A water heater control method

Abstract

The application discloses a water heater control method, and the water heater comprises a condensate water treatment structure which is located between a condensing heat exchanger and an exhaust pipe, and comprises a pipeline body, a collecting component, a neutralizing component and a discharging component; the inlet end of the pipeline body is connected with the condensing heat exchanger; the outlet end of the pipeline body is connected with the exhaust pipe; one end of the collecting component is communicated with one side of the pipeline body close to the inlet end; the other end of the collecting component is connected with the neutralizing component; one end of the discharging component is communicated with one side of the pipeline body close to the outlet end; and the other end of the discharging component is connected with the neutralizing component. In the use process, the condensate water generated by the condensing heat exchanger enters the condensate water treatment structure and is then discharged through the exhaust pipe; the exhaust pipe is a structure possessed by the water heater itself; the condensate water is discharged through the exhaust pipe skillfully; and the technical problem that the pipeline for discharging the condensate water needs to be additionally arranged when the traditional water heater processes the condensate water, thereby bringing inconvenience to the installation of the user is solved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention belongs to the field of water heater technology and relates to a water heater control method. Background Technology

[0002] A gas water heater, also known as a gas water boiler, is a gas appliance that uses gas as fuel and heats water by burning it. The heat is then transferred to cold water flowing through a heat exchanger to produce hot water.

[0003] Among gas water heaters, condensing gas water heaters are favored by the market due to their high heat exchange efficiency. Currently, the condensate drainage method of condensing water heaters on the market is as follows: the condensate drips to the bottom of the condenser and is discharged to the outside of the unit through the condensate drain pipe. However, most users do not reserve a pipe for draining condensate from the gas water heater during the renovation, which brings a lot of inconvenience to the user's installation. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides a water heater control method that solves the technical problem that traditional water heaters require additional pipes to discharge condensate when dealing with condensate, which causes inconvenience to users during installation.

[0005] To address the aforementioned problems, according to one aspect of this application, an embodiment of the present invention provides a water heater control method, characterized in that it is used to control a water heater, the control method comprising: S1, upon receiving the water heater's shutdown command, determines the actual amount of gas used in the water heater's current operating cycle; S2, determine the relationship between the actual gas quantity and the preset gas quantity in S1; When the actual gas volume is greater than the preset gas volume, the water heater enters a long-term post-cleaning mode. When the actual gas volume is less than or equal to the preset gas volume, check whether the previous work cycle ended with a long cleaning time or a short cleaning time. If so, enter the short cleaning time mode; otherwise, enter the long cleaning time mode. Both the long-duration cleaning mode and the short-duration cleaning mode need to be marked after they end. The long-term cleaning mode is as follows: the fan runs at a first speed for t1 time, then runs at a second speed for t1 time; the short-term cleaning mode is as follows: the fan runs at the first speed for t2 time, then runs at the second speed for t2 time; wherein, the first speed is greater than the second speed, and t1>t2; The water heater includes a condensate treatment structure located between a condensing heat exchanger and a flue pipe. The condensate treatment structure includes a pipe body, a collection component, a neutralization component, and a discharge component. The inlet end of the pipe body is connected to the condensing heat exchanger, and the outlet end of the pipe body is connected to the flue pipe. One end of the collection component is connected to the side of the pipe body near the inlet end, and the other end of the collection component is connected to the neutralization component. One end of the discharge component is connected to the side of the pipe body near the outlet end, and the other end of the discharge component is connected to the neutralization component.

[0006] In some embodiments, the pipe body includes a collection section, a body section, and an exhaust section arranged sequentially. The collection section is connected to the condensing heat exchanger, the exhaust section is connected to the flue pipe, and the neutralization component is disposed below the body section. One end of the collection component is connected to the collection section, and the other end is inserted into the neutralization component. One end of the exhaust component is connected to the exhaust section, and the other end is inserted into the neutralization component.

[0007] In some embodiments, the collecting section, the body section, and the discharging section are coaxially arranged; and the inner diameter of the body section is smaller than the inner diameters of the collecting section and the discharging section.

[0008] In some embodiments, the collection component includes a collection port at the bottom of the collection section, the collection port being covered by a water collection nozzle, the water collection nozzle being connected to a first condensate water interface via a collection pipe, the first condensate water interface being located at the end of the neutralization component.

[0009] In some embodiments, the collecting assembly further includes a collecting plate, one end of which is fixed to the bottom of the collecting segment near the body segment, and the other end of which is inclined upwards such that an angle is formed between the collecting plate and the bottom of the collecting segment, and the collecting port is located below the collecting plate.

[0010] In some embodiments, the discharge assembly includes a discharge port located at the bottom of the discharge section, the discharge port being covered by a drain nozzle, the drain nozzle being connected to a second condensate inlet via a drain pipe, the second condensate inlet being located at the end of the neutralization assembly.

[0011] In some embodiments, the neutralizing component includes a housing, the bottom of which is fitted with a lid via a sealing gasket, and the housing contains a neutralizing agent; the first condensate inlet and the second condensate inlet are both located on the top of the housing.

[0012] In some embodiments, the water heater further includes a shell, a burner, a main heat exchanger, a fan, a condensing heat exchanger, and a flue pipe. The burner, the main heat exchanger, the fan, and the condensing heat exchanger are all disposed inside the shell, while the condensate treatment structure and the flue pipe are disposed outside the shell, and the outlet of the condensing heat exchanger, the condensate treatment structure, and the flue pipe are connected in sequence.

[0013] In some embodiments, the water heater further includes a first sealing assembly disposed between the outlet of the condenser heat exchanger and the condensate treatment structure; and / or the water heater further includes a second sealing assembly disposed between the condensate treatment structure and the flue pipe.

[0014] In some embodiments, the water heater further includes a temperature control component disposed within the housing, which can control the gas volume of the burner by collecting the inlet water flow rate and outlet water temperature of the water heater.

[0015] In some embodiments, the temperature control component includes a gas proportional valve connected to the burner, a water flow acquisition unit disposed on the water inlet pipe of the water heater, an outlet water temperature acquisition unit disposed on the water outlet pipe of the water heater, and a controller. The water flow acquisition unit and the outlet water temperature acquisition unit are both connected to the input terminal of the controller, and the output terminal of the controller is connected to the gas proportional valve.

[0016] Compared with the prior art, the water heater control method of the present invention has at least the following beneficial effects: The condensate treatment structure provided by the present invention is located between a condensing heat exchanger and a flue pipe. It includes a pipe body, a collection component, a neutralization component, and a discharge component. The inlet end of the pipe body is connected to the condensing heat exchanger, and the outlet end of the pipe body is connected to the flue pipe. One end of the collection component is connected to the side of the pipe body near the inlet end, and the other end of the collection component is connected to the neutralization component. One end of the discharge component is connected to the side of the pipe body near the outlet end, and the other end of the discharge component is connected to the neutralization component.

[0017] In practical use, the condensate produced by the condensing heat exchanger enters the condensate treatment structure and is then discharged through the exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is a structure that the water heater itself has. This invention cleverly discharges the condensate through the exhaust pipe, solving the technical problem that traditional water heaters require additional pipes to discharge condensate, which causes inconvenience to users during installation.

[0018] Furthermore, the pH value of the condensate flowing directly from the condenser heat exchanger is approximately 3, which does not meet the emission standards. The condensate treatment structure provided in this embodiment includes a neutralization component, and the condensate treated by the neutralization component has a pH value of approximately 7, which meets the emission standards.

[0019] In addition, when the water heater suddenly stops operating, some condensate will remain in the neutralization component. If this condensate remains repeatedly, it may freeze in winter, preventing the condensate from draining. The water heater control method provided by this invention optimizes the water heater shutdown process to avoid condensate residue.

[0020] The above description is merely an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to better understand the technical means of the present invention and to implement it in accordance with the contents of the specification, the preferred embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the following description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0022] Figure 1 This is an exploded view of a condensate treatment structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of a condensate treatment structure provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point A in the middle; Figure 4 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point B in the middle; Figure 5 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point C; Figure 6 yes Figure 2 A magnified view of a section at point D; Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 8 This is a control flowchart of a water heater control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0023] in: 1. Condensate treatment structure; 11. Pipe body; 12. Collection assembly; 13. Neutralization assembly; 14. Discharge assembly; 15. First sealing assembly; 16. Second sealing assembly; 111. Collection section; 112. Body section; 113. Discharge section; 121. Collection port; 122. Water inlet; 123. Collection pipe; 124. First condensate interface; 125. Collection plate; 131. Box body; 132. Sealing gasket; 133. Box cover; 134. First external thread pair; 135. Second external thread pair; 136. Second internal thread pair; 141. Discharge port; 142. Drain nozzle; 143. Drain pipe; 144. Second condensate interface; 151. First mounting groove; 152. First sealing ring; 161. Second mounting groove; 162. Second sealing ring; 1121. First internal thread pair; 2. Shell; 3. Burner; 4. Main heat exchanger; 5. Fan; 6. Condensing heat exchanger; 61. Discharge port; 7. Smoke exhaust pipe; 8. Temperature control components; 81. Gas proportional valve; 82. Water flow acquisition unit; 83. Outlet water temperature acquisition unit; 84. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0024] To further illustrate the technical means and effects adopted by the present invention to achieve the intended purpose, the specific embodiments, structures, features, and effects according to the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. In the following description, different "an embodiment" or "an embodiment" do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment. Furthermore, specific features, structures, or characteristics in one or more embodiments can be combined in any suitable form.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be clearly stated that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence; the terms "vertical," "lateral," "longitudinal," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "up," "down," "horizontal," etc., indicate orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are merely for the convenience of describing this invention, and do not mean that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or position, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of this invention.

[0026] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0027] Example 1 This embodiment provides a condensate treatment structure, such as Figure 1-6 As shown, the condensate treatment structure is located between the condenser heat exchanger and the flue pipe. It includes a pipe body 11, a collection component 12, a neutralization component 13, and a discharge component 14. The inlet end of the pipe body 11 is connected to the condenser heat exchanger, and the outlet end of the pipe body 11 is connected to the flue pipe. One end of the collection component 12 is connected to the side of the pipe body 11 near the inlet end, and the other end of the collection component 12 is connected to the neutralization component 13. One end of the discharge component 14 is connected to the side of the pipe body 11 near the outlet end, and the other end of the discharge component 14 is connected to the neutralization component 13.

[0028] Specifically, the inlet end of the pipe body 11 is used to receive condensate generated by the condensing heat exchanger, and the outlet end of the pipe body 11 is used to discharge the condensate, after being neutralized by the neutralization component 13, into the flue pipe. Furthermore, the pH value of the condensate flowing directly from the condensing heat exchanger is approximately 3, while national standards stipulate that the pH value of condensate discharged to the ground should not be less than 6. This embodiment provides a condensate treatment structure including a neutralization component, and the condensate treated by this component has a pH value of approximately 7, which meets the emission standards.

[0029] In actual use, the condensate produced by the condensing heat exchanger enters the condensate treatment structure and is then discharged through the exhaust pipe. The exhaust pipe is a structure that the water heater itself has. This embodiment cleverly discharges the condensate through the exhaust pipe, which solves the technical problem that traditional water heaters require additional pipes to discharge condensate when treating condensate, causing inconvenience to users during installation.

[0030] In a specific embodiment, the pipe body 11 includes a collection section 111, a body section 112, and an exhaust section 113 arranged sequentially. The collection section 111 is connected to the condensing heat exchanger, and the exhaust section 113 is connected to the flue pipe. The neutralization component 13 is disposed below the body section 112. One end of the collection component 12 is connected to the collection section 111, and the other end is inserted into the neutralization component 13. One end of the exhaust component 14 is connected to the exhaust section 113, and the other end is inserted into the neutralization component 13.

[0031] More specifically, in this embodiment, the collection section 111 and the discharge section 113 are located at both ends of the body section 112, respectively. The collection section 111 is not connected to the body section 112, and the discharge section 113 is not connected to the body section 112. That is to say, the body section 112 is a solid structure, which is mainly used to fix the neutralization component 13.

[0032] like Figure 3 As shown, the bottom of the body segment 112 is provided with a first internal thread pair 1121, and the top of the neutralizing component 13 is provided with a first external thread pair 134. The first internal thread pair 1121 and the first external thread pair 134 cooperate to realize the installation of the neutralizing component 13 below the body segment 112.

[0033] In practical use, the condensate generated from the condensing heat exchanger passes sequentially through the collection section 111, the neutralization component 13, and the discharge section 113 before entering the flue pipe. In the structure of the water heater, a fan is installed at the front end of the condensing heat exchanger. Due to the airflow generated by the operation of the fan, the flow of flue gas (or airflow) in the flue pipe and the Venturi structure formed by the discharge port 141 at the bottom of the discharge section 113, the main body section 112, and the discharge section 113 will generate negative pressure at the discharge port 141, which will promote the discharge of condensate between the collection port 121 at the bottom of the collection section 111 and the discharge port 141 at the bottom of the discharge section 113.

[0034] In a specific embodiment, the collection section 111, the body section 112, and the discharge section 113 are coaxially arranged; and the inner diameter of the body section 112 is smaller than the inner diameters of the collection section 111 and the discharge section 113.

[0035] The collecting section 111, the main body section 112, and the discharging section 113 are integrally formed. The inner diameter of the main body section 112 is smaller than the inner diameters of the collecting section 111 and the discharging section 113. The inner diameters of the collecting section 111 and the discharging section 113 are equal. The inner diameter of the main body section 112 is 65%-75% of the inner diameter of the discharging section 113.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, the collecting component 12 includes a collecting port 121 opened at the bottom of the collecting section 111, and a water collection nozzle 122 is wrapped around the collecting port 121. The water collection nozzle 122 is connected to a first condensate water interface 124 through a collecting pipe 123. The first condensate water interface 124 is opened at the end of the neutralizing component 13.

[0037] In a specific embodiment, the collecting component 12 further includes a collecting plate 125. One end of the collecting plate 125 near the body segment 112 is fixed to the bottom of the collecting segment 111. The other end of the collecting plate 125 away from the body segment 112 is inclined upward, so that an angle is formed between the collecting plate 125 and the bottom of the collecting segment 111. The collecting port 121 is located below the collecting plate 125.

[0038] More specifically, the collecting plate 125 is used to collect the condensate from the collecting section 111. Its height must not exceed one-third of the inner diameter of the collecting section 111. A collecting port 121 is provided below the collecting plate 125. Outside the collecting port 121 is a water collection nozzle 122. The outer diameter of the water collection nozzle 122 is set like that of the first condensate inlet 124 in order to achieve a tight fit between the two.

[0039] The condensate drain nozzle 122 is conical, with its smaller diameter end connected to the first condensate inlet 124 via the collection pipe 123. The conical shape of the condensate drain nozzle 122 facilitates interference fit installation with the collection pipe 123.

[0040] In addition, the collecting plate 125 is an inclined plate structure, which together with the bottom of the collecting section 111 forms a funnel-like structure, and the collecting port 121 is located at the bottom of the funnel. Furthermore, the pipe body 11 is not installed at an absolute horizontal angle, but is generally installed at an inclination of about 3°. Therefore, under the action of the funnel structure, the condensate in the collecting section 111 will eventually gather around the collecting port 121 and then flow into the neutralization component 13.

[0041] In a specific embodiment, the discharge assembly 14 includes a discharge port 141 opened at the bottom of the discharge section 113, the discharge port 141 is wrapped with a drain nozzle 142, the drain nozzle 142 is connected to a second condensate interface 144 through a drain pipe 143, and the second condensate interface 144 is opened at the end of the neutralization assembly 13.

[0042] Specifically, the outlet 141 is connected to a drain nozzle 142. The outer diameter of the drain nozzle 142 is set to be the same as that of the second condensate inlet 144, in order to achieve a tight fit between the two. In addition, the drain nozzle 142 is conical, and its smaller diameter end is connected to the second condensate inlet 144 through a drain pipe 143. The conical shape of the drain nozzle 142 facilitates the interference fit installation with the drain pipe 143.

[0043] In a specific embodiment, the neutralizing component 13 includes a box body 131, the bottom of the box body 131 is fitted with a box cover 133 through a sealing gasket 132, and the box body 131 contains a neutralizing agent; the first condensate inlet 124 and the second condensate inlet 144 are both located on the top of the box body 131.

[0044] The neutralizing agent in this embodiment is a water-insoluble solid neutralizing agent, such as calcium carbonate.

[0045] In addition, the second external thread pair 135 is provided at the bottom of the box body 131, and the second internal thread pair 136 is provided on the box cover 133. The second external thread pair 135 and the second internal thread pair 136 cooperate to realize the installation of the box body 131 and the box cover 133.

[0046] Due to variations in gas composition across different regions, solid impurities may be present in the flue gas and condensate, affecting condensate discharge. Users should clean and maintain the neutralization device after a certain period of use. The condensate treatment structure provided in this embodiment utilizes threaded connections in multiple places, facilitating disassembly and cleaning. Specifically, the user separates the neutralization component 13 from the pipe body 11 using the first internal thread pair 1121 and the first external thread pair 134. Then, the user separates the box body 131 from the box cover 133 using the second external thread pair 135 and the second internal thread pair 136. After separation, each component, including the neutralizing agent, is cleaned or replaced with water. Once cleaning is complete, reassembly is performed using the threaded connections.

[0047] Example 2 This embodiment provides a water heater, which includes the condensate treatment structure 1 described in Embodiment 1.

[0048] In a specific embodiment, such as Figure 7 As shown, the water heater also includes a shell 2, a burner 3, a main heat exchanger 4, a fan 5, a condensing heat exchanger 6, and a flue pipe 7. The burner 3, the main heat exchanger 4, the fan 5, and the condensing heat exchanger 6 are all located inside the shell 2. The condensate treatment structure 1 and the flue pipe 7 are located outside the shell 2, and the outlet of the condensing heat exchanger 6, the condensate treatment structure 1, and the flue pipe 7 are connected in sequence.

[0049] Specifically, in actual operation, when cold water enters the water heater, the burner 3 is turned on and ignited, and the fan 5 is working. During operation, the high-temperature flue gas drawn out by the fan 5 enters the condenser heat exchanger 6, and the condensate produced by the condenser heat exchanger 6 is treated by the condensate treatment structure 1 and then discharged from the exhaust pipe 7.

[0050] In a specific embodiment, the water heater further includes a first sealing assembly 15, which is disposed between the outlet of the condenser heat exchanger 6 and the condensate treatment structure 1. The condensing heat exchanger has an outlet 61 for discharging condensate. To prevent condensate leakage at the connection between the outlet 61 and the collection section 111, a first sealing assembly 15 is provided at the joint. Figure 3As shown, the first sealing assembly 15 includes a first mounting groove 151 and a first sealing ring 152 disposed in the first mounting groove 151 to prevent condensate from seeping out.

[0051] And / or the water heater further includes a second sealing assembly 16 disposed between the condensate treatment structure 1 and the flue pipe 7.

[0052] In addition, to prevent the condensate treated by the neutralization component 13 from leaking at the connection between the discharge section 113 and the flue pipe 7, a second sealing component 16 is installed at the joint, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the second sealing assembly 16 includes a second mounting groove 161 and a second sealing ring 162 disposed in the second mounting groove 161 to prevent condensate from seeping out.

[0053] In a specific embodiment, the water heater further includes a temperature control component 8, which is disposed inside the housing 2 and can control the gas volume of the burner 3 by collecting the inlet water flow rate and outlet water temperature of the water heater.

[0054] More specifically, the temperature control component 8 includes a gas proportional valve 81 connected to the burner 3, a water flow acquisition unit 82 installed on the water inlet pipe of the water heater, an outlet water temperature acquisition unit 83 installed on the water outlet pipe of the water heater, and a controller 84. The water flow acquisition unit 82 and the outlet water temperature acquisition unit 83 are both connected to the input terminal of the controller 84, and the output terminal of the controller 84 is connected to the gas proportional valve 81.

[0055] When cold water passes through the water flow acquisition unit 82, the controller 84 collects the flow signal from the water flow acquisition unit 82. Combined with the user-set target temperature and the outlet water temperature information collected by the outlet water temperature acquisition unit 83, the controller calculates the gas flow rate through the gas proportional valve 81 to achieve a constant outlet water temperature. That is, the temperature collected by the outlet water temperature acquisition unit 83 equals the user-set target temperature. This is a continuous dynamic process. Additionally, after passing through the gas proportional valve 81, the gas is burned in the burner 3. The high-temperature flue gas after combustion exchanges with the main heat exchanger 4, becoming flue gas at approximately 200°C. It then enters the condenser heat exchanger 6 via the fan 5 for further heat exchange. The flue gas is cooled to 50-80°C before being discharged. Simultaneously, condensate (pH value approximately 3) is generated in the condenser heat exchanger 6 and discharged through the cold exhaust outlet 61, entering the condensate treatment structure 1. After neutralization treatment, the condensate has a pH value of approximately 7 and finally flows into the exhaust pipe 7 to be discharged along with the flue gas.

[0056] In the specific real-time process, the water flow acquisition unit 82 is a flow sensor, and the outlet water temperature acquisition unit 83 is a temperature sensor.

[0057] Example 3 This embodiment provides a water heater control method for controlling the water heater described in Embodiment 2, such as... Figure 8 As shown, the control method includes: S1, upon receiving the water heater's shutdown command, determines the actual amount of gas used in the water heater's current operating cycle; S2, determine the relationship between the actual gas volume and the preset gas volume in S1, and control the working state of the water heater according to the relationship.

[0058] In a specific embodiment, controlling the working state of the water heater according to this size relationship in S2 specifically involves: When the actual gas volume is greater than the preset gas volume, the water heater enters a long-term post-cleaning mode. When the actual gas volume is less than or equal to the preset gas volume, check whether the previous working cycle has ended in the cleaning mode. If so, enter the short cleaning mode after a short time; otherwise, enter the long cleaning mode after a long time. Both the long-duration cleaning mode and the short-duration cleaning mode need to be marked after they end.

[0059] In a specific embodiment, the long-term cleaning mode is: the fan runs at a first speed for t1 time, and then runs at a second speed for t1 time; the short-term cleaning mode is: the fan runs at the first speed for t2 time, and then runs at the second speed for t2 time; wherein, the first speed is greater than the second speed, and t1>t2.

[0060] More specifically, the preset gas volume is 100L-500L, t1 is 8s-10s, t2 is 4s-6s, the long-term cleaning mode is the fan running at high speed for 10s, then at low speed for 10s, and the short-term cleaning mode is the fan running at high speed for 5s, then at low speed for 5s.

[0061] In other words, when controller 84 receives the water heater's shutdown command, it first checks if the current work cycle exceeds the preset gas volume. If it does, it enters the long-term post-cleaning mode. If it doesn't exceed the preset gas volume, it checks the cleaning mark at the end of the previous work cycle. If the mark is True, it enters the short-term post-cleaning mode; otherwise, it enters the long-term post-cleaning mode. Upon successful completion of either the long-term or short-term post-cleaning mode, the mark is set to True. Of course, after completing either the long-term or short-term post-cleaning mode, the mark can be changed to another symbol.

[0062] The water heater control method provided in this embodiment optimizes the water heater shutdown process to avoid condensate residue.

[0063] In summary, it is readily understood by those skilled in the art that, without conflict, the aforementioned advantageous technical features can be freely combined and superimposed.

[0064] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention in any way. Any simple modifications, equivalent changes and alterations made to the above embodiments based on the technical essence of the present invention shall still fall within the scope of the technical solution of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater control method, characterized in that, The control method for controlling a water heater includes: S1, upon receiving the water heater's shutdown command, determines the actual amount of gas used in the water heater's current operating cycle; S2, determine the relationship between the actual gas quantity and the preset gas quantity in S1; When the actual gas volume exceeds the preset gas volume, the water heater enters a long-term post-cleaning mode. When the actual gas volume is less than or equal to the preset gas volume, check whether the previous work cycle ended with a long cleaning time or a short cleaning time. If so, enter the short cleaning time mode; otherwise, enter the long cleaning time mode. Both the long-duration cleaning mode and the short-duration cleaning mode need to be marked after they end. The long-term cleaning mode is as follows: the fan runs at a first speed for t1 time, then runs at a second speed for t1 time; the short-term cleaning mode is as follows: the fan runs at the first speed for t2 time, then runs at the second speed for t2 time; wherein, the first speed is greater than the second speed, and t1>t2; The water heater includes a condensate treatment structure located between a condensing heat exchanger and a flue pipe. The condensate treatment structure includes a pipe body, a collection component, a neutralization component, and a discharge component. The inlet end of the pipe body is connected to the condensing heat exchanger, and the outlet end of the pipe body is connected to the flue pipe. One end of the collection component is connected to the side of the pipe body near the inlet end, and the other end of the collection component is connected to the neutralization component. One end of the discharge component is connected to the side of the pipe body near the outlet end, and the other end of the discharge component is connected to the neutralization component.

2. The water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The pipeline body includes a collection section, a main body section, and an exhaust section arranged sequentially. The collection section is connected to the condensing heat exchanger, the exhaust section is connected to the flue pipe, and the neutralization component is located below the main body section. One end of the collection component is connected to the collection section, and the other end is inserted into the neutralization component. One end of the exhaust component is connected to the exhaust section, and the other end is inserted into the neutralization component.

3. The water heater control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The collection section, the body section, and the discharge section are coaxially arranged; and the inner diameter of the body section is smaller than the inner diameters of the collection section and the discharge section.

4. The water heater control method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that, The collection component includes a collection port at the bottom of the collection section, and a water collection nozzle is wrapped around the collection port. The water collection nozzle is connected to a first condensate water interface through a collection pipe. The first condensate water interface is located at the end of the neutralization component.

5. The water heater control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The collecting assembly also includes a collecting plate, one end of which is fixed to the bottom of the collecting section near the main body section, and the other end of which is tilted upward, so that an angle is formed between the collecting plate and the bottom of the collecting section, and the collecting port is located below the collecting plate.

6. The water heater control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The emission assembly includes an emission port located at the bottom of the emission section, and a drain nozzle is wrapped around the emission port. The drain nozzle is connected to a second condensate inlet via a drain pipe. The second condensate inlet is located at the end of the neutralization assembly.

7. The water heater control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The neutralization component includes a box body, the bottom of which is fitted with a lid through a sealing gasket, and a neutralizing agent is contained inside the box body; the first condensate inlet and the second condensate inlet are both located on the top of the box body.

8. The water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a shell, a burner, a main heat exchanger, a fan, a condensing heat exchanger, and a flue pipe. The burner, the main heat exchanger, the fan, and the condensing heat exchanger are all located inside the shell. The condensate treatment structure and the flue pipe are located outside the shell, and the outlet of the condensing heat exchanger, the condensate treatment structure, and the flue pipe are connected in sequence.

9. The water heater control method according to claim 8, characterized in that, The water heater further includes a first sealing assembly disposed between the outlet of the condenser heat exchanger and the condensate treatment structure; and / or the water heater further includes a second sealing assembly disposed between the condensate treatment structure and the exhaust pipe.

10. The water heater control method according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a temperature control component, which is installed inside the housing and can control the amount of gas produced by the burner by collecting the inlet water flow rate and outlet water temperature of the water heater.

11. The water heater control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, The temperature control component includes a gas proportional valve connected to the burner, a water flow acquisition unit installed on the water inlet pipe of the water heater, an outlet water temperature acquisition unit installed on the water outlet pipe of the water heater, and a controller. The water flow acquisition unit and the outlet water temperature acquisition unit are both connected to the input terminal of the controller, and the output terminal of the controller is connected to the gas proportional valve.

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