Gas water heater high-temperature water heating control method and gas water heater

Abstract

The application discloses a high-temperature water heating control method of a gas water heater and the gas water heater. The high-temperature water heating control method of the gas water heater comprises the following steps: obtaining the cold water quantity L0 and the cold water temperature t0 in the outlet pipe; obtaining the set high-temperature water temperature t1 and the high-temperature water quantity L1; calculating the heating temperature t2 according to the cold water quantity L0, the cold water temperature t0, the high-temperature water temperature t1 and the high-temperature water quantity L1; and controlling the gas water heater to burn so that the outlet water temperature is the heating temperature t2. The high-temperature water heating control method of the gas water heater can quantitatively heat the high-temperature water required by the user by the gas water heater, so as to meet the high-temperature water requirement of the user. Since the quantitative heating is performed, more high-temperature water can be prevented from flowing out in the case that the user does not need, and the risk of scalding of the user is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the technical field of hot water equipment, specifically, it relates to a high-temperature water heating control method for a gas water heater and a gas water heater. Background Technology

[0002] A gas water heater, also known as a gas water boiler, is a gas appliance that uses gas as fuel and heats water by transferring heat to cold water flowing through a heat exchanger in order to produce hot water.

[0003] Gas water heaters primarily produce hot water for bathing and washing, with most users selecting a temperature of around 42 degrees Celsius for showering. However, users occasionally need hot water, such as around 60 degrees Celsius, for foot baths or to soak bed sheets and other hard-to-wash clothing, achieving a high-temperature sterilization function. Ordinary gas water heaters are inconvenient for this purpose. Users need to manually set the hot water temperature to around 60 degrees Celsius each time and then remember to lower it back to the usual 42 degrees Celsius afterward. This back-and-forth switching is cumbersome, and forgetting to lower the set temperature poses a risk of scalding, seriously threatening user health and safety. Even if users remember to switch back to around 42 degrees Celsius, a section of hot water remains in the pipes, and reusing the water shortly afterward still carries a risk of scalding.

[0004] Based on this, how can we propose a high-temperature water heating control method for gas water heaters to ensure user safety while meeting users' needs for obtaining high-temperature water using gas?

[0005] The information disclosed in this background section is only intended to enhance the understanding of the background technology of this application, and therefore may include prior art that is not known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention addresses the safety hazards and various inconveniences associated with obtaining high-temperature water using gas water heaters in existing technologies. It proposes a high-temperature water heating control method for gas water heaters, which can solve the aforementioned problems.

[0007] To achieve the above-mentioned objectives, the present invention employs the following technical solution:

[0008] A method for controlling high-temperature water heating in a gas water heater, comprising:

[0009] Obtain the cold water flow rate L0 and cold water temperature t0 in the outlet pipe;

[0010] Obtain the set high-temperature water temperature t1 and high-temperature water volume L1;

[0011] Calculate the heating temperature t2 based on the cold water flow rate L0, cold water temperature t0, high-temperature water temperature t1, and high-temperature water flow rate L1 in the outlet pipe;

[0012] Control the combustion of the gas water heater so that the outlet water temperature is the heating temperature t2.

[0013] Furthermore, the method for obtaining the cold water volume L0 in the outlet pipe is as follows:

[0014] Obtain the time T1 required from the ignition and heating of the gas water heater to the point where hot water is available at the water outlet;

[0015] Obtain the water flow rate M;

[0016] L0 = T1 * M.

[0017] Furthermore, in the step of calculating the heating temperature t2, the water with a volume of L1-L0 and a temperature of t2 is mixed with the water with a volume of L0 and a temperature of t0 to obtain high-temperature water with a temperature of t1 and a total volume of L1.

[0018] Furthermore, in the step of calculating the heating temperature t2, the formula for calculating the heating temperature t2 is:

[0019] t2 = L1*(t1-t0) / (L1-L0)+t0.

[0020] Furthermore, it also includes a step of correcting the heating temperature t2 so that the corrected heating temperature t2' is greater than t2, and in the step of controlling the combustion of the gas water heater, the outlet water temperature is t2'.

[0021] Furthermore, the revised formula for calculating the heating temperature t2' is as follows:

[0022] t2'=L1*(t1-t0) / (L1-L0-M*ΔT)+t0, where ΔT is the correction value for the time required from the ignition and heating of the gas water heater to the hot water being available at the water outlet.

[0023] Furthermore, it also includes the step of calculating the time T2 taken to discharge a volume of water L1:

[0024] T2 = L1 / M;

[0025] The outlet valve closes after opening time T2.

[0026] Furthermore, the process of controlling the combustion of a gas water heater also includes a step of shutting off the combustion at least T1 in advance, that is, continuing to maintain water flow for at least T1 time after shutting off the combustion, and then closing the water outlet valve.

[0027] Furthermore, the high-temperature water heating control method for the gas water heater is triggered by a button. After the trigger signal is executed, the gas water heater returns to the normal heating mode.

[0028] This invention also proposes a gas water heater, including a water heater body, a control device and a water outlet valve, and a high-temperature water control button. When the high-temperature water control button is triggered, the gas water heater high-temperature water heating control method described in any of the preceding items is executed.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are:

[0030] The gas water heater high-temperature water heating control method of the present invention enables the gas water heater to quantitatively heat the high-temperature water required by the user, thereby meeting the user's high-temperature water demand. Because of the quantitative heating, excessive high-temperature water can be prevented from flowing out when the user does not need it, avoiding the risk of scalding.

[0031] 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

[0032] 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.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of one embodiment of the gas water heater proposed in this invention;

[0034] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the high-temperature water control button on a gas water heater. Detailed Implementation

[0035] 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.

[0036] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, terms such as "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," indicating 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. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0037] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] A gas water heater is a gas appliance that uses gas as fuel and heats water by transferring heat to cold water flowing through a heat exchanger. The hot water produced by a gas water heater is primarily used for bathing and washing. Most users choose a temperature of around 42 degrees Celsius for bathing, a temperature safe for direct skin contact. However, users occasionally use hot water, such as around 60 degrees Celsius, for foot baths or to soak bed sheets and other hard-to-wash clothing, achieving a high-temperature sterilization function. The set temperature of a gas water heater is the outlet water temperature. Currently, users set a high-temperature water temperature using a conventional bathing water temperature setting button, and then remember to lower the temperature back to the usual bathing temperature of around 42 degrees Celsius after use. This back-and-forth switching is inconvenient, and forgetting to lower the set temperature can lead to scalding.

[0040] Based on this, this embodiment proposes a high-temperature water heating control method for a gas water heater. The water heater used in this control method is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, the water heater includes a main body, which includes a burner 20, a heat exchanger 21, a control device 70, an inlet pipe 50, a cold water pipe 10, a hot water pipe 60, and a fan, etc. The water terminal is equipped with an outlet valve 30.

[0041] 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. The inlet pipe 50 is connected to the tap water pipe 90 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 is used to draw air to exhaust the gas produced by combustion through the air duct.

[0042] A water valve 40 is installed in the water supply pipe 90. The water supply pipe 90 provides cold water output to the water terminal through the cold water pipe 10.

[0043] The control device 70 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. The control device controls the working status of the water outlet valve and the fan, as well as the ignition status of the gas water heater.

[0044] The high-temperature water heating control method for gas water heaters in this embodiment includes:

[0045] Obtain the cold water flow rate L0 and cold water temperature t0 in the outlet pipe;

[0046] Obtain the set high-temperature water temperature t1 and high-temperature water volume L1;

[0047] Calculate the heating temperature t2 based on the cold water flow rate L0, cold water temperature t0, high-temperature water temperature t1, and high-temperature water flow rate L1 in the outlet pipe;

[0048] Control the combustion of the gas water heater so that the outlet water temperature is the heating temperature t2.

[0049] In this embodiment, the high-temperature water heating and the conventional bathing water heating of the gas water heater are two independent control logics. The default mode is bathing water heating, while high-temperature water heating requires a user to trigger it. The trigger is valid only once. After the high-temperature water heating is completed, it will automatically return to the conventional bathing water temperature setting mode. There is no need for the user to switch it separately, which prevents the user from forgetting to switch and causing the high-temperature water heating to continue to be executed the next time it is turned on, resulting in scalding.

[0050] The gas water heater is an instantaneous water heater. When users set the high-temperature water heating mode, they generally connect the hot water to a specific container for use. However, the water in the section of pipe between the heat exchanger 21 and the water terminal is cold water. To avoid wasting this cold water, the high-temperature water heating control method in this solution does not directly set the heating temperature t2 to the user's desired high-temperature water temperature t1. Instead, it takes into account the cold water in the pipe. By obtaining the cold water volume L0, cold water temperature t0, the user's desired high-temperature water temperature t1, and the high-temperature water volume L1, the heating temperature t2 that should be heated is calculated. This ensures that the temperature and volume of water mixed with the cold water in the pipe at the heating temperature t2 meet both the user's desired high-temperature water temperature t1 and high-temperature water volume L1. The general principle of the calculation should follow the law of conservation of energy. Therefore, under normal circumstances, the calculated heating temperature t2 will be greater than the user's set high-temperature water temperature t1, so that water at temperature t2 mixed with water at temperature t0 will produce water at temperature t1.

[0051] L1 is the user-defined high-temperature water volume, which can be set by the user each time. If the user does not set a value, the system stores a default value, which can be retrieved.

[0052] The high-temperature water temperature t1 can be set by the user each time. When the user does not set it, the system stores a default value, which can be retrieved.

[0053] This solution makes full use of the cold water in the cold water pipeline, avoiding waste and saving water resources.

[0054] As a preferred embodiment, the method for obtaining the cold water volume L0 in the outlet pipe in this embodiment is as follows:

[0055] Obtain the time T1 required from the ignition and heating of the gas water heater to the point where hot water is available at the water outlet;

[0056] Obtain the water flow rate M;

[0057] L0 = T1 * M.

[0058] When a user installs the water heater for the first time, the after-sales installer needs to measure the time required from turning on the gas water heater to getting hot water, and record it in the controller, which is recorded as T1.

[0059] The water flow rate in a user's home can be automatically read by a flow sensor, denoted as M (in L / min). The reading is then sent to the control device 70, which calculates the amount of cold water L0 in the water pipe.

[0060] In the step of calculating the heating temperature t2, the control device 70 should ensure that water with a volume of L1-L0 and a temperature of t2 is mixed with water with a volume of L0 and a temperature of t0 to obtain high-temperature water with a temperature of t1 and a total volume of L1.

[0061] Preferably, in the step of calculating the heating temperature t2, the formula for calculating the heating temperature t2 is:

[0062] t2 = L1*(t1-t0) / (L1-L0)+t0.

[0063] Where L1*(t1-t0) represents the total energy required to heat water with a total user demand volume of L1 from cold water temperature t0 to the user demand high-temperature water temperature t1, and (L1-L0) represents the volume of cold water in the water pipe.

[0064] To prevent accidents caused by excessively high water temperature, t2 can be limited to a maximum of 70 degrees Celsius.

[0065] In a preferred embodiment, a certain amount of cold water is left in the water pipe to prevent the final mixed water temperature from failing to reach the user's required high-temperature water temperature t1. This embodiment also includes a step of correcting the heating temperature t2, so that the corrected heating temperature t2' is greater than t2, thereby controlling the gas water heater combustion process to ensure that the outlet water temperature is t2'.

[0066] The formula for calculating the corrected heating temperature t2' in this embodiment is as follows:

[0067] t2'=L1*(t1-t0) / (L1-L0-M*ΔT)+t0.

[0068] ΔT is a correction value for the time required from ignition and heating of the gas water heater to the point where hot water is available at the water outlet. It is pre-stored in the system and can be called up when needed for calculation.

[0069] After adjusting the heating temperature, control the combustion of the gas water heater to achieve an outlet water temperature of t2'.

[0070] The outlet valve is an electrically controlled valve, which can be controlled by the control device 70 and will automatically close when enough high-temperature water L1 set by the user is discharged.

[0071] In order to accurately determine the heating time of the gas water heater, the process also includes calculating the time T2 required to discharge a volume of water L1:

[0072] T2 = L1 / M;

[0073] The outlet valve closes after opening time T2.

[0074] The burner ignites and heats when the outlet valve is opened. The timer starts from when the outlet valve is opened, and the total water discharge time is T2.

[0075] To prevent scalding if the user turns the tap back on shortly after the gas is turned off, when the water in the pipes is still hot and hasn't cooled to a safe temperature, the controller will turn off the gas early. The burner will then stop heating, and cold water will pass through the heat exchanger to push out the remaining hot water in the pipes.

[0076] In this embodiment, the step of controlling the combustion of the gas water heater includes a step of shutting off the combustion at least T1 in advance, that is, after shutting off the combustion, the water continues to flow for at least T1 time, and then the water outlet valve is closed.

[0077] In other words, the combustion is stopped after the longest combustion time T2-T1 when the heating is turned on. The water outlet valve remains open until the opening time T2 is met, at which point it closes completely. This allows all the hot water in the pipes to be discharged, preventing the risk of users being scalded by the hot water remaining in the pipes if the valve is turned on again in a short time.

[0078] In this embodiment, the time when the control device 70 controls the gas water heater to turn off in advance is recorded as T3, where T3 = T1 + ΔT, ΔT is a reserved correction value, and ΔT is greater than 0.

[0079] When the outlet valve is an electric valve, the control device 70 can directly control the electric valve to open or close. When there is no electric valve, the alarm device can be used to prompt the water to be turned off.

[0080] The high-temperature water heating control method of the gas water heater is triggered by a button. After the trigger signal is executed, the gas water heater returns to the normal heating mode to avoid the risk of scalding.

[0081] In this embodiment, ΔT can be set to 3S-10S to ensure that the high-temperature water in the hot water pipe is fully ejected and to prevent scalding.

[0082] The following is a specific example:

[0083] The user's hot water delivery time is recorded as T1 = 30s, water heater flow rate is 6L / min, high-temperature water volume is set as L1 = 15L, high-temperature water temperature is set as t1 = 60℃, tap water temperature is set as t0 = 20℃, and ΔT = 5S.

[0084] The calculated value of the outlet water temperature t2 is as follows:

[0085] t2 = 15*(60-20) / (15-6*(30+5) / 60)+20 = 68, the unit is ℃.

[0086] The time T2 for water injection is calculated as follows:

[0087] T2 = 15 / 6 * 60 = 150, the unit is seconds.

[0088] The time T3 for early shutdown is calculated as follows:

[0089] T3 = 30 + 5 = 35, the unit is seconds.

[0090] Based on the above calculations, to obtain 15L of 60-degree Celsius hot water, the water heater operates according to the following procedure:

[0091] The water heater starts and burns at an outlet water temperature of 68 degrees Celsius. It turns off the flame after 125 seconds (150-35=125) and turns off the water after 150 seconds, or an alarm prompts the water to turn off.

[0092] Example 2

[0093] The present invention also proposes a gas water heater, including a water heater body, a control device and a water outlet valve, and a high-temperature water control button. When the high-temperature water control button is triggered, the gas water heater high-temperature water heating control method is executed.

[0094] like Figure 1 As shown, the main body of the water heater includes components such as a burner 20, a heat exchanger 21, a control device 70, an inlet pipe 50, a cold water pipe 10, a hot water pipe 60, and a fan. A water outlet valve 30 is installed at the water terminal.

[0095] 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. The inlet pipe 50 is connected to the tap water pipe 90 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 is used to draw air to exhaust the gas produced by combustion through the air duct.

[0096] A water valve 40 is installed in the water supply pipe 90. The water supply pipe 90 provides cold water output to the water terminal through the cold water pipe 10.

[0097] The control device 70 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. The control device controls the working status of the water outlet valve and the fan, as well as the ignition status of the gas water heater.

[0098] This gas water heater employs a high-temperature water heating control method, including:

[0099] Obtain the cold water flow rate L0 and cold water temperature t0 in the outlet pipe;

[0100] Obtain the set high-temperature water temperature t1 and high-temperature water volume L1;

[0101] Calculate the heating temperature t2 based on the cold water flow rate L0, cold water temperature t0, high-temperature water temperature t1, and high-temperature water flow rate L1 in the outlet pipe;

[0102] Control the combustion of the gas water heater so that the outlet water temperature is the heating temperature t2.

[0103] The method for obtaining the cold water volume L0 in the outlet pipe is as follows:

[0104] Obtain the time T1 required from the ignition and heating of the gas water heater to the point where hot water is available at the water outlet;

[0105] Obtain the water flow rate M;

[0106] L0 = T1 * M.

[0107] A flow sensor is also included in the inlet pipe 50 to detect water flow.

[0108] In order to detect the cold water temperature, a temperature sensor is also included, which is installed in the inlet pipe 50 or the tap water pipe 90.

[0109] In this embodiment, the high-temperature water heating and the conventional bathing water heating of the gas water heater are two independent control logics. The default mode is bathing water heating, while high-temperature water heating requires a user to trigger it. The trigger is valid only once. After the high-temperature water heating is completed, it will automatically return to the conventional bathing water temperature setting mode. There is no need for the user to switch it separately, which prevents the user from forgetting to switch and causing the high-temperature water heating to continue to be executed the next time it is turned on, resulting in scalding.

[0110] like Figure 2 As shown, the high-temperature water control button 10 can be used to set the high-temperature water temperature t1 and the high-temperature water volume L1.

[0111] The high-temperature water temperature t1 and high-temperature water volume L1 can be set by the user each time. When the user does not set them, the system stores default values, which can be retrieved.

[0112] The specific high-temperature water heating control logic of the gas water heater in this embodiment can be found in Embodiment 1, and will not be repeated here.

[0113] The gas water heater in this embodiment can quantitatively heat the high-temperature water required by the user to meet their needs. Because of this quantitative heating, it prevents excessive hot water from flowing out unnecessarily, thus avoiding the risk of scalding.

[0114] 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 method for controlling high-temperature water heating in a gas water heater, characterized in that, include: Obtain the cold water flow rate L0 and cold water temperature t0 in the outlet pipe; Obtain the set high-temperature water temperature t1 and high-temperature water volume L1; Calculate the heating temperature t2 based on the cold water flow rate L0, cold water temperature t0, high-temperature water temperature t1, and high-temperature water flow rate L1 in the outlet pipe. Control the combustion of the gas water heater so that the outlet water temperature is the heating temperature t2; It also includes the step of calculating the time T2 required to discharge a volume of water L1: T2 = L1 / M, where M is the water flow rate; The outlet valve will close after opening time T2; The high-temperature water heating trigger is valid only once. After the trigger signal is executed, the gas water heater returns to the normal heating mode, and the high-temperature water heating temperature is higher than the heating temperature of the normal heating mode. The steps for controlling the combustion of a gas water heater include a step of shutting off the combustion at least T1 in advance, that is, continuing to maintain water flow for at least T1 time after shutting off the combustion, and then closing the water outlet valve; The method for obtaining the cold water volume L0 in the outlet pipe is as follows: Obtain the time T1 required from the ignition and heating of the gas water heater to the point where hot water is available at the water outlet; Obtain the water flow rate M; It also includes a step of correcting the heating temperature t2 so that the corrected heating temperature t2' is greater than t2, and in the step of controlling the combustion of the gas water heater, the outlet water temperature is t2'.

2. The high-temperature water heating control method for a gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, L0 = T1 * M.

3. The high-temperature water heating control method for a gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the step of calculating the heating temperature t2, the water with a volume of L1-L0 and a temperature of t2 is mixed with the water with a volume of L0 and a temperature of t0 to obtain high-temperature water with a temperature of t1 and a total volume of L1.

4. The high-temperature water heating control method for a gas water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, In the step of calculating the heating temperature t2, the formula for calculating the heating temperature t2 is: t2 = L1*(t1-t0) / (L1-L0)+t0.

5. The high-temperature water heating control method for a gas water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The corrected formula for calculating the heating temperature t2' is as follows: t2'=L1*(t1-t0) / (L1-L0-M*ΔT)+t0, where ΔT is the correction value for the time required from the ignition and heating of the gas water heater to the hot water being available at the water outlet.

6. The method for controlling high-temperature water heating in a gas water heater according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The high-temperature water heating control method for the gas water heater is triggered by a button.

7. A gas water heater, comprising a water heater body, a control device, and a water outlet valve, characterized in that, It also includes a high-temperature water control button, which, when triggered, performs control according to the gas water heater high-temperature water heating control method according to any one of claims 1-6.

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