to a compensation formula that reflects the correspondence between the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time and the outlet water temperature difference. Based on the circulating pipelines of different lengths in the laboratory, the circulating water flow rate Q, arrival time t1 and outlet water temperature difference used for testing are obtained. It is found that the outlet water temperature difference is basically linearly related to the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time, and the compensation formula is established accordingly.

[0089] In practical applications, the compensation formula can be expressed as follows:

[0090]

[0091] Where (Q×t1) can be represented as the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time, and Tcomplement can be represented as the temperature compensation value. This compensation formula is obtained by substituting laboratory test data into the two-point method of linear function. The horizontal axis is (Q×t1), the vertical axis is Tcomplement, point 1 is (5×80, 2), and point 2 is (5×180, 6). Substituting the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time into the compensation formula will yield the corresponding temperature compensation value.

[0092] In this embodiment of the application, when the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold, the temperature compensation value suitable for the pipeline operation state corresponding to the water point is determined by comparing the test data from the laboratory with the pipeline of each water point in the user's household using a temperature compensation model. This can automatically adapt to different pipeline installation environments and different pipeline lengths at different water points, thereby reducing the waste of gas resources.

[0093] In the above-mentioned adaptive temperature control method for water heaters, the preset outlet water temperature of the water heater is obtained, and the current outlet water temperature of the water heater is made equal to the preset outlet water temperature. The test preheating function is started, and the circulating water flow rate of the water heater and the arrival time of the hot water to the return water valve are recorded during the test preheating process. Based on this, a reasonable temperature compensation value is obtained, which can automatically adapt to different pipeline installation environments and different pipeline lengths at different water points, thus saving gas resources.

[0094] In one embodiment, the method further includes:

[0095] Based on the preset outlet water temperature, determine the preset closing temperature at which the water heater's return water valve will close;

[0096] After starting the test warm-up function, the steps include:

[0097] If the water temperature at the return valve reaches the preset closing temperature, the preheating time is obtained. The preheating time is the duration between the start time of the test preheating function and the moment when the water temperature at the return valve reaches the preset closing temperature. The test preheating function is then turned off.

[0098] When the normal preheating function is started, the temperature correction value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time, and the preset shutdown temperature is corrected based on the temperature correction value.

[0099] For example, the water heater determines the preset closing temperature as the preset closing temperature for instructing the return valve to close by a value that is less than the preset outlet water temperature. The preset temperature value can be agreed upon according to the actual situation. In this embodiment, the preset temperature value is 5 as an example.

[0100] Specifically, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 T-5 in the figure can be represented as the preset shut-off temperature. When the water heater starts the test preheating function, the electronic return valve (temperature sensor) starts to read the water temperature. When the water temperature read by the electronic return valve reaches the preset shut-off temperature, the water heater completes the test preheating function, controls the electronic return valve to close, and records the preheating time t2.

[0101] Furthermore, the water heater subtracts the temperature correction value from the preset shut-off temperature to obtain the corrected shut-off temperature. When the electronic return valve reads that the water temperature has reached the shut-off temperature, it controls the electronic return valve to close.

[0102] In this embodiment, by configuring corresponding threshold conditions, a reasonable temperature correction value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time to correct the preset shut-off temperature, thereby reducing the flow rate of hot water into the cold water pipe, ensuring normal use of cold water by users, and improving user experience.

[0103] In one embodiment, the step of determining the temperature correction value based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time includes:

[0104] Based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time, the hot water flow rate corresponding to the return water valve is obtained, and the temperature correction value is obtained based on the threshold conditions met by the hot water flow rate.

[0105] Among them, the threshold condition is used to characterize the hot water flow status in the cold water pipeline.

[0106] Specifically, the hot water flow rate corresponding to the return valve can be obtained by multiplying the circulating water flow rate Q and the time difference Δt. Different ranges are divided according to different hot water flow rates, and a temperature correction value is set for each range. It should be noted that the time difference Δt is the difference between the preheating time and the arrival time.

[0107] In this embodiment, by confirming that the hot water flow rate corresponding to the return valve meets the threshold condition, the corresponding temperature correction value is obtained, so as to realize the adaptive adjustment of the pipe length for different pipe installation environments and different water points, ensuring rapid preheating, reducing the time users wait for hot water, reducing the excessive flow of hot water into the cold water pipe, ensuring that users can use cold water normally, and improving the user experience.

[0108] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining a temperature correction value based on a threshold condition met by the hot water flow rate includes:

[0109] If the hot water flow rate is less than the first flow rate threshold, then the temperature correction value is confirmed as the first correction value;

[0110] If the hot water flow rate is greater than or equal to the first flow rate threshold and the hot water flow rate is less than the second flow rate threshold, then the temperature correction value is confirmed as the second correction value; the second flow rate threshold is greater than the first flow rate threshold.

[0111] If the hot water flow rate is greater than or equal to the second flow rate threshold, the temperature correction value is confirmed as the third correction value; among them, the first correction value, the second correction value, and the third correction value increase sequentially.

[0112] For example, the threshold conditions can be set according to the actual situation. The threshold conditions that the hot water flow meets can be divided by configuring a first flow threshold and a second flow threshold. Taking a first flow threshold of 40 and a second flow threshold of 80 as an example, this will be explained.

[0113] Optionally, the first correction value, the second correction value, and the third correction value can all be set according to the actual situation. In this embodiment, the first correction value is 0, the second correction value is 1, and the third correction value is 3 as an example for explanation.

[0114] If the product of the circulating water flow rate Q and the time difference Δt is less than 40, it indicates that the hot water flow into the cold water pipe is low, and the temperature correction value can be configured to 0, meaning that there is no need to correct the preset closing temperature of the electronic return valve. If the product of the circulating water flow rate Q and the time difference Δt is greater than or equal to 40 and less than 80, it indicates that the hot water flow into the cold water pipe is high, and the preset closing temperature of the electronic return valve needs to be corrected, in which case the temperature correction value can be configured to 1. If the product of the circulating water flow rate Q and the time difference Δt is greater than or equal to 80, it indicates that the hot water flow into the cold water pipe is excessive, and the preset closing temperature of the electronic return valve needs to be corrected, in which case the temperature correction value can be configured to 3.

[0115] In this embodiment, a corresponding temperature correction value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time, thereby achieving adaptive temperature control for different pipeline installation environments and pipeline lengths at different water usage points, ensuring normal use of cold water for users and improving user experience.

[0116] In one embodiment, the step of activating the test warm-up function includes:

[0117] Determine whether the water heater meets the initial preheating conditions; the initial preheating conditions include that the duration of the water heater in standby mode is greater than the preset duration, and the difference between the outlet water temperature and the inlet water temperature of the water heater is less than or equal to the preset difference.

[0118] When the water heater meets the initial preheating conditions, the test preheating function is activated;

[0119] When the water heater does not meet the initial preheating conditions, the water heater is controlled to be in standby mode.

[0120] The preset duration and preset difference can be set according to the actual situation. Optionally, the preset duration can be set to 20 to 60 minutes, and the preset difference can be set to 0 to 3. In this embodiment, the preset duration of 60 minutes and the preset difference of 3 are used as examples for illustration.

[0121] Specifically, in practical applications, after a water point completes the test preheating, it is necessary to wait for the entire pipeline environment to return to its initial state. That is, the water heater needs to meet the initial preheating conditions before it can start the test preheating function for another water point; otherwise, the test data will be inaccurate.

[0122] Furthermore, if the water heater remains in standby mode for more than 60 minutes, and the difference between the water heater's outlet temperature and the water heater's inlet temperature is less than or equal to 3, the water heater is deemed to meet the initial preheating conditions, and the test preheating function is activated; otherwise, the water heater is kept in standby mode.

[0123] In this embodiment of the application, by setting initial preheating conditions, the test accuracy of adaptive temperature control for multiple water points is improved, thereby achieving adaptive temperature control for different pipeline installation environments and different pipeline lengths at different water points, and improving the user experience.

[0124] To facilitate understanding by those skilled in the art, the adaptive temperature control method for water heaters is illustrated below with a specific example: Users can install an electronic return valve at the point of use where preheating is required; for example... Figure 4As shown, when the water heater is in standby mode, the user sets the desired temperature Tset. Temperature Tset is the user's bathing temperature (preset outlet water temperature). The user sets the water heater to start in adaptive mode, or the water heater's adaptive mode is enabled by default. Based on the temperature Tset, during preheating, the water heater defaults to setting the actual outlet water temperature Tout = Tset for all water points, and the electronic return valve closes at a temperature Tclose = Tset - 5. When the user needs preheating for a specific water point, the water pump in the water heater operates, controlling the corresponding electronic return valve to open.

[0125] If the water point is undergoing its first preheating and the water heater meets the initial preheating conditions, the test preheating function is activated. The water heater pump starts running, outputs hot water, and controls the corresponding electronic return valve to open. When the temperature of the corresponding electronic return valve is greater than or equal to T_close, the circulating water flow rate Q1 (unit: L / min), the time from the start of preheating to the temperature sensor in the electronic return valve starting to rise (arrival time) t1 (unit: S), and the time from the start of preheating to the temperature sensor in the electronic return valve reaching the closing temperature (T_set -5)℃ (preheating time) t2 (unit: S) are recorded. The water heater can use Q1 and t1 during the preheating process at this water point to input the compensation formula and obtain the actual outlet water temperature compensation value T_compensation during the preheating of this water point. It should be noted that in this embodiment, based on the circulating water flow rate Q2, arrival time t1, and outlet water temperature difference used for testing in the laboratory with different lengths of circulating pipeline, the linear function constraint conditions of the compensation formula are set, and the compensation formula is established. The water heater obtains the corresponding correction value based on Q1 and the time difference Δt = t2 - t1 during the preheating operation of the water point, and then obtains the correction value T_correction for the closing temperature of the electronic return valve during the preheating of the water point.

[0126] The water heater records the T-compensation and T-repair for each water point to correct and compensate for the actual water outlet temperature and the closing temperature of the electronic return valve during preheating at each water point, thus obtaining a reasonable actual water outlet temperature and electronic return valve closing temperature, saving gas resources while improving customer experience; when the water heater stops working, it controls the electronic return valve to close.

[0127] If the water usage point is not being preheated for the first time, the water heater can store a temperature compensation value Tcomplement and a temperature correction value Tcorrection for that water usage point. When the water heater starts its normal preheating function, based on the Tcomplement and Tcorrection recorded by the water heater for that water usage point, Tout = Tset + Tcomplement, the water heater pump starts running and begins to output hot water, controlling the corresponding electronic return valve to open; the electronic return valve is then closed at a temperature Tclose = Tset - 5 - Tcorrection. If the temperature of the corresponding electronic return valve is greater than or equal to Tclose, the water heater stops working and controls the electronic return valve to close.

[0128] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0129] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides an adaptive temperature control device for a water heater to implement the adaptive temperature control method for the water heater described above. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations of one or more embodiments of the adaptive temperature control device for water heaters provided below can be found in the limitations of the adaptive temperature control method for water heaters described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0130] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, this application also provides an adaptive temperature control device 500 for a water heater. The water heater includes a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe; a first inlet of a return water valve located at the point of use is connected to the cold water pipe, and a second inlet of the return water valve is connected to the hot water pipe; the device includes:

[0131] The preheating start module 501 is used to obtain the preset outlet water temperature of the water heater, make the current outlet water temperature of the water heater equal to the preset outlet water temperature; start the test preheating function, obtain the circulating water flow rate of the water heater and the arrival time of the hot water to the return water valve, and then turn off the test preheating function.

[0132] The compensation correction module 502 is used to determine the temperature compensation value based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time when the normal preheating function is started, and to compensate the outlet water temperature with the temperature compensation value.

[0133] In one embodiment, the arrival time is the time between the start time of the test preheating function and the time when the water temperature at the return valve changes; the preheating start module 501 is also used to determine the preset closing temperature for the water heater to instruct the return valve to close based on the preset outlet water temperature;

[0134] If the water temperature at the return valve reaches the preset closing temperature, the preheating time is obtained. The preheating time is the duration between the start time of the test preheating function and the moment when the water temperature at the return valve reaches the preset closing temperature. The test preheating function is then turned off.

[0135] When the normal preheating function is started, the temperature correction value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time, and the preset shutdown temperature is corrected based on the temperature correction value.

[0136] In one embodiment, the compensation correction module 502 is also used to obtain the pipeline operating status corresponding to the return water valve based on the circulating water flow rate and arrival time.

[0137] Confirm the threshold conditions that the pipeline operation status meets, and obtain the temperature compensation value.

[0138] In one embodiment, the temperature compensation value is either the maximum compensation value or the minimum compensation value; the compensation correction module 502 is further configured to confirm the minimum compensation value as the temperature compensation value if the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is less than or equal to a first threshold.

[0139] If the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is greater than or equal to the second threshold, the maximum compensation value is confirmed as the temperature compensation value; the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

[0140] In one embodiment, the compensation correction module 502 is further configured to use a temperature compensation model to confirm the temperature compensation value if the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is greater than a first threshold and less than a second threshold.

[0141] The temperature compensation model is used to reflect the correspondence between the product of circulating water flow rate and arrival time and the outlet water temperature difference; the outlet water temperature difference is the difference between the outlet water temperature and the actual outlet water temperature at the point of use.

[0142] In one embodiment, the compensation correction module 502 is further configured to obtain the hot water flow rate corresponding to the return valve based on the circulating water flow rate, arrival time, and preheating time, and obtain a temperature correction value based on the threshold conditions met by the hot water flow rate.

[0143] Among them, the threshold condition is used to characterize the hot water flow status in the cold water pipeline.

[0144] In one embodiment, the compensation correction module 502 is further configured to confirm the temperature correction value as the first correction value if the hot water flow rate is less than the first flow rate threshold.

[0145] If the hot water flow rate is greater than or equal to the first flow rate threshold and the hot water flow rate is less than the second flow rate threshold, then the temperature correction value is confirmed as the second correction value; the second flow rate threshold is greater than the first flow rate threshold.

[0146] If the hot water flow rate is greater than or equal to the second flow rate threshold, the temperature correction value is confirmed as the third correction value; among them, the first correction value, the second correction value, and the third correction value increase sequentially.

[0147] In one embodiment, the preheating start module 501 is further used to determine whether the water heater meets the initial preheating conditions; the initial preheating conditions include that the duration of the water heater being in standby mode is greater than a preset duration, and the difference between the outlet water temperature and the inlet water temperature of the water heater is less than or equal to a preset difference.

[0148] When the water heater meets the initial preheating conditions, the test preheating function is activated;

[0149] When the water heater does not meet the initial preheating conditions, the water heater is controlled to be in standby mode.

[0150] The various modules in the adaptive temperature control device of the aforementioned water heater can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the processor of a computer device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0151] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, this application also provides a water heater 600, which includes a cold water pipe 602 and a hot water pipe 604; the first inlet of a return water valve 700 located at the point of use is connected to the cold water pipe 602, and the second inlet of the return water valve 700 is connected to the hot water pipe 604.

[0152] The inlet of the water heater is connected to the first inlet of the return valve 700 via the cold water pipe 602, and the outlet of the water heater is connected to the second inlet of the return valve 700 via the hot water pipe 604. The water heater 600 is equipped with a water pump 606 and a water flow sensor 608. One end of the water pump 606 is connected to the cold water pipe 602, and the other end of the water pump 606 is connected to one end of the water flow sensor 608. The other end of the water flow sensor 608 is connected to the hot water pipe 604.

[0153] The return water valve 700 includes a solenoid valve 702 and a temperature sensor 704; one end of the temperature sensor 704 is connected to the cold water pipe 602, and the other end of the temperature sensor 704 is connected to one end of the solenoid valve 702, and the other end of the solenoid valve 702 is connected to the hot water pipe 604; the temperature sensor 704 is used to detect the water temperature at the solenoid valve 702.

[0154] Among them, the water heater uses 600 to implement the above-mentioned adaptive temperature control method for water heaters.

[0155] Specifically, such as Figure 6 As shown, there can be multiple water usage points; this embodiment uses four water usage points as an example. Figure 6As can be seen, the length of the circulation pipe corresponding to each return point is different, and a reasonable temperature compensation value needs to be set for each return point. The water heater 600 can be equipped with a control device that communicates with the return valve 700 to obtain the water temperature read by the return valve 700 and execute the above-mentioned adaptive temperature control method of the water heater; the return valve 700 can be an electronic return valve.

[0156] For example, a water heater can control the opening and closing of an electronic return valve by indicative solenoid valve.

[0157] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the above-described adaptive temperature control method for a water heater.

[0158] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0159] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0160] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An adaptive temperature control method for a water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes cold water pipes and hot water pipes; The first inlet of the return water valve located at the point of use is connected to the cold water pipeline, and the second inlet of the return water valve is connected to the hot water pipeline; the method includes: Obtain the preset outlet water temperature of the water heater, and make the current outlet water temperature of the water heater equal to the preset outlet water temperature; start the test preheating function, obtain the circulating water flow rate of the water heater and the arrival time of the hot water at the return water valve, and then turn off the test preheating function; the arrival time is the duration between the start time of the test preheating function and the moment when the water temperature at the return water valve changes. When the normal preheating function is started, a temperature compensation value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time, and the outlet water temperature is compensated with the temperature compensation value.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Based on the preset outlet water temperature, the preset closing temperature at which the water heater instructs the return water valve to close is determined; Following the step of activating the test warm-up function, the following steps are included: If the water temperature at the return valve is detected to reach the preset closing temperature, the preheating time is obtained; the preheating time is the duration between the start time of the test preheating function and the time when the water temperature at the return valve reaches the preset closing temperature, and the test preheating function is turned off. When the normal preheating function is activated, a temperature correction value is determined based on the circulating water flow rate, the arrival time, and the preheating time, and the preset shutdown temperature is corrected using the temperature correction value.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the temperature compensation value based on the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time includes: The pipeline operating status corresponding to the return water valve is obtained based on the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time. Confirm the threshold conditions that the pipeline operation status meets, and obtain the temperature compensation value.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature compensation value is either the maximum compensation value or the minimum compensation value; The step of confirming the threshold conditions met by the pipeline operating status and obtaining the temperature compensation value includes: If the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is less than or equal to the first threshold, then the minimum compensation value is confirmed as the temperature compensation value. If the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is greater than or equal to the second threshold, then the maximum compensation value is confirmed as the temperature compensation value; the second threshold is greater than the first threshold.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The method further includes: If the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time is greater than the first threshold and less than the second threshold, then the temperature compensation value is confirmed using a temperature compensation model. The temperature compensation model is used to reflect the correspondence between the product of the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time and the outlet water temperature difference; the outlet water temperature difference is the difference between the outlet water temperature and the actual outlet water temperature at the point of use.

6. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of determining the temperature correction value based on the circulating water flow rate, the arrival time, and the preheating time includes: Based on the circulating water flow rate, the arrival time, and the preheating time, the hot water flow rate corresponding to the return water valve is obtained, and the temperature correction value is obtained based on the threshold conditions met by the hot water flow rate. The threshold condition is used to characterize the hot water flow status in the cold water pipeline.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the temperature correction value based on the threshold condition met by the hot water flow rate includes: If the hot water flow rate is less than the first flow rate threshold, then the temperature correction value is confirmed as the first correction value; If the hot water flow rate is greater than or equal to the first flow rate threshold and the hot water flow rate is less than the second flow rate threshold, then the temperature correction value is confirmed as the second correction value; the second flow rate threshold is greater than the first flow rate threshold. If the hot water flow rate is greater than or equal to the second flow rate threshold, then the temperature correction value is confirmed as the third correction value; wherein the first correction value, the second correction value, and the third correction value increase sequentially.

8. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The steps for activating the test warm-up function include: Determine whether the water heater meets the initial preheating conditions; the initial preheating conditions include that the duration of the water heater in standby mode is greater than a preset duration, and the difference between the outlet water temperature and the inlet water temperature of the water heater is less than or equal to a preset difference. When the water heater meets the initial preheating conditions, the test preheating function is activated; When the water heater does not meet the initial preheating conditions, the water heater is controlled to be in standby mode.

9. An adaptive temperature control device for a water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes cold water pipes and hot water pipes; The first inlet of the return water valve located at the point of use is connected to the cold water pipeline, and the second inlet of the return water valve is connected to the hot water pipeline; The device includes: The preheating start module is used to obtain the preset outlet water temperature of the water heater, make the current outlet water temperature of the water heater equal to the preset outlet water temperature; start the test preheating function, obtain the circulating water flow rate of the water heater and the arrival time of the hot water at the return water valve, and turn off the test preheating function; the arrival time is the duration between the start time of the test preheating function and the moment when the water temperature at the return water valve changes. The compensation and correction module is used to determine a temperature compensation value based on the circulating water flow rate and the arrival time when the normal preheating function is started, and to compensate the outlet water temperature with the temperature compensation value.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe; the first inlet of the return water valve located at the point of use is connected to the cold water pipe, and the second inlet of the return water valve is connected to the hot water pipe; The water inlet of the water heater is connected to the first inlet of the return water valve via the cold water pipe, and the water outlet of the water heater is connected to the second inlet of the return water valve via the hot water pipe; the water heater is equipped with a water pump and a water flow sensor; one end of the water pump is connected to the cold water pipe, the other end of the water pump is connected to one end of the water flow sensor, and the other end of the water flow sensor is connected to the hot water pipe; The return water valve includes a solenoid valve and a temperature sensor; one end of the temperature sensor is connected to the cold water pipeline, the other end of the temperature sensor is connected to one end of the solenoid valve, and the other end of the solenoid valve is connected to the hot water pipeline; the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature at the solenoid valve. The water heater is used to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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