Hybrid energy water heater control method and water heater

Abstract

The application discloses a kind of hybrid energy water heater control method and water heater, the method comprises: whether to open electric heating step is judged, whether to open electric heating is judged according to water inlet temperature T2 of electric heating module, water outlet temperature T3 of electric heating module and set temperature Ts;When opening electric heating, whether to execute stop electric heating judging step is detected, when the current state of opening water is once boiled water or non once boiled water, stop electric heating judging step is executed, and stop electric heating when meeting stop electric heating condition.Electric heating and other heating module are included in the hybrid energy water heater control method of the application, whether to open electric heating is judged according to water inlet temperature T2 of electric heating module, water outlet temperature T3 of electric heating module and set temperature Ts, make full use of the advantage that electric heating is fast, and hot water is rapidly output, can solve the technical problems, such as long waiting time of hot water output terminal in prior art and produce undercooked water.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of hot water production devices, specifically, it relates to a control method for a hybrid energy water heater and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, it is common for water heaters to temporarily shut off the water supply for a period of time after continuous use, and then turn it back on. For example, when showering, the water is turned off to apply shower gel or shampoo. However, when the water is turned back on, it can cause a phenomenon called "half-cooked water," meaning that the water will be hot and cold for a short period of time. The alternating hot and cold water results in a very poor showering experience and also poses a risk of scalding. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention addresses the technical problems in existing technologies, such as long waiting times for hot water output at water terminals and the generation of partially heated water due to long hot water output pipes and delays in gas heating. It proposes a hybrid energy water heater control method that can solve the above problems.

[0004] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0005] A method for controlling a hybrid energy water heater, comprising:

[0006] The step of determining whether to turn on the electric heating is based on the inlet water temperature T2 of the electric heating module, the outlet water temperature T3 of the electric heating module, and the set temperature Ts.

[0007] When the electric heating is turned on, the system checks whether to execute the step of stopping the electric heating. If the current water usage status is either hot water or not hot water, the system executes the step of stopping the electric heating and stops the electric heating when the conditions for stopping the electric heating are met.

[0008] Furthermore, the steps for determining whether to turn on the electric heating include:

[0009] Electric heating is activated when T2 < Ts and T3 < Ts, or when T2 shows a decreasing trend on the time axis.

[0010] Furthermore, the steps for determining whether to turn on the electric heating also include:

[0011] When T2 < Ts, it also includes determining whether T2 < Ts < T3 is satisfied. If it is satisfied, electric heating is started.

[0012] Furthermore, before determining whether to activate the electric heating, a step of determining the water flow rate is also included. When the water flow rate is not less than the starting flow rate, the step of determining whether to activate the electric heating is executed.

[0013] Furthermore, the method for determining whether the current water is from a single boil is as follows:

[0014] Determine the trend of T2 on the time axis;

[0015] If T2 first shows a downward trend on the time axis and then shows an upward trend, it is determined that it is not a single boiling water.

[0016] When T2 first shows a downward trend on the time axis and remains so, if T2 < T3 and the duration of electric heating is t1, then the step of stopping electric heating is executed.

[0017] Furthermore, the method for determining whether the current water is boiling is as follows:

[0018] When T2 first shows an upward trend on the time axis, and simultaneously satisfies: T3 < Ts, T2 < Ts, and T2 ≥ T3, it is judged as one boiling point.

[0019] Furthermore, when T3 < Ts, T2 < Ts and T2 ≥ T3 are not true, or when T2 first shows a downward trend on the time axis and remains so, it is determined that when the duration of electric heating is turned on meets t2, the step of stopping electric heating is executed.

[0020] Furthermore, the step of determining whether to stop electric heating includes:

[0021] When the heat load of gas heating is <a1;

[0022] Alternatively, T2 ≥ Ts - a2;

[0023] Alternatively, T3 > Ts - a3;

[0024] Alternatively, when T3 > a4, stop electric heating;

[0025] Among them, a1, a2, a3, and a4 are constants greater than 0.

[0026] Furthermore, before the step of stopping electric heating, there is also a step of determining whether the gas has been ignited and burned. Only when it is determined that the gas has been ignited and burned will the step of stopping electric heating be executed.

[0027] Furthermore, if the duration of electric heating is not t2, and the heat load of gas heating is <a5 and T3>Ts+a6, then the step of stopping electric heating is executed, where 0<a5<a1.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: The hybrid energy water heater control method of the present invention includes electric heating and other heating modules. It determines whether to turn on the electric heating based on the inlet water temperature T2 of the electric heating module, the outlet water temperature T3 of the electric heating module and the set temperature Ts. It makes full use of the advantages of electric heating to heat up quickly and produce hot water rapidly, which can solve the technical problems of long waiting time for hot water output from the water terminal and the generation of half-cooked water in the prior art.

[0029] Other features and advantages of the present invention will become clearer after reading the detailed embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0030] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the hybrid energy water heater proposed in this invention;

[0032] Figure 2 This is a temperature diagram of non-first-time boiling water, representing an embodiment of the hybrid energy water heater control method proposed in this invention.

[0033] Figure 3 This is a temperature diagram of a single boiling point for a hybrid energy water heater control method proposed in this invention.

[0034] Figure 4 This is a partial flowchart of an embodiment of the hybrid energy water heater control method proposed in this invention;

[0035] Figure 5 This is a partial flowchart of an embodiment of the hybrid energy water heater control method proposed in this invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," which indicate directional or positional relationships, are based on the directional or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings. These are merely for ease of description and do not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation; therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] This embodiment proposes a control method for a hybrid energy water heater. The hybrid energy water heater used in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, this hybrid energy is illustrated using a combination of electric heating and gas heating as an example. Other heating combinations, such as solar heating and electric heating, are also possible, but no specific limitations are imposed in this embodiment.

[0040] In this embodiment of the hybrid energy water heater, the electric heating module is preferably located downstream of the gas heating module in the direction of water flow. The electric heating module can heat the water that the gas heating module has not heated in time, thereby increasing the rate of hot water output.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, the hybrid energy water heater in this embodiment includes components such as a burner 10, a heat exchanger 11, an electric heating module 13, a control device 14, an inlet pipe 15, an outlet pipe 16, a second temperature detection module 12, a third temperature detection module 17, and a fan (not shown in the figure). The control device 14 includes a processor, a memory, and a control program for the gas water heater stored in the memory that can be executed by the processor.

[0042] The second temperature detection module 12 is used to detect the inlet water temperature T2 of the electric heating module, and the third temperature detection module 17 is used to detect the outlet water temperature T3 of the electric heating module.

[0043] The burner 10 can burn gas to heat the water flowing in the heat exchanger 11, while the electric heating module 13 uses the principle of electric heating to provide auxiliary electric heating for the water flowing through it. The inlet pipe 15 is connected to the water supply pipe in the user's home to introduce cold water, and the outlet pipe 16 is connected to the water terminal (hot water tap) in the user's home to output hot water.

[0044] To ensure combustion safety, the burner's ignition and combustion are subject to very strict conditions, such as the water flow rate must meet the set flow rate and the fan must be turned on. Due to these conditions, after the user turns on the water, a long period of cold water needs to be discharged before hot water can be output. This long waiting time results in a poor user experience and can easily lead to water waste.

[0045] In addition, users often turn off the water temporarily for a period of time after using it continuously, and then turn it back on. However, when the water is turned on again, it will produce a phenomenon of "half-cooked water", that is, the water will be hot and cold for a period of time at the beginning, resulting in a very poor bathing experience.

[0046] To solve the above problems, such as Figure 4 , Figure 5 As shown, the hybrid energy water heater control method of this embodiment includes:

[0047] The step of determining whether to turn on the electric heating is based on the inlet water temperature T2 of the electric heating module, the outlet water temperature T3 of the electric heating module, and the set temperature Ts.

[0048] The electric heating module 13 is positioned closer to the water terminal, and electric heating has the advantage of fast heating speed. In this embodiment, by detecting the inlet water temperature T2, the outlet water temperature T3, and the set temperature Ts of the electric heating module, it can be determined whether the electric heating module is turned on. The electric heating module 13 executes the heating action in a timely manner according to the control, which can minimize the user's waiting time.

[0049] When the electric heating is turned on, the system checks whether to execute the step of stopping the electric heating. If the current water usage status is either hot water or not hot water, the system executes the step of stopping the electric heating and stops the electric heating when the conditions for stopping the electric heating are met.

[0050] Because this hybrid energy water heater combines gas and electric heating, regardless of whether it's the first or second time boiling water, some cold water will enter the electric heating module when the gas heating is activated due to the lag in gas heating. Therefore, based on the previous steps, the electric heating module is activated for heating. Once the gas heating preparation is complete and effective heating begins, gas heating should be the primary method due to its high energy efficiency and low cost. Therefore, it's necessary to determine whether to deactivate electric heating. When the conditions for deactivating electric heating are met, the electric heating module is turned off. This avoids energy waste and prevents inconsistent temperature fluctuations caused by simultaneous operation of both electric and gas heating.

[0051] In this embodiment, "one-time hot water" refers to the first time the water is turned on within a certain period of time. "Non-one hot water" refers to situations where the user briefly turns off the water during use and then turns it back on; these are all considered non-one-time hot water.

[0052] In this embodiment, both single-use and non-single-use water are considered normal water usage scenarios. At this point, a normal decision is made regarding whether to proceed to the step of stopping the electric heating. However, since other situations may occur during water usage where single-use or non-single-use water is not identified, specific control logic is required to ensure the safety of the heated water.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the step of determining whether to turn on the electric heating includes:

[0054] Electric heating is activated when T2 < Ts and T3 < Ts. This means that neither the water entering nor leaving the electric heating module has reached the set temperature Ts. In this case, the electric heating module needs to be activated to heat the incoming water in a timely manner for the user. If either T2 or T3 is not less than Ts, then there is a possibility of a false alarm, which can be further investigated.

[0055] When T2 shows a downward trend on the time axis, electric heating is activated. That is, if T2 shows a downward trend on the time axis, it means that the burner has burned before, the burner has been turned off and then turned on again, or the heating capacity of the burner has decreased and can no longer meet the user's set temperature. In order to meet the user's water demand, electric heating needs to be activated in time to compensate for the temperature of the water entering it, so as to ensure the continuity of hot water output to the user.

[0056] As a preferred embodiment, the method for determining that T2 shows a downward trend on the time axis in this embodiment is as follows: continuously collect the inlet water temperature of several electric heating modules, namely T20, T21, T22, and T23. If T20 > T21, T21 > T22 and T22 > T2, and T2 < T3, and T2 < T3, it can be determined that T2 shows a downward trend on the time axis.

[0057] Alternatively, when T20 > T22, T21 > T23 and T20 > T23, and when T2 < TS and T2 < T3, it can be determined that T2 shows a downward trend on the time axis.

[0058] The steps to determine whether to turn on the electric heating also include:

[0059] When T2 < Ts, it also includes determining whether T2 < Ts < T3 is satisfied. If it is satisfied, electric heating is started.

[0060] To ensure the safety of electric heating, it is preferable to include a step of determining the water flow rate before determining whether to activate the electric heating. The step of determining whether to activate the electric heating is executed only when the water flow rate is not less than the starting water flow rate. That is, the step of determining whether to activate the electric heating only proceeds when the water flow rate is determined to be ≥ the starting water flow rate; otherwise, the step of determining whether to activate the electric heating is not executed.

[0061] Preferably, in this embodiment, the method for determining whether the current water is not the first - boiled water is as follows:

[0062] Judge the trend of T2 on the time axis;

[0063] If T2 first shows a downward trend and then an upward trend on the time axis, it is judged as non - first - boiled water;

[0064] When T2 first shows a downward trend and remains so, and when it is judged that T2 < T3 and the duration of turning on the electric heating satisfies t1, execute the step of judging to stop the electric heating. If T2 < T3, it reflects that the electric heating module starts to effectively heat at this time. Since the electric heating is only auxiliary heating and cannot always rely on electric heating, therefore, when the duration of turning on the electric heating satisfies t1, execute the step of judging to stop the electric heating in order to save energy while meeting the user's water use.

[0065] In this embodiment, t1 can be set to 5 seconds.

[0066] As Figure 2 shown, it is the water - temperature diagram in the case of non - first - boiled water. The inlet water temperature T2 of the electric heating module, that is, the water temperature output from the gas heating module, is high - temperature water after being heated for the first - boiled water. If the user interrupts the boiling water and then boils water again after a short time interval, due to the lag of starting the gas heating, T2 will first show a downward trend, and as the gas starts to heat, T2 will show an upward trend.

[0067] Preferably, the method for determining whether the current water is the first - boiled water is as follows:

[0068] When T2 first shows an upward trend on the time axis and at the same time satisfies: T3 < Ts, T2 < Ts, and T2 ≥ T3, it is judged as the first - boiled water.

[0069] As Figure 3 shown, it is the water - temperature diagram in the case of the first - boiled water. The inlet water temperature T2 of the electric heating module is first the cold - water temperature entering from the water pipe. As the gas starts to heat, T2 will show an upward trend.

[0070] The method for judging that T2 first shows an upward trend on the time axis is as follows: If T2 < Ts, continuously collect the inlet water temperatures of a number of electric heating modules, which are T20, T21, T22, T23 respectively. If T20 < T21; T21 < T22; T22 < T23; or T20 < T22; T21 < T23; T20 < T23, it is judged that T2 first shows an upward trend on the time axis, otherwise, it is not judged as an upward trend.

[0071] When T3 < Ts, T2 < Ts, and T2 ≥ T3 are not true, or when T2 first shows a downward trend on the time axis and remains constant, neither a single boiling water nor a non-single boiling water has been determined at present, and the electric heating has already been turned on, in order to ensure that the water heater works normally, a time constraint is set. That is, when it is determined that the duration of the electric heating is turned on meets t2, the step of stopping the electric heating is executed.

[0072] In this embodiment, t2 can be set to 10 seconds.

[0073] In a preferred embodiment, the step of determining whether to stop electric heating includes:

[0074] When the heat load of gas heating is <a1;

[0075] Alternatively, T2 ≥ Ts - a2;

[0076] Alternatively, T3 > Ts - a3;

[0077] Alternatively, when T3 > a4, stop electric heating;

[0078] Among them, a1, a2, a3, and a4 are constants greater than 0.

[0079] The heat load of gas heating can be calculated from the inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, and water flow rate.

[0080] In this embodiment, a1 can be 0.8, a2 is not less than a3, for example a2 = 4℃, a3 = 2℃. a4 is larger than both a2 and a3, and is the upper limit of temperature to prevent burns to users, for example a4 = 50℃.

[0081] Before the step of stopping electric heating, there is also a step of determining whether the gas has been ignited and is burning. The step of stopping electric heating is only executed when the gas is determined to be ignited and burning. This is to ensure that constant temperature water can be continuously supplied to the user.

[0082] If the duration of electric heating is less than t2, and the heat load of gas heating is less than a5 and T3 is greater than Ts+a6, then the electric heating stop judgment step is executed, where 0 < a5 < a1. That is, if the heat load of gas heating is less than a5, it indicates that the current heat load of gas heating is low, and T3 > Ts+a6 indicates that the electric heating module is already on. When these two conditions are met, the electric heating stop judgment step needs to be executed. When the conditions for stopping electric heating are met, the electric heating module is turned off. This avoids energy waste and also prevents the output temperature from fluctuating due to difficulty in controlling the temperature if electric heating and gas heating are on simultaneously.

[0083] If none of the above conditions are met, it indicates a possible abnormality in gas heating or temperature detection, requiring the setting of a time constraint. That is, if the electric heating has been running for a set time t3, and the process of stopping the electric heating does not proceed, the electric heating can be directly shut off to ensure water safety and simultaneously trigger an alarm to alert the user of the malfunction. In this embodiment, t3 can be set to 15 seconds.

[0084] After electric heating is switched off, constant temperature heating control for gas heating is activated. The conditions for activating constant temperature heating control are:

[0085] ① Water flow rate ≥ Start-up water flow rate + 0.5;

[0086] ② Set the temperature and the heat load calculated based on temperature T2 > 1;

[0087] ③T2 < set temperature -4℃ (T2 < set temperature -5℃);

[0088] ④T3 ≤ Set temperature -1℃;

[0089] ⑤T3 < 50℃;

[0090] ⑥ The machine is fault-free.

[0091] When all of the above conditions are met, the constant temperature heating control will be activated.

[0092] After starting the constant temperature heating control, it also includes determining whether to exit the constant temperature heating control.

[0093] The condition for exiting the constant temperature heating control in this embodiment is:

[0094] ① Water flow rate < Stopped water flow rate;

[0095] ② Set the temperature and the calculated heat load at temperature T2 to ≤0.6;

[0096] ③T2 ≥ Set temperature - 2℃ (T2 ≥ Set temperature - 3℃)

[0097] ④T3 > Set temperature + 1℃;

[0098] ⑤T3≥55℃;

[0099] ⑥ The machine is malfunctioning.

[0100] If any of the above conditions are met, the constant temperature heating control will be terminated.

[0101] Example 2

[0102] This embodiment proposes a hybrid energy water heater, such as... Figure 1As shown, the system includes components such as a burner 10, a heat exchanger 11, an electric heating module 13, a control device 14, a water inlet pipe 15, a water outlet pipe 16, and a fan (not shown in the figure). The control device 14 includes a processor, a memory, and a control program for the gas water heater stored in the memory that can be executed by the processor.

[0103] The burner 10 can burn gas to heat the water flowing in the heat exchanger 11, while the electric heating module 13 uses the principle of electric heating to provide auxiliary electric heating for the water flowing through it. The inlet pipe 15 is connected to the water supply pipe in the user's home to introduce cold water, and the outlet pipe 16 is connected to the water terminal (hot water tap) in the user's home to output hot water.

[0104] To ensure combustion safety, the burner's ignition and combustion are subject to very strict conditions, such as the water flow rate must meet the set flow rate and the fan must be turned on. Due to these conditions, after the user turns on the water, a long period of cold water needs to be discharged before hot water can be output. This long waiting time results in a poor user experience and can easily lead to water waste.

[0105] In addition, users often turn off the water temporarily for a period of time after using it continuously, and then turn it back on. However, when the water is turned on again, it will produce a phenomenon of "half-cooked water", that is, the water will be hot and cold for a period of time at the beginning, resulting in a very poor bathing experience.

[0106] To address the aforementioned problems, the control method for the hybrid energy water heater in this embodiment includes:

[0107] The step of determining whether to turn on the electric heating is based on the inlet water temperature T2 of the electric heating module, the outlet water temperature T3 of the electric heating module, and the set temperature Ts.

[0108] The electric heating module 13 is positioned closer to the water terminal, and electric heating has the advantage of fast heating speed. In this embodiment, by detecting the inlet water temperature T2, the outlet water temperature T3, and the set temperature Ts of the electric heating module, it can be determined whether the electric heating module is turned on. The electric heating module 13 executes the heating action in a timely manner according to the control, which can minimize the user's waiting time.

[0109] When the electric heating is turned on, the system checks whether to execute the step of stopping the electric heating. If the current water usage status is either hot water or not hot water, the system executes the step of stopping the electric heating and stops the electric heating when the conditions for stopping the electric heating are met.

[0110] Because this hybrid energy water heater combines gas and electric heating, regardless of whether it's the first or second time boiling water, some cold water will enter the electric heating module when the gas heating is activated due to the lag in gas heating. Therefore, based on the previous steps, the electric heating module is activated for heating. Once the gas heating preparation is complete and effective heating begins, gas heating should be the primary method due to its high energy efficiency and low cost. Therefore, it's necessary to determine whether to deactivate electric heating. When the conditions for deactivating electric heating are met, the electric heating module is turned off. This avoids energy waste and prevents inconsistent temperature fluctuations caused by simultaneous operation of both electric and gas heating.

[0111] The control method described in this embodiment can be found in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0112] The above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions claimed by the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for a hybrid energy water heater, characterized in that, include: The step of determining whether to turn on the electric heating is based on the inlet water temperature T2 of the electric heating module, the outlet water temperature T3 of the electric heating module, and the set temperature Ts. The method for determining whether the current water is from a single boil is as follows: Determine the trend of T2 on the time axis; If T2 first shows a downward trend on the time axis and then shows an upward trend, it is determined that it is not a single boiling water. The method for determining whether the current water is boiling is as follows: When T2 first shows an upward trend on the time axis, and simultaneously satisfies: T3 < Ts, T2 < Ts, and T2 ≥ T3, it is judged as one boiling point; When the electric heating is turned on, it checks whether to execute the step of stopping electric heating. If the current water usage status is hot water or not hot water, the step of stopping electric heating is executed, and the electric heating is stopped when the conditions for stopping electric heating are met. The steps for determining when to stop electric heating include: For non-single-time boiling water, T2 first shows a downward trend on the time axis and remains stable. When T2 < T3 and the duration of electric heating is t1, the step of stopping electric heating is executed. If neither a single boiling point nor a non-single boiling point has been identified, the step of stopping the electric heating is executed when the duration of the electric heating is t2. Before the step of stopping electric heating, there is also a step of determining whether the gas has been ignited and is burning. The step of stopping electric heating is only executed when it is determined that the gas has been ignited and is burning.

2. The hybrid energy water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps to determine whether to turn on the electric heating include: Electric heating is activated when T2 < Ts and T3 < Ts, or when T2 shows a decreasing trend on the time axis.

3. The hybrid energy water heater control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The steps to determine whether to turn on the electric heating also include: When T2 < Ts, it also includes determining whether T2 < Ts < T3 is satisfied. If it is satisfied, electric heating is started.

4. The hybrid energy water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Before determining whether to activate the electric heating, a step of determining the water flow rate is also included. When the water flow rate is not less than the starting flow rate, the step of determining whether to activate the electric heating is executed.

5. The control method for a hybrid energy water heater according to any one of claims 1-4, characterized in that, The step for determining whether to stop electric heating includes: When the heat load of gas heating is <a1; Alternatively, T2 ≥ Ts - a2; Alternatively, T3 > Ts - a3; Alternatively, when T3 > a4, stop electric heating; Among them, a1, a2, a3, and a4 are constants greater than 0.

6. The hybrid energy water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, If the duration of electric heating is less than t2, and the heat load of gas heating is less than a5 and T3 is greater than Ts+a6, then the step of stopping electric heating is executed, where 0 < a5 < a1.

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