Household hot water system utilizing ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization and sterilization method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a household hot water system utilizing ultraviolet-high-energy wave composite sterilization and a sterilization method thereof, and relates to the technical field of hot water sterilization. Through the cooperative technology of integrating ultraviolet rays and the high-energy wave cavitation effect, the purposes of efficiently removing legionella and biological membranes and reducing energy consumption are achieved, and the safety and economical efficiency of a household hot water system are guaranteed. The system comprises a water heater, a sterilization chamber and a PLC (Programmable Logic Controller), a water inlet of the water heater is communicated with a municipal water supply system, a water outlet is communicated with a water inlet of the sterilization chamber, and a circulating water outlet of the sterilization chamber is communicated with a circulating water inlet of the water heater; a circulating pump is arranged between the circulating water outlet of the sterilizing chamber and the circulating water inlet of the water heater; a high-energy wave sterilization device and a UVC lamp tube are arranged in the sterilization chamber; the PLC is connected with the circulating pump, the high-energy wave sterilization device and the UVC lamp tube; the PLC can control the circulating pump, the high-energy wave sterilization device or the UVC lamp tube to start and stop according to the sterilization mode. The invention also provides a sterilization method based on the system.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the technical field of hot water sterilization, and particularly to a household hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization and its sterilization method. Background Art

[0002] Household hot water systems are usually directly connected to the tap water pipeline. Since there are a large number of bacteria in tap water, and the general household water heater heats up to 50-70°C, this temperature often cannot completely kill bacteria or spores. Especially when the user does not use water for a long time or the water temperature is set low, bacteria and pathogenic microorganisms attach and grow on the inner walls of the heater and the pipeline, and harmful bacteria such as Legionella are likely to breed in the hot water tank and can still survive after being heated by the water heater, thus posing a potential health hazard to users when using water.

[0003] Ultraviolet sterilization uses ultraviolet lamps to disinfect and sterilize hot water, which can quickly destroy the DNA and RNA of microorganisms and make them lose their reproductive ability, usually completing sterilization within a few seconds. Ultraviolet rays can kill Legionella, but it is difficult for ultraviolet rays to destroy the microorganisms in the biofilm. Once a biofilm is formed in the pipeline, the sterilization effect is very limited. The cavitation effect generated by high energy waves can quickly destroy the biofilm and the cell structure of microorganisms, and the sterilization effect is remarkable. For example, the Chinese patent "A Public Hot Water System and Sterilization Method Using High Energy Waves for Sterilization" (Publication No.: CN119330457A) discloses a public hot water system and sterilization method using high energy waves for sterilization, which realizes effective sterilization through an internal circulation sterilization system and an external circulation sterilization system. However, the public system relies on a single high energy wave technology, focuses on high load and centralized water supply, and is not applicable to the household scenario that needs to balance small flow and low energy consumption. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The embodiments of this application provide a household hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization and its sterilization method. By integrating the synergistic technology of ultraviolet rays and the cavitation effect of high energy waves, the purpose of efficiently removing Legionella and biofilm while reducing energy consumption is achieved, ensuring the biological safety and use economy of the household hot water system.

[0005] To achieve the above object, on the one hand, an embodiment of the present application provides a household hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization, including a water heater, a sterilization chamber, and a PLC controller; the water inlet of the water heater is connected to the municipal water supply system, the water outlet of the water heater is connected to the water inlet of the sterilization chamber, and the circulating water outlet of the sterilization chamber is connected to the circulating water inlet of the water heater; a circulating pump is provided on the pipeline between the circulating water outlet of the sterilization chamber and the circulating water inlet of the water heater; a high energy wave sterilization device and a UVC lamp are provided in the sterilization chamber; the high energy wave sterilization device is connected to the top wall of the sterilization chamber; the UVC lamp is connected to the side wall of the sterilization chamber; the PLC controller is connected to the circulating pump, the high energy wave sterilization device, and the UVC lamp; the PLC controller can control the start and stop of the circulating pump, the high energy wave sterilization device, or the UVC lamp according to the preset sterilization mode.

[0006] Further, the high energy wave sterilization device includes a high energy wave generator, a high energy wave transducer, and a high energy wave probe connected in series along the axis in sequence; the high energy wave transducer is connected to the high energy wave generator and the high energy wave probe through cables respectively; both the high energy wave transducer and the high energy wave generator are located above the sterilization chamber, and the high energy wave probe is located inside the sterilization chamber.

[0007] Further, the operating frequency of the high energy wave sterilization device is 10 - 20 kHz; the energy density per unit area is 100 - 200 W / cm 2 .

[0008] Further, the number of the UVC lamps is four; the four UVC lamps are connected to the side wall of the sterilization chamber and are circumferentially distributed uniformly outside the high energy wave probe.

[0009] Further, the wavelength of the UVC lamp is 253.7 nm; the power is 20 - 30 W; the ultraviolet intensity is 30 - 40 mW / cm 2 .

[0010] Further, a water flow sensor is provided on the pipeline between the water outlet of the water heater and the water inlet of the sterilization chamber; the PLC controller is connected to the water flow sensor; the PLC controller can receive and process the signals collected by the water flow sensor and adjust the flow rate of the circulating pump according to the processing results.

[0011] Further, the sterilization modes include a deep circulation sterilization mode, a high-efficiency instant sterilization mode, and a balanced energy-saving mode; the deep circulation sterilization mode, the high-efficiency instant sterilization mode, and the balanced energy-saving mode are automatically switched according to the operating time period; the operating time period is divided into a low water consumption period, a high water consumption period, and a medium water consumption period; both the sterilization mode and the operating time period are set through the PLC controller.

[0012] On the other hand, an embodiment of the present application also provides a sterilization method for a household hot water system based on the above-mentioned ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization, including the following steps: S1. Preset a sterilization mode and an operation time period through a PLC controller; the sterilization mode includes a deep cycle sterilization mode, a high-efficiency instant sterilization mode, and a balanced energy-saving mode; the operation time period is divided into a low water consumption period, a high water consumption period, and a medium water consumption period; S2. Automatically switch the sterilization mode according to the actual operation time period; S3. Control the start and stop of the high energy wave sterilization device, the UVC lamp, and / or the circulation pump according to the sterilization mode.

[0013] Further, step S3 specifically includes: when the sterilization mode is the deep cycle sterilization mode, start the circulation pump, control the water flow rate ≤ 5 L / min, then start the high energy wave sterilization device and the UVC lamp, and after 1 h, both the high energy wave sterilization device and the UVC lamp enter the ultra-low power standby state; when the sterilization mode is the high-efficiency instant sterilization mode, turn off the high energy wave sterilization device, turn on the UVC lamp, and control the water flow rate ≤ 15 L / min; when the sterilization mode is the balanced energy-saving mode, turn off the UVC lamp, the high energy wave sterilization device is turned on as needed, and is turned off within 5 seconds after the water use stops.

[0014] Further, the low water consumption period is 00:00 - 05:00; the high water consumption periods are 7:00 - 9:00 and 17:00 - 22:00; the medium water consumption periods are 5:00 - 7:00, 9:00 - 17:00, and 22:00 - 00:00.

[0015] The present application has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art:

[0016] 1. By integrating the dual technologies of UVC ultraviolet and high energy wave cavitation effect, the embodiment of the present application breaks through the limitations of traditional single sterilization methods. Ultraviolet directly destroys the DNA of microorganisms to inactivate them, while the cavitation effect of high energy waves can penetrate the biofilm and physically crush the bacterial structure. Under the synergistic effect, the removal efficiency of Legionella and biofilm residues is significantly improved.

[0017] 2. The embodiment of the present application adopts multi-mode regulation, automatically switches three sterilization modes according to the water use period, and optimizes energy consumption and user experience while ensuring the sterilization intensity.

[0018] 3. The embodiment of the present application takes synergistic sterilization, dynamic energy saving, and intelligent adaptation as the core, specifically solves the problems of biofilm growth, Legionella hidden danger, and high energy consumption of traditional solutions in the household hot water system, and takes into account the sterilization efficiency and the practical economy of the household scenario. Description of the Drawings

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application or the prior art, the following will briefly introduce the drawings required for the description of the embodiments or the prior art. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are only some embodiments of the present application. For those of ordinary skill in the art, without creative efforts, other drawings can also be obtained based on these drawings.

[0020] Figure 1 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a household hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization according to an embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 2 FIG. is a schematic structural diagram of a sterilization chamber in a household hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization according to an embodiment of the present application. Detailed implementation manners

[0022] The following will clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, rather than all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative efforts belong to the scope of protection of the present application.

[0023] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc. is based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, rather than indicating or implying that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and thus cannot be understood as a limitation to the present application.

[0024] In the description of the present application, it should be noted that unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", "connected" should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; for those of ordinary skill in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in the present application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0025] The terms "first" and "second" are only used for descriptive purposes, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the quantity of the indicated technical features. Thus, the features defined with "first" and "second" can explicitly or implicitly include one or more of such features. In the description of the present application, unless otherwise stated, the meaning of "a plurality" is two or more.

[0026] Refer to Figure 1, embodiments of the present application provide a household hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization, including a water heater 1, a sterilization chamber 2, a water flow sensor 3, a circulation pump 4, and a PLC controller 5. The sterilization chamber 2 is arranged outside the water heater 1 and on its right side.

[0027] On the left side of the lower end of the water heater 1, there is an inlet of the water heater 1, on the right side, there is an outlet of the water heater 1, and on the right side of the lower end, there is a circulating inlet of the water heater 1.

[0028] On the left side of the sterilization chamber 2, there is an inlet of the sterilization chamber 2, on the right side, there is an outlet of the sterilization chamber 2, and at the lower end, there is a circulating outlet of the sterilization chamber 2.

[0029] The inlet of the water heater 1 is connected to the municipal water supply system through a water inlet pipe 8, the outlet of the water heater 1 is connected to the inlet of the sterilization chamber 2, and a water flow sensor 3 is arranged on the pipeline between them. The circulating outlet of the sterilization chamber 2 is connected to the circulating inlet of the water heater 1, and a circulation pump 4 is arranged on the pipeline between them. The outlet of the sterilization chamber 2 is connected to a water outlet pipe 9.

[0030] Refer to Figure 2 , the cross-section of the sterilization chamber 2 is square, and a high energy wave sterilization device 6 and four UVC lamps 7 are integrated in the sterilization chamber 2. Among them, the high energy wave sterilization device 6 is connected to the top wall of the sterilization chamber 2. Specifically, the high energy wave sterilization device 6 includes a high energy wave generator 61, a high energy wave transducer 62, and a high energy wave probe 63 arranged in sequence from top to bottom. The high energy wave transducer 62 and the high energy wave generator 61 are both located above the sterilization chamber 2, and the high energy wave probe 63 is located inside the sterilization chamber 2. The high energy wave transducer 62 is connected to the high energy wave generator 61 and the high energy wave probe 63 through cables in sequence to form a signal transmission link. The operating frequency of the high energy wave sterilization device 6 is 10 - 20 kHz, and the energy density per unit area is 100 - 200 W / cm 2 .

[0031] In the working state, the high-frequency electrical signal generated by the high energy wave generator 61 is converted into ultrasonic mechanical vibration by the high energy wave transducer 62, and finally the ultrasonic energy is coupled to the fluid medium in the pipe through the radiation end face of the high energy wave probe 63.

[0032] The number of UVC lamps 7 is four, and the four UVC lamps 7 are respectively arranged inside the vertical edges of the sterilization chamber 2. The wavelength of the UVC lamp 7 is 253.7 nm, the power is 20 - 30 W, and the ultraviolet intensity is 30 - 40 mW / cm 2 . Thus, it can ensure that the water flow is subjected to the dual effects of ultraviolet radiation and cavitation effect when passing through.

[0033] The PLC controller 5 is connected to the left side of the sterilization chamber 2. The PLC controller 5 is connected to the water flow sensor 3, the circulation pump 4, the high-energy wave sterilization device 6 and the UVC lamp 7, and together they form a circulating sterilization system for hot water. The PLC controller 5 can control the start and stop of the circulation pump 4, the high-energy wave sterilization device 6 or the UVC lamp 7 according to the preset sterilization mode. The PLC controller 5 can also receive and process the signals collected by the water flow sensor 3, and adjust the flow rate of the circulation pump 4 according to the processing results. The sterilization modes include the deep circulation sterilization mode, the high-efficiency instant sterilization mode and the balanced energy-saving mode. The three sterilization modes are all set through the PLC controller 5 and automatically switched according to the operating time period.

[0034] The operating time period is divided into the low water consumption period, the high water consumption period and the medium water consumption period. The default time for the low water consumption period is 00:00 - 05:00, which can be adjusted by the user. There is no hot water demand during this time period, and the system can perform high-intensity and low-interference circulating sterilization. The default time for the high water consumption period is 7:00 - 9:00 and 17:00 - 22:00, which can be adjusted by the user. During this time period, hot water is used frequently, and it is necessary to ensure the sterilization effect and not affect the water flow experience. The medium water consumption period is the time period other than the low water consumption period and the high water consumption period. There are sporadic hot water demands during this time period, and it is necessary to balance sterilization and energy consumption.

[0035] On the other hand, the embodiment of the present application also provides a sterilization method for a household hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization as described above, including the following steps:

[0036] S1. Preset the sterilization mode and the operating time period through the PLC controller. The sterilization modes include the deep circulation sterilization mode, the high-efficiency instant sterilization mode and the balanced energy-saving mode. The operating time period is divided into the low water consumption period, the high water consumption period and the medium water consumption period.

[0037] S2. Automatically switch the sterilization mode according to the actual operating time period.

[0038] S3. Control the start and stop of the high-energy wave sterilization device, the UVC lamp and / or the circulation pump according to the sterilization mode.

[0039] When the operating period is the low water consumption period, there is no hot water demand during this time period, and the system can perform high-intensity and low-interference circulating sterilization. That is, the deep circulation sterilization mode is turned on. In this mode, the circulation pump 4 is started, and the water flow rate is controlled ≤ 5 L / min to ensure sufficient contact with the sterilization device. Then, the high-energy wave sterilization device 6 and the UVC lamp 7 are started. The high-energy wave sterilization device 6 operates continuously at a frequency of 15 kHz and an energy density of 150 W / cm 2 After the UVC lamp is turned on, the ultraviolet intensity is 40 mW / cm 2, with a wavelength of 253.7 nm. The sterilization time is extended to 1 h to ensure that the hot water in the water tank circulates for sterilization at least 3 times. After completion, it automatically enters the ultra-low power standby state (energy consumption ≤ 5 W) until the next cycle or is awakened by water use.

[0040] Experiments show that after continuous operation for 1 hour, the thickness of the biofilm in the water tank is reduced by 98.5%, and the killing rate of Legionella is > 99.99%.

[0041] When the operation period is the peak water use period, hot water is used frequently during this period. It is necessary to ensure the sterilization effect and not affect the water flow experience. That is, the high-efficiency instant sterilization mode is turned on. In this mode, the high-energy wave sterilization device 6 stops working to reduce energy consumption and noise (< 40 dB) and avoid the cavitation effect interfering with the water flow stability. The UVC lamp 7 is turned on, and the ultraviolet intensity is 40 mW / cm 2 , with a wavelength of 253.7 nm, adjust the circulation pump 4 to make the water flow rate less than 15 L / min.

[0042] Experiments show that at a water flow rate of 15 L / min, the killing rate of Legionella in flowing water by ultraviolet rays is > 85%.

[0043] When the operation period is the mid-peak water use period, that is, the time period other than the low water use period and the peak water use period. There are sporadic hot water demands during this period, and it is necessary to balance sterilization and energy consumption. That is, the balanced energy-saving mode is turned on. In this mode, the UVC lamp 7 stops working, and the high-energy wave sterilization device 6 is turned on as needed and operates at a frequency of 15 kHz and an energy density of 150 W / cm 2 and is turned off within 5 seconds after the water use stops.

[0044] Experiments show that in the sporadic water use scenario, the killing rate of Legionella in flowing water by high-energy waves is > 90%, and the clearance rate of Legionella in the biofilm is > 83%.

[0045] In summary, the embodiments of the present application utilize the synergistic effect of ultraviolet rays and ultrasonic cavitation effect to penetrate the biofilm and damage the microbial DNA, purify the water quality of the household hot water system, prevent the reproduction of Legionella in hot water, and ensure the biological and chemical safety in the hot water system.

[0046] The above is only the specific implementation manner of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any changes or substitutions within the technical scope disclosed in the present application should be covered by the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application should be subject to the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A domestic hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization, characterized in that: It includes a water heater, a sterilization chamber and a PLC controller; the water inlet of the water heater is connected to the municipal water supply system, the water outlet of the water heater is connected to the water inlet of the sterilization chamber, and the circulating water outlet of the sterilization chamber is connected to the circulating water inlet of the water heater; a circulating pump is arranged on the pipeline between the circulating water outlet of the sterilization chamber and the circulating water inlet of the water heater; a high-energy wave sterilization device and a UVC lamp are arranged in the sterilization chamber; the high-energy wave sterilization device is connected to the top wall of the sterilization chamber; the UVC lamp is connected to the side wall of the sterilization chamber; the PLC controller is connected to the circulating pump, the high-energy wave sterilization device and the UVC lamp; the PLC controller can control the start and stop of the circulating pump, the high-energy wave sterilization device or the UVC lamp according to the preset sterilization mode.

2. The domestic hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The high-energy wave sterilization device comprises a high-energy wave generator, a high-energy wave transducer and a high-energy wave probe which are serially connected in sequence along the axial direction; the high-energy wave transducer is connected to the high-energy wave generator and the high-energy wave probe through cables; the high-energy wave transducer and the high-energy wave generator are both located above the sterilization chamber, and the high-energy wave probe is located inside the sterilization chamber.

3. The domestic hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The working frequency of the high energy wave sterilization device is 10-20kHz; the energy density per unit area is 100-200W / cm 2 .

4. The domestic hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization according to claim 2, characterized in that: The number of the UVC lamp tubes is four; the four UVC lamp tubes are connected to the side wall of the sterilization chamber and are evenly distributed on the periphery of the high-energy wave probe along the circumferential direction.

5. The domestic hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The wavelength of the UVC lamp is 253.7nm; the power is 20-30W; the ultraviolet intensity is 30-40mW / cm 2 .

6. The domestic hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: A water flow sensor is arranged on the pipeline between the water outlet of the water heater and the water inlet of the sterilization chamber; the PLC controller is connected with the water flow sensor; the PLC controller can receive and process the signal collected by the water flow sensor, and adjust the flow rate of the circulation pump according to the processing result.

7. The domestic hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave composite sterilization according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sterilization modes include deep circulation sterilization mode, high-efficiency instant sterilization mode and balanced energy-saving mode; the deep circulation sterilization mode, high-efficiency instant sterilization mode and balanced energy-saving mode sterilization mode are automatically switched according to the operating time period; the operating time period is divided into water use low period, water use peak period and water use level peak period; the sterilization mode and operating time period are both set by the PLC controller.

8. A method for sterilizing a domestic hot water system using ultraviolet-high energy wave combined sterilization according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S1. Preset the sterilization mode and operation time period through the PLC controller; the sterilization mode includes deep circulation sterilization mode, high-efficiency instant sterilization mode and balanced energy-saving mode; the operation time period is divided into water consumption low period, water consumption peak period and water consumption level peak period; S2, automatically switch the sterilization mode according to the actual operation time period; S3. Control the start and stop of the high energy wave sterilization device, UVC lamp and / or circulation pump according to the sterilization mode.

9. The sterilization method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The step S3 specifically includes: When the sterilization mode is the deep cycle sterilization mode, start the circulation pump, control the water flow rate ≤5L / min, and then start the high-energy wave sterilization device and UVC lamp. After 1 hour, both the high-energy wave sterilization device and UVC lamp enter the ultra-low power consumption standby state; When the sterilization mode is the high-efficiency instant sterilization mode, turn off the high-energy wave sterilization device, turn on the UVC lamp, and adjust the circulation pump to ensure that the water flow rate is ≤15L / min; When the sterilization mode is balanced energy-saving mode, turn off the UVC lamp, and the high-energy wave sterilization device will be turned on whenever used, and will be turned off within 5 seconds after stopping water use.

10. The sterilization method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The water consumption trough period is 00:00-05:00; the water consumption peak period is 7:00-9:00 and 17:00-22:00; and the water consumption horizontal peak period is 5:00-7:00, 9:00-17:00 and 22:00-00:00.

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