A control method for solar water heater and solar water heater

Abstract

The present invention discloses a control method for a solar water heater and a solar water heater, which belongs to the technical field of water heaters. The control method for the solar water heater includes: accumulating the time of no water use, if the time of no water use reaches a first preset time, then selecting a sterilization mode according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature, including: if the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the water temperature setting value and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first ambient setting value, then controlling the water heater to execute a hot water circulation mode; otherwise, controlling the water heater to execute a cold water replacement mode. The solar water heater is controlled by the control method of the solar water heater. By selecting the sterilization mode, bacteria can be avoided while saving energy.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a control method for a solar water heater and a solar water heater. Background Art

[0002] Solar water heaters convert sunlight into heat energy, heating water from low temperature to high temperature to meet people's hot water needs in life and production. Solar water heaters are divided into vacuum tube solar water heaters and flat plate solar water heaters according to their structural form. At present, the vacuum tube solar water heaters are the main ones on the market, which are mainly composed of heat collecting tubes, water storage tanks, brackets and other related accessories. The conversion of solar energy into heat energy mainly depends on the heat collecting tubes. The heat collecting tubes use the principle that hot water floats and cold water sinks to make the water produce microcirculation to achieve the required hot water. The hot water is stored in the water storage tank, which is used to supply water to users.

[0003] If the water in the solar water heater is not used for a long time, the oxygen content in the water will decrease, the water quality will deteriorate, and it will be easy to breed bacteria and microorganisms. Using such hot water again will easily cause symptoms such as skin itching and red spots, affecting the health of users. Summary of the invention

[0004] The object of the present invention is to provide a control method of a solar water heater and a solar water heater, so as to solve the technical problem in the prior art that water in the solar water heater is prone to breed bacteria when not used for a long time.

[0005] As conceived above, the technical solution adopted by the present invention is:

[0006] A control method for a solar water heater, accumulating the unused time, if the unused time reaches a first preset time, selecting a sterilization mode according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature, comprising:

[0007] If the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the water temperature setting value and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first ambient setting value, the water heater is controlled to execute the hot water circulation mode;

[0008] Otherwise, the water heater is controlled to execute the cold water replacement mode.

[0009] Wherein, in the hot water circulation mode, if the current water temperature is lower than the first preset temperature value, the electric heating device is controlled to heat the water in the water tank until the current water temperature is higher than or equal to the first preset temperature value;

[0010] If the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature value, control the water pump to circulate the water in the water heater for a first set time;

[0011] Among them, the first preset temperature value is greater than the water temperature setting value.

[0012] Wherein, in the cold water replacement mode, if the current water temperature is greater than the second preset temperature value, the sunshade component is controlled to shield the water heater until the current water temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature value;

[0013] If the current water temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature value, the drain port is controlled to open for drainage;

[0014] The second preset temperature value is less than the water temperature setting value.

[0015] Among them, after the drainage is completed, if the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the second ambient setting value, the water supply component is controlled to add fresh cold water to the water heater, wherein the second ambient setting value is less than the first ambient setting value.

[0016] Among them, after the drainage is completed, if the ambient temperature is less than the second ambient setting value, the water supply component is controlled to add fresh cold water to the water heater, and the electric heating device is controlled to start heating the water in the water tank.

[0017] Among them, after executing the sterilization mode once, the idle water time is re-accumulated. If the re-accumulated idle water time reaches the second preset time, the sterilization mode is selected again according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature.

[0018] The second preset duration is shorter than the first preset duration.

[0019] After the hot water circulation mode is executed continuously for a set number of times, the cold water replacement mode is executed.

[0020] Among them, the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature are monitored in real time. If the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first warning temperature value and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first environmental setting value, the water heater is controlled to execute a cooling protection mode.

[0021] A solar water heater is controlled by the control method of the solar water heater as described above.

[0022] Beneficial effects of the present invention:

[0023] The control method of the solar water heater proposed in the present invention includes: accumulating the time of no water use, and if the time of no water use reaches a preset time, selecting a sterilization mode according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature: if the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the water temperature setting value and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first ambient setting value, it means that the current water temperature is good and the ambient temperature is high. At this time, the water heater is controlled to execute the hot water circulation mode, which is more energy-saving and achieves the function of sterilization and antibacterial through high-temperature hot water; otherwise, the water heater is controlled to execute the cold water replacement mode, so that the water in the water heater is replaced with fresh cold water, which can also avoid bacterial growth.

[0024] The solar water heater proposed by the present invention is controlled by the above-mentioned control method of the solar water heater, so as to ensure good water quality in the water heater and avoid bacterial growth. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 The process of the control method of the solar water heater provided by the embodiment of the present invention is Figure 1 ;

[0026] Figure 2 is a flow chart of a solar water heater entering a high temperature mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 is a flow chart of a solar water heater entering a low temperature mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0028] Figure 4 The process of the control method of the solar water heater provided by the embodiment of the present invention is Figure 2 ;

[0029] Figure 5 is a flow chart of a solar water heater implementing a hot water circulation mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 6 It is a flow chart of a solar water heater implementing a cold water replacement mode provided by an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] The embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, and examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to be used to explain the present invention, but should not be understood as limiting the present invention.

[0032] The technical solution of the present invention is further illustrated below through specific implementation methods.

[0033] The embodiment of the present invention provides a solar water heater, comprising a heat collecting component and a water tank. The heat collecting component is a vacuum tube, which can convert solar energy into heat energy. The heat collecting tube uses the principle that hot water floats and cold water sinks to make water microcirculate to obtain the required hot water.

[0034] The water tank is a water storage component, and is provided with a water inlet and a water outlet. The water inlet is connected to the cold water source for supplying water into the water tank, and the water outlet is connected to the user's water use end for supplying water to the user.

[0035] The solar water heater also includes a water pump, a water tank connected to the heat collecting component, a circulation inlet and a circulation outlet are provided on the water tank, both of which are connected to the heat collecting component, and the water pump is connected to the water tank. When the water pump is turned on, water circulation can be formed between the water tank and the heat collecting component.

[0036] The solar water heater also includes a sunshade component that can move between a first position and a second position. In the first position, the sunshade component is away from the water heater and does not affect the water heater's heat collecting component from absorbing solar energy; in the second position, the sunshade component blocks the water heater and cools the water heater's heat collecting component.

[0037] A refrigeration device is arranged on the sunshade component, and the refrigeration device can blow cold air toward the heat collecting component.

[0038] The solar water heater also includes a water supply component, which can replenish cold water into the water tank when the water supply component is turned on. The water supply component can be a pump or a valve, which is not limited here.

[0039] The solar water heater also includes an electric heating device, which can heat the water in the water tank. When it is rainy or the ambient temperature is low, and the solar energy is not enough to heat the water to the set temperature, the electric heating device can be turned on to heat the water.

[0040] The solar water heater also includes a solar cell, which stores electricity when there is sufficient sunlight and can supply power to the refrigeration device and the electric heating device when needed.

[0041] The embodiment of the present invention further provides a control method of a solar water heater, which is used to control the solar water heater.

[0042] When the user uses water normally, the water in the water tank flows out from the water outlet. By monitoring the water flow at the water outlet of the water tank, it can be determined whether the user uses the water in the water heater. The water flow can be detected by a flow sensor. If the water flow is 0, it means that the user does not use water.

[0043] See also Figure 1 During the use of the water heater, the accumulated time of unused water is monitored and the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature are obtained in real time.

[0044] If the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first warning temperature value, the water heater is judged to enter the high temperature mode; if the current water temperature is less than the second warning temperature value, the water heater is judged to enter the low temperature mode; if the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the second warning temperature value and less than the first warning temperature value, the idle water usage time can continue to be accumulated.

[0045] If the water-free time reaches the first preset time, it means that the user has not used water for a long time, and a sterilization operation is required at this time, and the water heater executes the sterilization mode. The first preset time can be 5-7 days, which is not limited here.

[0046] See also Figure 2In high temperature mode, the water temperature is high and the water may evaporate. Long-term high temperature will also affect the life of the water heater. At this time, the sunshade component is controlled to block the water heater.

[0047] When the sunshade component blocks the water heater, if the ambient temperature is less than the first ambient setting value, it means that the ambient temperature is not high and the water heater should not continue to heat up. At this time, you only need to continue to open the sunshade component to prevent the water heater from continuing to heat up. When the sunshade component blocks the water heater, you still need to monitor the current water temperature. If the current water temperature is less than the first preset temperature value, control the sunshade component to stay away from the water heater. The first preset temperature value is less than the first warning temperature value.

[0048] In the high temperature mode, if the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first ambient setting value, it means that the ambient temperature is high and the water heater may continue to heat up. At this time, the water heater is controlled to execute the cooling protection mode and blow cold air to the water heater. In the cooling protection mode, the refrigeration device arranged on the sunshade component blows cold air to the heat collecting component for a second set time.

[0049] After executing the cooling protection mode, the current water temperature still needs to be monitored. If the current water temperature is less than the first preset temperature value, the sunshade component is controlled to be away from the water heater. If the current water temperature is greater than and equal to the first preset temperature value, the water heater is controlled to execute the drainage protection mode, and cold water is added to the water heater and the water in the water heater is drained.

[0050] In the drainage protection mode, the water supply component opens to add cold water to the water heater. The cold water mixes with the hot water in the water heater to lower the water temperature in the water heater. At the same time, the drain port opens to discharge the hot water with higher temperature to prevent excessive pressure in the water tank.

[0051] In the high temperature mode, if the non-use time reaches a first preset time, the sterilization mode is selected according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature.

[0052] See also Figure 3 In low temperature mode, the water temperature is low and may freeze. Long-term low temperature will cause the parts of the water heater to freeze and crack. At this time, the electric heating device is controlled to heat the water in the water heater.

[0053] When the electric heating device is turned on, the current water temperature is monitored. If the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the water temperature setting value, the electric heating device is controlled to be turned off.

[0054] When the electric heating device is turned on, if the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the second ambient setting value, it means that the water heater will not freeze, and the electric heating will continue and the current water temperature will be monitored until the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the water temperature setting value, and the electric heating device will be controlled to turn off.

[0055] When the electric heating device is turned on, if the ambient temperature is lower than the second ambient setting value, it means that the ambient temperature is low and there is a risk of freezing. More energy will be wasted by electric heating alone. In this case, the electric heating device can be turned off and the water in the water heater can be drained.

[0056] In the low temperature mode, if the accumulated time of no water usage reaches a first preset time, the sterilization mode is selected according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature.

[0057] See also Figure 4 If the non-use time reaches the first preset time, the sterilization mode is selected according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature to prevent the growth of bacteria in the water.

[0058] There are two sterilization modes, namely hot water circulation mode and cold water replacement mode. In the hot water circulation mode, the water pump drives the water in the water heater to circulate in the heat collecting components and the water tank, and the high-temperature hot water achieves the function of sterilization and antibacterial. In the cold water replacement mode, the drain port is opened to drain the water in the water heater. After the drainage is completed, the water supply component is opened to inject fresh cold water into the water heater.

[0059] Specifically, if the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the water temperature setting value and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first ambient setting value, it means that the current water temperature is good and the ambient temperature is high. At this time, the water heater is controlled to execute the hot water circulation mode, which is more energy-saving and achieves the function of sterilization and antibacterial through high-temperature hot water. Otherwise, the water heater is controlled to execute the cold water replacement mode. The cold water replacement replaces the water in the water heater with fresh cold water, which can also prevent bacteria from growing.

[0060] In the hot water circulation mode, the water needs to be kept at a certain temperature, so it may be necessary to heat the water, but there is no need to drain the water; in the cold water replacement mode, the water does not need to be heated, but the water will be drained and replaced with fresh water. According to the value of the water change and the value of the electricity required for heating, the size of the water temperature setting value can be obtained to achieve the purpose of saving energy. Therefore, the water temperature setting value can be a variable. The water temperature setting value is different at different stages of the water heater. Of course, the water temperature setting value can also be a quantitative value, which is a water temperature setting value obtained by comprehensively considering parameters such as the volume of the water tank and the electricity cost.

[0061] See also Figure 5 In the hot water circulation mode, if the current water temperature is lower than the first preset temperature value, the electric heating device is controlled to heat the water in the water tank until the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature value; if the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature value, the water pump is controlled to circulate the water in the water heater for the first set time; wherein the first preset temperature value is greater than the water temperature setting value.

[0062] In the hot water circulation mode, only when the water temperature is heated to a first preset temperature value, i.e., a relatively high temperature, can the sterilization effect be achieved. If the water temperature is lower than the first preset temperature value, electric heating can be used to heat the water so as to circulate the water.

[0063] See also Figure 6 In the cold water replacement mode, if the current water temperature is greater than the second preset temperature value, the sunshade component is controlled to block the water heater until the current water temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature value; if the current water temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature value, the drain port is controlled to open for drainage; wherein the second preset temperature value is less than the water temperature setting value.

[0064] In the cold water replacement mode, the water temperature is lowered to a second preset temperature value, i.e. a relatively low temperature, before being discharged to avoid damaging the drainage components of the water heater.

[0065] After the drainage is completed, the drain port is closed. If the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the second ambient setting value, the water supply component is controlled to add fresh cold water to the water heater.

[0066] After the drainage is completed, the drain port is closed. If the ambient temperature is less than the second ambient setting value, the water supply component is controlled to add fresh cold water to the water heater, and the electric heating device is controlled to turn on to heat the water in the water heater to avoid freezing.

[0067] After the sterilization mode is executed once, the idle time is accumulated again. If the accumulated idle time reaches the second preset time, the sterilization mode is selected again according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature.

[0068] In this embodiment, the second preset time is shorter than the first preset time. Because the time of wasted water is accumulated, the water quality in the water heater will deteriorate, so it needs to be processed again in a short time.

[0069] After the hot water circulation mode is executed twice in succession, the idle water time is accumulated again. If the accumulated idle water time reaches the third preset time, the water heater is controlled to execute the cold water replacement mode.

[0070] Alternatively, the cold water replacement mode may be executed after the hot water circulation mode is executed continuously for a set number of times.

[0071] The above sterilization modes are all for ensuring the water quality in the water heater.

[0072] To make it easier to understand, here is an example:

[0073] The first warning temperature value is 80℃, the first environment setting value is 20℃, the first preset temperature value is 70℃, and the water temperature setting value is 50℃. The second warning temperature value is 5℃, the second environment setting value is 0℃, and the second preset temperature value is 40℃. The first preset duration is 5 days.

[0074] First, high temperature mode:

[0075] If the current water temperature is greater than or equal to 80°C, the water heater is judged to enter the high temperature mode, and the sunshade component is controlled to block the water heater.

[0076] When the sunshade component blocks the water heater, if the ambient temperature is less than 20°C, the current water temperature will continue to be monitored until the current water temperature is less than 70°C, and the sunshade component will be controlled to be away from the water heater.

[0077] When the sunshade component blocks the water heater, if the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 20° C., the refrigeration device on the sunshade component is controlled to blow cold air to the heat collecting component for a second set time period.

[0078] After blowing cold air for the second set time, if the current water temperature is less than 70℃, the shading component is controlled to stay away from the water heater; if the current water temperature is greater than and equal to 70℃, the water supply component is controlled to add cold water to the water heater and the water in the water heater is controlled to be discharged.

[0079] Second, low temperature mode:

[0080] If the current water temperature is less than 5°C, the water heater is judged to enter the low temperature mode. At this time, the electric heating device is controlled to heat the water in the water heater until the current water temperature is greater than or equal to 50°C, and the electric heating device is controlled to be turned off.

[0081] When the electric heating device heats the water in the water heater, if the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 0°C, the electric heating continues and the current water temperature is monitored until the current water temperature is greater than or equal to 50°C, and the electric heating device is controlled to shut down.

[0082] When the electric heating device heats the water in the water heater, if the ambient temperature is less than 0° C., the electric heating device is turned off and the water in the water heater is drained.

[0083] Third, sterilization mode:

[0084] If the non-use time reaches 5 days, the current water temperature is greater than or equal to 50°C and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to 20°C, the hot water circulation mode is executed; otherwise, the cold water replacement mode is executed.

[0085] The above embodiments are only to illustrate the basic principles and characteristics of the present invention. The present invention is not limited by the above embodiments. Without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention, the present invention may be subject to various changes and modifications, which are within the scope of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the attached claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A control method for a solar water heater, characterized in that: The accumulated unused time, if the unused time reaches a first preset time, a sterilization mode is selected according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature, including: If the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the water temperature setting value and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first ambient setting value, the water heater is controlled to execute the hot water circulation mode; Otherwise, the water heater is controlled to execute the cold water replacement mode; In the cold water replacement mode, if the current water temperature is greater than the second preset temperature value, the sunshade component is controlled to shield the water heater and cool the heat collecting component until the current water temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature value; If the current water temperature is less than or equal to the second preset temperature value, the drain port is controlled to open for drainage; Wherein, the second preset temperature value is less than the water temperature setting value; After the drainage is completed, if the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the second ambient setting value, the water supply component is controlled to add fresh cold water to the water heater, wherein the second ambient setting value is less than the first ambient setting value; The solar water heater also includes a water pump. The water tank is connected to the heat collecting component. The water tank is also provided with a circulation inlet and a circulation outlet. The circulation inlet and the circulation outlet are both connected to the heat collecting component. The water pump is connected to the water tank. In the hot water circulation mode, the water pump is turned on, and the water pump drives the water in the water heater to circulate in the heat collecting component and the water tank.

2. The control method of the solar water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the hot water circulation mode, if the current water temperature is lower than the first preset temperature value, the electric heating device is controlled to heat the water in the water tank until the current water temperature is higher than or equal to the first preset temperature value; If the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature value, control the water pump to circulate the water in the water heater for a first set time; Among them, the first preset temperature value is greater than the water temperature setting value.

3. The control method of the solar water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: After the drainage is completed, if the ambient temperature is less than the second ambient setting value, the water supply component is controlled to add fresh cold water to the water heater, and the electric heating device is controlled to start heating the water in the water tank.

4. The control method of the solar water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: After executing the sterilization mode once, the idle time is accumulated again. If the accumulated idle time reaches the second preset time, the sterilization mode is selected again according to the current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature.

5. The control method of the solar water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: The second preset time length is shorter than the first preset time length.

6. The control method of the solar water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that: After the hot water circulation mode is executed continuously for a set number of times, the cold water replacement mode is executed.

7. The control method of a solar water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that: The current water temperature in the water tank and the external ambient temperature are monitored in real time. If the current water temperature is greater than or equal to the first warning temperature value and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the first ambient setting value, the water heater is controlled to execute a cooling protection mode.

8. A solar water heater, characterized in that: The solar water heater is controlled by the control method described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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