Water storage type water heater can use bathing time prediction method, water storage type water heater

Abstract

The application discloses a prediction method for available bathing time of a water storage type water heater, and the prediction method comprises the following steps: determining the total energy of an inner container of the water storage type water heater; determining an energy consumption rate; and determining the available bathing time according to the total energy and the energy consumption rate. The total energy of the inner container of the water storage type water heater and the energy consumption rate of a water outlet position of the inner container of the water storage type water heater can be calculated respectively. Then, the available bathing time is calculated according to the total energy and the energy consumption rate. The complex energy change caused by the complex and dynamic change process of the water storage type water heater is converted into a simple energy system by means of a simple method, the total energy is determined, and the energy consumption rate is determined only by considering the energy output end. Therefore, the available bathing time is calculated, the data processing speed is improved, and the accuracy of the prediction of the available bathing time is ensured. The application further provides a water storage type water heater and a storage medium.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of storage water heater technology, and more specifically, to a method for predicting the available bathing time of a storage water heater, a storage water heater, and a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Storage-type electric water heaters typically require a certain heating time to reach a specific temperature before use. Compared to gas water heaters, users are more concerned about parameters such as the amount of hot water remaining and the duration of use. Understandably, if users don't know how long the remaining hot water will last while showering, they might run out of hot water before finishing their shower, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a method for predicting the available bathing time of a storage water heater, a storage water heater, and a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium.

[0004] This application provides a method for predicting the available shower time of a storage water heater, the prediction method comprising:

[0005] Determine the total energy of the inner tank of the storage water heater;

[0006] Determine the rate of energy consumption;

[0007] The available bathing time is determined based on the total energy of the inner tank and the energy consumption rate.

[0008] Therefore, the total energy of the storage water heater's inner tank and the energy consumption rate at the water outlet of the inner tank can be calculated separately. Then, the usable shower time can be calculated based on the total energy and the energy consumption rate. This transforms the complex energy changes resulting from the intricate and dynamic processes of the storage water heater into a simplified energy system that determines the total energy and considers only the energy consumption rate at the energy output end. This allows for the calculation of usable shower time, improving data processing speed while ensuring the accuracy of the predicted shower duration.

[0009] In some embodiments, determining the total energy of the inner tank of the storage water heater includes:

[0010] The inner liner is divided into multiple sub-inner liners along the height direction;

[0011] Calculate the temperature value of each layer in the multi-layered inner liner;

[0012] Calculate the energy value of each layer based on the temperature value;

[0013] The total energy of the first inner liner is determined based on the energy value of each layer.

[0014] Therefore, the method for calculating the total energy of the inner liner includes: first, dividing the inner liner into multiple sub-inner liner layers along its height; then calculating the temperature value of each sub-inner liner and calculating the energy value of each layer based on the temperature value; finally, determining the total energy of the inner liner based on the energy value of each layer. Calculating the total energy of the inner liner based on the temperature of each layer, and constructing a model from an energy perspective, can reduce the computational workload while calculating the total energy of the inner liner more accurately.

[0015] In some implementations, the energy value of each layer is calculated using the following formula:

[0016] E per =V per ×(t per -t in )×ρ w ×C p

[0017] Among them, E per V represents the energy value of each layer. per t represents the volume of each sub-layer of the inner liner. per For the temperature of each layer from the inner liner, t in For inlet water temperature, ρ w V is the density of water. p This is the specific heat capacity at constant pressure.

[0018] Thus, the energy value E of each layer per It can be done through formula E per =V per ×(t per -t in )×ρ w ×C p Calculated.

[0019] In some embodiments, determining the total energy of the inner tank of the storage water heater includes:

[0020] The total energy of the second inner tank is determined based on the heating power and heating time of the storage water heater;

[0021] The total energy of the first inner liner and the total energy of the second inner liner are compared, and the smaller energy value is determined as the total energy of the inner liner.

[0022] Thus, based on the heating power P of the storage water heater a After determining the total energy of the second inner liner based on the heating time ΔT1, the total energy of the first and second inner liners is compared, and the smaller energy value is determined as the total energy E of the inner liner. a By using the total energy of the second inner liner to correct the total energy of the first inner liner in real time, the calculated total energy E of the inner liner can be improved. aThe correctness of the statement.

[0023] In some implementations, the energy consumption rate is calculated using the following formula:

[0024] E c =q mix ×(t mix -t in )×ρ w ×C p ,

[0025] Among them, E c q represents the rate of energy consumption. mix For the mixing water flow rate, t mix t is the temperature of the mixed water. in For inlet water temperature, ρ w C is the density of water. p This is the specific heat capacity at constant pressure.

[0026] Thus, through formula E c =q mix ×(t mix -t in )×ρ w ×C p The energy consumption rate E was calculated. c .

[0027] In some embodiments, when the storage water heater is not discharging water, the mixing flow rate is a preset mixing flow rate value, and the mixing temperature is a preset mixing temperature.

[0028] Thus, when the storage water heater is not running, a preset mixing flow rate value is assigned to the mixing flow rate, and a preset mixing temperature value is assigned to the mixing temperature. This allows the calculation of the energy consumption rate when the storage water heater is not running.

[0029] In some embodiments, when the storage-type water heater is discharging water, the mixing flow rate is calculated using the following formula:

[0030] q mix =q hmix ×(t per1 -t in ) / (t mix -t in ),

[0031] Where, q mix For the mixing water flow rate, q hmix For hot water flow rate, t per1 The temperature of the top layer of the inner liner, t in For the entry temperature, t mix This refers to the temperature of the mixed water.

[0032] Thus, when a storage-type water heater is draining water, the formula q... mix =q hmix ×(t per1 -t in ) / (t mix -tin calculates the mixing flow rate qmix, which provides a more accurate real-time value for the mixing flow rate qmix.

[0033] In some embodiments, determining the energy consumption rate further includes:

[0034] Calculate the filtered difference between the current hot water flow rate and the hot water flow rate at a predetermined time point prior to the current moment;

[0035] If the filtered difference is greater than or equal to the difference threshold, calculate the current mixed water flow rate;

[0036] If the filtered difference is less than the difference threshold, the mixing flow rate at a predetermined time point before the current time is taken as the current mixing flow rate.

[0037] Thus, in order to determine the energy consumption rate E c Mixed water flow rate q mix The value can also be used to calculate the filtered difference between the current hot water flow rate and the hot water flow rate at a predetermined time point prior to the current moment. If the filtered difference is greater than or equal to a threshold, the current mixing flow rate is calculated. If the filtered difference is less than the threshold, the mixing flow rate at the predetermined time point prior to the current moment is used as the current mixing flow rate. Thus, through appropriate calculation steps, the obtained mixing flow rate q can be... mix Process the current mixing flow rate q mix Keep it within a reasonable range.

[0038] This application also provides a storage-type water heater, which includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and when the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the above-mentioned prediction method.

[0039] This application also provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium for a computer program that implements the above-described prediction method when the computer program is executed by one or more processors.

[0040] This application presents a method for predicting available bathing time, a storage water heater, and a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium. It transforms the complex energy changes resulting from the intricate and dynamic processes of a storage water heater into a simple energy system that determines the total energy and considers only the energy consumption rate at the energy output end. This allows for the calculation of available bathing time, improving data processing speed while ensuring the accuracy of the predicted available bathing duration.

[0041] Additional aspects and advantages of embodiments of this application will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of embodiments of this application. Attached Figure Description

[0042] The above and / or additional aspects and advantages of this application will become apparent and readily understood from the description of the embodiments taken in conjunction with the following drawings, wherein:

[0043] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating the prediction method of some embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 2 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of a storage-type water heater according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 3 This is a flowchart illustrating the prediction method of some embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario for the prediction method of some embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 5 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of a storage-type water heater according to certain embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating the prediction method of some embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario for the prediction method of some embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 8 This is a flowchart illustrating the prediction method of some embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection state of a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium and a processor in certain embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0052] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of the embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and are only used to explain the embodiments of this application, and should not be construed as limiting the embodiments of this application.

[0053] When a user uses a storage-type water heater at home, the process typically involves the following stages: The storage and heating stage, where the user doesn't release water from the heater before it heats the water in the tank; the heating and discharging stage, where the user discharges water while simultaneously heating the water in the tank; and the non-heating discharging stage, where the user discharges water without simultaneously heating the water in the tank. These stages can be configured according to the user's or manufacturer's needs, and can occur sequentially or in an alternating manner. Therefore, the operation of a storage-type water heater is a dynamic process.

[0054] With the increasing popularity of smart homes, the smart features of storage water heaters are also attracting more attention. If a storage water heater could display the remaining hot water time, it would help users plan their usage more effectively, avoiding situations where the hot water runs out before they've finished their shower, resulting in a poor user experience. For example, the hot water might run out before the user has finished showering.

[0055] Please see Figure 1 The method for predicting bathing time using a storage-type water heater according to the embodiments of this application includes the following steps:

[0056] 01: Determine the total energy of the inner tank of the storage water heater;

[0057] 02: Determine the rate of energy consumption;

[0058] 03: Determine the available bathing time based on the total energy of the inner tank and the energy consumption rate.

[0059] This application also provides a storage-type water heater, including a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, and the processor is used to determine the total energy of the inner tank of the storage-type water heater, to determine the energy consumption rate, and to determine the available bathing time based on the total energy of the inner tank and the energy consumption rate.

[0060] Specifically, a storage water heater is a fixed appliance that heats water and can store water for a long time or temporarily.

[0061] Please see Figure 2 In one example, a schematic diagram of a typical storage-type water heater 300 is shown below. Figure 2As shown, the storage-type water heater 300 includes an inner tank 310, a heating element 320, an outlet pipe 330, an inlet pipe 340, and an electronic control board 350. The inner tank 310 stores water flowing in through the inlet pipe 340. The inner tank can be a double-layered or single-layered tank, with no limit on the number of layers or its shape. The heating element 320 is placed inside the inner tank 310 and is used to heat the water stored in the inner tank 310. The electronic control board 350 can be used to control the opening and closing of the heating element 320 and to receive signals transmitted by sensors. The outlet pipe 330 is used to discharge water from the inner tank 310, providing water to the user. When cold water flows in from the lower end of the inlet pipe 340, the heating element 320 heats the cold water, turning it into hot water. The hot water accumulates at the upper end of the inner tank 310, while the cold water accumulates at the lower end. At this time, the water in the inner tank 310 exhibits a gradient temperature increase. In addition, to quickly adjust the outlet water temperature, a mixing valve 360 ​​and a cold water pipe are usually added. The lower end of the outlet pipe 330 is connected to the cold water pipe using the mixing valve 360. By adjusting the mixing valve 360, the ratio of cold water to hot water can be controlled, achieving the purpose of quickly adjusting the outlet water temperature. Since both cold and hot water flow out of the storage water heater 300, this water can be collectively referred to as mixed water. Whether the mixed water flows directly from the outlet pipe 330 or flows out after being adjusted by the mixing valve, it can eventually flow out through the shower pipe for user use.

[0062] Total energy E a This refers to the energy currently stored in a storage water heater, which can be used to heat cold water; the unit is joules (J). Calculate the total energy E. a There are several methods. One is to obtain the change in the temperature of the water mixed in the inner tank, and then calculate the total energy E according to the heat formula. a The total energy E can also be calculated using the heating power of the heating element. a .

[0063] Energy consumption rate E cd This refers to the energy consumed per unit time (J / s) to raise the temperature of the water at the inner tank outlet from a certain value to a usable bathing temperature. The temperature at the inner tank outlet can be obtained using a temperature sensor, and the flow rate can be obtained using a flow sensor. The inner tank outlet can refer to many locations, such as any point from the outlet pipe to the shower head where the temperature can be obtained by a temperature sensor or the flow rate can be obtained by a flow sensor. Simultaneously, the temperature at the inner tank inlet is also measured. The inner tank inlet can refer to any point on the inlet pipe where the temperature is available or a point with a temperature close to that of the inlet pipe, such as the bottom of the inner tank.

[0064] The energy consumption rate E can be obtained by combining the flow rate and temperature obtained from the water outlet of the inner tank, the temperature obtained from the water inlet of the inner tank, and the heat formula with modifications. c .

[0065] The available shower time T refers to the duration, measured in seconds, that the storage water heater can provide a user with a usable shower temperature, calculated from the current moment. The storage water heater's casing may also be equipped with a display screen showing the available shower time T. The available shower time T can be determined based on the known total energy E. a and energy consumption rate E c The calculation yields the following formula:

[0066] T = E a / E c

[0067] Understandably, although storage water heaters undergo a complex and dynamic process involving storage and heating, heating and discharging, and non-heating discharging, the entire storage water heater can be viewed as an energy system, with the energy input being the total energy E of the inner tank. a This can be calculated, and the energy output point is only the water outlet of the inner tank. Temperature changes are essentially energy changes; therefore, the energy output value can be calculated based on the temperature changes at the water inlet and outlet of the inner tank. This value can be obtained through the energy consumption rate E. c Therefore, by determining the total energy and output value of the inner tank in the complex and dynamic process of change and performing calculations, a relatively accurate usable bathing time T can be obtained.

[0068] It should be noted that the available bathing time T calculated in this application and all the embodiments described below is the first calculation by the water heater using the prediction method. The available bathing time T of the water heater is a dynamically changing time, and it will be repeatedly calculated multiple times according to the prediction method. Therefore, the display screen can be controlled to display the currently calculated available bathing time T within a set time period, such as 1 second, 0.5 seconds, etc.

[0069] Therefore, the total energy E of the inner tank of the storage water heater can be calculated separately. a Energy consumption rate E at the outlet of the inner tank of a storage water heater c Then, based on the total energy E a and the energy consumption rate E c Calculate the available bathing time T. Transform the complex energy changes resulting from the intricate dynamic processes of a storage water heater into a simple method for determining the total energy E. a And considering only the energy consumption rate E at the energy output end c A simple energy system. This allows for the calculation of available bathing time T, improving data processing speed while ensuring the accuracy of the predicted available bathing time T.

[0070] Please see Figure 3 In some implementations, step 01 includes:

[0071] 011: Divide the inner liner into multiple sub-inner liners along the height direction;

[0072] 012: Calculate the temperature value of each layer in the multi-layered inner liner;

[0073] 013: Calculate the energy value of each layer based on the temperature value;

[0074] 014: Determine the total energy of the first inner liner based on the energy value of each layer.

[0075] In some embodiments, the processor is used to divide the inner liner into multiple sub-inner liners evenly along the height direction, and to calculate the temperature value of each sub-liner in the multiple sub-liners. It is also used to calculate the energy value of each sub-liner based on the temperature value, and to determine the total energy of the first inner liner based on the energy value of each sub-liner.

[0076] Specifically, "sub-inner liner" refers to the inner liner being divided into multiple layers, with each layer of the inner liner being referred to as a sub-inner liner.

[0077] The first total energy of the inner liner refers to the total energy E of the liner calculated using the first method. a The first method could refer to obtaining the temperature change of the water in the inner tank and then calculating the total energy E using the heat formula. a .

[0078] When the inner tank is heated, the water inside exhibits a temperature gradient. The temperature of each layer of water along the height of the inner tank becomes relatively uniform within that layer, meaning the temperature on the left and right sides of each layer is roughly the same. This is the theory of temperature stratification. Therefore, the total energy E of the inner tank can be calculated using the theory of temperature stratification. a Furthermore, the temperature change between the inner tanks of the water heater is approximately linear, and this linearity can be determined experimentally. For example, to obtain the temperature of five consecutive inner tanks, one can obtain only the temperatures of the first and fifth layers, and then calculate the temperatures of the other three layers based on the linear temperature change.

[0079] Understandably, obtaining the temperature of each layer based on the linear change of temperature across several consecutive layers can reduce the number of temperature sensors required.

[0080] Determine the total energy E of the inner liner a This method involves obtaining the temperature change of the water in the inner tank and then calculating the total energy E using the heat formula. a The specific steps are as follows:

[0081] Please see Figure 4First, the volume of each sub-inner liner is calculated based on the total volume of the inner liner and the cross-sectional areas of its top and bottom sides. This method allows the inner liner to be divided into multiple equal layers along its height, ensuring that each layer has the same volume, i.e., the volume V of each sub-inner liner. per equal.

[0082] Secondly, temperature sensors are placed in each layer of the inner liner, or in the first and last layers of several consecutive sub-inner liners. The placement of the temperature sensors is not specifically limited; they can be located on the left, right, or center of the layer. The temperature of each layer, i.e., the temperature t of each sub-inner liner, is obtained and calculated using these temperature sensors. per Based on the temperature t of each inner liner layer. per Calculate the energy value E for each layer. per .

[0083] Finally, the energy value E of each layer is... per When all these are combined, the total energy of the first inner liner can be obtained, as shown in the following formula:

[0084] E a =ΣE per

[0085] Understandably, the total energy E of the inner liner can be calculated based on the temperature of each layer of the inner liner and the theory of temperature stratification. a By constructing a model from an energy perspective, the total energy E of the inner liner can be calculated more accurately while reducing the computational load. a .

[0086] Please see Figure 5 To illustrate with an example of a dual-tank storage water heater, the heater is divided into 20 equal layers along the height of the inner tank. The volume V of each sub-tank is calculated based on the cross-sectional area of ​​each layer and the total volume of the inner tank. per Temperature sensors are placed at three adjacent layers. Specifically, temperature sensor TS1 is placed on the upper right corner of the outer shell of the upper liner, temperature sensor TS2 is placed on the temperature sensing tube extending from the upper liner, temperature sensor TS3 is placed on the upper right corner of the outer shell of the lower liner, temperature sensor TS4 is placed on the temperature sensing tube extending from the lower liner, and temperature sensor TS5 is placed at the bottom of the lower liner. After acquiring the temperature value through each temperature sensor, the temperature value of each of the three sub-inner layers between two adjacent temperature sensors is calculated based on the temperature value and the linear temperature change. This yields the temperature t of each of the 20 layers of the sub-inner liner. per Based on the temperature t of each inner liner layer. per Calculate the energy value E for each layer. per By summing the energy values ​​of each layer, the total energy E can be obtained. a .

[0087] Thus, the total energy E of the inner liner is calculated. a The method involves first dividing the inner liner into multiple sub-inner liner layers along its height, then calculating the temperature value of each sub-inner liner layer, and finally calculating the energy value of each layer based on the temperature values. The total energy E of the liner is then determined based on the energy values ​​of each layer. a The total energy of the inner liner is calculated based on the temperature of each layer. By constructing a model from an energy perspective, the total energy E of the inner liner can be calculated more accurately while reducing the amount of computation. a .

[0088] In some implementations, the energy value of each layer is calculated using the following formula:

[0089] E per =V per ×(t per -t in )×ρ w ×C p

[0090] In some implementations, the processor is used to calculate according to formula E. per =V per ×(t per -t in )×ρ w ×C p Calculate the energy value E for each layer. per .

[0091] Among them, V per t represents the volume of each sub-layer of the inner liner. per The temperature of each layer from the inner liner. E per V per and t per The value can be obtained using the method described in the previous implementation.

[0092] t in The inlet water temperature refers to the temperature at the water inlet point of the inner tank. This inlet point can be any location on the inlet pipe 340 where the temperature can be measured, such as the inside or outside of the inlet pipe. Alternatively, the inlet point can be a location with a temperature similar to that of the inlet pipe 240, such as the bottom of the inner tank. A temperature sensor can be placed at this location to obtain the inlet water temperature t. in The value of .

[0093] Understandably, based on the temperature change of the water in the inner tank, specifically for each layer of the inner tank, it can refer to the temperature t of each layer of the inner tank. per and inlet water temperature t in The difference between them.

[0094] ρ w C is the density of water. pThese two values, representing the specific heat capacity at constant pressure, can be obtained by consulting relevant materials.

[0095] Based on the value of V, per t per t in ρ w and C p The energy value E of each layer can be calculated using the following formula. per :

[0096] E per = per ×(t per -in)×ρ w ×C p

[0097] Thus, the energy value E of each layer per It can be done through formula E per = per ×(t per -in)×ρ w ×C p Calculated.

[0098] Please see Figure 5 In the example of a dual-tank storage water heater, since the temperature sensor TS5 is located at the bottom of the lower tank where cold water accumulates, the temperature sensor TS5 can simultaneously obtain the inlet water temperature t when acquiring the temperature of the inner tank of that layer. in Then, according to E per = per ×(t per -in)×ρ w ×C p You can obtain the energy value E for each layer. per .

[0099] Please see Figure 6 In some implementations, step 01 includes:

[0100] 015: Determine the total energy of the second inner tank based on the heating power and heating time of the storage water heater;

[0101] 016: Compare the total energy of the first inner liner and the total energy of the second inner liner, and determine the smaller energy value as the total energy of the inner liner.

[0102] In some embodiments, the processor is used to determine the total energy of the second inner tank based on the heating power and heating time of the storage water heater. It also compares the total energy of the first inner tank and the total energy of the second inner tank, determining the smaller energy value as the total energy of the inner tank.

[0103] Specifically, the heating duration ΔT1 of the heating element can be obtained by acquiring the signal from the start to the end of the heating element's operation.

[0104] Heating power P of the heating element a It can be obtained from the supplier or through relevant experiments.

[0105] The second total energy of the inner liner refers to the total energy E of the inner liner calculated using the second method. a The second method can refer to the heating power P through the heating element. a Calculate the total energy E a Specifically, in obtaining heating power P a After determining the heating time ΔT1, the total energy of the second inner liner, i.e., the total energy of the inner liner E, is calculated using the following formula. a :

[0106] E a =ΔT1×P a

[0107] Please see Figure 5 In the example of a dual-tank storage water heater, after the control board detects that the heating element is turned on, it obtains the heating duration ΔT1 by receiving the signal from the start to the end of the heating element's operation. This is done after obtaining the heating power P. a After obtaining the value of heating time ΔT1, via E a =ΔT1×P a Calculate the total energy E of the gallbladder a .

[0108] Understandably, due to potential errors in obtaining the temperature of each inner tank layer, the total energy of the first inner tank calculated based on the change in the mixing water temperature and the heat formula may be inaccurate. The energy generated by the entire water heater comes solely from the heat produced by the heating element, which is the total energy of the second inner tank. Therefore, at any given time, the calculated total energy of the second inner tank is the total energy E of the water heater. a The upper limit of the value. Therefore, the calculated total energy of the first inner tank can be corrected in real time using the calculated total energy of the second inner tank. That is, the accumulated energy input into the water heater by the heating element is used to correct the total energy of the inner tank calculated through temperature accumulation in real time.

[0109] The specific calibration method is as follows: after obtaining the total energy calculated through the heating element (i.e., the total energy of the second inner liner) and the total energy calculated through temperature (i.e., the total energy of the first inner liner), the two values ​​are compared. When the total energy calculated through the heating element is greater than the total energy calculated through temperature, the total energy calculated through temperature is determined as the total energy E of the inner liner. aThis value is then used to continue calculations in subsequent steps. When the total energy calculated using the heating element is less than the total energy calculated using the temperature, the total energy calculated using the heating element is determined as the total energy E of the inner liner. a And use this value to continue the calculation in subsequent steps.

[0110] Thus, based on the heating power P of the storage water heater a After determining the total energy of the second inner liner based on the heating time ΔT1, the total energy of the first and second inner liners is compared, and the smaller energy value is determined as the total energy E of the inner liner. a By using the total energy of the second inner liner to correct the total energy of the first inner liner in real time, the calculated total energy E of the inner liner can be improved. a The correctness of the statement.

[0111] In some implementations, the energy consumption rate is expressed by formula E. c = mix ×(t mix -in)×ρ w ×C p Calculated.

[0112] In some implementations, the processor is used to communicate via formula E c = mix ×(t mix -in)×ρ w ×C p The energy consumption rate was calculated.

[0113] Specifically, q mix The mixing flow rate refers to the real-time flow rate at the outlet of the inner tank, where a flow sensor can be placed to obtain the flow rate value. The outlet of the inner tank can refer to many locations, such as any location from the outlet pipe to the shower head where the flow rate can be obtained by a flow sensor, including both inside and outside the pipe.

[0114] t mix The mixing temperature refers to the real-time temperature at the water outlet of the inner tank. A temperature sensor can be placed at this location to obtain the temperature value. The water outlet of the inner tank can refer to many locations, such as any location from the water outlet pipe to the shower head where the temperature can be obtained by a temperature sensor, including both inside and outside the pipe.

[0115] Please see Figure 5 In the case of a dual-tank storage water heater, a flow sensor and a temperature sensor can be placed inside the outlet pipe to obtain the mixing water flow rate q. mix and mixing water temperature t mix .

[0116] Understandably, when the water heater is discharging water, real-time values ​​can be obtained through flow and temperature sensors. Since the energy consumption location of the water heater is at the water outlet of the inner tank, the energy consumption rate E can be obtained by combining the flow and temperature values ​​at that location with the inlet water temperature value and by modifying the heat formula. c .

[0117] According to the above method, q can be obtained. mix t mix t in ρ w and C p Therefore, the energy consumption rate E can be calculated using the following formula. c :

[0118] E c = mix ×(t mix -in)×ρ w ×C p

[0119] Thus, through formula E c = mix ×(t mix -in)×ρ w ×C p The energy consumption rate E was calculated. c .

[0120] In some implementations, when the storage water heater is not discharging water, the mixing flow rate is a preset mixing flow rate value, and the mixing temperature is a preset mixing temperature.

[0121] In some implementations, the processor is used when the storage-type water heater is not discharging water, and the mixing flow rate and mixing temperature are preset values.

[0122] Specifically, t umix The preset mixing temperature refers to the pre-set temperature of the water used for bathing. Preset mixing temperature t umix The value can be set by the user or by the manufacturer based on market research data when the storage water heater leaves the factory.

[0123] q umix The preset mixing flow rate refers to the pre-set mixing flow rate. Preset mixing flow rate q umix The value can be set at the factory by the manufacturer through experiments or by data obtained from market research.

[0124] Because the water heater is not discharging water, the water in the inner tank does not flow to the outlet, and the temperature and flow sensors at that outlet cannot obtain the temperature and flow rate. However, the water heater heats the mixed water in the inner tank to the preset mixed water temperature t. umix At that time, the preset mixing water flow rate q in the inner tank umix The value can be obtained through market research or experiments.

[0125] Understandably, the water heater may still consume energy even when it's not discharging water, such as during the water heating phase. Therefore, it's also necessary to calculate the energy consumption rate E when the water heater is not discharging water. c Energy consumption rate E c The specific formula is as follows:

[0126] E c = umix ×(t umix -in)×ρ w ×C p

[0127] Thus, when the storage water heater is not running, a preset mixing flow rate value is assigned to the mixing flow rate, and a preset mixing temperature value is assigned to the mixing temperature. This allows the calculation of the energy consumption rate E when the storage water heater is not running. c .

[0128] In some implementations, when the storage-type water heater is discharging water, the mixing flow rate is determined by formula q. mix =q hmix ×(t per1 -in) / (t mix The result is obtained by calculation using -in).

[0129] In some implementations, the processor is used to, in the event of water discharge from a storage-type water heater, use formula q mix =q hmix ×(t per1 -in) / (t mix The mixed water flow rate is calculated using the -in) method.

[0130] Specifically, in order to calculate the energy consumption rate E c The real-time mixing flow rate q obtained through the flow sensor mix Errors may occur due to interference, such as the sensor's sensitivity lagging behind temperature changes. Therefore, relevant calculation methods can be added to ensure the real-time mixing flow rate q... mix More closely reflects actual conditions, i.e., real-time mixing flow rate q mix The value is more accurate. The relevant calculation method is as follows:

[0131] First, since the hot water heated by the water heater flows out from the outlet of the inner tank, a flow sensor can be placed at the outlet of the inner tank to obtain the hot water flow rate q. hmix .

[0132] t per1 The temperature of the top layer of the inner liner can be obtained through a temperature sensor placed on the top layer of all the sub-inner liners.

[0133] Based on calculations and experimental verification, the current mixing flow rate q is obtained. mix and the current hot water flow rate q obtained through the temperature sensor. hmix There was a certain proportional relationship before, namely q mix = hmix ×(t per1 -in) / per1 -mix).

[0134] Please see Figure 7 In one example, the calculation process for this proportional relationship is as follows: based on the law of conservation of energy, with Tin as the energy reference, that is, with the inlet water temperature tin... in Based on energy, the mixing flow rate F_mixing is the same as the mixing flow rate q. mix The energy from the outflow consists of two parts: one part is pure hot water flowing out from the top of the inner tank, with a flow rate of F (hot water flow rate q). hmix The temperature is T, which is the top temperature t. per1 The temperature is the temperature of the top layer of the inner tank. Another part is a branch of the inlet flow rate Fin, Fin1, but since the energy is based on the inlet water temperature, the energy from this part is 0. Another branch of the inlet flow rate Fin is Fin2. Fin1 refers to water that does not enter the inner tank and flows out with the outlet pipe; Fin2 refers to water that enters the inner tank.

[0135] Fmix × (Tmix - Tent) × ρ w ×C p = F_heat filter × (T_top - T_in) × ρ w ×C p +Fin1×(Tin-Tin)× w ×C p => Fmix × (Tmix - Tin) = Fheat filter × (Ttop - Tin) => Fmix = Fheat filter × (Ttop - Tin) / (Tmix - Tin), which is q mix =q hmix ×(t per1 -t in ) / (t mix -t in )

[0136] Thus, when a storage-type water heater is draining water, the formula q... mix =q hmix×(t per1 -t in ) / (t mix -tin calculates the mixing flow rate qmix, which provides a more accurate real-time value for the mixing flow rate qmix.

[0137] Please see Figure 8 In some implementations, step 02 includes:

[0138] 021: Calculate the filtered difference between the current hot water flow rate and the hot water flow rate at a predetermined time point prior to the current moment;

[0139] 022: Calculate the current mixing flow rate if the filter difference is greater than or equal to the difference threshold;

[0140] 023: If the filter difference is less than the difference threshold, the mixing flow rate at a predetermined time point before the current time is taken as the current mixing flow rate.

[0141] In some implementations, the processor is configured to calculate the filtered difference between the current hot water flow rate and the hot water flow rate at a predetermined time point prior to the current time, and to calculate the current mixing water flow rate if the filtered difference is greater than or equal to a difference threshold. It is also configured to use the mixing water flow rate at the predetermined time point prior to the current time as the current mixing water flow rate if the filtered difference is less than the difference threshold.

[0142] Specifically, the preset time can be set by the manufacturer at the time of shipment. The preset time can be 10 seconds, 13 seconds, etc., and there is no limit to the specific time.

[0143] The method for calculating the filter difference includes obtaining the hot water flow rate q once at a predetermined time point before the current time. hmix and the hot water flow rate q hmix After filtering, the filtered hot water flow rate q is obtained. hmix Then, obtain the current hot water flow rate q. hmix The hot water flow rate q from the two measurements. hmix Subtracting them gives a difference, and the absolute value of this difference is the filtered difference.

[0144] The difference threshold can be preset by the manufacturer at the time of shipment. The threshold can be 0.25, 0.3 and 0.4, etc., and there is no restriction on the specific threshold.

[0145] Understandably, in order to calculate the energy consumption rate E c The real-time mixing flow rate q obtained through the flow sensor mix While errors may occur due to interference, this calculation is designed to reduce computational burden and to accommodate a reasonable range of errors acceptable to users based on temperature. Therefore, the real-time mixing flow rate q will not be calculated in all cases.mix All of these require the addition of relevant calculation methods for updating. The current mixing flow rate q should only be updated when the filter difference is greater than or equal to the difference threshold. mix With the updated mixing flow rate q mix As the current mixing flow rate q mix The subsequent energy consumption rate c c The calculation is as follows: When the filter difference is less than the difference threshold, the mixing flow rate q at a predetermined time point before the current time is used. mix As the current mixing flow rate q mix The subsequent energy consumption rate E c The calculation.

[0146] Thus, in order to determine the energy consumption rate E c Mixed water flow rate q mix The value can also be used to calculate the filtered difference between the current hot water flow rate and the hot water flow rate at a predetermined time point prior to the current moment. If the filtered difference is greater than or equal to a threshold, the current mixing flow rate is calculated. If the filtered difference is less than the threshold, the mixing flow rate at the predetermined time point prior to the current moment is used as the current mixing flow rate. Thus, through appropriate calculation steps, the obtained mixing flow rate q can be... mix Process the current mixing flow rate q mix Keep it within a reasonable range.

[0147] Please see Figure 9 This application also provides a non-volatile computer-readable storage medium 100 containing a computer program 101. When the computer program 101 is executed by one or more processors 200, the one or more processors 200 perform the prediction method of any of the above embodiments.

[0148] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "some embodiments," "in one example," "exemplarily," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of this application. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0149] Any process or method description in the flowchart or otherwise herein can be understood as representing a module, segment, or portion of code comprising one or more executable instructions for implementing a particular logical function or process, and the scope of the preferred embodiments of this application includes additional implementations in which functions may be performed not in the order shown or discussed, including substantially simultaneously or in reverse order depending on the functions involved, as should be understood by those skilled in the art to which embodiments of this application pertain.

[0150] Although embodiments of this application have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting this application. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of this application.

Claims

1. A method for predicting the available bathing time of a storage-type water heater, characterized in that, The prediction method includes: Determine the total energy of the inner tank of the storage water heater; Determine the rate of energy consumption; The available bathing time is determined based on the total energy of the inner tank and the energy consumption rate. ; Where T is the available bathing time; Total energy of the inner liner; The rate of energy consumption; The energy consumption rate is calculated using the following formula: ， in, The rate of energy consumption. For the mixing water flow rate, The temperature of the mixed water. The inlet water temperature, The density of water, Specific heat capacity at constant pressure; When the storage water heater is not discharging water, the mixing flow rate is a preset mixing flow rate value, and the mixing temperature is a preset mixing temperature.

2. The prediction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The determination of the total energy of the inner tank of the storage water heater includes: The inner liner is divided into multiple sub-inner liners along the height direction; Calculate the temperature value of each layer in the multi-layered inner liner; Calculate the energy value of each layer based on the temperature value; The total energy of the first inner liner is determined based on the energy value of each layer.

3. The prediction method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The energy value of each layer is calculated using the following formula: in, The energy value for each layer, For the volume of each sub-layer of the inner liner, The temperature of each layer from the inner liner, The inlet water temperature, The density of water, This is the specific heat capacity at constant pressure.

4. The prediction method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The determination of the total energy of the inner tank of the storage water heater includes: The total energy of the second inner tank is determined based on the heating power and heating time of the storage water heater; The total energy of the first inner liner and the total energy of the second inner liner are compared, and the smaller energy value is determined as the total energy of the inner liner.

5. The prediction method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When the storage-type water heater is discharging water, the mixing flow rate is calculated using the following formula: , in, For the mixing water flow rate, For hot water flow rate, This is the temperature of the top layer of the inner liner. To reach the required temperature, This refers to the temperature of the mixed water.

6. The prediction method according to any one of claims 1-5, wherein determining the energy consumption rate further comprises: Calculate the filtered difference between the current hot water flow rate and the hot water flow rate at a predetermined time point prior to the current moment; If the filtered difference is greater than or equal to the difference threshold, calculate the current mixed water flow rate; If the filtered difference is less than the difference threshold, the mixing flow rate at a predetermined time point before the current time is taken as the current mixing flow rate.

7. A storage-type water heater, characterized in that, The storage-type water heater includes a memory and a processor. The memory stores a computer program, which, when executed by the processor, implements the prediction method according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. A non-volatile computer-readable storage medium for a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by one or more processors, it implements the prediction method according to any one of claims 1-6.

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