Multi-state control method, device and equipment for hot water circulator and storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to a multi-state control method, device and equipment for a hot water circulator and a storage medium, the method responds to a hot water circulation request in a shutdown state, executes a hot water circulation instruction and enters a hot water circulation state, and comprises the steps that a hot water circulation pump is controlled to operate based on the circulation rotating speed, so that a water heater is started; the circulating water temperature is obtained, and whether the circulating water temperature is larger than or equal to the preset temperature or not is judged; if yes, a hot water keeping instruction is executed, a hot water keeping state is entered, the operation of the hot water circulating pump is controlled based on the minimum keeping rotating speed, so that the water heater is kept to be started, and the minimum keeping rotating speed is determined according to the starting condition of the water heater; and obtaining a water use operation, executing a shutdown instruction, and entering a shutdown state. By means of the method, the problem that in the prior art, a hot water circulator cannot continuously ensure that the water temperature meets the requirement can be solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of control technologies, and particularly to a multi-state control method, device, equipment, and storage medium for a hot water circulator. Background Art

[0002] A hot water circulator usually consists of a corresponding circulation pump and a control unit, and is generally applied to household pipelines. It can circulate hot water from the water usage point back to the water heater in the heating pipeline. Since the hot water keeps circulating, users can immediately get hot water as long as they turn on the faucet without waiting.

[0003] However, when the hot water circulator is running, if the detected temperature reaches the preset value, it will directly stop, and the water heater will not start, and the water temperature will decrease over time. Then, when users use water, there will still be a period of cold water first and then hot water, losing the "zero cold water" experience. Some hot water circulators will start and stop periodically after reaching the temperature, but this only ensures that hot water can be immediately available during the running stage. When it stops, the hot water does not circulate, and the water heater will not start. At this time, it is impossible to ensure the immediate supply of hot water that meets the user's needs. Summary of the Invention

[0004] Based on this, a multi-state control method, device, equipment, and storage medium for a hot water circulator are provided to improve the problem that the hot water circulator in the prior art cannot meet the hot water usage requirements in a timely manner.

[0005] On the one hand, a multi-state control method for a hot water circulator is provided. The hot water circulator includes a water heater circulation pump, and the water heater circulation pump is connected to a hot water circulation pipeline. The inlet end and the return end of the hot water circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the outlet and the inlet of the water heater.

[0006] The multi-state control method includes:

[0007] In response to a hot water circulation request in the shutdown state, execute a hot water circulation instruction to enter the hot water circulation state, including controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on the circulation speed to turn on the water heater.

[0008] Obtain the circulating water temperature, and determine whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature.

[0009] If so, execute a hot water holding instruction to enter the hot water holding state, including controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on the minimum holding speed to keep the water heater on, where the minimum holding speed is determined according to the start-up condition of the water heater.

[0010] Obtain a water usage operation, execute a shutdown instruction, and enter the shutdown state.

[0011] In one embodiment, when executing the hot water holding instruction and entering the hot water holding state, it further includes:

[0012] Determine whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to the warning temperature. If so, execute the temporary shutdown instruction.

[0013] In one embodiment, the return end of the hot water circulation pipeline is further connected with a cold water supply interface to connect to the cold water supply pipeline. The hot water circulation pump is arranged after the cold water supply interface. A check valve and a water user are arranged in the hot water circulation pipeline before the cold water supply interface.

[0014] The obtaining of the water usage operation includes:

[0015] Obtain the water flow rate of the hot water circulation pipeline, determine whether the water flow rate is greater than the flow rate threshold corresponding to the current state of the hot water circulator. If so, determine that there is a water usage operation and execute the shutdown instruction.

[0016] In one embodiment, the minimum holding speed is determined according to the startup conditions of the water heater, including:

[0017] S1. Obtain the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline, including obtaining the first water temperature and the second water temperature. The first water temperature is the water temperature before the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed, and the second water temperature is the water temperature after the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed. Among them, the execution speed is determined according to the lower end value and the upper end value of the estimated speed range.

[0018] S2. Compare the second water temperature with the first water temperature, and adjust the estimated speed range based on the comparison result. If the second water temperature is less than the first water temperature, update the lower end value to the value of the execution speed to obtain a new estimated speed range; otherwise, update the upper end value to the value of the execution speed to obtain a new estimated speed range.

[0019] S3. Judge the difference between the upper end value and the lower end value of the new estimated speed range. When the difference is less than the threshold, execute step S4; otherwise, execute step S5.

[0020] S4. Determine the upper end value of the new estimated speed range as the minimum holding speed.

[0021] S5. Determine a new execution speed according to the new estimated speed range, and adjust the speed of the hot water circulation pump to the new execution speed, and repeat steps S1 to S3.

[0022] In one embodiment, before obtaining the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline, it further includes:

[0023] Execute a preheating process, including controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate at the maximum working speed for a preset preheating duration in response to a detection request for the water heater startup condition, so as to start the water heater and raise the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline.

[0024] In one embodiment, the execution speed is determined according to the lower and upper values of the estimated speed range, including:

[0025] Determine the execution speed by rounding up the mean of the current lower and upper values.

[0026] In one embodiment, the obtaining of the first water temperature and the second water temperature includes:

[0027] Obtain the water temperature after the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed for a preset duration as the second water temperature.

[0028] In another aspect, a multi-state control device for a hot water circulator is provided. The multi-state control device is applied to control a water heater circulation pump in the hot water circulator. The hot water circulation pump is connected to a hot water circulation pipeline, and the water inlet end and the water return end of the hot water circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater. The multi-state control device includes:

[0029] An execution module, configured to execute a hot water circulation instruction in response to a hot water circulation request in a shutdown state and enter a hot water circulation state, including controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate based on a circulation speed to turn on the water heater;

[0030] An acquisition module, configured to acquire the circulating water temperature and identify the user's water usage operation;

[0031] A judgment module, configured to judge whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature and send the judgment result to the execution module;

[0032] The execution module is further configured to execute a hot water holding instruction and enter a hot water holding state when the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, including controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate based on a minimum holding speed to keep the water heater on, where the minimum holding speed is determined according to the startup condition of the water heater, and when the acquisition module identifies the user's water usage operation, execute a shutdown instruction and enter a shutdown state.

[0033] In yet another aspect, a computer device is provided, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method are implemented.

[0034] A computer-readable storage medium is also provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the method are implemented.

[0035] The multi-state control method, device, computer device and storage medium of the above hot water circulator, by setting a hot water holding state after hot water circulation and controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on the lowest holding speed, enables the water heater to remain continuously on, and the water heater can continuously control the temperature of the circulating water, ensuring that when the user uses water next time, hot water that meets their temperature requirements can be quickly supplied. Description of the Drawings

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of the state change process of a hot water circulator in the prior art;

[0037] Figure 2 is the state change process of a hot water circulator in an embodiment;

[0038] Figure 3 is a block diagram of the hardware structure of a hot water circulator in an embodiment;

[0039] Figure 4 is an installation schematic diagram of a hot water circulator in an embodiment;

[0040] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the process of the multi-state control method of a hot water circulator in an embodiment;

[0041] Figure 6 is a schematic diagram of the process of determining the lowest holding speed in an embodiment;

[0042] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the process of determining the lowest holding speed in another embodiment;

[0043] Figure 8 is a block diagram of the structure of the multi-state control device of a hot water circulator in an embodiment;

[0044] Figure 9 is an internal structure diagram of a computer device in an embodiment. Detailed Embodiments

[0045] In order to make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the present application clearer, the present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are only used to explain the present application and are not used to limit the present application.

[0046] The working state of a traditional hot water circulator is as Figure 1As shown, the hot water circulator is turned on under the user's operation. When the hot water circulation temperature reaches the set requirement, it will enter the shutdown state. If the hot water is not used in time, the water temperature in the pipeline will drop. When the user uses water next time, there will be a period of cold water first and then hot water. Even if the hot water circulator is started by using the delayed start-stop method, there will still be a process of water temperature reduction in the shutdown state, and hot water that meets the conditions cannot be provided for the user immediately.

[0047] The present application provides a multi-state control method for a hot water circulator. A hot water holding state is set after the hot water circulation state. In the hot water holding state, the hot water circulation pump is controlled to operate at the lowest holding speed, so that the water heater can continuously operate to keep the water temperature stable. The state change process of the hot water circulator in the present application is as Figure 2 shown.

[0048] In one embodiment, the structural framework of the hot water circulator 100 is as Figure 3 shown, including a controller, a hot water circulation pump 110, a memory, a temperature sensor, and a flow sensor. The controller is used to run a control program to implement a control algorithm; the memory is used to record relevant parameters; the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature; the flow sensor is used to detect the water flow rate.

[0049] As Figure 4 shown in the installation schematic diagram, in the hot water circulator 100, the hot water circulation pump 110 is connected to the hot water circulation pipeline 300, and the water inlet end and the water return end of the hot water circulation pipeline 300 are respectively connected to the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater 200.

[0050] The multi-state control method is as Figure 5 shown, including the following steps:

[0051] Step 401, in the shutdown state, in response to a hot water circulation request, execute a hot water circulation instruction and enter the hot water circulation state.

[0052] The shutdown state is the default state after power-on. When running for the first time, the hot water circulation request can be a user startup operation. After the user starts the hot water circulator 100, the hot water circulator 100 starts to run and enters the hot water circulation state from the shutdown state.

[0053] In daily use, the hot water circulation request can be generated based on the recognition of specific conditions. Exemplarily, in one implementation, based on the induction of the flow rate in the hot water circulation pipeline 300, it is judged whether the user is using water. In the shutdown state, if the flow rate in the hot water circulation pipeline 300 is less than the water usage threshold, it is judged that the user is not using water, and the hot water circulator 100 automatically enters the hot water circulation state.

[0054] Under the hot water circulation state, control the hot water circulation pump 110 to operate at the circulation speed, which is the typical operating speed of the hot water circulation pump 110, such as 100% rated speed. Generally, at this speed, the flow rate and pressure in the hot water circulation pipeline 300 can meet the startup conditions of the water heater 200, enabling the water heater 200 to start.

[0055] After the water heater 200 starts, it can control the water temperature based on its own control program. For example, it can heat when the water temperature is lower than its own set conditions, or supply water stably when the water temperature reaches the set conditions. Therefore, during the startup period of the water heater 200, the hot water flowing out of the outlet of the water heater 200 can first increase in temperature and then remain constant. However, due to the heat dissipation of the hot water return through the hot water circulation pipeline 300, although the temperature change trend is the same, the value is lower than that at the outlet of the water heater 200. If the water heater 200 changes from the startup state to the shutdown state, the water temperature will also decrease over time.

[0056] Step 402: Obtain the circulating water temperature and determine whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature.

[0057] In the actual implementation process, based on the user's settings, the hot water circulator 100 judges the water temperature in the hot water circulation state. In one implementation manner, the set temperature on the hot water circulator 100 can be less than or equal to the set temperature on the water heater 200.

[0058] Step 403: If the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, execute the hot water holding instruction and enter the hot water holding state.

[0059] Compared with the existing hot water circulation device, when the temperature of the hot water circulator 100 of the present application reaches the set conditions, it does not directly shut down, but enters the hot water holding state for the user's next water use. In the hot water holding state, control the hot water circulation pump 110 to operate at the lowest holding speed, and the lowest holding speed is determined according to the startup conditions of the water heater 200.

[0060] Generally, the water heater 200 is controlled to start and stop based on the flow rate. If the water flow rate through the water heater 200 reaches the startup flow rate, the water heater 200 can start normally. Therefore, based on the mapping relationship between the pump speed and the flow rate, set the pump speed corresponding to the startup flow rate of the water heater 200 as the lowest holding speed of the hot water circulation pump 110.

[0061] Step 404: Obtain the water use operation, execute the shutdown instruction, and enter the shutdown state.

[0062] The user's water use operation refers to the hot water use operation, which can be identified based on the induction of the flow rate. Exemplarily, such as Figure 4In the schematic diagram shown, the return end of the hot water circulation pipeline 300 is also connected with a cold water supply interface to connect to the cold water supply pipeline. The hot water circulation pump 110 is arranged after the cold water supply interface. A check valve and a water user are arranged in the hot water circulation pipeline 300 before the cold water supply interface. It can be understood that the above "front" and "back" are defined based on the hot water circulation direction.

[0063] In the hot water holding state, when the user uses hot water, the hot water in the hot water circulation pipeline 300 is consumed, and the cold water in the cold water supply pipeline enters the water heater 200 through the hot water circulator 100, and the flow rate increases at this time.

[0064] It is defined that in the hot water holding state, the flow rate of the hot water circulation start is F1, and the first flow rate threshold value in the preset hot water holding state is set, for example, 150%*F. The flow rate of the hot water circulation pipeline 300 is continuously obtained through the flow sensor, and it is judged whether the flow rate is greater than the first flow rate threshold value. If so, it is determined that there is a water use operation, and a shutdown instruction is executed.

[0065] When it is sensed that the user uses hot water, the hot water circulator 100 controls the circulation pump of the water heater 200 to stop working to avoid the influence of hot water backflow on the user's water use.

[0066] In some embodiments, in the hot water circulation state, if a water use operation of the user is monitored, a shutdown instruction is also executed. It is defined that in the hot water circulation state, the flow rate when the hot water circulation pump 110 runs at full speed is F2, and a second flow rate threshold value is preset, for example, 120%*F2. The flow rate in the hot water circulation pipeline 300 is continuously obtained, and it is judged whether the flow rate is greater than the second flow rate threshold value. If so, it is determined that there is a water use operation, and a shutdown instruction is executed.

[0067] In some embodiments, the hot water circulator 100 is provided with a warning temperature. After entering the hot water holding state, it is also judged whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to the warning temperature. If so, a temporary shutdown instruction is executed, and the hot water circulation pump 110 is controlled to stop briefly based on the temporary shutdown instruction. When the temperature drops below the warning temperature, it can run again at the lowest holding speed. Exemplarily, the warning temperature can be above the set temperature of the water heater 200.

[0068] Adopting the above multi-state control method, when the water temperature of the hot water circulator 100 reaches the preset temperature, it continues to run, and the hot water circulation pump 110 adopts the lowest holding speed. At the lowest holding speed, the water heater 200 can keep running and will not shut down. And at the lowest holding speed, the water heater 200 can achieve temperature control with less consumption, which can save energy. At this time, the user's demand for hot water can be quickly met, and the zero cold water effect can be achieved.

[0069] In the above control process, controlling the hot water circulation pump 110 to operate at the lowest holding speed is the key to realizing the zero - cold - water function and saving energy and environmental protection. However, in the actual implementation process, due to different models of the water heater 200 and different installation environments, a fixed - value lowest holding speed cannot meet all application scenarios. In one embodiment, a method for determining the lowest holding speed according to the startup conditions of the water heater 200 is also disclosed.

[0070] Exemplarily, as Figure 6 shown, after installing the hot water circulator 100, the following steps are first carried out to determine the lowest holding speed:

[0071] Step 501, obtain the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline 300, including obtaining the first water temperature and the second water temperature. The first water temperature is the water temperature before the hot water circulation pump 110 operates at the execution speed, and the second water temperature is the water temperature after the hot water circulation pump 110 operates at the execution speed. Among them, the execution speed is determined according to the lower end value and the upper end value of the estimated speed range.

[0072] The estimated speed range is the possible speed range at which the hot water circulation pump 110 can start the water heater 200. At the initial moment, since the performance of the water heater 200 is unknown, the estimated speed range is the working speed range of the hot water circulation pump 110. Exemplarily, the speed range of the hot water circulation pump 110 is expressed as 0% - 100% (generally, the speed range includes two end values). When the hot water circulation pump 110 reaches a certain speed, the water flow pressurized by the hot water circulation pump 110 can reach the startup flow rate of the water heater 200, thereby starting the water heater 200.

[0073] Select a certain speed from the estimated speed range as the current execution speed according to a specific rule. In this embodiment, it is determined by the dichotomy method. Specifically, add the lower end value 0% and the upper end value 100% and take the average value of 50% to calculate the execution speed of this adjustment. Particularly, considering problems such as the control accuracy of the pump, round up the average value.

[0074] There are various ways of rounding up, including but not limited to rounding, ceiling function, floor function, etc. In this embodiment, the ceiling function is adopted.

[0075] The water temperature of the hot water circulation pipeline 300 is still obtained by a temperature sensing unit installed on the pipeline, such as a temperature sensor. When first running, the hot water circulation pump 110 is in a stopped state before operating at the execution speed of 50%. Obtain the water temperature in the stopped state as the first water temperature (when initially running, the first water temperature is usually room temperature), and then the hot water circulation pump 110 operates at a speed of 50%.

[0076] After the hot water circulation pump 110 runs, the second water temperature of the hot water circulation pipeline 300 is obtained. It should be noted that due to factors such as the heating speed of the water heater 200 and the length of the hot water circulation pipeline 300, there is a certain delay in the change of the water temperature. Therefore, after the hot water circulation pump 110 runs at the execution speed for a certain period of time, the second water temperature can be obtained with a time delay to eliminate the influence of the delay. Specifically, the time delay duration can be based on a preset value, such as 30 seconds.

[0077] Step 502: Compare the second water temperature with the first water temperature, and adjust the estimated speed range based on the comparison result.

[0078] The comparison result of the first water temperature and the second water temperature is affected by the initial conditions of the water heater 200 and whether the startup is successful, and there are various possible results. Taking the first operation as an example, the initial state of the water heater 200 is the shutdown state. After the hot water circulation pump 110 runs at 50% speed, if the water heater 200 starts successfully, the second water temperature will be higher than the first water temperature. If the water heater 200 does not start, the second water temperature will be the same as the first water temperature.

[0079] Based on different judgment results, different adjustments are made to the estimated speed range, including the following:

[0080] If the second water temperature is less than the first water temperature and the water temperature decreases, generally, the water heater 200 changes from the startup state to the shutdown state, and the water flow rate is lower than the startup flow rate. Then, update the lower end value to the value of the execution speed, that is, update the lower end value to 50% speed, and the new estimated speed range is 50%-100%.

[0081] If the second water temperature is greater than or equal to the first water temperature, generally, the water flow rate reaches the startup flow rate, and the water heater 200 changes from the shutdown state to the startup state. Then, update the upper end value to the value of the execution speed, that is, update the upper end value to 50% speed, and the new estimated speed range is 0%-50%.

[0082] In particular, if the flow rate adjustment range of the hot water circulation pump 110 is small and the startup flow rate required by the water heater 200 is relatively high, the following situation will occur:

[0083] Assume that the water heater can start when the hot water circulation pump runs at 60% speed. Then, when starting for the first time, the hot water circulation pump running at 50% cannot start the water heater, and the water temperature will remain unchanged. According to the foregoing adjustment process, the new estimated speed range is determined to be 0%-50%. After that, no matter how the adjustment is made, the water heater cannot be started. It can be seen that the flow rate adjustment ability of the hot water circulation pump will affect the reliability of the control method of this application.

[0084] To improve the above reliability problem, a hot water circulation pump with a higher power can be adopted, but this will lead to an increase in cost and waste of energy consumption. In one embodiment, before performing step 501, a preheating process is implemented. Specifically, when the user initially starts or detects the start-up condition of the water heater 200 based on the user's operation, first control the hot water circulation pump 110 to operate at its maximum working speed to ensure that the water heater 200 can be started. After running for a certain period of time, stop and start step 501.

[0085] Through the preheating process, the water in the hot water circulation pipeline is heated up, and the subsequent control process eliminates the situation where the hot water circulation pump cannot start the water heater during its first operation.

[0086] After adjusting the estimated speed range, the next step can be executed.

[0087] Step 503, determine the difference between the upper value and the lower value of the new estimated speed range.

[0088] Based on the judgment result, different steps are executed. Exemplarily, the end condition of the dichotomy method is preset: when the difference between the updated upper value and the lower value is less than a threshold value, for example, 5%, the adjustment of the estimated speed range ends, and step 504 is executed. After the first operation, if neither the new estimated speed range of 0%-50% nor 50%-100% meets the end condition, step 505 is executed.

[0089] Step 504, determine the upper value of the new estimated speed range as the minimum holding speed. Thereafter, the speed of the hot water circulation pump 110 can be controlled to be greater than or equal to the minimum holding speed to keep the water heater 200 started.

[0090] Step 505, determine a new execution speed according to the new estimated speed range, and adjust the speed of the hot water circulation pump 110 to the new execution speed, and repeat the foregoing process.

[0091] As Figure 7 shown, taking the example where the start-up flow rate of the water heater 200 corresponds to 15% of the speed of the hot water circulation pump 110 to illustrate the repeated execution process:

[0092] During the first operation, the hot water circulation pump 110 operates at 100% speed, successfully enabling the water heater 200 to enter the start-up state. The water temperature rises. After pausing, the first water temperature is obtained. Then the hot water circulation pump 110 operates at 50% speed, and the second water temperature is obtained. Since the water heater 200 remains started, the second water temperature is equal to the first water temperature. The upper value is updated to 50%, and the new estimated speed range is updated to 0%-50%, and the stop condition is not met, so a secondary adjustment is made;

[0093] During the second adjustment, the hot water circulation pump 110 operates at a speed of 25%, the water heater 200 remains in the startup state, the water temperature remains high, the upper limit value is updated to 25%, and the new estimated speed range is updated to 0 - 25%. Since the stop condition is still not met, a third adjustment is carried out.

[0094] During the third adjustment, the hot water circulation pump 110 operates at 13%, the water heater 200 enters the shutdown state, the water temperature decreases, the lower limit value is updated to 13%, and the new estimated speed range is updated to 13% - 25%. Since the stop condition is not met, a fourth adjustment is carried out.

[0095] During the fourth adjustment, the hot water circulation pump 110 operates at 19%, the water heater 200 re - enters the startup state, the water temperature rises again, the upper limit value is updated to 19%, and the new estimated speed range is updated to 13% - 19%. Since the stop condition is not met, a fifth adjustment is entered.

[0096] During the fifth adjustment, the hot water circulation pump 110 operates at 16%, the water heater 200 remains in the startup state, the water temperature remains high, the upper limit value is updated to 16%, and the new estimated speed range is updated to 13% - 16%. The stop condition is met, and 13% - 16% is the final target speed range.

[0097] Take the upper limit value of 16% of the target speed range 13% - 16% as the minimum holding speed of the hot water circulation pump 110. As long as the hot water circulation pump 110 maintains a speed of 16% or above during subsequent operation, the startup of the water heater 200 can be maintained.

[0098] It can also be seen from the above example that choosing the upper limit value rather than the lower limit value or the intermediate value of the target speed range as the final minimum holding speed can effectively ensure that the water heater 200 can be started.

[0099] When the hot water circulator 100 is used for the first time, the above - mentioned adjustment process can be used to automatically judge the startup conditions of the water heater 200.

[0100] It should be understood that although Figures 5 - 7 the steps in the flowchart of are shown in sequence according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless there is a clear description in this article, the execution of these steps has no strict order limit, and these steps can be executed in other orders. Moreover, Figures 5 - 7 at least a part of the steps in may include multiple sub - steps or multiple stages. These sub - steps or stages are not necessarily executed at the same moment, but can be executed at different moments. The execution order of these sub - steps or stages is not necessarily sequential either, but can be executed alternately or in turn with at least a part of other steps or sub - steps or stages of other steps.

[0101] In one embodiment, as Figure 8 shown, a multi-state control device for a hot water circulator is provided, which is applied to control a water heater circulation pump in the hot water circulator. The hot water circulation pump is connected to a hot water circulation pipeline, and the water inlet end and the water return end of the hot water circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater, and includes: an execution module 601, an acquisition module 602, and a judgment module 603, wherein:

[0102] The execution module 601 is configured to respond to a hot water circulation request in a shutdown state, execute a hot water circulation instruction, and enter a hot water circulation state, including controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on a circulation rotation speed to turn on the water heater;

[0103] The acquisition module 602 is configured to acquire the circulating water temperature and identify the user's water usage operation;

[0104] The judgment module 603 is configured to judge whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature, and send the judgment result to the execution module 601;

[0105] The execution module 601 is further configured to execute a hot water holding instruction and enter a hot water holding state when the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, including controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on a minimum holding rotation speed to keep the water heater on. Wherein, the minimum holding rotation speed is determined according to the startup condition of the water heater, and when the acquisition module 602 identifies the user's water usage operation, execute a shutdown instruction and enter a shutdown state.

[0106] The above multi-state control device of the hot water circulator, by setting a hot water holding state after hot water circulation and controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on the minimum holding rotation speed, enables the water heater to continuously remain on, and the water heater can continuously control the temperature of the circulating water, ensuring that when the user uses water next time, hot water that meets their temperature requirements can be quickly supplied.

[0107] The judgment module 603 is also used to judge whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to a warning temperature. In the case where it is greater than or equal to the warning temperature, the execution module 601 controls the hot water circulation pump to perform a temporary shutdown.

[0108] The acquisition module 602 identifies whether the user is using water according to the following process:

[0109] The acquisition module 602 acquires the water flow rate of the hot water circulation pipeline, and judges whether the water flow rate is greater than the flow rate threshold corresponding to the current state of the hot water circulator. If so, it is determined that there is a water usage operation.

[0110] When used for the first time, the multi-state control device is also used to determine the aforementioned minimum holding rotation speed. Specifically:

[0111] The acquisition module 602 acquires the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline, including acquiring a first water temperature and a second water temperature. The first water temperature is the water temperature before the execution module 601 controls the hot water circulation pump to operate at the execution speed, and the second water temperature is the water temperature after the execution module 601 controls the hot water circulation pump to operate at the execution speed. The execution module 601 determines the execution speed according to the lower end value and the upper end value of the estimated speed range.

[0112] The multi-state control device further includes an adjustment module 604, which is configured to compare the second water temperature with the first water temperature and adjust the estimated speed range based on the comparison result. If the second water temperature is less than the first water temperature, the lower end value is updated to the value of the execution speed to obtain a new estimated speed range; otherwise, the upper end value is updated to the value of the execution speed to obtain a new estimated speed range.

[0113] The judgment module 603 is further configured to judge the difference between the upper end value and the lower end value of the new estimated speed range by a threshold, and send the judgment result to the execution module 601. When the difference is less than the threshold, the upper end value of the new estimated speed range is determined as the minimum holding speed.

[0114] The execution module 601 is further configured to, when the difference is greater than or equal to the threshold, determine a new execution speed according to the new estimated speed range, and adjust the speed of the hot water circulation pump to the new execution speed.

[0115] By using the multi-state control device provided in this embodiment, the start-up conditions of the water heater can be identified when the hot water circulator is first started, avoiding that the minimum holding speed cannot meet the start-up requirements of the water heater during subsequent operation.

[0116] In one embodiment, the execution module 601 is further configured to execute a preheating process, including in response to a detection request for the start-up conditions of the water heater, controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate at the maximum working speed for a preset preheating duration, so as to start the water heater and increase the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline.

[0117] In one embodiment, the execution module 601 determines the execution speed by rounding up the average value of the current lower end value and the upper end value.

[0118] For the specific limitations of the multi-state control device, reference may be made to the limitations of the multi-state control method in the foregoing text, which will not be elaborated herein. Each module in the above multi-state control device can be implemented in whole or in part by software, hardware, and their combinations. Each of the above modules can be embedded in the processor of the computer device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of the computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each of the above modules.

[0119] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided. The computer device may be a terminal, and its internal structural diagram may be as Figure 9 shown. The computer device includes a processor, a memory, a network interface, a display screen, and an input device connected through a system bus. Among them, the processor of the computer device is used to provide computing and control capabilities. The memory of the computer device includes a non-volatile storage medium and an internal memory. The non-volatile storage medium stores an operating system and a computer program. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and the computer program in the non-volatile storage medium. The network interface of the computer device is used to communicate with an external terminal through a network connection. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a multi-state control method for a hot water circulator. The display screen of the computer device may be a liquid crystal display screen or an electronic ink display screen. The input device of the computer device may be a touch layer covering the display screen, or a button, a trackball, or a touchpad provided on the housing of the computer device, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse, etc.

[0120] Those skilled in the art can understand that Figure 9 the structure shown in

[0121] is only a block diagram of some structures related to the solution of this application, and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the solution of this application is applied. The specific computer device may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine some components, or have different component arrangements.

[0122] In the shutdown state, in response to a hot water circulation request, execute a hot water circulation instruction and enter the hot water circulation state, including controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on the circulation speed to turn on the water heater, where the hot water circulation pump is connected to the hot water circulation pipeline, and the water inlet end and the water return end of the hot water circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater;

[0123] Obtain the circulating water temperature and determine whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature;

[0124] If so, execute the hot water holding instruction and enter the hot water holding state, including controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on the minimum holding speed to keep the water heater on, where the minimum holding speed is determined according to the start-up conditions of the water heater;

[0125] Obtain a water usage operation, execute a shutdown instruction, and enter the shutdown state.

[0126] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the following steps are further implemented:

[0127] Determine whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to the warning temperature. If so, execute a temporary shutdown instruction.

[0128] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the following steps are further implemented:

[0129] Obtain the water flow rate of the hot water circulation pipeline, determine whether the water flow rate is greater than the flow rate threshold corresponding to the current state of the hot water circulator. If so, determine that there is a water usage operation and execute a shutdown instruction.

[0130] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the following steps are further implemented:

[0131] Obtain the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline, including obtaining a first water temperature and a second water temperature. The first water temperature is the water temperature before the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed, and the second water temperature is the water temperature after the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed, where the execution speed is determined according to the lower end value and the upper end value of the estimated speed range;

[0132] Compare the second water temperature with the first water temperature and adjust the estimated speed range based on the comparison result. If the second water temperature is less than the first water temperature, update the lower end value to the value of the execution speed to obtain a new estimated speed range; otherwise, update the upper end value to the value of the execution speed to obtain a new estimated speed range;

[0133] Judge the difference between the upper end value and the lower end value of the new estimated speed range by a threshold. When the difference is less than the threshold, execute the next step; otherwise, adjust the execution speed, re-obtain the water temperature, and judge.

[0134] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the following steps are further implemented:

[0135] Before obtaining the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline, it further includes:

[0136] Execute a preheating process, including in response to a detection request for the water heater startup condition, controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate at the maximum working speed for a preset preheating duration, so as to start the water heater and raise the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline.

[0137] In one embodiment, when the processor executes the computer program, the following steps are further implemented:

[0138] Determine the execution speed by rounding up the average value of the current lower end value and upper end value.

[0139] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided, on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are implemented:

[0140] In the shutdown state, in response to a hot water circulation request, execute a hot water circulation instruction to enter the hot water circulation state, including controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate based on the circulation speed so as to turn on the water heater, where the hot water circulation pump is connected to the hot water circulation pipeline, and the water inlet end and water return end of the hot water circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the water outlet and water inlet of the water heater;

[0141] Obtain the circulating water temperature and determine whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature;

[0142] If so, execute a hot water holding instruction to enter the hot water holding state, including controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate based on the minimum holding speed so as to keep the water heater on, where the minimum holding speed is determined according to the startup condition of the water heater;

[0143] Obtain a water usage operation, execute a shutdown instruction, and enter the shutdown state.

[0144] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0145] Obtain the water flow rate of the hot water circulation pipeline, determine whether the water flow rate is greater than the flow threshold corresponding to the current state of the hot water circulator. If so, determine that there is a water usage operation and execute a shutdown instruction.

[0146] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0147] Obtain the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline, including obtaining a first water temperature and a second water temperature. The first water temperature is the water temperature before the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed, and the second water temperature is the water temperature after the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed, where the execution speed is determined according to the lower end value and upper end value of the estimated speed range;

[0148] Compare the second water temperature with the first water temperature, and adjust the estimated rotational speed range based on the comparison result, including: if the second water temperature is less than the first water temperature, update the lower end value to the value of the execution rotational speed to obtain a new estimated rotational speed range; otherwise, update the upper end value to the value of the execution rotational speed to obtain a new estimated rotational speed range.

[0149] Judge the difference between the upper end value and the lower end value of the new estimated rotational speed range by a threshold. When the difference is less than the threshold, perform the next step; otherwise, adjust the execution rotational speed, then re-obtain the water temperature and make a judgment.

[0150] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0151] Before obtaining the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline, it further includes:

[0152] Execute a preheating process, including in response to a detection request for the water heater startup condition, controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate at the maximum working rotational speed for a preset preheating duration, so that the water heater starts and the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline rises.

[0153] In one embodiment, when the computer program is executed by a processor, the following steps are further implemented:

[0154] Obtain the water temperature after the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution rotational speed for a preset duration as the second water temperature.

[0155] Those of ordinary skill in the art can understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be completed by instructing relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When the computer program is executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Among them, any reference to a memory, storage, database, or other medium used in the embodiments provided in the present application can include non-volatile and / or volatile memories. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in many forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), double data rate SDRAM (DDR SDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), Rambus direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and Rambus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0156] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined arbitrarily. For the sake of brevity of description, 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, it should be considered as the scope recorded in this specification.

[0157] The above-described embodiments merely represent several implementation manners of the present application. The description thereof is relatively specific and detailed, but it should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that for those of ordinary skill in the art, without departing from the concept of the present application, several modifications and improvements can still be made, and these all belong to the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present application shall be subject to the appended claims.

Claims

1. A multi-state control method for a hot water circulator, characterized in that, The hot water circulator includes a water heater circulation pump, which is connected to the hot water circulation pipeline. The water inlet end and the water return end of the hot water circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater; The multi-state control method includes: In the shutdown state, in response to a hot water circulation request, execute a hot water circulation instruction and enter the hot water circulation state, including controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on the circulation speed to turn on the water heater; Obtain the circulating water temperature and determine whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature; If so, execute a hot water holding instruction and enter the hot water holding state, including controlling the operation of the hot water circulation pump based on the minimum holding speed to keep the water heater on, where the minimum holding speed is determined according to the startup conditions of the water heater; Obtain a water usage operation, execute a shutdown instruction, and enter the shutdown state.

2. The multi-state control method for a hot water circulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The execution of the hot water holding instruction and entering the hot water holding state further includes: Determine whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to a warning temperature. If so, execute a temporary shutdown instruction.

3. The multi-state control method for a hot water circulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water return end of the hot water circulation pipeline is also connected with a cold water supply interface to connect to a cold water supply pipeline. The hot water circulation pump is arranged after the cold water supply interface. A check valve and a water user are arranged in the hot water circulation pipeline before the cold water supply interface; The obtaining of the water usage operation includes: Obtain the water flow rate of the hot water circulation pipeline, determine whether the water flow rate is greater than the flow rate threshold corresponding to the current state of the hot water circulator. If so, determine that there is a water usage operation and execute a shutdown instruction.

4. The multi-state control method for a hot water circulator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The minimum holding speed is determined according to the startup conditions of the water heater, including: S1, obtain the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline, including obtaining a first water temperature and a second water temperature. The first water temperature is the water temperature before the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed, and the second water temperature is the water temperature after the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed, where the execution speed is determined according to the lower end value and the upper end value of the estimated speed range; S2, compare the second water temperature with the first water temperature and adjust the estimated speed range based on the comparison result, including if the second water temperature is less than the first water temperature, update the lower end value to the value of the execution speed to obtain a new estimated speed range; otherwise, update the upper end value to the value of the execution speed to obtain a new estimated speed range; S3, threshold judge the difference between the upper end value and the lower end value of the new estimated speed range. When the difference is less than the threshold, execute step S4; otherwise, execute step S5; S4, determine the upper end value of the new estimated speed range as the minimum holding speed; S5, determine a new execution speed according to the new estimated speed range and adjust the speed of the hot water circulation pump to the new execution speed, and repeat steps S1 to S3.

5. The multi-state control method for a hot water circulator according to claim 4, characterized in that, Before obtaining the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline, it further includes: Execute a preheating process, including in response to a detection request for the startup conditions of the water heater, controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate at the maximum working speed for a preset preheating duration to start the water heater and increase the water temperature in the hot water circulation pipeline.

6. The multi-state control method for a hot water circulator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The execution speed is determined according to the lower and upper values of the estimated speed range, and includes: Determining the execution speed by rounding up the average value of the current lower and upper values.

7. The multi-state control method for a hot water circulator according to claim 4, characterized in that, The obtaining of the first water temperature and the second water temperature includes: Obtaining the water temperature after the hot water circulation pump operates at the execution speed for a preset duration as the second water temperature.

8. A multi-state control device for a hot water circulator, characterized in that, The multi-state control device is applied to control the water heater circulation pump in the hot water circulator. The hot water circulation pump is connected to the hot water circulation pipeline. The water inlet end and the water return end of the hot water circulation pipeline are respectively connected to the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater. The multi-state control device includes: An execution module, configured to respond to a hot water circulation request in a shutdown state, execute a hot water circulation instruction, and enter a hot water circulation state, including controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate based on a circulation speed to turn on the water heater; An acquisition module, configured to acquire the circulating water temperature and identify the user's water usage operation; A judgment module, configured to judge whether the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature, and send the judgment result to the execution module; The execution module is further configured to execute a hot water holding instruction and enter a hot water holding state when the circulating water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, including controlling the hot water circulation pump to operate based on a minimum holding speed to keep the water heater on. The minimum holding speed is determined according to the start-up condition of the water heater. And when the acquisition module identifies the user's water usage operation, execute a shutdown instruction and enter a shutdown state.

9. A computer device, comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored on the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7 are implemented.

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