Control method for flexible modulating a direct current water heater

Abstract

This application relates to the field of water heaters, specifically disclosing a control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater. The method includes the following steps: heating the water heater in a high-economy mode, wherein the high-economy mode refers to heating using off-peak electricity prices; calculating and displaying the remaining heating time. This invention utilizes off-peak electricity prices and time periods for heating, improving the economic efficiency of the water heater. Simultaneously, it displays the remaining heating time, facilitating time management for users and significantly enhancing user satisfaction.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of water heaters, and more specifically, to a control method for a flexible regulating DC water heater. Background Technology

[0002] In recent years, many cities have introduced peak-valley electricity pricing mechanisms to regulate uneven electricity consumption. By raising peak-hour prices and lowering off-peak prices, residents are encouraged to take advantage of off-peak pricing to stimulate electricity consumption during off-peak hours. At the same time, for the power sector, shifting peak electricity consumption to off-peak periods alleviates the supply-demand gap during peak hours and promotes the optimal allocation of power resources.

[0003] Furthermore, based on the national "dual carbon" target, the power system structure is gradually changing, with the installed capacity of wind and solar power continuously increasing. The power generation of these renewable energy sources is highly volatile, requiring end-users to promptly absorb the generated electricity; that is, users consume more electricity when the grid generates more power and less when generation is less.

[0004] To comply with the State Grid's flexible regulation mode, water heaters need to operate during off-peak electricity hours to improve economic efficiency. However, in this mode, the real-time voltage of the water heater fluctuates, causing its actual power output to vary. For users, the previously fixed heating time becomes uncertain; when it will heat up and how much heating time remains are unknown, making time management inconvenient and resulting in a poor user experience. Therefore, this invention is proposed. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the shortcomings of existing technologies by proposing a flexible control method for DC water heaters that utilizes off-peak electricity prices and time periods for heating. This method not only ensures the heating capacity of the water used by the user but also reduces product energy consumption and saves electricity costs. Furthermore, it displays the remaining heating time, which is beneficial for users to manage their time and greatly improves user satisfaction.

[0006] Specifically, the present invention provides a control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater, the method comprising the following steps:

[0007] The water heater is set to heat water in a high-economy mode, wherein the high-economy mode refers to a mode that uses off-peak electricity prices for heating.

[0008] Calculate and display the remaining heating time.

[0009] In a specific implementation of the above control method, the step of "calculating the remaining heating time" specifically includes:

[0010] Obtain the current water temperature and operating power;

[0011] Calculate the remaining heating time based on the current water temperature and operating power.

[0012] In a specific implementation of the above control method, the step of "displaying the remaining heating time" specifically includes:

[0013] The remaining heating time is displayed on the water heater or on the user's mobile device.

[0014] In a specific implementation of the above control method, the water heater is equipped with a heat storage module, and the step of "heating the water heater in a high-economy mode" specifically includes:

[0015] Obtain off-peak electricity prices and times;

[0016] Get the current water temperature, user usage time, and preset usage temperature during off-peak hours;

[0017] Compare the first total power consumption price and the second total power consumption price; wherein, the first total power consumption price is the total power consumption price for heating the current water temperature to the preset operating temperature when the user uses the water; the second total power consumption price is the total power consumption price for heating the current water temperature to the preset heating temperature during off-peak electricity hours;

[0018] If the first total electricity cost exceeds the second total electricity cost, the water heater will be activated during off-peak hours for heating.

[0019] In a specific implementation of the above control method, the step of "comparing the first total electricity consumption price and the second total electricity consumption price" specifically includes:

[0020] Determine the heat loss between heating the current water temperature to a preset heating temperature during off-peak hours and the user's use, wherein the preset heating temperature is higher than the preset usage temperature;

[0021] Compare the heat loss with the maximum heat storage capacity of the heat storage module;

[0022] If the heat loss is less than the maximum heat storage capacity of the heat storage module, then a comparison is made between the first total power consumption price and the second total power consumption price.

[0023] In a specific implementation of the above control method, the step of "determining the heat loss between heating the current water temperature to the preset heating temperature during off-peak hours and the user's use" specifically includes:

[0024] The heat loss is calculated using a pre-set heat loss model, from the time the current water temperature is heated to the preset heating temperature during off-peak hours until the user uses the water.

[0025] In a specific implementation of the above control method, the heat loss model is a nonlinear model based on the ambient temperature.

[0026] In a specific implementation of the above control method, the step of "obtaining user usage time" includes:

[0027] The time a user spends can be obtained by asking the user and receiving feedback, or by predicting the time a user spends based on historical data and / or the user's current location.

[0028] In a specific implementation of the above control method, the step of "obtaining off-peak electricity price and time" further includes:

[0029] The peak-valley electricity forecasting program predicts off-peak electricity prices and timing based on historical data.

[0030] The present invention also provides a water heater, which includes a control module and a display module;

[0031] The control module is configured to execute the control method described in any one of the embodiments;

[0032] The display module is configured to display one or more of the following information about the water heater described in any one of the embodiments: off-peak electricity price, user usage time, preset usage temperature, first total electricity price, second total electricity price, electricity price difference, and remaining heating time.

[0033] This invention utilizes off-peak electricity prices and time periods for heating, storing sufficient heat at once. While ensuring the heating capacity for users' water usage, it not only reduces product energy consumption and saves electricity costs, but also displays the remaining heating time, making it convenient for users to manage their time. It can be described as a win-win situation.

[0034] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0035] The above and other objects, advantages and features of the present invention will become more apparent to those skilled in the art from the following detailed description of specific embodiments of the invention in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

[0036] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below.

[0037] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of the main steps of the control method for a flexible DC water heater according to this application;

[0038] Figure 2This is a detailed flowchart of the control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater according to a specific embodiment of this application;

[0039] Figure 3 This is a functional architecture diagram of a water heater system according to an embodiment of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0040] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the technical solutions of this application, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of this application.

[0041] This invention utilizes off-peak electricity prices and time periods for heating, storing sufficient heat at once. While ensuring the heating capacity for users' water usage, it not only reduces product energy consumption and saves electricity costs, but also displays the remaining heating time, making it convenient for users to manage their time. It can be described as a win-win situation.

[0042] The control method of the present invention is applicable to water heaters such as electric water heaters, heat pump water heaters, and gas water heaters, without limiting the specific type, as long as the water heater contains a heat storage module.

[0043] This invention proposes an economical method for controlling the preheating water in water heaters, such as... Figure 1 As shown,

[0044] S10: Enables the water heater to heat in a high-economy mode, where the high-economy mode refers to the mode of heating using off-peak electricity prices.

[0045] The water heater is equipped with a heat storage module, and the step of "heating the water heater in a high-economy mode" specifically includes:

[0046] Obtain off-peak electricity prices and times;

[0047] Get the current water temperature, user usage time, and preset usage temperature during off-peak hours;

[0048] Compare the first total electricity cost with the second total electricity cost; if the first total electricity cost exceeds the second total electricity cost, then start the water heater for heating during off-peak hours.

[0049] By communicating with the State Grid through the water heater's control module, the off-peak electricity price and time can be obtained. For example, if the off-peak electricity time is from 22:00 to 8:00 the next day, the off-peak electricity price is 0.288 yuan / kWh.

[0050] The current water temperature during off-peak hours can be obtained through feedback from the temperature sensor inside the water heater, for example, the current water temperature is 20℃.

[0051] To determine the user's usage time and preset operating temperature, specifically, the user's arrival time is first obtained. Then, the user's hot water usage time is estimated based on their arrival time. For example, historical data can be used to estimate the hot water usage time as some time after the user's arrival, such as one hour later. More specifically, various methods can be used to determine the user's arrival time. For example, the user's arrival time can be obtained by asking the user and receiving feedback, or predicted based on historical data and / or the user's current location. Furthermore, the user's arrival time can be obtained from connected smart cars, smartwatches, smartphones, etc., or navigation information can be obtained from smart cars or smartphones to predict the user's arrival time. Alternatively, the user's arrival time can be directly inferred from historical data. Based on the user's usage time, the user's preferred operating temperature can also be preset. For example, if the user's preferred operating temperature is 70℃, the preset heating temperature can be set to 80℃ to meet the user's hot water needs.

[0052] Specifically, the first total electricity consumption price is the total electricity consumption price for heating the current water temperature to the preset usage temperature when the user uses the water. The first total electricity consumption price is the total electricity consumption price under the traditional mode based on residential electricity consumption tiers and electricity price standards. It is calculated by communicating with the State Grid through the control module of the water heater and obtaining the real-time electricity price. For example, when the user uses the water heater at 19:00, based on the traditional mode electricity price, the total electricity consumption price for directly turning on the hot water heater to heat the current water temperature of 20℃ to the user's preset usage temperature of 70℃ is the first total electricity consumption price.

[0053] The second total electricity cost is the total electricity cost of heating the current water temperature to the preset heating temperature during off-peak hours. The second total electricity cost is calculated by obtaining the off-peak electricity price through the water heater's control module's communication with the State Grid. When consistent with the above settings, if the user heats the water in advance during off-peak hours (6:00-8:00 AM), spending 2 hours to heat the current water temperature of 20°C to the preset heating temperature of 80°C, the total electricity cost is the second total electricity cost.

[0054] Comparing the first total electricity consumption price and the second total electricity consumption price, if the first total electricity consumption price exceeds the second total electricity consumption price, it indicates that the total electricity consumption price of the high-economy mode is lower than that of the traditional mode. Therefore, the high-economy mode proposed in this invention is considered feasible, and the water heater is started for heating during off-peak hours.

[0055] The specific steps for "comparing the first total electricity cost and the second total electricity cost" include:

[0056] Determine the heat loss between heating the current water temperature to a preset heating temperature during off-peak hours and the user's use, wherein the preset heating temperature is higher than the preset usage temperature;

[0057] Compare the heat loss with the maximum heat storage capacity of the heat storage module;

[0058] If the heat loss is less than the maximum heat storage capacity of the heat storage module, then a comparison is made between the first total power consumption price and the second total power consumption price.

[0059] Specifically, the water heater of the present invention includes a heat storage module, and its heat storage capacity is mainly achieved by the heat storage module. The present invention does not limit the form and installation position of the heat storage module; it can be either simply increasing the inner tank capacity of the water tank or adding a phase change energy storage module, as long as it can increase the heat storage capacity, thereby achieving the maximum heat storage capacity Qsmax.

[0060] Specifically, heat loss mainly depends on parameters such as the water heater's insulation measures, water temperature, ambient temperature, and storage time.

[0061] The step of "determining the heat loss between heating the current water temperature to the preset heating temperature during off-peak hours and the user's use" specifically includes: calculating the heat loss between heating the current water temperature to the preset heating temperature during off-peak hours and the user's use using a pre-set heat loss model. The heat loss model is a nonlinear model based on the external ambient temperature.

[0062] Specifically, as an example, a heat loss model can be pre-trained for a specific model of water heater. This model can then be used to predict the heat loss between the completion of heating and the user's use. The formula for calculating heat loss is: Q = C * m * Δt, where m is the mass of water in the tank, C is the specific heat capacity of water, and Δt is the temperature difference before and after heat loss. This formula can be used to calculate the heat loss at different times and temperatures. A three-dimensional mapping function between time difference, temperature, and heat loss can then be established as the heat loss model. When it is necessary to determine the heat loss at a specific water temperature at a specific time, simply input the time difference and real-time water temperature as query terms into the function model to retrieve the corresponding heat loss. In the example above, if heating occurs at 6:00 AM during off-peak hours, is completed at 8:00 AM, and the user uses the water at 7:00 PM, the time difference is 11 hours. If the preset heating temperature is 80℃ and the preset usage temperature is 70℃, the temperature difference is 10℃, allowing the retrieval of the corresponding heat loss. For example, by collecting the current water temperature every 10 minutes, the heat loss can be calculated.

[0063] S11: Calculate and display the remaining heating time.

[0064] The steps for "calculating the remaining heating time" specifically include: obtaining the current water temperature and operating power; and calculating the remaining heating time based on the obtained current water temperature and operating power.

[0065] The current water temperature can be obtained through feedback from the temperature sensor inside the water heater, for example, the current water temperature is 20℃. By obtaining the model of the water heater and detecting the real-time input voltage of the water heater, the actual operating power of the water heater can be obtained, for example, the current operating power of the water heater is 13KW.

[0066] The steps for "displaying remaining heating time" specifically include: when the above settings are consistent, heating is carried out in high economy mode, that is, during the off-peak electricity period at 6:00 am, the current water temperature of 20℃ is heated to the preset heating temperature of 80℃ hot water. When the current operating power is 13KW and the water capacity is 80 liters, the system calculates that it will take 1 hour, and then displays the remaining heating time as 1 hour.

[0067] The remaining heating time is displayed on the water heater or on the user's mobile device. Specific display information will be described in more detail in the embodiments below.

[0068] It should be noted that off-peak electricity prices and times can be obtained through peak-valley electricity forecasting programs based on historical data. Peak-valley electricity forecasting programs refer to optimization calculations performed based on historical data obtained within a certain period, such as the previous day or month, to predict off-peak electricity prices and times. In other words, by calculating in advance the most economical period, the program predicts that operating at that time will yield the highest economic benefits. There are no restrictions on the specific peak-valley electricity forecasting method used; any method that predicts the highest economic benefits at a particular time is acceptable.

[0069] As described above, this invention utilizes off-peak electricity prices and time periods to store sufficient heat at once. While ensuring the heat required for users' water usage, it not only reduces product energy consumption and saves electricity costs, but also displays the remaining heating time and reduces carbon emissions from the power grid, achieving multiple benefits.

[0070] See below. Figure 2 The following describes specific embodiments of the present invention.

[0071] like Figure 2 As shown, in the first specific embodiment, the model of the water heater and the maximum heat storage capacity Qsmax of the water heater are first obtained; the model of the water heater is used to call the corresponding heat loss model to calculate the heat loss, and the maximum heat storage capacity Qsmax is used for the judgment of subsequent operation steps, which will be described in detail below.

[0072] like Figure 2 As shown, the next step is to determine the user's hot water usage time, preset usage temperature, and preset heating temperature. These settings are used to calculate heat loss and ultimately determine whether to preheat the water.

[0073] Specifically, we first need to obtain the time when the user arrives home. The method for obtaining this information has already been explained in detail above, so we will not repeat it here.

[0074] like Figure 2 As shown, the next step is to obtain the off-peak electricity price and time. This information is obtained by communicating with the State Grid through the water heater's control module. Specifically, it determines whether the current period is an off-peak electricity period. If not, it continues to obtain the off-peak electricity price and time; if it is, it proceeds to the next step of calculating heat loss.

[0075] The calculation method for heat loss has been explained in detail above and will not be repeated here. It is worth noting that the heat loss model is a nonlinear model based on the ambient temperature. Through extensive data collection and statistical analysis, we can conclude that within a certain time period, the lower the ambient temperature, the higher the heat loss.

[0076] like Figure 2 As shown, the heat loss is then compared with the maximum heat storage capacity Qsmax of the heat storage module. If the heat loss is less than the maximum heat storage capacity of the heat storage module, a comparison is made between the first total electricity cost and the second total electricity cost. If the heat loss exceeds the maximum heat storage capacity of the heat storage module, it indicates that the time interval between the heating and the user's use is too long, resulting in excessive heat loss and poor economic efficiency. Therefore, no operational judgment is made, and the off-peak electricity price and time are re-acquired.

[0077] like Figure 2 As shown, the first total electricity cost and the second total electricity cost will be calculated next;

[0078] Wherein, the first total power consumption price is the total power consumption price for heating the current water temperature to the preset operating temperature when the user uses it; the second total power consumption price is the total power consumption price for heating the current water temperature to the preset heating temperature during off-peak hours.

[0079] like Figure 2 As shown, the next step is to compare the first total electricity cost and the second total electricity cost;

[0080] If the first total electricity cost does not exceed the second total electricity cost, the water heater will not be started during off-peak hours, and the off-peak electricity price and time will be re-acquired. If the first total electricity cost exceeds the second total electricity cost, the water heater will be started during off-peak hours.

[0081] The first total electricity price is the total electricity price under the traditional model based on residential electricity consumption tiers and electricity price standards. If the second total electricity price is the total electricity price of the high-economic model proposed in this invention, and the total electricity price of the high-economic model is lower than the total electricity price of the traditional model, then the economic model is considered feasible, and the water heater can be run in advance to heat water during off-peak hours. If the total electricity price of the economic model is higher than the total electricity price of the traditional model, it means that the economic model has not minimized the economic impact, so the water heater is not run, and the process returns to the first step to enter the next judgment cycle.

[0082] like Figure 2 As shown, the next step is to obtain the current water temperature of the water heater and the real-time electricity price. The current water temperature can be obtained through the feedback of the temperature sensor inside the water heater. The current water temperature and the real-time electricity price are used to calculate the first total electricity price and the second total electricity price.

[0083] Next, the current water temperature can be obtained through feedback from the temperature sensor inside the water heater. Using the initially acquired water heater model and the detected real-time input voltage, the actual operating power of the water heater can be calculated. This allows for the calculation of the remaining heating time required to heat the current water to the preset heating temperature. The remaining heating time is then displayed to the user through the water heater's display module. It should be noted that the display module of this invention is configured to display one or more of the following information for any water heater in the embodiments: off-peak electricity price, user usage time, preset usage temperature, first total electricity price, second total electricity price, electricity price difference, and remaining heating time. Displaying the remaining heating time facilitates time management for users, significantly improving user satisfaction.

[0084] See below. Figure 3 This invention relates to a water heater system.

[0085] like Figure 3 As shown, in addition to its own heating module and heat storage module, the water heater also includes a control module and a display module;

[0086] The control module is configured to execute the control method described in any one of the embodiments; the control module is capable of controlling the start and stop of heating by the heating module and the start and stop of heat storage by the heat storage module.

[0087] The display module is configured to display one or more of the following information about the water heater described in any of the embodiments: off-peak electricity price, user usage time, preset operating temperature, first total electricity cost, second total electricity cost, electricity cost difference, and remaining heating time. The specific information displayed is not limited; the content can be set according to user preferences, and the specific display carrier device is also not limited. It can be a whole-house intelligent digital control application scenario such as smart home, smart home appliance ecosystem, and smart residential ecosystem. The display module makes the display and comparison of relevant data clearer and more understandable, not only increasing intelligent interaction with the user but also enhancing the user's willingness to choose a highly economical operating mode. It further facilitates data collection in the smart appliance backend, allowing the collected data to be combined with other smart appliances to provide a smart living mode that better meets user satisfaction.

[0088] The control module can also receive user selection signals. Users can choose between the control method for a high-efficiency, flexible DC water heater or a non-high-efficiency, flexible DC water heater, depending on their needs. If the control module does not receive a user selection signal, it defaults to the high-efficiency, flexible DC water heater control method. The system can be configured with a memory function, collecting periodic user behavior data (e.g., daily, weekly, or monthly) to automatically set the parameters when the user forgets to do so.

[0089] It should be noted that the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion, for example, a process, method, system, product, or device that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units that are explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to such process, method, product, or device.

[0090] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of this application. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and adjustments can be made without departing from the principle of this application, and these improvements and adjustments should also be considered to fall within the protection scope of this application.

Claims

1. A control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater, characterized in that, The method includes the following steps: The water heater is set to heat water in a high-economy mode, wherein the high-economy mode refers to a mode that uses off-peak electricity prices for heating. Calculate and display the remaining heating time; The water heater is equipped with a heat storage module, and the step of "heating the water heater in a high-economy mode" specifically includes: Obtain off-peak electricity prices and times; Get the current water temperature, user usage time, and preset usage temperature during off-peak hours; Compare the first total power consumption price and the second total power consumption price; wherein, the first total power consumption price is the total power consumption price for heating the current water temperature to the preset operating temperature when the user uses the water; the second total power consumption price is the total power consumption price for heating the current water temperature to the preset heating temperature during off-peak hours; the preset heating temperature is higher than the preset operating temperature; If the first total electricity cost exceeds the second total electricity cost, the water heater will be activated during off-peak hours for heating.

2. The control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "calculating the remaining heating time" specifically include: Obtain the current water temperature and operating power; Calculate the remaining heating time based on the current water temperature and operating power.

3. The control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that, The steps to "display remaining heating time" specifically include: The remaining heating time is displayed on the water heater or on the user's mobile device.

4. The control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "comparing the first and second total electricity costs" specifically include: Determine the heat loss between heating the current water temperature to the preset heating temperature during off-peak hours and when the user uses the water. Compare the heat loss with the maximum heat storage capacity of the heat storage module; If the heat loss is less than the maximum heat storage capacity of the heat storage module, then a comparison is made between the first total power consumption price and the second total power consumption price.

5. The control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that, The steps for "determining the heat loss between heating the current water temperature to the preset heating temperature during off-peak electricity hours and when the water is used by the user" specifically include: The heat loss is calculated using a pre-set heat loss model, from the time the current water temperature is heated to the preset heating temperature during off-peak hours until the user uses the water.

6. The control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater according to claim 5, characterized in that, The heat loss model is a nonlinear model based on the ambient temperature.

7. The control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "obtaining user usage time" include: The time a user spends can be obtained by asking the user and receiving feedback, or by predicting the time a user spends based on historical data and / or the user's current location.

8. The control method for a flexible adjustable DC water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The steps for "obtaining off-peak electricity prices and times" further include: The peak-valley electricity forecasting program predicts off-peak electricity prices and timing based on historical data.

9. A water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes a control module and a display module; The control module is configured to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1-8; The display module is configured to display one or more of the following information of the water heater as described in any one of claims 1-8: off-peak electricity price, user usage time, preset usage temperature, first total electricity consumption price, second total electricity consumption price, electricity consumption difference, and remaining heating time.

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