Water heater, control method, system, electronic device, and medium for water heater

Abstract

The present application provides a water heater, a control method, a system, an electronic device and a medium, the water heater comprising: a bypass pipe and a heat exchanger outlet water temperature sensor in communication with both ends of a heat exchanger; a servo valve and a bypass water flow sensor are arranged on the bypass pipe; the servo valve controls the water flow of the bypass pipe, and the bypass water flow sensor measures the bypass water flow in the bypass pipe; the heat exchanger outlet water temperature sensor is arranged at the water outlet of the heat exchanger and measures the heat exchanger outlet water temperature. By raising the water temperature in the heat exchanger during the combustion process, the present application adjusts the amount of cold water mixed through the bypass pipe by controlling the opening degree of the servo valve and reduces the flow in the heat exchanger, thereby prolonging the discharge time of hot water in the heat exchanger after the user stops using water; mixing more and longer cold water makes the water heater have a longer time before formal combustion, so that the cold water can be mixed into hot water and then flow out, thereby greatly reducing the temperature drop in the water discharge process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a water heater, a water heater control method, a system, an electronic device, and a medium. Background Technology

[0002] Gas water heaters often experience hot water switching issues during use. After running hot water for a while and then turning it off, the pipes remain full of hot water. However, when the water is immediately turned on again, the start-up process involves pre-cleaning, ignition, and flame propagation. Only after these processes are completed can the water be heated to the user's desired temperature. Therefore, the user will experience a noticeable temperature drop at the tap: the water is initially hot (from the remaining hot water in the pipes), then gradually cools (from the cold water produced during ignition), and then heats up again (from the water heater producing the desired temperature). This results in a poor user experience and is called the "re-outlet temperature drop" phenomenon. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defect of poor water temperature experience for users caused by the phenomenon of water temperature drop after re-outflow in the prior art, and to provide a water heater, a water heater control method, a system, an electronic device and a medium.

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

[0005] This invention provides a water heater, which includes: a bypass pipe, a heat exchanger outlet water temperature sensor, and a heat exchanger;

[0006] The inlet of the bypass pipe is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger, and the outlet of the bypass pipe is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger. A servo valve and a bypass water flow sensor are installed on the bypass pipe.

[0007] The servo valve is used to control the water flow rate in the bypass pipe, and the bypass water flow sensor is used to measure the bypass water flow rate in the bypass pipe.

[0008] The heat exchanger outlet water temperature sensor is installed at the outlet of the heat exchanger and is used to measure the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger.

[0009] Preferably, the water heater further includes: an inlet pipe, an outlet pipe, an inlet water flow sensor, an inlet water temperature sensor, and a water heater outlet water temperature sensor;

[0010] The inlet of the water inlet pipe serves as the inlet of the water heater, and the inlet of the heat exchanger is also connected to the outlet of the water inlet pipe.

[0011] The outlet of the heat exchanger is also connected to the inlet of the outlet pipe, and the outlet of the outlet pipe serves as the outlet of the water heater.

[0012] Both the inlet water flow sensor and the inlet water temperature sensor are mounted on the inlet water pipe;

[0013] The water outlet temperature sensor of the water heater is installed at the outlet of the water pipe.

[0014] The inlet water flow sensor is used to measure the inlet water flow of the water heater;

[0015] The inlet water temperature sensor is used to measure the inlet water temperature of the water heater;

[0016] The water heater outlet temperature sensor is used to measure the water outlet temperature of the water heater.

[0017] The present invention also provides a control method for a water heater, the control method being implemented using the aforementioned water heater, the control method comprising:

[0018] Obtain the water heater outlet temperature, heat exchanger outlet temperature, set temperature, inlet water temperature, inlet water flow rate, and bypass water flow rate;

[0019] When the bypass pipe opening conditions are met, the system enters the bypass pipe opening mode.

[0020] In bypass pipe open mode, the load is adjusted in real time to maintain constant temperature combustion so that the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature, and the opening degree of the servo valve is controlled according to the heat exchanger outlet temperature, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate and the bypass water flow rate.

[0021] Preferably, the control method further includes:

[0022] When entering the bypass pipe opening mode, if the current opening degree of the servo valve is zero, the opening degree of the servo valve is controlled to be the preset initial opening degree.

[0023] Preferably, the bypass pipe opening conditions include: the user is using water and the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature.

[0024] Preferably, controlling the opening degree of the servo valve based on the heat exchanger outlet water temperature, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate, and the bypass water flow rate includes:

[0025] When the user is using water and the water temperature from the water heater reaches the set temperature and the water temperature from the heat exchanger is less than or equal to the preset upper temperature limit, the opening degree of the servo valve is increased by a preset opening increment.

[0026] When the user is using water and the water temperature from the water heater reaches the set temperature and the water temperature from the heat exchanger is greater than the preset upper temperature limit, the servo valve is controlled to maintain its current opening.

[0027] Preferably, the step of controlling the opening degree of the servo valve based on the heat exchanger outlet water temperature, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate, and the bypass water flow rate further includes:

[0028] In response to the user stopping water use, combustion heating will be stopped;

[0029] If the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than the preset minimum temperature threshold, the opening degree of the servo valve is controlled to be zero, and the bypass pipe opening mode is exited.

[0030] If the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is less than or equal to the minimum temperature threshold, in response to the user using water again, a pre-cleaning is performed, and the bypass water flow target value is calculated based on the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, and the inlet water flow rate.

[0031] The opening degree of the servo valve is controlled according to the target value of the bypass water flow rate so that the bypass water flow rate reaches the target value.

[0032] During the pre-cleaning process, constant temperature combustion is performed, and the opening degree of the servo valve is gradually reduced to zero, and the bypass pipe opening mode is exited.

[0033] Preferably, the control method further includes:

[0034] If the inlet water flow rate is greater than the preset start-up flow rate threshold, the user is using water; if the inlet water flow rate is less than or equal to the start-up flow rate threshold, the user stops using water.

[0035] Wherein, the upper limit of temperature is greater than the starting flow threshold.

[0036] Preferably, the target value of the bypass water flow rate is expressed by the following formula:

[0037] q ps =q*(t) r -t s ) / (t r -t j );

[0038] Where, q ps The target value of the bypass water flow rate, t r The outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is represented by t. s The set temperature is represented by t. jq represents the inlet water temperature, and q represents the inlet water flow rate.

[0039] The present invention also provides a control system for a water heater, the control system being implemented using the water heater as described in any one of claims 1-2, the control system comprising:

[0040] The acquisition module is used to acquire the water outlet temperature of the water heater, the water outlet temperature of the heat exchanger, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate, and the bypass water flow rate;

[0041] The mode switching module is used to enter the bypass tube opening mode when the bypass tube opening conditions are met.

[0042] The bypass pipe control module is used to adjust the load in real time to maintain constant temperature combustion in the bypass pipe open mode so that the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature, and to control the opening degree of the servo valve according to the heat exchanger outlet temperature, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate and the bypass water flow rate.

[0043] Preferably, the bypass control module is further configured to, when entering the bypass opening mode, control the opening of the servo valve to a preset initial opening if the current opening of the servo valve is zero.

[0044] Preferably, the bypass pipe opening conditions include: the user is using water and the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature.

[0045] Preferably, the bypass pipe control module is further configured to control the opening degree of the servo valve to increase by a preset opening degree increment when the user is using water and the outlet water temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature and the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is less than or equal to the preset upper temperature limit.

[0046] The bypass pipe control module is also used to control the opening degree of the servo valve to maintain the current opening degree when the user is using water and the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature and the water outlet temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than the preset upper temperature limit.

[0047] Preferably, the bypass pipe control module is also used to stop combustion heating in response to the user stopping water use;

[0048] The bypass pipe control module is also used to control the opening degree of the servo valve to zero and exit the bypass pipe opening mode if the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than the preset minimum temperature threshold.

[0049] The bypass pipe control module is also used to perform pre-cleaning in response to the user using water again if the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is less than or equal to the minimum temperature threshold, and to calculate the bypass water flow target value based on the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature and the inlet water flow rate.

[0050] The bypass pipe control module is also used to control the opening degree of the servo valve according to the bypass water flow target value, so that the bypass water flow reaches the bypass water flow target value.

[0051] The bypass pipe control module is also used to perform constant temperature combustion during pre-cleaning, gradually control the opening of the servo valve to decrease to zero, and exit the bypass pipe opening mode.

[0052] Preferably, the bypass pipe control module is further configured to determine that the user is using water if the inlet water flow rate is greater than a preset start-up flow rate threshold; and to determine that the user has stopped using water if the inlet water flow rate is less than or equal to the start-up flow rate threshold.

[0053] Wherein, the upper limit of temperature is greater than the starting flow threshold.

[0054] Preferably, the target value of the bypass water flow rate is expressed by the following formula:

[0055] q ps =q*(t) r -t s ) / (t r -t j );

[0056] Where, q ps The target value of the bypass water flow rate, t r The outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is represented by t. s The set temperature is represented by t. j q represents the inlet water temperature, and q represents the inlet water flow rate.

[0057] The present invention also provides an electronic device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the aforementioned control method for a water heater.

[0058] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, wherein the computer program, when executed by a processor, implements the aforementioned control method for a water heater.

[0059] The positive and progressive effects of this invention are as follows:

[0060] This invention raises the water temperature in the heat exchanger during combustion and adjusts the amount of cold water mixed in through the bypass pipe by controlling the opening of the servo valve, thereby reducing the flow rate in the heat exchanger and extending the time for hot water to drain from the heat exchanger after the user stops using water. Due to the diversion of the bypass pipe, the flow rate in the heat exchanger is slow, allowing more cold water to be mixed for a longer period of time. This ensures that the cold water can be mixed into hot water before the water heater starts to burn, thus greatly reducing the temperature drop during the re-outflow process. After the water heater completes the start-up process, the servo valve is controlled to gradually close the bypass pipe, and the water heater performs constant-temperature combustion using existing technology, without affecting combustion heating in conventional water use scenarios. Attached Figure Description

[0061] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0062] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater example in the prior art, which is an embodiment of the water heater of the present invention.

[0063] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of the water heater control method according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0064] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a specific implementation of step S13 of the water heater control method of Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0065] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the control system of the water heater according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0066] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the electronic device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0067] The present invention will be further illustrated by way of embodiments below, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the embodiments described herein.

[0068] Example 1

[0069] This embodiment provides a water heater, see reference. Figure 1 The water heater includes: a bypass pipe 1, a heat exchanger outlet water temperature sensor 2, and a heat exchanger 3.

[0070] The inlet of the bypass pipe 1 is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger 3, and the outlet of the bypass pipe 1 is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 3. A servo valve 4 and a bypass water flow sensor 5 are installed on the bypass pipe 1.

[0071] Servo valve 4 is used to control the water flow rate of bypass pipe 1, and bypass water flow sensor 5 is used to measure the bypass water flow rate in bypass pipe 1.

[0072] The heat exchanger outlet water temperature sensor 2 is located at the outlet of the heat exchanger 3 and is used to measure the heat exchanger outlet water temperature.

[0073] The water flow rate of the bypass pipe 1 can be controlled by adjusting the opening degree of the servo valve 4, and the opening degree is positively correlated with the water flow rate.

[0074] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a prior art water heater example is shown. The water heater includes: a heat exchanger 3, an inlet pipe 6, an outlet pipe 7, an inlet water flow sensor 8, an inlet water temperature sensor 9, a water heater outlet water temperature sensor 10, a fan 11, a burner 12, a segmented pipe 13, a gas proportional valve 14, and an electronic controller assembly 15.

[0075] The water heater example in this prior art has the following drawbacks:

[0076] (1) When the outlet water temperature reaches the set temperature, the water temperature in the heat exchanger must be less than or equal to the outlet water temperature. Therefore, when the user stops using water, the heat value of the water stored in the heat exchanger is also relatively small.

[0077] (2) When the user uses water again (turns on the hot water tap), all the water passes through the heat exchanger. Therefore, the hot water stored in the heat exchanger will flow out of the water heater in a short time. At this time, the water heater has not yet entered the normal combustion state, which will cause some cold water to flow out of the water heater directly, resulting in a significant drop in the water temperature.

[0078] In this embodiment, the water heater can raise the water temperature in the heat exchanger when the user uses water, mix the water through the bypass pipe, and control the amount of cold water mixed in through the bypass pipe so that the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature to meet the user's water needs.

[0079] Even after the user stops using water, the heat exchanger still stores high-temperature water. When the user uses water again, the high-temperature water mixes with the cold water from the bypass pipe to fully or partially meet the user's water needs during the pre-cleaning process before the water heater restarts. Due to the diversion of the bypass pipe, the flow rate in the heat exchanger is slow, allowing more cold water to be mixed for a longer period of time. This ensures that the cold water has a longer time to be mixed into hot water before the water heater officially starts igniting, thus greatly reducing the temperature drop during the re-outflow process.

[0080] After the water heater completes the startup process, the servo valve can be controlled to gradually close the bypass pipe, and the water heater will then perform constant temperature combustion using existing technology.

[0081] This embodiment raises the water temperature in the heat exchanger during combustion, and adjusts the amount of cold water mixed in through the bypass pipe by controlling the opening of the servo valve, thereby reducing the flow rate in the heat exchanger and extending the time for hot water to be discharged from the heat exchanger after the user stops using water. Due to the diversion of the bypass pipe, the flow rate in the heat exchanger is slow, thus allowing more and longer-term mixing of cold water. This ensures that the cold water can be mixed into hot water before the water heater officially starts burning, greatly reducing the temperature drop during the re-discharge process. After the water heater completes the start-up process, the servo valve is controlled to gradually close the bypass pipe, and the water heater performs constant-temperature combustion using existing technology, which has no impact on combustion heating in conventional water use scenarios.

[0082] In specific implementation, refer to Figure 1 The water heater also includes: inlet pipe 6, outlet pipe 7, inlet flow sensor 8, inlet temperature sensor 9, and outlet temperature sensor 10.

[0083] The inlet of the water inlet pipe 6 serves as the water inlet of the water heater, and the inlet of the heat exchanger 3 is also connected to the outlet of the water inlet pipe 6.

[0084] The outlet of heat exchanger 3 is also connected to the inlet of outlet pipe 7, and the outlet of outlet pipe 7 serves as the outlet of water heater.

[0085] Both the inlet flow sensor 8 and the inlet temperature sensor 9 are installed on the inlet pipe 6.

[0086] The water temperature sensor 10 is located at the outlet of the water outlet pipe 7.

[0087] The inlet flow sensor 8 is used to measure the inlet flow rate of the water heater.

[0088] The inlet water temperature sensor 9 is used to measure the inlet water temperature of the water heater.

[0089] The water heater outlet temperature sensor 10 is used to measure the water heater outlet temperature.

[0090] The inlet water temperature of the water heater is greatly affected by the room temperature. In order to avoid the temperature deviation caused by the close proximity to the heat exchanger, the inlet water temperature sensor 9 can be set at the inlet of the inlet pipe 6.

[0091] The water outlet temperature sensor 10 is located at the outlet of the water outlet pipe 7 to ensure that the water outlet temperature of the water heater is close to the hot water temperature at the user's water outlet.

[0092] In specific implementation, refer to Figure 1 The water heater also includes: a fan 11, a burner 12, a sectional pipe 13, a gas proportional valve 14, and an electronic control assembly 15.

[0093] The functions of the fan 11, burner 12, segmented pipe 13, gas proportional valve 14, and electronic controller assembly 15 are similar to those of existing technologies and will not be described in detail here.

[0094] Example 2

[0095] This embodiment provides a control method for a water heater, which is implemented using the water heater described in Embodiment 1. (Refer to...) Figure 3 The control methods include:

[0096] S11. Obtain the water outlet temperature of the water heater, the water outlet temperature of the heat exchanger, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate, and the bypass water flow rate.

[0097] S12. When the bypass pipe opening conditions are met, enter the bypass pipe opening mode.

[0098] S13. In the bypass pipe open mode, the load is adjusted in real time to maintain constant temperature combustion so that the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature, and the opening degree of the servo valve is controlled according to the heat exchanger outlet temperature, set temperature, inlet water temperature, inlet water flow rate and bypass water flow rate.

[0099] Among them, the set temperature t s This is the user-set target outlet water temperature. Water heater outlet water temperature t c Heat exchanger outlet water temperature t r Inlet water temperature t j Inlet flow rate q and bypass flow rate q p It can be measured by the sensor of the water heater in Example 1.

[0100] In this embodiment, the water heater can raise the water temperature in the heat exchanger when the user uses water, mix the water through the bypass pipe, and control the amount of cold water mixed in through the bypass pipe so that the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature to meet the user's water needs.

[0101] Even after the user stops using water, the heat exchanger still stores high-temperature water. When the user uses water again, the high-temperature water mixes with the cold water from the bypass pipe to fully or partially meet the user's water needs during the pre-cleaning process before the water heater restarts. Due to the diversion of the bypass pipe, the flow rate in the heat exchanger is slow, allowing more cold water to be mixed for a longer period of time. This ensures that the cold water has a longer time to be mixed into hot water before the water heater officially starts igniting, thus greatly reducing the temperature drop during the re-outflow process.

[0102] After the water heater completes the startup process, the servo valve can be controlled to gradually close the bypass pipe, and the water heater will then perform constant temperature combustion using existing technology.

[0103] This embodiment raises the water temperature in the heat exchanger during combustion, and adjusts the amount of cold water mixed in through the bypass pipe by controlling the opening of the servo valve, thereby reducing the flow rate in the heat exchanger and extending the time for hot water to be discharged from the heat exchanger after the user stops using water. Due to the diversion of the bypass pipe, the flow rate in the heat exchanger is slow, thus allowing more and longer-term mixing of cold water. This ensures that the cold water can be mixed into hot water before the water heater officially starts burning, greatly reducing the temperature drop during the re-discharge process. After the water heater completes the start-up process, the servo valve is controlled to gradually close the bypass pipe, and the water heater performs constant-temperature combustion using existing technology, which has no impact on combustion heating in conventional water use scenarios.

[0104] In practice, the control methods also include:

[0105] When entering the bypass pipe opening mode, if the current opening degree of the servo valve is zero, the opening degree of the servo valve is controlled to be the preset initial opening degree.

[0106] The current opening degree of the servo valve is zero, indicating that the servo valve is closed, and the bypass pipe is also closed. When the user uses water (turns on the hot water tap), all water flows through the heat exchanger for combustion and heat exchange. Closing the servo valve allows the water heater to quickly dispense hot water at the set temperature, and the combustion heating process is similar to that of existing water heater examples.

[0107] Entering bypass pipe open mode means that the bypass pipe needs to be opened to allow cold water to mix with the high-temperature water from the heat exchanger. Understandably, the initial opening degree should be greater than zero.

[0108] When the servo valve is opened, a portion of the cold water will bypass the heat exchanger and flow directly to the outlet pipe through the bypass pipe. It will mix with the hot water flowing out of the heat exchanger and then flow out of the water heater. At this moment, the outlet water temperature will drop slightly by Δt (e.g., 1°C). Due to the temperature deviation, the water heater (e.g., through the electronic control assembly) will appropriately increase the combustion load. And because the amount of water flowing to the heat exchanger is reduced, after a period of time (e.g., after 5 seconds), the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger will inevitably rise. Eventually, the outlet water temperature after mixing will return to the original temperature (e.g., reach the set temperature).

[0109] The initial opening degree k can be set according to actual needs.

[0110] In practice, the bypass pipe can be opened when: the user is using water and the water temperature from the water heater reaches the set temperature.

[0111] When the user's water demand is met, the bypass pipe can be turned on to raise the water temperature in the heat exchanger and prepare for the user's next water use.

[0112] In specific implementation, refer to Figure 4 Step S13, "controlling the opening degree of the servo valve according to the heat exchanger outlet water temperature, set temperature, inlet water temperature, inlet water flow rate, and bypass water flow rate," includes:

[0113] S131. When the user is using water and the water temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature and the water temperature of the heat exchanger is less than or equal to the preset upper limit of temperature, the opening degree of the servo valve is increased by a preset opening degree increment.

[0114] S132. When the user is using water and the water temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature and the water temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than the preset upper temperature limit, the opening of the servo valve is controlled to maintain the current opening.

[0115] The opening increment Δk can be equal to or different from the initial opening k.

[0116] Each time the servo valve opening is increased by an increment Δk, more cold water immediately bypasses the heat exchanger and flows directly to the outlet pipe through the bypass pipe. This water mixes with the hot water flowing from the heat exchanger and exits the water heater. At this moment, the outlet water temperature will momentarily drop slightly by Δt (e.g., 1°C). Due to this temperature deviation, the water heater (e.g., via the electronic control assembly) will appropriately increase its combustion load. Furthermore, because the amount of water flowing to the heat exchanger is reduced, the outlet water temperature will inevitably rise after a period of time (e.g., after 5 seconds). Eventually, the mixed water outlet temperature will return to its original temperature (e.g., reach the set temperature). Repeating this process by increasing the valve opening again will achieve the desired effect.

[0117] The bypass water flow rate q through the bypass pipe is thus achieved. p It will gradually increase, while the flow rate q flowing through the heat exchanger r (q r =qq p It will gradually become smaller.

[0118] When the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is t r When the temperature reaches the upper limit T (e.g., 70℃), the servo valve maintains its current opening for combustion heating. At this time, the water temperature after mixing is still equal to the set temperature, but the water temperature at the heat exchanger is significantly increased.

[0119] The upper limit of temperature and the increment of opening can be set according to actual needs.

[0120] In specific implementation, refer to Figure 4 Step S13, "controlling the opening degree of the servo valve according to the heat exchanger outlet water temperature, set temperature, inlet water temperature, inlet water flow rate, and bypass water flow rate," also includes:

[0121] S133. In response to the user stopping water use, the combustion heating is stopped.

[0122] S134. If the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than the preset minimum temperature threshold, the opening degree of the control servo valve is set to zero, and the bypass pipe opening mode is exited.

[0123] S135. If the heat exchanger outlet water temperature is less than or equal to the minimum temperature threshold, in response to the user using water again, a pre-cleaning is performed, and the bypass water flow target value is calculated based on the heat exchanger outlet water temperature, set temperature, inlet water temperature and inlet water flow rate.

[0124] S136. Control the opening of the servo valve according to the target value of the bypass water flow rate so that the bypass water flow rate reaches the target value.

[0125] S137. During pre-cleaning, constant temperature combustion is performed, the opening of the servo valve is gradually reduced to zero, and the bypass pipe opening mode is exited.

[0126] When the user stops using water (turns off the hot water tap), the heat exchanger will store heated, high-temperature hot water. The servo valve maintains the same opening degree as when the water heater is off.

[0127] Then, when the user turns the hot water tap back on shortly afterward, during the water heater's startup process (pre-cleaning, ignition, and flame transmission), because the servo valve maintains the same opening as when the water heater was off, some cold water initially flows through the bypass pipe and some cold water flows through the heat exchanger. At this time, the high-temperature water flowing out of the heat exchanger mixes with the cold water in the bypass pipe before flowing out.

[0128] Then immediately based on the heat exchanger outlet water temperature t r Set temperature t s Inlet water temperature t j The target value of the bypass water flow rate q is obtained by calculating the influent flow rate q. ps According to the target value q of the bypass water flow ps The bypass water flow rate q is adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the servo valve. p .

[0129] Before the water heater completes its restart process and enters constant-temperature combustion, after a period of mixing and draining, the outlet water temperature t of the heat exchanger reaches... r Less than the minimum temperature threshold T min This indicates that the water heater is essentially in a cold state, with low water temperature in the heat exchanger and virtually no ability to raise the outlet water temperature. If the bypass valve remains open at this point, the flow rate through the heat exchanger will be low, only slowing down the initial hot water output. Therefore, it is necessary to control the servo valve to close the bypass pipe to maximize the initial hot water output speed.

[0130] The minimum temperature threshold can be set according to actual needs.

[0131] In practice, the control methods also include:

[0132] If the inflow rate is greater than the preset start-up flow rate threshold, the user is using water; if the inflow rate is less than or equal to the start-up flow rate threshold, the user stops using water.

[0133] Among them, the upper limit of temperature is greater than the starting flow threshold.

[0134] One method is to determine whether a user is using water by comparing the inflow rate with the start-up flow rate threshold.

[0135] You can also determine if a user is using water by checking that the inflow rate is greater than the start-up flow rate threshold and continues for a certain period of time.

[0136] You can set the startup traffic threshold according to your actual needs.

[0137] In practical implementation, the target value of bypass water flow rate is expressed by the following formula:

[0138] q ps =q*(t) r -t s ) / (t r -t j ).

[0139] Where, q ps Indicates the target value of bypass water flow rate, t r The temperature of the water outlet from the heat exchanger is represented by t. s Indicates the set temperature, t j q represents the inlet water temperature, and q represents the inlet water flow rate.

[0140] Among them, due to q*t s =q r *t r +q ps *t j And q = q r +q ps , can obtain q ps =q*(t) r -t s ) / (t r -t j ).

[0141] Example 3

[0142] This embodiment provides a control system for a water heater, which utilizes the water heater described in Embodiment 1. (Refer to...) Figure 5 The control system includes:

[0143] The acquisition module 21 is used to acquire the water outlet temperature of the water heater, the water outlet temperature of the heat exchanger, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate, and the bypass water flow rate.

[0144] The mode switching module 22 is used to enter the bypass pipe opening mode when the bypass pipe opening conditions are met.

[0145] The bypass pipe control module 23 is used to adjust the load in real time to achieve constant temperature combustion so that the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature in the bypass pipe open mode, and to control the opening degree of the servo valve according to the heat exchanger outlet temperature, set temperature, inlet water temperature, inlet water flow rate and bypass water flow rate.

[0146] Among them, the set temperature t s This is the user-set target outlet water temperature. Water heater outlet water temperature t c Heat exchanger outlet water temperature t r Inlet water temperature t j Inlet flow rate q and bypass flow rate q p It can be measured by the sensor of the water heater in Example 1.

[0147] In this embodiment, the water heater can raise the water temperature in the heat exchanger when the user uses water, mix the water through the bypass pipe, and control the amount of cold water mixed in through the bypass pipe so that the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature to meet the user's water needs.

[0148] Even after the user stops using water, the heat exchanger still stores high-temperature water. When the user uses water again, the high-temperature water mixes with the cold water from the bypass pipe to fully or partially meet the user's water needs during the pre-cleaning process before the water heater restarts. Due to the diversion of the bypass pipe, the flow rate in the heat exchanger is slow, allowing more cold water to be mixed for a longer period of time. This ensures that the cold water has a longer time to be mixed into hot water before the water heater officially starts igniting, thus greatly reducing the temperature drop during the re-outflow process.

[0149] After the water heater completes the startup process, the servo valve can be controlled to gradually close the bypass pipe, and the water heater will then perform constant temperature combustion using existing technology.

[0150] This embodiment raises the water temperature in the heat exchanger during combustion, and adjusts the amount of cold water mixed in through the bypass pipe by controlling the opening of the servo valve, thereby reducing the flow rate in the heat exchanger and extending the time for hot water to be discharged from the heat exchanger after the user stops using water. Due to the diversion of the bypass pipe, the flow rate in the heat exchanger is slow, thus allowing more and longer-term mixing of cold water. This ensures that the cold water can be mixed into hot water before the water heater officially starts burning, greatly reducing the temperature drop during the re-discharge process. After the water heater completes the start-up process, the servo valve is controlled to gradually close the bypass pipe, and the water heater performs constant-temperature combustion using existing technology, which has no impact on combustion heating in conventional water use scenarios.

[0151] In specific implementation, the bypass control module 23 is also used to control the opening degree of the servo valve to the preset initial opening degree when the bypass opening mode is entered, if the current opening degree of the servo valve is zero.

[0152] The current opening degree of the servo valve is zero, indicating that the servo valve is closed, and the bypass pipe is also closed. When the user uses water (turns on the hot water tap), all water flows through the heat exchanger for combustion and heat exchange. Closing the servo valve allows the water heater to quickly dispense hot water at the set temperature, and the combustion heating process is similar to that of existing water heater examples.

[0153] Entering bypass pipe open mode means that the bypass pipe needs to be opened to allow cold water to mix with the high-temperature water from the heat exchanger. Understandably, the initial opening degree should be greater than zero.

[0154] When the servo valve is opened, a portion of the cold water will bypass the heat exchanger and flow directly to the outlet pipe through the bypass pipe. It will mix with the hot water flowing out of the heat exchanger and then flow out of the water heater. At this moment, the outlet water temperature will drop slightly by Δt (e.g., 1°C). Due to the temperature deviation, the water heater (e.g., through the electronic control assembly) will appropriately increase the combustion load. And because the amount of water flowing to the heat exchanger is reduced, after a period of time (e.g., after 5 seconds), the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger will inevitably rise. Eventually, the outlet water temperature after mixing will return to the original temperature (e.g., reach the set temperature).

[0155] The initial opening degree k can be set according to actual needs.

[0156] In practice, the bypass pipe can be opened when: the user is using water and the water temperature from the water heater reaches the set temperature.

[0157] When the user's water demand is met, the bypass pipe can be turned on to raise the water temperature in the heat exchanger and prepare for the user's next water use.

[0158] In specific implementation, the bypass pipe control module 23 is also used to control the opening degree of the servo valve to increase the preset opening degree increment when the user is using water and the water temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature and the water temperature of the heat exchanger is less than or equal to the preset upper limit temperature value.

[0159] The bypass pipe control module 23 is also used to control the opening of the servo valve to maintain the current opening when the user is using water and the water temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature and the water temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than the preset upper temperature limit.

[0160] The opening increment Δk can be equal to or different from the initial opening k.

[0161] Each time the servo valve opening is increased by an increment Δk, more cold water immediately bypasses the heat exchanger and flows directly to the outlet pipe through the bypass pipe. This water mixes with the hot water flowing from the heat exchanger and exits the water heater. At this moment, the outlet water temperature will momentarily drop slightly by Δt (e.g., 1°C). Due to this temperature deviation, the water heater (e.g., via the electronic control assembly) will appropriately increase its combustion load. Furthermore, because the amount of water flowing to the heat exchanger is reduced, the outlet water temperature will inevitably rise after a period of time (e.g., after 5 seconds). Eventually, the mixed water outlet temperature will return to its original temperature (e.g., reach the set temperature). Repeating this process by increasing the valve opening again will achieve the desired effect.

[0162] The bypass water flow rate q through the bypass pipe is thus achieved. p It will gradually increase, while the flow rate q flowing through the heat exchanger r (q r =qq p It will gradually become smaller.

[0163] When the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is t r When the temperature reaches the upper limit T (e.g., 70℃), the servo valve maintains its current opening for combustion heating. At this time, the water temperature after mixing is still equal to the set temperature, but the water temperature at the heat exchanger is significantly increased.

[0164] The upper limit of temperature and the increment of opening can be set according to actual needs.

[0165] In practice, the bypass pipe control module 23 is also used to stop combustion heating in response to the user stopping water use.

[0166] The bypass pipe control module 23 is also used to control the opening degree of the servo valve to zero and exit the bypass pipe opening mode if the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than the preset minimum temperature threshold.

[0167] The bypass pipe control module 23 is also used to perform pre-cleaning in response to the user's re-use of water if the heat exchanger outlet water temperature is less than or equal to the minimum temperature threshold, and to calculate the target value of the bypass water flow rate based on the heat exchanger outlet water temperature, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature and the inlet water flow rate.

[0168] The bypass pipe control module 23 is also used to control the opening of the servo valve according to the target value of the bypass water flow, so that the bypass water flow reaches the target value of the bypass water flow.

[0169] The bypass pipe control module 23 is also used to perform constant temperature combustion during pre-cleaning, gradually control the opening of the servo valve to decrease to zero, and exit the bypass pipe opening mode.

[0170] When the user stops using water (turns off the hot water tap), the heat exchanger will store heated, high-temperature hot water. The servo valve maintains the same opening degree as when the water heater is off.

[0171] Then, when the user turns the hot water tap back on shortly afterward, during the water heater's startup process (pre-cleaning, ignition, and flame transmission), because the servo valve maintains the same opening as when the water heater was off, some cold water initially flows through the bypass pipe and some cold water flows through the heat exchanger. At this time, the high-temperature water flowing out of the heat exchanger mixes with the cold water in the bypass pipe before flowing out.

[0172] Then immediately based on the heat exchanger outlet water temperature t r Set temperature t s Inlet water temperature t j The target value of the bypass water flow rate q is obtained by calculating the influent flow rate q. ps According to the target value q of the bypass water flow ps The bypass water flow rate q is adjusted by controlling the opening degree of the servo valve. p .

[0173] Before the water heater completes its restart process and enters constant-temperature combustion, after a period of mixing and draining, the outlet water temperature t of the heat exchanger reaches... r Less than the minimum temperature threshold T min This indicates that the water heater is essentially in a cold state, with low water temperature in the heat exchanger and virtually no ability to raise the outlet water temperature. If the bypass valve remains open at this point, the flow rate through the heat exchanger will be low, only slowing down the initial hot water output. Therefore, it is necessary to control the servo valve to close the bypass pipe to maximize the initial hot water output speed.

[0174] The minimum temperature threshold can be set according to actual needs.

[0175] In specific implementation, the bypass pipe control module 23 is also used to determine that the user is using water if the inlet flow rate is greater than the preset start flow rate threshold; and to determine that the user stops using water if the inlet flow rate is less than or equal to the start flow rate threshold.

[0176] Among them, the upper limit of temperature is greater than the starting flow threshold.

[0177] One method is to determine whether a user is using water by comparing the inflow rate with the start-up flow rate threshold.

[0178] You can also determine if a user is using water by checking that the inflow rate is greater than the start-up flow rate threshold and continues for a certain period of time.

[0179] You can set the startup traffic threshold according to your actual needs.

[0180] In practical implementation, the target value of bypass water flow rate is expressed by the following formula:

[0181] q ps =q*(t) r -ts ) / (t r -t j ).

[0182] Where, q ps Indicates the target value of bypass water flow rate, t r The temperature of the water outlet from the heat exchanger is represented by t. s Indicates the set temperature, t j q represents the inlet water temperature, and q represents the inlet water flow rate.

[0183] Among them, due to q*t s =q r *t r +q ps *t j And q = q r +q ps , can obtain q ps =q*(t) r -t s ) / (t r -t j ).

[0184] Example 4

[0185] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. The electronic device includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the program, it implements the water heater control method in Embodiment 2. Figure 6 The electronic device 30 shown is merely an example and should not impose any limitation on the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0186] The electronic device 30 may be in the form of a general-purpose computing device, such as a server device. The components of the electronic device 30 may include, but are not limited to: at least one processor 31, at least one memory 32, and a bus 33 connecting different system components (including memory 32 and processor 31).

[0187] Bus 33 includes a data bus, an address bus, and a control bus.

[0188] The memory 32 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 321 and / or cache memory 322, and may further include read-only memory (ROM) 323.

[0189] The memory 32 may also include a program / utility 325 having a set (at least one) of program modules 324, including but not limited to: an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each or some combination of these examples may include an implementation of a network environment.

[0190] The processor 31 executes various functional applications and data processing by running computer programs stored in the memory 32, such as the water heater control method in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0191] Electronic device 30 can also communicate with one or more external devices 34 (e.g., buttons, pointing devices, etc.). This communication can be performed via input / output (I / O) interface 35. Furthermore, the model-generated electronic device 30 can also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., local area network (LAN), wide area network (WAN), and / or public networks, such as the Internet) via network adapter 36. As shown in the figure, network adapter 36 communicates with other modules of the model-generated electronic device 30 via bus 33. It should be understood that, although not shown in the figure, other hardware and / or software modules can be used in conjunction with the model-generated electronic device 30, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processors, external disk drive arrays, RAID (disk array) systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0192] It should be noted that although several units / modules or sub-units / modules of the electronic device are mentioned in the detailed description above, this division is merely exemplary and not mandatory. In fact, according to embodiments of the present invention, the features and functions of two or more units / modules described above can be embodied in one unit / module; conversely, the features and functions of one unit / module described above can be further divided into multiple units / modules for embodiment.

[0193] Example 5

[0194] This embodiment provides a computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the water heater control method of Embodiment 2.

[0195] The readable storage medium may be more specifically adopted, including but not limited to: portable disk, hard disk, random access memory, read-only memory, erasable programmable read-only memory, optical storage device, magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0196] In a possible implementation, the present invention can also be implemented as a program product comprising program code, which, when the program product is run on a terminal device, is used to cause the terminal device to execute the control method for the water heater in Embodiment 2.

[0197] The program code for executing the present invention can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user device, partially on the user device, as a standalone software package, partially on the user device and partially on a remote device, or entirely on a remote device.

[0198] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described above, those skilled in the art should understand that these are merely illustrative examples, and the scope of protection of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art can make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but all such changes and modifications fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes: a bypass pipe, a heat exchanger outlet water temperature sensor, and a heat exchanger; The inlet of the bypass pipe is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger, and the outlet of the bypass pipe is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger. A servo valve and a bypass water flow sensor are installed on the bypass pipe. The servo valve is used to control the water flow rate in the bypass pipe, and the bypass water flow sensor is used to measure the bypass water flow rate in the bypass pipe. The heat exchanger outlet water temperature sensor is installed at the outlet of the heat exchanger and is used to measure the heat exchanger outlet water temperature. The control method includes: Obtain the water heater outlet temperature, heat exchanger outlet temperature, set temperature, inlet water temperature, inlet water flow rate, and bypass water flow rate; When the bypass pipe opening conditions are met, the system enters the bypass pipe opening mode. In the bypass pipe open mode, the load is adjusted in real time to maintain constant temperature combustion so that the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature, and the opening degree of the servo valve is controlled according to the heat exchanger outlet temperature, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate and the bypass water flow rate. The bypass pipe opening conditions include: the user is using water and the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature; The method of controlling the opening degree of the servo valve based on the heat exchanger outlet water temperature, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate, and the bypass water flow rate includes: When the user is using water and the water temperature from the water heater reaches the set temperature and the water temperature from the heat exchanger is less than or equal to the preset upper temperature limit, the opening degree of the servo valve is increased by a preset opening increment. When the user is using water and the water temperature from the water heater reaches the set temperature and the water temperature from the heat exchanger is greater than the preset upper temperature limit, the servo valve is controlled to maintain the current opening. The method of controlling the opening degree of the servo valve based on the heat exchanger outlet water temperature, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate, and the bypass water flow rate further includes: In response to the user stopping water use, combustion heating will be stopped; If the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is greater than the preset minimum temperature threshold, the opening degree of the servo valve is controlled to be zero, and the bypass pipe opening mode is exited. If the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is less than or equal to the minimum temperature threshold, in response to the user using water again, a pre-cleaning is performed, and the bypass water flow target value is calculated based on the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, and the inlet water flow rate. The opening degree of the servo valve is controlled according to the target value of the bypass water flow rate so that the bypass water flow rate reaches the target value. During the pre-cleaning process, constant temperature combustion is performed, and the opening degree of the servo valve is gradually reduced to zero, and the bypass pipe opening mode is exited.

2. The water heater control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: When entering the bypass pipe opening mode, if the current opening degree of the servo valve is zero, the opening degree of the servo valve is controlled to be the preset initial opening degree.

3. The water heater control method as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: If the inlet water flow rate is greater than the preset start-up flow rate threshold, the user is using water; if the inlet water flow rate is less than or equal to the start-up flow rate threshold, the user stops using water. Wherein, the upper limit of temperature is greater than the starting flow threshold.

4. The control method for a water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The target value of the bypass water flow rate is expressed by the following formula: q ps = q*(t r -t s ) / (t r -t j ); Where, q ps The target value of the bypass water flow rate, t r The outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger is represented by t. s The set temperature is represented by t. j q represents the inlet water temperature, and q represents the inlet water flow rate.

5. A control system for a water heater, characterized in that, The control system is implemented using the control method for a water heater as described in any one of claims 1-4, and the control system includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire the water outlet temperature of the water heater, the water outlet temperature of the heat exchanger, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate, and the bypass water flow rate; The mode switching module is used to enter the bypass tube opening mode when the bypass tube opening conditions are met. The bypass pipe control module is used to adjust the load in real time to maintain constant temperature combustion in the bypass pipe open mode so that the water outlet temperature of the water heater reaches the set temperature, and to control the opening degree of the servo valve according to the heat exchanger outlet temperature, the set temperature, the inlet water temperature, the inlet water flow rate and the bypass water flow rate.

6. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the control method for the water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

7. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the control method for the water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 4.

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