A method for controlling the water output of a drinking water device and the drinking water device itself.

Abstract

This invention relates to a water outlet control method for a drinking water device and the drinking water device itself. The water outlet control method includes: calculating the initial water flow rate at the outlet port of the water supply pipeline and calculating the initial opening degree of the diversion valve; starting the booster pump and adjusting its voltage to a pre-calibrated voltage value so that the water flow rate at the outlet port of the water supply pipeline is the initial water flow rate, and adjusting the opening degree of the diversion valve to its initial opening degree; detecting the water temperature at the connection between the hot water tank output end and the water supply pipeline, and controlling the current opening degree of the diversion valve using a PID algorithm; when the opening degree of the diversion valve is at its maximum, reducing the voltage of the booster pump to control the hot water tank to heat the water; and detecting the water temperature at the connection between the hot water tank output end and the water supply pipeline, and controlling the voltage of the booster pump using a PID algorithm. The advantages are that this water outlet control method for the drinking water device can meet the user's demand for water temperature while ensuring the stability of the overall water flow rate, thereby improving the user experience.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of drinking water equipment technology, and in particular to a method for controlling the water output of a drinking water equipment and the drinking water equipment itself. Background Technology

[0002] There are many types of drinking water equipment on the market. To meet users' demand for hot water, drinking water equipment generally uses two heating methods: one is instant heating, such as the Chinese utility model patent with patent number ZL201921969353.7 (authorization announcement number CN211609266U) which discloses an instant hot water dispenser; the other is heating using a hot tank, such as the Chinese utility model patent with patent number ZL202223351232.0 (authorization announcement number CN219194539U) which discloses a hot tank device for a water purifier.

[0003] While instantaneous heating offers rapid heating and a wide range of temperature settings, the limited power of the heating element results in a relatively small flow rate of hot water. Hot water tanks, on the other hand, preheat and store water for quick and large-volume hot water dispensing. However, their slower heating speed and inability to quickly adjust temperature settings prevent them from providing users with the desired hot water at varying temperatures. Therefore, further improvements to existing technologies are necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The first technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a water outlet control method for a drinking water device that can set different water outlet temperatures and ensure water flow rate, in contrast to the above-mentioned prior art.

[0005] The second technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a drinking water device that applies the above-mentioned water output control method.

[0006] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the first technical problem mentioned above is as follows: a water outlet control method for a drinking water device, the drinking water device including a water supply pipeline, a booster pump and a heating tank, the booster pump being located on the water supply pipeline and in fluid communication with the inlet port of the water supply pipeline, the output end of the heating tank being in fluid communication with the outlet port of the water supply pipeline, characterized in that a diversion valve located downstream of the booster pump is also provided on the water supply pipeline, the first diversion port of the diversion valve being in fluid communication with the input end of the heating tank, and the second diversion port of the diversion valve being in fluid communication with the outlet port of the water supply pipeline; the water outlet control method of the drinking water device includes the following steps:

[0007] Step 1: Determine whether the instruction received by the current water dispenser is to dispense room temperature water. If so, adjust the opening of the diversion valve to the minimum, that is, all the water in the water supply pipeline flows out through the second diversion port to the outlet port of the water supply pipeline. If not, the instruction received by the current water dispenser is to dispense hot water, and proceed to Step 2.

[0008] Step 2: Calculate the initial outflow rate of the water supply pipeline outlet port, and calculate the initial opening degree of the diversion valve based on the target temperature value of the water supply pipeline outlet port, the current ambient water temperature, and the water temperature in the hot tank.

[0009] Step 3: Start the booster pump and adjust the voltage of the booster pump to the pre-calibrated voltage value so that the water flow rate at the outlet of the water supply pipeline is the initial water flow rate in Step 2, and adjust the opening of the diversion valve to the initial opening of the diversion valve calculated in Step 2.

[0010] Step 4: Detect the water temperature at the connection point between the hot tank output and the water supply pipeline, and control the opening degree of the current diversion valve using a PID algorithm;

[0011] Step 5: Determine if the opening of the diverter valve is at its maximum. If yes, proceed to step 6; otherwise, return to step 4.

[0012] Step 6: Reduce the voltage of the booster pump and control the heating tank to heat up;

[0013] Step 7: Detect the water temperature at the connection point between the hot tank output and the water supply pipeline, and control the voltage of the booster pump using a PID algorithm;

[0014] Step 8: Determine if the heating tank has stopped discharging water. If so, turn off the booster pump, control the heating tank to continue heating, and proceed to step 9; otherwise, return to step 7.

[0015] Step 9: Monitor the water temperature in the hot tank in real time, and stop heating when the water temperature in the hot tank reaches the boiling point.

[0016] To meet users' demand for large flow rates of hot water, the water dispenser includes the following steps before dispensing water: detecting the water level in the hot water tank, and performing corresponding actions when the water level is at the following levels:

[0017] When the water level in the hot tank is detected to be lower than the low level, the booster pump is turned on with the maximum voltage, and the opening of the diversion valve is adjusted to the maximum, that is, all the water on the water supply line enters the hot tank through the first diversion port.

[0018] When the water level in the hot tank is detected to be higher than the low level, the hot tank heating is turned on, and the water temperature in the hot tank is monitored in real time. If the water temperature in the hot tank reaches the boiling point, the hot tank heating is turned off.

[0019] When the water level in the hot tank is detected to be higher than the high level, the booster pump is stopped.

[0020] Preferably, the initial outflow rate F0 of the water supply pipeline outlet port in step 2 is calculated as follows:

[0021] F0=(P*t) / (C*△T0)

[0022] Where P is the heating power of the hot tank, t is the time, t = 60 seconds, C is the specific heat capacity of water, ΔT0 is the difference between the minimum hot water temperature T0 at the outlet of the water supply pipeline and the ambient water temperature, and T0 is the preset value.

[0023] Preferably, the value of T0 is in the range of 30℃ to 50℃.

[0024] Preferably, the initial opening degree η0 of the diversion valve in step 2 is calculated using the following formula:

[0025] η0=(Tob-NTC1) / (NTC3-NTC1)

[0026] Wherein, Tob is the target temperature value of the outlet port of the water supply pipeline, NTC1 is the current ambient water temperature, and NTC3 is the water temperature in the hot water tank.

[0027] In order to meet the user's requirements for the outlet water temperature, the relationship between the voltage of the booster pump and the outlet water flow rate of the water supply pipeline is pre-calibrated in step 6. The outlet water flow rate can be adjusted by reducing the voltage of the booster pump.

[0028] The technical solution adopted by the present invention to solve the second technical problem mentioned above is: a drinking water device, characterized in that: it applies the water outlet control method described above.

[0029] To improve drinking water quality, preferably, the water supply pipeline is also equipped with a filter element assembly located upstream of the diversion valve, the filter element assembly including at least two filter elements, and the booster pump located downstream of at least one of the filter elements.

[0030] In order to measure the water temperature, the drinking water equipment is equipped with a first temperature detection module for detecting the ambient water temperature between the last filter element of the water supply pipeline and the upstream of the diversion valve, a second temperature detection module for detecting the water temperature at the connection between the hot tank output end and the water supply pipeline, and a third temperature detection module for detecting the water temperature inside the hot tank.

[0031] Preferably, the drinking water equipment further includes a liquid level detection module for detecting low and high liquid levels in the hot water tank.

[0032] Compared with existing technologies, the advantages of this invention are as follows: Firstly, by calculating the initial water flow rate at the outlet port of the water supply pipeline and controlling the voltage of the booster pump, the water flow rate at the outlet port of the water supply pipeline is kept constant at the initial flow rate, thereby stabilizing the overall water flow rate and preventing sudden changes in flow. Secondly, by using a PID algorithm to control the opening degree of the current diversion valve and the voltage of the booster pump, room temperature water and hot water output from the hot water tank are mixed to achieve the set water temperature requirement at the outlet port of the water supply pipeline, satisfying users' needs for hot water at different temperatures. Therefore, the water outlet control method of this drinking water device can not only meet the user's requirements for water temperature but also ensure the stability of the overall water flow rate, thereby improving the user experience. Attached Figure Description

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the water circuit of the drinking water device in an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0034] The present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0035] like Figure 1 As shown, the drinking water equipment in this embodiment includes a water supply pipeline 1, a booster pump 2, a hot water tank 3, and a diversion valve 4. The booster pump 2 is located on the water supply pipeline 1 and is in fluid communication with the inlet port 11 of the water supply pipeline 1. The output end of the hot water tank 3 is in fluid communication with the outlet port 12 of the water supply pipeline 1. The diversion valve 4 is located downstream of the booster pump 2 on the water supply pipeline 1. The first diversion port 41 of the diversion valve 4 is in fluid communication with the input end of the hot water tank 3, and the second diversion port 42 of the diversion valve 4 is in fluid communication with the outlet port 12 of the water supply pipeline 1.

[0036] The water supply pipeline 1 is also equipped with a filter element assembly located upstream of the diversion valve 4. The filter element assembly includes at least two filter elements, and the booster pump 2 is located downstream of at least one of the filter elements. In this embodiment, the filter element assembly includes three filter elements: a pre-filter 51, a nanofiltration filter 52, and a post-filter 53. The pre-filter 51, nanofiltration filter 52, and post-filter 53 are all commonly used filter elements in water purifiers and will not be described in detail here. The booster pump 2 is located between the pre-filter 51 and the nanofiltration filter 52.

[0037] In addition, the water supply equipment is equipped with a first temperature detection module 61 for detecting the ambient water temperature between the last filter element of the water supply pipeline 1 and the upstream of the diversion valve 4; a second temperature detection module 62 for detecting the water temperature at the connection point between the output end of the hot water tank 3 and the water supply pipeline; a third temperature detection module 63 for detecting the water temperature inside the hot water tank 3; and a liquid level detection module for detecting low and high liquid levels inside the hot water tank 3. In this embodiment, the first temperature detection module 61, the second temperature detection module 62, and the third temperature detection module 63 are all temperature sensors, and the liquid level detection module may include a high liquid level probe and a low liquid level probe.

[0038] The water outlet control method of the drinking water equipment in this embodiment includes the following steps:

[0039] Step 1: Determine whether the instruction received by the current water dispenser is to dispense room temperature water. If so, adjust the opening of the diversion valve to the minimum, that is, all the water in the water supply pipeline flows out through the second diversion port to the outlet port of the water supply pipeline. If not, the instruction received by the current water dispenser is to dispense hot water, and proceed to Step 2.

[0040] Step 2: Calculate the initial outflow rate of the water supply pipeline outlet port, and calculate the initial opening degree of the diversion valve based on the target temperature value of the water supply pipeline outlet port, the current ambient water temperature, and the water temperature in the hot tank.

[0041] Because the hot water tank stores heat, the water inside can be preheated and stored, allowing users to quickly dispense large quantities of hot water. Therefore, the water dispenser includes the following steps before dispensing water: detecting the water level in the hot water tank; and performing the corresponding action when the water level reaches the following levels:

[0042] When the water level in the hot tank is detected to be lower than the low level, the booster pump is turned on with the maximum voltage, and the opening of the diversion valve is adjusted to the maximum, that is, all the water on the water supply line enters the hot tank through the first diversion port.

[0043] When the water level in the hot tank is detected to be higher than the low level, the hot tank heating is turned on, and the water temperature in the hot tank is monitored in real time. If the water temperature in the hot tank reaches the boiling point, the hot tank heating is turned off.

[0044] When the water level in the hot tank is detected to be higher than the high level, the booster pump is stopped.

[0045] The initial outflow rate F0 at the outlet of the water supply pipeline is calculated as follows:

[0046] F0=(P*t) / (C*△T0)

[0047] Where P is the heating power of the hot tank, t is the time, t = 60 seconds, C is the specific heat capacity of water, ΔT0 is the difference between the minimum hot water temperature T0 at the outlet of the water supply pipeline and the ambient water temperature, and T0 is a preset value; the value of T0 is in the range of 30℃~50℃.

[0048] Considering the heating power of the hot water tank, which is generally 2200W, P is 2200. C is generally taken as 4200. F0 is the flow rate, which generally refers to the amount of water flowing out in 1 minute. Therefore, t is 60s. △T0 is the difference between the minimum hot water temperature T0 at the outlet of the water supply pipe and the normal water temperature, that is, △T0=T0–NTC1. NTC1 is the inlet water temperature collected by the first temperature detection module 61. For example, the inlet water temperature is 20℃. In this embodiment, the minimum hot water temperature T0 is 45℃, that is, the initial water flow rate F0=(2200*60) / (4200*25)=1.257L / min. Therefore, the initial water flow rate can be set at around 1.25 L / min. This ensures stable temperature and heating power, allowing for continuous water output. For higher temperature requirements, this flow rate is maintained while using the water stored in the heating tank. Once the water in the tank is depleted, the water flow rate is reduced to maintain the desired temperature. In other words, even under high-temperature water output conditions, a large flow of hot water is guaranteed initially, but the flow rate decreases once the hot water in the tank is used up.

[0049] The formula for calculating the initial opening degree η0 of the diverter valve is:

[0050] η0=(Tob-NTC1) / (NTC3-NTC1)

[0051] Where Tob is the target temperature value of the outlet port of the water supply pipeline, NTC1 is the current ambient water temperature, and NTC3 is the water temperature in the hot water tank.

[0052] Since the water in the hot tank is usually heat-storing water, the NTC3 value is set to 100°C in this embodiment;

[0053] Step 3: Start the booster pump and adjust the voltage of the booster pump to the pre-calibrated voltage value so that the water flow rate at the outlet of the water supply pipeline is the initial water flow rate in Step 2, and adjust the opening of the diversion valve to the initial opening of the diversion valve calculated in Step 2.

[0054] Step 4: Detect the water temperature at the connection point between the hot tank output and the water supply pipeline, and control the opening degree of the current diversion valve using a PID algorithm;

[0055] The PID algorithm mentioned here, namely the Proportion Integral Differential algorithm, also known as the proportional-integral-derivative control algorithm, is a mature existing technology in the field of control. We will not go into too much detail about the PID algorithm here. The opening degree η of the current diverter valve can be controlled by the PID algorithm.

[0056] η=Kp1*e(t)+Ki1*Σe(t)+Kd1*(e(t)-e(t-1))

[0057] Where η is the opening degree of the diverter valve to be adjusted, e(t) is the current temperature error e(t)=Tob–NTC2, e(t-1) is the previous temperature error, Kp1, Ki1, Kd1 are the system parameters of the PID, which can be set empirically according to the situation, and the output data is the opening degree of the diverter valve;

[0058] Step 5: Determine if the opening of the diverter valve is at its maximum. If yes, proceed to step 6; otherwise, return to step 4.

[0059] Step 6: Reduce the voltage of the booster pump and control the heating tank to heat up;

[0060] If the relationship between the voltage of the booster pump and the water flow rate at the outlet of the water supply pipeline is pre-calibrated, the water flow rate can be reduced by decreasing the voltage of the booster pump.

[0061] Step 7: Detect the water temperature at the connection point between the hot tank output and the water supply pipeline, and control the voltage of the booster pump using a PID algorithm;

[0062] Since the control voltage of the booster pump will have a certain deviation and the heating power of the hot tank remains constant, the water temperature detected by the second temperature detection module 62 and the voltage of the booster pump form a closed-loop control. The PID control algorithm is also used: V = Kp2*e(t) + Ki2*Σe(t) + Kd2*(e(t) - e(t-1)), where e(t) is the current temperature error, e(t) = Tob – NTC2, e(t-1) is the previous temperature error, Kp2, Ki2, and Kd2 are the PID system parameters, which can be set empirically according to the situation. The output data V is the control voltage of the booster pump. At this time, the outlet water temperature can be maintained continuously.

[0063] Step 8: Determine if the heating tank has stopped discharging water. If so, turn off the booster pump, control the heating tank to continue heating, and proceed to step 9; otherwise, return to step 7.

[0064] Step 9: Monitor the water temperature in the hot tank in real time, and stop heating when the water temperature in the hot tank reaches the boiling point.

[0065] In this embodiment, when hot water is dispensed, the total flow rate is first calculated as 1.25 L / min by setting the minimum heating temperature (45℃ in this embodiment), and the initial opening of the diversion valve is calculated to maintain a consistent flow rate across different hot water temperature levels. Then, the initial opening of the diversion valve is calculated based on the target temperature value of the outlet port of the water supply pipeline, the current ambient water temperature, and the water temperature in the hot water tank. The higher the target temperature value of the outlet port, the larger the opening of the diversion valve. Furthermore, the feedback between the water temperature at the output of the hot water tank and the opening of the diversion valve allows the diversion valve to be controlled via PID control mode, thus forming a closed loop with NTC2 and enabling precise control of the temperature after mixing.

[0066] Additionally, when the water temperature in the hot water tank begins to drop, it indicates that the hot water in the tank is almost used up, and the water temperature will gradually decrease. This will inevitably lead to a gradual decrease in the temperature detected by the second temperature detection module. Through the PID feedback control algorithm, the diversion valve will gradually increase its opening. Simultaneously, the hot water tank begins to heat up, raising the temperature of the water passing through it. When the diversion valve reaches its maximum opening, the hot water in the tank is almost completely used up. At this point, the voltage of the booster pump is reduced, thus decreasing the water flow rate. Because the booster pump control voltage may have some deviation, and since the heating power of the hot water tank remains constant, a closed-loop control is formed by the temperature detected by the second temperature detection module and the adjusted voltage of the booster pump.

[0067] Once the hot tank stops discharging water, the tank is full because the water is squeezed out. When the water discharge stops, the booster pump is turned off, and the hot tank continues to heat. The temperature of the water in the hot tank is continuously monitored by the third temperature detection module until it is heated to a high temperature (boiling point) for the next water discharge.

[0068] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention. It should be noted that for those skilled in the art, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the technical principles of the present invention, and these improvements and modifications should also be considered within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the water output of a drinking water device, the drinking water device comprising a water supply pipeline (1), a booster pump (2), and a heating tank (3), wherein the booster pump (2) is located on the water supply pipeline (1) and is in fluid communication with the water inlet port (11) of the water supply pipeline (1), and the output end of the heating tank (3) is in fluid communication with the water outlet port (12) of the water supply pipeline (1), characterized in that... The water supply pipeline (1) is also equipped with a diversion valve (4) located downstream of the booster pump (2). The first diversion port (41) of the diversion valve (4) is in fluid communication with the input end of the hot tank (3), and the second diversion port (42) of the diversion valve (4) is in fluid communication with the outlet port (12) of the water supply pipeline (1). The water outlet control method of the drinking water equipment includes the following steps: Step 1: Determine whether the instruction received by the current water dispenser is to dispense room temperature water. If so, adjust the opening of the diversion valve to the minimum, that is, all the water in the water supply pipeline flows out through the second diversion port to the outlet port of the water supply pipeline. If not, the instruction received by the current water dispenser is to dispense hot water, and proceed to Step 2. Step 2: Calculate the initial outflow rate of the water supply pipeline outlet port, and calculate the initial opening degree of the diversion valve based on the target temperature value of the water supply pipeline outlet port, the current ambient water temperature, and the water temperature in the hot tank. Step 3: Start the booster pump and adjust the voltage of the booster pump to the pre-calibrated voltage value so that the water flow rate at the outlet of the water supply pipeline is the initial water flow rate in Step 2, and adjust the opening of the diversion valve to the initial opening of the diversion valve calculated in Step 2. Step 4: Detect the water temperature at the connection point between the hot tank output and the water supply pipeline, and control the opening degree of the current diversion valve using a PID algorithm; Step 5: Determine if the opening of the diverter valve is at its maximum. If yes, proceed to step 6; otherwise, return to step 4. Step 6: Reduce the voltage of the booster pump and control the heating tank to heat up; Step 7: Detect the water temperature at the connection point between the hot tank output and the water supply pipeline, and control the voltage of the booster pump using a PID algorithm; Step 8: Determine if the heating tank has stopped discharging water. If so, turn off the booster pump, control the heating tank to continue heating, and proceed to step 9; otherwise, return to step 7. Step 9: Monitor the water temperature in the hot tank in real time, and stop heating when the water temperature in the hot tank reaches the boiling point.

2. The water outlet control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Before dispensing water, the drinking water equipment also includes the following steps: detecting the water level in the hot tank, and performing the corresponding action when the water level is at the following levels: When the water level in the hot tank is detected to be lower than the low level, the booster pump is turned on with the maximum voltage, and the opening of the diversion valve is adjusted to the maximum, that is, all the water on the water supply line enters the hot tank through the first diversion port. When the water level in the hot tank is detected to be higher than the low level, the hot tank heating is turned on, and the water temperature in the hot tank is monitored in real time. If the water temperature in the hot tank reaches the boiling point, the hot tank heating is turned off. When the water level in the hot tank is detected to be higher than the high level, the booster pump is stopped.

3. The water outlet control method according to claim 1, characterized in that: The initial outflow rate F0 of the water supply pipeline outlet port in step 2 is calculated as follows: F0=(P*t) / (C*△T0) Where P is the heating power of the hot tank, t is the time, t = 60 seconds, C is the specific heat capacity of water, ΔT0 is the difference between the minimum hot water temperature T0 at the outlet of the water supply pipeline and the ambient water temperature, and T0 is the preset value.

4. The water outlet control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The value of T0 is in the range of 30℃ to 50℃.

5. The water outlet control method according to claim 3, characterized in that: The formula for calculating the initial opening degree η0 of the diversion valve in step 2 is as follows: η0=(Tob-NTC1) / (NTC3-NTC1) Where Tob is the target temperature value of the water outlet port of the water supply pipeline, NTC1 is the current ambient water temperature, and NTC3 is the water temperature in the hot water tank.

6. The water outlet control method according to claim 5, characterized in that: In step 6, the relationship between the voltage of the booster pump and the water flow rate at the outlet of the water supply pipeline is pre-calibrated. The water flow rate can then be adjusted by reducing the voltage of the booster pump.

7. A drinking water device, characterized in that: The application is the water effluent control method as described in any one of claims 2 to 6 above.

8. The drinking water equipment according to claim 7, characterized in that: The water supply pipeline (1) is also provided with a filter element assembly located upstream of the diversion valve (4). The filter element assembly includes at least two filter elements (51, 52, 53), and the booster pump (2) is located downstream of at least one of the filter elements.

9. The drinking water equipment according to claim 8, characterized in that: The drinking water equipment is equipped with a first temperature detection module (61) for detecting the ambient temperature water temperature between the last filter element of the water supply pipeline (1) and the upstream of the diversion valve (4), a second temperature detection module (62) for detecting the water temperature at the output end of the hot tank (3) and the connection point of the water supply pipeline, and a third temperature detection module (63) for detecting the water temperature inside the hot tank (3).

10. The drinking water equipment according to claim 9, characterized in that: The drinking water equipment also includes a liquid level detection module for detecting low and high liquid levels in the hot tank (3).

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