Gas water heater and control method thereof

Abstract

The application discloses a gas water heater and a control method thereof. The gas water heater comprises a water heater main body, the water heater main body comprises a burner, a heat exchanger, an electric heating module, a water inlet pipe, a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe, and the water heater main body is further provided with a control device. The application further comprises a four-way reversing valve which has four outer valve ports, the four outer valve ports are connected with the water inlet pipe, a water outlet end of the heat exchanger, a water inlet end of the electric heating module and the hot water pipe respectively, the four-way reversing valve is controlled by the control device, and the four-way reversing valve is used for controlling the on-off state of the four outer valve ports. The water inlet end of the heat exchanger is connected with the water inlet pipe, and a circulating pump is arranged between the water inlet end of the heat exchanger and the water inlet pipe. The gas water heater can realize the sequential connection of the heat exchanger and the electric heating module to form a heating water supply flow path and can switch the water flow direction to form a circulating heating loop by using a single four-way reversing valve, and the water path structure is simple.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to hot water production equipment, and more specifically, to a gas water heater and its control method. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, some water heaters use hybrid energy heating, such as combining gas heating and electric heating components in a gas water heater.

[0003] Gas-fired water heaters generally suffer from slow heating, and the frequent ignition and shutdown noises during operation can cause discomfort for users. Furthermore, frequent start-ups and shutdowns mean that the supplied gas is released before it is fully burned, resulting in energy waste. Especially when gas supply is insufficient, hot water may not be available.

[0004] Furthermore, due to the distance between the gas water heater and the point of use, some cold water remains in the pipes. To ensure that hot water is available immediately upon turning on the water heater, a circulation system is typically installed to circulate the cold water back to the gas water heater for heating and output. This system requires one-way valves, solenoid valves, etc., to control the on / off states of different water circuits, ultimately achieving different control modes. The more electrical components present, the greater the risk of malfunction. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This invention addresses the technical problem that existing gas water heaters require numerous valve devices in their circulation pipes to achieve water flow direction switching, and proposes a gas water heater that can solve the aforementioned problem.

[0006] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0007] A gas water heater includes a main body, which comprises a burner, a heat exchanger, an electric heating module, an inlet pipe, a cold water pipe, and a hot water pipe. The main body also includes a control device. The feature is that it further includes:

[0008] The four-way reversing valve has four external valve ports, which are respectively connected to the water inlet pipe, the water outlet of the heat exchanger, the water inlet of the electric heating module, and the hot water pipe. The four-way reversing valve is controlled by the control device to control the on / off state of the four external valve ports.

[0009] The water inlet end of the heat exchanger is connected with the water inlet pipe, and a circulating pump is arranged between the water inlet end of the heat exchanger and the water inlet pipe; the water outlet end of the electric heating module is connected with the hot water pipe; the water inlet pipe is connected with a tap water pipe; the hot water pipe is connected with the cold water pipe through a one-way valve; the cold water pipe is connected with the tap water pipe; and the tap water pipe is provided with a water valve.

[0010] Further, the four-way reversing valve comprises:

[0011] A valve body, an inner cavity of the valve body is defined, four outer valve ports are formed on the side wall of the valve body and communicated with the inner cavity of the valve body respectively;

[0012] A valve core, the valve core is rotatably arranged in the valve body cavity, an inner cavity of the valve core is defined, a plurality of inner valve ports are formed on the side wall of the valve core and communicated with the inner cavity of the valve core respectively, the side wall of the valve core is tightly arranged with the inner wall of the valve body cavity, and the valve core is rotated to change the communication state of the inner valve port and the corresponding outer valve port, so as to connect different outer valve ports.

[0013] Further, the valve body cavity is cylindrical, and the rotation axis of the valve core is coaxially arranged with the valve body cavity.

[0014] Further, the four outer valve ports are divided into two groups, a baffle is arranged in the valve core cavity to divide the valve core cavity into two independent sections, and the two groups of outer valve ports are located on the two sides of the baffle respectively; an avoiding cavity is formed on the side wall of the valve body and protrudes outward, the avoiding cavity is communicated with the valve body cavity, the avoiding cavity corresponds to two inner valve ports, which are the seventh inner valve port and the eighth inner valve port, and the seventh inner valve port and the eighth inner valve port are located on the two sides of the baffle respectively, and the seventh inner valve port and the eighth inner valve port can be simultaneously communicated with the avoiding cavity or at least one is not communicated with the avoiding cavity when the valve core is rotated.

[0015] Further, in each group of outer valve ports, one outer valve port corresponds to at least two inner valve ports, and the other outer valve port corresponds to at least one inner valve port.

[0016] Further, the cavity bottom of the avoiding cavity is flat.

[0017] Further, the two outer valve ports located in the same group are staggered.

[0018] Further, the axes of the four outer valve ports are parallel to each other, wherein one group of the outer valve ports comprises the first outer valve port and the second outer valve port, and the other group of the outer valve ports comprises the third outer valve port and the fourth outer valve port, the first outer valve port corresponds to one inner valve port, which is the first inner valve port, the second outer valve port corresponds to two inner valve ports, which are the second inner valve port and the third inner valve port, the third outer valve port corresponds to two inner valve ports, which are the fourth inner valve port and the fifth inner valve port, and the fourth outer valve port corresponds to one inner valve port, which is the sixth inner valve port, the first inner valve port, the second inner valve port, the fourth inner valve port and the sixth inner valve port are arranged along the length direction of the valve core, the third inner valve port is coaxially arranged with the second inner valve port, and the fourth inner valve port is coaxially arranged with the fifth inner valve port.

[0019] The application further provides a gas water heater control method, which comprises the gas water heater described in any one of the preceding aspects, and the gas water heater control method comprises the following steps.

[0020] Power-on detection is performed to determine whether to execute the silent cycle heating step or the heating step.

[0021] The silent cycle heating step comprises the following steps.

[0022] The current water flow V and the current water inlet temperature T1 are obtained.

[0023] The current water flow V is compared with the set flow value a, when V>a, the difference between the set temperature T2 and T1 is compared with the set temperature b, when T2-T1>b, the four-way valve is controlled to connect the water outlet end of the heat exchanger with the water inlet end of the electric heating module, the electric heating module and the circulating pump are turned on, and the water valve is turned off.

[0024] Further, the heating step comprises the following steps.

[0025] The required heat Qs of the water heater and the required water flow Vs of the water heater are obtained.

[0026] Qs is compared with the maximum heating capacity Qmax of the burner when heating to determine whether Qs>Qmax, when Qs>Qmax, the four-way valve is controlled to connect the water outlet end of the heat exchanger with the water inlet end of the electric heating module, the electric heating module and the water valve are turned on, and the burner is controlled to ignite and burn.

[0027] When Qs≤Qmax, Vs is compared with the maximum water outlet flow Vmax of the heat exchanger when the burner is heating to determine whether Vs>Vmax, when Vs>Vmax, the four-way valve is controlled to connect the water inlet pipe with the water inlet end of the electric heating module and to connect the water outlet end of the heat exchanger with the hot water pipe, the electric heating module and the water valve are turned on, and the burner is controlled to ignite and burn.

[0028] Compared with the prior art, the gas water heater has the advantages and positive effects that: the gas water heater is connected with the water inlet pipe, the water outlet end of the heat exchanger, the water inlet end of the electric heating module and the water outlet end of the electric heating module through the four-way reversing valve, the single four-way reversing valve can sequentially connect the heat exchanger and the electric heating module to form a heating water supply flow path and switch the water flow direction to form a circulating heating loop, the water path structure is simple, the control method of the gas water heater can realize silent circulating heating of the water heater by controlling the reversing of the four-way reversing valve, meet the water demand of the user that the water outlet is hot water, and avoid heating noise.

[0029] Other characteristics and advantages of the present application will become more apparent after reading the specific embodiments of the present application in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application, the drawings needed in the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings in the following description are some embodiments of the present application, and other drawings can be obtained by those skilled in the art without creative labor.

[0031] Figure 1 is a structural schematic view of the first embodiment of the gas water heater proposed by the present application;

[0032] Figure 2 is a structural schematic view of the four-way reversing valve in the first embodiment;

[0033] Figure 3 is a sectional view of Figure 2 ;

[0034] Figure 4 is a sectional view of another state in Figure 2 ;

[0035] Figure 5 is a flow chart of one embodiment of the control method of the gas water heater proposed by the present application;

[0036] Figure 6 is a flow chart of another embodiment of the control method of the gas water heater proposed by the present application.

[0037] Wherein, 20, burner; 21, heat exchanger; 30, electric heating module; 40, circulating pump; 50, water inlet pipe; 60, hot water pipe; 70, control device; 80, fan; 90, cold water pipe; 100, check valve; 101, tap water pipe; 102, water valve; 1, four-way reversing valve; 11, valve body; 110, valve body cavity; 111, outer valve port; 1111, first outer valve port; 1112, second outer valve port; 1113, third outer valve port; 1114, fourth outer valve port; 112, avoidance cavity; 12, valve core; 1201, first valve core cavity; 1202, second valve core cavity; 121, inner valve port; 1211, first inner valve port; 1212, second inner valve port; 1213, third inner valve port; 1214, fourth inner valve port; 1215, fifth inner valve port; 1216, sixth inner valve port; 1217, seventh inner valve port; 1218, eighth inner valve port; 122, baffle; 124, connecting shaft; 13, driving mechanism. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0038] To make the objectives, technical solutions and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be described clearly and completely below with reference to the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are some but not all of the embodiments of the present application. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by a person of ordinary skill in the art without creative work fall within the protection scope of the present application.

[0039] It should be noted that, in the description of the present application, the terms indicating the direction or position relationship of "up", "down", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "inner", "outer" and the like are based on the direction or position relationship shown in the drawings, which is merely for the convenience of description, and does not indicate or imply that the device or element must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present application. In addition, the terms "first" and "second" are only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0040] Embodiment one

[0041] The present embodiment proposes a gas water heater, which comprises a water heater main body, as shown in the figure, the water heater main body comprises a burner 20, a heat exchanger 21, an electric heating module 30, a control device 70, a water inlet pipe 50, a cold water pipe 90, a hot water pipe 60 and a fan 80. Figure 1

[0042] ​One of the inlet pipes 50 is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger 21. The burner 20 can burn gas to heat the water flowing in the heat exchanger 21, while the electric heating module 30 uses the principle of electric heating to electrically heat the water flowing through it. The inlet pipe 50 is connected to the tap water pipe in the user's home to introduce cold water, and the hot water pipe 60 is connected to the water terminal (hot water tap) in the user's home to output hot water. The fan 80 is used to draw air to exhaust the gas produced by combustion through the air duct.

[0043] The outlet of the electric heating module 30 is connected to the hot water pipe 60, which is connected to the cold water pipe 90 via a one-way valve 100, allowing unidirectional flow between the hot water pipe 60 and the cold water pipe 90. The cold water pipe 90 is connected to the tap water pipe 101, which is equipped with a water valve 102. The tap water pipe 101 serves as the water terminal via the cold water pipe 90, providing cold water output.

[0044] By installing a water valve 102 in the tap water pipe 101, when the water valve 102 is closed, a circulation path can be formed consisting of the hot water pipe 60, the cold water pipe 90, the inlet pipe 50, and the four-way reversing valve 1. This allows for heating and circulation of zero cold water.

[0045] The gas water heater in this embodiment also includes a four-way reversing valve 1, which has four external valve ports. These four external valve ports are respectively connected to the water inlet pipe 50, the water outlet of the heat exchanger 21, the water inlet of the electric heating module 30, and the water outlet of the hot water pipe 60. The four-way reversing valve 1 is controlled by the control device 70, which is used to control the on / off state of the four external valve ports of the four-way reversing valve 1.

[0046] It includes at least a means of connecting the outlet of the heat exchanger 21 to the inlet of the electric heating module 30, or connecting the inlet pipe 50 to the inlet of the electric heating module 30 and connecting the outlet of the heat exchanger 21 to the hot water pipe 60.

[0047] A circulation pump 40 is installed in the water inlet pipe 50. The opening and closing state of the circulation pump 40 is controlled by the control device 70. When the water outlet of the heat exchanger 21 is connected to the water inlet of the electric heating module 30, the other two ports of the four-way reversing valve 1 are closed. The heat exchanger 21 and the electric heating module 30 are connected in series. Therefore, after the burner 20 heats the water flowing in the heat exchanger 21, it enters the electric heating module 30 for further heating and is finally output to the water user by the electric heating module 30. Alternatively, if the water valve at the water user is not opened, the circulation pump 40 is turned on, and the water in the pipeline circulates through the water inlet pipe 50 to the heat exchanger 21 and the electric heating module 30 for heating.

[0048] When the four-way reversing valve 1 connects the inlet pipe 50 to the inlet end of the electric heating module 30 and the hot water pipe 60 to the outlet end of the heat exchanger 21, the water inlet of the inlet pipe 50 is divided into two paths. One path is heated by the heat exchanger 21, and the other path is heated by the electric heating module 30. The two paths of water converge in the hot water pipe 60 and are supplied to the water user.

[0049] The control device 70 includes a processor, a memory, and a control program for a gas water heater stored in the memory that can be executed by the processor. The control device controls the switching of the connection status of the four external valve ports of the four-way reversing valve 1 and the start and stop of the circulation pump 40.

[0050] As a preferred embodiment, the four-way directional valve in this embodiment is as follows: Figure 2 , Figure 3 As shown, the device includes a valve body 11 and a valve core 12. The valve body 11 has a valve body cavity 110 defined inside. Four external valve ports 111 are formed on the side wall of the valve body 11, each communicating with the valve body cavity 110. The valve core 12 is rotatably disposed in the valve body cavity 110. The valve core 12 has a valve core cavity defined inside. Multiple internal valve ports 121 are formed on the side wall of the valve core 12, each communicating with the valve core cavity. The side wall of the valve core 12 is tightly fitted to the inner wall of the valve body cavity 110. Each external valve port 111 corresponds to at least one internal valve port 121. When the valve core 12 rotates, the communication state between the internal valve port 121 and the corresponding external valve port 111 can be changed, thereby connecting different external valve ports 111.

[0051] In this embodiment, the four-way directional valve rotatably mounts the valve core 12 in the valve body 11. The side wall of the valve core 12 is tightly fitted with the inner wall of the valve body cavity 110, and the valve core 12 can rotate in the valve body cavity 110. When the inner valve port 121 on the side wall of the valve core 12 is aligned with the outer valve port 111, the outer valve port 111 is connected to the valve core cavity through the aligned inner valve port 121. When multiple outer valve ports 111 are aligned with their respective corresponding inner valve ports 121, the multiple outer valve ports 111 are connected to each other.

[0052] When the valve core 12 is in the valve body cavity 110, both ends of the valve core cavity are sealed to ensure that the valve core cavity is closed to the outside.

[0053] When the outer valve port 111 is misaligned with its corresponding inner valve port 121, that is, the outer valve port 111 is tightly sealed by the side wall of the valve core 12, the outer valve port 111 is not connected to the valve core cavity, and thus the outer valve port 111 cannot be connected to other outer valve ports 111.

[0054] By rotating the valve core 12, the connection state between the outer valve port 111 and the valve core cavity can be changed, so that different outer valve ports 111 are aligned with their corresponding inner valve ports 121, realizing the connection between different outer valve ports, thereby realizing the reversal of the flow channel. This solution has a simple structure, is easy to implement, and has low cost.

[0055] The four-way reversing valve in this embodiment has a simple structure and its size can be set according to actual needs. It can be installed in water pipes with a large diameter for flow direction control.

[0056] In order to ensure that the outer valve port 111 can be tightly sealed when the valve core 12 rotates and the outer valve port 111 is misaligned with the corresponding inner valve port 121, in this embodiment, the valve body cavity 110 is preferably cylindrical, the valve core 12 is cylindrical and matches the valve body cavity 110, and the rotation axis of the valve core 12 is coaxial with the valve body cavity 120, so as to ensure that no matter what angle the valve core 12 rotates to, the side wall of the valve core 12 can be tightly fitted with the inner wall of the valve body cavity 110 to prevent water leakage.

[0057] like Figure 3 As shown, in this embodiment, the four external valve ports are divided into two groups, so each group has two external valve ports. A baffle 122 is provided inside the valve core cavity, which is used to divide the valve core cavity into two independent sections, namely the first valve core cavity 1201 and the second valve core cavity 1202, that is, the two sections of the valve core cavity are not connected. The two groups of external valve ports 111 are located on both sides of the baffle 122, so the first valve core cavity 1201 and the second valve core cavity 1202 each have two external valve ports.

[0058] In each group of external valve ports, one external valve port corresponds to at least two internal valve ports, and the other external valve port corresponds to at least one internal valve port.

[0059] like Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, one set of external valve ports includes the first external valve port 1111 and the second external valve port 1112, and the other set of external valve ports includes the third external valve port 1113 and the fourth external valve port 1114.

[0060] By setting baffle 122 and rotating valve core 12, any combination of the first outer valve port 1111 and the second outer valve port 1112 being connected or not connected, and the third outer valve port 1113 and the fourth outer valve port 1114 being connected or not connected can be achieved.

[0061] When the first external valve port 1111 is connected to the second external valve port 1112, and the third external valve port 1113 and the fourth external valve port 1114 are connected, the two pipelines can be connected in parallel. When only the first external valve port 1111 is connected to the second external valve port 1112, or the third external valve port 1113 and the fourth external valve port 1114 are connected, a single pipeline can be connected.

[0062] In order to switch the on / off states between external valve ports located in different groups, such as Figure 3 , Figure 4 As shown, in this embodiment, a relief cavity 112 protruding outward is preferably formed on the side wall of the valve body 12. The relief cavity 112 is connected to the valve body cavity 110. The relief cavity 112 has two corresponding inner valve ports, namely the seventh inner valve port 1217 and the eighth inner valve port 1218. The seventh inner valve port 1217 and the eighth inner valve port 1218 are located on both sides of the baffle 122. When the valve core 12 rotates, the seventh inner valve port 1217 and the eighth inner valve port 1218 can be connected to the relief cavity 112 at the same time, or at least one can not be connected to the relief cavity 112.

[0063] When the seventh inner valve port 1217 and the eighth inner valve port 1218 can be simultaneously connected to the clearance cavity 112, the first valve core cavity 1201 and the second valve core cavity 1202 can be connected. Furthermore, the outer valve port currently connected to the first valve core cavity 1201 and the outer valve port currently connected to the second valve core cavity 1202 can be connected, meaning that outer valve ports located in different groups can be connected.

[0064] When at least one of the seventh inner valve port 1217 and the eighth inner valve port 1218 is not connected to the clearance chamber 112, the first valve core chamber 1201 and the second valve core chamber 1202 are not connected. Therefore, the outer valve ports of different groups cannot be connected.

[0065] For ease of manufacturing, the bottom of the clearance cavity 112 in this embodiment is flat.

[0066] In order to increase the number of connections between different external valve ports, in this embodiment, it is preferable that two external valve ports located in the same group are staggered, that is, each external valve port has its own independent corresponding internal valve port.

[0067] Similarly, in order to increase the number of connections between different external valve ports, the axes of the four external valve ports are parallel to each other.

[0068] In this embodiment, the first external valve port 1111 and the fourth external valve port 1114 each correspond to one internal valve port, and the second external valve port 1112 and the third external valve port 1113 each correspond to two internal valve ports, are used as examples for illustration.

[0069] The first outer valve port 1111 corresponds to the first inner valve port 1211. The second outer valve port 1112 corresponds to two inner valve ports, namely the second inner valve port 1212 and the third inner valve port 1213. The third outer valve port 1113 corresponds to two inner valve ports, namely the fourth inner valve port 1214 and the fifth inner valve port 1215. The fourth outer valve port 1114 corresponds to one inner valve port, namely the sixth inner valve port 1216. The first inner valve port 1211, the second inner valve port 1212, the fourth inner valve port 1214 and the sixth inner valve port 1216 are arranged along the length direction of the valve core 12. The third inner valve port 1213 is coaxially arranged with the second inner valve port 1212, and the fourth inner valve port 1214 is coaxially arranged with the fifth inner valve port 1215.

[0070] The valve core 12 can be driven to rotate manually, mechanically, electrically, or hydraulically.

[0071] A connecting shaft 124 is formed at one end of the valve core 12, and the connecting shaft 124 extends to the outside of the valve body cavity 110. In this embodiment, the four-way reversing valve preferably uses a drive mechanism to achieve automatic reversing. Therefore, as Figure 4 As shown, this four-way directional valve also includes a drive mechanism 13.

[0072] The drive mechanism 13 is connected to the connecting shaft 124 and is used to drive the valve core 12 to rotate around the shaft.

[0073] When at least one of the seventh inner valve port 1217 and the eighth inner valve port 1218 is offset from the clearance cavity 112, the function of this solution is similar to that of the solution described in Embodiment 2, and will not be repeated here.

[0074] When the seventh inner valve port 1217 and the eighth inner valve port 1218 are simultaneously aligned with the clearance cavity 112, the first valve core cavity 1201 and the second valve core cavity 1202 can be connected. If at this time... Figure 4 The second external valve port 1112 shown is connected to the first valve core cavity 1201, and the third external valve port 1113 is connected to the second valve core cavity 1202, so that the second external valve port 1112 and the third external valve port 1113 can be connected.

[0075] By coaxially arranging the third inner valve port 1213 and the second inner valve port 1212, the third inner valve port 1213 can remain in a connected state after the valve core 12 is rotated 180 degrees from a state connected to the first valve core cavity 1201.

[0076] Similarly, the fourth inner valve port 1214 and the fifth inner valve port 1215 are coaxially arranged, so that the fourth inner valve port 1214 remains in the connected state after the valve core 12 rotates 180 degrees from the state of being connected to the first valve core cavity 1201.

[0077] Example 2

[0078] This embodiment proposes a control method for a gas water heater. The gas water heater used in this method includes a main body, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the main body of the water heater includes components such as a burner 20, a heat exchanger 21, an electric heating module 30, a control device 70, a water inlet pipe 50, a cold water pipe 90, a hot water pipe 60, and a fan 80.

[0079] One of the inlet pipes 50 is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger 21. The burner 20 can burn gas to heat the water flowing in the heat exchanger 21, while the electric heating module 30 uses the principle of electric heating to electrically heat the water flowing through it. The inlet pipe 50 is connected to the tap water pipe in the user's home to introduce cold water, and the hot water pipe 60 is connected to the water terminal (hot water tap) in the user's home to output hot water. The fan 80 is used to draw air to exhaust the gas produced by combustion through the air duct.

[0080] The outlet of the electric heating module 30 is connected to the hot water pipe 60, which is connected to the cold water pipe 90 via a one-way valve 100, allowing unidirectional flow between the hot water pipe 60 and the cold water pipe 90. The cold water pipe 90 is connected to the tap water pipe 101, which is equipped with a water valve 102. The tap water pipe 101 serves as the water terminal via the cold water pipe 90, providing cold water output.

[0081] By installing a water valve 102 in the tap water pipe 101, when the water valve 102 is closed, a circulation path can be formed consisting of the hot water pipe 60, the cold water pipe 90, the inlet pipe 50, and the four-way reversing valve 1. This allows for heating and circulation of zero cold water.

[0082] The gas water heater in this embodiment also includes a four-way reversing valve 1, which has four external valve ports. These four external valve ports are respectively connected to the water inlet pipe 50, the water outlet of the heat exchanger 21, the water inlet of the electric heating module 30, and the water outlet of the hot water pipe 60. The four-way reversing valve 1 is controlled by the control device 70, which is used to control the on / off state of the four external valve ports of the four-way reversing valve 1.

[0083] It includes at least a means of connecting the outlet of the heat exchanger 21 to the inlet of the electric heating module 30, or connecting the inlet pipe 50 to the inlet of the electric heating module 30 and connecting the outlet of the heat exchanger 21 to the hot water pipe 60.

[0084] A circulation pump 40 is installed in the water inlet pipe 50. The opening and closing state of the circulation pump 40 is controlled by the control device 70. When the water outlet of the heat exchanger 21 is connected to the water inlet of the electric heating module 30, the other two ports of the four-way reversing valve 1 are closed. The heat exchanger 21 and the electric heating module 30 are connected in series. Therefore, after the burner 20 heats the water flowing in the heat exchanger 21, it enters the electric heating module 30 for further heating and is finally output to the water user by the electric heating module 30. Alternatively, if the water valve at the water user is not opened, the circulation pump 40 is turned on, and the water in the pipeline circulates through the water inlet pipe 50 to the heat exchanger 21 and the electric heating module 30 for heating.

[0085] When the four-way reversing valve 1 connects the inlet pipe 50 to the inlet end of the electric heating module 30 and the hot water pipe 60 to the outlet end of the heat exchanger 21, the water inlet of the inlet pipe 50 is divided into two paths. One path is heated by the heat exchanger 21, and the other path is heated by the electric heating module 30. The two paths of water converge in the hot water pipe 60 and are supplied to the water user.

[0086] The control device 70 includes a processor, a memory, and a control program for a gas water heater stored in the memory that can be executed by the processor. The control device controls the switching of the connection status of the four external valve ports of the four-way reversing valve 1 and the start and stop of the circulation pump 40.

[0087] like Figure 5 As shown, the gas water heater control method in this embodiment includes:

[0088] Upon power-on detection, the system determines whether to execute the silent circulating heating step or the regular heating step. This decision can be based on user settings or determined automatically. For example, if the outlet water temperature is detected to be low, the silent circulating heating step can be executed first, followed by the regular heating step after the circulating heating is complete.

[0089] In the silent circulating heating step, preferably, in this embodiment, the silent circulating heating step includes:

[0090] Obtain the current water flow rate V and the current inlet water temperature T1;

[0091] The current water flow rate V is compared with the set flow rate value a. When V > a, the difference between the set temperatures T2 and T1 is compared with the set temperature b. When T2 - T1 > b, the four-way reversing valve 1 is controlled to connect the outlet of the heat exchanger 21 with the inlet of the electric heating module 30, and the electric heating module 30 and the circulation pump are turned on, while the water valve 102 is closed. At this time, the heat exchanger 21, the electric heating module 30, the hot water pipe 60, the cold water pipe 90, and the inlet pipe 50 form a circulation path. By closing the water valve 102, the cold water from the tap water pipe 101 no longer enters the circulation path. By turning on the circulation pump 40, the water flow can be driven to circulate in the circulation path. By turning on the electric heating module 30, the water flow can be electrically heated when it circulates to the electric heating module 30.

[0092] The silent circulating heating system meets users' needs for instant hot water. During the silent circulating heating process, only the electric heating module 30 is activated, resulting in a noiseless heating process and improved user comfort.

[0093] The current water flow rate V should be the water flow rate entering heat exchanger 21. Understandably, the system should be equipped with a flow sensor to detect the current water flow rate V. A set flow rate value a represents a safe flow rate for heating, avoiding dangers caused by low flow rates. If the current water flow rate V is not greater than the set flow rate value a, no heating should be activated.

[0094] The current inlet water temperature T1 should be the inlet water temperature entering the heat exchanger 21. Understandably, the system should be equipped with a temperature sensor for detecting the current inlet water temperature T1.

[0095] By periodically comparing the difference between the set temperature T2 and T1 with the set temperature b, when T2-T1≤b, the silent circulating heating step ends, the electric heating module 30 and the circulating pump 40 are turned off, and the water valve 102 is turned on.

[0096] like Figure 6 As shown, the heating step in this embodiment includes:

[0097] Obtain the heat required by the water heater (Qs) and the water flow rate required by the water heater (Vs);

[0098] The heat demand (Qs) is compared with the maximum heating capacity (Qmax) of the burner. When Qs > Qmax, meaning the heat demand exceeds the maximum capacity provided by gas heating, the four-way reversing valve 1 connects the outlet of heat exchanger 21 to the inlet of electric heating module 30, and opens the electric heating module and water valve, while simultaneously controlling burner ignition. When the outlet of heat exchanger 21 is connected to the inlet of electric heating module 30, the other two ports of the four-way reversing valve 1 are closed. Heat exchanger 21 and electric heating module 30 are connected in series. Therefore, after the burner 20 heats the water flowing in heat exchanger 21, it enters electric heating module 30 for further heating and is finally output to the water user. Alternatively, the water valve at the water user's end is closed, the circulation pump 40 is activated, and the water in the pipeline circulates through inlet pipe 50 to heat exchanger 21 and electric heating module 30 for heating. Gas heating and electric heating work together to meet the high heat demand of the water.

[0099] When Qs ≤ Qmax, Vs is compared with the maximum water flow rate Vmax of the heat exchanger 21 when the burner 20 is heating. When Vs > Vmax, meaning the heat demand is not greater than the maximum demand that gas heating can provide, but the water flow demand is greater than the maximum flow rate that the gas water heater can provide, the four-way reversing valve 1 is controlled to connect the inlet pipe 50 to the inlet end of the electric heating module 30 and the outlet end of the heat exchanger 21 to the hot water pipe 60. The electric heating module 30 and the water valve 102 are then turned on, and the burner 20 is simultaneously ignited. That is, the heat exchanger 21 and the electric heating module 30 are connected in parallel. Therefore, after the burner 20 heats the cold water entering the heat exchanger 21, it outputs the water to the hot water pipe 60. At the same time, the electric heating module 30 heats the cold water entering the heat exchanger 21 and outputs the water to the hot water pipe 60. The heat exchanger 21 and the electric heating module 30 each heat the water and output it to the hot water pipe 60, increasing the water flow rate to meet the large water demand of the user.

[0100] When Vs≤Vmax, it means that the maximum flow rate provided by the gas water heater can meet the user's water flow requirements, and only the burner 20 needs to be turned on for gas heating.

[0101] The heat required by the water heater can be calculated using the heat formula: Qs = cρVs(T2-T1). c is the specific heat capacity of water, and ρ is the density of water.

[0102] During the heating process, the system simultaneously performs constant temperature regulation, which can be achieved by adjusting the output power of the electric heating module 30 and / or the number of burner pins. Existing adjustment methods can be used, which will not be elaborated here.

[0103] 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 gas water heater comprising a water heater body, the water heater body comprising a burner, a heat exchanger, an electric heating module, a water inlet pipe, a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe, and a control device is further arranged in the water heater body, characterized in that, Also comprising: A four-way reversing valve having four outer valve ports respectively connected with the water inlet pipe, the water outlet end of the heat exchanger, the water inlet end of the electric heating module and the hot water pipe, the four-way reversing valve being controlled by the control device to control the on-off state of the four outer valve ports of the four-way reversing valve; The water inlet end of the heat exchanger is connected with the water inlet pipe, and a circulating pump is arranged between the water inlet end of the heat exchanger and the water inlet pipe, the water outlet end of the electric heating module is connected with the hot water pipe, the water inlet pipe is connected with a tap water pipe, the hot water pipe is connected with the cold water pipe through a one-way valve, the cold water pipe is connected with the tap water pipe, and a water valve is arranged in the tap water pipe; The four-way reversing valve comprises: A valve body defining a valve body cavity inside, four outer valve ports being formed on the side wall of the valve body and respectively connected with the valve body cavity; A valve core rotatably arranged in the valve body cavity, a valve core cavity being defined inside the valve core, and a plurality of inner valve ports being formed on the side wall of the valve core and respectively connected with the valve core cavity; The four outer valve ports are divided into two groups, a baffle being arranged in the valve core cavity to divide the valve core cavity into two independent sections, and the two groups of outer valve ports being respectively located on the two sides of the baffle; An avoiding cavity being formed on the side wall of the valve body and protruding outward, the avoiding cavity being connected with the valve body cavity, two inner valve ports corresponding to the avoiding cavity being a seventh inner valve port and an eighth inner valve port, and the seventh inner valve port and the eighth inner valve port being respectively located on the two sides of the baffle, the seventh inner valve port and the eighth inner valve port being simultaneously connected with the avoiding cavity or at least one of them not being connected with the avoiding cavity when the valve core rotates.

2. The gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The side wall of the valve core is closely arranged with the inner wall of the valve body cavity, and the valve core rotates to change the connection state of the inner valve ports and the corresponding outer valve ports to connect different outer valve ports.

3. The gas water heater of claim 2, wherein, The valve body cavity is cylindrical, and the rotation axis of the valve core is coaxially arranged with the valve body cavity.

4. The gas water heater of claim 1, wherein, Each group of outer valve ports has one outer valve port corresponding to at least two inner valve ports and another outer valve port corresponding to at least one inner valve port.

5. The gas water heater of claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the avoiding cavity is flat.

6. The gas water heater of claim 1, wherein, The two outer valve ports in the same group are staggered.

7. The gas water heater of claim 4, wherein, The axes of the four outer valve ports are parallel to each other, one group of outer valve ports includes a first outer valve port and a second outer valve port, and the other group of outer valve ports includes a third outer valve port and a fourth outer valve port, the first outer valve port corresponds to one inner valve port, which is a first inner valve port, the second outer valve port corresponds to two inner valve ports, which are a second inner valve port and a third inner valve port, the third outer valve port corresponds to two inner valve ports, which are a fourth inner valve port and a fifth inner valve port, and the fourth outer valve port corresponds to one inner valve port, which is a sixth inner valve port, the first inner valve port, the second inner valve port, the fourth inner valve port and the sixth inner valve port are arranged along the length direction of the valve core, the third inner valve port is coaxially arranged with the second inner valve port, and the fourth inner valve port is coaxially arranged with the fifth inner valve port.

8. A gas water heater control method, characterized by, The application relates to a gas water heater control method, which comprises the following steps: Power-on detection, judgment of execution of a silent cycle heating step or a heating step; The silent cycle heating step comprises the following steps: Obtaining a current water flow V and a current water inlet temperature T1; Comparing the current water flow V with a set flow value a, when V>a, comparing a difference between a set temperature T2 and T1 with a set temperature b, when T2-T1>b, controlling the four-way reversing valve to connect the water outlet end of the heat exchanger with the water inlet end of the electric heating module, starting the electric heating module and the circulating pump, and closing the water valve.

9. The control method of the gas water heater according to claim 8, wherein The heating step comprises the following steps: Obtaining a required heat quantity Qs of the water heater and a required water flow Vs of the water heater; Comparing Qs with a maximum heating capacity Qmax of the burner when the burner is heated, when Qs>Qmax, controlling the four-way reversing valve to connect the water inlet end of the electric heating module with the water outlet end of the heat exchanger, starting the electric heating module and the water valve, and simultaneously controlling the burner to ignite and burn; When Qs<=Qmax, comparing Vs with a maximum water outlet flow Vmax of the heat exchanger when the burner is heated, when Vs>Vmax, controlling the four-way reversing valve to connect the water inlet end of the electric heating module with the water inlet pipe and to connect the water outlet end of the heat exchanger with the hot water pipe, starting the electric heating module and the water valve, and simultaneously controlling the burner to ignite and burn.

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