Multi-heat-source water heating device and multi-heat-source water heating control method

Abstract

The application discloses a multi-heat-source hot water supply device and a multi-heat-source hot water supply control method. The multi-heat-source hot water supply device is provided with a circulating pipeline between a hot water outlet pipe and a return pipe, so that a circulating loop is formed between the hot water outlet and the return pipe of a hot water tank. The device starts the water pump in advance, and under the drive of the water pump, the hot water in the hot water tank and the cold water in each pipeline can circulate in the circulating loop, so that the hot water and the cold water are mixed, and the problem of the water temperature of the hot water outlet pipe being cold and hot at random when the device starts is solved. Moreover, the multi-heat-source hot water supply device can control the working states of the first pipeline switching mechanism, the electric heater and the gas water heater according to the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank detected by the temperature detection mechanism, so that hot water at different temperatures can directly flow out of the hot water supply pipe or flow out of the hot water supply pipe at a constant temperature through different heating paths, thereby solving the problem of the water temperature of the hot water outlet pipe being cold and hot at random during the working process of the device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a multi-heat source hot water supply device and a multi-heat source hot water supply control method. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of water heater technology, multi-heat source water heaters are being used more and more frequently in people's lives. For example, there's the combination of a gas water heater and a solar water heater. A solar water heater primarily uses solar energy to extract heat, while a gas water heater uses the combustion of gas to extract heat. Of course, besides this combination, there's also the combination of a gas water heater and a heat pump tank.

[0003] Multi-source water heaters, including gas water heaters, require connecting the gas water heater in series with other water heating devices via piping. These devices can be pressurized water tanks from solar water heaters or heat pump tanks. Because the piping between the tank and the gas water heater contains cold water, while the tank itself contains hot water, temperature fluctuations occur when switching from cold to hot water during startup. This results in inconsistent hot water temperatures, significantly impacting the user experience. Furthermore, since solar water heaters are clean and inexpensive, multi-source water heaters typically use the hot water from the tank first. However, the hot water in the tank is also prone to temperature instability, which can also cause inconsistent hot and cold water temperatures during operation.

[0004] Therefore, how to develop a water heater with a combination of multiple heat sources that maintains a stable water temperature both during startup and during use is a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first objective of this invention is to provide a multi-heat-source hot water supply device that has multiple heat sources and whose outlet water temperature is relatively stable with minimal fluctuations both during startup and use, resulting in a superior user experience.

[0006] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] A multi-heat-source hot water supply device includes: a gas water heater; a hot water tank capable of absorbing external energy and providing hot water; a hot water outlet pipe and a return pipe, one end of the hot water outlet pipe being connected to the inlet of the gas water heater and the other end being connected to the hot water outlet of the hot water tank; one end of the return pipe being connected to the outlet of the gas water heater and the other end being connected to the return outlet of the hot water tank; a circulation pipeline, a water pump, an electric heater, and a first pipeline switching mechanism; the circulation pipeline connecting the hot water outlet pipe and the return pipe and being disposed close to the gas water heater; the electric heater being disposed on the circulation pipeline; and the water pump being disposed on either the circulation pipeline or the hot water outlet pipe. The system includes a first pipeline switching mechanism located at the connection between the circulation pipeline and the hot water outlet pipe, capable of controlling the water flow in the hot water outlet pipe to either the electric heater or the gas water heater; a second pipeline switching mechanism and a hot water supply pipe, one end of which is connected to the return pipe, the second pipeline switching mechanism controlling the water flow to either the hot water supply pipe or the return port of the hot water tank; and a temperature detection mechanism for detecting the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank, the multi-heat source hot water supply device controlling the operating status of the first pipeline switching mechanism, the electric heater, and the gas water heater based on the outlet water temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism.

[0008] Preferably, the hot water tank is a pressurized water tank of a solar water heater, and the external energy is solar energy absorbed by the heat collection components of the solar water heater.

[0009] Preferably, the hot water tank is a heat pump tank of a heat pump water heater, and the external energy is the energy carried by the high-temperature refrigerant flowing inside the heat pump water heater.

[0010] Preferably, the first pipeline switching mechanism is a three-way valve.

[0011] Preferably, the return water pipe includes a first pipe located on one side of the circulation pipe and connected to the gas water heater, and a second pipe located on the other side of the circulation pipe and connected to the hot water tank. The hot water supply pipe is connected to the second pipe, and the second pipe switching mechanism is a three-way valve; or, the hot water supply pipe is connected to the circulation pipe, and the second pipe switching mechanism is a four-way valve.

[0012] Preferably, the electric heater includes a plurality of electric heating tubes, at least some of which are connected in parallel.

[0013] Preferably, the temperature detection mechanism includes a temperature sensor, which is disposed on the hot water outlet pipe and located at the inlet of the first pipeline switching mechanism.

[0014] The second objective of this invention is to provide a multi-heat-source hot water supply control method. Using this method, the outlet water temperature of the multi-heat-source hot water supply device fluctuates less during startup and use, which not only improves the user experience but also reduces energy consumption.

[0015] To achieve this objective, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0016] A multi-heat-source hot water supply control method, used in the aforementioned multi-heat-source hot water supply device, specifically includes the following steps:

[0017] The first pipeline switching mechanism is controlled to connect the hot water outlet pipe and the circulation pipe, and the second pipeline switching mechanism is controlled to connect the return water pipe, so as to form a circulation loop between the hot water outlet and the return water outlet of the hot water tank.

[0018] Start the water pump and turn off the electric heater. The hot water in the hot water tank and the cold water in the piping system circulate in the circulation loop. The piping system includes part of the hot water outlet pipe, the circulation pipe and part of the return water pipe.

[0019] The working time of the water pump is timed. If the working time of the water pump reaches the preset time, the second pipeline switching mechanism switches to the state of connecting the return water pipe and the hot water supply pipe, and the hot water supply pipe provides hot water to the user.

[0020] Preferably, after the hot water supply pipe provides hot water to the user, the following steps are also included:

[0021] The outlet water temperature t of the hot water tank is detected by a temperature detection mechanism, and the relationship between t and the target temperature T1 and the target temperature T2 is determined. The target temperature T1 is the user's set temperature, the target temperature T2 is equal to T1-T0, and T0 is the minimum value that the water flowing through the gas water heater can be heated by the burner of the gas water heater when it is running at the minimum power after ignition.

[0022] If t≥T1, the states of the first pipeline switching mechanism and the second pipeline switching mechanism remain unchanged, the electric heater remains off, and the hot water in the hot water tank flows out sequentially through the hot water outlet pipe, the circulation pipe and the hot water supply pipe;

[0023] If T2≤t<T1, the states of the first pipeline switching mechanism and the second pipeline switching mechanism remain unchanged, and the electric heater is activated so that the temperature of the water flow heated by the electric heater rises to T1 and then flows out through the hot water supply pipe;

[0024] If t < T2, the first pipeline switching mechanism switches to the state of connecting the hot water outlet pipe and the gas water heater, and starts the gas water heater. The hot water in the hot water tank flows into the gas water heater through the hot water outlet pipe. After being heated by the gas water heater, the temperature of the water rises to T1 and then flows out through part of the return water pipe and the supply hot water pipe.

[0025] Preferably, the electric heater employs multi-stage heating, and the number of heating stages can be determined based on the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank.

[0026] And / or, the gas water heater can determine the heating power based on the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank.

[0027] The beneficial effects of this invention are:

[0028] The multi-heat source hot water supply device provided by this invention establishes a circulation pipeline between the hot water outlet and return water pipe, thereby forming a circulation loop between the hot water outlet and return water outlet of the hot water tank. Before starting the gas water heater, the device first starts the water pump and uses a second pipeline switching mechanism to keep the return water pipe open. Driven by the water pump, the hot water in the hot water tank and the cold water in each pipeline circulate within the circulation loop, achieving mixing of hot and cold water and solving the problem of fluctuating hot water temperature at the outlet of the hot water pipe during device startup. Furthermore, the device can control the operating status of the first pipeline switching mechanism, the electric heater, and the gas water heater based on the outlet water temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism, ensuring that hot water of different temperatures flows out of the hot water pipe at a constant temperature through different heating paths, thus resolving the problem of fluctuating hot water temperature at the outlet of the hot water pipe during device operation. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the first structure of the multi-heat source hot water supply device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the multi-heat source hot water supply device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the second structure of the multi-heat source hot water supply device provided in the embodiment of the present invention;

[0032] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of the multi-heat source hot water supply control method provided in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0033] In the picture:

[0034] 100. Gas water heater;

[0035] 101. Gas combustion chamber;

[0036] 200. Hot water tank;

[0037] 300, hot water outlet pipe; 301, third pipe; 302, fourth pipe;

[0038] 400, return water pipe; 401, first pipe; 402, second pipe;

[0039] 500. Circulation pipeline;

[0040] 600. Water pump;

[0041] 700. Electric heater;

[0042] 800. First pipeline switching mechanism;

[0043] 900. Temperature detection agency;

[0044] 110. Hot water supply pipe;

[0045] 120. Cold water inlet pipe;

[0046] 130. Second pipeline switching mechanism;

[0047] 140. Bypass pipe. Detailed Implementation

[0048] The technical solution of the present invention will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0049] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. The terms "first position" and "second position" refer to two different positions.

[0050] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to fixed connections or detachable connections; mechanical connections or electrical connections; direct connections or indirect connections through an intermediate medium; and internal connections between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0051] This embodiment provides a multi-heat source hot water supply device, such as... Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multi-heat source hot water supply device includes a gas water heater 100, a hot water tank 200, a hot water outlet pipe 300, a return water pipe 400, a circulation pipe 500, a water pump 600, an electric heater 700, a first pipe switching mechanism 800, a second pipe switching mechanism 130, a hot water supply pipe 110, and a temperature detection mechanism 900. The gas water heater 100 uses gas as a heat source and has a gas combustion chamber 101 inside. The gas water heater 100 has an inlet and an outlet on its casing, and a connecting water pipe connects the inlet and outlet. The connecting water pipe is located inside the gas combustion chamber 101, and the combustion of gas in the combustion chamber 101 heats the water in the connecting water pipe. It should be noted that other structures and working principles of the gas water heater 100 are existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0052] The hot water tank 200 is connected to a cold water source through a cold water inlet pipe 120. The cold water source can be tap water with a certain water pressure or water in a storage tank. The hot water tank 200 can absorb external energy and use the absorbed heat to heat the cold water to provide hot water. Here, the external energy is provided by energy sources other than gas, such as solar energy or energy in the refrigerant in a heat pump water heater. In this way, the multi-heat source hot water supply device can simultaneously use multiple energy sources to heat cold water.

[0053] The hot water outlet pipe 300 and the return pipe 400 are used to connect the gas water heater 100 and the hot water tank 200 into a circulation loop. Specifically, one end of the hot water outlet pipe 300 is connected to the inlet of the gas water heater 100, and the other end is connected to the hot water outlet of the hot water tank 200. One end of the return pipe 400 is connected to the outlet of the gas water heater 100, and the other end is connected to the return outlet of the hot water tank 200. Hot water in the hot water tank 200 can flow into the connecting pipe of the gas water heater 100 through the hot water outlet pipe 300, and return to the hot water tank 200 through the return pipe 400.

[0054] A circulation pipe 500 connects the hot water outlet pipe 300 and the return water pipe 400 and is located close to the gas water heater 100. That is, the circulation pipe 500 is connected in parallel with the connecting water pipe in the gas water heater 100. An electric heater 700 is installed on the circulation pipe 500, and a water pump 600 is installed on either the circulation pipe 500 or the hot water outlet pipe 300. The electric heater 700 uses electrical energy and can heat the water flowing into the circulation pipe 500. A first pipe switching mechanism 800 is located at the connection between the circulation pipe 500 and the hot water outlet pipe 300 and can control the direction of water flow in the hot water outlet pipe 300. When the first pipe switching mechanism 800 is in the first position, the water in the hot water outlet pipe 300 flows towards the electric heater 700; when the first pipe switching mechanism 800 is in the second position, the water in the hot water outlet pipe 300 flows towards the gas water heater 100.

[0055] One end of the hot water supply pipe 110 is connected to the return water pipe 400, and the second pipe switching mechanism 130 can control the water flow from the gas-fired hot water supply and the water flow from the circulation pipe 500. In some embodiments, such as Figure 1 As shown, the second pipe switching mechanism 130 is located at the connection between the hot water supply pipe 110 and the return pipe 400. When the second pipe switching mechanism 130 is in the third position, the water flows to the hot water supply pipe 110; and when the second pipe switching mechanism 130 is in the fourth position, the water flows to the hot water tank 200. In some embodiments, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the second pipeline switching mechanism 130 is located at the outlet end of the hot water supply pipe 110. When the second pipeline switching mechanism 130 is turned on, the water flows to the hot water supply pipe 110, and when the second pipeline switching mechanism 130 is turned off, the water flows to the hot water tank 200. In some more specific embodiments, the second pipeline switching mechanism 130 is a switch handle of the water-using mechanism.

[0056] This multi-source hot water supply device establishes a circulation loop between the hot water outlet 300 and the return water pipe 400 by setting up a circulation pipe 500 between them, and by using a second pipe switching mechanism 130 to keep the return water pipe 400 open, and a first pipe switching mechanism 800 to connect the hot water outlet 300 and the circulation pipe 500. After the circulation loop is established, the user can pre-start the water pump 600 before starting the gas water heater 100. Driven by the water pump 600, the hot water in the hot water tank 200 and the cold water in each pipe circulate within the circulation loop, thus mixing the hot and cold water. After the hot and cold water are mixed, the second pipe switching mechanism 130 switches to a third position, connecting the return water pipe 400 and the hot water supply pipe 110, ensuring that hot water of a constant temperature flows out of the hot water supply pipe 110, thereby solving the problem of fluctuating water temperature when the device is started.

[0057] Continue to refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 As shown, the multi-heat source hot water supply device also includes a temperature detection mechanism 900. The temperature detection mechanism 900 detects the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank 200. Based on the outlet water temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism 900, the multi-heat source hot water supply device controls the operating status of the first pipeline switching mechanism 800, the electric heater 700, and the gas water heater 100. This allows hot water of different temperatures to flow out of the hot water supply pipe 110 at a constant temperature through different heating paths. Hot water with a higher temperature that meets the user's needs can flow directly from the hot water supply pipe 110 without further heating, while hot water with a lower temperature that does not meet the user's needs can flow out of the hot water supply pipe 110 after being heated by the electric heater 700 or the gas water heater 100. This solves the problem of fluctuating water temperature at the outlet of the hot water supply pipe 110 during operation, caused by the use of multiple heat sources, some of which are unstable. This device enables the gas water heater 100 to be used in series with unstable heat sources such as solar energy and heat pumps, meeting the user's need for a constant temperature hot water supply around the clock.

[0058] In some specific embodiments, the multi-heat source hot water supply device integrates a gas water heater 100 and a solar water heater. The hot water tank 200 is either a pressurized or unpressurized tank of the solar water heater. The external energy is solar energy absorbed by the solar collector components of the solar water heater, which are either vacuum tubes or plate-shaped collectors. It should be noted that existing solar water heaters can be used in this embodiment, and other structures of the solar water heater will not be described in detail here. The solar energy absorbed by the solar water heater is clean energy, which is not only environmentally friendly but also inexpensive. Therefore, among multiple heat sources, this multi-heat source hot water supply device first uses solar-heated hot water. However, due to limitations in sunlight exposure time and the influence of sunlight duration in different seasons, the amount of solar energy absorbed by the solar water heater fluctuates significantly. Furthermore, the hot and cold water in the pressurized or unpressurized tank may separate, resulting in a significant phenomenon of fluctuating water temperature when flowing out of the solar water heater.

[0059] In some parallel embodiments, the multi-heat source hot water supply device integrates a gas water heater 100 and a heat pump water heater. The hot water tank 200 is the heat pump tank of the heat pump water heater, and the external energy is the energy carried by the high-temperature refrigerant flowing inside the heat pump water heater. It should be noted that existing heat pump water heaters can all be used in this embodiment, and other structures of the heat pump water heater will not be described in detail here. Heat pump water heaters have the advantages of energy saving, safety, environmental protection, and wide applicability.

[0060] To facilitate the description of the water flow direction and the position of each component, the portion of the return water pipe 400 located on one side of the circulation pipe 500 and connected to the gas water heater 100 is defined as the first pipe 401, and the portion of the return water pipe 400 located on the other side of the circulation pipe 500 and connected to the hot water tank 200 is defined as the second pipe 402; the portion of the hot water outlet pipe 300 located on one side of the circulation pipe 500 and connected to the gas water heater 100 is defined as the third pipe 301, and the portion of the hot water outlet pipe 300 located on the other side of the circulation pipe 500 and connected to the hot water tank 200 is defined as the fourth pipe 302.

[0061] In some specific embodiments, the first pipeline switching mechanism 800 is a three-way valve, with its three ports connected to the third pipe 301 and the fourth pipe 302 of the hot water pipe 300, as well as the circulation pipe 500. The three-way valve has a simple structure, is easy to obtain, and is convenient to control.

[0062] In some specific embodiments, the hot water supply pipe 110 is connected to the second pipe 402, and the second pipe switching mechanism 130 is a three-way valve. The three ports of the three-way valve are respectively connected to the portions of the second pipe 402 of the return water pipe 400 located on both sides of the three-way valve and the circulation pipe 500. The three-way valve has a simple structure, is easy to purchase, and is convenient to control.

[0063] In some parallel embodiments, the hot water supply pipe 110 is connected to the circulation pipe 500, and the second pipe switching mechanism 130 is a four-way valve. The four ports of the four-way valve are respectively connected to the first pipe 401 of the return water pipe 400, the second pipe 402, the circulation pipe 500, and the hot water supply pipe 110. The structure of each pipe can be simplified by using the four-way valve.

[0064] Furthermore, the electric heater 700 includes multiple electric heating elements, at least some of which are connected in parallel, and a control switch is provided on each parallel branch to control the on / off state of that parallel branch. The power of the multiple electric heating elements can be the same or different. By activating a single electric heating element or by combining the activation of multiple electric heating elements, the electric heater 700 can achieve different heating powers to heat the water passing through it, realizing multi-stage heating. The electric heater 700 can select the heating stage and corresponding heating power according to the required temperature difference of the water, thus improving the accuracy of water temperature control. Of course, in addition to electric heating elements, other heating structures can also be selected as the electric heater 700, such as electric heating plates or heating wires.

[0065] In some embodiments, the temperature detection mechanism 900 includes a temperature sensor disposed on the hot water outlet pipe 300 and located at the inlet side of the first pipe switching mechanism 800. The temperature sensor has high measurement accuracy and is readily available. Distributing the temperature sensor at the inlet side of the first pipe switching mechanism 800 further improves detection accuracy, thereby enhancing the control accuracy of the first pipe switching mechanism 800.

[0066] Furthermore, when the hot water temperature in the hot water tank 200 is low and needs to be heated by the gas water heater 100, the first pipe switching mechanism 800 switches to the second position. At this time, since the water in the connecting water pipe, the first pipe 401 of the return water pipe 400, and the third pipe 301 of the hot water outlet pipe 300 in the gas water heater 100 is all cold water, when this part of cold water flows out from the hot water supply pipe 110, it will reduce the user's experience. To solve this problem, such as... Figure 3 As shown, a bypass pipe 140 is connected in parallel at the first pipeline switching mechanism 800. One end of the bypass pipe 140 is connected to the third pipe 301 of the hot water outlet pipe 300, and the other end is connected to the second pipe 302 of the hot water outlet pipe 300. When the multi-heat source hot water supply device is pre-started and during normal start-up, a small portion of the hot water in the second pipe 302 of the hot water outlet pipe 300 will be diverted and flow into the third pipe 301 of the hot water outlet pipe 300 through the bypass pipe 140. This small portion of hot water can flow sequentially into the connecting water pipe of the gas water heater 100 and the first pipe 401 of the return water pipe 400 to achieve the mixing of hot and cold water, thereby solving the problem of unstable water output from the hot water supply pipe 110 when the gas water heater 100 is started.

[0067] The multi-heat source hot water supply device also includes a control mechanism, which can be a centralized or distributed controller. For example, the controller can be a single microcontroller or a combination of multiple distributed microcontrollers. The microcontroller can run a control program to control the gas water heater 100, water pump 600, electric heater 700, first pipeline switching mechanism 800, second pipeline switching mechanism 130, and temperature detection mechanism 900 to achieve their functions. The program running in the microcontroller is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0068] Based on the above-mentioned multi-heat source hot water supply device, this embodiment also provides a multi-heat source hot water supply control method. The outlet water temperature of the multi-heat source hot water supply device using this multi-heat source hot water supply control method fluctuates less during startup and use, which not only improves the user experience but also reduces energy consumption.

[0069] like Figure 4 As shown, the multi-heat-source hot water supply control method specifically includes the following steps:

[0070] S1. Control the first pipeline switching mechanism 800 to be in the state of connecting the hot water outlet pipe 300 and the circulation pipe 500, and control the second pipeline switching mechanism 130 to be in the state of connecting the return water pipe 400, so as to form a circulation loop between the hot water outlet and the return water outlet of the hot water tank 200.

[0071] The multi-source hot water supply device includes a pre-start button. Users can pre-start the multi-source hot water supply device by pressing or touching the pre-start button. At this time, the multi-source hot water supply device controls the first pipeline switching mechanism 800 to be in the first position of connecting the hot water outlet pipe 300 and the circulation pipe 500, and controls the second pipeline switching mechanism 130 to be in the fourth position of connecting the second pipe 402 of the return water pipe 400, thereby establishing a circulation loop in which the hot water tank 200, the fourth pipe 302 of the hot water outlet pipe 300, the circulation pipe 500, and the second pipe 402 of the return water pipe 400 are connected end to end.

[0072] S2. Start the water pump 600 and turn off the electric heater 700. The hot water in the hot water tank 200 and the cold water in the piping system circulate in the circulation loop. The piping system includes a portion of the hot water outlet pipe 300, the circulation pipe 500, and a portion of the return water pipe 400. More specifically, the piping system includes the fourth pipe 302 of the hot water outlet pipe 300, the circulation pipe 500, and the second pipe 402 of the return water pipe 400.

[0073] In this step, the electric heater 700 does not heat the water in the circulation loop. That is, the pre-start of the multi-source hot water supply device is only to mix the hot water in the hot water tank 200 with the cold water in the piping system. Of course, if the weather is consistently bad, preventing the water in the solar water heater from being heated—meaning the water temperature in the pressurized or unpressurized tank of the solar water heater is basically the same as the water temperature in the cold water source—then in this step, the electric heater 700 can be started simultaneously with the water pump 600 to preheat the piping system and the water in the solar water heater. Weather conditions can be obtained by connecting the solar water heater to a network and using the network to obtain weather information for just a few days, for example, by judging the solar energy absorption of the solar water heater based on the weather conditions over the past three days.

[0074] S3. The working time of water pump 600 is timed. If the working time of water pump 600 reaches the preset time, the second pipeline switching mechanism 130 switches to the state of connecting return water pipe 400 and hot water supply pipe 110. Hot water supply pipe 110 provides hot water to users, and the pre-start ends.

[0075] The control mechanism of this multi-source hot water supply device has a built-in timing module. When the user presses or touches the pre-start button, the timing module starts timing to obtain the operating time of the water pump 600. The preset time can be set by the user in advance or is built into the control program of the control mechanism. Moreover, the preset time can be adjusted according to the specifications of the multi-source hot water supply device, its geographical location, usage time, or user needs. For example, the preset time can be 1 minute, 2 minutes, or 3 minutes, thus improving the applicability and intelligence of the multi-source hot water supply device.

[0076] By adopting the above method, the multi-heat source hot water supply device can be pre-started before formal startup. This allows the hot water in the hot water tank 200 and the cold water in each pipe to circulate in the loop under the drive of the water pump 600, thus mixing the hot and cold water. After the hot and cold water are mixed, they flow out from the hot water supply pipe 110. The hot water flowing out of the hot water supply pipe 110 at a constant temperature solves the problem of fluctuating water temperature when the device is started, improving the user experience.

[0077] In some specific embodiments, reference continues to be made to Figure 4 As shown, after the pre-start is completed, the entire multi-heat source hot water supply device is officially started. That is, after the hot water supply pipe 110 provides hot water to the user, the multi-heat source hot water supply control method also includes the following steps:

[0078] S4. Use the temperature detection mechanism 900 to detect the outlet water temperature t of the hot water tank 200, and determine the relationship between t and the target temperature T1 and the target temperature T2. The target temperature T1 is the user's set temperature, the target temperature T2 is equal to T1-T0, and T0 is the minimum value that the water flowing through the gas water heater 100 can be heated by the burner of the gas water heater 100 running at minimum power after ignition.

[0079] If t≥T1, the state of the first pipeline switching mechanism 800 and the second pipeline switching mechanism 130 remains unchanged, the electric heater 700 remains closed, and the hot water in the hot water tank 200 flows out sequentially through the hot water outlet pipe 300, the circulation pipe 500 and the hot water supply pipe 110.

[0080] If T2≤t<T1, the state of the first pipeline switching mechanism 800 and the second pipeline switching mechanism 130 remains unchanged, and the electric heater 700 is started so that the temperature of the water flow heated by the electric heater 700 rises to T1 and then flows out through the hot water supply pipe 110.

[0081] If t < T2, the first pipeline switching mechanism 800 switches to the state of connecting the hot water outlet pipe 300 and the gas water heater 100, and starts the gas water heater 100. The hot water in the hot water tank 200 flows into the gas water heater 100 through the hot water outlet pipe 300. After being heated by the gas water heater 100, the temperature of the water rises to T1 and then flows out through part of the return water pipe 400 and the hot water supply pipe 110.

[0082] By adopting the above method, hot water of different temperatures flowing from the hot water tank 200 can flow out of the hot water supply pipe 110 at a constant temperature through different heating paths. Hot water with a higher temperature that meets the user's needs can flow out directly from the hot water supply pipe 110 without heating. Hot water with a relatively lower temperature that does not meet the user's needs can flow out from the hot water supply pipe 110 after being heated by the electric heater 700. Hot water with a particularly low temperature that does not meet the user's needs can flow out from the hot water supply pipe 110 after being heated by the gas water heater 100. This not only solves the problem of fluctuating water temperature at the outlet of the hot water supply pipe 110 during operation caused by the use of multiple heat sources and the instability of some heat sources, but also achieves "stepless" heating, meeting the requirement of supplying hot water at a constant temperature above the set temperature all day long. Furthermore, it can make reasonable use of different heat sources to achieve the purpose of energy saving and emission reduction.

[0083] In some more specific embodiments, T1 is set to 42°C and T0 is set to 5°C. The existing gas water heater 100, after ignition, operates at minimum power, ensuring that the minimum temperature rise of the water flowing through it is no less than 5°C. Therefore, setting T0 to 5°C is generally sufficient to control all types of gas water heaters 100. This control method enables precise temperature control of the mixing layer in the hot water tank 200 between 37°C and 42°C, as well as the cold water in the piping system, preventing sudden changes in water temperature. Of course, in other embodiments, T0 can also be set to other values ​​as needed.

[0084] In some specific embodiments, the electric heater 700 employs multi-stage heating. The electric heater 700 can determine the number of heating stages based on the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank 200. Specifically, since the electric heater 700 includes multiple electric heating elements, the power of each electric heating element is sufficient to ensure that the temperature of the water passing through that electric heating element rises by a certain value. By selecting to activate different electric heating elements or activating different numbers of electric heating elements, the sum of the water temperature rises can be made equal to the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank 200, thus meeting the requirements.

[0085] Taking multiple electric heating elements with the same power as an example, if activating one heating element raises the temperature of the water passing through it by 1°C, then if the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank 200 is 4°C, then activating four heating elements will meet the demand. When the heating elements have different power ratings, a combination of activating one element that raises the water temperature by 1°C and another that raises it by 3°C can also be used to meet the heating requirements.

[0086] In some specific embodiments, the gas water heater 100 can determine the heating power based on the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank 200. When the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank 200 is large, the gas water heater 100 uses a larger heating power, while when the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank 200 is small, the gas water heater 100 uses a smaller heating power. This can further improve the stability of the hot water flowing from the hot water supply pipe 110, thereby improving the user experience.

[0087] Obviously, the above embodiments of the present invention are merely examples for clearly illustrating the present invention, and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make other variations or modifications based on the above description. It is neither necessary nor possible to exhaustively describe all embodiments here. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A multi-heat-source hot water supply device, characterized in that, include: Gas water heater (100); A hot water tank (200) is capable of absorbing external energy and providing hot water; A hot water outlet pipe (300) and a return water pipe (400) are provided. One end of the hot water outlet pipe (300) is connected to the inlet of the gas water heater (100), and the other end is connected to the hot water outlet of the hot water tank (200). One end of the return water pipe (400) is connected to the outlet of the gas water heater (100), and the other end is connected to the return water outlet of the hot water tank (200). The system includes a circulation pipe (500), a water pump (600), an electric heater (700), and a first pipe switching mechanism (800). The circulation pipe (500) is connected between the hot water outlet pipe (300) and the return water pipe (400) and is located near the gas water heater (100). The electric heater (700) is located on the circulation pipe (500). The water pump (600) is located on either the circulation pipe (500) or the hot water outlet pipe (300). The first pipe switching mechanism (800) is located at the connection between the circulation pipe (500) and the hot water outlet pipe (300) and can control the water flow in the hot water outlet pipe (300) to either the electric heater (700) or the gas water heater (100). The second pipeline switching mechanism (130) and the hot water supply pipe (110) are connected at one end to the return water pipe (400). The second pipeline switching mechanism (130) can control the water flow to the hot water supply pipe (110) or the return water port of the hot water tank (200). Temperature detection mechanism (900) is used to detect the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank (200). The multi-heat source hot water supply device controls the working status of the first pipeline switching mechanism (800), the electric heater (700) and the gas water heater (100) according to the outlet water temperature detected by the temperature detection mechanism (900).

2. The multi-heat source hot water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot water tank (200) is a pressurized water tank of a solar water heater, and the external energy is the solar energy absorbed by the heat collection component of the solar water heater.

3. The multi-heat source hot water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The hot water tank (200) is the heat pump tank of a heat pump water heater, and the external energy is the energy carried by the high-temperature refrigerant flowing in the heat pump water heater.

4. The multi-heat source hot water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The first pipeline switching mechanism (800) is a three-way valve.

5. The multi-heat source hot water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The return water pipe (400) includes a first pipe (401) located on one side of the circulation pipe (500) and connected to the gas water heater (100) and a second pipe (402) located on the other side of the circulation pipe (500) and connected to the hot water tank (200). The hot water supply pipe (110) is connected to the second pipe (402). The second pipe switching mechanism (130) is a three-way valve. Alternatively, the hot water supply pipe (110) is connected to the circulation pipe (500), and the second pipe switching mechanism (130) is a four-way valve.

6. The multi-heat source hot water supply device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The electric heater (700) includes a plurality of electric heating tubes, at least some of which are connected in parallel.

7. The multi-heat source hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The temperature detection mechanism (900) includes a temperature sensor, which is installed on the hot water outlet pipe (300) and located at the inlet of the first pipeline switching mechanism (800).

8. A method for controlling hot water supply from multiple heat sources, characterized in that, The multi-heat-source hot water supply device according to any one of claims 1-7, wherein the multi-heat-source hot water supply control method specifically includes the following steps: The first pipeline switching mechanism (800) is controlled to be in a state of connecting the hot water outlet pipe (300) and the circulation pipe (500), and the second pipeline switching mechanism (130) is controlled to be in a state of connecting the return water pipe (400) so as to form a circulation loop between the hot water outlet and the return water outlet of the hot water tank (200); Start the water pump (600) and turn off the electric heater (700). The hot water in the hot water tank (200) and the cold water in the pipeline system circulate in the circulation loop. The pipeline system includes part of the hot water outlet pipe (300), the circulation pipeline (500) and part of the return water pipe (400). The working time of the water pump (600) is timed. If the working time of the water pump (600) reaches the preset time, the second pipeline switching mechanism (130) switches to the state of connecting the return water pipe (400) and the hot water supply pipe (110), and the hot water supply pipe (110) provides hot water to the user.

9. The multi-heat-source hot water supply control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, After the hot water supply pipe (110) provides hot water to the user, the following steps are also included: The outlet water temperature t of the hot water tank (200) is detected by the temperature detection mechanism (900), and the relationship between t and the target temperature T1 and the target temperature T2 is determined. The target temperature T1 is the user's set temperature, the target temperature T2 is equal to T1-T0, and T0 is the minimum value that the water flowing through the gas water heater (100) can be heated by the burner of the gas water heater (100) when it is running at the minimum power after the burner is ignited. If t≥T1, the states of the first pipeline switching mechanism (800) and the second pipeline switching mechanism (130) remain unchanged, the electric heater (700) remains closed, and the hot water in the hot water tank (200) flows out sequentially through the hot water outlet pipe (300), the circulation pipe (500) and the hot water supply pipe (110); If T2≤t<T1, the states of the first pipeline switching mechanism (800) and the second pipeline switching mechanism (130) remain unchanged, and the electric heater (700) is started so that the temperature of the water flow heated by the electric heater (700) rises to T1 and then flows out through the hot water supply pipe (110); If t < T2, the first pipeline switching mechanism (800) switches to the state of connecting the hot water outlet pipe (300) and the gas water heater (100), and starts the gas water heater (100). The hot water in the hot water tank (200) flows into the gas water heater (100) through the hot water outlet pipe (300). After being heated by the gas water heater (100), the temperature of the water rises to T1 and then flows out through part of the return water pipe (400) and the hot water supply pipe (110).

10. The multi-heat-source hot water supply control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, The electric heater (700) employs multi-stage heating, and the electric heater (700) can determine the number of heating stages based on the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank (200). And / or, the gas water heater (100) can determine the heating power based on the temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the hot water tank (200).

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