An automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater and the electric water heater

Abstract

This application relates to an automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater and an electric water heater in the field of electric water heater technology. The method includes: calculating the inflow of water in each time period according to a preset time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm; when the current water flow of the electric water heater is detected to be greater than a preset water flow threshold, collecting the inner tank water temperature data of the electric water heater; if, based on the inner tank water temperature data, it is determined that the user's current water usage is a large-volume water usage, then the first current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inflow water temperature, and current inner tank water volume of the electric water heater are collected, and the cumulative inflow within a preset bacterial growth time period is calculated based on the inflow of water in each time period; based on the current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inflow water temperature, current inner tank water volume, and cumulative inflow, the remaining water volume when the bacterial growth time period is reached is determined; if the preset sterilization water volume condition is met, the sterilization process is initiated. Using this application, automatic sterilization of the electric water heater can be achieved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of electric water heater technology, and in particular to an automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater and an electric water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, after prolonged use, electric water heaters can accumulate a large number of bacteria in the inner tank. If users use this water for bathing, it can cause symptoms such as itchy skin, and the health of users cannot be guaranteed.

[0003] In response to concerns about water health, many manufacturers have incorporated "sterilization" modes or similar functions into their electric water heaters. However, most electric water heaters require users to manually select this function to achieve sterilization. If users forget to manually activate the sterilization function, it will not perform the sterilization process and will therefore be ineffective.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automatic sterilization method for electric water heaters. Summary of the Invention

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to provide an automatic sterilization method for electric water heaters and an electric water heater in response to the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0006] In a first aspect, an automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater is provided, the method comprising:

[0007] The water inflow for each time period is calculated based on a preset time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm.

[0008] When the current water flow rate of the electric water heater is detected to be greater than the preset water flow rate threshold, the water temperature data of the inner tank of the electric water heater is collected.

[0009] If, based on the inner tank water temperature data, it is determined that the user's current water usage is a large-volume water usage, then the first current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inlet water temperature, and current inner tank water volume of the electric water heater are collected, and the cumulative water volume within the preset cumulative bacterial growth time is calculated based on the water volume in each time period. The preset cumulative bacterial growth time includes the time period in which the current moment is located and the preset number of time periods before it.

[0010] Based on the current inner tank water temperature, the outlet water temperature, the inlet water temperature, the current inner tank water storage volume, and the cumulative inlet water volume, determine the remaining water volume when the cumulative bacterial growth time is reached;

[0011] If the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition, the sterilization process will be initiated.

[0012] As an optional implementation, the formula for the preset time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm is:

[0013]

[0014] Where t0 is the start time of the time period, t1 is the end time of the time period, Q is the water inflow during the time period from t0 to t1, F is the frequency of the water flow sensor in the water inlet pipe of the electric water heater, and t is the time for the water flow sensor to collect data at its frequency.

[0015] As an optional implementation, the inner tank water temperature data includes a second current inner tank water temperature and a current change in inner tank water temperature. The step of determining, based on the inner tank water temperature data, that the user's current water usage action is a high-volume water usage action includes:

[0016] If the second current inner tank water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold, and the change in the current inner tank water temperature is less than the preset inner tank water temperature change threshold, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a large water usage action.

[0017] As an optional implementation, the inner tank water temperature data includes a second current inner tank water temperature, and the step of determining that the user's current water usage action is a high-volume water usage action based on the inner tank water temperature data includes:

[0018] If the second current inner tank water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold, and less than the preset second inner tank water temperature threshold, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a large water usage action.

[0019] As an optional implementation, the formula for calculating the cumulative water inflow within the preset bacterial growth period based on the water inflow in each of the aforementioned time periods is as follows:

[0020]

[0021] Among them, Q total The cumulative water inflow is given by m, where m is the current time period, n is the number of time periods within the preset cumulative bacterial growth duration, and Q is the total water inflow. i Let be the inflow volume during the i-th time period.

[0022] As an optional implementation, the formula for determining the remaining water volume when the cumulative bacterial growth time is reached, based on the current inner tank water temperature, the outlet water temperature, the inlet water temperature, the current inner tank water volume, and the cumulative inlet water volume, is as follows:

[0023]

[0024] Where K is the remaining water volume, V is the current water volume in the inner tank, and T is the water volume in the inner tank. p T represents the current water temperature inside the tank. c T represents the outlet water temperature. j Q represents the inlet water temperature.total This represents the cumulative water inflow.

[0025] As an optional implementation, the preset sterilization water storage condition is as follows:

[0026] When the first current inner tank water temperature is greater than the preset third inner tank water temperature threshold, if the remaining water volume is greater than the preset first sterilization water volume threshold, then it is determined that the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition.

[0027] When the first current inner tank water temperature is less than or equal to the preset third inner tank water temperature threshold, if the remaining water volume is greater than the preset second sterilization water volume threshold, then it is determined that the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition, and the preset second sterilization water volume threshold is greater than the preset first sterilization water volume threshold.

[0028] As an optional implementation, the preset first sterilization water storage threshold is one-quarter of the inner tank volume of the electric water heater;

[0029] The preset second sterilization water storage threshold is three-quarters of the inner tank volume of the electric water heater.

[0030] As an optional implementation, the preset cumulative bacterial growth time is 12 hours.

[0031] Secondly, an electric water heater is provided, comprising a main control device, a water flow sensor, an inner tank temperature sensor, an inlet water temperature sensor, an outlet water temperature sensor, and a sterilization device; wherein...

[0032] The main control device collects water flow rate, inner tank water temperature, inlet water temperature and outlet water temperature through the water flow sensor, the inner tank temperature sensor, the inlet water temperature sensor and the outlet water temperature sensor respectively. The main control device controls the sterilization device to realize the automatic sterilization method of electric water heater as described in any of the first aspects.

[0033] Thirdly, a computer device is provided, including a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores a computer program executable on the processor, and the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0034] Fourthly, a computer-readable storage medium is provided having a computer program stored thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the method as described in any of the first aspects.

[0035] This application provides an automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater and an electric water heater. The technical solution provided by the embodiments of this application brings at least the following beneficial effects: The water inflow for each time period is counted according to a preset time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm; when the current water flow of the electric water heater is detected to be greater than a preset water flow threshold, the water temperature data of the inner tank of the electric water heater is collected; if, based on the water temperature data of the inner tank, it is determined that the user's current water usage is a large-volume water usage, then the first current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inlet water temperature, and current inner tank water volume of the electric water heater are collected, and the cumulative water inflow within a preset cumulative bacterial growth time is counted based on the water inflow for each time period, the preset cumulative bacterial growth time including the time period at the current moment and a preset number of time periods before it; based on the current inner tank water temperature, the outlet water temperature, the inlet water temperature, the current inner tank water volume, and the cumulative water inflow, the remaining water volume when the cumulative bacterial growth time is reached is determined; if the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition, then the sterilization operation is initiated. Every time a user uses an electric water heater, a certain amount of water remains inside the tank. Since bacteria can grow in this water after a period of inactivity, especially when there is a significant amount of water remaining, bacteria are more likely to proliferate. This application determines whether to activate the sterilization process based on the accumulated water level in the water heater tank after a certain period of bacterial growth. This achieves automatic sterilization while avoiding resource waste caused by activating automatic sterilization when the accumulated water level is low.

[0036] It should be understood that the above general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory only, and do not limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0037] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0038] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric water heater provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 A flowchart of an automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater provided in this application embodiment;

[0040] Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example of an automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater provided in this application embodiment;

[0041] Figure 4This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device provided in an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0042] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this application clearer, the following detailed description is provided in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative and not intended to limit the scope of this application.

[0043] This application provides an embodiment of an automatic sterilization method for electric water heaters, which can be applied to electric water heaters. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the electric water heater includes a main control device 110, a water flow sensor 120, an inner tank temperature sensor 130, an inlet water temperature sensor 140, an outlet water temperature sensor 150, and a sterilization device 160. The main control device 110 collects water flow rate through the water flow sensor 120, inner tank water temperature through the inner tank temperature sensor 130, inlet water temperature through the inlet water temperature sensor 140, and outlet water temperature through the outlet water temperature sensor 150. The main control device 110 controls the sterilization device 160 to start, sterilizing and disinfecting the water stored in the electric water heater.

[0044] The following will describe in detail, with reference to specific embodiments, an automatic sterilization method for electric water heaters provided in this application. Figure 2 A flowchart of an automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater provided in this application embodiment is shown below. Figure 2 As shown, the specific steps are as follows:

[0045] Step 201: Calculate the inflow volume for each time period according to the preset time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm.

[0046] In implementation, technicians can pre-divide the total daily time into several time periods. For example, the total daily time can be divided into 12 segments: 0:00 to 2:00, 2:00 to 4:00, 4:00 to 6:00, and so on, and stored in the electric water heater. The electric water heater then calculates the water intake for each time period according to a preset time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm.

[0047] As an optional implementation, the formula for the time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm preset in step 201 is:

[0048]

[0049] Where t0 is the start time of the time period, t1 is the end time of the time period, Q is the water inflow during the time period from t0 to t1, F is the frequency of the water flow sensor in the water inlet pipe of the electric water heater, and t is the time for the water flow sensor to collect data at its frequency.

[0050] Step 202: When the current water flow rate of the electric water heater is detected to be greater than the preset water flow rate threshold, the water temperature data of the inner tank of the electric water heater is collected.

[0051] In practice, the electric water heater can collect the current water flow rate. This serves two purposes: firstly, it can detect the user's action of turning on the water; secondly, when the current water flow rate exceeds a preset water flow rate threshold, it can be used as a prerequisite for determining that the user has performed a large water usage action. The water temperature data collected by the electric water heater from the inner tank is used to determine whether the user's current water usage action constitutes a large water usage action.

[0052] Step 203: If the user's current water usage is determined to be a large-volume water usage based on the inner tank water temperature data, then the first current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inlet water temperature and current inner tank water volume of the electric water heater are collected. Based on the water volume in each time period, the cumulative water volume within the preset cumulative bacterial growth time period is calculated. The preset cumulative bacterial growth time period includes the time period in which the current moment is located and the preset number of time periods before it.

[0053] In practice, water continuously enters and exits the inner tank of an electric water heater during user usage. However, users cannot use up all the water in the tank every time. Over time, the water remaining in the tank will accumulate and breed a large number of bacteria. This "residual water" refers to the water that remains in the inner tank after a period of water inflow and outflow. The greatest risk of bacterial growth and harm to users occurs during periods of heavy water use, such as bathing and cooking. Therefore, technicians can pre-set a bacterial growth period in the water heater based on experiments or relevant data. Reaching this timeframe indicates a high bacterial count or the fastest growth rate, potentially posing a health risk. Furthermore, if the water heater determines that the user's current water usage is a heavy-use activity, it collects the initial inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inlet water temperature, and current inner tank water volume. Based on the inflow volume at each time period, it calculates the cumulative inflow volume within the preset bacterial growth period. For example, if the preset cumulative bacterial growth time is 12 hours, with each time period being 2 hours, the water heater can, when it determines that the user's current water usage is a large-volume water usage, add up the water intake of the six time periods, including the current time period, to determine the cumulative water intake within the preset cumulative bacterial growth time.

[0054] As an optional implementation, the inner tank water temperature data in step 203 includes the second current inner tank water temperature and the current change in inner tank water temperature. Based on the inner tank water temperature data, it is determined that the user's current water usage action is a high-volume water usage action, including:

[0055] If the current inner tank water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold, and the current inner tank water temperature change is less than the preset inner tank water temperature change threshold, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a large water usage action.

[0056] In practice, if the second current inner tank water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold, and the current inner tank water temperature change is less than the preset inner tank water temperature change threshold, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a high-volume water usage action. For example: if the electric water heater determines the second current inner tank water temperature to be 50℃, the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold is 40℃, the current inner tank water temperature change is 0.5℃ / min, and the preset inner tank water temperature change threshold is 1℃ / min, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a high-volume water usage action.

[0057] As an optional implementation, the inner tank water temperature data in step 203 includes a second current inner tank water temperature. Based on the inner tank water temperature data, it is determined that the user's current water usage action is a high-volume water usage action, including:

[0058] If the current inner tank water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold, but less than the preset second inner tank water temperature threshold, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a large water usage action.

[0059] In practice, if the second current inner tank water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold, but less than the preset second inner tank water temperature threshold, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a high-volume water usage action. For example, if the electric water heater determines that the second current inner tank water temperature is 50℃, while the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold is 40℃ and the second inner tank water temperature threshold is 60℃, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a high-volume water usage action.

[0060] As an optional implementation method, in step 203, the formula for calculating the cumulative water inflow within the preset bacterial growth period based on the water inflow in each time period is as follows:

[0061]

[0062] Among them, Q total The cumulative water inflow is given by m, where m is the current time period, n is the number of time periods within the preset cumulative bacterial growth duration, and Q is the total water inflow. i Let be the inflow volume during the i-th time period.

[0063] As an optional implementation method, the preset cumulative bacterial growth time is 12 hours.

[0064] Step 204: Determine the remaining water volume when the cumulative bacterial growth time is reached, based on the current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inlet water temperature, current inner tank water volume, and cumulative inlet water volume.

[0065] In practice, the remaining water volume is the difference between the total water consumption and the cumulative inflow during the cumulative bacterial growth period. The electric water heater can determine the total water consumption during the cumulative bacterial growth period based on the current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inflow water temperature, and current inner tank water volume. Then, based on the total water consumption and the cumulative inflow, it determines the remaining water volume at the point where the cumulative bacterial growth period is reached.

[0066] As an optional implementation, in step 204, the formula for determining the remaining water volume when the cumulative bacterial growth time is reached, based on the current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inlet water temperature, current inner tank water volume, and cumulative inlet water volume, is as follows:

[0067]

[0068] Where K is the remaining water volume, V is the current water volume in the inner tank, and T is the water volume in the inner tank. p T represents the current water temperature inside the tank. c T represents the outlet water temperature. j Q represents the inlet water temperature. total This represents the cumulative water inflow.

[0069] Step 205: If the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition, then the sterilization process is started.

[0070] In practice, if the remaining water level is too low, it indicates minimal bacterial growth, and the automatic sterilization process may not need to be activated, or the user may need to manually initiate it. Conversely, if the remaining water level is high, there will be a higher bacterial count, which could compromise the user's water safety if not sterilized promptly. Therefore, technicians can pre-store sterilization water level requirements in the water heater. The water heater then determines whether to activate the sterilization process based on whether the remaining water level meets these preset requirements.

[0071] As an optional implementation, the preset sterilization water storage condition in step 205 is:

[0072] When the current inner tank water temperature is greater than the preset third inner tank water temperature threshold, if the remaining water volume is greater than the preset first sterilization water volume threshold, then the remaining water volume is determined to meet the preset sterilization water volume condition.

[0073] When the current inner tank water temperature is less than or equal to the preset third inner tank water temperature threshold, if the remaining water volume is greater than the preset second sterilization water volume threshold, it is determined that the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition, and the preset second sterilization water volume threshold is greater than the preset first sterilization water volume threshold.

[0074] In practice, technicians can divide the water tank based on its volume and diameter, dividing it into several sections according to the initial hot water volume. For example, the water volume in the tank can be divided into three segments based on its radial diameter, with the dividing lines located at the lower quarter-point (V) of the tank's diameter. 0.25 and the upper quarter position V 0.75 Based on the water level range of the remaining water, determine whether to initiate sterilization.

[0075] As an optional implementation, the preset first sterilization water volume threshold is one-quarter of the inner tank volume of the electric water heater;

[0076] The preset second sterilization water storage threshold is three-quarters of the inner tank volume of the electric water heater.

[0077] As an optional implementation method, the automatic sterilization method can also be that when the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition, the electric water heater outputs a sterilization prompt signal to the user to remind the user to start the manual sterilization mode. If the user ignores the sterilization signal, the electric water heater will perform sterilization after the preset time has elapsed since the reminder.

[0078] As an optional implementation method, the electric water heater can upload the collected user water usage data to the Internet of Things data center to model the parameters, and train and optimize the collected user water usage data. Based on the learning results obtained from training on user water usage time, water temperature and water flow, an intelligent sterilization mode is formed. Based on the intelligent sterilization mode, historical data is processed to correct the automatic sterilization records and update the sterilization measurement method.

[0079] As an optional implementation method, Figure 3 A flowchart illustrating an example of an automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater provided in this application embodiment is shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the specific steps are as follows:

[0080] Step 301: The electric water heater acquires water flow data and water temperature during the user's water usage period through sensors pre-installed in the inner tank. The water usage period is divided into 12 segments per day: 0-2, 2-4, 4-6, 6-8, 8-10, 10-12, 12-14, 14-16, 16-18, 18-20, 20-22, and 22-24. Temperature and water flow are sampled daily for each time segment. Water temperature is collected using a temperature sensor.

[0081] Step 302, determine if it is a large water usage action: If the water temperature in the inner tank is greater than 40℃, the detected water flow rate is greater than 2L / min, and the water temperature decreases by 1℃ / min, then it is determined to be a large water usage action. Or, if the water temperature in the inner tank is greater than 40℃, the detected water flow rate is greater than 2L / min, and the water temperature in the inner tank is lower than 60℃, then it is determined to be a large water usage action.

[0082] Step 303: Based on the preset water flow statistics algorithm and sensor frequency, the cumulative water inflow is calculated, and the water flow of the inflow over 6 time periods is accumulated.

[0083] Step 304: Calculate the remaining water volume in the pre-statistical period based on the original water volume during the water usage period and the cumulative water inflow during the statistical period.

[0084] Step 305: Compare the remaining water volume obtained above with the sterilization water volume. If the preset conditions are not met, then suspend the relevant functions of the equipment.

[0085] This application provides an automatic sterilization method for electric water heaters. The technical solution provided by this application has at least the following beneficial effects: The water inflow for each time period is calculated according to a preset time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm; when the current water flow of the electric water heater is detected to be greater than a preset water flow threshold, the water temperature data of the inner tank of the electric water heater is collected; if the user's current water usage is determined to be a large-volume water usage based on the inner tank water temperature data, the first current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inlet water temperature, and current inner tank water volume of the electric water heater are collected, and the cumulative water inflow within a preset bacterial growth time is calculated based on the water inflow for each time period. The preset bacterial growth time includes the current time period and a preset number of time periods preceding it; the remaining water volume when the bacterial growth time is reached is determined based on the current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inlet water temperature, current inner tank water volume, and cumulative water inflow; if the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition, the sterilization process is initiated. Every time a user uses an electric water heater, a certain amount of water remains inside the tank. Since bacteria can grow in this water after a period of inactivity, especially when there is a significant amount of water remaining, bacteria are more likely to proliferate. This application determines whether to activate the sterilization process based on the accumulated water level in the water heater tank after a certain period of bacterial growth. This achieves automatic sterilization while avoiding resource waste caused by activating automatic sterilization when the accumulated water level is low.

[0086] It should be understood that, although Figures 2 to 3The steps in the flowchart are shown sequentially as indicated by the arrows, but these steps are not necessarily executed in the order indicated by the arrows. Unless otherwise specified herein, there is no strict order in which these steps are executed, and they can be performed in other orders. Figures 2 to 3 At least some of the steps in the process may include multiple steps or multiple stages. These steps or stages are not necessarily completed at the same time, but may be executed at different times. The execution order of these steps or stages is not necessarily sequential, but may be executed in turn or alternately with other steps or at least some of the steps or stages in other steps.

[0087] It is understood that the same / similar parts between the various embodiments of the methods described above in this specification can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments, and relevant parts can be referred to the description of other method embodiments.

[0088] This application also provides an electric water heater, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the electric water heater includes a main control device 110, a water flow sensor 120, an inner tank temperature sensor 130, an inlet water temperature sensor 140, an outlet water temperature sensor 150, and a sterilization device 160; wherein,

[0089] The main control device 110 collects water flow rate, inner tank water temperature, inlet water temperature and outlet water temperature through water flow sensor 120, inner tank temperature sensor 130, inlet water temperature sensor 140 and outlet water temperature sensor 150 respectively. The main control device 110 controls the sterilization device 160 to realize the automatic sterilization method of electric water heater as described in any of the first aspects.

[0090] As an optional implementation, during the sterilization process, the electric water heater can display its sterilization status to the user through its display screen or remote control terminal.

[0091] Specific limitations regarding electric water heaters can be found in the above section on the limitations of automatic sterilization methods for electric water heaters, and will not be repeated here. The various modules in the aforementioned electric water heater can be implemented entirely or partially through software, hardware, or a combination thereof. These modules can be embedded in or independent of the processor in a computer device in hardware form, or stored in the memory of a computer device in software form, so that the processor can call and execute the corresponding operations of each module.

[0092] In one embodiment, a computer device is provided, such as Figure 4 As shown, it includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program that can run on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the above-described method steps for automatic sterilization of an electric water heater.

[0093] In one embodiment, a computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program thereon, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above-described method for automatic sterilization of an electric water heater.

[0094] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the processes in the methods of the above embodiments can be implemented by a computer program instructing related hardware. The computer program can be stored in a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium, and when executed, it can include the processes of the embodiments of the above methods. Any references to memory, storage, databases, or other media used in the embodiments provided in this application can include non-volatile and / or volatile memory. Non-volatile memory can include read-only memory (ROM), programmable ROM (PROM), electrically programmable ROM (EPROM), electrically erasable programmable ROM (EEPROM), or flash memory. Volatile memory can include random access memory (RAM) or external cache memory. By way of illustration and not limitation, RAM is available in various forms, such as static RAM (SRAM), dynamic RAM (DRAM), synchronous DRAM (SDRAM), dual data rate SDRAM (DDRSDRAM), enhanced SDRAM (ESDRAM), synchronous link DRAM (SLDRAM), Rambus direct RAM (RDRAM), direct memory bus dynamic RAM (DRDRAM), and memory bus dynamic RAM (RDRAM), etc.

[0095] It should be noted that, in this document, relational terms such as "first" and "second" are used only to distinguish one entity or operation from another, and do not necessarily require or imply any such actual relationship or order between these entities or operations. Furthermore, the terms "comprising," "including," or any other variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, such that a process, method, article, or apparatus that comprises a list of elements includes not only those elements but also other elements not expressly listed, or elements inherent to such a process, method, article, or apparatus. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprising one..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, article, or apparatus that includes said element.

[0096] It should also be noted that the user information (including but not limited to user device information, user personal information, etc.) and data (including but not limited to data used for display, data used for analysis, etc.) involved in this application are all information and data authorized by the user or fully authorized by all parties.

[0097] The various embodiments in this specification are described in a related manner. Similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. Each embodiment focuses on describing the differences from other embodiments. In particular, the system embodiments are basically similar to the method embodiments, so the description is relatively simple; relevant parts can be referred to the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0098] The technical features of the above embodiments can be combined in any way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the technical features in the above embodiments are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0099] The embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementation methods of this application, and while the descriptions are relatively specific and detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention patent. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of this application, and these all fall within the protection scope of this application. Therefore, the protection scope of this patent application should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An automatic sterilization method for an electric water heater, characterized in that, The method includes: The water inflow for each time period is calculated based on a preset time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm. When the current water flow rate of the electric water heater is detected to be greater than the preset water flow rate threshold, the water temperature data of the inner tank of the electric water heater is collected. If, based on the inner tank water temperature data, it is determined that the user's current water usage is a large-volume water usage, then the first current inner tank water temperature, outlet water temperature, inlet water temperature, and current inner tank water volume of the electric water heater are collected. Based on the inlet water volume in each time period, the cumulative inlet water volume within the preset cumulative bacterial growth time period is calculated. The preset cumulative bacterial growth time period includes the time period in which the current moment is located and the preset number of time periods before it. Based on the current inner tank water temperature, the outlet water temperature, the inlet water temperature, the current inner tank water storage volume, and the cumulative inlet water volume, determine the remaining water volume when the cumulative bacterial growth time is reached; If the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition, the sterilization process will be initiated.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The formula for the preset time-segmented water flow statistics algorithm is as follows: Where t0 is the start time of the time period, t1 is the end time of the time period, Q is the water inflow during the time period from t0 to t1, F is the frequency of the water flow sensor in the water inlet pipe of the electric water heater, and t is the time for the water flow sensor to collect data at its frequency.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner tank water temperature data includes the second current inner tank water temperature and the current change in inner tank water temperature. Based on the inner tank water temperature data, it is determined that the user's current water usage action is a high-volume water usage action, including: If the second current inner tank water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold, and the change in the current inner tank water temperature is less than the preset inner tank water temperature change threshold, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a large water usage action.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner tank water temperature data includes a second current inner tank water temperature. The step of determining, based on the inner tank water temperature data, that the user's current water usage action is a high-volume water usage action includes: If the second current inner tank water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset first inner tank water temperature threshold, and less than the preset second inner tank water temperature threshold, then the user's current water usage action is determined to be a large water usage action.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The formula for calculating the cumulative water inflow within the preset bacterial growth period based on the water inflow in each time period is as follows: Among them, Q total The cumulative water inflow is given by m, where m is the current time period, n is the number of time periods within the preset cumulative bacterial growth duration, and Q is the total water inflow. i Let be the inflow volume during the i-th time period.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The formula for determining the remaining water volume when the cumulative bacterial growth time is reached, based on the current inner tank water temperature, the outlet water temperature, the inlet water temperature, the current inner tank water volume, and the cumulative inlet water volume, is as follows: Where K is the remaining water volume, V is the current water volume in the inner tank, and T is the water volume in the inner tank. p T represents the current water temperature inside the tank. c T represents the outlet water temperature. j Q represents the inlet water temperature. total This represents the cumulative water inflow.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset sterilization water storage conditions are as follows: When the first current inner tank water temperature is greater than the preset third inner tank water temperature threshold, if the remaining water volume is greater than the preset first sterilization water volume threshold, then it is determined that the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition. When the first current inner tank water temperature is less than or equal to the preset third inner tank water temperature threshold, if the remaining water volume is greater than the preset second sterilization water volume threshold, then it is determined that the remaining water volume meets the preset sterilization water volume condition, and the preset second sterilization water volume threshold is greater than the preset first sterilization water volume threshold.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The preset first sterilization water storage threshold is one-quarter of the inner tank volume of the electric water heater; The preset second sterilization water storage threshold is three-quarters of the inner tank volume of the electric water heater.

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The preset cumulative bacterial growth time is 12 hours.

10. An electric water heater, characterized in that, The electric water heater includes a main control unit, a water flow sensor, an inner tank temperature sensor, an inlet water temperature sensor, an outlet water temperature sensor, and a sterilization device; wherein, The main control device collects water flow rate, inner tank water temperature, inlet water temperature and outlet water temperature through the water flow sensor, the inner tank temperature sensor, the inlet water temperature sensor and the outlet water temperature sensor respectively. The main control device controls the sterilization device to realize the automatic sterilization method of electric water heater as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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