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

Abstract

Embodiments of the present application provide a water heater control method, a controller, a water heater and a storage medium, comprising: obtaining a set water temperature, determining a first temperature judgment threshold according to the set water temperature; in a first calculation period, detecting a first water tank lower temperature, and recording a corresponding water use time when the first water tank lower temperature is less than the first temperature judgment threshold; in a second calculation period, determining a pre-start time according to the water use time, and obtaining a current time, and controlling the water heater to start if the current time reaches the pre-start time. The present application can record the water use time of the user in the previous calculation period, which reflects the user's water use habit, and can start the water heater in advance in the next calculation period according to the water use time recorded in the previous calculation period, so that the water heater can learn the water use habit of the customer, and at the same time, under the condition of ensuring the normal operation of the unit, the water heater is more intelligent, achieves greater power saving effect, and improves the user experience.

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, existing water heaters rely on users setting a maximum water usage time using a pre-heating function. The water heater then preheats the water according to the set time. This method is difficult to operate, does not adapt to usage, and lacks intelligence. Specifically, the existing water heater pre-heating function is rather rigid, requiring manual setting of the time, and the pre-heating function can only be set once, with the same time set every day, failing to adapt to the user's different daily usage habits. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application aims to at least address 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, designed to adapt to user habits, making the water heater more intelligent and improving the user experience.

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

[0005] Obtain the set water temperature, and determine the first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature;

[0006] During the first calculation cycle, the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank is detected. When the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank is lower than the first temperature judgment threshold, the corresponding water usage time is recorded.

[0007] During the second calculation cycle, the pre-start time is determined based on the water usage time, and the current time is obtained. When the current time reaches the pre-start time, the water heater is controlled to start.

[0008] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature includes one of the following:

[0009] When the set water temperature is less than the first preset value, the first temperature judgment threshold is set to the first temperature value;

[0010] When the set water temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value and less than the second preset value, the first temperature judgment threshold is set to the second temperature value, wherein the second preset value is greater than the first preset value and the second temperature value is greater than the first temperature value;

[0011] When the set water temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value, the first temperature judgment threshold is set to a third temperature value, wherein the third temperature value is greater than the second temperature value.

[0012] According to some embodiments of this application, controlling the water heater to start includes:

[0013] The water heater is set to a hybrid mode, wherein in the hybrid mode, the water heater produces hot water through a heat pump device and an electric auxiliary heating device.

[0014] According to some embodiments of this application, the control method further includes:

[0015] During the second calculation cycle, the start time of the electric heating mode is obtained, wherein the start time of the electric heating mode is later than the pre-start time and earlier than the water usage time;

[0016] When the current time reaches the start time of the electric heating mode, the temperature at the bottom of the second water tank is obtained;

[0017] When the temperature at the bottom of the second water tank is less than the second temperature judgment threshold, the working mode of the water heater is set to electric heating mode. In the electric heating mode, the second temperature judgment threshold is less than the set water temperature, and the water heater produces hot water through an electric auxiliary heating device.

[0018] According to some embodiments of this application, the difference between the water usage time and the pre-start time is the advance running time, wherein the advance running time is obtained through the following steps:

[0019] Obtain the ambient temperature and the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank;

[0020] The heating power of the unit is determined based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the set water temperature.

[0021] The advance start time is determined based on the heating power of the unit.

[0022] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the unit heating power based on the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank, and the set water temperature includes:

[0023] When the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank is lower than the compressor's maximum operating temperature and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset ambient temperature, the first heating power is determined based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the set water temperature.

[0024] The first heating power is taken as the unit's heating power.

[0025] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the unit heating power based on the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank, and the set water temperature includes:

[0026] When the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank is lower than the maximum operating temperature of the compressor and the ambient temperature is lower than the preset ambient temperature, the first heating power is determined based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the set water temperature.

[0027] Obtain the electric auxiliary heating power, and use the cumulative power of the first heating power and the electric auxiliary heating power as the unit heating power.

[0028] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the advance start time based on the unit's heating power includes:

[0029] Obtain the water tank volume and electric auxiliary heating power;

[0030] When the set water temperature is greater than the compressor's maximum operating temperature, the first heating requirement time is determined based on the water tank volume, the set water temperature, the compressor's maximum operating temperature, and the electric auxiliary heating power.

[0031] The second heating requirement time is determined based on the water tank volume, the compressor's highest operating temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the unit's heating power.

[0032] The cumulative time of the first heating demand time and the second heating demand time is taken as the advance running time.

[0033] According to some embodiments of this application, determining the advance start time based on the unit's heating power includes:

[0034] Obtain the water tank volume;

[0035] When the set water temperature is less than or equal to the compressor's maximum operating temperature, the second heating demand time is determined based on the water tank volume, the compressor's maximum operating temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the unit's heating power.

[0036] The second heating requirement time is taken as the advance running time.

[0037] 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.

[0038] Thirdly, embodiments of this application provide a water heater, including the controller described in the second aspect above.

[0039] 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.

[0040] According to the technical solution of the embodiments of this application, at least the following beneficial effects are achieved: The control method of the water heater in the embodiments of this application includes the following steps: obtaining a set water temperature, determining a first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature; within a first calculation cycle, detecting the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank, and recording the corresponding water usage time when the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank is less than the first temperature judgment threshold; within a second calculation cycle, determining the pre-start time based on the water usage time, and obtaining the current time, controlling the water heater to start when the current time reaches the pre-start time. Since the embodiments of this application can record the user's water usage time in the previous calculation cycle, which reflects the user's water usage habits, and within the subsequent calculation cycle, can pre-start the water heater based on the water usage time recorded in the previous calculation cycle, the water heater can learn the customer's water usage habits. Simultaneously, while ensuring the normal operation of the unit, the water heater becomes more intelligent, thereby achieving greater energy savings and a better user experience.

[0041] 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

[0042] 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.

[0043] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 9 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application;

[0052] Figure 10 This is a flowchart of an overall control method for a water heater provided in one embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 11 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

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] In some cases, conventional heat pump water heaters rely on users to use the scheduled heating function to set the maximum water usage time, and the heat pump will preheat the water according to the set time. This method is the most primitive, difficult to operate, and does not change according to usage, lacking intelligence.

[0059] The existing heat pump reservation function is rather inflexible. It cannot automatically learn customers' water usage habits to supply hot water, requiring manual setting of the time. Furthermore, the reservation function can only be set once, with the same time set every day. It cannot automatically adjust itself based on the different water usage habits of users each day, and it lacks the ability to learn from different customers' daily usage habits and adjust automatically according to actual changes in customer conditions.

[0060] Based on the above, this application proposes a water heater control method, controller, water heater, and storage medium, which aims to adapt to user habits, make the water heater more intelligent, and improve user experience.

[0061] The various embodiments of the water heater of this application will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0062] 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.

[0063] In one embodiment, the water heater of this application includes, but is not limited to, a heat pump device 110, a first heat exchanger 130, a second heat exchanger 150, an electric auxiliary heating device 160, and a water tank 170. The heat pump device 110, the first heat exchanger 130, and the second heat exchanger 150 form a refrigerant circulation loop. The first heat exchanger 130 is disposed in the water tank 170 and is used to exchange heat with the water inside the water tank 170. The electric auxiliary heating device 160 is also disposed in the water tank 170 and is used to heat the water inside the water tank 170 by electric heating.

[0064] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the water tank 170 is provided with an inlet pipe 171 and an outlet pipe 172, wherein the inlet pipe 171 is located at the lower part of the water tank 170 and the outlet pipe 172 is located at the upper part of the water tank 170.

[0065] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the installation positions of the first heat exchanger 130 and the electric auxiliary heating device 160 can both be located at the lower part of the water tank 170.

[0066] In addition, such as Figure 1As shown, in one embodiment, the water heater of this application embodiment also includes, but is not limited to, a four-way valve 120 and an electronic expansion valve 140, wherein the first end of the four-way valve 120 is connected to the exhaust port of the heat pump device 110, the second end is connected to the first heat exchanger 130, the third end is connected to the second heat exchanger 150, and the fourth end is connected to the return air port of the heat pump device 110; in addition, the electronic expansion valve 140 is disposed between the first heat exchanger 130 and the second heat exchanger 150.

[0067] It is worth noting that the type of water heater in the embodiments of this application can be as follows: Figure 1 The water heater shown includes both a heat pump device 110 and an electric auxiliary heating device 160. It may also be a water heater that only includes a heat pump device 110 or a water heater that only includes an electric auxiliary heating device 160. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the type of water heater.

[0068] 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.

[0069] 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.

[0070] Step S210: Obtain the set water temperature and determine the first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature;

[0071] Step S220: During the first calculation cycle, detect the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank. When the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank is less than the first temperature judgment threshold, record the corresponding water usage time.

[0072] Step S230: Within the second calculation cycle, determine the pre-start time based on the water usage time and obtain the current time. When the current time reaches the pre-start time, control the water heater to start.

[0073] In one embodiment, firstly, the water heater obtains the user-input set water temperature and determines a corresponding first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature. Since this first temperature judgment threshold will be used to compare with the temperature at the bottom of the water tank later, and the set water temperature and the temperature at the bottom of the water tank are related, this embodiment needs to determine the size of the first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature. Next, within a first calculation cycle, the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank is detected and compared with the first temperature judgment threshold to obtain a comparison result. If the comparison result indicates that the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank is less than the first temperature judgment threshold, it can be considered that the user is using a large amount of water. In response, this embodiment records the time at this time as the user's water usage time. Then, within a second calculation cycle, this embodiment calculates the corresponding pre-start time based on the recorded water usage time and compares the current time with the pre-start time. If the current time reaches the pre-start time, the water heater will start.

[0074] It should be noted that if the user inputs a higher set water temperature, the corresponding temperature at the bottom of the water tank will also be higher. Therefore, in order to make the first temperature judgment threshold match the temperature at the bottom of the water tank, this embodiment of the application needs to determine the size of the first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature.

[0075] In one embodiment, the determination of the first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature in step S210 above may include, but is not limited to, the following three cases:

[0076] In the first case, when the set water temperature is less than the first preset value, the first temperature judgment threshold is set to the first temperature value.

[0077] In the second case, when the set water temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value and less than the second preset value, the first temperature judgment threshold is set to the second temperature value, wherein the second preset value is greater than the first preset value and the second temperature value is greater than the first temperature value.

[0078] In the third case, when the set water temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value, the first temperature judgment threshold is set to the third temperature value, wherein the third temperature value is greater than the second temperature value.

[0079] For the three situations mentioned above, this application embodiment sets three judgment intervals, each judgment interval corresponding to a constant temperature value; in addition, it can be understood that this application embodiment may also set two judgment intervals, four judgment intervals, or more judgment intervals. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the number of judgment intervals.

[0080] In another embodiment, the numerical relationship between the set water temperature and the first temperature judgment threshold can also be: the higher the set water temperature, the higher the first temperature judgment threshold; the lower the set water temperature, the lower the first temperature judgment threshold; that is, there is a positive correlation between the set water temperature and the first temperature judgment threshold.

[0081] It is understood that the user can input the water temperature setting through the control panel, through a mobile phone, or through voice. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the method of user input of water temperature setting.

[0082] Additionally, it should be noted that the duration of the first and second calculation cycles mentioned above can be one day, one week, or other durations. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the duration of the first and second calculation cycles.

[0083] It is worth noting that when the duration of the first and second calculation cycles is one week, it can better cover and fit the user's daily routine.

[0084] For the water usage time in the first calculation cycle and the pre-start time in the second calculation cycle, for example, if the water usage time on Monday of the first week is 8 o'clock, then the pre-start time on Monday of the second week should be earlier than 8 o'clock, such as 7 o'clock.

[0085] It should be noted that the number of water usage times recorded in the first calculation period can be one or more. This application embodiment does not specifically limit the number of water usage times in the first calculation period.

[0086] It is worth noting that, since the embodiments of this application can record the user's water usage time in the previous calculation period, which can reflect the user's water usage habits, and in the next calculation period, the water heater can be turned on in advance based on the water usage time recorded in the previous calculation period, so that the water heater can learn the customer's water usage habits. At the same time, while ensuring the normal operation of the unit, the water heater becomes more intelligent, thereby achieving greater energy saving and improving the user experience.

[0087] 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 control of the water heater to start in step S230 may include, but is not limited to, steps S310 and S320.

[0088] Step S310: Set the water heater's operating mode to hybrid mode;

[0089] Step S320: In hybrid mode, the water heater produces hot water through a heat pump device and an electric auxiliary heating device.

[0090] In one embodiment, if the current time reaches the pre-start time during the second calculation cycle, the water heater will respond by starting up and operating in hybrid mode. This hybrid mode refers to the water heater simultaneously heating the water inside the tank using both a heat pump and an electric auxiliary heating device.

[0091] For example, embodiments of this application can set one or more temperature ranges. When the ambient temperature is in different temperature ranges, the heating capacity of the heat pump device and the heating power of the electric auxiliary heating device will also be different. Among them, when the ambient temperature is low, the heating power of the electric auxiliary heating device can be zero.

[0092] 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. The water heater control method of this application embodiment may also include, but is not limited to, steps S410, S420 and S430.

[0093] Step S410: During the second calculation cycle, obtain the start time of the electric heating mode, wherein the start time of the electric heating mode is later than the pre-start time and earlier than the water usage time.

[0094] Step S420: If the current time reaches the start time of the electric heating mode, obtain the temperature of the lower part of the second water tank;

[0095] Step S430: When the temperature at the bottom of the second water tank is less than the second temperature judgment threshold, the working mode of the water heater is set to electric heating mode. Wherein, the second temperature judgment threshold is less than the set water temperature, and the water heater produces hot water through the electric auxiliary heating device in electric heating mode.

[0096] In one embodiment, during the second calculation cycle, this embodiment further determines a second temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature, wherein the value of the second temperature judgment threshold is less than the value of the set water temperature. Then, if the current time reaches the electric heating mode activation time, indicating that it is close to the user's water usage time, this embodiment obtains the temperature of the lower part of the second water tank and compares this temperature with the aforementioned second temperature judgment threshold to obtain a comparison result. Next, if the comparison result indicates that the temperature of the lower part of the second water tank is less than the second temperature judgment threshold, it indicates that the current water temperature is still some distance from the set water temperature. In response, this embodiment activates the electric heating mode to accelerate the water temperature rise. The electric heating mode refers to the water heater heating the water inside the tank through an electric auxiliary heating device.

[0097] 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. The difference between the water usage time and the pre-start time is the advance running time, wherein the process of obtaining the advance running time may include, but is not limited to, steps S510, S520 and S530.

[0098] Step S510: Obtain the ambient temperature and the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank;

[0099] Step S520: Determine the unit's heating power based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the set water temperature;

[0100] Step S530: Determine the advance start time based on the unit's heating power.

[0101] In one embodiment, the duration between water usage time and pre-start time is the advance running time. This advance running time can be flexibly set in the following process: First, the embodiment detects the ambient temperature and the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank. Then, the embodiment inputs the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the set water temperature into a calculation formula or a neural network model to calculate the unit's heating power. Finally, since the unit's heating power affects the water tank's heating speed, this embodiment calculates the advance running time based on the unit's heating power.

[0102] It should be noted that regarding the ambient temperature mentioned above, you can select the ambient temperature corresponding to the period with the lowest temperature throughout the day in your area. For example, you can select the ambient temperature between 0:00 and 1:00 AM, and calculate once a day. The lower the selected ambient temperature, the longer the advance running time. Therefore, when the selected ambient temperature is the lowest of the day, the advance running time corresponding to that selected ambient temperature will be longer than the advance running time corresponding to any other time period. This ensures that the calculated advance running time meets the requirements of each time period, allowing the water heater sufficient time to preheat through the mixing mode, resulting in better energy-saving performance.

[0103] Conversely, if the selected ambient temperature is not the lowest ambient temperature of the day, the advance running time corresponding to the selected ambient temperature will be shorter than the advance running time corresponding to the ambient temperature of other time periods. This makes it impossible to guarantee that the calculated advance running time meets the requirements of each time period. Consequently, for some time periods, the water heater does not have enough time to heat the water in advance through the mixing mode. Therefore, it may be necessary to increase the power of the electric heating mode to produce hot water, which will have a certain impact on the energy-saving effect.

[0104] Additionally, it should be noted that the determination of the unit's heating power based on the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank, and the set water temperature in step S520 above may include, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 6 or Figure 7 The two implementation scenarios are as follows:

[0105] like Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S520 described above may include, but is not limited to, steps S610 and S620.

[0106] Step S610: When the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank is lower than the highest operating temperature of the compressor and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset ambient temperature, determine the first heating power based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank and the set water temperature.

[0107] Step S620: Use the first heating power as the unit heating power.

[0108] In one embodiment, this application embodiment acquires the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank and compares it with the highest operating temperature of the compressor to obtain a comparison result. If the comparison result shows that the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank is lower than the highest operating temperature of the compressor, it indicates that the water heater can continue to use the heat pump device, i.e., the compressor. At the same time, this application embodiment also acquires the ambient temperature and compares it with a preset ambient temperature to obtain a comparison result. If the comparison result shows that the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset ambient temperature, it indicates that the ambient temperature is high. In this case, this application embodiment only needs to start the heat pump device to produce hot water, without needing to start the electric auxiliary heating device.

[0109] It should be noted that the calculation process of the first heating power of the heat pump device can be obtained by inputting the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank and the set water temperature into the calculation formula, or by inputting the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank and the set water temperature into a trained neural network model for analysis, or by directly looking up a table according to the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank and the set water temperature. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the calculation method of the first heating power.

[0110] Since only the heat pump device needs to be activated to produce hot water at this time, and there is no need to activate the electric auxiliary heating device, the heating power of the water heater unit is the first heating power of the heat pump device.

[0111] like Figure 7 As shown, Figure 7This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S520 described above may include, but is not limited to, steps S710 and S720.

[0112] Step S710: When the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank is lower than the highest operating temperature of the compressor and the ambient temperature is lower than the preset ambient temperature, determine the first heating power based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank and the set water temperature.

[0113] Step S720: Obtain the electric auxiliary heating power, and use the cumulative power of the first heating power and the electric auxiliary heating power as the unit heating power.

[0114] In one embodiment, this application embodiment acquires the temperature of the lower part of the third water tank and compares it with the highest operating temperature of the compressor to obtain a comparison result. If the comparison result shows that the temperature of the lower part of the third water tank is lower than the highest operating temperature of the compressor, it indicates that the water heater can continue to use the heat pump device, i.e., the compressor. At the same time, this application embodiment also acquires the ambient temperature and compares it with a preset ambient temperature to obtain a comparison result. If the comparison result shows that the ambient temperature is lower than the preset ambient temperature, it indicates that the ambient temperature is low. In this case, this application embodiment needs to start the heat pump device and the electric auxiliary heating device simultaneously.

[0115] It should be noted that the calculation process of the first heating power of the heat pump device can be obtained by inputting the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank and the set water temperature into the calculation formula, or by inputting the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank and the set water temperature into a trained neural network model for analysis, or by directly looking up a table according to the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank and the set water temperature. The embodiments of this application do not specifically limit the calculation method of the first heating power.

[0116] Additionally, it should be noted that the electric auxiliary heating power can be a fixed value or determined based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the set water temperature. This application does not specifically limit the method of determining the electric auxiliary heating power.

[0117] Since both the heat pump and the electric auxiliary heating device need to be activated simultaneously to produce hot water, the heating power of the water heater unit is the sum of the first heating power of the heat pump and the electric auxiliary heating power of the electric auxiliary heating device.

[0118] Additionally, it should be noted that the determination of the advance operation time based on the unit's heating power in step S530 above may include, but is not limited to, the following: Figure 8 or Figure 9 The two implementation scenarios are as follows:

[0119] like Figure 8 As shown, Figure 8 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S530 may include, but is not limited to, steps S810, S820, S830, and S840.

[0120] Step S810: Obtain the water tank volume and electric auxiliary heating power;

[0121] Step S820: When the set water temperature is greater than the compressor's maximum operating temperature, determine the first heating requirement time based on the water tank volume, set water temperature, compressor's maximum operating temperature, and electric auxiliary heating power.

[0122] Step S830: Determine the second heating demand time based on the water tank volume, the compressor's highest operating temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the unit's heating power;

[0123] Step S840: The cumulative time of the first heating demand time and the second heating demand time is used as the advance running time.

[0124] In one embodiment, when the set water temperature is higher than the compressor's maximum operating temperature, since the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank is successively lower than both the compressor's maximum operating temperature and the set water temperature, the process of raising the temperature from the bottom of the third water tank to the set water temperature requires two stages. The first stage is raising the temperature from the bottom of the third water tank to the compressor's maximum operating temperature, and the second stage is raising the temperature from the compressor's maximum operating temperature to the set water temperature.

[0125] For the first heating stage, it can be based on the above. Figure 6 or Figure 7 The unit heating power obtained from the above calculations can be used to calculate the heating power. Specifically, this can be based on the difference between the compressor's highest operating temperature and the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, the water tank volume, and the aforementioned... Figure 6 or Figure 7 The second heating demand time is calculated from the unit heating power obtained in the calculation.

[0126] In addition, for the second heating stage, the calculation can be based on the electric auxiliary heating power. Specifically, the first heating requirement time can be calculated based on the difference between the set water temperature and the compressor's highest operating temperature, the water tank volume, and the electric auxiliary heating power.

[0127] Finally, after obtaining the first heating requirement time and the second heating requirement time, the advance running time of this embodiment is the sum of the first heating requirement time and the second heating requirement time.

[0128] like Figure 9 As shown, Figure 9This is a flowchart of a water heater control method provided in another embodiment of this application. Step S530 may include, but is not limited to, steps S910, S920, and S930.

[0129] Step S910: Obtain the water tank volume;

[0130] Step S920: When the set water temperature is less than or equal to the compressor's maximum operating temperature, determine the second heating demand time based on the water tank volume, the compressor's maximum operating temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the unit's heating power.

[0131] Step S930: Use the second heating demand time as the advance running time.

[0132] In one embodiment, when the set water temperature is lower than the compressor's maximum operating temperature, since the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank is successively lower than both the set water temperature and the compressor's maximum operating temperature, the process of raising the temperature from the bottom of the third water tank to the set water temperature only requires one stage: raising the temperature from the bottom of the third water tank to the set water temperature.

[0133] Specifically, this warming phase can be based on the above. Figure 6 or Figure 7 The unit heating power obtained from the above calculations can be used to calculate the heating power. Specifically, this can be based on the difference between the compressor's highest operating temperature and the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, the water tank volume, and the aforementioned... Figure 6 or Figure 7 The second heating demand time is calculated from the unit heating power obtained in the previous step. Finally, the advance running time in this embodiment is the second heating demand time.

[0134] 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.

[0135] like Figure 10 As shown, Figure 10 This is a flowchart of an overall control method for a water heater provided in one embodiment of this application.

[0136] First, the definitions of each parameter are as follows: lower water tank temperature T5L, upper water tank temperature T5U, set water temperature Ts, ambient temperature T4, maximum compressor operating temperature Tstop, water tank volume V, unit heating power P, preset ambient temperature Td, and electric auxiliary heating power ElePower.

[0137] Next, the user Smart control logic is as follows:

[0138] The system will perform a judgment based on Table 1 as soon as the user powers on the device. Table 1 is as follows:

[0139] Table 1

[0140] Ts <40 >＝40<45 >＝45 T5L_A See SmartTL_A1(33) See SmartTL_A2(35) See SmartTL_A3(40)

[0141] Next, when T5L < T5L_A, record it on the first day of Table 2. Only when the water temperature rises next time (T5L >= T5L_A + 2), judge whether T5L < T5L_A, and record the time when the water consumption is large next time. Table 2 records from the first day to the seventh day in sequence every day, and records cyclically. After 0:00 on the eighth day, clear the data of the first day, and then record the time when the water consumption is large on the current day, and so on. Among them, Table 2 is as follows:

[0142] Table 2

[0143]

[0144]

[0145] Enter user SMART. According to all the Time_YH_smart values in Table 2, judge whether the current time is within the interval (Time_YH_smart - T, Time_YH_smart). If not, standby; if so, start the machine in hybrid mode, and operate according to the user settings until the temperature reaches and then stop.

[0146] Next, at Time_YH_smart - 0.5, judge whether T5L < Ts - 10. If not, standby; if so, operate in electric heating mode, and operate according to the user settings until the temperature reaches and then stop.

[0147] Among them, for the above-mentioned early start time T, its calculation process is as follows:

[0148] (1) Calculate the ambient temperature T4 in the early morning, and calculate it once a day.

[0149] (2) Calculate the unit capacity according to T5L and T4:

[0150] When T5L < Tstop and Td <= T4, P = P1_ADD + Corr1_ADD * T4 + Corr2_ADD * (T5L + Ts) / 2;

[0151] When T5L < Tstop and T4 < Td, P = ElePower + P1_ADD + Corr1_ADD * T4 + Corr2_ADD * T5L(T5L + Ts) / 2;

[0152] Among them, P1_ADD, Corr1_ADD and Corr2_ADD are all empirical values.

[0153] (3) The heating demand time t1 of the super heat pump operation section = 4.2 * V * (Ts - Tstop) / ElePower / 60, (Ts > Tstop);

[0154] The heating time required during the heat pump operation is t2 = 4.2 * V * (Tstop - T5L) / P / 60.

[0155] (4) When Ts > Tstop, the heating time required is T = t1 + t2;

[0156] When Ts≤Tstop, the heating time required is T=t2.

[0157] This application embodiment records users' water usage habits for 7 days, extracting 7 time points each day to adjust the machine's startup time accordingly. This allows the machine to learn users' water usage habits and, while ensuring normal unit operation, makes the machine more intelligent, thereby achieving greater energy savings and a better user experience.

[0158] 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.

[0159] like Figure 11 As shown, Figure 11 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 11 The example uses a processor 210 and a memory 220.

[0160] The processor 210 and the memory 220 can be connected via a bus or other means. Figure 11 Taking the example of a connection between China and Israel via a bus.

[0161] 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.

[0162] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 11 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.

[0163] exist Figure 11 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.

[0164] 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.

[0165] In addition, one embodiment of this application also provides a water heater, including the controller described in the above embodiment.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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 10 The methods and steps in the text.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] 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 set water temperature, and determine the first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature; During the first calculation cycle, the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank is detected. When the temperature at the bottom of the first water tank is lower than the first temperature judgment threshold, the corresponding water usage time is recorded. During the second calculation cycle, the pre-start time is determined based on the water usage time, and the current time is obtained. When the current time reaches the pre-start time, the water heater is controlled to start. The difference between the water usage time and the pre-start time is the advance operation time, which is obtained through the following steps: Obtain the ambient temperature and the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank; The heating power of the unit is determined based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the set water temperature. The advance start time is determined based on the heating power of the unit.

2. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the first temperature judgment threshold based on the set water temperature includes one of the following: When the set water temperature is less than the first preset value, the first temperature judgment threshold is set to the first temperature value; When the set water temperature is greater than or equal to the first preset value and less than the second preset value, the first temperature judgment threshold is set to the second temperature value, wherein the second preset value is greater than the first preset value and the second temperature value is greater than the first temperature value; When the set water temperature is greater than or equal to the second preset value, the first temperature judgment threshold is set to a third temperature value, wherein the third temperature value is greater than the second temperature value.

3. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control of turning on the water heater includes: The water heater is set to a hybrid mode, wherein in the hybrid mode, the water heater produces hot water through a heat pump device and an electric auxiliary heating device.

4. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: During the second calculation cycle, the start time of the electric heating mode is obtained, wherein the start time of the electric heating mode is later than the pre-start time and earlier than the water usage time; When the current time reaches the start time of the electric heating mode, the temperature at the bottom of the second water tank is obtained; When the temperature at the bottom of the second water tank is less than the second temperature judgment threshold, the working mode of the water heater is set to electric heating mode. In the electric heating mode, the second temperature judgment threshold is less than the set water temperature, and the water heater produces hot water through an electric auxiliary heating device.

5. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the unit's heating power based on the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank, and the set water temperature includes: When the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank is lower than the compressor's maximum operating temperature and the ambient temperature is greater than or equal to the preset ambient temperature, the first heating power is determined based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the set water temperature. The first heating power is taken as the unit's heating power.

6. The control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the unit's heating power based on the ambient temperature, the lower temperature of the third water tank, and the set water temperature includes: When the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank is lower than the maximum operating temperature of the compressor and the ambient temperature is lower than the preset ambient temperature, the first heating power is determined based on the ambient temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the set water temperature. Obtain the electric auxiliary heating power, and use the cumulative power of the first heating power and the electric auxiliary heating power as the unit heating power.

7. The control method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Determining the advance start time based on the unit's heating power includes: Obtain the water tank volume and electric auxiliary heating power; When the set water temperature is greater than the compressor's maximum operating temperature, the first heating requirement time is determined based on the water tank volume, the set water temperature, the compressor's maximum operating temperature, and the electric auxiliary heating power. The second heating requirement time is determined based on the water tank volume, the compressor's highest operating temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the unit's heating power. The cumulative time of the first heating demand time and the second heating demand time is taken as the advance running time.

8. The control method according to claim 5 or 6, characterized in that, Determining the advance start time based on the unit's heating power includes: Obtain the water tank volume; When the set water temperature is less than or equal to the compressor's maximum operating temperature, the second heating demand time is determined based on the water tank volume, the compressor's maximum operating temperature, the temperature at the bottom of the third water tank, and the unit's heating power. The second heating requirement time is taken as the advance running time.

9. A controller, characterized in that, It includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the control method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8 when running the computer program.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, Includes the controller as described in claim 9.

11. 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 8.

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