Method for judging water use or water stop of water storage type water heater based on temperature change

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of water storage type water heaters, and discloses a method for judging water use or water stop of a water storage type water heater based on temperature variation, which is realized by adopting a constant-temperature water storage type water heater and comprises the following steps of: 1, acquiring temperature data; 2, calculating a temperature difference value; and 3, judging a water using state, and determining that the water storage type water heater is in a water using state or a water stopping state. According to the method for judging whether the water storage type water heater uses water or stops water based on the temperature change, whether the water storage type water heater is in a water using state or a water stopping state can be accurately judged, and compared with a traditional water storage type water heater, a water flow monitoring device is omitted, so that a pipeline is smoother, and the service life of the water storage type water heater is prolonged. Compared with the prior art, the method has the advantages that the blockage problem caused by scale, impurities and the like is avoided, meanwhile, the judgment method based on temperature change is more intelligent and reliable, the maintenance cost is reduced, the service life of the water storage type water heater is prolonged, the user experience is improved, and in addition, the method is easy to implement and low in cost and has wide application prospects.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of storage water heaters, and in particular to a method for judging whether to use or shut down a storage water heater based on temperature changes. Background Art

[0002] A storage water heater is a stationary appliance that uses electricity to heat water. It can store hot water for a long time or temporarily and is equipped with a device to control or limit the water temperature. It is widely used in home and commercial environments.

[0003] Traditional storage water heaters typically rely on water flow monitoring devices, such as water flow sensors and water flow switches, to determine water usage. These devices can help users monitor water usage in real time, understanding water habits and usage amounts, thereby improving water resource efficiency, conserving water, and reducing waste. However, these devices not only increase the complexity and cost of the water heater, but can also cause blockage or damage due to scale and impurities, impacting normal operation. Furthermore, water flow monitoring devices are relatively expensive to maintain, causing inconvenience to users. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the problems of the prior art and provide a method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature changes.

[0005] In order to achieve the above object, the present invention adopts the following scheme:

[0006] A method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature changes is implemented using a constant-temperature storage water heater. The storage water heater includes an inner tank, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, an automatic water mixing valve, a control module, and temperature detection modules for detecting the water temperature at the inner tank, the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet pipe respectively. The method includes the following steps:

[0007] Step 1: Temperature data collection:

[0008] Get the temperature of the water outlet pipe and the inner tank, which are recorded as the water outlet pipe temperature T1 and the inner tank temperature T2 respectively;

[0009] Step 2: Calculate the temperature difference:

[0010] Calculate the difference between the two temperatures of the inner tank and the outlet pipe at the same time, record it as the hot and cold water temperature difference T3, and the difference between the adjacent previous outlet pipe temperature T1 and the next outlet pipe temperature T1, record it as the detection temperature mutation value △T1;

[0011] Step 3: Determine water usage status:

[0012] According to the above-mentioned outlet pipe temperature T1, inner tank temperature T2, hot and cold water temperature difference T3, and detected temperature mutation value △T1, combined with the set outlet water temperature Ts, the set hot and cold water temperature difference interval D1, and the set temperature mutation value △T, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled and adjusted to determine whether the storage water heater is in water use or water off state.

[0013] Furthermore, in step three, the specific steps of determining whether the storage water heater is in a water-using state are as follows:

[0014] S1. When the calculated detection temperature mutation value △T1 is continuously accumulated within the set time t1 and is greater than or equal to the set temperature mutation value △T, it is determined that the storage water heater is in the water state;

[0015] S2. When the outlet pipe temperature T1 is greater than or less than the set outlet water temperature Ts, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled and adjusted. When it is detected that the outlet pipe temperature T1 gradually approaches the set outlet water temperature Ts, the inner tank temperature T2 is maintained or cooled, or the hot and cold water temperature difference T3 is gradually maintained within the hot and cold water temperature difference interval D1, it is determined that the storage water heater is in the water use state;

[0016] S3. When the outlet pipe temperature T1 is equal to the set outlet water temperature Ts, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled and adjusted. When it is detected that the outlet pipe temperature T1 continues to be equal to the set outlet water temperature Ts, the inner tank temperature T2 is maintained or cooled, or the hot and cold water temperature difference T3 is gradually maintained within the hot and cold water temperature difference interval D1, it is determined that the storage water heater is in the water use state;

[0017] The specific steps of determining that the storage water heater is in the water-off state are as follows:

[0018] S4. The detected outlet pipe temperature T1 continues to decrease, the inner tank temperature T2 continues to rise or rises until it remains constant, and the automatic mixing valve that controls the ratio of hot and cold water does not change, determining that the storage water heater is in the water-off state;

[0019] S5. When the automatic water mixing valve is controlled to adjust the proportion of hot water output to the maximum, within time t2, the detected water outlet pipe temperature T1 is different from the set water outlet temperature Ts and continues to decrease, determining that the storage water heater is in the water-off state.

[0020] Furthermore, the set outlet water temperature Ts is set by the control module according to user needs; the set cold and hot water temperature difference range D1 is 2-5°C; and the set temperature mutation value ΔT is 1-3°C.

[0021] Furthermore, the set temperature mutation value ΔT is 2°C.

[0022] Furthermore, in step S2, the time t1 is set to 5-10s, preferably 5s; in step S2, when the outlet pipe temperature T1 is greater than or less than the set outlet water temperature Ts, the specific steps of controlling and adjusting the automatic water mixing valve are as follows:

[0023] When the outlet pipe temperature T1 is greater than the set outlet water temperature Ts, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled to adjust the outlet pipe temperature T1 to be equal to the set outlet water temperature Ts within 20-30 seconds;

[0024] In step S3, when the temperature difference T3 between cold and hot water is maintained in the temperature difference interval D1, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled to adjust the proportion of hot water output to the maximum during continued use.

[0025] Furthermore, in step S5, the time t2 is 30-35s.

[0026] Furthermore, the water storage water heater also includes a shell, a heating unit and a connecting pipe; the inner tank is installed in the shell; the heating unit is arranged in the inner tank; the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are respectively connected to the water inlet and the water outlet of the inner tank; the inner tank, the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are all provided with the temperature detection unit for detecting the water temperature; the automatic water mixing valve is connected to the water outlet pipe; the water inlet pipe and the automatic water mixing valve are connected through the connecting pipe; the temperature detection units on the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are respectively located below the connecting pipe and the automatic water mixing valve; the control module is electrically connected to the temperature detection unit, the heating unit and the automatic water mixing valve respectively.

[0027] Furthermore, the temperature detection unit is a thermocouple temperature sensor or a thermistor temperature sensor.

[0028] Furthermore, there are 1 or 2 inner containers.

[0029] Furthermore, the water inlet pipe, water outlet pipe and connecting pipe are all copper pipes, aluminum alloy pipes, stainless steel pipes, high-pressure hoses or nylon plastic pipes.

[0030] Compared with the existing technology, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0031] The present invention is implemented by a constant temperature storage water heater. By setting an inner tank, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, an automatic water mixing valve, a control module and a temperature detection module, the judgment based on temperature change is applied according to the set method steps, which are temperature data collection, temperature difference calculation and water use status judgment, and accurately judge whether the water storage water heater is in water use or water off state. Compared with traditional water storage water heaters, the water flow monitoring device is eliminated, making the pipeline more unobstructed and avoiding blockage problems caused by scale, impurities, etc. At the same time, the judgment method based on temperature change is more intelligent and reliable, reducing maintenance costs, and improving the service life of the water storage water heater and user experience. In addition, the method is easy to implement, low cost, and has broad application prospects. It has been promoted and used, and the use effect has been well received by users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] The present application will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific implementation methods.

[0033] Figure 1 It is a flowchart of a method for judging whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature changes according to the present invention.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a structural schematic diagram of the water storage type water heater of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of electrical connections between various structures of the storage water heater of the present invention.

[0036] The diagram includes:

[0037] Shell 1, inner tank 2, water inlet pipe 3, water outlet pipe 4, control module 5, temperature detection module 6, heating unit 7, automatic water mixing valve 8, connecting pipe 9. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] The following embodiments of the present invention are described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are used to illustrate the present invention but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0039] like Figures 1 to 3As shown, a method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature changes is implemented using a constant-temperature storage water heater or a constant-temperature storage water heater. Regardless of changes in water flow or water pressure, the outlet water temperature remains consistent with the set temperature, providing users with a stable hot water experience. The storage water heater includes an inner tank 2, a water inlet pipe 3, a water outlet pipe 4, an automatic mixing valve 8, a control module 5, and a temperature detection module 6 for detecting the water temperature at the inner tank 2, the water inlet pipe 3, and the water outlet pipe 4, respectively. The inner tank 2 is mounted within the housing 1 and serves as a container for storing hot water. The heating unit 7 is disposed within the inner tank 2. The water inlet pipe 3 and the water outlet pipe 4 are connected to the water inlet and outlet of the inner tank 2, respectively. The inner tank 2, the water inlet pipe 3, and the water outlet pipe 4 are each provided with a temperature detection unit for detecting water temperature, thereby monitoring the water temperature at each location in real time. Preferably, the temperature detection unit is a thermocouple temperature sensor or a thermistor temperature sensor. The automatic mixing valve 8 is connected to the outlet pipe 4, and the inlet pipe 3 and the automatic mixing valve 8 are connected via the connecting pipe 9. The main purpose of the automatic mixing valve 8 is to automatically adjust the mixing ratio of hot and cold water according to a preset temperature. The temperature detection units on the inlet pipe 3 and outlet pipe 4 are located below the connecting pipe 9 and the automatic mixing valve 8, respectively. This positioning of the temperature detection units on the inlet pipe 3 and outlet pipe 4 ensures the accuracy of the detection data and provides a basis for precise control. The control module 5 is electrically connected to the temperature detection unit, the heating unit 7, and the automatic mixing valve 8. As the core of the system, the control module 5 is responsible for receiving data from the temperature detection unit and controlling the operating status of the heating unit 7 and the automatic mixing valve 8. This design allows the power of the heating unit 7 to be dynamically adjusted based on the data from the temperature detection unit, and the outlet water temperature can be precisely controlled through the automatic mixing valve 8 to meet diverse user needs. Furthermore, during the heating process, the control module 5 dynamically adjusts the heating power according to changes in water temperature to avoid energy waste caused by excessive heating. Furthermore, precise adjustment of the automatic water mixing valve 8 reduces repeated heating and mixing of hot and cold water, further improving energy efficiency. The water inlet pipe 3, the water outlet pipe 4, and the connecting pipe 9 are all made of copper, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, high-pressure rubber, or nylon plastic. Of course, the materials are not limited to these, and other materials may also be used to make the water inlet pipe 3, the water outlet pipe 4, and the connecting pipe 9.

[0040] Therefore, by integrating the intelligent control module 5 with the temperature detection unit, the storage water heater achieves precise control of water temperature and efficient utilization. Combined with a method for determining whether to use or shut off the water in the storage water heater based on temperature changes, this intelligent control logic not only improves the user experience but also reduces energy consumption, offering significant technical advantages and market prospects.

[0041] In this embodiment, there is one inner tank 2. Of course, in other embodiments, two or more inner tanks may be used as needed. The inner tank 2 can have different structures, including double tanks, single tanks, vertical tanks, horizontal tanks, and other different structures. Regardless of the different inner tanks 2, the method for determining whether a storage water heater is using or shutting off water based on temperature changes can be used to determine whether the water is being used or shut off.

[0042] It should be noted that the automatic water mixing valve 8 and the control module 5 are both commonly used standard parts or structures known to those skilled in the art, and their structures and principles can be known to those skilled in the art through technical manuals or conventional experimental methods.

[0043] A method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature changes, implemented using a constant temperature storage water heater, includes the following steps:

[0044] Step 1: Temperature data collection:

[0045] The temperatures of the water outlet pipe 4 and the inner tank 2 are obtained and recorded as the water outlet pipe 4 temperature T1 and the inner tank 2 temperature T2 respectively; wherein, the storage water heater adopts a constant temperature storage water heater, the temperature of the inner tank 2 is always higher than the temperature of the water outlet pipe 4, and the hot water in the water outlet pipe 4 is constant temperature set hot water.

[0046] Step 2: Calculate the temperature difference:

[0047] Calculate the difference between the two temperatures of the inner tank 2 and the water outlet pipe 4 at the same time, record it as the hot and cold water temperature difference T3, and the difference between the temperature T1 of the previous water outlet pipe 4 and the temperature T1 of the next water outlet pipe 4, record it as the detection temperature mutation value △T1;

[0048] Step 3: Determine water usage status:

[0049] Based on the above-mentioned outlet pipe 4 temperature T1, inner tank 2 temperature T2, hot and cold water temperature difference T3, detected temperature mutation value ΔT1, combined with the set water outlet temperature Ts, set hot and cold water temperature difference interval D1, set temperature mutation value ΔT, and control and adjust the automatic water mixing valve to determine whether the water storage water heater is in the water supply or water shut-off state. The set water outlet temperature Ts is set by the control module 5 according to user needs, preferably 30-75°C, specifically 30°C, 31°C, 32°C, 33°C, 34°C, 35°C, 36°C, 37°C, 38°C, 39°C, 40°C, 41°C, 42°C, 43°C, 44°C, 45°C, 46°C, 47°C, 48°C, 49°C, 50°C, 51°C, 52°C, 53°C, 54°C, 55°C, 65°C, 75°C. The set hot and cold water temperature difference interval D1 is 2-5°C. The set temperature mutation value ΔT is 1-3°C, preferably 2°C.

[0050] The specific steps to determine whether a storage water heater is in water use are as follows:

[0051] S1. When the calculated cumulative value of the detected temperature mutation value ΔT1 within the set time t1 is greater than or equal to the set temperature mutation value ΔT, the water storage water heater is determined to be in the water use state; this is recorded as starting water use. The set time t1 is 5-10 seconds, preferably 5 seconds.

[0052] S2. When the temperature T1 of the water outlet pipe 4 is greater than or less than the set water outlet temperature Ts, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled and adjusted. When the temperature T1 of the water outlet pipe 4 is greater than or less than the set water outlet temperature Ts, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled and adjusted. Within 20-30 seconds, the temperature T1 of the water outlet pipe 4 is adjusted to be equal to the set water outlet temperature Ts. When it is detected that the temperature T1 of the water outlet pipe 4 gradually tends to be equal to the set water outlet temperature Ts, the temperature T2 of the inner tank 2 is maintained or cooled, or the temperature difference T3 of the hot and cold water is gradually maintained within the temperature difference interval D1, it is determined that the storage water heater is in the water use state.

[0053] S3. When the temperature T1 of the water outlet pipe 4 is equal to the set water outlet temperature Ts, the control module 5 controls the automatic water mixing valve to adjust. When the temperature difference T3 of the cold and hot water is maintained in the cold and hot water temperature difference interval D1, during continued use, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled to adjust the proportion of hot water output to the maximum. When it is detected that the temperature T1 of the water outlet pipe 4 continues to be equal to the set water outlet temperature Ts, the temperature T2 of the inner tank 2 is maintained or cooled, or the temperature difference T3 of the cold and hot water is gradually maintained in the cold and hot water temperature difference interval D1, it is determined that the storage water heater is in a water use state.

[0054] Steps S2 and S3 are mainly for determining that water use has started, and the control module 5 controls and adjusts the hot and cold water outlet ratio of the automatic water mixing valve to achieve the effect of constant temperature water outlet. Then, based on the changes in the outlet pipe 4 temperature T1, the inner tank 2 temperature T2, the hot and cold water temperature difference T3, and the set outlet water temperature Ts and the set hot and cold water temperature difference interval D1, it is accurately determined that the storage water heater is in a state of continuing water use.

[0055] And, the specific steps to determine whether the storage water heater is in the water-off state are as follows:

[0056] S4. The outlet pipe temperature T1 detected 4 continues to decrease, the inner tank temperature T2 continues to rise or rises until it remains constant, and the automatic valve controlling the mixing water adjusts the ratio of hot and cold water without changing, and determines that the storage water heater is in the water-off state;

[0057] S5. When the automatic water mixing valve is controlled to adjust the hot water output ratio to a maximum within time t2, which is 30-35 seconds, preferably 30 seconds, the detected outlet pipe 4 temperature T1 is different from the set outlet water temperature Ts and continues to decrease, and the storage water heater is determined to be in the water-off state.

[0058] In summary, the embodiments of the present invention provide a method for determining whether a water storage water heater is using water or turning off water based on temperature changes. This method is implemented using a constant-temperature water storage water heater by providing an inner tank 2, a water inlet pipe 3, a water outlet pipe 4, a control module 5, and a temperature detection module 6. Based on the judgment of temperature changes, the method is applied according to the set method steps, which are temperature data acquisition, temperature difference calculation, and water use status judgment, to accurately determine whether the water storage water heater is in the water use or water off state. Compared with traditional water storage water heaters, the water flow monitoring device is eliminated, making the pipeline more unobstructed and avoiding blockage problems caused by scale, impurities, etc. At the same time, the judgment method based on temperature changes is more intelligent and reliable, reducing maintenance costs, and improving the service life of the water storage water heater and user experience. In addition, the method is easy to implement, low-cost, and has broad application prospects. It has been promoted and used, and the results have been well received by users.

[0059] The above is only a preferred embodiment of the present application. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and replacements can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present application. These improvements and replacements should also be regarded as the scope of protection of the present application.

Claims

1. A method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature changes, implemented using a constant-temperature storage water heater, the storage water heater comprising an inner tank, a water inlet pipe, a water outlet pipe, an automatic water mixing valve, a control module, and temperature detection modules for detecting the water temperatures at the inner tank, the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet pipe, respectively; characterized in that: The steps include: Step 1: Temperature data collection: Get the temperature of the water outlet pipe and the inner tank, which are recorded as the water outlet pipe temperature T1 and the inner tank temperature T2 respectively; Step 2: Calculate the temperature difference: Calculate the difference between the two temperatures of the inner tank and the outlet pipe at the same time, record it as the hot and cold water temperature difference T3, and the difference between the adjacent previous outlet pipe temperature T1 and the next outlet pipe temperature T1, record it as the detection temperature mutation value △T1; Step 3: Determine water usage status: According to the above-mentioned water outlet pipe temperature T1, inner tank temperature T2, hot and cold water temperature difference T3, detected temperature mutation value △T1, combined with the set water outlet temperature Ts, set hot and cold water temperature difference interval D1, set temperature mutation value △T, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled and adjusted to determine whether the storage water heater is in water use or water off state.

2. The method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature change according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step three, the specific steps of determining whether the storage water heater is in a water-using state are as follows: S1. When the calculated detection temperature mutation value △T1 is continuously accumulated within the set time t1 and is greater than or equal to the set temperature mutation value △T, it is determined that the storage water heater is in the water state; S2. When the outlet pipe temperature T1 is greater than or less than the set outlet water temperature Ts, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled and adjusted. When it is detected that the outlet pipe temperature T1 gradually approaches the set outlet water temperature Ts, the inner tank temperature T2 is maintained or cooled, or the hot and cold water temperature difference T3 is gradually maintained within the hot and cold water temperature difference interval D1, it is determined that the storage water heater is in the water use state; S3. When the outlet pipe temperature T1 is equal to the set outlet water temperature Ts, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled and adjusted. When it is detected that the outlet pipe temperature T1 continues to be equal to the set outlet water temperature Ts, the inner tank temperature T2 is maintained or cooled, or the hot and cold water temperature difference T3 is gradually maintained within the hot and cold water temperature difference interval D1, it is determined that the storage water heater is in the water use state; The specific steps of determining that the storage water heater is in the water-off state are as follows: S4. The detected outlet pipe temperature T1 continues to decrease, the inner tank temperature T2 continues to rise or rises until it remains constant, and the automatic mixing valve that controls the ratio of hot and cold water does not change, determining that the storage water heater is in the off state; S5. When the automatic water mixing valve is controlled to adjust the proportion of hot water output to the maximum, within time t2, the detected water outlet pipe temperature T1 is different from the set water outlet temperature Ts and continues to decrease, determining that the storage water heater is in the water-off state.

3. The method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature change according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The set outlet water temperature Ts is set by the control module according to user needs; the set hot and cold water temperature difference range D1 is 2-5°C; the set temperature mutation value ΔT is 1-3°C.

4. The method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature change according to claim 3, characterized in that: The set temperature mutation value ΔT is 2°C.

5. The method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature change according to claim 4, characterized in that: In step S2, set time t1 to 5-10s; In step S2, when the outlet water temperature T1 is greater than or less than the set outlet water temperature Ts, the specific steps of controlling and adjusting the automatic water mixing valve are as follows: When the outlet pipe temperature T1 is greater than the set outlet water temperature Ts, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled to adjust the outlet pipe temperature T1 to be equal to the set outlet water temperature Ts within 20-30 seconds; In step S3, when the temperature difference T3 between cold and hot water is maintained in the temperature difference interval D1, the automatic water mixing valve is controlled to adjust the proportion of hot water output to the maximum during continued use; In step S5, the time t2 is 30-35s.

6. The method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature change according to claim 4, characterized in that: Set time t1 to 5s.

7. The method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature change according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water storage water heater also includes a shell, a heating unit and a connecting pipe; the inner tank is installed in the shell; the heating unit is arranged in the inner tank; the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are respectively connected to the water inlet and the water outlet of the inner tank; the inner tank, the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are all provided with the temperature detection unit for detecting the water temperature; the automatic water mixing valve is connected to the water outlet pipe; the water inlet pipe and the automatic water mixing valve are connected through the connecting pipe; the temperature detection units on the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are respectively located below the connecting pipe and the automatic water mixing valve; the control module is electrically connected to the temperature detection unit, the heating unit and the automatic water mixing valve.

8. The method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature change according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature detection unit is a thermocouple temperature sensor or a thermistor temperature sensor.

9. The method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature change according to claim 1, characterized in that: The number of the inner containers is one or two.

10. The method for determining whether to use or shut off water in a storage water heater based on temperature change according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water inlet pipe, the water outlet pipe and the connecting pipe are all made of copper pipes, aluminum alloy pipes, stainless steel pipes, high-pressure rubber pipes or nylon plastic pipes.

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