Water usage prediction method for a water heater and water heater

Abstract

The application discloses a water prediction method for a water heater and the water heater. The water prediction method comprises the following steps: acquiring parameter values of the water heater, i.e. water use time t, heating power P and water temperature difference value before and after water use ΔT; introducing the acquired parameter values into a water consumption prediction model to calculate the water consumption of the water heater. The water prediction method for the water heater only needs to acquire the water use time, the heating power and the water temperature difference value before and after water use, and then the water consumption can be calculated, so that the water consumption of the user can be predicted, the method of machine intelligent self-learning is realized, the water flow sensor and the water inlet temperature sensor do not need to be arranged to acquire the water consumption, the cost of the water heater is reduced, the problem of repeated heating of the water heater and power waste is solved, and the user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of water heaters, specifically, it relates to a method for predicting water usage in a water heater and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] With the continuous development of IoT technology, IoT water heaters have entered thousands of households. Currently, the industry's self-learning functions for water heaters are mainly divided into two categories. One is time-based machine self-learning. The water heater's hardware includes a clock chip (or circuits / devices with time storage functions) and a water flow sensor. Based on the machine's water usage time and through a certain algorithm, it can predict water usage time at the machine level. The drawback of this type of self-learning method is that it cannot predict water volume and cannot automatically set the water temperature for the user.

[0003] Second: Self-learning based on time and water volume. The water heater's hardware includes a WiFi module, water flow and temperature sensors, inlet water temperature sensor, and inner tank water temperature sensor. The system uploads real-time water usage time and flow data from the device, and uses cloud-based big data to calculate water volume for each usage period. A prediction table of water volume, mode, and temperature is generated using a specific algorithm and pushed to the server. The server then pushes the prediction table back to the device according to its rules. This type of self-learning method has high hardware costs and is not suitable for low- to mid-range water heaters.

[0004] Currently, products priced around 1000 yuan on the market generally only offer features such as selectable heating power, infrared remote control, and WiFi. Due to cost constraints, low-priced electric water heaters cannot simultaneously incorporate WiFi, water flow sensors, and inlet water temperature sensors. Therefore, they cannot achieve intelligent self-learning functions that predict bathing patterns based on time and water consumption.

[0005] In view of this, the present invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The technical problem to be solved by this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art and provide a water consumption prediction method for water heaters. The water consumption can be calculated by the temperature difference before and after water use, thereby predicting the user's water consumption. This method realizes machine intelligent self-learning, eliminates the need for water flow sensor detection in the water heater, reduces the cost of water heaters, solves the problem of repeated heating and high electricity consumption, and improves the user experience.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the basic concept of the technical solution adopted by the present invention is to provide a method for predicting water usage in a water heater, including...

[0008] Obtain the following parameters of the water heater: water usage time t, heating power P, and water temperature difference ΔT before and after water usage;

[0009] The obtained parameter values ​​are imported into the water consumption prediction model to calculate the water consumption of the water heater.

[0010] The water consumption prediction method of this invention only needs to obtain the water consumption time, heating power and water temperature difference before and after water consumption to calculate the water consumption, thereby predicting the user's water consumption. It realizes the machine's intelligent self-learning method, which does not require the setting of a water flow sensor to obtain water consumption, reduces the cost of water heaters, solves the problem of repeated heating and resulting in high electricity consumption, and improves the user experience.

[0011] Furthermore, the water consumption prediction model is as follows:

[0012] Where m is the predicted water quality, Ett is the total energy consumption for water use, c is the specific heat capacity of water, and m1 is the water volume of the inner tank.

[0013] Furthermore, before or after obtaining the parameter values ​​t, P, and ΔT, the water consumption prediction model and parameters are invoked.

[0014] Furthermore, the change in water temperature inside the water heater is detected to determine whether the water use triggering condition and the water use ending condition are met, the water use start time and end time are obtained, and the water use time t of the water heater is calculated.

[0015] Preferably, the time 'a' prior to the water usage trigger time is used as the water usage start time.

[0016] Furthermore, the water-use trigger condition is as follows: obtain the water temperature of the water tank of the water heater, determine whether the time interval ta of continuously decreasing by n times 1℃ satisfies ta≤ preset value Set1, or determine whether the cooling rate of the water temperature in the water tank satisfies ≥Set2. If satisfied, the water heater is triggered to use water.

[0017] Preferably, Set1 is 5 minutes and Set2 is 10°C / h;

[0018] Preferably, the cumulative water usage time is increased by 1 / min. If the water temperature in the inner tank decreases and the water usage trigger state is not triggered, the cumulative no-water usage time is increased by 1 / min.

[0019] Furthermore, the water-triggered judgment condition is as follows:

[0020] Get the inner tank water temperature Ts and time point t1 when the water heater starts heating, and get the inner tank water temperature Tn and time point t2 when the water heater finishes heating.

[0021] Determine whether the heating time t2-t1 is greater than or equal to the preset value Set3. If t2-t1 < Set3, water use will not be triggered. If t2-t1 is greater than or equal to the preset value Set3, determine whether water use should be triggered based on whether the water temperature in the inner tank satisfies Tn ≤ Ts.

[0022] Preferably, Set3 is 5 minutes.

[0023] Furthermore, if Tn≤Ts, then water is used for triggering;

[0024] If Tn > Ts, calculate whether the ratio of heating energy consumption W = P·(t2-t1) and internal energy required for water temperature rise E = c·Q·ρ·(Tn-Ts) satisfies ≥ preset value Set4. If it does, then use water to trigger.

[0025] Where Q is the volume of the inner tank and ρ is the density of water;

[0026] Preferably, Set4 is 1.5.

[0027] Furthermore, the water usage termination condition is as follows: after water usage is triggered, if the cumulative time without water usage is greater than or equal to the preset value Set5, then water usage terminates; if the cumulative time without water usage is less than the preset value Set5, and the water heater has finished heating, then water usage terminates.

[0028] Alternatively, once the water heater has finished heating, the water usage will stop.

[0029] Preferably, Set5 is 60 minutes.

[0030] Furthermore, the obtained predicted water consumption m is imported into the water temperature prediction model to obtain the water temperature;

[0031] The water temperature prediction model is as follows:

[0032] Where T0 is the warm water temperature, T2 is the preset inlet water temperature, V is the predicted water consumption, and Q is the inner tank volume.

[0033] The present invention also provides a water heater employing any of the above-described methods for predicting water usage.

[0034] By adopting the above technical solution, the present invention has the following beneficial effects compared with the prior art.

[0035] The water consumption prediction method of this invention only needs to obtain the water consumption time, heating power and water temperature difference before and after water consumption to calculate the water consumption, thereby predicting the user's water consumption. It realizes the machine's intelligent self-learning method, which does not require the setting of a water flow sensor to obtain water consumption, reduces the cost of water heaters, solves the problem of repeated heating and resulting in high electricity consumption, and improves the user experience.

[0036] The specific embodiments of the present invention will now be described in further detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings, as part of this invention, are used to provide a further understanding of the invention. The illustrative embodiments and descriptions of the invention are used to explain the invention, but do not constitute an undue limitation of the invention. Obviously, the drawings described below are merely some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort. In the drawings:

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a water heater water usage prediction method according to the present invention;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of another method for predicting water usage in a water heater according to the present invention.

[0040] It should be noted that these accompanying drawings and textual descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way, but rather to illustrate the concept of the invention to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0041] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The following embodiments are used to illustrate the present invention, but are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention.

[0042] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limiting this invention.

[0043] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0044] like Figures 1 to 2 As shown, the water usage prediction method for water heaters according to the present invention includes,

[0045] Obtain the following parameters of the water heater: water usage time t, heating power P, and water temperature difference ΔT before and after water usage;

[0046] The obtained parameter values ​​are imported into the water consumption prediction model to calculate the water consumption of the water heater.

[0047] The water consumption prediction method for water heaters in this invention only requires obtaining the water consumption time, heating power, and water temperature difference before and after water consumption to calculate the water consumption, thereby predicting the user's water consumption. This method realizes machine intelligent self-learning and eliminates the need for water flow sensors and inlet water temperature sensors to obtain water consumption, reducing the cost of water heaters, solving the problems of repeated heating and high electricity consumption caused by water heaters, and improving the user experience.

[0048] Preferably, the water temperature difference before and after water use is obtained through an inner tank water temperature sensor, eliminating the need for other temperature or water flow sensors to determine water consumption, thus reducing the cost of the water heater. Preferably, the parameter value also includes the inner tank volume Q of the water heater.

[0049] Furthermore, the water consumption prediction model is as follows:

[0050] Where m represents the predicted water quality, Ett represents the total energy consumption of water use, c represents the specific heat capacity of water, and m1 represents the water volume of the inner tank. Specifically, the water volume m1 of the inner tank is a preset value of the water consumption prediction model, or the water volume m1 of the inner tank is obtained through a query.

[0051] The internal energy required for the water temperature to rise is ΔE, which is calculated using ΔE = c·m1·ΔT. The electrical energy consumption of the water heater is ΔW, which is calculated using ΔW = P·t.

[0052] When water is used and then heated in a water heater, if the water consumption is small, the water heater may finish heating the water after the water is used up, resulting in a temperature difference of 0 or a positive value. If the water consumption is large, the water heater may not finish heating the water after the water is used up, resulting in a negative temperature difference. Therefore, calculating water consumption solely based on the calculated electrical energy consumption ΔW of the water heater or the internal energy required to raise the water temperature ΔE is inaccurate.

[0053] Before or after obtaining the parameter values ​​t, P, and ΔT, the water consumption prediction model and parameters are invoked. Alternatively, after obtaining the parameter values ​​t, P, and ΔT, they can be sent to the cloud or server, which stores the water consumption prediction model and parameters. The parameter values ​​t, P, and ΔT are then imported into the water consumption prediction model to calculate the water consumption m, which can then be set as the predicted water consumption.

[0054] The water consumption prediction model can be stored in the water heater, and the water heater can directly call the water consumption prediction model and parameters.

[0055] Alternatively, the water consumption prediction model is stored in the cloud or a database, and the water heater communicates with the cloud or database via WIFI or IoT to call the water consumption prediction model and parameters.

[0056] The parameters include the water volume (m1) of the inner tank. Preferably, the parameters also include the heating power (P), which is obtained by calling a function. One or more water consumption prediction models are stored in the cloud or database, and these models can be optimized and updated.

[0057] Furthermore, the change in water temperature inside the water heater is detected to determine whether the water use triggering condition and the water use ending condition are met, the water use start time and end time are obtained, and the water use time t of the water heater is calculated.

[0058] In this invention, the time point at which water is triggered can be used as the water usage start time.

[0059] The preferred approach is to use the time 'a' prior to the water usage trigger time as the water usage start time. Specifically, 10 minutes before the water usage trigger time is taken as the water usage start time.

[0060] This invention uses the time 'a' that is pushed forward from the water usage trigger time as the water usage start time, making the water usage start time more accurate and the predicted water usage time more accurate, thus ensuring the user's water usage needs are met.

[0061] One implementation involves using a water-triggered judgment condition: obtaining the water temperature inside the water heater tank and determining whether the time interval ta for each of the n consecutive 1°C decreases satisfies ta ≤ a preset value Set1. Preferably, Set1 is 5 minutes.

[0062] Specifically, if the temperature drops by 1°C three times consecutively, and the time interval between each 1°C drop is ≤5 minutes, then a water use event is considered to have started, and the water use violation is considered to have occurred. The water use start time is determined by counting back 10 minutes from the first temperature drop.

[0063] Alternatively, determine whether the cooling rate of the inner tank water temperature meets or exceeds Set2. If it does, the water heater is triggered to use water. Preferably, the water temperature drop value is greater than the preset value b, and the cooling rate of the inner tank water temperature meets or exceeds Set2, then the water heater is triggered to use water.

[0064] Preferably, the preset value b ≥ 1. Set2 is 10℃ / h.

[0065] Specifically, if a temperature drop is greater than 1℃, the cooling rate is calculated based on the drop value of the last data point before and after the temperature change, and the interval. If the cooling rate is ≥10℃ / h, it is considered that a water use event has started and water use is triggered. The water use start time is taken as 10 minutes prior to the last data point before the temperature change.

[0066] Furthermore, the cumulative water usage time will be increased by 1 / 1 minute. If the water temperature in the inner tank decreases and the water usage trigger state is not triggered, the cumulative no-water usage time will be increased by 1 / 1 minute.

[0067] Another implementation is that the water-triggered judgment condition is: to obtain the inner tank water temperature Ts and time point t1 when the water heater starts heating, and to obtain the inner tank water temperature Tn and time point t2 when the water heater finishes heating.

[0068] Determine whether the heating time t2-t1 is greater than or equal to the preset value Set3. If t2-t1 < Set3, water use will not be triggered. If t2-t1 is greater than or equal to the preset value Set3, determine whether water use will be triggered based on whether the inner tank water temperature satisfies Tn≤Ts.

[0069] Preferably, Set3 is 5 minutes.

[0070] A further proposed approach is to use water as the trigger if Tn ≤ Ts.

[0071] If Tn > Ts, calculate whether the ratio of heating energy consumption W = P·(t2-t1) and internal energy required for water temperature increase E = c·Q·ρ·(Tn-Ts) satisfies ≥ preset value Set4. If it does, then use water to trigger.

[0072] Where Q is the volume of the inner tank and ρ is the density of water.

[0073] Preferably, the Set4 value ranges from 1.33 to 1.5.

[0074] This implementation method makes a judgment based on the fact that the electrical energy consumed by the water heater during the heating process significantly exceeds the internal energy required for the water temperature to rise during the heating phase.

[0075] When heating begins (the water heater status changes from keep-warm to heating or the actual power changes from 0 to non-0), record time t1 and temperature T1, and start accumulating the energy consumption W for this heating cycle. When heating is complete (the status changes from heating to keep-warm or the actual power changes from non-0 to 0), record time t2 and temperature T2, and stop accumulating the energy consumption W for this heating cycle.

[0076] Specifically:

[0077] If t2-t1<5min, the water-based triggering is considered invalid and should be discarded.

[0078] If t2-t1≥5min and T2≤T1, water usage is triggered directly. Record the water usage start time as 10min prior to the start heating time.

[0079] If t2-t1≥5min and T2>T1, then perform the following calculations and judgments:

[0080] ① Calculate the internal energy required for the water temperature to rise: E = cm1ΔT = 4.2 kJ / L·Q·(Tn-Ts), unit: kJ;

[0081] The energy consumption for heating as the water temperature rises is W = Pt; Q: machine volume, in L.

[0082] ②If W / E ≥ 1.5, it is considered to be triggered by water use, and the water use start time is recorded 10 minutes before the start heating time.

[0083] The conditions for stopping water use are as follows: after water use is triggered, if the cumulative time without water use is greater than or equal to the preset value Set5, then water use will stop; if the cumulative time without water use is less than the preset value Set5, and the water heater has finished heating, then water use will stop.

[0084] Alternatively, once the water heater has finished heating, the water usage will end.

[0085] Preferably, Set5 is 60 minutes.

[0086] Specifically, if no water usage is detected for ≥60 minutes and the temperature inside the water heater tank is relatively uniform, the internal energy calculation error is small, and water usage can be considered complete. And / or, if the temperature inside the water heater tank is relatively uniform when heating is complete, and the internal energy calculation error is small, then water usage is considered complete.

[0087] If heating is not completed within 60 minutes of water usage, the water usage will end.

[0088] like Figure 2 As shown, the method for predicting the water temperature of water heater users is to import the obtained predicted water consumption into the water temperature prediction model to obtain the predicted water temperature.

[0089] The water temperature prediction model is as follows:

[0090] Where T0 is the warm water temperature, T2 is the preset inlet water temperature, V is the predicted water consumption, and Q is the inner tank volume.

[0091] This invention eliminates the need for inlet water temperature and flow sensors; it calculates inlet water volume and water temperature solely by installing an inner tank water temperature sensor. This allows for the prediction of user water consumption and temperature, saving on water heater costs and improving user experience.

[0092] Based on the calculated predicted water temperature T, the water flow mode of the water heater is set accordingly, as shown in the table below.

[0093] Serial Number Water volume Functional mode Set temperature 1 0-50L Warm water mode 40℃ 2 120L-280L Full-ball mode Calculate according to the formula 3 >280L Maximum water volume mode 80℃

[0094] If T≤40℃, the function is set to warm water mode;

[0095] If 40℃<T≤75℃, the function is set to full-tube mode, and the temperature is set to T;

[0096] If 75℃<T≤80℃, the function is set to maximum water volume mode.

[0097] One specific implementation is that, after obtaining the parameter values ​​t, P, and ΔT, the parameter values ​​t, P, and ΔT can be sent to the cloud or server, where the cloud or server stores a water consumption prediction model and parameters. The parameter values ​​t, P, and ΔT are then imported into the water consumption prediction model to calculate the water consumption m.

[0098] The water consumption m is imported into the water temperature prediction model to calculate the water temperature T. Based on the water temperature T, the water heater's function mode is determined. The cloud or server then sends the function mode to the water heater, which heats the incoming water according to the chosen function mode.

[0099] The present invention also provides a water heater employing any of the above-described methods for predicting water usage.

[0100] Preferably, the water heater has an inner tank water temperature sensor.

[0101] The water heater described above uses a water usage prediction method that eliminates the need for inlet water temperature and flow sensors. It only requires an inner tank water temperature sensor or, alternatively, an inner tank water temperature sensor and a Wi-Fi module to achieve user-learning functionality, predicting user usage time, volume, and temperature. This avoids prolonged and repeated heating, preventing energy waste and saving user costs.

[0102] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Although the present invention has been disclosed above with reference to preferred embodiments, it is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art can make some modifications or alterations to the above-described technical content to create equivalent embodiments without departing from the scope of the present invention. The implementation schemes in the above embodiments can also be further combined or replaced. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention without departing from the scope of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method of predicting the water of a water heater, characterized by: comprising acquiring parameter values of the water heater: water use time t, heating power P and water temperature difference before and after use △T; introducing the acquired parameter values into the water use prediction model to calculate the water use of the water heater; The water consumption prediction model is: wherein m is the predicted water mass, Ett is the total water use energy consumption, c is the specific heat capacity of water, and m1 is the water volume in the inner tank; detecting the change of the inner tank water temperature of the water heater to determine whether the water use trigger condition and the water use end condition are met, obtain the water use start time and end time, and calculate the water use time t of the water heater; the water use trigger condition is: acquiring the inner tank water temperature of the water heater, determining whether the time interval ta of continuous decrease of n 1℃ satisfies ta≤ preset value Set1, or determining whether the temperature drop rate of the inner tank water temperature satisfies ≥ Set2, if yes, the water use of the water heater is triggered; or, the water use trigger condition is: acquiring the inner tank water temperature Ts at the start of heating of the water heater and the time point t1, and acquiring the inner tank water temperature Tn at the completion of heating of the water heater and the time point t2; determining whether the heating time t2-t1 is ≥ preset value Set3, when t2-t1 < Set3, the water use is not triggered; when t2-t1 ≥ preset value Set3, it is determined whether the water use is triggered according to whether the inner tank water temperature satisfies Tn≤ Ts; the water use end condition is: after the water use is triggered, when the cumulative time of no water use is ≥ preset value Set5, the water use ends; when the cumulative time of no water use is < preset value Set5, if the heating of the water heater is completed, the water use ends; or, the water use ends when the heating of the water heater is completed.

2. A method of predicting the availability of water in a water heater as defined in claim 1, characterized in that: Before or after acquiring the parameter values t, P and △T, the water use prediction model and the parameters are called.

3. The water use prediction method of the water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: the time point a before the water use trigger is the water use start time.

4. A method of predicting the availability of water in a water heater as defined in claim 3, wherein: The Set1 is 5 min, and the Set2 is 10℃ / h.

5. The water use prediction method of the water heater according to claim 3, wherein the cumulative time of the current water use is increased by 1 / min, and if the water use trigger state is not triggered when the water temperature in the inner tank decreases, the cumulative time of no water use is increased by 1 / min.

6. The method of claim 4, wherein: The Set3 is 5 min.

7. The water use prediction method of the water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that: if Tn≤ Ts, the water use is triggered; if Tn> Ts, it is determined whether the ratio of the heating electric energy consumption W=P·(t2-t1) and the inner energy E=c·Q·ρ·(Tn-Ts) required for the water temperature in the inner tank to rise satisfies ≥ preset value Set4, if yes, the water use is triggered; wherein Q is the inner tank volume, and ρ is the density of water.

8. The water use prediction method of the water heater according to claim 7, wherein the Set4 is 1.

5.

9. The method of claim 1, wherein: The Set5 is 60 min.

10. The water use prediction method of the water heater according to any one of claims 1-9, characterized in that: introducing the predicted water use m obtained into the water use temperature prediction model to obtain the water use temperature T; The water temperature prediction model is: wherein T0 is the warm water temperature, T2 is the preset water inlet temperature, V is the predicted water use, and Q is the inner tank volume.

11. A water heater characterised by: A method for predicting the use of water according to any one of claims 1 to 10 is employed.

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