Control method and device of water heater and water heater

Abstract

This application discloses a control method, device, and water heater for a water heater, comprising: acquiring the actual water output duration of a hot water branch connected to a target water point; determining a first preheating duration based on the target water point; stopping the water heater after it starts preheating and maintains the first duration, where the hot water output by the water heater has not reached the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point; acquiring a second duration required for the hot water output by the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point; acquiring pipeline parameters and a first water flow signal; the first water flow signal being a water flow signal measured by the water-using equipment corresponding to the target water point; and obtaining the pipeline path for the water heater to preheat the target water point based on the first duration, the second duration, the actual water output duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, thereby enabling control of the water heater to preheat the specified target water point, ensuring that the preheated hot water reaches the water point precisely.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water heater control technology, and in particular to a water heater control method, a water heater control device, and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] In order to save water resources and improve the utilization rate of domestic water use, water heaters now generally have a zero cold water function. The zero cold water function refers to the process of pumping the residual cold water in the hot water pipes of the water heater back to the water heater for preheating, thus achieving zero cold water. This is not only environmentally friendly, but also improves the comfort of the bathroom.

[0003] In related technologies, one way to achieve zero-cold-water functionality is by installing a return water pipe connected to the inlet of the water heater via the hot water pipe at the end. Another method is to install a one-way valve between the hot and cold water pipes to connect them, using the cold water pipe as the return water pipe. Under normal zero-cold-water function, the circulation pump draws water from the entire length of the pipe back into the machine for heating before discharging it through the outlet. After preheating, the water temperature in both the hot and return water pipes reaches the set hot water temperature, allowing users to enjoy instant hot water. However, some systems suffer from the following problem: during preheating, the water in both the hot and return water pipes needs to be heated, making it difficult to utilize the preheated water and resulting in energy waste. With long-term use of the zero-cold-water function, especially in large-sized residences where the overall pipeline is long and there are many water points, if the fixed-point function of circulation preheating is lacking or not perfect enough, and thus cannot accurately control the preheating path of the corresponding water points, the water heater will heat the pipelines that do not require preheating during circulation preheating, which is not only time-consuming but also detrimental to energy conservation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] This application provides a control method, device, and water heater for a water heater, in order to solve the above-mentioned shortcomings of existing water heaters that require circulating preheating at the point of use when zero cold water is used.

[0005] According to a first aspect of this application, a control method for a water heater is provided, applied to a circulating preheating hot water system. The circulating preheating hot water system includes: a water heater, a hot water pipe, a return water pipe, multiple hot water branch lines, and multiple water-using devices. The hot water pipe is connected to the outlet of the water heater, the return water pipe is connected to the inlet of the water heater and the hot water pipe, the hot water inlet of each hot water branch line is connected to the hot water pipe, and the hot water outlet of each hot water branch line is connected to the corresponding water-using device. Each water-using device is installed at a corresponding water-using point.

[0006] The control method includes:

[0007] Obtain the actual water output duration of the hot water branch connected to the target water point;

[0008] The first preheating duration is determined based on the target water point; when the water heater starts preheating and maintains the first duration, it stops, and the hot water output by the water heater does not reach the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point;

[0009] The second time required for the hot water output from the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point is obtained;

[0010] Acquire pipeline parameters and a first water flow signal; the first water flow signal is the water flow signal measured by the water-using equipment corresponding to the target water point.

[0011] Based on the first duration, the second duration, the actual water output duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point is obtained.

[0012] According to a second aspect of this application, a control device for a water heater is provided, applied to a circulating preheating hot water system, the circulating preheating hot water system comprising: a water heater, a hot water pipe, a return water pipe, multiple hot water branch lines, and multiple water-using devices; the hot water pipe is connected to the outlet of the water heater, the return water pipe is connected to the inlet of the water heater and the hot water pipe, the hot water inlet of each hot water branch line is connected to the hot water pipe, and the hot water outlet of each hot water branch line is connected to the corresponding water-using device; each water-using device is installed at a corresponding water-using point;

[0013] The device includes:

[0014] The actual water output duration acquisition module is used to acquire the actual water output duration of the hot water branch connected to the target water point;

[0015] The first duration determination module is used to determine the first duration of the preheating cycle based on the target water point; when the water heater starts preheating and maintains the first duration, it stops, and the hot water output by the water heater does not reach the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point;

[0016] The second duration determination module is used to obtain the second duration required for the hot water output by the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point;

[0017] Pipeline parameter acquisition module, used to acquire pipeline parameters;

[0018] A water flow signal acquisition module is used to acquire a first water flow signal; the first water flow signal is a water flow signal measured by the water-using equipment corresponding to the target water-using point;

[0019] The pipeline path determination module is used to obtain the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point based on the first duration, the second duration, the actual water output duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal.

[0020] According to a third aspect of this application, a water heater is provided, including a main controller, a circulation pump, a water flow sensor, a water temperature sensor, a control panel, and a heating unit. The main controller includes at least one processor and a memory connected to the at least one processor. The memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the computer program is executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method of the first aspect described above.

[0021] This application provides a control method, device, and water heater for a water heater, which at least have the following features:

[0022] Beneficial effects:

[0023] After determining the target water point, the actual water output time of the hot water branch connected to the target water point and the first preheating time for this cycle can be further determined. The water heater starts preheating and maintains it for the first time before stopping, and the hot water output by the water heater does not reach the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point. Based on this, this embodiment can also determine the second time required for the hot water output by the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point from the unpreheated pipe position. Then, based on the first time, the second time, the actual water output time, combined with pipe parameters and water flow signals, the pipe path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point can be obtained. Based on this pipe path, the circulatory preheating of the water heater to the designated target water point can be controlled, so that when performing circulatory preheating, only the corresponding pipe needs to be preheated according to the pipe path, so that the preheated hot water can just reach the target water point and meet the circulatory preheating requirements of the designated water point, without having to preheat the entire circulation pipe, avoiding heat loss, improving the utilization rate of hot water, and effectively improving the efficiency of circulatory preheating.

[0024] Furthermore, this embodiment can reduce the impact of using additional components or the inaccuracy caused by estimating the required heating water volume during the determination of fixed-point preheating. It also reduces the difficulty in determining the preheating pipeline path for a designated water point due to damage to additional components, thus providing another execution method that meets usage requirements. Furthermore, this application can help improve the reliability and accuracy of obtaining the preheating duration for the target water point, meeting and adapting to the installation environment requirements of some water heater preheating systems.

[0025] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of this application, nor is it intended to limit the scope of this application. Other features of this application will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0026] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0028] Figures 2-7 These are schematic diagrams of an exemplary circulating preheating hot water system provided in Embodiment 1 of this application;

[0029] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application;

[0030] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a control device for a water heater provided in Embodiment 3 of this application;

[0031] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in Embodiment 4 of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present application, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present application.

[0033] Example 1

[0034] Figure 1 The flowchart illustrates a control method for a water heater provided in Embodiment 1 of this application, wherein the water heater is used to provide hot water to multiple water usage points.

[0035] This embodiment can be applied to a circulating preheating hot water system. This circulating preheating hot water system can be a circulating preheating control system with a pre-reserved return water pipe, or a circulating preheating control system without a pre-reserved return water pipe. Figure 2Taking a circulating preheating hot water system with a reserved return water pipe as an example, the circulating preheating hot water system may include: water heater 1, hot water pipe p1, return water pipe p3, multiple hot water branches p4, p5 and p6, and multiple water-using devices 6, 7 and 8. Among them, water heater 1 is used to provide hot water to water-using devices 6, 7 and 8 and the corresponding water-using points 3, 4 and 5.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, hot water pipe p1 connects to the outlet of water heater 1, return water pipe p3 connects to the inlet of water heater and hot water pipe p1, hot water inlets of hot water branches p4, p5 and p6 connect to hot water pipe p1, and hot water outlets of hot water branches p4, p5 and p6 connect to the corresponding water-using devices 6, 7 and 8; water-using devices 6, 7 and 8 are respectively installed at the corresponding water-using points 3, 4 and 5.

[0037] like Figure 2 As shown, the circulating preheating hot water system may also include a tap water pipeline. The return water pipeline p3 is connected to the tap water pipeline through a one-way valve 2. The function of the one-way valve 2 is to prevent tap water in the tap water pipeline from flowing into the return water pipeline from the connection point.

[0038] The water heater 1 may also be equipped with a return water circulation pump 12 (also known as a circulation pump), a water flow sensor 13, a temperature probe 14, and a main controller 15.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, each water point is connected to the tap water pipe and the corresponding hot water branch. The water-using equipment at each water point can be integrated into the faucet or externally installed on the outside of the faucet; this embodiment does not impose any restrictions on this.

[0040] In other embodiments, in a circulating preheating control system without a reserved return water pipeline, the tap water pipeline can be used as the return water pipeline, and a one-way valve can be installed between the hot water pipeline and the cold water pipeline at the end to connect the hot and cold water pipelines together.

[0041] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0042] Step 101: Obtain the actual water output duration of the hot water branch connected to the target water point.

[0043] The target water point can be a user-specified water point that requires preheating.

[0044] The target water usage point can be identified by information such as the location where the water usage point is located (such as in the kitchen, shower room, washroom, etc.) and the name of the water usage point (such as Water Usage Point 1, Water Usage Point 2, etc.). In practice, the user can set the name or location of each water usage point through an application or the interaction interface provided by the water heater, and then the name and / or location of the water usage points distributed at different locations will be stored in the main controller of the water heater.

[0045] In one embodiment, the water heater can have a supporting application. After the user installs the application on a terminal device (such as a mobile phone, remote control, tablet computer, etc.) and completes the pairing of the application with the water heater, remote configuration and operation of the water heater can be achieved. In this implementation scenario, the following process can be further used to determine the target water usage point:

[0046] Receive the preheating instruction sent by the application, and extract the identifier of the water usage point from the preheating instruction as the target water usage point to be measured.

[0047] Wherein, the preheating instruction is an instruction generated by the application after detecting that the user selects at least one identifier from the identifiers of multiple pre-set water usage points.

[0048] Specifically, when the user needs to preheat a certain water usage point point-to-point, the user can view the multiple water usage points pre-set and connected to the water heater through the application and select at least one water usage point. Then the application can generate a preheating instruction with the identifier of at least one water usage point selected by the user and send the preheating instruction to the main controller of the water heater. After receiving the preheating instruction, the main controller can parse the preheating instruction to determine the target water usage point to be measured.

[0049] In another embodiment, the target water usage point can be determined according to the identification signal sent by the signal transmitter of the water usage device. In implementation, the user can also specify the target water usage point to be preheated by the way of tapping the faucet. In this embodiment, the water usage device supporting the water usage point is used for cooperative execution. Among them, a signal transmitter, a water flow sensor, a water temperature sensor, a power supply module, etc. can be arranged in the water usage device. The water flow sensor can示例性 include a turbine flowmeter, and the power supply module can示例性 include a turbine power supply module. The water usage device is connected to the main controller of the water heater through the signal transmitter. In this implementation scenario, the following process can be further used to determine the target water usage point:

[0050] When receiving the preheating signal sent by the signal transmitter, obtain the identification information of the signal transmitter; then obtain the identifier of the water usage point associated with the identification information of the signal transmitter as the target water usage point.

[0051] The preheating signal is generated when the signal transmitter detects that a connected water point has been turned off after a set time, and the water flow sensor at that water point detects the water flow signal. Specifically, if a user turns on a water point for a few seconds (e.g., 2 seconds) and then turns it off, and the water flow sensor detects the water flow signal at that time, the signal transmitter sends a preheating signal to the main controller of the water heater. After receiving the preheating signal, the main controller obtains the location of the water point corresponding to the signal transmitter and thus identifies the target water point.

[0052] The hot water inlet of each hot water branch is located at the intersection with the hot water pipe, such as... Figure 3 A1, A2, and A3 are all hot water inlets of the hot water branch. The hot water outlet of this branch is located after the water-using equipment and connected to the point of use. Water flows in from the hot water inlet, passes through the water-using equipment, and then flows out from the hot water outlet. Figure 3 b1, b2, and b3 are all hot water outlets on the hot water branch lines of the water usage points. Therefore, in... Figure 3 In the diagram, the path of the hot water branch at water point 3 is L1, the path of the hot water branch at water point 4 is L2, and the path of the hot water branch at water point 5 is L3.

[0053] The actual water flow time refers to the time it takes for water to flow from the hot water inlet to the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point. In one embodiment, the actual water flow time of the hot water branch connected to the target water point can be obtained by the following steps:

[0054] When the water heater completes a full cycle of preheating, it acquires the temperature data sent by the water-using equipment at the target water point, calculates the temperature change between two adjacent temperature data, and if the temperature change meets the set conditions, it uses the time difference between the first temperature data and the current temperature data as the actual water output time.

[0055] Specifically, when the water heater completes a full cycle of preheating, the water in the entire water pipe (including the hot water pipe and the return water pipe) is hot, but the water in each hot water branch is cold.

[0056] The water-using equipment at the target water point monitors the current water flow signal through its water flow sensor and the current water temperature data through its water temperature sensor. These signals are then transmitted to the water heater via a signal transmitter. The water heater associates and records the received water flow signal and temperature data with the corresponding water point. Simultaneously, the water heater compares the currently received temperature data with the previously received temperature data from the same water point to obtain the temperature change ΔT1. This temperature change ΔT1 is then compared with a set temperature threshold α, where α can be set according to actual needs, for example, α∈(3,5).

[0057] If ΔT1 exceeds the set temperature threshold α, it is determined that the temperature change meets the set conditions. Then, the water heater can use the difference between the time of the first temperature data obtained in this round of communication and the time of the current temperature data as the actual water output time.

[0058] In one implementation, a timer can also be installed in the water heater. When the main controller of the water heater receives the water flow signal for the first time in this round of communication, it controls the timer to start timing. When it is determined that ΔT1 exceeds the set temperature threshold α, the water heater controls the timer to stop timing. At this time, the timing duration of the timer can be used as the actual water output duration.

[0059] Step 102: Determine the first duration of the circulating preheating based on the target water usage point.

[0060] Specifically, when the water heater starts preheating and maintains this preheating for the specified duration before stopping, the hot water output from the water heater does not reach the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water usage point.

[0061] The first duration refers to the operating time of the return water circulation pump during this preheating cycle.

[0062] In one embodiment, the first duration of the preheating cycle can be related to the total time it takes for the water heater to complete the full preheating cycle, and the first duration can be determined in the following manner:

[0063] Obtain the total time for the water heater to complete a full cycle of preheating; based on the target water usage point and this total time, obtain the first cycle of preheating time.

[0064] In one implementation, the total time for the water heater to complete a full preheating cycle can be determined as follows:

[0065] When the initial water circulation is initiated, the circulation pump starts running, the timer begins timing, and the water flow sensor records the water flow data q. The water heater detects water temperature changes in real time through a temperature probe and determines whether the real-time water temperature change ΔT is greater than or equal to α, where α∈(3,5). If so, the circulation pump stops working, the timer stops timing, and the circulation pump running time recorded by the timer is taken as the total time for the water heater to complete a full circulation preheating.

[0066] In one embodiment, the first duration of the current preheating cycle can be related to the first duration of the previous preheating cycle; for example, the first duration of the current preheating cycle is half the first duration of the previous preheating cycle.

[0067] For example, during the second water circulation, the first duration is half of the total duration; during the third water circulation, the first duration is half of the first duration of the second water circulation, which is one-quarter of the total duration, and so on.

[0068] Step 103: Obtain the second time required for the hot water output from the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point.

[0069] Since the hot water output from the water heater did not reach the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point after the first preheating cycle, the second time refers to the time required for the hot water output from the water heater to travel from the location where the preheating cycle stopped to the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point. In other words, it is the time required for the water to flow through the unheated hot water pipe to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch at the target water point. For example, in... Figure 3 In the above, assuming the target water point is water point 3, the second time required for the hot water output from the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point from the location of the pipe where the preheating circulation has stopped includes the time corresponding to L6 and L1, where L6 is the hot water pipe that has not been preheated; assuming the target water point is water point 4, the second time includes the time corresponding to L6, L7 and L2, where L6+L7 is the hot water pipe that has not been preheated.

[0070] In one implementation, the second duration is obtained in a similar way to the actual water discharge duration, both determined by the temperature change determined by the temperature detected at the target water point. For details, please refer to the method for obtaining the actual water discharge duration.

[0071] Therefore, the pipe path through which the hot water output from the water heater travels from the preheating-stopped pipe location to the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point includes the path of the hot water branch of the target water point. If the second duration is greater than the actual water output duration, there is an unpreheated hot water pipe path in the path to the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point, and step 104 can be further triggered. If the second duration is equal to the actual water output duration, it means that there is no unpreheated hot water pipe path in the path to the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point, and the process stops at step 103, waiting for the next preheating cycle.

[0072] Step 104: Obtain pipeline parameters and the first water flow signal.

[0073] The first water flow signal is the water flow signal measured by the water-using equipment corresponding to the target water point.

[0074] In implementation, after the cycle preheating is completed, if the target water point detects water flow through its water flow sensor, the water flow signal is collected and used as the first water flow signal. Then, the water flow sensor sends the first water flow signal to the water heater through the signal transmitter, and the water heater records the first water flow signal.

[0075] In one implementation, piping parameters can be input by the user through an application or a settings interface provided by the water heater. For example, these parameters may include the pipe diameter; for instance, the user can select the diameter type of the currently used water pipe, such as 4-point, 6-point, or 8-point pipe, from a list of size types provided by the water heater interface or application. The main controller then converts the user-selected diameter type into the pipe diameter.

[0076] Step 105: Based on the first duration, the second duration, the actual water output duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, obtain the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point.

[0077] In one embodiment, the difference between the actual water discharge time and the second time can be calculated first; then, based on the difference, the first time, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, the pipeline path can be obtained.

[0078] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the pipeline path based on the difference, the first duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal may further include the following steps:

[0079] The length of the main pipe for the water heater to complete a full cycle of preheating is obtained, and the preheated path for this cycle of preheating is determined based on the first time duration and the main pipe length; based on the difference, pipe parameters, and the first water flow signal, the unpreheated path of the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point is calculated; based on the preheated path and the unpreheated path for this cycle of preheating, the pipe path for the water heater to preheat the target water point is obtained.

[0080] Here, the preheated path in this preheating cycle refers to the hot water pipe path that undergoes preheating according to the first duration of this preheating cycle. For example, in Figure 3 In this example, assuming the target water point is water point 3, the preheated path for this cycle of preheating can be L4+L5.

[0081] In one implementation, assuming the total pipe length for the water heater to complete a full preheating cycle is L, and the number of cycles is n, then the preheated path for this cycle is: L / 2 n-1 .

[0082] Unheated paths refer to the pipe paths located before the hot water inlet at the target water usage point that were not preheated in this cycle. For example, in Figure 3In this example, assuming the target water point is water point 3, the preheated path for this cycle is L4+L5, and the unpreheated path is L6.

[0083] In one implementation, the unheated path L' can be calculated using the following formula:

[0084]

[0085] Among them, t 第二时长 For the second duration, t 实际 q1 represents the actual water output time, q1 represents the first water flow signal collected from the target water point and sent to the water heater, and d represents the pipe diameter.

[0086] If the first preheating time of this cycle is half the first preheating time of the previous cycle, then the pipeline path for the water heater to preheat the target water point is determined as follows:

[0087] L n =L / 2 n-1 +L'

[0088] The length L of the main pipe for the water heater to complete the full preheating cycle can be determined in the following way:

[0089]

[0090] Where t is the total time for the water heater to complete a full cycle of preheating, and q is the second water flow signal measured by the water flow sensor on the water heater side.

[0091] For example, the main piping path for a water heater to complete a full preheating cycle can include: Figure 2 The path consisting of the hot water pipe p1, the return water pipe p3, and the pipe p2 between the connection point of the return water pipe and the tap water pipe and the inlet of the water heater, then the total pipe length corresponds to the length of the total pipe path.

[0092] In another embodiment, the step of obtaining the pipeline path based on the difference, the first duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal may further include the following steps:

[0093] A second water flow signal is acquired, which is the water flow signal measured when the water heater starts circulating preheating. Based on the difference, pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, the unpreheated path of the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point is obtained. Based on the second water flow signal, the first duration, and pipeline parameters, the preheated path of this circulation preheating is obtained. Based on the preheated path of this circulation preheating and the unpreheated pipeline path, the pipeline path of the water heater circulating preheating the target water point is obtained.

[0094] Specifically, during the preheating process of the water heater, when the circulation pump is running, the water flow sensor of the water heater begins to acquire the water flow signal, which is recorded as the second water flow signal, and sends the second water flow signal to the main controller of the water heater.

[0095] After the water heater receives the second water flow signal, it can calculate the preheated path for this preheating cycle based on the first duration and pipeline parameters using the following formula:

[0096]

[0097] The calculation formula for the unpreheated path is as follows:

[0098]

[0099] Therefore, the piping path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point is as follows:

[0100] L n =L 已预热 +L'

[0101] Once the pipe path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point is obtained, the pipe path can be associated with the target water point and stored in the water heater. This way, when the target water point initiates a water demand next time, the water heater can directly preheat the target water point according to the pipe path, ensuring that the preheated hot water reaches the target water point exactly, thus meeting the circulatory preheating requirements of the designated water point without needing to preheat the entire circulation pipe, avoiding heat loss, improving the utilization rate of hot water, and effectively enhancing the efficiency of circulation preheating.

[0102] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the embodiments of this application, the embodiments of this application are described below through specific examples:

[0103] (1) First, the system completes one full water return cycle, at which point the entire water pipe is hot, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the water flow in the pipe system consisting of L4+L8+L9+L10+L11+L12 is hot water, while L1, L2, and L3 contain cold water. The pipe path consisting of L4+L8+L9+L10+L11+L12 is the main pipe path for the water heater to complete a full preheating cycle. The total length L of this main pipe path can be determined as follows:

[0104]

[0105] Specifically, when using the water heater for the first time, the user inputs pipe parameters such as the pipe diameter to initiate the initial water circulation. At this time, the circulation pump starts running, a timer begins, and the water flow sensor on the water heater side records the water flow signal (i.e., the second water flow signal) q. A temperature probe monitors water temperature changes in real time. If the water temperature change is greater than or equal to a preset water temperature threshold, the circulation pump stops working, and the pump's running time t is recorded as the total preheating time for the complete circulation. The main pipe path and its total length L are also determined. If the water temperature change is less than the preset water temperature threshold, the circulation pump continues to operate.

[0106] (2) If the user turns on water point 3, the water-using equipment will detect the water flow signal and start timing. Timing will stop when the temperature reaches the set temperature threshold. At this point, the water in pipe path L1 is hot. Based on the timing, t1 (the duration from the start of timing to the stop of timing) is obtained. The length of L1 is calculated using the following formula:

[0107]

[0108] However, the length of the circulating preheating water pipe is still unknown (i.e., the length of L4+L5+L6 is unknown). Therefore, the length of the circulating preheating water pipe needs to be calculated next, so we have to wait for the next circulation.

[0109] (3) In the next cycle, the running time of the circulation pump (i.e., the first duration) will be set to half of the total duration. At this time, the hot water section of the water pipe will be as follows: Figure 5 As shown in section L4+L8, if the user continues to turn on water point 3, a timer will start and stop when the temperature reaches the set temperature threshold. At this point, t2 is calculated based on the timer. Theoretically, t2 should be equal to t1, which does not satisfy the condition tn > tn-1. Therefore, it is necessary to wait for the next hot water circulation.

[0110] (4) In the next cycle, the first running time of the circulating pump is shortened by half based on (3). At this time, the hot water section of the water pipe is as follows: Figure 6 As shown in section L4+L13, if the user continues to turn on water point 3, a timer will start and stop when the temperature reaches the set temperature threshold. At this point, t3 is calculated based on the timer. Theoretically, t3 should be equal to t2. However, t3 still cannot satisfy the condition that tn > tn-1, so it is necessary to wait for the next hot water circulation.

[0111] (5) In the next cycle, the first running time of the circulating pump is shortened by half based on (4). At this time, the hot water section of the water pipe is as follows: Figure 7 In the L4+L15 section shown, if the user continues to turn on water point 3, a timer will start. The timer will stop when the temperature reaches the set temperature threshold. At this point, t4 is calculated based on the timer. Since t4 is greater than t3, the condition tn > tn-1 is met, and the process can continue.

[0112] (6) t4 corresponds to the water flow path Figure 7 The times of L16 and L1 are then in Figure 7 In the given information, the length L” of L16+L1 is:

[0113]

[0114] Then the length L' of L16 is:

[0115]

[0116] If the number of cycles is 3, then the length of the preheated path L4+L15 in this cycle is: L / 2 3-1 =L / 4.

[0117] The piping path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point 3 is as follows:

[0118] L n =L / 4+L'

[0119] This embodiment enables the acquisition of the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat a designated water point. This allows the water heater to preheat only according to the pipeline path during circulation preheating, ensuring that the preheated hot water reaches the target water point and meets the circulation preheating requirements of the designated water point. This eliminates the need to preheat the entire circulation pipeline, avoiding heat loss, improving the utilization rate of hot water, and effectively enhancing the efficiency of circulation preheating.

[0120] Furthermore, this embodiment can reduce the impact of using additional components or the inaccuracy caused by estimating the required heating water volume during the determination of fixed-point preheating. It also reduces the difficulty in determining the preheating pipeline path for a designated water point due to damage to additional components, thus providing another execution method that meets usage requirements. Furthermore, this application can help improve the reliability and accuracy of obtaining the preheating duration for the target water point, meeting and adapting to the installation environment requirements of some water heater preheating systems.

[0121] Example 2

[0122] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in Embodiment 2 of this application. Based on Embodiment 1, this embodiment describes the application scenario of the obtained circulating preheating pipeline path, such as... Figure 8 As shown, this embodiment may include the following steps:

[0123] Step 201: Obtain the actual water output duration of the hot water branch connected to the target water point.

[0124] Step 202: Determine the first duration of the circulating preheating based on the target water usage point;

[0125] In this case, when the water heater starts preheating and maintains this preheating for the first time before stopping, the hot water output by the water heater does not reach the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point.

[0126] Step 203: Obtain the second time required for the hot water output from the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point.

[0127] Step 204: Obtain pipeline parameters and the first water flow signal.

[0128] The first water flow signal is the water flow signal measured by the water-using equipment corresponding to the target water point.

[0129] Step 205: Based on the first duration, the second duration, the actual water output duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, obtain the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point.

[0130] Step 206: When a preheating request for the target water point is received, start the water heater's circulation pump.

[0131] In one implementation, the user can trigger the preheating requirement of the target water point through an application or by tapping the faucet, as described in step 101. Once the water-using equipment at the target water point detects the preheating requirement, it generates a preheating request and sends it to the water heater.

[0132] Step 207: Obtain the current water flow signal.

[0133] Water heaters can obtain the current water flow signal through their water flow sensor, which is a stable water flow data.

[0134] For example, during the circulating preheating process, assuming that a stable water flow signal is obtained only after the circulating pump has been running for 5 seconds (the water flow signal value obtained within a certain period of time is fixed, rather than fluctuating), then this stable water flow signal can be used as the current water flow signal.

[0135] Step 208: Based on the current water flow signal and pipeline path, obtain the circulation preheating time of the water heater to the target water point.

[0136] The circulation preheating time refers to the time required for the circulating pump to run when the preheated hot water reaches the hot water inlet of the hot water branch of the target water point.

[0137] For example, refer to Figure 3When point 3 is the target point of use, based on the corresponding preheating time for point 3, the circulating pump can run for that duration during preheating to ensure that hot water only reaches the a1 hot water inlet at point 3. Similarly, when point 4 is the target point of use, the circulating pump can run for that duration during preheating to ensure that hot water only reaches the a2 hot water inlet at point 4, and so on. This reduces unnecessary heat loss and power consumption, achieving more precise point-to-point preheating.

[0138] In one embodiment, the preheating time for the target water point can be calculated using the following formula:

[0139]

[0140] Among them, L n t0 represents the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point, q represents the current water flow signal, and d represents the pipeline parameters (here, the pipeline diameter).

[0141] It should be noted that the preheating time is the running time of the circulating pump after startup. Therefore, after determining the preheating time, it is also necessary to obtain the running time of the circulating pump after startup and calculate the difference between the preheating time and the running time, which is the remaining running time of the circulating pump. For example, assuming that a stable water flow signal is obtained after the circulating pump runs for 5 seconds and the preheating time is calculated to be 10 seconds, then the circulating pump will stop running after another 5 seconds.

[0142] During the operation of the circulating pump, users can also control the pump to stop operating via the application.

[0143] In this embodiment, by using the pre-calculated pipeline path and the current water flow signal, the water heater can quickly determine the circulation preheating time for a specified water point and control the operation of the circulation pump according to the circulation preheating time, thereby improving the efficiency of circulation preheating.

[0144] Example 3

[0145] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of a control device for a water heater according to Embodiment 2 of this application. The device is installed in a circulating preheating hot water system, which includes a water heater, a hot water pipe, a return water pipe, multiple hot water branch lines, and multiple water-using devices. The hot water pipe connects to the outlet of the water heater, the return water pipe connects to the inlet of the water heater and the hot water pipe, the hot water inlet of each hot water branch line connects to the hot water pipe, and the hot water outlet of each hot water branch line connects to the corresponding water-using device. Each water-using device is installed at a corresponding water-using point.

[0146] The device includes:

[0147] The actual water outflow duration acquisition module 301 is used to acquire the actual water outflow duration of the hot water branch connected to the target water point.

[0148] The first duration determination module 302 is used to determine the first duration of the circulating preheating according to the target water point; when the water heater starts preheating and stops after maintaining the first duration, the hot water output by the water heater does not reach the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point.

[0149] The second duration determination module 303 is used to obtain the second duration required for the hot water output by the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point.

[0150] Pipeline parameter acquisition module 304 is used to acquire pipeline parameters;

[0151] The water flow signal acquisition module 305 is used to acquire a first water flow signal; the first water flow signal is the water flow signal measured by the water-using equipment corresponding to the target water-using point.

[0152] The pipeline path determination module 306 is used to obtain the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point based on the first duration, the second duration, the actual water output duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal.

[0153] In one embodiment, the pipeline path determination module 306 may further include the following modules:

[0154] The difference calculation module is used to calculate the difference between the actual water discharge time and the second time.

[0155] The pipeline path acquisition module is used to obtain the pipeline path based on the difference, the first duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal.

[0156] In one embodiment, the device further includes the following modules:

[0157] The circulation pump start-up module is used to start the circulation pump of the water heater when a preheating request for the target water point is received after obtaining the pipeline path of the water heater circulating and preheating the target water point.

[0158] The current water flow signal acquisition module is used to acquire the current water flow signal;

[0159] The preheating cycle duration determination module is used to determine the preheating cycle duration of the water heater to the target water point based on the current water flow signal and the pipeline path.

[0160] In one embodiment, the first duration determination module 302 is further configured to:

[0161] Obtain the total time for the water heater to complete a full preheating cycle;

[0162] Based on the target water usage point and the total duration, the first duration of this cycle preheating is obtained.

[0163] In one embodiment, the first duration of the current preheating cycle is half the first duration of the previous preheating cycle.

[0164] In one embodiment, the pipeline path acquisition module is further configured to:

[0165] Obtain the total pipe length of the water heater to complete a full cycle of preheating, and determine the preheated path of this cycle of preheating based on the first duration and the total pipe length;

[0166] Based on the difference, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, calculate the unpreheated path to the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point;

[0167] The pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point is obtained based on the preheated path and the unpreheated path of this cycle preheating.

[0168] In one embodiment, the pipeline path acquisition module is further configured to:

[0169] Acquire a second water flow signal, which is the water flow signal measured when the water heater starts circulating preheating;

[0170] Based on the difference, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, the unpreheated path to the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point is obtained.

[0171] Based on the second water flow signal, the first duration, and the pipeline parameters, the preheated path for this cycle of preheating is obtained;

[0172] The pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point is obtained based on the preheated path and the unpreheated path of this cycle preheating.

[0173] In one embodiment, the water-using equipment is equipped with a signal transmitter and a temperature sensor connected to the signal transmitter, the signal transmitter being communicatively connected to the water heater; the temperature sensor is located on the hot water branch line.

[0174] The target water point is determined based on the identification signal transmitted by the signal transmitter of the water-using equipment; the actual water output duration acquisition module 301 is further used for:

[0175] When the water heater completes a full cycle of preheating, acquire the temperature data sent by the signal transmitter at the target water point;

[0176] Calculate the temperature change between two consecutive received temperature data points;

[0177] If the temperature change meets the set conditions, the difference between the time of the first temperature data obtained in this round of communication and the time of the current temperature data obtained will be used as the actual water output time.

[0178] The water heater control device provided in this application embodiment can execute the water heater control method provided in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 of this application, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the method execution.

[0179] Example 4

[0180] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater 10, which can be used to implement an embodiment of the method of this application, is shown. Figure 10 As shown, the water heater 10 may include at least a main controller 11, a circulation pump 12, a water flow sensor 13, a water temperature sensor 14, a control panel 15, and a heating unit 16.

[0181] The main controller 11 includes at least one processor 111 and a memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM) 112 and a random access memory (RAM) 113, communicatively connected to the at least one processor 111. The memory stores computer programs executable by the at least one processor. The processor 11 can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on the computer program stored in the ROM 112 or loaded into the RAM 113 from the detection unit 18. The RAM 113 may also store various programs and data required for the operation of the water heater 10. The processor 111, ROM 112, and RAM 113 are interconnected via a bus 114. An input / output (I / O) interface 115 is also connected to the bus 114.

[0182] Multiple components in the water heater 10 are connected to the I / O interface 115, including: a control panel 15, such as a keyboard or touchscreen mounted on the water heater 10; a heating unit 16, such as various heating elements; a water temperature sensor 14, a water flow sensor 13, etc.; and a communication unit 17, such as a network card, a modem, or a wireless communication transceiver. The communication unit 17 allows the water heater 10 to exchange information / data with other devices through computer networks such as the Internet and / or various telecommunications networks.

[0183] Processor 111 can be a variety of general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of processor 111 include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), various special-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, various processors running machine learning model algorithms, a digital signal processor (DSP), and any suitable processor, controller, microcontroller, etc. Processor 111 performs the various methods and processes described above, such as those described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2.

[0184] In some embodiments, the methods described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 may be implemented as a computer program tangibly contained in a computer-readable storage medium. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program may be loaded and / or installed on the water heater 10 via ROM 112 and / or communication unit 17. When the computer program is loaded into RAM 113 and executed by processor 111, one or more steps of the methods described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 above may be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, processor 111 may be configured to perform the methods described in Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 by any other suitable means (e.g., by means of firmware).

[0185] In the context of this application, a computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a computer program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or water heater device. A computer-readable storage medium can be, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Alternatively, a computer-readable storage medium can be a machine-readable signal medium. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0186] To provide interaction with the user, the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented on a water heater having: a display device for displaying information to the user (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor); and a control panel (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user provides input to the water heater. Other types of devices can also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form (including sound input, voice input, or tactile input).

[0187] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to rearrange, add, or delete steps. For example, the steps described in this application can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this application can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0188] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this application. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this application should be included within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A control method of a water heater, characterized by, This invention is applied to a circulating preheating hot water system, which includes: a water heater, a hot water pipe, a return water pipe, multiple hot water branch lines, and multiple water-using devices; the hot water pipe connects to the outlet of the water heater, the return water pipe connects to the inlet of the water heater and the hot water pipe, the hot water inlet of each hot water branch line connects to the hot water pipe, and the hot water outlet of each hot water branch line connects to the corresponding water-using device; each water-using device is installed at a corresponding water-using point. The control method includes: Obtain the actual water output duration of the hot water branch connected to the target water point; The first preheating duration is determined based on the target water point; when the water heater starts preheating and maintains the first duration, it stops, and the hot water output by the water heater does not reach the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point; The second time required for the hot water output by the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point; the second time is the time required for the hot water output by the water heater to travel from the location of the pipeline where preheating has stopped to the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point. Acquire pipeline parameters and a first water flow signal; the first water flow signal is the water flow signal measured by the water-using equipment corresponding to the target water point. Based on the first duration, the second duration, the actual water output duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point is obtained.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein, Based on the first duration, the second duration, the actual water output duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point is obtained, including: Calculate the difference between the actual water discharge time and the second time; The pipeline path is obtained based on the difference, the first duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal.

3. The method of claim 1, wherein, The process of obtaining the piping path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point further includes: When a preheating request is received for the target water point, the water heater's circulation pump is activated. Obtain the current water flow signal; Based on the current water flow signal and the pipeline path, the preheating time of the water heater to the target water point is obtained.

4. The method of claim 2, wherein, Determining the first duration of the circulating preheating based on the target water usage point includes: Obtain the total time for the water heater to complete a full preheating cycle; Based on the target water usage point and the total duration, the first duration of this cycle preheating is obtained.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first preheating cycle duration is half the first preheating cycle duration of the previous cycle.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The pipeline path is obtained based on the difference, the first duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, including: Obtain the total pipe length of the water heater to complete a full cycle of preheating, and determine the preheated path of this cycle of preheating based on the first duration and the total pipe length; Based on the difference, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, calculate the unpreheated path to the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point. The pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point is obtained based on the preheated path and the unpreheated path of this cycle preheating.

7. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The pipeline path is obtained based on the difference, the first duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, including: Acquire a second water flow signal, which is the water flow signal measured when the water heater starts circulating preheating; Based on the difference, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal, the unpreheated path to the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point is obtained. Based on the second water flow signal, the first duration, and the pipeline parameters, the preheated path for this cycle of preheating is obtained; The pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point is obtained based on the preheated path and the unpreheated path of this cycle preheating.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water-using equipment is equipped with a signal transmitter and a temperature sensor connected to the signal transmitter. The signal transmitter is communicatively connected to the water heater. The temperature sensor is located on the hot water branch line. The target water point is determined based on the identification signal transmitted by the signal transmitter of the water-using equipment; obtaining the actual water output duration of the hot water branch connected to the target water point includes: When the water heater completes a full cycle of preheating, acquire the temperature data sent by the signal transmitter at the target water point; Calculate the temperature change between two consecutive received temperature data points; If the temperature change meets the set conditions, the difference between the time of the first temperature data obtained in this round of communication and the time of the current temperature data obtained will be used as the actual water output time.

9. A control device for a water heater, characterized in that, The system is configured in a circulating preheating hot water system, which includes a water heater, a hot water pipe, a return water pipe, multiple hot water branch lines, and multiple water-using devices. The hot water pipe connects to the outlet of the water heater, the return water pipe connects to the inlet of the water heater and the hot water pipe, the hot water inlet of each hot water branch line connects to the hot water pipe, and the hot water outlet of each hot water branch line connects to the corresponding water-using device. Each water-using device is installed at a corresponding water-using point. The device includes: The actual water output duration acquisition module is used to acquire the actual water output duration of the hot water branch connected to the target water point; The first duration determination module is used to determine the first duration of the preheating cycle based on the target water point; when the water heater starts preheating and maintains the first duration, it stops, and the hot water output by the water heater does not reach the hot water inlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point; The second duration determination module is used to obtain the second duration required for the hot water output by the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point; the second duration is the duration required for the hot water output by the water heater to reach the hot water outlet of the hot water branch connected to the target water point from the location of the pipeline where the preheating circulation has stopped. Pipeline parameter acquisition module, used to acquire pipeline parameters; A water flow signal acquisition module is used to acquire a first water flow signal; the first water flow signal is a water flow signal measured by the water-using equipment corresponding to the target water-using point; The pipeline path determination module is used to obtain the pipeline path for the water heater to circulate and preheat the target water point based on the first duration, the second duration, the actual water output duration, the pipeline parameters, and the first water flow signal.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, The device includes a main controller, a circulating pump, a water flow sensor, a water temperature sensor, a control panel, and a heating unit. The main controller includes at least one processor and a memory connected to the at least one processor. The memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the at least one processor, and the computer program is executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the method of any one of claims 1-8.

Images