Electric water heaters, heating control methods for electric water heaters, and read / store media

Abstract

This invention discloses an electric water heater, a heating control method for the electric water heater, and a computer-readable storage medium. The electric water heater of this invention includes an inner tank assembly, a main water pipe, a mixing module, an instant heating module, and a control device. The main water pipe includes a main inlet pipe, branch water pipes, and a main outlet pipe located outside the inner tank body. The main inlet pipe is located upstream of the inner tank inlet pipe and the branch water pipes, and is connected to both. The main outlet pipe is located downstream of the inner tank outlet pipe and the branch water pipes, and is connected to both the inner tank outlet pipe and the branch water pipes via the mixing module. The instant heating module is located on the branch water pipes for heating the water flowing through them. The control device is electrically connected to the inner tank heating module, the mixing module, and the instant heating module. This invention aims to shorten the heating time of the electric water heater while ensuring sufficient water flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heaters, and particularly to an electric water heater and a heating control method for an electric water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Water heaters are an essential household appliance for every family nowadays, with electric water heaters being the most widely used. Electric water heaters typically use a storage-based heating method to supply hot water, but the hot water they provide is not instant. When users need hot water quickly, it needs to heat for a period of time before it can be used, and the water in the electric water heater must be heated to at least the user's preset temperature to meet their needs. This results in a long waiting time for users. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The main objective of this invention is to provide an electric water heater and a heating control method for the electric water heater, which aims to shorten the heating time of the electric water heater while ensuring that the electric water heater has sufficient water flow.

[0004] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides an electric water heater, the electric water heater comprising:

[0005] The inner tank assembly includes an inner tank body, an inner tank heating module disposed on the inner tank body, an inner tank water inlet pipe, and an inner tank water outlet pipe;

[0006] The main water pipe includes a main water inlet pipe, branch water pipes and a main water outlet pipe located outside the inner tank body. The main water inlet pipe is located upstream of the inner tank water inlet pipe and the branch water pipes, and is connected to the inner tank water inlet pipe and the branch water pipes respectively.

[0007] The mixing module has a main outlet pipe located downstream of the inner tank outlet pipe and the branch water pipes. The main outlet pipe is connected to the inner tank outlet pipe and the branch water pipes respectively through the mixing module.

[0008] An instant heating module, installed on the branch water pipe, is used to heat the water flowing through the branch water pipe; and

[0009] The control device is electrically connected to the inner tank heating module, the water mixing module, and the instant heating module, respectively.

[0010] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a housing, with the inner tank body disposed within the housing; the main water pipe passes through the housing.

[0011] And / or, the mixing module is disposed within the housing;

[0012] And / or, the instant heating module is disposed within the housing.

[0013] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a pipe connector, through which the main water inlet pipe is connected to the inner tank water inlet pipe and the branch water pipe respectively, and the pipe connector is located inside the outer casing.

[0014] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a first flow sensor, which is disposed on the main water pipe.

[0015] In one embodiment, the first flow sensor is disposed on the main water inlet pipe; and / or,

[0016] The first flow sensor is located on the main outlet pipe.

[0017] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes an inlet water temperature sensor, which is located on the main inlet pipe.

[0018] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes an outlet water temperature sensor, which is located on the main outlet water pipe.

[0019] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a branch temperature sensor, which is disposed on the branch water pipe and located downstream of the instant hot water outlet of the instant hot water module.

[0020] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a second flow sensor, which is disposed on the branch water pipe.

[0021] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes an inner tank temperature sensor, which is disposed on the inner tank body to detect the outlet water temperature of the inner tank and / or the water temperature inside the inner tank body.

[0022] The present invention also proposes a heating control method for an electric water heater, the heating control method for the electric water heater comprising:

[0023] Based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, predict the instant hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of inlet water through the instant hot module.

[0024] When the instant hot water outlet temperature is lower than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the mixing module is determined based on the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the heating power of the instant hot water module, and the inner tank temperature.

[0025] The water mixing module controls the mixing of water according to the specified mixing ratio.

[0026] In one embodiment, the step of determining the mixing ratio of the mixing module based on the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the heating power of the instant heating module, and the inner tank temperature includes:

[0027] The initial mixing ratio of the mixing module is determined based on the set temperature, inlet water temperature, heating power of the instant heating module, and inner tank temperature.

[0028] The branch flow rate corresponding to the instant heating module is determined based on the initial mixing ratio.

[0029] When the flow rate of the branch is less than the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module, the mixing ratio is determined according to the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module.

[0030] When the branch flow rate is greater than or equal to the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module, the initial mixing ratio is used as the mixing ratio.

[0031] In one embodiment, the step of controlling the mixing module to mix water according to the mixing ratio includes:

[0032] The opening value of the water mixing module is determined according to the water mixing ratio;

[0033] When the opening value is greater than the protection opening value, the mixing module is controlled to operate according to the opening value, and the instant heating module is controlled to operate with a constant heating power.

[0034] When the opening value is less than or equal to the protection opening, the mixing module is controlled to operate according to the protection opening.

[0035] In one embodiment, after the step of controlling the mixing module to operate according to the protection opening degree, the method further includes:

[0036] When the current outlet water temperature of the mixing module is lower than the set temperature but higher than the instant hot water temperature, the mixing module is maintained at the protection opening, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0037] When the current outlet water temperature of the mixing module is lower than the set temperature and is less than or equal to the instant hot water temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the inner tank outlet pipe of the mixing module is closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0038] In one embodiment, after the step of predicting the instantaneous outlet water temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes:

[0039] When the instant hot water temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature, but less than the protection threshold of the set temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the mixing module and the inner tank outlet pipe is closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

[0040] In one embodiment, after the step of predicting the instantaneous outlet water temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes:

[0041] When the instant hot water temperature is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the inner tank temperature is greater than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature and the inner tank temperature, and the mixing module is controlled to mix water at the current mixing ratio, the instant hot water module is controlled not to operate and the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate.

[0042] In one embodiment, after the step of predicting the instantaneous outlet water temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes:

[0043] When the instant hot water temperature is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the inner tank temperature is less than or equal to the set temperature, the instant hot water module is controlled to not operate, the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate, and the cold water inlet of the mixing module connected to the branch water pipe is controlled to close.

[0044] In one embodiment, before the step of predicting the instantaneous outlet water temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes:

[0045] When the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the instant heating module and the inner tank heating module are not operated, and the hot water inlet that connects the mixing module to the inner tank outlet pipe is closed.

[0046] In one embodiment, before the steps of controlling both the instant heating module and the inner tank heating module to not operate when the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is greater than or equal to the set temperature, and controlling the hot water inlet connecting the mixing module and the inner tank outlet pipe to be closed, the method further includes:

[0047] The main water inlet flow rate signal is determined based on the total inlet flow rate;

[0048] When it is determined that there is no water flow signal in the main water pipe, the instant heating module is not operated and the inner tank heating module is turned on.

[0049] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a heating control program for an electric water heater, wherein when the heating control program for the electric water heater is executed by a processor, the heating control program for the electric water heater implements the steps of the heating control method for the electric water heater as described above.

[0050] The present invention also provides an electric water heater, characterized in that the electric water heater includes: a memory, a processor, and a heating control program for the electric water heater stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the heating control program for the electric water heater is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the heating control method for the electric water heater as described above.

[0051] This application places the instant heating module on the branch water pipe, allowing it to heat the water flowing into the branch pipe. The instant heating module and the inner tank heating module work together to quickly heat the water entering the main water pipe to the user's set temperature, thus shortening the water heater's heating time. Furthermore, unlike placing the instant heating module on the main inlet or outlet pipe, which would obstruct water flow and reduce the water flow rate, this solution places the module on the branch pipe. Water entering the main pipe can be heated both inside the inner tank and via the instant heating module on the branch pipe, thus reducing the impact of the instant heating module obstructing water flow and ensuring sufficient water flow. Therefore, this solution shortens the heating time, quickly reaches the user's set water temperature, and ensures sufficient water flow. Attached Figure Description

[0052] 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 the structures shown in these drawings without creative effort.

[0053] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention;

[0054] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a second embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention;

[0055] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the third embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention;

[0056] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the fourth embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention;

[0057] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the fifth embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention;

[0058] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the water flow direction in the electric water heater of the present invention;

[0059] Figure 7 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the heating control method for an electric water heater according to the present invention;

[0060] Figure 8 for Figure 7 A detailed flowchart of another embodiment of step S200;

[0061] Figure 9 for Figure 7 A detailed flowchart of another embodiment of step S300;

[0062] Figure 10 for Figure 9 A detailed flowchart of another embodiment of step S330.

[0063] Explanation of icon numbers:

[0064]

[0065]

[0066] The realization of the objective, functional features and advantages of the present invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, and not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0068] It should be noted that if the embodiments of the present invention involve directional indications (such as up, down, left, right, front, back, etc.), the directional indications are only used to explain the relative positional relationship and movement of the components in a specific posture. If the specific posture changes, the directional indications will also change accordingly.

[0069] Furthermore, if the embodiments of this invention involve descriptions such as "first" or "second," these descriptions are for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying their relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined with "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of those features. Additionally, the use of "and / or" or "and / or" throughout the text includes three parallel solutions. For example, "A and / or B" includes solution A, solution B, or a solution where both A and B are satisfied simultaneously. Furthermore, the technical solutions of the various embodiments can be combined with each other, but this must be based on the ability of those skilled in the art to implement them. When the combination of technical solutions is contradictory or impossible to implement, it should be considered that such a combination of technical solutions does not exist and is not within the scope of protection claimed by this invention.

[0070] Water heaters are an essential household appliance for every family nowadays, with electric water heaters being the most widely used. Electric water heaters typically use a storage-based heating method to supply hot water, but the hot water they provide is not instant. When users need hot water quickly, it needs to heat for a period of time before it can be used, and the water in the electric water heater must be heated to at least the user's preset temperature to meet their needs. This results in a long waiting time for users.

[0071] To avoid this situation, the present invention proposes an electric water heater that can shorten the heating time of the electric water heater while ensuring that the electric water heater has sufficient water flow.

[0072] Please see Figure 1 In one embodiment of the electric water heater of the present invention, the electric water heater includes an inner tank assembly 100, a main water pipe 200, a mixing module 300, an instant heating module 400, and a control device. The inner tank assembly 100 includes an inner tank body 110, an inner tank heating module 120 disposed on the inner tank body 110, an inner tank inlet pipe 130, and an inner tank outlet pipe 140. The main water pipe 200 includes a main inlet pipe 210, branch water pipes 220, and a main outlet pipe 230 disposed outside the inner tank body 110. The main inlet pipe 210 is located above the inner tank inlet pipe 130 and the branch water pipes 220. The water inlet pipe 130 and the branch water pipe 220 are connected to each other. The main outlet pipe 230 is located downstream of the inner tank outlet pipe 140 and the branch water pipe 220. The main outlet pipe 230 is connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 140 and the branch water pipe 220 through the mixing module 300. The instant heating module 400 is installed on the branch water pipe 220 to heat the water flowing through the branch water pipe 220. The control device is electrically connected to the inner tank heating module 120, the mixing module 300 and the instant heating module 400.

[0073] It is understandable that the main water inlet pipe 210 has a main water inlet, and the main water outlet pipe 230 has a main water outlet. The main water inlet is used to supply water into the electric water heater, and the main water outlet is used to discharge water to the outside of the electric water heater. That is, water enters the electric water heater through the main water inlet pipe 210, and water is discharged out through the main water outlet pipe 230. The inner tank water inlet pipe 130 and the branch water pipe 220 are located downstream of the main water inlet pipe 210. The inner tank water inlet pipe 130 is connected to the main water inlet pipe 210, and the branch water pipe 220 is also connected to the main water inlet pipe 210. That is, the water entering the main water inlet pipe 210 can be divided into two streams. One stream enters the inner tank body 110 along the inner tank water inlet pipe 130, and the other stream flows along the branch water pipe 220. Branch water pipe 220 and inner tank outlet pipe 140 are located upstream of main outlet pipe 230. Branch water pipe 220 is connected to main outlet pipe 230 via mixing module 300, and inner tank outlet pipe 140 is also connected to main outlet pipe 230 via mixing module 300. Instant heating module 400 is installed on branch water pipe 220, and instant heating module 400 can heat the water on branch water pipe 220. Figures 1 to 6 The arrows in the diagram indicate the direction of the water flow.

[0074] Furthermore, the inlet of the inner tank inlet pipe 130 is connected to the main inlet pipe 210, and the outlet of the inner tank inlet pipe 130 is located inside the inner tank body 110 so that water can flow into the inner tank body 110 along the inner tank inlet pipe 130; the inlet of the inner tank outlet pipe 140 is located inside the inner tank body 110; and the outlet of the inner tank outlet pipe 140 is connected to the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 so that water in the inner tank body 110 can flow into the inner tank outlet pipe. Water flows into the main outlet pipe 230 from pipe 140. Branch pipe 220 is connected to the cold water inlet of mixing module 300, allowing water in branch pipe 220 to flow into the main outlet pipe after passing through mixing module 300. Mixing module 300 mixes the water entering the cold water inlet and the water entering the hot water inlet to adjust the ratio of cold to hot water output. The adjusted water is then discharged through the outlet of mixing module 300 into the main outlet pipe 230 for external discharge. Inner tank heating module 120 heats the water inside inner tank body 110 to output hot water. The specific structure of inner tank heating module 120 is not limited, as long as it can heat the water inside inner tank body 110. For example, but not limited to, inner tank heating module 120 may include heating tubes or heating wires.

[0075] Furthermore, the mixing module 300 is used to adjust the ratio of cold water and hot water flowing through it. The cold water flowing through the mixing module 300 refers to the water flowing into the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 along the branch water pipe 220, and the hot water flowing through it refers to the water flowing into the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 along the outlet of the inner tank outlet pipe 140. In other words, the mixing module 300 can adjust the ratio of the water flowing through the branch water pipe 220 after passing through the instant heating module 400 to the water in the inner tank body 110, so that the mixed water can reach the user's preset temperature and thus meet the user's needs. The specific ratio of cold water and hot water flowing through the mixing module 300 is not limited, as long as the temperature of the water discharged from the outlet of the mixing module 300 meets the user's needs.

[0076] Furthermore, the control device is used to control the operation of the inner tank heating module 120, the instant heating module 400, and the mixing module 300. The control device includes a controller, which can be one or more, and is not limited here. For example, but not limited to, the number of controllers is one, in which case the controller can control the inner tank heating module 120, the instant heating module 400, and the mixing module 300 respectively. Of course, the number of controllers can be two or three, and can be set according to needs. For example, the inner tank heating module 120, the instant heating module 400, and the mixing module 300 are each electrically connected to one controller.

[0077] The main water pipe 200 of the electric water heater of the present invention includes a main water inlet pipe 210, branch water pipes 220, and a main water outlet pipe 230 located outside the inner tank body 110. The main water inlet pipe 210 is located upstream of the inner tank water inlet pipe 130 and the branch water pipes 220, and is connected to both the inner tank water inlet pipe 130 and the branch water pipes 220 respectively. The main water outlet pipe 230 is located downstream of the inner tank water outlet pipe 140 and the branch water pipes 220, and is connected to the inner tank water outlet pipe 140 and the branch water pipes 220 respectively via a mixing module 300. The mixing module 300 is used to adjust the ratio of cold water and hot water flowing through it. An instant heating module 400 is located on the branch water pipes 220 to heat the water flowing through the branch water pipes 220. This arrangement, with the instant heating module 400 located on the branch water pipes 220, enables the instant heating of the water. The heating module 400 heats the water flowing into the branch water pipe 220. The heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 120 work together to quickly heat the water entering the main water pipe 200 to the user's target outlet temperature, thus shortening the heating time of the water heater. Furthermore, unlike the method where the heating module 400 is located on the main inlet pipe 210 or the main outlet pipe 230, which would obstruct water flow and reduce the water flow rate, in this solution, the heating module 400 is located on the branch water pipe 220. Water flowing into the main water pipe 200 can be heated both inside the inner tank 110 and via the heating module 400 in the branch water pipe 220. This reduces the impact of the heating module 400 on water flow and ensures sufficient water flow. Therefore, this solution shortens the heating time, quickly meets the user's target outlet temperature, and ensures sufficient water flow.

[0078] It is understandable that the instant heating module 400 is used to heat the water flowing through the branch water pipe 220. The inner tank heating module 120 and the instant heating module 400 can be used together. For example, when the water entering the main water inlet pipe 210 completely enters the branch water pipe 220 and is heated by the instant heating module 400 to reach the user's preset temperature, the electric water heater can use the external instant heating module 400 to heat the incoming water to supply hot water. At this time, the water supply circuit only passes through the main water pipe 200 and does not pass through the inner tank heating module 120. This allows the electric water heater to be used immediately without waiting for the user. Furthermore, the electric water heater does not need to heat all the water in the inner tank body 110, which helps to improve the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0079] For example, when the water entering the main water inlet pipe 210 completely flows into the branch water pipe 220 and fails to reach the preset temperature after being heated by the instant heating module 400, the instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 120 can work together. The instant heating module 400 heats the water entering the branch water pipe 220, and the inner tank heating module 120 heats the water entering the inner tank body 110 along the inner tank inlet pipe 130. The mixing module 300 adjusts the ratio of the water heated by the instant heating module 400 to the water heated by the inner tank heating module 120, thereby obtaining hot water at the temperature required by the user. Furthermore, the instant heating module 400, the inner tank heating module 120, and the mixing module 300 can be adjusted and controlled by a control device. This design achieves a reasonable combination of heat storage and instant heating in the electric water heater, which helps to shorten the heating time and allows the water heater to reduce the power consumption of the inner tank heating module 120 by reducing the hot water flow rate of the inner tank assembly 100, thereby improving the energy utilization rate of the water heater. In addition, since the instant heating module 400 is located on the branch water pipe 220, the impact of the instant heating module 400 on the water flow rate of the branch water pipe 220 is smaller than the impact on the total water flow rate of the water heater if the instant heating module 400 is located on the main inlet pipe 210 or the main outlet pipe 230. In other words, this solution helps to reduce the impact of the instant heating module 400 on the total water flow rate of the water heater, ensuring that the water heater has a sufficient water flow rate.

[0080] Please see Figures 1 to 5 In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a housing 500, and the inner tank body 110 is disposed inside the housing 500; the main water pipe 200 passes through the housing 500.

[0081] And / or, the mixing module 300 is disposed within the housing 500;

[0082] And / or, the instant heating module 400 is disposed within the housing 500.

[0083] Understandably, the inner tank body 110 is housed within the outer casing 500, which protects the inner tank body 110, thus making the electric water heater a single unit. The main water pipe 200 passes through the outer casing 500, allowing the inner tank inlet pipe 130 and the inner tank outlet pipe 140 to connect with the main water pipe 200 within the outer casing 500, thereby facilitating the protection of the inner tank assembly 100.

[0084] Furthermore, the mixing module 300 is located inside the outer casing 500. The mixing module 300 is connected to the main water pipe 200 and the inner tank outlet pipe 140 inside the outer casing 500. The mixing module 300 is integrated inside the outer casing 500, which helps to reduce the situation where the mixing module 300 is located outside the outer casing 500 and occupies a lot of space, while also protecting the mixing module 300.

[0085] Furthermore, the instant heating module 400 is located inside the outer casing 500 and is connected to the branch water pipe 220 of the main water pipe 200 inside the outer casing 500. The outer casing 500 can protect the instant heating module 400. That is to say, the instant heating module 400 can be integrated inside the outer casing 500, and the control device can control the instant heating module 400. This helps to reduce the space occupied by the instant heating module 400 located outside the outer casing 500 and can protect the instant heating module 400, avoiding the situation where the instant heating module 400 is easily damaged by collision and complicated installation due to being located outside the outer casing 500, thereby improving the practicality of the electric water heater.

[0086] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a pipe connector 240. The main water inlet pipe 210 is connected to the inner tank water inlet pipe 130 and the branch water pipes 220 respectively through the pipe connector 240. The pipe connector 240 is disposed within the outer casing 500. It is understood that the pipe connector 240 has a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface that are interconnected. The first interface is connected to the main water inlet pipe 210, the second interface is connected to the water inlet of the inner tank water inlet pipe 130, and the third interface is connected to the branch water pipes 220. The instant heating module 400 is disposed on the branch water pipes 220. The pipe connector 240 is detachably connected to the main water inlet pipe 210, the inner tank water inlet pipe 130, and the branch water pipes 220, which helps to improve the assembly and disassembly efficiency of the electric water heater.

[0087] Furthermore, the main water pipe 200 is divided into a main inlet pipe 210, branch water pipes 220, and a main outlet pipe 230. The main water pipe 200 is divided into at least three sections, which facilitates the separate installation of each section and improves the ease of installation, maintenance, and disassembly of each section, thereby enhancing the convenience of assembling and disassembling the electric water heater. In addition, the pipe connector 240 is located inside the outer casing 500, meaning that the pipe connector 240 can be integrated inside the outer casing 500. This improves the stability of the pipe connector 240 installation, and the outer casing 500 can protect the pipe connector 240.

[0088] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a first flow sensor 610, which is disposed on the main water pipe 200. It is understood that the first flow sensor 610 is electrically connected to the control device and can detect the water flow rate on the main water pipe 200. This configuration allows the electric water heater to detect the inlet and / or outlet water flow rates in a timely manner, facilitating timely monitoring of the water heater's operating status and preventing the inner tank heating module 120 from dry-burning. Of course, the first flow sensor 610 can also detect the water flow rate on the branch water pipes 220, that is, the water flow rate for the instant heating module 400 to operate, preventing the instant heating module 400 from continuously operating and causing dry-burning damage when the inlet water flow in the branch water pipes 220 is insufficient, thereby improving the reliability of the electric water heater.

[0089] Furthermore, the heating power of the instant heating module 400 can be constant, or it can be adjustable; the specifics are not limited here. When the heating power of the instant heating module 400 is adjustable, it can also adjust the heating power based on the water flow detected by the first flow sensor 610, so that the instant heating module 400 heats the water flowing through it with a suitable heating power. This helps to improve the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater and shorten the heating time.

[0090] Please see Figure 2 and Figure 5 In one embodiment, the first flow sensor 610 is disposed on the main inlet pipe 210; and / or, the first flow sensor 610 is disposed on the main outlet pipe 230 (e.g., Figure 3 and Figure 4 (As shown). It is understood that the first flow sensor 610 is located on the main inlet pipe 210, enabling it to detect the inlet flow rate of the main water pipe 200. The control device can control the instant heating module 400, the inner tank heating module 120, and the mixing module 300 based on the detected inlet water temperature, ensuring that the water temperature flowing out of the main outlet pipe 230 meets the user's preset outlet temperature. Furthermore, it can also allocate the water flow rate into the branch water pipes 220 based on the detected inlet flow rate to detect whether the instant heating module 400 is operating normally, preventing the instant heating module 400 from dry-burning and being damaged due to excessively low inlet flow rate, thereby improving the reliability of the electric water heater.

[0091] Furthermore, a first flow sensor 610 is installed on the main outlet pipe 230, enabling it to detect the water flow rate of the main water pipe 200, i.e., the water flow rate discharged from the electric water heater, to ensure that the electric water heater has sufficient water output. Of course, by detecting the total water flow rate of the electric water heater, the control device can also control the instant heating module 400, the inner tank heating module 120, and the mixing module 300 based on the total water flow rate, so that the water temperature flowing out of the main outlet pipe 230 meets the user's preset water temperature.

[0092] Please see Figures 2 to 5 In this embodiment, the electric water heater further includes an inlet water temperature sensor 620, which is disposed on the main inlet pipe 210. It is understood that the inlet water temperature sensor 620 is electrically connected to the control device. The inlet water temperature sensor 620 can detect the water temperature upstream of the inlet of the inner tank inlet pipe 130 on the main inlet pipe 210, that is, it can detect the water temperature upstream of the instantaneous inlet of the instantaneous heating module 400. This configuration assists the control device in controlling the inner tank heating module 120, the instantaneous heating module 400, and the mixing module 300, enabling the hot water temperature output by the electric water heater to quickly reach the user's preset temperature and making the output hot water temperature more stable.

[0093] For example, the control device can control whether the instant heating module 400 works according to the user's preset outlet water temperature. When the water entering the main inlet pipe 210 has completely entered the branch water pipe 220 and is heated by the instant heating module 400, and the temperature of the instant water outlet reaches the user's preset outlet water temperature, the control device can control the opening of the inner tank heating module 120, the instant heating module 400, and the mixing module 300 to close the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300, so that the water flow can only pass through the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300. After the water flows through the outlet of the mixing module 300, it flows into the main outlet pipe 230. At this time, the opening of the mixing module 300 is at its maximum value. That is to say, the water inlet of the electric water heater only flows along the main water pipe 200, and the inner tank heating module 120 stops working, so as to achieve the external supply of hot water to the inner tank body 110. This can reduce the power consumption of the inner tank heating module 120 in heating the water in the inner tank body 110, and at the same time realize the instant-on function of the electric water heater, so that users can use the electric water heater at any time without waiting.

[0094] For example, when the temperature of the instant water outlet after heating by the instant heating module 400 does not reach the user's preset water temperature, the control device can coordinate the operation of the inner tank heating module 120, the instant heating module 400, and the mixing module 300. For instance, the instant heating module 400 heats the water on the branch water pipe 220, the inner tank heating module 120 heats the water in the inner tank body 110, and the mixing module 300 controls and adjusts the water supply ratio between the cold water inlet and the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 so that the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet of the mixing module 300 reaches the preset temperature. This not only helps to reduce the heating time of the electric water heater but also helps to improve the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0095] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes an outlet water temperature sensor 630, which is located on the main outlet pipe 230. It is understood that the outlet water temperature sensor 630 is electrically connected to the control device. The outlet water temperature sensor 630 can detect the water temperature downstream of the outlet of the mixing module 300 on the main outlet pipe 230, that is, detect the water temperature discharged from the electric water heater to ensure that the discharged water temperature reaches the user's preset temperature. If the outlet water temperature sensor 630 detects that the water temperature discharged from the electric water heater exceeds the user's preset temperature over-temperature protection threshold, it indicates that the water temperature discharged from the electric water heater does not meet the user's needs. At this time, the control device can control the electric water heater, adjusting the inner tank heating module 120, the instant heating module 400, and the mixing module 300 to ensure that the hot water temperature output by the electric water heater can quickly reach the preset temperature. The outlet water temperature sensor 630 has the function of assisting the control device in controlling the electric water heater, ensuring the stability of the output hot water temperature, thus improving the reliability of the electric water heater. The user's preset temperature can be expressed as T degrees Celsius. The over-temperature protection threshold for the user's preset temperature can be expressed as T±5℃ or T±2℃, etc. In other words, the over-temperature protection threshold for the user's preset temperature is a protection value for the preset temperature to prevent the water temperature from exceeding the user's preset temperature range by too much. This helps to improve the user's experience. For example, when the water temperature exceeds the user's preset bathing temperature by a large margin, the user can easily feel the temperature change, and the high water temperature can easily scald the user's skin.

[0096] Please see Figure 4 and Figure 5In this embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a branch temperature sensor 640, which is installed on the branch water pipe 220 and located downstream of the instantaneous water outlet of the instantaneous heating module 400. This arrangement allows the branch temperature sensor 640 to detect the water temperature at the instantaneous water outlet after heating by the instantaneous heating module 400. This configuration enables the electric water heater to calculate the water flow rate through the instantaneous heating module 400 based on the temperature rise of the outlet water and the heating power of the instantaneous heating module 400. In other words, it allows the electric water heater to obtain the inlet water flow rate of the instantaneous heating module 400, preventing the instantaneous heating module 400 from continuously operating and causing dry burning damage if the inlet water flow is insufficient. This, in turn, improves the reliability of the electric water heater.

[0097] In addition, the instant heating module 400 can adjust the heating power by detecting the outlet water temperature of the instant heating module 400, so that the water temperature after being heated by the instant heating module 400 is consistent with the user's preset temperature. This helps to improve the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater and shorten the heating time of the electric water heater.

[0098] In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a second flow sensor, which is disposed on the branch water pipe 220. It is understood that the second flow sensor can be disposed on the branch water pipe 220 and located upstream of the inlet of the instant heating module 400. Alternatively, the second flow sensor can be disposed on the branch water pipe 220 and located downstream of the outlet of the instant heating module 400. Both methods can detect the water flow through the instant heating module 400 to ensure sufficient water flow and prevent the instant heating module 400 from continuously operating and causing dry burning damage when the water flow through the instant heating module 400 is insufficient. This, in turn, helps improve the reliability of the electric water heater.

[0099] Please see Figures 2 to 5 In one embodiment, the electric water heater further includes an inner tank temperature sensor 650, which is disposed on the inner tank body 110 to detect the outlet water temperature of the inner tank outlet pipe 140 and / or the water temperature inside the inner tank body 110.

[0100] Understandably, the inner tank temperature sensor 650 is electrically connected to the control device. The inner tank temperature sensor 650 can detect the water temperature at the outlet of the inner tank outlet pipe 140 and / or the water temperature inside the inner tank body 110, so as to assist the control device in controlling the inner tank heating module 120, the instant heating module 400 and the mixing module 300, so that the hot water temperature output by the electric water heater can quickly reach the preset temperature and make the output hot water temperature more stable.

[0101] In one embodiment, the inner tank temperature sensor 650 is disposed on the inner tank body 110 and near the inlet of the inner tank outlet pipe 140. It is understood that water in the inner tank body 110 flows in from the inlet of the inner tank outlet pipe 140, flows along the inner tank outlet pipe 140 to the outlet of the inner tank outlet pipe 140, flows into the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300, and is discharged outwards along the main outlet pipe 230 after passing through the mixing module 300. By placing the inner tank temperature sensor 650 near the inlet of the inner tank outlet pipe 140, it is equivalent to detecting the water temperature inside the inner tank body 110 and the water temperature at the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300. This facilitates the control device in controlling the mixing module 300 to adjust the ratio of cold and hot water passing through the mixing module 300, so that the water discharged from the outlet of the mixing module 300 can quickly reach the preset temperature, and is beneficial to the stability of the hot water output temperature of the electric water heater.

[0102] In one embodiment, the pipe connector 240 is a tee connector; and / or, the mixing module 300 is a thermostatic mixing valve. It is understood that by providing a tee connector, the inlet of the inner tank inlet pipe 130 can be connected to the main inlet pipe 210, thus improving the assembly and disassembly efficiency of the electric water heater. Furthermore, the thermostatic mixing valve is electrically connected to a control device, which can control the valve opening of the thermostatic mixing valve. The valve opening of the thermostatic mixing valve is the amount of water entering the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 and the amount of water entering the hot water inlet of the inner tank body 110. By adjusting the valve opening of the thermostatic mixing valve, the control device can adjust the ratio of cold and hot water flowing through the mixing module 300, thereby ensuring that the water discharged from the outlet of the mixing module 300 quickly reaches the preset temperature.

[0103] In one embodiment, the instant heating module 400 includes an instant heating chamber and an instant heating element. The instant heating chamber has an instant water inlet and an instant water outlet connected to the branch water pipe 220. The instant heating element is disposed in the instant heating chamber for heating the water in the instant heating chamber. The instant heating element includes a heating tube; or, the instant heating element includes a heating element and a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) assembly, and the heating element is electrically connected to the control device through the SCR assembly.

[0104] It is understood that the instant heating chamber is connected to the branch water pipe 220 so that the water entering the branch water pipe 220 can be heated by the instant heating module 400 and then flow into the main water outlet 230 through the instant water outlet. There can be one or more heating elements; multiple heating elements can work individually or in parallel. Furthermore, when the instant heating element includes a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) component, stepless adjustment of the heating power of the instant heating module 400 can be achieved. The purpose is that when the instant heating module 400 is running at maximum heating power, if the water temperature after heating by the instant heating module 400 is greater than or equal to the user's preset temperature, the heating power of the instant heating module 400 can be adjusted so that the water entering the electric water heater flows only along the main water pipe 200. In other words, the water supply circuit of the electric water heater only passes through the main water pipe 200 and not through the inner tank heating module 120. This allows the electric water heater to be used instantly without waiting, and the electric water heater does not need to heat all the water in the inner tank body 110, thus improving the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0105] Of course, the heating power of the instant heating module 400 can also be a fixed value, that is, the instant heating module 400 only has two working modes: not working and working at maximum load. This reduces the hardware cost caused by the power conversion of the instant heating module 400. The above two embodiments can be set according to specific needs, and are not limited here.

[0106] This invention also proposes a heating control method for an electric water heater; please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 7 , Figure 7 This is a schematic flowchart of an embodiment of the heating control method for an electric water heater according to the present invention.

[0107] In this embodiment, the heating control method for an electric water heater is applied to an electric water heater, and the heating control method for the electric water heater includes:

[0108] Step S100: Based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, predict the instant hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the inlet water through the instant hot water module 400.

[0109] Step S200: When the instant hot water outlet temperature is lower than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the heating power of the instant hot water module 400 and the inner tank temperature.

[0110] Step S300: Control the water mixing module 300 to mix water according to the mixing ratio.

[0111] It should be noted that the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is the inlet water temperature of the main water pipe 200, the total inlet water flow rate is the inlet water flow rate of the main water pipe 200, and the set temperature is the water temperature set on the control panel. When the electric water heater is working, it needs to obtain the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow rate of the main water pipe 200. Based on the obtained inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow rate, as well as the heating power of the instant heating module 400, the instant hot water outlet temperature after the water in the main water pipe 200 has been completely heated by the instant heating module 400 can be calculated and predicted.

[0112] Furthermore, the inner tank temperature can be the temperature of the water inside the inner tank body 110 or the water temperature of the inner tank outlet pipe 140. The mixing module 300 can mix the cold water and hot water entering it. Of course, the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 is connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 140, and the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 is connected to the branch water pipe 220. That is to say, the main outlet pipe 230 of the main water pipe 200 is connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 140 and the branch water pipe 220 respectively through the mixing module 300. When the instant hot water temperature is lower than the set temperature, it means that the water entering the main water pipe 200, even after being heated by the instant hot water module 400, still cannot meet the set temperature. At this time, the hot water in the inner tank body 110 needs to be mixed with the water heated by the instant hot water module 400 on the main water pipe 200 in order to meet the set temperature. Based on the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the heating power of the instant hot water module 400, and the inner tank temperature, the required temperature after heating by the instant hot water module 400 on the corresponding branch water pipe 220 can be determined. By controlling the mixing ratio of the mixing module 300, the outlet water temperature corresponding to the mixing module 300 can be adjusted. In other words, controlling the opening value of the mixing module can adjust the outlet water temperature after heating by the mixing module 300. The outlet water temperature after heating by the instant hot water module is mixed with the inner tank temperature to obtain the outlet water temperature of the main water pipe 200.

[0113] In this embodiment, the electric water heater includes an inner tank assembly 100, a main water pipe 200, a mixing module 300, and an instant heating module 400. The inner tank assembly 100 includes an inner tank body 110, an inner tank heating module 120 disposed on the inner tank body 110, an inner tank inlet pipe 130, and an inner tank outlet pipe 140. The main water pipe 200 includes a main inlet pipe 210, branch water pipes 220, and a main outlet pipe 230 disposed outside the inner tank body 110. The main inlet pipe 210 is located outside the inner tank inlet pipe 140. The water inlet pipe 130 is located upstream of the branch water pipe 220 and is connected to the inner tank inlet pipe 130 and the branch water pipe 220 respectively. The main outlet pipe 230 is located downstream of the inner tank outlet pipe 140 and the branch water pipe 220, and is connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 140 and the branch water pipe 220 respectively through the mixing module 300. The instant heating module 400 is installed on the branch water pipe 220, and the heating power of the instant heating module 400 is constant. In this way, by installing the instant heating module 400 on the branch water pipe 220, the instant heating module 400 can heat the water flowing into the branch water pipe 220. The instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 120 can work together to quickly heat the water entering the main water pipe 200 to the set temperature, thereby shortening the heating time of the electric water heater. Furthermore, unlike the design where the instant heating module 400 is located on the main inlet pipe 210 or the main outlet pipe 230, which would obstruct water flow and reduce the water flow rate of the electric water heater, this design places the instant heating module 400 on the branch water pipe 220. Water flowing into the main water pipe 200 can be heated both inside the inner tank 110 and via the branch water pipe 220 through the instant heating module 400. This reduces the impact of the instant heating module 400 on water flow and ensures sufficient water flow for the electric water heater. Therefore, this design shortens the heating time, allowing the water temperature to quickly meet the user's target temperature, while also ensuring sufficient water flow.

[0114] Please see Figure 8 In one embodiment, the step of determining the mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 based on the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the heating power of the instant heating module 400, and the inner tank temperature includes:

[0115] Step S210: Determine the initial mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 based on the set temperature, inlet water temperature, heating power of the instant heating module 400, and inner tank temperature.

[0116] Step S220: Determine the branch flow rate corresponding to the instant heating module 400 based on the initial mixing ratio;

[0117] Step S230: When the branch flow rate is less than the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module 400, determine the mixing ratio based on the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module 400.

[0118] Step S240: When the branch flow rate is greater than or equal to the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module 400, the initial mixing ratio is used as the mixing ratio.

[0119] Understandably, in order for the water outlet temperature of the electric water heater to meet the set temperature, the initial mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 can be predicted based on the inlet water temperature, the heating power of the instant heating module 400, and the inner tank temperature. Determining the mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 is equivalent to determining the water flow rate through the hot water inlet and cold water inlet of the mixing module 300. Determining the water flow rate through the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 is equivalent to determining the water flow rate of the branch water pipe 220, which is the branch flow rate corresponding to the instant heating module 400.

[0120] The minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module 400 is the minimum flow rate required to ensure its safe operation. When the water flow rate through the instant heating module 400 is less than the minimum safe flow rate, the instant heating module 400 will dry-burn and be damaged due to insufficient water flow. To avoid this, the mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 needs to be adjusted. The mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 corresponding to the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module 400 should be used as the mixing ratio for operation of the mixing module 300. This ensures that the instant heating module 400 can operate normally for a long time. At this time, the instant heating module can be controlled to operate at maximum heating power.

[0121] When the water flow rate through the instant heating module 400 is greater than or equal to the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module 400, the instant heating module 400 will work normally and will not be damaged by dry burning due to insufficient water flow. At this time, the initial mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 is used as the mixing ratio for the operation of the mixing module 300. This helps to ensure that the water temperature after mixing by the mixing module 300 meets the set temperature. Furthermore, at this time, the instant heating module can be controlled to operate at maximum heating power.

[0122] Please see Figure 9 In one embodiment, step S300, where the water mixing module 300 mixes water according to the mixing ratio, includes the following specific steps:

[0123] Step S310: Determine the opening value of the water mixing module 300 according to the water mixing ratio;

[0124] Step S320: When the opening value is greater than the protection opening value, control the mixing module 300 to operate according to the opening value, and control the instant heating module 400 to operate with constant heating power.

[0125] Step S330: When the opening value is less than or equal to the protection opening, control the mixing module 300 to operate according to the protection opening.

[0126] It is understandable that the mixing module 300 adjusts the ratio of cold water and hot water entering the mixing module 300 so that the outlet water temperature of the mixing module 300 meets the set temperature. The mixing module 300 has a cold water inlet, a hot water inlet and an outlet, and the mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 corresponds to the opening value of the mixing module 300.

[0127] The maximum opening degree of the mixing module 300 means that when the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 is closed, the cold water inlet is equivalent to being fully open. The water inlet of the main water pipe 200 flows in only through the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 and is discharged to the main water outlet pipe 230 through the outlet of the mixing module 300. In other words, the water inlet of the main water pipe 200 flows out directly through the instant heating module 400, and the electric water heater discharges water through the tank outlet.

[0128] The minimum opening degree of the mixing module 300 means that when the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 is closed, the hot water inlet is equivalent to being fully open. The water inlet of the main water pipe 200 needs to pass through the inner tank body 110 and then through the hot water inlet and the outlet of the mixing module 300 to the main outlet pipe 230. In other words, the water inlet of the main water pipe 200 does not pass through the instant heating module 400, but only through the inner tank body 110, and the electric water heater outputs water through the tank.

[0129] The intermediate opening of the mixing module 300 means that part of the water entering the main water pipe 200 flows into the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 after passing through the instant heating module 400, and the other part flows into the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 after passing through the inner tank body 110. The two parts of water are mixed in the mixing module 300 and then flow into the main water outlet pipe 230 through the outlet of the mixing module 300.

[0130] The protection opening degree of the mixing module 300 refers to the opening degree of the mixing module 300 in order to protect the instant heating module 400 so that it can operate at the minimum safe flow rate.

[0131] When the opening value of the mixing module 300 is greater than the protection opening value, it means that the instant heating module 400 can work safely. At this time, the mixing module 300 is controlled to operate according to the opening value determined by the mixing ratio of the current mixing module 300, and the instant heating module 400 is controlled to operate with a constant heating power. This is beneficial for the rapid heating of the water on the branch water pipe 220. This is not only beneficial for the safe operation of the instant heating module 400, but also for the outlet water temperature of the mixing module 300 to meet the set temperature.

[0132] When the opening value of the mixing module 300 is less than or equal to the protection opening value, it means that the instant heating module 400 cannot work safely with the existing opening value. The water flow through the instant heating module 400 will be too small, which will cause the instant heating module 400 to be easily damaged by dry burning. At this time, it is necessary to control the mixing module 300 to operate at the protection opening value in order to ensure that the instant heating module 400 can operate safely.

[0133] Please see Figure 10 In one embodiment, after performing step S330, controlling the mixing module 300 to operate according to the protection opening degree, the method further includes:

[0134] Step S331: When the current outlet water temperature of the mixing module 300 is lower than the set temperature but higher than the instant hot water outlet temperature, the mixing module 300 is maintained at the protection opening, and the instant hot water module 400 is controlled to operate at a constant heating power. This means that when the mixing module 300 is in the protection opening, the outlet water temperature of the instant hot water module 400 is higher than the instant hot water outlet temperature after the water from the main water pipe 200 has been fully heated by the instant hot water module 400. In this case, the mixing module 300 is needed to mix the water. The outlet water temperature of the water mixed by the mixing module 300 is closer to the set temperature than the instant hot water outlet temperature. This ensures that the water temperature inside the inner tank 110 and the water temperature heated by the instant hot water module 400 are fully mixed and utilized, thereby maximizing the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0135] Step S332: When the current outlet water temperature of the mixing module 300 is less than the set temperature and less than or equal to the instant hot water temperature, the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 140 is closed, and the instant hot water module 400 is controlled to operate at a constant heating power. Thus, when the mixing module 300 is in the protection opening position, the outlet water temperature of the instant heating module 400 is less than or equal to the instant hot water temperature after the water inlet of the main water pipe 200 is completely heated by the instant heating module 400. The inner tank temperature is low. At this time, the mixing module 300 does not need to mix water. The hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 is closed. The mixing module 300 operates at the maximum opening. The instant hot water temperature after the instant heating module 400 is heated is closer to the set temperature than the outlet water temperature of the inner tank body 110. After all the water inlet of the main water pipe 200 is heated by the instant heating module 400, it flows directly through the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 and then flows into the main outlet pipe 230 from the outlet of the mixing module 300. The water inlet of the main water pipe 200 only flows along the main water pipe 200 outside the inner tank body 110 and is discharged outward. That is, at this time, the water inlet of the main water pipe 200 does not pass through the inner tank body 110 and water flows out of the tank. At this time, the inner tank heating module 120 can be shut down, while the instant heating module 400 operates at a constant heating power. This helps the water outlet temperature of the electric water heater to reach the user's set temperature as much as possible, thereby maximizing the energy utilization rate of the electric water heater.

[0136] In one embodiment, after performing step S100, which predicts the instantaneous hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes:

[0137] Step S110: When the instant hot water temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature but less than the protection threshold of the set temperature, the hot water inlet connecting the mixing module 300 and the inner tank outlet pipe 140 is closed, and the instant heating module 400 is controlled to operate at a constant heating power. This indicates that the instant hot water temperature meets the set temperature and has not exceeded the protection value of the set temperature, at which point the instant heating module 400 can be controlled to operate. The protection threshold of the set temperature is a protection value based on the user's set temperature, preventing the actual water temperature from exceeding the user's set temperature by too much and causing scalding to the user.

[0138] In one embodiment, the temperature difference between the protection threshold of the set temperature and the set temperature is greater than 0°C and less than or equal to 5°C. For example, the set temperature is T1, the protection threshold of the set temperature is T2, T2 is greater than T1, the temperature difference between T2 and T1 is greater than zero, and the temperature difference between T2 and T1 can be 1°C, 2°C, 3°C, 4°C, or 5°C, etc., and is not specifically limited here.

[0139] In one embodiment, after performing step S100, which predicts the instantaneous hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes:

[0140] Step S120: When the instant hot water outlet temperature is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the inner tank temperature is greater than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature and the inner tank temperature.

[0141] Step S130: Control the water mixing module 300 to mix water at the current mixing ratio, control the instant heating module 400 to not operate, and control the inner tank heating module 120 to operate.

[0142] It is understood that in this embodiment, when the instant heating module 400 operates at a constant heating power, the instant hot water outlet temperature exceeds the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the inner tank temperature is higher than the set temperature. At this time, the operation of the instant heating module 400 will cause the water temperature to be too high. Therefore, the instant heating module 400 does not operate, and the mixing module 300 mixes the water in the inner tank body 110 with the water entering the main water pipe 200. The mixing ratio of the mixing module 300 is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, and the inner tank temperature so that the outlet water temperature of the electric water heater meets the set temperature. This can protect the user and prevent the user from being scalded due to the outlet water temperature exceeding the protection threshold of the set temperature.

[0143] In one embodiment, after performing step S100, which predicts the instantaneous hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes:

[0144] Step S140: When the instant hot water temperature is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the inner tank temperature is less than or equal to the set temperature, control the instant hot water module 400 to not operate, control the inner tank heating module 120 to operate, and control the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 connected to the branch water pipe 220 to be closed.

[0145] It is understandable that in this embodiment, when the instant heating module 400 operates at a constant heating power, the instant hot water temperature exceeds the set temperature protection threshold. In this case, the operation of the instant heating module 400 would lead to excessively high water temperature, therefore, the instant heating module 400 does not operate. Furthermore, the inner tank temperature is low, so the cold water inlet of the mixing module 300 is closed, and the mixing module 300 operates at its minimum opening. Water from the main water pipe 200 flows into the inner tank body 110, then through the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300, and finally flows from the outlet to the main water outlet pipe 230. This avoids the situation where the mixing module 300 lowers the outlet water temperature if it mixes water when the instant heating module 400 is not operating. The technical solution of this embodiment is beneficial in ensuring that the outlet water temperature is as close as possible to the set temperature while guaranteeing water safety.

[0146] In one embodiment, before performing step S100, which predicts the instantaneous hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes:

[0147] Step S90: When the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 120 are both deactivated, and the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 140 is closed. This indicates that the inlet water temperature is too high; the instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 120 do not need to operate. The hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 is closed, and the mixing module 300 operates at its maximum opening. Water entering the main water pipe 200 flows directly through the main water pipe 200 and is discharged externally.

[0148] It is understandable that when the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is lower than the set temperature, step S100 is executed to predict the instant hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the inlet water through the instant hot module 400 based on the inlet water temperature and the total inlet water flow of the electric water heater.

[0149] In one embodiment, before executing step S90, which involves controlling both the instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 120 to stop operating when the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is greater than or equal to the set temperature, and controlling the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 140 to close, the method further includes:

[0150] Step S70: Determine the inlet flow signal of the main water pipe 200 based on the total inlet flow rate;

[0151] Step S80: When it is determined that there is no water inflow signal in the main water pipe 200, control the instant heating module 400 to stop running and control the inner tank heating module 120 to start.

[0152] It is understandable that no water flow signal in main water pipe 200 can be interpreted as no water flow in main water pipe 200; or, the water flow in main water pipe 200 is less than the minimum flow threshold. The minimum flow threshold is the minimum value for determining that there is water in main water pipe 200. If the water flow in main water pipe 200 is less than the minimum flow threshold, it means that the water flow is small. A small water flow will affect the user's use, and is usually understood as no water flow in main water pipe 200. When there is no inlet water flow signal in the main water pipe 200, the instant heating module 400 does not operate to prevent dry burning. The inner tank heating module 120 heats the water in the inner tank body 110 to the set temperature and then stops working. It continues to heat the water in the inner tank body 110 again after the outlet water temperature drops below the set temperature. This cycle ensures that the outlet water temperature in the inner tank body 110 meets the user's set temperature, so that the user can use the electric water heater in time when needed, reducing the user's waiting time for heating.

[0153] When it is determined that there is an inlet water flow signal in the main water pipe 200, step S90 is executed. When the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the instant heating module 400 and the inner tank heating module 120 are both controlled to not operate, and the hot water inlet of the mixing module 300 connected to the inner tank outlet pipe 140 is controlled to be closed; otherwise, step S100 is executed. That is, when the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is less than the set temperature, the instant hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the inlet water through the instant heating module 400 is predicted based on the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater and the total inlet water flow.

[0154] It is understandable that, based on the maximum opening θ of the mixing module and the branch flow rate Q of the branch water pipe... x Based on the total inflow rate Q of the main water pipe and the first preset formula, the opening degree θ1 of the branch flow rate corresponding to the mixing module is obtained. The first preset formula is:

[0155]

[0156] It is understandable that, based on the heating power P of the instant heating module, the heating coefficient K of the instant heating module, the flow rate Q1 through the instant heating module, and the second preset formula, the temperature rise ΔT of the medium after passing through the instant heating module is obtained. The second preset formula is:

[0157]

[0158] It is understandable that, based on the branch flow rate Q of the branch water pipe... x The total inlet water flow rate Q of the main water pipe, the heating power P of the instant heating module, the heating coefficient K of the instant heating module, the inlet water temperature T1 of the main water pipe, the outlet water temperature T2 of the inner tank, and a third preset formula are used to calculate the outlet water temperature T of the main water pipe. The third preset formula is as follows:

[0159]

[0160] Using the first, second, and third preset formulas mentioned above, the opening degree of the branch flow of the mixing module, the instant hot water temperature, and the outlet water temperature of the main outlet pipe can be calculated. Combined with the aforementioned heating control method for electric water heaters, this facilitates the control of the electric water heater.

[0161] This invention also proposes an electric water heater, which includes: a memory, a processor, and a heating control program for the electric water heater stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the heating control program for the electric water heater is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the heating control method for the electric water heater as described above.

[0162] Furthermore, this embodiment of the invention also proposes a computer-readable storage medium storing a heating control program for an electric water heater, wherein when the heating control program for the electric water heater is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the heating control method for the electric water heater as described above.

[0163] The above description is merely a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural transformations made using the contents of the present invention's specification and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect applications in other related technical fields, are included within the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. An electric water heater, characterized in that, include: The inner tank assembly includes an inner tank body, an inner tank heating module disposed on the inner tank body, an inner tank water inlet pipe, and an inner tank water outlet pipe; The main water pipe includes a main water inlet pipe, branch water pipes and a main water outlet pipe located outside the inner tank body. The main water inlet pipe is located upstream of the inner tank water inlet pipe and the branch water pipes, and is connected to the inner tank water inlet pipe and the branch water pipes respectively. The mixing module has a main outlet pipe located downstream of the inner tank outlet pipe and the branch water pipes. The main outlet pipe is connected to the inner tank outlet pipe and the branch water pipes respectively through the mixing module. An instant heating module, installed on the branch water pipe, is used to heat the water flowing through the branch water pipe; and The control device is electrically connected to the inner tank heating module, the water mixing module, and the instant heating module, respectively. The control device is used for: Based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, predict the instant hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of inlet water through the instant hot module. When the instant hot water temperature is lower than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the heating power of the instant hot water module and the inner tank temperature, and the mixing module is controlled to mix water according to the mixing ratio. When the instant hot water temperature is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the inner tank temperature is less than or equal to the set temperature, the instant hot water module is controlled to not operate, the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate, and the cold water inlet of the mixing module connected to the branch water pipe is controlled to close.

2. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes an outer shell, and the inner tank body is disposed inside the outer shell; the main water pipe passes through the outer shell; And / or, the mixing module is disposed within the housing; And / or, the instant heating module is disposed within the housing.

3. The electric water heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a pipe connector, through which the main water inlet pipe is connected to the inner tank water inlet pipe and the branch water pipe respectively, and the pipe connector is located inside the outer shell.

4. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a first flow sensor, which is located on the main water pipe.

5. The electric water heater as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The first flow sensor is installed on the main water inlet pipe; and / or, The first flow sensor is located on the main outlet pipe.

6. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes an inlet water temperature sensor, which is located on the main inlet pipe.

7. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes an outlet water temperature sensor, which is located on the main outlet water pipe.

8. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a branch temperature sensor, which is installed on the branch water pipe and located downstream of the instant hot water outlet of the instant hot water module.

9. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a second flow sensor, which is located on the branch water pipe.

10. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes an inner tank temperature sensor, which is located on the inner tank body to detect the water temperature at the outlet of the inner tank and / or the water temperature inside the inner tank body.

11. A heating control method for an electric water heater, characterized in that, The heating control method for the electric water heater includes: Based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, predict the instant hot water outlet temperature corresponding to the complete passage of inlet water through the instant hot module. When the instant hot water temperature is lower than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the heating power of the instant hot water module and the inner tank temperature, and the mixing module is controlled to mix water according to the mixing ratio. When the instant hot water temperature is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the inner tank temperature is less than or equal to the set temperature, the instant hot water module is controlled to not operate, the inner tank heating module is controlled to operate, and the cold water inlet of the mixing module connected to the branch water pipe is controlled to close.

12. The heating control method for an electric water heater as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The step of determining the mixing ratio of the mixing module based on the set temperature, inlet water temperature, heating power of the instant heating module, and inner tank temperature includes: The initial mixing ratio of the mixing module is determined based on the set temperature, inlet water temperature, heating power of the instant heating module, and inner tank temperature. The branch flow rate corresponding to the instant heating module is determined based on the initial mixing ratio. When the flow rate of the branch is less than the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module, the mixing ratio is determined according to the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module. When the branch flow rate is greater than or equal to the minimum safe flow rate of the instant heating module, the initial mixing ratio is used as the mixing ratio.

13. The heating control method for an electric water heater as described in claim 11 or 12, characterized in that, The steps of the water mixing control module mixing water according to the mixing ratio include: The opening value of the water mixing module is determined according to the water mixing ratio; When the opening value is greater than the protection opening value, the mixing module is controlled to operate according to the opening value, and the instant heating module is controlled to operate with a constant heating power. When the opening value is less than or equal to the protection opening, the mixing module is controlled to operate according to the protection opening.

14. The heating control method for an electric water heater as described in claim 13, characterized in that, After the step of controlling the mixing module to operate according to the protection opening degree, the method further includes: When the current outlet water temperature of the mixing module is lower than the set temperature but higher than the instant hot water temperature, the mixing module is maintained at the protection opening, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power. When the current outlet water temperature of the mixing module is lower than the set temperature and is less than or equal to the instant hot water temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the inner tank outlet pipe of the mixing module is closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

15. The heating control method for an electric water heater as described in claim 11, characterized in that, After the step of predicting the instantaneous outlet water temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes: When the instant hot water temperature is greater than or equal to the set temperature, but less than the protection threshold of the set temperature, the hot water inlet connected to the mixing module and the inner tank outlet pipe is closed, and the instant hot water module is controlled to operate at a constant heating power.

16. The heating control method for an electric water heater as described in claim 11, characterized in that, After the step of predicting the instantaneous outlet water temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes: When the instant hot water outlet temperature is greater than or equal to the protection threshold of the set temperature, and the inner tank temperature is greater than the set temperature, the mixing ratio of the mixing module is determined according to the set temperature, the inlet water temperature and the inner tank temperature. The system controls the mixing module to mix water at the current mixing ratio, controls the instant heating module to not operate, and controls the inner tank heating module to operate.

17. The heating control method for an electric water heater as described in claim 11, characterized in that, Before the step of predicting the instantaneous outlet water temperature corresponding to the complete passage of the instantaneous heating module based on the inlet water temperature and total inlet water flow of the electric water heater, the method further includes: When the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is greater than or equal to the set temperature, the instant heating module and the inner tank heating module are not operated, and the hot water inlet that connects the mixing module to the inner tank outlet pipe is closed.

18. The heating control method for an electric water heater as described in claim 17, characterized in that, Before the steps of controlling the instant heating module and the inner tank heating module to not operate when the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater is greater than or equal to the set temperature, and controlling the hot water inlet connecting the mixing module and the inner tank outlet pipe to be closed, the method further includes: The main water inlet flow rate signal is determined based on the total inlet flow rate; When it is determined that there is no water flow signal in the main water pipe, the instant heating module is not operated and the inner tank heating module is turned on.

19. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The readable storage medium stores a heating control program for an electric water heater, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the heating control method for an electric water heater as described in any one of claims 11 to 18.

20. An electric water heater, characterized in that, The electric water heater includes: a memory, a processor, and a heating control program for the electric water heater stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the heating control program for the electric water heater is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the heating control method for the electric water heater as described in any one of claims 11 to 18.

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