A method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator

Abstract

The present invention provides a method for preventing dry burning and controlling the amount of residual water in a steam generator, comprising the following steps: S100: filling water into the steam generator; S200: starting heating the steam generator after the water filling is completed; S300: determining whether the current water filling is the last water filling, if so, proceeding to step S400, if not, proceeding to step S500; S400: detecting whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the evaporation temperature T1, when the real-time temperature T is greater than T1 and T is stable, or the number of water filling abnormalities n is greater than a set value N, the steam generator stops working, and when T is not greater than T1, proceeding to step S200; the present invention eliminates the need for using a thermal protector with a very long operating life, thereby reducing costs, can automatically adapt to usage conditions at different altitudes, and can avoid "sizzling" noise during water supply during circulation. At the end of operation, it is ensured that no water remains in the cavity, thereby avoiding the generation of bacteria and odor, and providing a better user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the technical field of steam generators, and in particular to a method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator. Background Art

[0002] With improved living standards, more and more home appliances are using steam generators. These devices generate high-temperature steam, which, in washing machines, can improve washing performance, remove wrinkles, and eliminate odors. Controlling dry-burn and residual water in steam generators is crucial. Failure to detect dry-burn can cause damage or even fire, while incorrect detection can affect normal use. Furthermore, uncontrolled residual water can cause problems for users and lead to bacterial growth and odor generation. Existing solutions to the dry-burn and residual water issues include the following: 1. Using a thermal protector for control: water replenishment is initiated when the thermal protector is disconnected (i.e., disconnected) and water replenishment is stopped when the thermal protector is restored (i.e., restored). 2. Using a temperature sensor for control: heating is stopped and water replenishment is initiated when the temperature reaches the protection point, and water replenishment is stopped and heating is resumed when the temperature drops to the recovery point. 3. Using a temperature sensor for control: heating is stopped and water replenishment is initiated when the temperature rise slope reaches a preset value, and heating is resumed after the temperature drops to the preset value and water replenishment is complete. However, all of the above solutions have their own problems: Solution 1 requires a high number of thermal protector operations, which means it is more expensive. In order to ensure that the product does not dry-burn under various conditions, a certain amount of residual water is required, which can easily cause bacterial growth and produce odor, affecting the clothing care effect; Solution 2 has different boiling points at different altitudes, so in order to ensure that the product does not dry-burn under various conditions, a certain amount of residual water is required, which can easily cause bacterial growth and produce odor; Solution 3 is prone to misjudgment and cannot adjust the amount of residual water. Therefore, when adding water in the case of high-temperature sewage, a "sizzling" sound may be heard or residual water may remain, which can also easily cause bacterial growth and produce odor. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention provides a method for preventing dry burning and controlling the amount of residual water in a steam generator, which can achieve accurate prevention of dry burning at different altitudes, control the amount of residual water during the circulation process, and ensure that no residual water is left after the circulation is completed in a low-cost manner.

[0004] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present invention adopts the following technical solutions:

[0005] A method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator comprises the following steps:

[0006] S100: water is fed into the steam generator;

[0007] S200: After the water intake is completed, the steam generator starts heating;

[0008] S300: Determine whether this water inflow is the last water inflow. If so, proceed to step S400; if not, proceed to step S500;

[0009] S400: Detecting whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the evaporation temperature T1. If the real-time temperature T is greater than T1 and T is stable, or the number of water inflow abnormalities n is greater than the set value N, the steam generator stops working. If T is not greater than T1, the process proceeds to step S200.

[0010] S500: further detecting whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the circulation temperature T2. When T is greater than T2, proceeding to step S600; when T is not greater than T2, proceeding to step S200;

[0011] S600: further detecting whether the real-time temperature T has been stable. If the real-time temperature T has been stable, the process goes to step S100. If the real-time temperature T has not been stable and the number of abnormal water inflow times n is greater than the set value N, the steam generator stops working.

[0012] Preferably, the step S200 includes:

[0013] S210: Detect whether the temperature in the steam generator is stable at the water boiling temperature T0, record T0 at this time, and then continue heating until the water in the steam generator is evaporated.

[0014] Preferably, the step S400 includes:

[0015] S410: Detect whether the real-time temperature T is greater than the evaporation temperature T1. If so, proceed to step S420; if not, proceed to step S200.

[0016] S420: further determining whether the real-time temperature T is stable. If so, the steam generator stops working; if not, proceeding to step S430;

[0017] S430: The number of water inlet abnormalities n is increased by 1, and it is determined whether n is greater than N. If so, the steam generator stops working after the water inlet abnormality error is reported. If not, the steam generator stops working directly.

[0018] Preferably, the step S600 further includes:

[0019] S610: When it is detected that the real-time temperature T is not stable, the number of water inlet abnormalities n is increased by 1, and it is determined whether n is greater than N. If so, the steam generator stops working after the water inlet abnormality error is reported. If not, it enters step S100.

[0020] Preferably, the heating temperature T1 is the water boiling temperature T0 + ΔT1, wherein ΔT1 = 20-70°C.

[0021] Preferably, the circulation temperature T2 is the water boiling temperature T0+ΔT2, wherein ΔT2=ΔT1-(10-20)°C.

[0022] Preferably, the heating temperature T3 is the water boiling temperature T0+ΔT3, wherein 0<ΔT3<(ΔT2-5).

[0023] Preferably, N≥2.

[0024] It can be seen from the above technical solution that the present invention has the following beneficial effects: in the present invention, a temperature sensor is used to detect the real-time temperature T in the steam generator, and the real-time temperature T is first compared with the set heating temperature T3. When the real-time temperature is not greater than the heating temperature T3, the steam generator starts to work, and during the operation of the steam generator, it is judged whether the water inflow is the last time. When it is the last time, the temperature sensor is used to detect whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the evaporation temperature T1. Based on the evaporation temperature T1, it is judged whether the water in the steam generator is completely evaporated, and when the water is completely evaporated or the number of abnormal water inflows is greater than the set value, the steam generator is started to work. When the temperature T2 is reached, the steam generator stops working. When this water inflow is not the last time, it is further determined whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the circulation temperature T2. Based on the circulation temperature T2, the steam generator is controlled to be further heated and then the water is repeatedly inflowed. When the number of abnormal water inflows is greater than the set value, the steam generator stops working. The present invention does not require the use of a thermal protector with a long operating life, thereby reducing costs. It can automatically adapt to the use conditions at different altitudes, and can avoid the "sizzling" noise during water supply during the circulation. At the end of operation, it ensures that no water remains in the cavity to avoid the generation of bacteria and odors, thereby bringing a better experience to users. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A schematic structural diagram of a steam generator provided by the present invention;

[0026] Figure 2 A flowchart of an embodiment of the present invention;

[0027] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of the method for avoiding dry burning and controlling residual water amount in a steam generator provided by the present invention.

[0028] In the figure: 10, metal cavity; 20, water inlet; 30, steam outlet; 40, heating tube; 50, temperature sensor. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0029] A preferred embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0030] The working process of the steam generator is to supply water and heat it until the water is dried up, which is a steam cycle. Often, the steam generator provided by the present invention is repeated many times according to the situation. Figure 1 As shown, it includes a metal cavity 10, a water inlet 20 provided on the metal cavity, a steam outlet 30 provided on the metal cavity, and a heating tube 40 provided inside the metal cavity for heating the water in the cavity to generate steam. In addition, the steam generator also includes a temperature sensor 50 provided inside the metal cavity for detecting the real-time temperature within the cavity. During the water supply phase, the water intake is calculated based on the size of the steam generator cavity and the condition of the water inlet valve, ensuring that the water volume is appropriate. During the heating phase, the water in the cavity decreases from a large amount to a small amount until it boils dry. During this process, the real-time temperature of the temperature sensor is extracted to determine the status of the steam generator and perform corresponding actions to ensure that steam can be generated normally during the cycle and that the water is completely evaporated at the end of the cycle. At the same time, it can prevent continuous dry burning when there is no water.

[0031] It should be noted that the parameters of the present invention are as follows:

[0032] T: real-time temperature detected by the temperature sensor;

[0033] T0: The stable temperature detected when the water boils after heating (preset when powered on for the first time, generally 100-120°C);

[0034] ΔT1: When the difference between the real-time temperature T and T0 just exceeds ΔT1, the water in the cavity can be completely evaporated. It is generally set between 20 and 70°C. The specific value of ΔT1 can be obtained as the set value based on actual system conditions.

[0035] ΔT2: When the difference between the real-time temperature T and T0 just exceeds ΔT2, there is a small amount of water remaining in the cavity. It is generally set to drop by 10-20°C based on ΔT1;

[0036] ΔT3: When the difference between the real-time temperature T and T0 is just below ΔT3, heating can begin, which is generally greater than 0 and less than (ΔT2-5)°C.

[0037] n: number of abnormal water inflow;

[0038] N: The threshold value set for the number of abnormal water inflows. An error will be reported when the number of abnormal water inflows n exceeds N, usually 2 times.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 、 Figure 3 , the specific working methods are as follows:

[0040] S100: Water is fed into the steam generator.

[0041] Specifically, water is introduced into the metal cavity through the water inlet 20 on the steam generator.

[0042] S200: After the water intake is completed, the steam generator starts heating.

[0043] Specifically, after the water intake is completed in step S100, the heating tube 40 in the steam generator can be started to heat the water in the cavity to generate steam when the temperature reaches the boiling point T0 of the water.

[0044] S300: Determine whether this water inflow is the last water inflow. If so, proceed to step S400; if not, proceed to step S500.

[0045] Specifically, when it is determined that this water inflow is the last one, and based on the temperature in the steam generator at this time, it is determined whether the water in the cavity is evaporated. After the water is evaporated, step S400 is entered. If the water is not completely evaporated, step S500 is entered.

[0046] It should be noted that the present invention has two methods for determining whether water filling is the last: one is to calculate according to the steam generator's program time process, that is, a pre-set steam generator operating time, each cycle takes a certain amount of time, and when the remaining time is only enough for one cycle, the water filling is considered to be the last water filling; the other is to calculate the accumulated steam volume before the start of each water filling cycle. If the steam volume is estimated to reach the target after the next cycle, the water filling is considered to be the last water filling cycle. Of course, the methods for determining whether water filling is the last are not limited to the above two methods.

[0047] S400: Detect whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the evaporation temperature T1. When the real-time temperature T is greater than T1 and T is stable, or the number of water inflow abnormalities n is greater than the set value N, the steam generator stops working. When T is not greater than T1, enter step S200.

[0048] Specifically, the temperature sensor set in the steam generator is used to detect the real-time temperature T in the cavity. When T is greater than the evaporation temperature T1, it is further judged whether the real-time temperature T has been stable. If T has been stable, it indicates that the steam generator has been burned dry, and the steam generator will directly stop working, which can ensure that the steam generator completely evaporates the water when it ends work to avoid dry burning. In addition, it can also avoid continuous dry burning when there is no water in the cavity. If the real-time temperature T has not been stable, it indicates that the temperature in the steam generator has been in a rising state. At this time, the steam If the generator continues to dry-burn, it is determined that the water inlet is abnormal, and the number of water inlet abnormalities is increased by 1. When the number of water inlet abnormalities n is greater than the set value N, the steam generator stops working; when T is not greater than T1, step S200 is advanced. At this time, the water in the steam generator has not been completely evaporated. If the work is terminated at this time, residual water will remain in the steam generator, which is prone to bacterial growth and odor. Therefore, it is necessary to enter step S200 to make the steam generator continue to heat until the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the evaporation temperature T1 to completely evaporate the residual water.

[0049] It should be noted that stabilization refers to the time period during which water is in a stable stage when boiling. If it is stable for a certain period of time, it is considered to be stable. A temperature sensor can be used to detect whether the temperature in the steam generator is at the boiling point of water and maintained for a certain period of time. Specifically, in the present invention, it means that the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is maintained at T0 for a certain period of time.

[0050] T1 in the present invention is the boiling temperature of water T0+ΔT1, wherein ΔT1=20-70°C.

[0051] S500: further detecting whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the circulation temperature T2. When T is greater than T2, proceeding to step S600; when T is not greater than T2, proceeding to step S200.

[0052] Specifically, when this water inflow is not the last time, that is, water needs to be added to the steam generator again in the subsequent working process, then it is necessary to further judge the real-time temperature T in the steam generator to determine whether the real-time temperature T is greater than the circulation temperature T2. When T is greater than T2, step S600 is entered to determine whether the steam generator is dry-burned. When T is not greater than T2, it indicates that the steam generator is still in the continuous heating stage. Therefore, step S200 needs to be entered, that is, the steam generator continues to heat, and step S300 is repeated.

[0053] It should be noted that T2 in the present invention is the boiling temperature of water T0+ΔT2, wherein ΔT2=ΔT1-(10-20)°C.

[0054] S600: further detecting whether the real-time temperature T has been stable. If the real-time temperature T has been stable, the process goes to step S100. If the real-time temperature T has not been stable and the number of abnormal water inflow times n is greater than the set value N, the steam generator stops working.

[0055] Specifically, after detecting in step S500 that the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the circulation temperature T2, it is further determined whether the real-time temperature T has been stable. When T has been stable, it indicates that steam is still being generated in the steam generator, that is, there is residual water in the steam generator. Since it is not the last water inflow, it is necessary to enter step S100. When the temperature sensor detects that the real-time temperature T in the steam generator has not been stable, it indicates that the temperature in the steam generator has been rising. At this time, the steam generator continues to dry burn, and it is determined to be a water inflow abnormality, and the number of water inflow abnormalities is increased by 1. When the number of water inflow abnormalities n is greater than the set value N, the steam generator ends its operation.

[0056] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, step S100 includes:

[0057] S110: Determine whether water intake is completed. If so, proceed to step S120; if not, continue water intake.

[0058] More specifically, in the present invention, there is a step of determining whether the water intake is completed during the process of feeding water into the steam generator. When the water intake is completed, if the water intake reaches the set value, step S120 is entered, that is, the water in the steam generator is heated. If the water intake does not meet the set requirement, water continues to be fed into the steam generator.

[0059] It should be noted that whether the water inlet is completed is determined by the volume of the water storage chamber of the steam generator, the flow rate of the water inlet valve and the water inlet time. That is, according to the required water volume in the steam generator, a water inlet time is obtained. After the time is up, the water valve is closed, and the water inlet is considered to be completed.

[0060] S120: further detecting whether the real-time temperature T is greater than the heating temperature T3, if so, proceeding to step S130, if not, proceeding to step S200.

[0061] More specifically, the temperature sensor is used to further detect whether the real-time temperature in the steam generator is greater than the heating temperature T3, that is, to determine whether the temperature in the steam generator meets the heating requirements. If so, step S130 is entered, that is, when the real-time temperature T is greater than T3, water needs to be added to the steam generator to lower the temperature in the cavity. If the real-time temperature T is less than T3, the heating conditions are met, that is, step S200 is entered.

[0062] S130: Wait for time t, and then go to step S120.

[0063] More specifically, when the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than T3, it is necessary to wait for a certain time t for the water temperature in the steam generator to drop below T3, so as to meet the subsequent requirement for heating the steam generator.

[0064] T3 of the present invention is the boiling temperature of water T0+ΔT3, wherein 0<ΔT3<(ΔT2-5).

[0065] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, step S200 includes:

[0066] S210: Detect whether the temperature in the steam generator is stable at the water boiling temperature T0, record T0 at this time, and then continue heating until the water in the steam generator is evaporated.

[0067] More specifically, a temperature sensor is used to detect whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is stable at the water boiling temperature T0, and the T0 value at this time is recorded. It should be noted that the T0 value in the present invention is not a fixed value, and its value will be affected by external factors such as air pressure and water quality. After recording the T0 value under specific working conditions, heating is continued until the water in the steam generator is evaporated.

[0068] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, step S400 includes:

[0069] S410: Detect whether the real-time temperature T is greater than the evaporation temperature T1. If so, proceed to step S420; if not, proceed to step S200.

[0070] More specifically, a temperature sensor is used to detect whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the evaporation temperature T1. If so, the process proceeds to the subsequent step S420, i.e., determining whether water inflow abnormality has occurred in the steam generator. If not, it indicates that the water in the steam generator has not been completely evaporated, and the process proceeds to step S200, i.e., the steam generator is continuously heated until it is evaporated.

[0071] S420: further determine whether the real-time temperature T is stable. If so, the steam generator stops working; if not, proceed to step S430.

[0072] More specifically, the temperature sensor detects whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator has remained stable at a temperature greater than the evaporation temperature T1. If so, it indicates that the water in the steam generator has been completely evaporated, and the steam generator ends its operation. If the real-time temperature T has not remained stable, it indicates that the steam generator continues to dry out, and an abnormal water inflow has occurred, and step S430 needs to be entered.

[0073] S430: The number of water inlet abnormalities n is increased by 1, and it is determined whether n is greater than N. If so, the steam generator stops working after the water inlet abnormality error is reported. If not, the steam generator stops working directly.

[0074] More specifically, in step S420, when the real-time temperature T does not remain stable, it is determined that the water inlet steam generator has dry-burned, that is, an abnormal water inlet situation has occurred. Accordingly, the number of abnormal water inlet times needs to be updated, that is, the number of abnormal water inlet times is increased by 1, and the number of abnormal water inlet times n is compared with the set value N. If n is greater than N, the threshold value of the abnormal water inlet error is reached, and the steam generator stops working after the abnormal water inlet error is reported. If n is not greater than N, the steam generator directly stops working.

[0075] As a preferred technical solution of the present invention, step S600 further includes:

[0076] S610: When it is detected that the real-time temperature T is not stable, proceed to step S620.

[0077] More specifically, if the temperature sensor detects that the real-time temperature T in the steam generator in step S600 is stable, it is determined that the water inlet steam generator has dry-burned, that is, an abnormal water inlet situation has occurred. Accordingly, the number of abnormal water inlet times needs to be updated, that is, the number of abnormal water inlet times is increased by 1, and the number of abnormal water inlet times n is compared with the set value N. If n is greater than N, the threshold value of the abnormal water inlet error is reached, and the steam generator stops working after the abnormal water inlet error is issued. If n is not greater than N, it is necessary to enter step S100 until the last water inlet.

[0078] The following is a detailed explanation using a water inflow of a certain model of steam generator as an example:

[0079] S000': start;

[0080] S100': water is fed into the steam generator;

[0081] S200': Determine whether the water supply is completed, if so, proceed to step S300', if not, repeat step S100';

[0082] S300': Detect whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the heating temperature T3. If so, proceed to step S400'; if not, proceed to step S500';

[0083] S400': wait for time t and repeat step S300';

[0084] S500': the steam generator starts heating, and then enters step S600';

[0085] S600': Detect whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is stable. If so, proceed to step S700'; if not, proceed to step S800';

[0086] S700': updating the boiling temperature T0 of water in the steam generator and proceeding to step S800';

[0087] S800': the steam generator continues heating and detects whether the current water inflow is the last one. If so, the process proceeds to step S900'; if not, the process proceeds to step S1300';

[0088] S900': Detect whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the evaporation temperature T1. If so, proceed to step S1000'; if not, proceed to step S500';

[0089] S1000': further determining whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is stable, if so, proceeding to step S1700', if not, proceeding to step S1100';

[0090] S1100': add 1 to the number of abnormal water inflow times, and further determine whether the number of abnormal water inflow times n is greater than the set value N. If so, proceed to step S1200'; if not, proceed to step S1700';

[0091] S1200': abnormal water inflow error is reported, and the process goes to step S1700';

[0092] S1300': Detect whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the circulation temperature T2. If so, proceed to step S1400'; if not, proceed to step S500';

[0093] S1400': further detecting whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is stable, if so, proceeding to step S100', if not, proceeding to step S1500';

[0094] S1500': add 1 to the number of abnormal water inflow times, and determine whether the number of abnormal water inflow times n is greater than the set value N. If so, proceed to step S1600'; if not, proceed to step S100';

[0095] S1600': abnormal water inflow error is reported, and the process goes to step S1700';

[0096] S1700': The steam generator stops working.

[0097] The above-described embodiments are merely descriptions of preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Without departing from the design spirit of the present invention, various modifications and improvements made to the technical solutions of the present invention by ordinary technicians in this field should fall within the scope of protection determined by the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator, characterized in that: The following steps are involved: S100: water is fed into the steam generator; S200: After the water intake is completed, the steam generator starts heating; S300: Determine whether this water inflow is the last water inflow. If so, proceed to step S400; if not, proceed to step S500. S4 00: Check whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the evaporation temperature T1. If the real-time temperature T is greater than T1 and T is stable, or the number of water inflow abnormalities n is greater than the set value N, the steam generator stops working. If T is not greater than T1, enter step S200; S500: further detecting whether the real-time temperature T in the steam generator is greater than the circulation temperature T2. When T is greater than T2, proceeding to step S600; when T is not greater than T2, proceeding to step S200; S600: further detecting whether the real-time temperature T has been stable. If the real-time temperature T has been stable, the process proceeds to step S100. If the real-time temperature T has not been stable and the number of water inflow anomalies n is greater than the set value N, the steam generator stops working. Wherein, the step S400 includes: S410: Detect whether the real-time temperature T is greater than the evaporation temperature T1. If so, proceed to step S420; if not, proceed to step S200. S420: further determining whether the real-time temperature T is stable. If so, the steam generator stops working; if not, proceeding to step S430; S430: The number of water inlet abnormalities n is increased by 1, and it is determined whether n is greater than N. If so, the steam generator stops working after the water inlet abnormality error is reported. If not, the steam generator stops working directly.

2. The method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator according to claim 1, characterized in that: The step S100 includes: S110: Determine whether water inflow is complete. If so, proceed to step S120; if not, continue water inflow. S120: further detecting whether the real-time temperature T is greater than the heating temperature T3, if so, proceeding to step S130, if not, proceeding to step S200; S130: Wait for time t, and then go to step S120.

3. The method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator according to claim 2, characterized in that: The step S200 includes: S210: Detect whether the temperature in the steam generator is stable at the water boiling temperature T0, record T0 at this time, and then continue heating until the water in the steam generator is evaporated.

4. The method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator according to claim 3, characterized in that: The step S600 further includes: S610: When it is detected that the real-time temperature T is not stable, the number of water inlet abnormalities n is increased by 1, and it is determined whether n is greater than N. If so, the steam generator stops working after the water inlet abnormality error is reported. If not, it enters step S100.

5. The method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heating temperature T1 is the water boiling temperature T0 + ΔT1, wherein ΔT1 = 20-70°C.

6. The method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator according to claim 5, characterized in that: The circulation temperature T2 is the water boiling temperature T0+ΔT2, wherein ΔT2=ΔT1-(10-20)°C.

7. The method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator according to claim 6, characterized in that: The heating temperature T3 is the water boiling temperature T0+ΔT3, wherein 0<ΔT3<(ΔT2-5).

8. The method for preventing dry burning and controlling residual water in a steam generator according to claim 7, characterized in that: Said N≥2.

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