Gas water heaters and their control methods, control devices, controllers

Abstract

This application relates to a gas water heater and its control method, control device, and controller. The method includes: acquiring and determining a target load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and target temperature of the gas water heater; acquiring and determining the actual load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and outlet water temperature of the gas water heater; and controlling the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group; wherein the maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group but less than the maximum output load of the second burner group. Through this method, the gas water heater switches to the second burner group before the actual load reaches the maximum output load of the first burner group, avoiding the maximum output load point of the first burner group, reducing the noise generated by the gas water heater, and thus ensuring a good user experience.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In the operation of a gas water heater, the gas intake is adjusted by regulating the gas valve, thereby controlling the output load. To accommodate different heat output demands and increase the adjustable load range, multiple burner groups are used to form different load segments. Different burner groups are used for combustion within different load segments. The combustion of the burner groups is switched by opening and closing the corresponding gas shut-off valve. Generally, smaller burner groups with fewer burners are used for lower loads, while larger burner groups with more burners are used for higher loads. To ensure that the gas water heater operates without load interruptions from low to high loads, guaranteeing linear load adjustment throughout the entire process, and to avoid water temperature fluctuations caused by frequent switching between burner groups due to instability, a large load overlap zone is usually set between different burner groups. The overlap zone means that there is a load segment of the same size between the load output of adjacent burner groups.

[0003] The noise from a gas water heater originates from combustion noise, mechanical noise from the fan speed, and airflow noise. Generally, the higher the combustion load, the greater the noise; the higher the fan speed, the greater the mechanical and airflow noise. Therefore, reducing the fan speed is particularly effective in reducing the noise of a gas water heater. Furthermore, under the same load input, the combustion intensity of a large burner array is relatively lower than that of a small burner array, thus its combustion noise is also relatively lower.

[0004] When switching from low load to high load, existing water heaters will inevitably pass through the highest load point of the small burner group before switching to the large burner group. Because the combustion intensity of the small burner group is high at this time, the corresponding fan speed is faster and the noise generated is also greater, resulting in a poor user experience when operating at this point. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a gas water heater and its control method, control device, and controller that reduce the noise generated by the gas water heater, which effectively reduces the operating noise of existing gas water heaters when switching burner groups.

[0006] This application provides a control method for a gas water heater, the method comprising:

[0007] The target load is obtained by acquiring and analyzing the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and target temperature of the gas water heater.

[0008] The actual load is obtained based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and outlet water temperature of the gas water heater;

[0009] When the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion.

[0010] The maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, but less than the maximum output load of the second burner group.

[0011] In one embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion includes: when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the maximum output load of the first burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion.

[0012] In one embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the first burner group to combustion on the second burner group includes:

[0013] When the actual load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion; wherein, the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group.

[0014] In one embodiment, the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value is less than or equal to the difference between the first current value and the second current value, and the weighted calculation result of the second current value; the weight of the difference between the first current value and the second current value is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 70%, and the weight of the second current value is greater than or equal to 0.8 and less than or equal to 1.2; wherein, the first current value is the maximum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater, and the second current value is the minimum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater.

[0015] In one embodiment, the weight of the difference between the first current and the second current is 60%, and the weight of the second current value is 1.

[0016] In one embodiment, when the actual load is greater than or equal to a preset burner switching load value, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the first burner group to the second burner group includes:

[0017] When the actual load is less than or equal to the burner switching load value, determine whether the actual working current of the gas valve is greater than the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value. If so, control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion.

[0018] In one embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the first burner group to combustion on the second burner group includes:

[0019] When the target load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion; wherein, the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group.

[0020] This application provides a control device for a gas water heater, the device comprising:

[0021] The target load acquisition module is used to acquire and obtain the target load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature and target temperature of the gas water heater;

[0022] The actual load acquisition module is used to acquire and obtain the actual load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature and outlet water temperature of the gas water heater;

[0023] The first burner switching module is used to control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group.

[0024] The maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, but less than the maximum output load of the second burner group.

[0025] This application provides a controller, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program and the processor executes the above-described method.

[0026] This application provides a gas water heater, which includes the aforementioned controller.

[0027] The aforementioned gas water heater and its control method, control device, and controller, when the gas water heater is in the start-up state, compare the actual load with the maximum output load of the first burner group. The first burner group is the burner group with a relatively small number of burners. The target load is used to guide the actual load towards the target load. For example, if the actual load is less than the target load, it means that the actual load is climbing towards the target load. If the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. Since the gas valve operating current and fan operating current corresponding to the maximum output load of the first burner group are both at their maximum, the noise emitted by the burner and fan of the gas water heater is also at its maximum. Therefore, by switching to the second burner group with a relatively larger number of burners before the actual load reaches the maximum output load of the first burner group, the gas valve operating current and fan operating current required for the gas water heater to operate can be reduced while maintaining the same output load, avoiding the maximum operating current and effectively reducing the noise emitted by the gas water heater. At the same time, it is necessary to determine that the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group in order to ensure that the load change can be smoothly transitioned when switching burner groups. In addition, the maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group but less than the maximum output load of the second burner group. This ensures that there is enough load overlap between adjacent burner groups, so as to ensure that the load of adjacent burner groups can be smoothly transitioned and avoid the poor user experience caused by large load fluctuations when switching burner groups. Attached Figure Description

[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas water heater in one embodiment;

[0029] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating a control method for a gas water heater in one embodiment;

[0030] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the relationship between the output load of the burner assembly and the operating current of the gas valve in one embodiment.

[0031] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the control method for a gas water heater in another embodiment;

[0032] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of the control device for a gas water heater in one embodiment;

[0033] Figure 6 This is an internal structural diagram of a computer device in one embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0034] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0035] In this application, the reference to "embodiment" means that a specific feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment may be included in at least one embodiment of this application. The appearance of this phrase in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, nor is it a separate or alternative embodiment mutually exclusive with other embodiments. It will be explicitly and implicitly understood by those skilled in the art that the embodiments described in this application can be combined with other embodiments.

[0036] In one embodiment, the structure of the gas water heater provided in this application is as follows: Figure 1 As shown, it includes a main controller 110, a control unit 101, an inlet water temperature sensor 102, an outlet water temperature sensor 103, a water flow sensor 104, a gas valve 105, a gas shut-off device 106, a fan device 107, a combustion device 108, and a setting device 109.

[0037] The control unit 101 receives commands from the main controller 110, distributes these commands to the gas valve 105 and the fan device 107 to control the gas and air supply, and distributes commands to the gas shut-off device 106 to close or open the gas passage of the gas water heater. The inlet water temperature sensor 102 detects the inlet water temperature of the gas water heater. The outlet water temperature sensor 103 detects the outlet water temperature of the gas water heater. The water flow sensor 104 detects the water flow rate through the gas water heater. The gas valve 105 adjusts the gas flow rate of the gas water heater. The gas shut-off device 106 controls the closure or opening of the gas passage of the gas water heater. The fan device 107 provides the air required for combustion in the gas water heater. The combustion device 108 provides heat to the water heater through gas combustion. The setting device 109 serves as a temperature input device for users to set the target temperature when using the gas water heater.

[0038] Specifically, the gas valve 105 regulates the gas output flow rate by changing the valve opening degree, thereby controlling the output load of the burner assembly. The operating current range of the gas valve 105 is from the minimum operating current Imin to the maximum input current Imax. The air required for combustion in the gas water heater is provided by the fan device 107. When the gas valve 105 is at its minimum operating current Imin, the corresponding fan device 107 speed is Rmin. When the gas valve 105 is at its maximum input current Imax, the corresponding fan device 107 speed is Rmax. The gas valve 105 regulates the gas flow rate by adjusting the operating current between Imin and Imax, while the fan device 107 regulates the air flow rate by adjusting the speed between Rmin and Rmax. There are at least two gas shut-off devices 106; by controlling the opening or closing of different gas shut-off devices 106, the switching control of the burner assembly can be achieved.

[0039] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, a control method for a gas water heater is provided, and the method is illustrated using an application to a gas water heater as an example. This embodiment includes the following steps:

[0040] Step S202: Obtain the target load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and target temperature of the gas water heater.

[0041] Specifically, the target load refers to the output load of the gas water heater that the user expects, and the size of the target load can be adjusted by modifying the target temperature.

[0042] For example, the target load can be calculated using the following formula:

[0043] Q e =CmΔt1

[0044] Among them, Q e Δt1 represents the target load; C represents the specific heat capacity of water; m represents the water flow rate; and Δt1 represents the difference between the target temperature and the inlet water temperature, i.e., the target water temperature rise.

[0045] Step S204: Obtain and calculate the actual load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and outlet water temperature of the gas water heater.

[0046] Specifically, the actual load refers to the output load of a gas water heater during actual operation. Due to differences in the calorific value of the gas source or the differences in internal components between different machines, the actual load may not be equal to the target load. Therefore, the actual load can be obtained by measuring the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and outlet water temperature during actual operation.

[0047] For example, the actual load can be calculated using the following formula:

[0048] Q s =CmΔt2

[0049] Among them, Q s Δt1 represents the actual load; C represents the specific heat capacity of water; m represents the water flow rate; and Δt1 represents the difference between the outlet water temperature and the inlet water temperature, i.e., the actual water temperature rise.

[0050] Step S206: When the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion; wherein, the maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the second burner group.

[0051] Controlling the combustion of the gas water heater on the burner assembly can be understood as controlling the burner assembly to be in a combustion state so as to ignite the gas in the gas passage of the burner assembly and provide heat to the water heater.

[0052] Specifically, a gas water heater consists of multiple burner groups, with one or more burner blades forming a burner group. A gas water heater includes at least two burner groups: a first burner group and a second burner group. The first burner group has fewer burner blades than the second burner group. It should be noted that the first and second burner groups can be the same type of burner group; the terms "first" and "second" are used here to distinguish them as having different numbers of burner groups. To ensure the gas water heater operates without load interruptions from low to high loads, the maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, but less than the maximum output load of the second burner group. Therefore, the area between the maximum output load of the first burner group and the minimum output load of the second burner group is the load overlap zone between the two burner groups.

[0053] The noise from a gas water heater originates from combustion noise, mechanical noise from the fan, and airflow noise. Generally, the higher the combustion load, the greater the noise; and the higher the fan speed, the greater the mechanical and airflow noise generated. Therefore, reducing the fan speed is particularly effective in reducing the noise of a gas water heater.

[0054] The control method for a gas water heater provided in this application, when controlling the switching of the burner groups of the gas water heater, in the event of an increase in load, if the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controls the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. Since the combustion intensity of the second burner group is lower than that of the first burner group under the same load output, the corresponding fan speed is also lower, resulting in less noise. Furthermore, by switching the burner groups in advance when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load reaches the load overlap zone, the maximum output load point of the first burner group (which corresponds to the operating point of the gas water heater with the highest combustion intensity and highest fan speed), i.e., the operating point with the highest noise, is avoided. This reduces the combustion intensity and fan speed of the burner groups, thereby reducing the noise generated by the gas water heater.

[0055] The control method for the gas water heater described above compares the actual load with the maximum output load of the first burner group (the group with fewer burners) when the water heater is running. The target load guides the actual load towards the target load; for example, if the actual load is less than the target load, it indicates that the actual load is increasing towards the target load. If the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group, the gas water heater switches from the first burner group to the second burner group. Since the gas valve operating current and fan operating current corresponding to the maximum output load of the first burner group are both at their maximum, the noise emitted by the burner and fan of the gas water heater is also at its maximum. Therefore, by switching to the second burner group (which has more burners) before the actual load reaches the maximum output load of the first burner group, the operating current of the gas valve and fan required for the gas water heater to operate can be reduced while maintaining the same output load, avoiding the maximum operating current and effectively reducing the noise emitted by the gas water heater. At the same time, it is necessary to determine that the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group in order to ensure that the load change can be smoothly transitioned when switching burner groups. In addition, the maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group but less than the maximum output load of the second burner group. This ensures that there is enough load overlap between adjacent burner groups, so as to ensure that the load of adjacent burner groups can be smoothly transitioned and avoid the poor user experience caused by large load fluctuations when switching burner groups.

[0056] In one embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the first burner group to combustion on the second burner group includes:

[0057] When the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the maximum output load of the first burner group, the gas water heater is switched from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion.

[0058] Specifically, as the target load increases, the target load needs to guide the actual load to increase. When the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the maximum output load of the first burner group, in order to prevent the actual load from rising to exceed the maximum output load of the first burner group and avoid passing through the maximum output load point of the first burner group (the maximum output load point of the first burner group corresponds to the operating point where the combustion intensity of the gas water heater is the greatest and the fan speed is the highest), that is, the operating point with the greatest noise, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion.

[0059] In this embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the maximum output load of the first burner group, the gas water heater is switched from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. This can meet the user's load requirements while avoiding passing through the maximum output load point of the first burner group, reducing the combustion intensity and fan speed of the burner group, thereby reducing the noise generated by the gas water heater.

[0060] In one embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the first burner group to combustion on the second burner group includes:

[0061] When the actual load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion; wherein, the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group.

[0062] Specifically, the actual load changes when the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and outlet water temperature vary. By pre-selecting a burner switching load value within the load overlap zone, as the actual load gradually increases, when the actual load is greater than or equal to the burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion, thus avoiding passing through the maximum output load point of the first burner group.

[0063] In this embodiment, by preset the burner switching load value, and when the actual load is greater than or equal to the burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. This can meet the user's load requirements while avoiding passing through the maximum output load point of the first burner group, reducing the combustion intensity and fan speed of the burner group, thereby reducing the noise generated by the gas water heater.

[0064] In one embodiment, the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value is less than or equal to the difference between the first current value and the second current value, and the weighted calculation result of the second current value; the weight of the difference between the first current value and the second current value is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 70%, and the weight of the second current value is greater than or equal to 0.8 and less than or equal to 1.2; wherein, the first current value is the maximum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater, and the second current value is the minimum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater.

[0065] Specifically, the above calculation can be expressed by the following formula:

[0066] Ib≤A×(Imax-Imin)+B×Imin

[0067] Among them, I b Indicates the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value; I max Indicates the first current value; I min The first current value represents the second current value; A represents the weight corresponding to the difference between the first and second current values, with A ranging from 50% to 70%; B represents the weight corresponding to the second current value, with B ranging from 0.8 to 1.2. Tests have shown that within this range, the gas water heater, by executing the above control method, can not only ensure smooth switching of the burner assembly but also effectively suppress noise and improve the user experience.

[0068] In one embodiment, the weight of the difference between the first current and the second current is 60%, and the weight of the second current value is 1. Testing has shown that the burner switching load value determined under this weighting configuration is more effective when applied to the aforementioned control method for gas water heaters.

[0069] In one embodiment, when the actual load is greater than or equal to a preset burner switching load value, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the first burner group to the second burner group includes:

[0070] When the actual load is less than or equal to the burner switching load value, determine whether the actual working current of the gas valve is greater than the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value. If so, control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion.

[0071] Specifically, due to differences in the calorific value of the gas source or variations in internal components between different machines, the actual load may differ even when the operating current of the gas valve is the same. When the actual load of the gas water heater is less than or equal to the burner switching load value, it is determined whether the actual operating current of the gas valve is greater than the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value. If so, it indicates that the user's target load is greater than the burner switching load value, but the actual load has not yet reached the burner switching load value. Therefore, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from combustion on the first burner group to the second burner group.

[0072] In this embodiment, the actual operating current of the gas valve is monitored. When the actual load is less than or equal to the burner switching load value, it is determined whether the actual operating current of the gas valve is greater than the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value. If so, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. This avoids the situation where the burner group switching is not timely when there is a large error between the actual load and the target load, improves the reliability of the method provided in this application, and thus enhances the user experience.

[0073] In one embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the first burner group to combustion on the second burner group includes:

[0074] When the target load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion; wherein, the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group.

[0075] Specifically, the target load needs to guide the actual load to increase. During the load increase process, the target load is used as the basis for judgment, and a preset burner switching load value is established. When the target load is greater than or equal to the burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. This allows for burner group switching when approaching the burner switching load value, enabling rapid burner group switching control after the user inputs the target load, and effectively avoiding passing through the maximum load point of the first burner group, thereby suppressing noise. In this embodiment, by controlling the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group when the target load is greater than or equal to the burner switching load value, the user's load demand can be met while quickly maintaining the gas water heater on the second burner group with more burner plates, reducing the combustion intensity and fan speed of the burner group, thereby reducing the noise generated by the gas water heater.

[0076] To better understand the above methods, the following will combine... Figure 3 This paper details an application example of the control method for a gas water heater according to this application.

[0077] First, such as Figure 3 The diagram illustrates the relationship between the output load of the burner assembly and the operating current of the gas valve. Wherein, Q2min is the minimum output load of the second burner assembly; Q2max is the maximum output load of the second burner assembly; Q1min is the minimum output load of the first burner assembly; Q1max is the maximum output load of the first burner assembly; Imin is the minimum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner assembly with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater; Imax is the maximum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner assembly with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater; Rmin is the minimum speed of the fan unit, corresponding to the minimum operating current Imin of the gas valve; Rmax is the maximum speed of the fan unit, corresponding to the maximum operating current Imax of the gas valve; Qb is the burner switching load value; Ib is the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value, i.e., the operating current of the gas valve when the gas water heater reaches the burner switching load value; Rb is the fan speed of the fan unit corresponding to the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value; Is is the actual operating current of the gas valve. Wherein, the burner switching load value Qb is greater than the minimum output load Q2min of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load Q1max of the first burner group. For example, Qb = δ * Q2min, where δ is a coefficient, preferably δ = 1.05 to 1.2. Q1min - Q1max (GM) represents the load range from smallest to largest for the first burner group; Q2min - Q2max (JS) represents the load range from smallest to largest for the second burner group. Furthermore, the gas passage for the first burner group is opened or closed by a first gas shut-off device, and the gas passage for the second burner group is opened or closed by a second gas shut-off device. The first and second gas shut-off devices are different devices. When the gas shut-off device is a gas shut-off valve, it should be understood that "different" here refers to valves on different gas passages.

[0078] Secondly, the specific working process of the control method for the gas water heater provided in this application is as follows:

[0079] When the gas water heater is turned on, the main controller 110 acquires the water flow rate monitored by the water flow sensor 104, the inlet water temperature monitored by the inlet water temperature sensor 102, the outlet water temperature monitored by the outlet water temperature sensor 104, and the target temperature input by the user through the setting device 109. Based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, and target temperature, it calculates the target load and actual load respectively. According to the target load, it selects the initial burner group and controls the gas water heater to burn on the first burner group or the second burner group. The control unit 101 distributes instructions to the gas shut-off device 106. When burning on the first burner group is selected, it controls the first gas shut-off device to open and the second gas shut-off device to close; conversely, when burning on the second burner group is selected, it controls the first gas shut-off device to close and the second gas shut-off device to open.

[0080] When the gas water heater is burning on the burner assembly and the outlet water temperature is lower than the target temperature, the control unit 101 sends instructions to the gas valve 105 and the fan device 107 to control the gas and air flow. The gas valve 105 adjusts its opening to achieve the gas flow required for the outlet water temperature, increasing the actual load to the target load to meet the user's load demand. Specifically, in conjunction with... Figure 3 The values ​​in the table can be used to switch the burner group of the gas water heater by performing the following method:

[0081] When the actual load is less than the maximum output load Q1max of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load Q2min of the second burner group, the gas water heater can be switched from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion; wherein the maximum output load Q1max of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load Q2min of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load Q2max of the second burner group.

[0082] Furthermore, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load Q1max of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the maximum output load Q1max of the first burner group, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion.

[0083] Furthermore, when the actual load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion; wherein, the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load Q2min of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load Q1max of the first burner group.

[0084] Furthermore, when the actual load is less than or equal to the burner switching load value, it is determined whether the actual operating current of the gas valve is greater than the gas valve input current Ib corresponding to the burner switching load value. If so, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion.

[0085] Wherein, the gas valve input current Ib corresponding to the burner switching load value is less than or equal to the difference between the first current value and the second current value, and the weighted calculation result of the second current value; the weight corresponding to the difference between the first current value and the second current value is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 70%, and the weight corresponding to the second current value is greater than or equal to 0.8 and less than or equal to 1.2; wherein, the first current value is the maximum operating current Imax of the gas valve corresponding to the largest burner group of the gas water heater, and the second current value is the minimum operating current Imin of the gas valve corresponding to the largest burner group of the gas water heater. Preferably, the weight of the difference between the first current and the second current is 60%, and the weight of the second current value is 1.

[0086] In addition, the burner group switching control can be directly performed based on the target load. When the target load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. The burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load Q2min of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load Q1max of the first burner group.

[0087] Finally, while controlling the switching of the burner groups in the gas water heater, the gas valve and fan unit also control the amount of gas and air supplied. For example, when the actual load Qs is greater than or equal to the burner switching load value Qb, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from combustion on the first burner group to the second burner group. Figure 3 As shown, when switching from point K to point L, the operating current of the gas valve 105 switches from Ib to Ic, and the speed of the fan device 107 switches from Rc to Rb.

[0088] The above embodiments describe a method for controlling the switching of the first burner group to the second burner group when the load increases.

[0089] In another embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, a control method for a gas water heater is provided, and the method is illustrated using an application to a gas water heater as an example. This embodiment includes the following steps:

[0090] Step S402: Obtain the target load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and target temperature of the gas water heater.

[0091] Step S404: Obtain and determine the actual load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and outlet water temperature of the gas water heater.

[0092] Step S406: When the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, control the gas water heater to switch from the second burner group to the first burner group for combustion.

[0093] Specifically, regarding load reduction, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, the gas water heater is switched from combustion on the second burner group to combustion on the first burner group. Since the combustion intensity of the second burner group is lower than that of the first burner group under the same load, the corresponding fan speed is also lower, resulting in less noise. Therefore, the gas water heater should operate on the second burner group, which has more burners, under the same output load until the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, at which point the burner group is switched. This avoids exceeding the maximum output load point of the first burner group during switching, thus suppressing noise. Furthermore, the gas valve operating current on the second burner group is lower, resulting in less fan noise, further suppressing noise and improving the user experience.

[0094] In another embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the second burner group to combustion on the first burner group includes:

[0095] When the actual load decreases to the minimum output load of the second burner group, and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the second burner group to the first burner group for combustion.

[0096] Specifically, the target load guides the actual load to decrease. As the actual load decreases, when the actual load equals the minimum output load of the second burner group and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the second burner group to the first burner group for combustion.

[0097] In another embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the second burner group to combustion on the first burner group includes:

[0098] When the actual load is less than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the second burner group to the first burner group for combustion; wherein, the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group.

[0099] Specifically, by pre-selecting a burner switching load value in the load overlap area, and as the actual load gradually decreases, when the actual load is less than or equal to the burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the second burner group to the first burner group for combustion.

[0100] In another embodiment, when the actual load equals the minimum output load of the second burner group and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the second burner group to combustion on the first burner group includes:

[0101] When the actual load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, determine whether the actual operating current of the gas valve is equal to the minimum operating current of the gas valve. If so, control the gas water heater to switch from the second burner group to the first burner group for combustion.

[0102] Specifically, due to differences in the calorific value of the gas source or the internal components of different machines, the actual load may differ even when the operating current of the gas valve is the same. When the actual load exceeds the maximum output load of the second burner group, it is determined whether the actual operating current of the gas valve is equal to the minimum operating current of the gas valve. If so, it indicates that the gas water heater is actually operating at the minimum output load point of the second burner group, but the actual load has not yet decreased to the minimum output load of the second burner group. Therefore, controlling the gas water heater to switch from the second burner group to the first burner group avoids the situation of untimely burner group switching caused by a large error between the actual load and the target load, improves the reliability of the method provided in this application, and thus enhances the user experience.

[0103] In another embodiment, when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group, controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the second burner group to combustion on the first burner group includes:

[0104] When the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group, and the target load is less than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the second burner group to the first burner group for combustion. The burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group but less than the maximum output load of the first burner group. This avoids the burner group passing through the maximum output load point of the first burner group during the switching process, effectively suppressing noise.

[0105] It should be understood that although the steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above are shown sequentially according to the arrows, these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless explicitly stated herein, there is no strict order restriction on the execution of these steps, and they can be executed in other orders. Moreover, at least some steps in the flowcharts of the embodiments described above may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but can be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but can be performed alternately or in turn with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages of other steps.

[0106] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5 As shown, a control device for a gas water heater is provided, comprising:

[0107] The target load acquisition module 501 is used to acquire and obtain the target load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature and target temperature of the gas water heater;

[0108] The actual load acquisition module 502 is used to acquire and obtain the actual load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature and outlet water temperature of the gas water heater;

[0109] The first burner switching module 503 is used to control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group; wherein, the maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the second burner group.

[0110] In one embodiment, the first burner switching module 503 is further configured to control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the maximum output load of the first burner group.

[0111] In one embodiment, the first burner switching module 503 is further configured to control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group when the actual load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value; wherein the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group.

[0112] In one embodiment, the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value is less than or equal to the difference between the first current value and the second current value, and the weighted calculation result of the second current value; the weight corresponding to the difference between the first current value and the second current value is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 70%, and the weight corresponding to the second current value is greater than or equal to 0.8 and less than or equal to 1.2, wherein the first current value is the maximum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater, and the second current value is the minimum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater.

[0113] In one embodiment, the weight of the difference between the first current and the second current is 60%, and the weight of the second current value is 1.

[0114] In one embodiment, the first burner switching module 503 is further configured to determine whether the actual operating current of the gas valve is greater than the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value when the actual load is less than or equal to the preset burner switching load value. If so, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion.

[0115] In one embodiment, the first burner switching module 503 is further configured to control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group when the target load is greater than or equal to the burner switching load value; wherein the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group.

[0116] In one embodiment, the control device further includes:

[0117] The second burner switching module is used to control the gas water heater to switch from the second burner group to the first burner group when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is less than the minimum output load of the second burner group.

[0118] Specific limitations regarding the control device for gas water heaters can be found in the above description of the control method for gas water heaters, and will not be repeated here. Each module in the aforementioned control device for gas water heaters can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device in hardware form, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the operations corresponding to each module. It should be understood that the control device provided in this application embodiment also includes other units and modules that can execute other steps in the above method embodiments.

[0119] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, which may be a terminal, and its internal structure diagram may be as follows: Figure 6As shown, the computer device includes a processor, memory, communication interface, display screen, and input devices connected via a system bus. The processor provides computing and control capabilities. The memory includes non-volatile storage media and internal memory. The non-volatile storage media stores the operating system and computer programs. The internal memory provides an environment for the operation of the operating system and computer programs stored in the non-volatile storage media. The communication interface is used for wired or wireless communication with external terminals; wireless communication can be achieved through Wi-Fi, mobile cellular networks, NFC (Near Field Communication), or other technologies. The computer device also includes input / output interfaces, which are connection circuits for exchanging information between the processor and external devices. These interfaces are connected to the processor via a bus and are referred to as I / O interfaces. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements a control method for a gas water heater. The display screen can be an LCD screen or an e-ink screen. The input devices can be a touch layer covering the display screen, buttons, a trackball, or a touchpad on the computer device's casing, or an external keyboard, touchpad, or mouse.

[0120] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 6 The structure shown is merely a block diagram of a portion of the structure related to the present application and does not constitute a limitation on the computer device to which the present application is applied. Specific computer devices may include more or fewer components than those shown in the figure, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0121] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, and the processor executing the computer program to implement the steps in the various method embodiments described above.

[0122] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the various method embodiments described above.

[0123] In one embodiment, a computer program product is provided having a computer program stored thereon, the computer program being executed by a processor of the steps described in the various method embodiments above.

[0124] It should be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for analysis, data stored, data displayed, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0125] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. When executed, the computer program can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include at least one of non-volatile and volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), magnetic tape, floppy disk, flash memory, or optical storage, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can be in various forms, such as static random access memory (SRAM) or dynamic random access memory (DRAM), etc.

[0126] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0127] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A control method for a gas water heater, characterized in that, The method includes: The target load is obtained based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and target temperature of the gas water heater; The actual load is obtained based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and outlet water temperature of the gas water heater; When the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. The maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, but less than the maximum output load of the second burner group; Wherein, the step of controlling the gas water heater to switch from combustion on the first burner group to the second burner group when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group includes: When the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the maximum output load of the first burner group, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. or, When the actual load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion, wherein the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group; or, When the actual load is less than or equal to the burner switching load value, determine whether the actual working current of the gas valve is greater than the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value. If so, control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. or, When the target load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion; wherein, the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group; Wherein, the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value is less than or equal to the difference between the first current value and the second current value, and the weighted calculation result of the second current value; the weight of the difference between the first current value and the second current value is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 70%, and the weight of the second current value is greater than or equal to 0.8 and less than or equal to 1.2; wherein, the first current value is the maximum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater, and the second current value is the minimum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The weight of the difference between the first current and the second current is 60%, and the weight of the second current value is 1.

3. A control device for a gas water heater, characterized in that, The device includes: The target load acquisition module is used to acquire and obtain the target load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature and target temperature of the gas water heater; The actual load acquisition module is used to acquire and obtain the actual load based on the water flow rate, inlet water temperature and outlet water temperature of the gas water heater; The first burner switching module is used to control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group when the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group. Wherein, the maximum output load of the first burner group is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group, and less than the maximum output load of the second burner group; The first fire bar switching module is also used for: When the actual load is less than the maximum output load of the first burner group and the target load is greater than the maximum output load of the first burner group, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. or, When the actual load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion, wherein the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group; or, When the actual load is less than or equal to the burner switching load value, determine whether the actual working current of the gas valve is greater than the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value. If so, control the gas water heater to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion. or, When the target load is greater than or equal to the preset burner switching load value, the gas water heater is controlled to switch from the first burner group to the second burner group for combustion; wherein, the burner switching load value is greater than the minimum output load of the second burner group and less than the maximum output load of the first burner group; Wherein, the gas valve input current corresponding to the burner switching load value is less than or equal to the difference between the first current value and the second current value, and the weighted calculation result of the second current value; the weight of the difference between the first current value and the second current value is greater than or equal to 50% and less than or equal to 70%, and the weight of the second current value is greater than or equal to 0.8 and less than or equal to 1.2; wherein, the first current value is the maximum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater, and the second current value is the minimum operating current of the gas valve corresponding to the burner group with the largest number of burners in the gas water heater.

4. A controller comprising a memory and a processor, the memory storing a computer program, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the method of any one of claims 1 to 2.

5. A gas-fired water heater, characterized in that, The gas water heater includes the controller as described in claim 4.

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