Gas water heater water pump control method and device, gas water heater and storage medium

Abstract

The application relates to a gas water heater water pump control method and device, a gas water heater and a storage medium. The method comprises the following steps: in the case that a water pump pressurization signal is detected, water flow information is acquired; water flow fluctuation information is obtained according to the water flow information; in the case that the water flow fluctuation information is greater than a preset number and the water flow information is less than a minimum flow threshold, the water pump is controlled to stop pressurization. In the case that water flow fluctuation is detected, whether the water flow is less than the minimum flow threshold is determined in a timely manner, and in the case that the water flow is less than the minimum flow threshold, the water pump is controlled to stop pressurization, so that the water flow continues to fluctuate. Meanwhile, since the minimum flow threshold is greater than the minimum starting flow of the gas water heater, the gas water heater will stop pressurization in the case that the water flow is not lower than the minimum starting flow, the water flow continues to fluctuate is avoided, the gas water heater is prevented from stopping working due to excessively low water flow, and frequent start and stop of the gas water heater is avoided.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the development of gas water heater technology, some current household gas water heaters are equipped with water pumps and have a booster button on the control panel. Users can increase the water flow by activating the booster function when the water flow is too low. However, in actual use, especially when using a pre-valve, due to differences in user water conditions or during peak water usage periods, the water volume in the inlet pipe may be low. Activating the booster pump in this situation not only fails to increase the water flow but can also cause air to accumulate in the pump due to air in the pipes, resulting in dry suction. Dry suction leads to fluctuations in water flow. When the water flow falls below the minimum starting flow rate of the gas water heater, it stops working. After the water heater stops, the pump stops, and the water flow returns to the minimum starting flow rate, causing the gas water heater to start again, resulting in frequent start-stop cycles. Summary of the Invention

[0003] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a gas water heater pump control method, device, gas water heater, and storage medium that can prevent frequent start-stop of gas water heaters, addressing the aforementioned technical problems.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application proposes a method for controlling a gas water heater pump, the method comprising: acquiring water flow information upon detecting a water pump pressurization signal; wherein the water pump pressurization signal is generated when the water pump is activated for pressurization; obtaining water flow fluctuation information based on the water flow information; wherein the water flow fluctuation information is the number of times the water flow fluctuation range exceeds a preset flow threshold within a preset time period; and controlling the water pump to stop pressurizing when the water flow fluctuation information exceeds the preset number of times and the water flow information is less than a minimum flow threshold; wherein the minimum flow threshold is greater than the minimum starting flow of the gas water heater.

[0005] In one embodiment, the method further includes: obtaining a water pump boosting command; and controlling the water pump to activate boosting according to the water pump boosting command.

[0006] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the water pump boosting command includes: obtaining the water pump boosting command through a user interface.

[0007] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the water pump boosting command includes: obtaining inlet water flow information; and generating the water pump boosting command when the inlet water flow information is less than a preset inlet water flow.

[0008] In one embodiment, the method further includes: acquiring outlet water temperature information; and adjusting the speed of the water pump according to the outlet water temperature information.

[0009] In one embodiment, the preset time period is 10 seconds, and the preset flow rate threshold is 0.5 liters / minute.

[0010] In one embodiment, the preset number of times is 5 times, and the minimum flow rate threshold is 3 liters / minute.

[0011] Secondly, this application also proposes a gas water heater pump control device, the device comprising: a water flow acquisition module, used to acquire water flow information when a water pump pressurization signal is detected; wherein the water pump pressurization signal is generated when the water pump is activated for pressurization; a fluctuation detection module, used to obtain water flow fluctuation information based on the water flow information; wherein the water flow fluctuation information is the number of times the water flow fluctuation range is greater than a preset flow threshold within a preset time period; and a water pump control module, used to control the water pump to stop pressurization when the water flow fluctuation information is greater than a preset number of times and the water flow information is less than a minimum flow threshold; wherein the minimum flow threshold is greater than the minimum start-up flow of the gas water heater.

[0012] Thirdly, this application also proposes a gas water heater, comprising: a water pump connected to a water inlet and used for pressurization; a water flow sensor connected to the water pump and used for detecting water flow information; and a controller connected to the water pump and the water flow sensor respectively, the controller being used to execute the steps of the method described in the first aspect embodiment above.

[0013] Fourthly, this application also proposes a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method described in the first aspect of the embodiments above.

[0014] The aforementioned gas water heater pump control method, device, gas water heater, and storage medium acquire water flow information when the pump is activated for pressurization, and obtain water flow fluctuation information based on the water flow information. Finally, when the water flow fluctuation exceeds a preset number of times and the water flow is less than a minimum flow threshold, the pump is controlled to stop pressurizing. This application, upon detecting water flow fluctuations, promptly determines whether the water flow is less than the minimum flow threshold, and if it is less than the minimum flow threshold, controls the pump to stop pressurizing, preventing further water flow fluctuations. Simultaneously, since the minimum flow threshold is greater than the minimum starting flow of the gas water heater, the gas water heater will stop pressurizing when the water flow is not lower than the minimum starting flow, preventing further water flow fluctuations and preventing the gas water heater from stopping operation due to excessively low water flow, thus avoiding frequent start-stop cycles. Attached Figure Description

[0015] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application or the conventional technology, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the conventional technology will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0016] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a gas water heater pump control method in one embodiment;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating the gas water heater pump control method in another embodiment;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the process for obtaining a water pump boosting command in one embodiment;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating the gas water heater pump control method in yet another embodiment;

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a gas water heater pump control device in one embodiment;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a gas water heater in one embodiment;

[0022] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0023] Water flow acquisition module 210, fluctuation detection module 220, water pump control module 230, water pump 310, water flow sensor 320, controller 330, inlet water temperature sensor 340, outlet water temperature sensor 350, gas valve 360, burner 370, heat exchanger 380, smoke hood 390, and exhaust pipe 311. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To facilitate understanding of this application, a more complete description will be provided below with reference to the accompanying drawings, which illustrate embodiments of the present application. However, the present application can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments described herein. Rather, these embodiments are provided so that the disclosure of this application will be thorough and complete.

[0025] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application.

[0026] Spatial relation terms such as “below,” “under,” “below,” “under,” “above,” “above,” etc., are used herein to describe the relationship between one element or feature shown in the figure and other elements or features. It should be understood that, in addition to the orientation shown in the figure, spatial relation terms also include different orientations of the device in use and operation. For example, if the device in the figure is flipped, the element or feature described as “below,” “under,” or “below” will be oriented “above” the other element or feature. Therefore, the exemplary terms “below” and “under” can include both above and below orientations. Furthermore, the device may also include other orientations (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or other orientations), and the spatial descriptive terms used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] It should be noted that when one element is considered to be "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or connected to the other element through an intermediary element. Furthermore, in the following embodiments, "connection" should be understood as "electrical connection," "communication connection," etc., if there is transmission of electrical signals or data between the connected objects.

[0028] When used herein, the singular forms of “a,” “an,” and “the” may also include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the terms “comprising / including” or “having,” etc., specify the presence of the stated features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof, but do not preclude the possibility of the presence or addition of one or more other features, wholes, steps, operations, components, parts, or combinations thereof. Meanwhile, the term “and / or” as used in this specification includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0029] As described in the background section, existing gas water heaters suffer from frequent start-stop issues when the water pump experiences dry suction.

[0030] For the reasons mentioned above, the present invention provides a gas water heater pump control method, device, gas water heater and storage medium, which can prevent the gas water heater from frequently starting and stopping.

[0031] In one embodiment, such as Figure 1 As shown, a method for controlling a gas water heater pump is provided. Taking the application of this method to a gas water heater controller as an example, the method includes the following steps:

[0032] Step S110: Upon detecting a water pump boosting signal, acquire water flow information. The water pump boosting signal is generated when the water pump activates boosting.

[0033] Specifically, the controller can periodically detect the water pump boosting signal. When the boosting signal is detected, it indicates that the water pump has activated its boosting function, and at this time, the water flow rate information for the current time is obtained. It can be understood that the water flow boosting signal is generated when the water pump is in boosting mode. In some other embodiments, the current water flow rate information can also be obtained after receiving the control signal used to control the water pump to start boosting.

[0034] Step S120: Obtain water flow fluctuation information based on water flow information. The water flow fluctuation information refers to the number of times the water flow fluctuation range exceeds a preset flow threshold within a preset time period.

[0035] Specifically, after obtaining the current water flow information, the pump booster information is derived based on this information. The water flow information represents the inflow rate over a given period. By selecting a preset time interval, the fluctuation range of the water flow within that interval can be determined. If the fluctuation range exceeds a preset flow threshold, a fluctuation is recorded. By counting all fluctuations, the water flow fluctuation information is obtained. For example, when the water flow fluctuation exceeds 0.5 liters per minute, the controller records a fluctuation. By counting the number of fluctuations within 10 seconds, the water flow fluctuation information is obtained.

[0036] Step S130: If the water flow fluctuation exceeds a preset number of times and the water flow is less than the minimum flow threshold, control the water pump to stop pressurizing. The minimum flow threshold is greater than the minimum starting flow of the gas water heater.

[0037] Specifically, after obtaining water flow fluctuation information, it is determined whether the water flow fluctuation exceeds a preset number of times. If it does, it is further determined whether the water flow is below a minimum flow threshold. If the water flow is below the minimum flow threshold, the water pump is controlled to stop pressurizing. When the water flow fluctuation exceeds the preset number of times, it indicates that the water flow has fluctuated for a long period of time after the water pump starts pressurizing, and the water pump is experiencing dry suction. At this time, it is determined whether the water flow is below the minimum flow threshold. Since the minimum flow threshold is greater than the minimum starting flow of the gas water heater, if the water flow is below the minimum flow threshold, it indicates that there is a risk that the water flow is below the minimum starting flow. At this time, it is necessary to control the water pump to stop pressurizing in time to avoid further fluctuations in water flow and prevent the gas water heater from stopping due to excessively low water flow, thus avoiding frequent start-stop of the gas water heater. At the same time, gas water heaters usually have water flow monitoring functions. The water pump control method of this application only needs to add the judgment of water flow data, without adding other types of data. The solution is simple and has high computational efficiency.

[0038] In one embodiment, such as Figure 2 As shown, the gas water heater pump control method also includes the following steps:

[0039] Step S140: Obtain the water pump boosting command. Specifically, the water pump boosting command is used to control the water pump to activate boosting. The controller can obtain the water pump boosting command input by the user through the user interface. Alternatively, the controller can actively generate the corresponding water pump boosting command after processing and judging water flow or other parameters, thereby activating the water pump to start boosting.

[0040] Step S150: The water pump is activated to increase pressure according to the water pump pressurization command. Specifically, after the controller receives the water pump pressurization command, it processes the command through the corresponding pressurization module and then controls the water pump to rotate, thereby pressurizing the water entering the gas water heater.

[0041] In one embodiment, step S140, the step of obtaining the water pump boosting command, includes: obtaining the water pump boosting command through a user interface. Specifically, the user interface can be a boosting button on the gas water heater or a boosting function selection button displayed on the screen. The controller obtains the corresponding water pump boosting command by detecting the user's pressing or touching action, thereby activating the water pump to boost pressure.

[0042] In one embodiment, such as Figure 3 As shown, the steps for obtaining the water pump booster command include:

[0043] Step S141: Obtain inlet water flow information. Specifically, the controller detects inlet water flow information through a water flow sensor. The inlet water flow information is the water flow rate at the inlet. By obtaining the inlet water flow information, the water flow rate when the gas water heater is filled can be determined.

[0044] Step S142: If the inlet water flow rate is less than the preset inlet water flow rate, a water pump boosting command is generated. Specifically, when the inlet water flow rate is less than the preset inlet water flow rate, it indicates that the inlet water flow is too low and there is insufficient water in the inlet pipe. At this time, the controller actively generates a water pump boosting command to control the water pump to start boosting, thereby increasing the inlet water flow rate. It can be understood that the preset inlet water flow rate can be less than the minimum starting flow rate of the gas water heater. If the inlet water flow rate is still less than the minimum starting flow rate after the water pump starts boosting, the gas water heater can stop working. In some other embodiments, the gas water heater can also display the inlet water flow rate information to help the user determine whether it is necessary to actively control the water pump to activate boosting.

[0045] In one embodiment, such as Figure 4 As shown, the gas water heater pump control method also includes the following steps:

[0046] Step S160: Obtain the outlet water temperature information. Specifically, the controller obtains the outlet water temperature information through a temperature sensor installed at the outlet.

[0047] Step S170: Adjust the water pump speed based on the outlet water temperature information. Specifically, when the water pump is activated for pressurization and there is no dry suction, the water flow rate will fluctuate, thus affecting the outlet water temperature. By obtaining the outlet water temperature information and fine-tuning the water pump speed (increasing or decreasing the speed), the outlet water temperature can be better maintained near the set temperature, thereby improving the user experience.

[0048] In one embodiment, the preset time period is 10 seconds, and the preset flow rate threshold is 0.5 liters / minute. Specifically, this embodiment obtains the water flow rate within 10 seconds, and records a fluctuation when the water flow rate fluctuation exceeds 0.5 liters / minute. By counting the number of fluctuations within 10 seconds, the water flow rate fluctuation information can be obtained. In some other embodiments, the preset time period and preset flow rate threshold can be changed according to the specific performance parameters of the gas water heater.

[0049] In one embodiment, the preset number of cycles is 5, and the minimum flow rate threshold is 3 liters / minute. Specifically, in this embodiment, if the water flow rate fluctuation exceeds 5 times and the water flow rate is less than 3 liters / minute, the water pump is controlled to stop pressurizing. Since the minimum starting flow rate of a gas water heater is generally set to 2 to 2.5 liters / minute, a minimum flow rate threshold of 3 liters / minute is preferred, as it is greater than the minimum starting flow rate of the gas water heater. In some other embodiments, the preset number of cycles and the minimum flow rate threshold can be changed according to the specific performance parameters of the gas water heater and control requirements.

[0050] The following describes the gas water heater pump control method of this application in detail with a specific embodiment. The minimum start-up flow rate is set to 2 liters / minute, the minimum flow threshold is set to 3 liters / minute, the preset time period is set to 10 seconds, the preset flow threshold is set to 0.5 liters / minute, and the preset number of times is set to 5. When the inlet flow rate of the gas water heater is 2.5 liters / minute, the gas water heater starts. After the water pump is activated and pressurized, the water flow rate fluctuates between 4 and 4.3 liters / minute within 10 seconds, and pressurization is maintained at this time. When the water flow rate fluctuates between 4 and 5 liters / minute within 10 seconds, since the water flow rate is greater than 3 liters / minute, pressurization is still maintained at this time. When the number of times the water flow rate fluctuates between 2.5 and 3.5 liters / minute within 10 seconds is greater than 5, since there are situations where the water flow rate is less than 3 liters / minute, the water pump is controlled to stop pressurizing.

[0051] 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.

[0052] Based on the same inventive concept, this application also provides a gas water heater pump control device for implementing the gas water heater pump control method described above. The solution provided by this device is similar to the solution described in the above method; therefore, the specific limitations of one or more gas water heater pump control device embodiments provided below can be found in the limitations of the gas water heater pump control method described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0053] In one embodiment, such as Figure 5As shown, this application also proposes a gas water heater pump control device, including: a water flow acquisition module 210, a fluctuation detection module 220, and a pump control module 230, wherein:

[0054] The water flow acquisition module 210 is used to acquire water flow information when a water pump boosting signal is detected; wherein, the water pump boosting signal is generated when the water pump activates boosting;

[0055] The fluctuation detection module 220 is used to obtain water flow fluctuation information based on water flow information; wherein, the water flow fluctuation information is the number of times the water flow fluctuation range exceeds a preset flow threshold within a preset time period;

[0056] The water pump control module 230 is used to control the water pump to stop pressurizing when the water flow fluctuation information is greater than a preset number of times and the water flow information is less than the minimum flow threshold; wherein, the minimum flow threshold is greater than the minimum start-up flow of the gas water heater.

[0057] Each module in the aforementioned gas water heater pump control device can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in the processor of a computer device in hardware form or independent of it, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0058] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6 As shown, this application also proposes a gas water heater, including: a water pump 310, a water flow sensor 320, and a controller 330, wherein: the water pump 310 is connected to the water inlet and is used for pressurization; the water flow sensor 320 is connected to the water pump 310 and is used to detect water flow information; the controller 330 is connected to both the water pump 310 and the water flow sensor 320, and the controller 330 is used to execute the steps of the gas water heater water pump control method in the above embodiments.

[0059] In one embodiment, such as Figure 6As shown, the gas water heater also includes: an inlet water temperature sensor 340, an outlet water temperature sensor 350, a gas valve 360, a burner 370, a heat exchanger 380, a fume hood 390, and an exhaust pipe 311. Specifically: the inlet water temperature sensor 340 is connected to the controller 330 and used to detect the inlet water temperature; the outlet water temperature sensor 350 is connected to the controller 330 and used to detect the outlet water temperature; one end of the gas valve 360 ​​is connected to the gas inlet, and the other end is connected to the burner 370. The gas valve 360 ​​is used to adjust the amount of gas entering the burner 370 under the control of the controller 330; the burner 370 is used to burn gas; the heat exchanger 380 is used to exchange heat with the water in the pipeline; the fume hood 390 is used to collect the exhaust gas generated by the burner 370; and the exhaust pipe 311 is connected to the fume hood 390 and used to discharge the exhaust gas.

[0060] 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 above-described embodiment of the gas water heater pump control method.

[0061] 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, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, 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, optical memory, high-density embedded non-volatile memory, resistive random access memory (ReRAM), magnetic random access memory (MRAM), ferroelectric random access memory (FRAM), phase change memory (PCM), graphene memory, etc. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory, etc. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM can take many forms, such as Static Random Access Memory (SRAM) or Dynamic Random Access Memory (DRAM). The databases involved in the embodiments provided in this application may include at least one type of relational database and non-relational database. Non-relational databases may include, but are not limited to, blockchain-based distributed databases. The processors involved in the embodiments provided in this application may be general-purpose processors, central processing units, graphics processing units, digital signal processors, programmable logic devices, quantum computing-based data processing logic devices, etc., and are not limited to these.

[0062] 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.

[0063] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of this patent application. 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 application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a water pump in a gas water heater, characterized in that, The method includes: Upon detecting a water pump boosting signal, water flow information is acquired; wherein, the water pump boosting signal is generated when the water pump activates boosting. Water flow fluctuation information is obtained based on the water flow information; wherein, the water flow fluctuation information is the number of times the water flow fluctuation range exceeds a preset flow threshold within a preset time period; If the water flow fluctuation information exceeds a preset number of times and the water flow information is less than the minimum flow threshold, the water pump is controlled to stop pressurizing; wherein, the minimum flow threshold is greater than the minimum start-up flow of the gas water heater.

2. The gas water heater pump control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Receive water pump boost command; The water pump is activated and pressurized according to the water pump boosting command.

3. The gas water heater pump control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the water pump booster command includes: The water pump boosting command is obtained through the user interface.

4. The gas water heater pump control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The step of obtaining the water pump booster command includes: Obtain influent flow rate information; If the inlet flow rate is less than the preset inlet flow rate, the pump boosting command is generated.

5. The gas water heater pump control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The method further includes: Obtain water outlet temperature information; The pump speed is adjusted based on the outlet water temperature information.

6. The gas water heater pump control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset time period is 10 seconds, and the preset flow rate threshold is 0.5 liters / minute.

7. The gas water heater pump control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset number of times is 5, and the minimum flow rate threshold is 3 liters / minute.

8. A water pump control device for a gas water heater, characterized in that, The device includes: A water flow acquisition module is used to acquire water flow information when a water pump boosting signal is detected; wherein, the water pump boosting signal is generated when the water pump activates boosting; The fluctuation detection module is used to obtain water flow fluctuation information based on the water flow information; wherein, the water flow fluctuation information is the number of times the water flow fluctuation range exceeds a preset flow threshold within a preset time period; The water pump control module is used to control the water pump to stop pressurizing when the water flow fluctuation information is greater than a preset number of times and the water flow information is less than a minimum flow threshold; wherein the minimum flow threshold is greater than the minimum start-up flow of the gas water heater.

9. A gas water heater, characterized in that, include: A water pump, which is connected to an inlet and used for pressurization; A water flow sensor is connected to the water pump and is used to detect water flow information. A controller, which is connected to the water pump and the water flow sensor respectively, is used to perform the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by a processor, it implements the steps of the method according to any one of claims 1 to 7.

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