Methods, devices, equipment, and water heaters for predicting, detecting, and handling unit faults.

Abstract

This invention relates to a method, apparatus, equipment, and water heater for predicting and detecting unit faults, belonging to the field of fault detection technology. When the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow, fault judgment is made by distinguishing the fault status of the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors in the first and second time periods within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle. When there is a fault in the inlet or outlet water temperature sensor in the second time period, the difference between the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is predicted. A shutdown strategy is then executed by determining whether this difference is continuously greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold period. Using this technical solution, when the unit experiences insufficient circulating water flow protection, it does not immediately shut down. Instead, fault judgment is made by logically judging the fault status of the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors in the first and second time periods within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle. This optimizes the control of the unit's operation, achieves auxiliary adjustment effects, reduces the number of shutdowns, and improves the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of fault detection technology, specifically to a method, apparatus, equipment, and water heater for predicting and detecting unit faults. Background Technology

[0002] There are generally two situations for the detection and protection of unit faults: general situation and special situation.

[0003] Under normal circumstances, when there is no fault in the inlet or outlet water temperature sensors, the unit's fault logic will trigger a low circulating water flow protection alarm if the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water reaches the fault condition for 3 consecutive minutes during normal operation. The unit will then enter a shutdown sequence, and the low circulating water flow protection will be automatically cleared after 10 minutes. However, if the alarm is triggered 3 times, the fault cannot be automatically recovered.

[0004] In special circumstances, if the temperature sensor detecting a short circuit in the outlet water temperature or an open circuit in the inlet water temperature sensor detects a short circuit for 10 consecutive seconds, the unit will report a sensor fault. However, if the actual inlet and outlet water temperature difference does not meet the conditions for insufficient circulating water flow protection in the last 10 seconds of the 3-minute continuous detection period, the unit will still report an insufficient circulating water flow protection fault due to the sensor fault. Although the unit will eventually shut down after 3 minutes, logically, even if the sensor fault is detected and the unit recovers, the insufficient circulating water flow protection fault will still exist due to the false alarm, and therefore the unit will not restart. However, according to the unit's fault handling logic, although the conditions for insufficient circulating water flow protection are not met, the unit will immediately shut down due to the sensor fault, and will resume operation after the sensor is detected and recovered for 10 consecutive seconds.

[0005] Therefore, both normal and special circumstances can lead to unit shutdown. The temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water and other parameters can cause frequent unit shutdowns, affecting user operation. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of this, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a method, device, equipment and water heater for predicting and detecting unit failures, so as to overcome the problem that the unit will shut down under both general and special circumstances, and the influence between the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water of the unit and other parameters will lead to frequent unit shutdowns and affect the use of the water heater.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention adopts the following technical solution:

[0008] On the one hand, a method for detecting and handling unit faults includes: When the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow, it is determined whether there is a fault in the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period; wherein, the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period is divided into a first time period and a second time period in chronological order. If the unit experiences a fault in the inlet water temperature sensor or a fault in the outlet water temperature sensor during the second time period, relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference are obtained, and the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is obtained based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model. If the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold, a shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued; otherwise, the unit is reassessed to determine whether it meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

[0009] Optional, also includes: If the unit experiences a fault in the inlet water temperature sensor or a fault in the outlet water temperature sensor during the first time period, then relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference are obtained, and based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model, the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is obtained. Based on the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold, and the supervised learning model, the duration of the shutdown sequence is determined. In the shutdown sequence, it is determined whether the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0. If the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0, the shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued.

[0010] Optional, also includes: If the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is less than 0 in the shutdown sequence, then the shutdown strategy is executed after the shutdown sequence reaches the specified duration.

[0011] Optional, also includes: In the shutdown sequence, if the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is continuously greater than or equal to 0 within the second time threshold, the shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued.

[0012] Optional, also includes: Obtain relevant parameters of inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and based on the relevant parameters of inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model, obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold. When the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature and the temperature threshold is greater than 0 for all consecutive cycles of insufficient circulating water flow, the unit is determined to meet the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

[0013] Optional, also includes: If the unit does not have an inlet water temperature sensor fault or an outlet water temperature sensor fault within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period, then the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference are obtained, and the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is obtained based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model; when the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than 0 for consecutive insufficient circulating water flow judgment periods, then the shutdown strategy is executed.

[0014] Optionally, the parameters related to the inlet and outlet water temperature difference include at least one of the following: outlet water set temperature, outdoor ambient temperature, compressor set frequency, compressor actual operating frequency, fan set frequency, and fan actual operating frequency.

[0015] On another front, a unit fault detection device includes: The first judgment module is used to determine whether there is a fault in the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors of the unit within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period when the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow; wherein, the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period is divided into a first time period and a second time period in chronological order. The prediction processing module is used to obtain relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference if the unit has an inlet water temperature sensor failure or an outlet water temperature sensor failure during the second time period, and to obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model. The second judgment module is used to determine whether the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold. If so, the shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued; if not, the unit is re-judged to determine whether it meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

[0016] In another aspect, a unit fault detection device includes a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is connected to the memory: The processor is used to call and execute the program stored in the memory; The memory is used to store the program, which is used to execute at least any of the above-described unit fault detection methods.

[0017] On the other hand, a water heater includes: the unit fault detection equipment described above.

[0018] The technical solution provided by this invention has at least the following beneficial effects: When the unit meets the insufficient circulating water flow protection conditions, fault diagnosis is performed by distinguishing between the fault status of the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors in the first and second time periods within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle. If either the inlet or outlet water temperature sensor fails in the second time period, a pre-built inlet and outlet water temperature prediction model predicts the difference between the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold. A shutdown strategy is executed if this difference is continuously greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold period; otherwise, the system re-evaluates whether the unit meets the insufficient circulating water flow protection conditions. Therefore, this technical solution avoids immediate shutdown when the unit experiences insufficient circulating water flow protection. Instead, it optimizes the control of the unit's operation by logically judging the fault status of the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors in the first and second time periods within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle, achieving auxiliary regulation, reducing shutdown frequency, and improving user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a unit fault prediction and detection processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a unit fault detection and processing device provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a unit fault detection device provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this invention clearer, the technical solutions of this invention will be described in detail below. Obviously, the described embodiments are merely some embodiments of this invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this invention, all other implementation methods obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this invention.

[0022] As described in the background technology, under normal circumstances, if the unit detects that the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water reaches the fault condition for 3 consecutive minutes during normal operation, it will report insufficient circulating water flow protection, and the unit will enter the shutdown sequence. After 10 minutes, the insufficient circulating water flow protection will be automatically cleared. However, if the protection occurs 3 times in total, the fault cannot be automatically recovered.

[0023] Currently, there is no control or processing for these parameters. Moreover, the piping between the heat exchanger and the water tank, i.e., the piping between the inlet and outlet water, is selected by the user. If the selection is inappropriate, it can easily lead to the above-mentioned malfunctions. If repairs are needed, it may be necessary to replace the piping components, which will inevitably increase costs.

[0024] In special circumstances, how to distinguish whether the insufficient circulating water flow is caused by the inlet and outlet water sensors, and thus accurately eliminate the impact on unit operation and carry out maintenance, has become a technical problem that urgently needs to be solved in the existing technology.

[0025] Both normal and special circumstances can cause the generator unit to shut down. Users typically only discover malfunctions and seek repairs when they have a need for the unit. Currently, the unit's control technology does not differentiate between these two situations. This hinders users from submitting repair requests and makes it easy for maintenance personnel to perform repairs on the wrong unit.

[0026] Based on this, embodiments of the present invention provide a method, apparatus, equipment, and water heater for predicting and detecting unit faults.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a unit fault prediction and detection processing method according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See attached diagram.) Figure 1 The method provided in this embodiment may include the following steps: Step S11: When the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow, determine whether there is a fault in the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period; wherein, the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period is divided into a first time period and a second time period in chronological order. Step S12: If the unit has a fault in the inlet water temperature sensor or a fault in the outlet water temperature sensor during the second time period, obtain the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model. Step S13: Determine whether the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold. If yes, execute the shutdown strategy and issue an early warning; if no, re-determine whether the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

[0028] It should be noted that the execution subject of the technical solution provided in this embodiment can be any controller with data and instruction processing functions, such as a PLC, a microcontroller, etc.; the controller can be set in any electronic device, such as a smart terminal, a smartwatch, a calculator, a server, etc.

[0029] A server can be an electronic device with a certain computing power. It may include a network communication module, a processor, and memory. Alternatively, a server can refer to software running on an electronic device. A server can also be a distributed server, a system with multiple processors, memory, network communication modules, etc., operating collaboratively. Or, a server can be a server cluster formed by several servers. Furthermore, with the development of science and technology, a server can also be a new technological means capable of realizing the corresponding functions of the embodiments described in the specification. For example, it could be a new form of "server" based on quantum computing.

[0030] In a specific unit fault detection and handling process, it can be determined that the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow by detecting that the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water reaches the fault condition for 3 consecutive minutes during normal operation.

[0031] In some embodiments, the method for determining whether a unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow may include: obtaining relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and obtaining the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and a preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model; when the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than 0 within the continuous insufficient circulating water flow judgment period, the unit is determined to meet the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

[0032] The insufficient circulating water flow judgment period can be (0,3) minutes. The difference in the predicted value is used to determine whether the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

[0033] Once the unit is determined to meet the insufficient circulating water flow protection criteria based on the predicted value, it is then determined whether there is a fault in the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period. This can be determined by detecting the voltage at the sensor port pins on the circuit board. For example, when the outlet water temperature sensor is short-circuited, the port pin voltage is 0; when the inlet water temperature sensor is open-circuited, the port pin voltage exceeds the voltage threshold. The insufficient circulating water flow judgment period can be (0, 3] minutes, with the first time period being (0, 2.836] minutes and the second time period being (2.836, 3] minutes.

[0034] When it is determined that the unit has an inlet water temperature sensor malfunction within (2.836, 3] minutes, or both outlet water temperature sensors are malfunctioning, relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference are obtained and input into a pre-built inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model to obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold. Therefore, if the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold (e.g., 10 seconds), a shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued; if it is less than 0, the unit is reassessed to determine whether it meets the insufficient circulating water flow protection conditions, and steps S11-S13 are re-executed.

[0035] The temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water of a water heater unit varies due to changes in multiple operating and setting parameters of the unit, such as the compressor operating frequency and its setting frequency, the outdoor ambient temperature, the fan operating frequency and its setting frequency, etc. Moreover, the value of the fault protection temperature logically depends directly on the outdoor ambient temperature.

[0036] In this embodiment, the difference between the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold can be defined as E, that is, E=T 出水 -T 进水 -T 温度阈 Value, where T 温度阈值 This can be the fault protection temperature value. M represents the indicator that detects an open circuit in the inlet water temperature sensor or a short circuit in the outlet water temperature sensor during the insufficient circulating water flow protection process. T 出水 T represents the actual outlet water temperature. 出水设定 Set the outlet water temperature, T 进水 T represents the actual inlet water temperature. 环境 For outdoor ambient temperature, F 设定 F 当前 The compressor's set frequency and actual operating frequency are respectively, S 设定 S 当前 These are the set frequency and actual operating frequency of the fan, respectively. When the protection time for insufficient circulating water flow is continuously detected within the interval (2.836, 3] min, and an open circuit in the inlet water temperature sensor or a short circuit in the outlet water temperature sensor is detected, M=1; when the time is within the interval (0, 2.836] min, and an open circuit in the inlet water temperature sensor or a short circuit in the outlet water temperature sensor is detected, then M=0. These two time periods are special cases. According to the original unit fault logic, when T is detected continuously for 3 minutes... 出水 -T 进水 ≥T 温度阈值 It will report a fault due to insufficient circulating water flow, while T 温度阈值 The value of T is affected by 环境 It varies depending on the changes, therefore, T 环境 Is it affecting T? 温度阈值 The parameters for T. 出水 -T 进水 The parameters that affect it include T出水 T 出水设定 T 进水 F 设定 F 当前 S 设定 S 当前 The following equation can be used to predict: T 出水 -T 进水 =f(M,T 出水 T 出水设定 T 进水 F 设定 F 当前 S 设定 S 当前 ,...) T 温度阈值 =g(T) 环境 ) E=fg In this embodiment, the inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model can be constructed based on f as a regression model. In the above formula, g() is related to T 温度阈值 The directly related function, f(), is a function that predicts the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water. Assuming the variables in f() are stored as input data in matrix X (uppercase for matrix), and the regression coefficients (correlation coefficients) are stored in vector w, then for a given data X1, the prediction result will be obtained through T. 出水 -T 进水 Or the value of E is obtained through Y1=X T 1w is given (where Y1 is the prediction result T) 出水 -T 进水 Then find the w that minimizes the error. Here, the error refers to the difference between the predicted y-value and the actual y-value. Simply summing these errors will cause positive and negative errors to cancel each other out, so the squared error is used. The optimal solution w=(X) is obtained by representing it using a matrix and taking the derivative with respect to w. T X) -1 X T To reduce prediction errors and address the issue of the data having more features than sample points, in matrix X... T Adding a ΛI to X (Λ being a parameter restricting the sum of all w, and I being the identity matrix) can reduce the number of unimportant variables in f() in some cases. Thus, the formula becomes w = (X) T X+ΛI) -1 X TFrom y, we can see that as Λ increases, the absolute values ​​of each element in w will decrease, and the deviation from the correct value will also increase. The trajectory of w changing with Λ is called the ridge trace. In practical applications, the minimum Λ value corresponding to the earliest stabilization of the ridge trace can be selected, and the final regression model can be determined based on this value, thus determining the final regression model as the preset influent and effluent water temperature difference prediction model.

[0037] After obtaining the inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model, the inlet and outlet water temperature difference is predicted using the model, and the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is calculated.

[0038] It is worth noting that, in this embodiment, although it is related to T 温度阈值 There are seven or more related parameters in the function (determined by the model, jumper cap, etc.), but some parameters affect "T" under specific conditions. 出水 -T 进水 "Only then will it be meaningful, or only certain models will have this parameter, such as S." 设定 and S 当前 The requirement is that the fan type must be variable frequency. Therefore, if the fan type is fixed frequency, the fan frequency can only be T. 环境 It only changes with gear shifting when it's in a different setting range, therefore for T... 出水 -T 进水 The impact is relatively small.

[0039] Specifically, in special cases, when M=1, the regression predicts E. If it is determined that E is always greater than or equal to 0 for 10 consecutive seconds, the machine will stop immediately and an audible alarm will be triggered. If E is not always greater than or equal to 0 for 10 consecutive seconds, the insufficient circulating water flow protection condition will be reassessed.

[0040] Understandably, in this embodiment, when the unit meets the insufficient circulating water flow protection condition, fault judgment is performed by distinguishing the fault status of the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors in the first and second time periods within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle. When there is a fault in the inlet or outlet water temperature sensor in the second time period, the difference between the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is predicted by a pre-built inlet and outlet water temperature prediction model. A shutdown strategy is executed by determining whether this difference is greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold period. If it is less than 0, the system returns to re-evaluate whether the unit meets the insufficient circulating water flow protection condition. Therefore, by adopting this technical solution, when the unit experiences insufficient circulating water flow protection, it does not immediately shut down. Instead, fault judgment is performed by logically judging the fault status of the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors in the first and second time periods within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle. This optimizes the control of the unit's operation, achieves auxiliary regulation, reduces the number of shutdowns, and improves the user experience.

[0041] Based on the above embodiments, the method provided in this embodiment may further include the following steps: Step S21: If the unit has a fault in the inlet water temperature sensor or a fault in the outlet water temperature sensor during the first time period, obtain the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model. Step S22: Determine the duration of the shutdown sequence based on the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold, and the supervised learning model. Step S23: In the shutdown sequence, determine whether the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0. If the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0, then execute the shutdown strategy and issue an early warning.

[0042] Specifically, in special circumstances, when a short circuit occurs in the outlet water temperature sensor and an open circuit occurs in the inlet water temperature sensor, or vice versa, at (0, 2.863] minutes (i.e., when M=0), the unit will shut down and report a sensor fault protection according to its original operating logic. However, in this embodiment, the fault protection and shutdown will not be reported immediately. In order not to affect the reporting of outlet water overheat protection caused by sensor fault and to shield the outlet water overheat protection, the prediction f is based on the initial detection of T. 出水 -T 进水 ≥T 温度阈值 T detected at time 出水 or T 进水 The duration of entering the shutdown sequence is determined based on the normal variation trend of various operating parameters of the unit under normal conditions. That is, the duration of the shutdown sequence is determined according to the supervised learning model. After entering the shutdown sequence, it is determined whether E is always greater than or equal to 0. If it is always greater than or equal to 0 during the shutdown sequence, the shutdown strategy (e.g., immediate shutdown) is executed and an audible warning is issued.

[0043] For example, the normal trend of change among the unit's various operating parameters under normal circumstances, that is, the T value detected when a fault is reported according to the unit's original operating logic. 出水设定 -T 出水 If the temperature is <5℃, proceed according to the original logic; when the detected temperature is T 出水设定 -T 出水 When the temperature is ≥5℃, the unit executes the load according to the set operating parameters based on logic, such as the compressor set frequency and the opening degree of the electronic expansion valve. 出水 Under normal circumstances, T is reached 出水设定 The unit will be shut down when the required time (i.e., the duration of the shutdown sequence) is reached. The duration of the shutdown sequence is updated through supervised learning during normal unit operation, as shown in Table 1.

[0044] Table 1. Correspondence between the duration of shutdown sequences

[0045] For example, when the outlet water temperature sensor fails, after predicting the inlet and outlet water temperature difference, the T value is obtained from the temperature detected by the non-faulty inlet water temperature sensor. 进水 Calculate T 进水 The sum of the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature differences is used to obtain T. 出水 According to T 出水设定 Calculate T 出水设定 -T 出水 By obtaining the current opening degree of the electronic expansion valve, the corresponding time can be obtained.

[0046] Based on the above embodiments, some embodiments further include: Step S24: When the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is less than 0 in the shutdown sequence, the shutdown strategy is executed after the shutdown sequence reaches its duration.

[0047] Once the duration of the shutdown sequence is obtained, if E is less than 0, then shutdown will be performed after the duration of the shutdown sequence is reached, for example (50 minutes, 48 ​​minutes, 55 minutes).

[0048] Based on the above embodiments, some embodiments further include: Step S25: In the shutdown sequence, if the predicted difference between the inlet and outlet water temperature and the temperature threshold is continuously greater than or equal to 0 within the second time threshold, then the shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued.

[0049] For example, in a shutdown sequence, if E is always greater than 0 for 3 consecutive minutes within the shutdown sequence period, the system will immediately shut down and issue an audible alarm to notify the user of the fault.

[0050] Based on the above embodiments, some embodiments further include: Step S26: If there is no inlet water temperature sensor fault or outlet water temperature sensor fault within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period, obtain the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model; when the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than 0 within the continuous insufficient circulating water flow judgment period, execute the shutdown strategy.

[0051] For example, if it is determined that there is no fault in the inlet or outlet water temperature sensor within 3 minutes, this is defined as a normal case. Relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference are obtained, and T is redefined using a pre-built regression model f(). 出水 -T 进水 This allows the system to determine whether the difference is greater than or equal to the temperature threshold within three consecutive minutes. If so, a shutdown strategy is executed.

[0052] It is understandable that by adopting the technical solution of this embodiment, if the user is in a period of frequent water use before or after the fault occurs, the user can be notified in a timely manner; this changes the original logic of immediately entering the shutdown sequence when a fault is detected continuously, and further meets the user's set temperature requirements.

[0053] Based on a general inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a unit fault detection and processing device for implementing the above-described method embodiments.

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a unit fault detection and processing device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See attached diagram.) Figure 2 The apparatus provided in this embodiment may include: The first judgment module 21 is used to determine whether there is a fault in the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors of the unit within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period when the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow; wherein, the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period is divided into a first time period and a second time period in chronological order. The prediction processing module 22 is used to obtain relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference if the unit has a fault in the inlet water temperature sensor or the outlet water temperature sensor in the second time period, and obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model. The second judgment module 23 is used to determine whether the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold. If so, the shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued; if not, the unit is re-judged to determine whether it meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

[0055] Optionally, the prediction processing module is also used to obtain relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference if the unit has a fault in the inlet water temperature sensor or the outlet water temperature sensor in the first time period, and to obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model. The duration of the shutdown sequence is determined based on the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold, and the supervised learning model. During the shutdown sequence, it is determined whether the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0. If the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0, the shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued.

[0056] Optionally, the prediction processing module is also used to predict that if the difference between the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is less than 0 during the shutdown sequence, then the shutdown strategy will be executed after the shutdown sequence has reached its duration.

[0057] Optionally, the prediction processing module is also used to execute a shutdown strategy and issue an early warning if, during the shutdown sequence, the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is continuously greater than or equal to 0 within a second time threshold.

[0058] Optionally, the prediction processing module is also used to obtain relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and to obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model. If the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature and the temperature threshold is greater than 0 within the continuous insufficient circulating water flow judgment period, then the unit is determined to meet the insufficient circulating water flow protection conditions.

[0059] Optionally, the predictive processing module is also used to obtain relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference if there is no inlet water temperature sensor fault or outlet water temperature sensor fault within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period of the unit, and obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model; when the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than 0 within the continuous insufficient circulating water flow judgment period, the shutdown strategy is executed.

[0060] Regarding the apparatus in the above embodiments, the specific manner in which each module performs its operation has been described in detail in the embodiments related to the method, and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0061] When the unit meets the insufficient circulating water flow protection conditions, fault diagnosis is performed by distinguishing between the fault status of the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors in the first and second time periods within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle. If either the inlet or outlet water temperature sensor fails in the second time period, a pre-built inlet and outlet water temperature prediction model predicts the difference between the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold. A shutdown strategy is executed if this difference is continuously greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold period; otherwise, the system re-evaluates whether the unit meets the insufficient circulating water flow protection conditions. Therefore, this technical solution avoids immediate shutdown when the unit experiences insufficient circulating water flow protection. Instead, it optimizes the control of the unit's operation by logically judging the fault status of the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors in the first and second time periods within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle, achieving auxiliary regulation, reducing shutdown frequency, and improving user experience.

[0062] Based on a general inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a unit fault detection device for implementing the above-described method embodiments.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of a unit fault detection device according to an embodiment of the present invention. (See attached diagram.) Figure 3The unit fault detection device in this embodiment includes a processor 31 and a memory 32, with the processor 31 connected to the memory 32. The processor 31 is used to call and execute programs stored in the memory 32; the memory 32 is used to store programs, which are at least used to execute the unit fault detection method described in the above embodiments.

[0064] The specific implementation scheme of the unit fault detection equipment provided in this application embodiment can refer to the implementation scheme of the unit fault detection method in any of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0065] Based on a general inventive concept, embodiments of the present invention also provide a water heater.

[0066] The water heater provided in this embodiment may include the unit fault detection equipment described in the above embodiments.

[0067] It is understood that the same or similar parts in the above embodiments can be referred to each other, and the contents not described in detail in some embodiments can be referred to the same or similar contents in other embodiments.

[0068] It should be noted that in the description of this invention, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this invention, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means at least two.

[0069] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of the invention includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as will be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of the invention pertain.

[0070] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps of the methods in the above embodiments can be implemented by a program instructing related hardware. The program can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, the program includes one or a combination of the steps of the method embodiments.

[0072] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present invention can be integrated into a processing module, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into a module. The integrated module can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional module. If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can also be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0073] The storage media mentioned above can be read-only memory, disk, or optical disk, etc.

[0074] In the description of this specification, references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0075] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting and handling unit faults, characterized in that, include: When the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow, it is determined whether there is a fault in the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle; wherein, each insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle is divided into a first time period and a second time period in chronological order; the first time period is the first part of the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle, and the second time period is the second part of the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle. If the unit experiences a fault in the inlet water temperature sensor or a fault in the outlet water temperature sensor during the second time period, relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference are obtained, and the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is obtained based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model. If the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold, then a shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued. If not, then reassess whether the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: If the unit experiences a fault in the inlet water temperature sensor or a fault in the outlet water temperature sensor during the first time period, then relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference are obtained, and based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model, the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is obtained. Based on the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold, and the supervised learning model, the duration of the shutdown sequence is determined; wherein, the input of the supervised learning model is the current electronic expansion valve opening degree, T 出水设定 T 出水设定 -T 出水 The output is the duration of the shutdown sequence; T 出水 T is obtained based on the temperature detected by the non-faulty inlet water temperature sensor. 进水 Calculate T 进水 The sum of the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature differences is used to obtain T. 出水 ; In the shutdown sequence, it is determined whether the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0. If the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0, the shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Also includes: If the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is less than 0 in the shutdown sequence, then the shutdown strategy is executed after the shutdown sequence reaches the specified duration.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: In the shutdown sequence, if the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is continuously greater than or equal to 0 within the second time threshold, the shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: Obtain relevant parameters of inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and based on the relevant parameters of inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model, obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold. When the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature and the temperature threshold is greater than 0 for all consecutive cycles of insufficient circulating water flow, the unit is determined to meet the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: If the unit does not have an inlet water temperature sensor fault or an outlet water temperature sensor fault within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment period, then the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference are obtained, and the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is obtained based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model; when the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than 0 for consecutive insufficient circulating water flow judgment periods, then the shutdown strategy is executed.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The parameters related to the temperature difference between the inlet and outlet water include at least one of the following: the set outlet water temperature, the set compressor frequency, the actual compressor operating frequency, the set fan frequency, and the actual fan operating frequency.

8. A unit fault detection and processing device, characterized in that, include: The first judgment module is used to determine whether there is a fault in the inlet and outlet water temperature sensors of the unit within the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle when the unit meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow; wherein, each insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle is divided into a first time period and a second time period in chronological order; the first time period is the first part of the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle, and the second time period is the second part of the insufficient circulating water flow judgment cycle. The prediction processing module is used to obtain relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference if the unit has an inlet water temperature sensor failure or an outlet water temperature sensor failure during the second time period, and to obtain the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold based on the relevant parameters of the inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the preset inlet and outlet water temperature difference prediction model. The second judgment module is used to determine whether the difference between the predicted inlet and outlet water temperature difference and the temperature threshold is greater than or equal to 0 within the first time threshold. If so, the shutdown strategy is executed and an early warning is issued; if not, the unit is re-judged to determine whether it meets the protection conditions for insufficient circulating water flow.

9. A unit fault detection and processing device, characterized in that, It includes a processor and a memory, wherein the processor is connected to the memory: The processor is used to call and execute the program stored in the memory; The memory is used to store the program, which is at least used to execute the unit fault detection and processing method according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The unit fault detection equipment as described in claim 9.

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