Control method and system of zero-cold water circulation, water heater and computer storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a zero-cold-water circulation control method and system, a water heater and a computer storage medium. The control method comprises the following steps: in the process of circulation heating of the water heater, it is judged whether the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the return water temperature is less than a first difference threshold; when the result of the judgment is yes, the current circulation heating is stopped and the heating duration of the current circulation heating is determined; the starting condition of the next circulation heating is determined according to the heating duration; and when the starting condition of the next circulation heating is met, the next circulation heating is started. The application can recognize the heat preservation state of the circulation pipeline of a user's home in advance, intelligently adjust the zero-cold-water circulation switch temperature condition, and achieve the goal of comfortable water temperature, energy saving and consumption reduction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater temperature control technology, and in particular to a control method, system, water heater, and computer storage medium for zero cold water circulation. Background Technology

[0002] Gas water heaters with a zero-cold-water function typically use built-in inlet and outlet water temperature sensors to detect the water temperature at the inlet and outlet, determining whether to activate or deactivate the zero-cold-water circulation. Since the circulation pipes in a user's home can have either good or poor insulation, when insulation is good, the water temperature inside the water heater drops quickly. The temperature sensor detects a low water temperature and activates zero-cold-water circulation, but the actual water temperature in the circulation pipes remains relatively high. This activation wastes heat and accelerates heat dissipation by increasing water flow. When insulation is poor, the water temperature in the circulation pipes drops quickly, and the internal temperature sensor detects a high water temperature, failing to meet the conditions for activating zero-cold-water circulation. In this case, the user will feel that the water temperature in the pipes is insufficient, reducing comfort and diminishing the "zero-cold-water" experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect of the prior art that cannot identify the insulation status of the circulation pipe in the water heater in advance, and to provide a control method, system, water heater and computer storage medium for zero cold water circulation.

[0004] The present invention solves the above-mentioned technical problems through the following technical solution:

[0005] Firstly, a control method for zero-cold-water circulation is provided, the control method comprising:

[0006] During the water heater's circulating heating process, it is determined whether the difference between the water heater's set temperature and the return water temperature is less than a first difference threshold.

[0007] If the judgment result is yes, stop the current heating cycle and determine the heating duration of the current heating cycle;

[0008] The conditions for starting the next heating cycle are determined based on the heating duration.

[0009] When the conditions for starting the next heating cycle are met, the next heating cycle is started.

[0010] Optionally, the conditions for starting the next cycle of heating include the interval time reaching a duration threshold, wherein the duration threshold is negatively correlated with the heating duration;

[0011] And / or, the conditions for starting the next cycle of heating include the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than a second difference threshold, the second difference threshold being negatively correlated with the heating duration.

[0012] Optionally, the conditions for starting the next heating cycle are determined based on the heating duration, including:

[0013] When the heating duration is less than the first duration threshold, the sum of the third difference threshold and the fourth difference threshold is determined as the second difference threshold, and the condition for starting the next cycle heating is determined when the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature is greater than the second difference threshold; wherein, the second difference threshold is greater than the third difference threshold;

[0014] When the heating duration is greater than the second duration threshold, the difference between the third difference threshold and the fourth difference threshold is determined as the second difference threshold, and the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than the second difference threshold is determined as the start condition for the next cycle heating; wherein, the second difference threshold is less than the third difference threshold.

[0015] Optionally, when the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the outlet water temperature is greater than the third difference threshold, the water heater starts to circulate heating.

[0016] Optionally, it also includes:

[0017] The first duration threshold and the second duration threshold are determined based on the third duration threshold; wherein the first duration threshold is less than the third duration threshold, the second duration threshold is greater than the third duration threshold, and the third duration threshold is the time it takes for water to circulate once in the circulation pipe.

[0018] Optionally, the third duration threshold is the heating time required for the water heater to start circulating heating until the return water temperature rises for the first time, or the average heating time of historical cycles.

[0019] Optionally, when the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature of the water heater is less than a first difference threshold, the water heater enters a heat preservation state.

[0020] Secondly, a zero-cold-water circulation control system is provided, the control system comprising:

[0021] The judgment module is used to determine whether the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the return water temperature is less than a first difference threshold during the water heater's circulating heating process, and to call the stop module when the judgment result is yes;

[0022] The stop module is used to stop the current heating cycle and determine the heating duration of the current cycle.

[0023] The determining module is used to determine the conditions for starting the next cycle of heating based on the heating duration;

[0024] The startup module is used to start the next cycle heating when the startup conditions for the next cycle heating are met.

[0025] Thirdly, a water heater is provided, the water heater including a memory, a processor, and a control program for the water heater stored in the memory and for running on the processor, wherein when the control program for the water heater is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the control method as described in the first aspect.

[0026] Fourthly, a computer storage medium is provided, on which a control program for a water heater is stored, wherein when the control program for the water heater is executed by a processor, the control method as described in the first aspect is implemented.

[0027] Based on common knowledge in the field, the above-mentioned preferred conditions can be combined arbitrarily to obtain various preferred embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are: by identifying the insulation status of the user's home circulation pipeline in advance, the temperature conditions of the zero cold water circulation switch are intelligently adjusted to achieve the goals of comfortable water temperature and energy saving. Attached Figure Description

[0029] Figure 1 A flowchart of a zero-cold-water circulation control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0030] Figure 2 A detailed flowchart of a zero-cold-water circulation control method provided in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0031] Figure 3 This is a block diagram of a zero-cold-water circulation control system provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0032] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0033] like Figure 1 As shown, the zero-cold-water circulation control method provided by this embodiment of the invention includes the following steps:

[0034] Step S10: When the conditions for starting this cycle of heating are met, start this cycle of heating.

[0035] Step S11: During the water heater's circulating heating process, determine whether the difference between the water heater's set temperature and the return water temperature is less than the first difference threshold.

[0036] The set temperature can be set according to the actual situation, and the return water temperature is obtained by the return water temperature sensor of the water heater.

[0037] In step S11, if the judgment result is yes, proceed to step S12; if the judgment result is no, continue heating and return to step S11.

[0038] Step S12: Stop the current cycle and determine the heating duration for this cycle.

[0039] The heating duration of this cycle is the time from the start of this cycle to the stop of this cycle.

[0040] Step S13: Determine the conditions for starting the next cycle of heating based on the heating duration.

[0041] Water heaters have circulation pipes, and the insulation effect of these pipes can be either good or poor. If the insulation is good, the water temperature inside the water heater drops quickly, and the temperature sensor detects a low temperature. However, the actual water temperature in the circulation pipes is relatively higher than the water temperature inside the water heater. Activating the circulation heating will waste heat energy and accelerate heat dissipation by circulating the water. Conversely, if the insulation is poor, the water temperature in the circulation pipes also drops quickly, while the temperature sensor detects a higher temperature than the water temperature in the circulation pipes. Not activating circulation heating reduces user comfort and compromises the zero-cold-water experience. The activation condition for the next circulation heating cycle is determined based on the heating time. A longer heating time indicates poorer insulation in the circulation pipes, and a shorter heating time indicates better insulation. The activation condition for the next circulation heating cycle is determined by assessing the insulation effect of the circulation pipes.

[0042] Step S14: When the conditions for starting the next cycle of heating are met, start the next cycle of heating.

[0043] In one embodiment, the conditions for starting the next heating cycle include the interval duration reaching a duration threshold, wherein the duration threshold is negatively correlated with the heating duration;

[0044] When the interval reaches the time threshold, the water temperature in the water heater and circulation pipes decreases. The water heater's temperature sensor detects the temperature drop, triggering the next cycle of heating. Using the same heating effect, it takes longer to heat the water in the circulation pipes to the set temperature. In other words, the worse the heat preservation effect in the circulation pipes, the lower the water temperature in the circulation pipes, and the shorter the interval for the next cycle can be set, thus achieving the goals of comfortable water temperature and energy saving.

[0045] In one embodiment, the conditions for starting the next cycle heating include the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than a second difference threshold, and the second difference threshold being negatively correlated with the heating duration.

[0046] The set temperature is set by the user according to the actual situation, and the return water temperature is the temperature detected by the return water temperature sensor of the water heater. Using the same heating effect, it takes longer to heat the water in the circulation pipe to the set temperature. That is, the worse the heat preservation effect in the circulation pipe, the lower the water temperature in the circulation pipe, and the lower the second difference threshold for the next circulation to start. When the temperature difference is low, the next circulation heating is started to achieve the goal of comfortable water temperature and energy saving.

[0047] In one embodiment, the activation conditions include the interval duration reaching a duration threshold and the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than a second difference threshold.

[0048] In one embodiment, determining the activation conditions for starting the next heating cycle based on the heating duration includes:

[0049] When the heating time is less than the first time threshold, the sum of the third difference threshold and the fourth difference threshold is determined as the second difference threshold, and the condition for starting the next cycle heating is determined when the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature is greater than the second difference threshold; wherein, the second difference threshold is greater than the third difference threshold.

[0050] When the heating time is less than the first time threshold, it indicates that the heat preservation effect in the circulation pipeline is good and the heating time is short. The return water temperature reaches the set temperature. The second difference threshold for the next circulation heating, i.e. the temperature difference, is increased. The next circulation heating is started when the temperature difference is large, thus saving energy.

[0051] When the heating duration exceeds the second duration threshold, the difference between the third and fourth difference thresholds is determined as the second difference threshold, and the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than the second difference threshold is determined as the start condition for the next cycle of heating; wherein, the second difference threshold is less than the third difference threshold;

[0052] When the heating time exceeds the second time threshold, it indicates that the heat preservation effect in the circulation pipe is poor and the heating time is longer, so that the return water temperature can reach the set temperature. The second difference threshold of the next circulation heating, i.e. the temperature difference, is reduced. When the temperature difference is small, the next circulation heating is started to avoid heat loss in the circulation pipe and the water temperature drops, thus improving the user experience.

[0053] When neither of the above two conditions is met, i.e., the heating duration is greater than or equal to the first duration threshold and the heating duration is less than or equal to the second duration threshold, the start conditions for the next cycle of heating are the same as those for the current cycle of heating.

[0054] When neither of the above two conditions is met, it means that the insulation effect in the circulation pipeline is within the standard insulation effect range, the heating time is within the standard heating time range, the second difference threshold of the next cycle heating, i.e. the temperature difference, remains unchanged, and the next cycle heating is started when the temperature difference is the standard temperature difference. That is, the start condition of this cycle can be used as the start condition of the next cycle.

[0055] The third and fourth difference thresholds can be set according to the actual situation, for example, the fourth difference threshold is 2 and 3.

[0056] In one embodiment, when the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the outlet water temperature is greater than a third difference threshold, the water heater starts to circulate heating.

[0057] In one embodiment, a first duration threshold and a second duration threshold are determined based on a third duration threshold; wherein the first duration threshold is less than the third duration threshold, and the second duration threshold is greater than the third duration threshold, and the third duration threshold is the time it takes for water to circulate once in the circulation pipe. The first duration threshold is the product of the third duration threshold and a first coefficient, where the first coefficient is less than 1 (e.g., 2 / 3), and the second duration threshold is the product of the third duration threshold and a second coefficient, where the second coefficient is greater than 1 (e.g., 4 / 3).

[0058] The first and second coefficients are derived from theoretical calculations or experimental tests.

[0059] In one embodiment, the third duration threshold is the heating time required for the water heater to start circulating heating until the return water temperature first rises, or the average heating time of historical cycles. The third duration threshold is determined based on the average heating time of historical cycles. By utilizing the characteristics of all data, each data point affects the result, making the determination of the third duration threshold more accurate and allowing for adjustment according to actual conditions.

[0060] In one embodiment, when the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the return water temperature is less than a first difference threshold, the water heater enters a heat preservation state, which reduces heat consumption while ensuring a suitable temperature.

[0061] The following specific example further illustrates the control method for zero-cold-water circulation. (See [link to relevant documentation]). Figure 2 The method includes the following steps:

[0062] When the conditions for starting this heating cycle are met, start this heating cycle.

[0063] When the difference between the set temperature and the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the third difference threshold a, the water heater starts to circulate heating, and the timer starts counting.

[0064] The inlet water temperature sensor collects the return water temperature every second while the water is being circulated and heated.

[0065] If the return water temperature does not show an increasing trend, return to the previous step, and the inlet water temperature sensor collects the return water temperature every 1 second; if the return water temperature shows an increasing trend, record the time from the start of the cycle to the first time the inlet water temperature begins to increase, i.e. the third time threshold t1.

[0066] Determine whether the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature is less than the first difference threshold c;

[0067] If the judgment result is yes, the current heating cycle ends and the system enters the heat preservation state;

[0068] When the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the outlet water temperature is greater than the third difference threshold a, the water heater starts the second cycle of heating, and the timer starts counting.

[0069] When the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature is less than or equal to the first difference threshold c, the second cycle ends, and the time taken for the second cycle is recorded, i.e., the heating time t2.

[0070] When the heating duration t2 is less than 2 / 3t1 of the first duration threshold, the condition for starting the next cycle heating is determined to be that the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature is greater than the second difference threshold b; where the second difference threshold is greater than the third difference threshold a.

[0071] When the heating duration t2 is greater than the second duration threshold 4 / 3t1, the condition for starting the next cycle heating is determined by the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than the second difference threshold b; wherein, the second difference threshold is less than the third difference threshold a.

[0072] When the heating duration t2 is greater than or equal to the first duration threshold c and the heating duration t2 is less than or equal to the second duration threshold 4 / 3t1, the start condition for the next cycle of heating is the same as the start condition for the current cycle of heating.

[0073] When the conditions for starting the next heating cycle are met, the next heating cycle is started.

[0074] The proportional coefficient 2 / 3 for the first duration threshold and the proportional coefficient 4 / 3 for the second duration threshold are specific values ​​provided in this embodiment of the invention. Other values ​​obtained from theoretical calculations or experimental tests all fall within the protection scope of this invention.

[0075] Corresponding to the aforementioned control method embodiment for zero cold water circulation, the present invention also provides an embodiment for a control system for zero cold water circulation.

[0076] This invention also provides a zero-cold-water circulation control system, such as... Figure 3 As shown, the control system includes:

[0077] The judgment module 31 is used to determine whether the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the return water temperature is less than a first difference threshold during the water heater's circulating heating process, and to call the stop module when the judgment result is yes.

[0078] Stop module 32 is used to stop the current heating cycle and determine the heating duration of the current heating cycle;

[0079] The determining module 33 is used to determine the conditions for starting the next cycle of heating based on the heating duration;

[0080] The start-up module 34 is used to start the next cycle heating when the start-up conditions for the next cycle heating are met.

[0081] Optionally, the conditions for starting the next cycle of heating include the interval time reaching a duration threshold, where the duration threshold is negatively correlated with the heating duration.

[0082] Optionally, the conditions for starting the next cycle heating include the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than a second difference threshold, and the second difference threshold being negatively correlated with the heating duration.

[0083] Optionally, the conditions for starting the next cycle heating include the interval time reaching a time threshold and the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than a second difference threshold.

[0084] In one embodiment, the determining module includes:

[0085] The first determining unit is used to determine the condition for starting the next cycle heating when the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature is greater than a second difference threshold when the heating time is less than a first time threshold; wherein, the second difference threshold is greater than a third difference threshold.

[0086] The second determining unit is used to determine the condition for starting the next cycle heating when the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature is greater than the second difference threshold when the heating duration is greater than the second duration threshold; wherein the second difference threshold is less than the third difference threshold.

[0087] The third determining unit is used to determine the start condition for the next cycle heating to be the same as the start condition for the current cycle heating when the heating duration is greater than or equal to the first duration threshold and the heating duration is less than or equal to the second duration threshold.

[0088] In one embodiment, the startup module includes:

[0089] The first start-up unit is used to start the water heater to circulate heating when the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the outlet water temperature is greater than the third difference threshold; wherein, the heating time required for the return water temperature to start increasing for the first time is the third duration threshold.

[0090] In one embodiment, the determining module includes:

[0091] The fourth determining unit is used to determine the first duration threshold and the second duration threshold based on the third duration threshold.

[0092] Optionally, the third duration threshold is the time it takes for water to circulate once in the circulation pipe or the average heating duration of the water heater's historical cycles.

[0093] In one embodiment, the stopping module includes:

[0094] The first stop unit is used to stop heating and put the water heater into heat preservation state when the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the return water temperature is less than a first difference threshold.

[0095] For the system embodiments, since they basically correspond to the method embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to in the description of the method embodiments. The system embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of the present invention according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without creative effort.

[0096] This invention also provides a water heater, which includes a memory, a processor, and a control program for the water heater stored in the memory and used to run on the processor. When the control program for the water heater is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the control method provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0097] This invention also provides a computer storage medium storing a control program for a water heater. When the control program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the control method provided in any of the above embodiments.

[0098] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A control method for zero-cold-water circulation, characterized in that, The control method includes: During the water heater's circulating heating process, it is determined whether the difference between the water heater's set temperature and the return water temperature is less than a first difference threshold. If the judgment result is yes, stop the current heating cycle and determine the heating duration of the current heating cycle; The conditions for starting the next heating cycle are determined based on the heating duration. When the conditions for starting the next heating cycle are met, the next heating cycle is started. The conditions for initiating the next heating cycle are determined based on the heating duration, including: When the heating duration is less than the first duration threshold, the sum of the third difference threshold and the fourth difference threshold is determined as the second difference threshold, and the condition for starting the next cycle heating is determined when the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature is greater than the second difference threshold; wherein, the second difference threshold is greater than the third difference threshold; When the heating duration is greater than the second duration threshold, the difference between the third difference threshold and the fourth difference threshold is determined as the second difference threshold, and the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than the second difference threshold is determined as the start condition for the next cycle heating; wherein, the second difference threshold is less than the third difference threshold.

2. The control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The conditions for starting the next heating cycle include the interval time reaching a time threshold, and the time threshold is negatively correlated with the heating time. And / or, the conditions for starting the next cycle of heating include the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than a second difference threshold, the second difference threshold being negatively correlated with the heating duration.

3. The control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the outlet water temperature is greater than the third difference threshold, the water heater starts to circulate and heat water.

4. The control method as described in claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: The first duration threshold and the second duration threshold are determined based on the third duration threshold; wherein, the first duration threshold is less than the third duration threshold, the second duration threshold is greater than the third duration threshold, and the third duration threshold is the time it takes for water to circulate once in the circulation pipe.

5. The control method as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The third duration threshold is the heating time required for the water heater to start circulating heating until the return water temperature rises for the first time, or the average heating time of historical cycles.

6. The control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, When the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature of the water heater is less than a first difference threshold, the water heater enters the heat preservation state.

7. A control system with zero cold water circulation, characterized in that, The control system includes: The judgment module is used to determine whether the difference between the set temperature of the water heater and the return water temperature is less than a first difference threshold during the water heater's circulating heating process, and to call the stop module when the judgment result is yes; The stop module is used to stop the current heating cycle and determine the heating duration of the current cycle. The determining module is used to determine the conditions for starting the next cycle of heating based on the heating duration; A startup module is used to start the next cycle heating when the startup conditions for the next cycle heating are met; The determining module includes: The first determining unit is configured to, when the heating duration is less than the first duration threshold, determine the sum of the third difference threshold and the fourth difference threshold as the second difference threshold, and determine the condition for starting the next cycle heating as the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than the second difference threshold; wherein, the second difference threshold is greater than the third difference threshold; The second determining unit is used to determine the difference between the third difference threshold and the fourth difference threshold as the second difference threshold when the heating duration is greater than the second duration threshold, and to determine the condition for starting the next cycle heating as the difference between the set temperature and the return water temperature being greater than the second difference threshold; wherein, the second difference threshold is less than the third difference threshold.

8. A water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes a memory, a processor, and a control program for the water heater stored in the memory and used to run on the processor. When the control program for the water heater is executed by the processor, it implements the steps of the control method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A computer storage medium, characterized in that, The computer storage medium stores a control program for a water heater, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the control method as described in any one of claims 1-6.

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