Control method, controller, water heater and storage medium for water heater

Abstract

The embodiment of the application provides a water heater control method, a controller, a water heater and a storage medium, comprising the following steps: obtaining a first ambient temperature and a total hot water usage heat in a historical time period; determining a load value corresponding to the total hot water usage heat according to the total hot water usage heat; and determining a target set temperature of the water heater according to the first ambient temperature and the load value. The embodiment of the application can determine the load value according to the actual total hot water usage heat of a user, and can associate the ambient temperature and the load value to calculate a suitable target set temperature, so that the set temperature of the water heater can be prevented from being too high, the water tank hot water can be ensured to be sufficient, and the high-efficiency energy-saving property of the water heater can be ensured.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, the energy efficiency value of current water heaters varies under different usage conditions. Specifically, the higher the set temperature of the water heater, the lower its energy efficiency value. Furthermore, the higher the set temperature of the water heater, the more heat is stored in the water tank. If the heat of the hot water used by the user does not match the heat stored in the water tank, that is, the heat of the hot water used is less than the heat stored in the water tank, the water heater will frequently start and stop heating in the high water temperature range, which will further reduce the energy efficiency value of the water heater and result in poor energy saving effect. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in the prior art. To this end, this application proposes a control method, controller, water heater, and storage medium for a water heater, aiming to improve the energy efficiency value of the water heater and enhance its energy-saving effect.

[0004] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a method for controlling a water heater, including:

[0005] Obtain the initial ambient temperature and the total hot water heat used within the historical time period;

[0006] The load value corresponding to the total hot water heat usage is determined based on the total hot water heat usage.

[0007] The target set temperature of the water heater is determined based on the first ambient temperature and the load value.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, the total hot water heat usage is obtained through the following steps:

[0009] Obtain the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, top water temperature, and total hot water usage time within a historical time period;

[0010] The total amount of hot water used is determined based on the water flow rate of the water tank, the inlet water temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total time of hot water use.

[0011] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the total heat consumption of hot water based on the water flow rate of the water tank, the inlet water temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total hot water usage time includes:

[0012] For each instance of hot water use within the historical time period, the single hot water use time is obtained, and the heat of the first single hot water use is determined based on the water flow rate of the water tank, the inlet water temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the single hot water use time.

[0013] The total hot water heat used is determined based on all the first single hot water heat used within the historical time period.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the total heat consumption of hot water based on the water flow rate of the water tank, the inlet water temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total hot water usage time includes:

[0015] To obtain the specific heat capacity and density of water;

[0016] The total amount of hot water used is determined based on the specific heat capacity, the density, the water flow rate in the water tank, the inlet water temperature in the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total time of hot water use.

[0017] According to some embodiments of this application, the total hot water heat usage is obtained through the following steps:

[0018] Obtain the heat pump heating capacity, total heat pump heating time, electric auxiliary heating power, and total electric auxiliary heating time within a historical time period;

[0019] The total amount of hot water used is determined based on the heat pump's heating capacity, the total heat pump's heating time, the electric auxiliary heating power, and the total electric auxiliary heating time.

[0020] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the total heat capacity of hot water used based on the heat pump's heating capacity, the total heat pump heating time, the electric auxiliary heating power, and the total electric auxiliary heating time includes:

[0021] The first component of hot water heat is determined based on the heat pump's heating capacity and the total heat pump heating time.

[0022] The second component of hot water heat is determined based on the electric auxiliary heating power and the total electric auxiliary heating time.

[0023] The total hot water heat used is determined based on the first component of hot water heat used and the second component of hot water heat used.

[0024] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the first component of hot water heat based on the heat pump's heating capacity and the total heat pump heating time includes:

[0025] For each instance of heat pump operation within the historical time period, the single heat pump heating time is obtained, and the second single hot water usage heat is determined based on the heat pump's heating capacity and the single heat pump heating time.

[0026] The first hot water heat component is determined based on all the second single hot water heat used within the historical time period.

[0027] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the second hot water heat component based on the electric auxiliary heating power and the total electric auxiliary heating time includes:

[0028] For each instance of electric auxiliary heating operation within the historical time period, the single electric auxiliary heating time is obtained, and the third single hot water heat is determined based on the electric auxiliary heating power and the single electric auxiliary heating time.

[0029] The second hot water heat component is determined based on all the third single hot water heat used within the historical time period.

[0030] According to some embodiments of this application, the heat pump heating capacity is obtained by the following steps: obtaining a second ambient temperature, and determining the heat pump heating capacity based on the second ambient temperature;

[0031] The electric auxiliary heating power is obtained through the following steps: obtaining a second ambient temperature, and determining the electric auxiliary heating power based on the second ambient temperature; wherein, when the second ambient temperature is greater than a preset value, the electric auxiliary heating power is determined to be zero.

[0032] According to some embodiments of this application, it is characterized by including at least one of the following:

[0033] There is a positive correlation between the total hot water consumption, the load value, and the target set temperature.

[0034] There is a negative correlation between the first ambient temperature and the target set temperature.

[0035] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the target set temperature of the water heater based on the first ambient temperature and the load value includes:

[0036] Determine the corresponding correction parameters based on the first ambient temperature;

[0037] The correction parameters and the load value are input into the temperature calculation model to obtain the target set temperature of the water heater.

[0038] The temperature calculation model includes a first constant, a first input variable, and a second input variable. The first input variable is assigned the value of the correction parameter, and the second input variable is assigned the value of the load value. The sum of the product of the first input variable and the second input variable and the first constant is the target set temperature.

[0039] Secondly, embodiments of this application provide a controller, including: a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the control method for a water heater as described in the first aspect above when running the computer program.

[0040] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a water heater, including the controller described in the second aspect above.

[0041] According to some embodiments of this application, the water heater further includes a water tank and a water flow sensor, wherein the water flow sensor is disposed at the inlet or outlet of the water tank.

[0042] Fourthly, embodiments of this application provide a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the control method for a water heater as described in the first aspect above.

[0043] According to the technical solution of this application embodiment, at least the following beneficial effects are achieved: First, this application embodiment obtains a first ambient temperature and the total hot water heat usage within a historical time period; then, this application embodiment determines a load value corresponding to the total hot water heat usage; next, this application embodiment determines the target set temperature of the water heater based on the first ambient temperature and the load value. This application embodiment can determine the load value based on the user's actual total hot water heat usage and correlate the ambient temperature and the load value to calculate a suitable target set temperature, which can avoid the water heater's set temperature from being too high, ensuring both the abundance of hot water in the tank and the high energy efficiency of the water heater.

[0044] Additional aspects and advantages of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0045] The accompanying drawings are used to provide a further understanding of the technical solutions of this application and constitute a part of the specification. They are used together with the embodiments of this application to explain the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions of this application.

[0046] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of a controller for performing a control method for a water heater according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0059] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0060] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the orientation descriptions, such as up, down, front, back, left, right, etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0061] In the description of this application, "several" means one or more, "more than" means two or more, "greater than," "less than," and "exceeding" are understood to exclude the stated number, while "above," "below," and "within" are understood to include the stated number. The use of "first" and "second" in the description is merely for distinguishing technical features and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance, or implicitly indicating the number of indicated technical features, or implicitly indicating the order of the indicated technical features.

[0062] In the description of this application, unless otherwise expressly defined, terms such as "setup," "installation," and "connection" should be interpreted broadly, and those skilled in the art can reasonably determine the specific meaning of the above terms in this application in conjunction with the specific content of the technical solution.

[0063] In some regions, domestic hot water accounts for a significant portion of household energy consumption, while energy prices have been rising. Reducing energy bills is becoming crucial for most households. Heat pump water heaters show great promise, and as society drives energy transition to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, heat pump water heaters, a clean energy technology, effectively reduce carbon emissions. Furthermore, heat pump water heaters are more efficient than traditional gas and electric water heaters, saving both energy and money. Therefore, sales of heat pump water heaters are increasing year by year in some regional markets and are expected to continue this growth trend in the coming years.

[0064] Although heat pump water heaters are highly efficient and energy-saving, the Coefficient of Performance (COP) value varies depending on the ambient temperature and the set temperature, even with the same amount of hot water used. A higher COP value indicates greater energy savings. Conventional heat pump water heaters typically have a default set temperature above 55℃. The higher the set temperature, the lower the COP. Also, a higher set temperature means more heat is stored in the tank. If the amount of hot water used by the user does not match the amount stored in the tank (i.e., the amount of hot water used is less than the amount stored), the machine will frequently start and stop heating at higher temperatures, further reducing the COP and resulting in poor energy efficiency.

[0065] Based on the above, this application proposes a water heater control method, controller, water heater, and storage medium, aiming to improve the energy efficiency of the water heater and enhance its energy-saving effect. Specifically, it aims to adjust the set temperature of the heat pump water heater according to the user's actual daily hot water consumption and different seasons, through an intelligent algorithm, to achieve the optimal energy-saving usage. In principle, the more hot water the user uses and the lower the ambient temperature, the higher the set water temperature should be; however, the intelligent algorithm of this application limits the upper limit of the set water temperature. This ensures both an ample supply of hot water in the tank, allowing users to have hot water at any time, and the high energy efficiency of the heat pump water heater.

[0066] The various embodiments of the water heater of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0067] like Figure 1 As shown, Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0068] In one embodiment, the water heater of this application includes a water tank 100, wherein the water tank 100 is provided with an inlet 110 and an outlet 120.

[0069] In addition, in one embodiment, the water heater of this application embodiment also includes, but is not limited to, one or more temperature sensors. In this application embodiment, temperature sensors can be used to detect inlet water temperature, water temperature at the top of water tank 100, ambient temperature, or other temperatures, etc.

[0070] In addition, in one embodiment, the water heater of this application embodiment also includes, but is not limited to, a water flow sensor, wherein the water flow sensor can be used to detect the inlet water flow or the outlet water flow.

[0071] It should be noted that the water flow sensor can be installed at the inlet 110 or the outlet 120 of the water tank 100.

[0072] Additionally, it should be noted that if the water flow sensor is installed at the inlet 110, then the embodiments of this application can be implemented as follows. Figure 1 As shown, a water flow sensor and a temperature sensor for detecting the inlet water temperature are integrated into a single sensor assembly 130, which can simultaneously detect both water flow and inlet water temperature. Alternatively, if the water flow sensor is installed at the outlet 120, then this embodiment requires a separate temperature sensor for detecting the inlet water temperature at the inlet 110.

[0073] It is worth noting that the water heater in this application embodiment can be a heat pump water heater, a gas water heater, an electric water heater, or other types of water heaters. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the type of water heater.

[0074] Based on the hardware structure of the water heater in the above embodiments, the following are various embodiments of the control method of the water heater of this application.

[0075] like Figure 2 As shown, Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method according to an embodiment of this application. The water heater control method may include, but is not limited to, steps S210, S220, and S230.

[0076] Step S210: Obtain the first ambient temperature and the total hot water heat used within the historical time period;

[0077] Step S220: Determine the load value corresponding to the total hot water heat usage based on the total hot water heat usage;

[0078] Step S230: Determine the target set temperature of the water heater based on the first ambient temperature and load value.

[0079] In one embodiment, firstly, the present invention can obtain the total hot water heat consumption within a historical time period and use the total hot water heat consumption as reference data; then, based on the calculated value of the total hot water heat consumption, it is converted into a corresponding load value; next, the present invention obtains the current first ambient temperature; finally, the present invention calculates the target set temperature of the water heater based on the above-mentioned load value and the first ambient temperature, and then sets the set temperature of the water heater to the target set temperature.

[0080] It should be noted that the aforementioned historical time period can be any selected time period, such as 12 hours or 24 hours. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the duration of the historical time period.

[0081] Additionally, it should be noted that the aforementioned historical time period can be a time period that matches the user's lifestyle and daily routine. For example, if it is currently a Monday workday and the user needs to set the target temperature of the water heater for that day, then the historical time period would correspond to the previous Monday workday; if it is currently a Saturday rest day and the user needs to set the target temperature of the water heater for that day, then the historical time period would correspond to the previous Saturday rest day.

[0082] Additionally, it should be noted that the aforementioned load value is used to characterize the calorific value imparted by the hot water heat. Different hot water heat values ​​correspond to different load values. Therefore, the embodiments of this application can obtain the corresponding load value by the total hot water heat used within a historical time period.

[0083] In this embodiment, the total hot water heat consumption can be input into the calculation formula, and the corresponding load value can be calculated through the calculation formula; or, in this embodiment, a table can be looked up based on the total hot water heat consumption to find the load value corresponding to the total hot water heat consumption; in addition, the load value can also be obtained in other ways, and this embodiment does not specifically limit it.

[0084] It is understandable that the relationship between the total hot water consumption and the load value mentioned above can be positively correlated, that is, the greater the total hot water consumption, the greater the load value; and the smaller the total hot water consumption, the smaller the load value.

[0085] In addition, it is worth noting that the embodiments of this application can determine the load value based on the user's actual total hot water consumption and calculate a suitable target set temperature by associating the ambient temperature with the load value. This can avoid the water heater's set temperature being too high, ensuring both the abundance of hot water in the tank and the high efficiency and energy saving of the water heater.

[0086] In addition, the relationship between the load value and the target set temperature can be positively correlated, that is, the larger the load value, the higher the target set temperature; the smaller the load value, the lower the target set temperature.

[0087] Therefore, based on the relationship between the total hot water usage and the load value, as well as the relationship between the load value and the target set temperature, the embodiments of this application show that there is a positive correlation between the total hot water usage, the load value, and the target set temperature; that is, the greater the total hot water usage, the greater the load value, and the higher the target set temperature; the smaller the total hot water usage, the smaller the load value, and the lower the target set temperature.

[0088] Additionally, it should be noted that there is a negative correlation between the first ambient temperature and the target set temperature; that is, the higher the first ambient temperature, the lower the target set temperature, and vice versa.

[0089] In addition, such as Figure 3 As shown, Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. The process of obtaining the total heat of hot water used described above may include, but is not limited to, steps S310 and S320.

[0090] Step S310: Obtain the water flow rate, water inlet temperature, water temperature at the top of the water tank, and total hot water usage time within the historical time period;

[0091] Step S320: Determine the total amount of hot water used based on the water flow rate, water inlet temperature, water temperature at the top of the tank, and total hot water usage time.

[0092] In one embodiment, in order to obtain the total hot water heat used within a historical time period, this embodiment of the application can detect the water flow rate of the water tank, the water inlet temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total hot water usage time, and input the water flow rate of the water tank, the water inlet temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total hot water usage time into the calculation formula, and calculate the corresponding total hot water heat used through the calculation formula.

[0093] It should be noted that the water flow rate of the water tank mentioned above can be either the water flow rate at the water tank inlet or the water flow rate at the water tank outlet. This application embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0094] Additionally, it should be noted that regarding the total hot water usage time mentioned above, if hot water is used continuously throughout the historical time period, then the total hot water usage time is the duration of the historical time period; if hot water is used multiple times at different times within the historical time period, then the total hot water usage time is the sum of the times of using hot water at different times.

[0095] In addition, such as Figure 4 As shown, Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S320 described above may include, but is not limited to, steps S410 and S420.

[0096] Step S410: For each instance of hot water usage within a historical time period, obtain the single hot water usage time, and determine the heat of the first single hot water usage based on the water tank flow rate, water tank inlet temperature, water temperature at the top of the water tank, and single hot water usage time.

[0097] Step S420: Determine the total hot water heat used based on all the first single hot water heat used within the historical time period.

[0098] In one embodiment, if a user uses hot water multiple times at different times within a historical period, this embodiment of the application counts the amount of hot water used each time, and then adds up the amount of hot water used for all the times to obtain the total amount of hot water used within the historical period.

[0099] Specifically, if a user uses hot water multiple times at different times within a historical period, this embodiment of the application can detect the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, upper water temperature, and single hot water usage time for each use. These parameters are then input into a calculation formula to calculate the heat generated in each single hot water usage session. Since the user uses hot water multiple times within a historical period, multiple first single hot water usage heat values ​​can be obtained. Finally, this embodiment of the application sums up all the first single hot water usage heat values ​​to obtain the total hot water heat value used within the historical period.

[0100] In addition, such as Figure 5 As shown, Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S320 may include, but is not limited to, steps S510 and S520.

[0101] Step S510: Obtain the specific heat capacity and density of water;

[0102] Step S520: Determine the total amount of hot water used based on specific heat capacity, density, water flow rate in the water tank, water inlet temperature in the water tank, water temperature at the top of the water tank, and total hot water usage time.

[0103] In one embodiment, in order to obtain the total hot water heat used within a historical time period, this embodiment of the application can detect the water flow rate of the water tank, the water inlet temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total hot water usage time. At the same time, it is also necessary to obtain the specific heat capacity and density of the water. Then, the water flow rate of the water tank, the water inlet temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, the total hot water usage time, the specific heat capacity and density of the water are input into the calculation formula, and the corresponding total hot water heat used is calculated through the calculation formula.

[0104] In another embodiment, to obtain the total hot water heat usage over a historical period, this embodiment can detect the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, upper water temperature, and single hot water usage time in the water tank. It also needs to obtain the specific heat capacity and density of the water. Next, the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, upper water temperature, single hot water usage time, specific heat capacity, and density of the water are input into a calculation formula, and the corresponding first single hot water usage heat is calculated using the formula. Finally, this embodiment sums up all the first single hot water usage heats to obtain the total hot water heat usage over the historical period.

[0105] Understandably, the values ​​for water's specific heat capacity and density are often fixed.

[0106] It is worth noting that, regarding the above Figures 3 to 5 The method and steps described above, where the total heat capacity of hot water is calculated based on water flow rate, are all based on the principle of calculation. Figures 3 to 5 It merely provides a logical method for calculating the total heat consumption of hot water based on water flow rate. However, in addition to the above... Figures 3 to 5 The present application provides another logical method for calculating the total hot water heat usage based on water flow rate, as detailed below. Figures 6 to 11 The methods and steps in the text.

[0107] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. The process for obtaining the total heat used in the hot water described above may also include, but is not limited to, steps S610 and S620.

[0108] Step S610: Obtain the heat pump heating capacity, total heat pump heating time, electric auxiliary heating power, and total electric auxiliary heating time within the historical time period;

[0109] Step S620: Determine the total amount of hot water used based on the heat pump's heating capacity, total heat pump heating time, electric auxiliary heating power, and total electric auxiliary heating time.

[0110] In one embodiment, some water heaters often include heat pump heating and electric auxiliary heating, that is, they can produce hot water by either heat pump or electric heating wire. In this application embodiment, the total heat consumption of hot water over a historical period can be calculated for both heat pump heating and electric auxiliary heating.

[0111] Specifically, in order to obtain the total heat consumption of hot water within a historical time period, this embodiment of the application can detect the heat pump heating capacity, the total heat pump heating time, the electric auxiliary heating power, and the total electric auxiliary heating time. Then, the heat pump heating capacity, the total heat pump heating time, the electric auxiliary heating power, and the total electric auxiliary heating time are input into the calculation formula, and the corresponding total heat consumption of hot water is calculated through the calculation formula.

[0112] It should be noted that for water heaters that only have a heat pump heating method, the electric auxiliary heating power and the total electric auxiliary heating time can both be set to zero; in addition, for water heaters that only have an electric auxiliary heating method, the heat pump heating capacity and the total heat pump heating time can both be set to zero.

[0113] In addition, such as Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S620 may include, but is not limited to, steps S710, S720, and S730.

[0114] Step S710: Determine the first component of hot water heat based on the heat pump's heating capacity and total heating time.

[0115] Step S720: Determine the second hot water heat component based on the electric auxiliary heating power and the total electric auxiliary heating time;

[0116] Step S730: Determine the total hot water heat usage based on the first hot water heat component and the second hot water heat component.

[0117] In one embodiment, in order to obtain the total hot water heat used within a historical period, this embodiment of the application can calculate the hot water heat generated by the heat pump heating method and the hot water heat generated by the electric auxiliary heating method separately, and then add the two together to obtain the total hot water heat used within the historical period.

[0118] Specifically, in this embodiment, the product of the heat pump's heating capacity and the total heat pump heating time can be calculated to obtain the first component of hot water heat generated by the heat pump heating method; simultaneously, the product of the electric auxiliary heating power and the total electric auxiliary heating time can be calculated to obtain the second component of hot water heat generated by the electric auxiliary heating method; finally, the first component of hot water heat and the second component of hot water heat are added together to obtain the total hot water heat generated during the historical time period.

[0119] In addition, such as Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S710 described above may include, but is not limited to, steps S810 and S820.

[0120] Step S810: For each instance of heat pump operation within a historical time period, obtain the single heat pump heating time, and determine the second single hot water usage heat based on the heat pump heating capacity and the single heat pump heating time.

[0121] Step S820: Determine the first hot water heat component based on all second single hot water heat used within the historical time period.

[0122] In one embodiment, if a user uses the heat pump to produce hot water multiple times within a historical time period, this embodiment of the application counts the amount of hot water heat corresponding to each use of the heat pump to produce hot water, and finally adds up the hot water heat from all the uses to obtain the amount of hot water heat produced by the heat pump to produce hot water within the historical time period.

[0123] Specifically, if a user uses the heat pump to produce hot water multiple times during a historical period, this embodiment can detect the heat pump's heating capacity and the single-time heating time for each use. These values ​​are then input into a calculation formula to calculate the second single-use hot water heat corresponding to each use. Since the user uses the heat pump multiple times during a historical period, multiple second single-use hot water heat values ​​can be obtained. Finally, this embodiment sums all the second single-use hot water heat values ​​to obtain the first hot water heat component generated by the heat pump during the historical period.

[0124] In addition, such as Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S720 described above may include, but is not limited to, steps S910 and S920.

[0125] Step S910: For each instance of electric auxiliary heating operation within a historical time period, obtain the single electric auxiliary heating time, and determine the third single hot water heat consumption based on the electric auxiliary heating power and the single electric auxiliary heating time.

[0126] Step S920: Determine the second hot water heat component based on all third single hot water heat used within the historical time period.

[0127] In one embodiment, if a user uses electric auxiliary heating to produce hot water multiple times within a historical time period, this embodiment of the application counts the amount of hot water heat corresponding to each use of electric auxiliary heating to produce hot water, and finally adds up the hot water heat from all the uses to obtain the amount of hot water heat produced by electric auxiliary heating during the historical time period.

[0128] Specifically, if a user uses the electric auxiliary heating system multiple times during a historical period to produce hot water, this embodiment of the application can detect the heat pump's heating capacity and the single electric auxiliary heating time for each use. These values ​​are then input into a calculation formula to calculate the third single-use hot water heat corresponding to each use of the electric auxiliary heating system. Since the user uses the electric auxiliary heating system multiple times during a historical period, multiple third single-use hot water heat values ​​can be obtained. Finally, this embodiment of the application sums all the third single-use hot water heat values ​​to obtain the second hot water heat component generated by the electric auxiliary heating system during the historical period.

[0129] In addition, such as Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. The process of obtaining the heat pump's heating capacity may include, but is not limited to, steps S1010 and S1020.

[0130] Step S1010: Obtain the second ambient temperature;

[0131] Step S1020: Determine the heat pump's heating capacity based on the second ambient temperature.

[0132] In one embodiment, the process of obtaining the heat pump heating capacity is as follows: First, the second ambient temperature is obtained within a historical time period; then, since the heat pump heating capacity of the water heater is different under different ambient temperatures, the heat pump heating capacity can be determined based on the magnitude of the second ambient temperature.

[0133] In this embodiment, the second ambient temperature can be input into the calculation formula, and the corresponding heat pump heating capacity can be calculated using the calculation formula; or, in this embodiment, a table can be looked up based on the second ambient temperature to find the heat pump heating capacity corresponding to the second ambient temperature; in addition, this embodiment can also obtain the heat pump heating capacity through other methods, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this method.

[0134] In addition, such as Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. The process of obtaining the electric auxiliary heating power described above may include, but is not limited to, steps S1110 and S1120.

[0135] Step S1110: Obtain the second ambient temperature;

[0136] Step S1120: Determine the electric auxiliary heating power based on the second ambient temperature; wherein, when the second ambient temperature is greater than a preset value, the electric auxiliary heating power is determined to be zero.

[0137] In one embodiment, the process of obtaining the electric auxiliary heating power is as follows: First, the second ambient temperature is obtained within a historical time period; then, since the electric auxiliary heating power of the water heater in performing electric auxiliary heating mode is different under different ambient temperatures, the electric auxiliary heating power can be determined based on the magnitude of the second ambient temperature.

[0138] In this embodiment, the second ambient temperature can be input into the calculation formula, and the corresponding electric auxiliary heating power can be calculated using the calculation formula; or, in this embodiment, a table can be looked up based on the second ambient temperature to find the electric auxiliary heating power corresponding to the second ambient temperature; in addition, this embodiment can also obtain the electric auxiliary heating power in other ways, and this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0139] In one embodiment, when the ambient temperature is low, this embodiment will simultaneously execute the heat pump heating mode and the electric auxiliary heating mode. That is, when the second ambient temperature is less than or equal to a preset value, this embodiment will determine the heat pump heating capacity and the electric auxiliary heating power based on the second ambient temperature. When the second ambient temperature is greater than the preset value, since only the heat pump heating mode is executed at this time, this embodiment will only determine the heat pump heating capacity based on the second ambient temperature, and the electric auxiliary heating power is zero at this time.

[0140] It is understood that the aforementioned preset values ​​can be obtained based on experimental data, and the embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the values ​​of the preset values.

[0141] In addition, such as Figure 12 As shown, Figure 12 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S230 may include, but is not limited to, steps S1210 and S1220.

[0142] Step S1210: Determine the corresponding correction parameters based on the first ambient temperature;

[0143] Step S1220: Input the correction parameters and load values ​​into the temperature calculation model to obtain the target set temperature of the water heater; wherein, the temperature calculation model includes a first constant, a first input variable and a second input variable, the first input variable is used to be assigned the correction parameters, the second input variable is used to be assigned the load values, and the sum of the product of the first input variable and the second input variable and the first constant is the target set temperature.

[0144] In one embodiment, different first ambient temperatures correspond to different correction parameters. The relationship between the first ambient temperature and the correction parameter is negatively correlated; that is, the higher the first ambient temperature, the smaller the correction parameter; and the lower the first ambient temperature, the larger the correction parameter.

[0145] In addition, the embodiments of this application will set a first constant, which is a base temperature. In other words, the target set temperature is calculated based on the base temperature, combined with the correction parameters obtained from the first ambient temperature and the load value.

[0146] In addition, it should be noted that since the first ambient temperature determines the correction parameter, that is, the first ambient temperature determines the multiplication coefficient of the load value, it can be seen that the embodiments of this application can correlate the ambient temperature and the load value to calculate a suitable target set temperature, which can avoid the water heater set temperature from being too high, thus ensuring both the abundance of hot water in the water tank and the high efficiency and energy saving of the water heater.

[0147] Based on the water heater control methods of the above embodiments, the overall embodiments of the water heater control method of this application are presented below.

[0148] Since certain parameters will be needed later, the meaning of each parameter used in the embodiments of this application will be introduced here first, as follows:

[0149] `i` represents a specific day in the statistical period, such as a day in a 7-day period; `Twi` represents the inlet water temperature; `Qm` represents the inlet water flow rate; `T5U` represents the water temperature at the top of the tank; `QLpi` represents the amount of hot water used by the user on day `i`; `Cp` represents the specific heat capacity of water at constant pressure; `tap` represents the time a user uses hot water at a specific time each day; `COP` represents the coefficient of performance, the ratio of heat production to energy consumption; `Ta` represents the ambient temperature; `WHL` represents the daily hot water load value used by the user; `Q` represents the total daily hot water load value used by the user. HP-tap , used to represent the amount of hot water used by a user on a single day; QL, used to represent the calorific value assigned by different amounts of hot water; Smart, used to represent the high-efficiency energy-saving control algorithm; Ts, used to represent the set temperature; SCF, used to represent the energy-saving factor. Used to characterize the cumulative power consumption of a heat pump water heater over a week using the Smart control algorithm; The following parameters are used to characterize the cumulative power consumption of the heat pump water heater for one week at a normal set temperature: Ts; Q is used to characterize the heating capacity of the heat pump; E is used to characterize the electric auxiliary heating power; th is used to characterize the single heating time per day corresponding to the operation of the heat pump; te is used to characterize the single heating time per day corresponding to the operation of the electric auxiliary heating; and n is used to characterize the number of times hot water is used per day.

[0150] In one embodiment, firstly, a sensor assembly (including a water flow sensor and an inlet water temperature probe) can be installed on the inlet of the heat pump water heater to collect the inlet water flow rate Qm and the inlet water temperature Twi; secondly, a temperature sensor is installed on the upper part of the water tank to collect the water temperature T5U at the top of the tank; based on the collected data, the user's actual daily hot water heat capacity QLpi can be obtained, and the specific calculation process is as follows:

[0151] Control Algorithm Description: The system calculates hot water usage for users starting at 7:00 AM each day, using a 24-hour period (07:00 to 06:59) as the calculation time. The time acquisition interval is 1 second. Q HP-tap This represents the amount of hot water used by a user on a single day, where Q is... HP-tap The calculation formula is as follows:

[0152]

[0153] When Q is calculated HP-tap After that, based on Q HP-tap We can obtain QLpi, where QLpi represents the actual amount of hot water used by the user each day (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). The formula for calculating QLpi is as follows:

[0154]

[0155] When the statistical period t reaches 7 days or more, the Smart high-efficiency energy-saving control algorithm can be triggered. The statistical period is a continuous rolling 7 days, and the QLpi of the statistical period is used as the input for the Smart control algorithm for the next 7 days.

[0156] Next, based on the QLpi collected and calculated data, the user's daily hot water heat QLpi is divided into heat intervals, and these intervals are converted into load values ​​QL. The conversion relationship between QLpi, hot water usage mode, and QL is shown in Table 1 below:

[0157] Table 1

[0158] QLpi WHL using hot water mode Load QL 0～1.2 0 0 1.2～3.95 S 4 3.95～8.725 M 5 8.725～15.325 L 6 15.325～21.765 XL 7 21.765～35.645 XXL 8 35.645～70.14 3XL 9 70.14～ 4XL 10

[0159] Finally, based on extensive experimental data, the optimal setting temperature Ts, load value QL, and ambient temperature Ta of the heat pump water heater were correlated using formulas. The conversion relationships between Ts, QL, and Ta are shown in Table 2 below.

[0160] Table 2

[0161]

[0162]

[0163] In one embodiment, in addition to calculating QLpi using the water flow rate method described above, this embodiment can also calculate QLpi using the heat pump heating capacity Q and the electric auxiliary heating power E. The specific process is as follows:

[0164] First, Q is calculated based on the heat pump's heating capacity Q, the daily single heating time th corresponding to heat pump operation, the electric auxiliary heating power E, and the daily single heating time te corresponding to electric auxiliary heating operation. HP-tapThe calculation formula is as follows:

[0165]

[0166] When Q is calculated HP-tap After that, based on Q HP-tap We can obtain QLpi, where QLpi represents the actual amount of hot water used by the user each day (i = 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7). The formula for calculating QLpi is as follows:

[0167]

[0168] In one embodiment, the technical solution of this application has been tested and its energy-saving effect is extremely strong. The specific testing process is as follows:

[0169] Using a 190L capacity unit as the test sample, the ambient temperature Ta was 10℃, the inlet water temperature Twi was 10℃, and the test period was 14 days. For the first 7 days, the user's hot water usage pattern WHL was LMLMLOO, where L = 11.6kw.h, M = 5.8kw.h, O = 0kw.h (i.e., no hot water usage, the machine only maintains temperature), and Ts was 55℃ (the machine's default setting temperature). For the following 7 days, a Smart control algorithm was used. Based on the value QLpi collected in the first 7 days, it was used as input for the high-efficiency energy-saving algorithm to calculate the optimal daily water temperature Ts, which was also LMLMLOO, following the same hot water usage pattern WHL. Through a third-party testing agency, following the above testing method, the final SCF (Self-Consumer Value) reached over 25%, thus proving that the solution in this application is rigorous and effective. The formula for calculating SCF is as follows:

[0170]

[0171] Based on the control methods for water heaters described in the above embodiments, the following presents various embodiments of the controller, water heater, and computer-readable storage medium of this application.

[0172] like Figure 13 As shown, Figure 13 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a controller for performing a control method for a water heater according to an embodiment of this application. The controller 200 implemented in this application includes: a processor 210, a memory 220, and a computer program stored in the memory 220 and executable on the processor 210, wherein... Figure 13 The example uses a processor 210 and a memory 220.

[0173] The processor 210 and the memory 220 can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 13 Taking the example of a connection between China and Israel via a bus.

[0174] Memory 220, as a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store non-transitory software programs and non-transitory computer-executable programs. Furthermore, memory 220 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-transitory memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transitory solid-state storage device. In some embodiments, memory 220 may optionally include remotely located memories 220 relative to processor 210, which can be connected to controller 200 via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0175] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 13 The device structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the controller 200 and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0176] exist Figure 13 In the controller 200 shown, the processor 210 can be used to call the water heater control program stored in the memory 220, thereby implementing the water heater control method described above. Specifically, the non-transitory software program and instructions required to implement the water heater control method of the above embodiment are stored in the memory 220. When executed by the processor 210, the water heater control method of the above embodiment is executed.

[0177] It is worth noting that since the controller 200 of this application embodiment can execute the water heater control method of any of the above embodiments, the specific implementation method and technical effects of the controller 200 of this application embodiment can be referred to the specific implementation method and technical effects of the water heater control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0178] In addition, one embodiment of this application also provides a water heater, including the controller described in the above embodiment.

[0179] It is worth noting that, since the water heater in this application embodiment includes the controller of the above embodiment, and the controller of the above embodiment can execute the control method of the water heater in any of the above embodiments, the specific implementation method and technical effect of the water heater in this application embodiment can refer to the specific implementation method and technical effect of the control method of the water heater in any of the above embodiments.

[0180] Furthermore, one embodiment of this application also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions for performing the aforementioned water heater control method. Exemplarily, the above-described method is executed... Figures 2 to 12 The methods and steps in the text.

[0181] It is worth noting that, since the computer-readable storage medium of this application embodiment can execute the water heater control method of any of the above embodiments, the specific implementation and technical effects of the computer-readable storage medium of this application embodiment can be referred to the specific implementation and technical effects of the water heater control method of any of the above embodiments.

[0182] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that all or some of the steps and systems in the methods disclosed above can be implemented as software, firmware, hardware, and suitable combinations thereof. Some or all of the physical components can be implemented as software executed by a processor, such as a central processing unit, digital signal processor, or microprocessor, or as hardware, or as an integrated circuit, such as an application-specific integrated circuit. Such software can be distributed on a computer-readable medium, which can include computer storage media (or non-transitory media) and communication media (or transient media). As is known to those skilled in the art, the term computer storage media includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology for storing information (such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data). Computer storage media includes, but is not limited to, RAM, ROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technologies, CD-ROM, digital versatile disc (DVD) or other optical disc storage, magnetic cartridges, magnetic tape, disk storage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other medium that can be used to store desired information and is accessible to a computer. Furthermore, as is known to those skilled in the art, communication media typically include computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in modulated data signals such as carrier waves or other transmission mechanisms, and may include any information delivery medium.

[0183] The above provides a detailed description of the preferred embodiments of this application. However, this application is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Those skilled in the art can make various equivalent modifications or substitutions without departing from the spirit of this application. All such equivalent modifications or substitutions are included within the scope defined by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a water heater, characterized in that, include: Obtain the initial ambient temperature and the total hot water heat used within the historical time period; The load value corresponding to the total hot water heat usage is determined based on the total hot water heat usage. The target set temperature of the water heater is determined based on the first ambient temperature and the load value. The step of determining the target set temperature of the water heater based on the first ambient temperature and the load value includes: Determine the corresponding correction parameters based on the first ambient temperature; The correction parameters and the load value are input into the temperature calculation model to obtain the target set temperature of the water heater. The temperature calculation model includes a first constant, a first input variable, and a second input variable. The first input variable is assigned the value of the correction parameter, and the second input variable is assigned the value of the load value. The sum of the product of the first input variable and the second input variable and the first constant is the target set temperature.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total hot water heat usage is obtained through the following steps: Obtain the water flow rate, inlet water temperature, top water temperature, and total hot water usage time within a historical time period; The total amount of hot water used is determined based on the water flow rate of the water tank, the inlet water temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total time of hot water use.

3. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The determination of the total hot water heat usage based on the water flow rate of the water tank, the inlet water temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total hot water usage time includes: For each instance of hot water use within the historical time period, the single hot water use time is obtained, and the heat of the first single hot water use is determined based on the water flow rate of the water tank, the inlet water temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the single hot water use time. The total hot water heat used is determined based on all the first single hot water heat used within the historical time period.

4. The control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The determination of the total hot water heat usage based on the water flow rate of the water tank, the inlet water temperature of the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total hot water usage time includes: To obtain the specific heat capacity and density of water; The total amount of hot water used is determined based on the specific heat capacity, the density, the water flow rate in the water tank, the inlet water temperature in the water tank, the water temperature at the top of the water tank, and the total time of hot water use.

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The total hot water heat usage is obtained through the following steps: Obtain the heat pump heating capacity, total heat pump heating time, electric auxiliary heating power, and total electric auxiliary heating time within a historical time period; The total amount of hot water used is determined based on the heat pump's heating capacity, the total heat pump's heating time, the electric auxiliary heating power, and the total electric auxiliary heating time.

6. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The determination of the total hot water usage based on the heat pump's heating capacity, the total heat pump heating time, the electric auxiliary heating power, and the total electric auxiliary heating time includes: The first component of hot water heat is determined based on the heat pump's heating capacity and the total heat pump heating time. The second component of hot water heat is determined based on the electric auxiliary heating power and the total electric auxiliary heating time. The total hot water heat used is determined based on the first component of hot water heat used and the second component of hot water heat used.

7. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of determining the first component of hot water heat based on the heat pump's heating capacity and the total heat pump heating time includes: For each instance of heat pump operation within the historical time period, the single heat pump heating time is obtained, and the second single hot water usage heat is determined based on the heat pump's heating capacity and the single heat pump heating time. The first hot water heat component is determined based on all the second single hot water heat used within the historical time period.

8. The control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The step of determining the second hot water heat component based on the electric auxiliary heating power and the total electric auxiliary heating time includes: For each instance of electric auxiliary heating operation within the historical time period, the single electric auxiliary heating time is obtained, and the third single hot water heat is determined based on the electric auxiliary heating power and the single electric auxiliary heating time. The second hot water heat component is determined based on all the third single hot water heat used within the historical time period.

9. The control method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat pump's heating capacity is obtained through the following steps: obtaining a second ambient temperature, and determining the heat pump's heating capacity based on the second ambient temperature; The electric auxiliary heating power is obtained through the following steps: obtaining a second ambient temperature, and determining the electric auxiliary heating power based on the second ambient temperature; wherein, when the second ambient temperature is greater than a preset value, the electric auxiliary heating power is determined to be zero.

10. The control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, characterized in that, Includes at least one of the following: There is a positive correlation between the total hot water consumption, the load value, and the target set temperature. There is a negative correlation between the first ambient temperature and the target set temperature.

11. A controller, characterized in that, include: A memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor, when executing the computer program, performs the control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. A water heater, characterized in that, Includes the controller as described in claim 11.

13. The water heater according to claim 12, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a water tank and a water flow sensor, wherein the water flow sensor is located at the inlet or outlet of the water tank.

14. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that: The device stores computer-executable instructions for performing the control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 10.

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