Water heater water pipe blockage detection method, water heater, equipment and storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a water heater water pipe blockage detection method, a water heater, equipment and a storage medium. In response to the heating request, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is recorded as a first temperature, the water heater is controlled to operate for a preset duration at a preset thermal load, the preset thermal load is lower than a target thermal load when the water heater normally operates, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is continuously recorded within the preset duration, and the highest outlet water temperature is determined as a second temperature, calculating a first temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature, judging whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked based on the first temperature difference, controlling the water heater to stop when the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, and sending a blocking fault prompt. Whether the water pipe is blocked or not is detected in the process that the water heater operates at the preset thermal load lower than the target thermal load, even if the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, the temperature of generated hot water is not too high, and the water using safety is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to water heater technology, and in particular to a water heater water pipe blockage detection method, a water heater, equipment and a storage medium. Background Art

[0002] A gas water heater is a gas appliance that uses gas as fuel and transfers heat to cold water flowing through a heat exchanger through combustion heating to meet heating needs. It can also provide hot water bathing functions.

[0003] During the use of a gas water heater, minerals in the water will precipitate due to heating, forming scale. As the use time increases, the scale will gradually increase and adhere to the pipe wall. After the scale accumulates, it will cause blockage, reduce the water flow in the pipe, and cause the outlet water temperature to be higher than the target temperature set by the user. In severe cases, the water in the pipe will vaporize at high temperature during the heating process, causing the outlet water temperature to be temporarily too high, posing a safety hazard to the user. In addition, if the scale is not cleaned in time, it may cause the water heater to be scrapped.

[0004] Most existing blockage detection schemes perform water pipe blockage detection during the normal operation of the water heater. However, during the water pipe blockage detection process, the user is using hot water. If the water pipe has been blocked, the high-temperature hot water generated by the blockage may scald the user, posing a major safety hazard. Summary of the invention

[0005] One of the technical problems solved by the present invention is to provide a method for detecting blockage of a water pipe of a water heater, thereby avoiding the problem of excessive water temperature during the detection process of blockage of the water pipe and improving the safety of water use.

[0006] The second technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a water heater to avoid the problem of excessive water temperature during water pipe blockage detection, thereby improving water safety.

[0007] The third technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide an electronic device to avoid the problem of excessive water temperature during water pipe blockage detection, thereby improving water safety.

[0008] The fourth technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium to avoid the problem of excessive water temperature during water pipe blockage detection and improve water safety.

[0009] The first technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0010] A method for detecting blockage of a water pipe of a water heater, comprising:

[0011] In response to a heating request, recording a water outlet temperature of the water heater as a first temperature;

[0012] Controlling the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time, wherein the preset heat load is lower than a target heat load when the water heater operates normally;

[0013] Continuously recording the outlet water temperature of the water heater within the preset time period, and determining the highest outlet water temperature as the second temperature;

[0014] calculating a first temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature;

[0015] Determining whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked based on the first temperature difference;

[0016] When the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, the water heater is controlled to shut down and a blockage fault prompt is issued.

[0017] The water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by the present invention responds to a heating request, records the water outlet temperature of the water heater as the first temperature, controls the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time, the preset heat load is lower than the target heat load when the water heater is operating normally, continuously records the water outlet temperature of the water heater within the preset time, determines the highest water outlet temperature as the second temperature, calculates the first temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature, determines whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked based on the first temperature difference, controls the water heater to stop when the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, and issues a blockage fault prompt. Whether the water pipe is blocked is detected during the operation of the water heater at a preset heat load lower than the target heat load, and even if the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, the temperature of the generated hot water will not be too high, thereby improving the safety of water use.

[0018] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating request includes the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe, and before controlling the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time, the method further includes:

[0019] Get the current water inlet temperature of the water heater;

[0020] Calculate a second temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the water inlet temperature;

[0021] calculating a target heat load of the water heater during normal operation based on the second temperature difference and the water flow rate in the heating request;

[0022] A heat load lower than the target heat load is selected as the preset heat load.

[0023] In some embodiments of the present invention, continuously recording the outlet water temperature of the water heater within the preset time period, and determining the highest outlet water temperature as the second temperature, comprises:

[0024] Using the first temperature as an initial value of a reference temperature;

[0025] Obtain the outlet water temperature collected at the i-th collection moment as the target temperature, where i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0026] Determine whether the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature;

[0027] If yes, the target temperature is used as the reference temperature;

[0028] Obtain the outlet water temperature collected at the (i+1)th collection time as the target temperature, and return to the step of determining whether the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature;

[0029] If not, the outlet water temperature collected at the (i-1)th collection time is taken as the highest outlet water temperature.

[0030] In some embodiments of the present invention, judging whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked based on the first temperature difference includes:

[0031] determining whether the first temperature difference is greater than a temperature difference threshold, wherein the temperature difference threshold is associated with the preset heat load;

[0032] If the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold, accumulating the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold;

[0033] Determining whether the number of times reaches a preset number of times;

[0034] If the number of times reaches the preset number of times, it is determined that the water pipe of the water heater is blocked;

[0035] If the number of times does not reach the preset number of times, controlling the water heater to operate at the target heat load;

[0036] If the first temperature difference is not greater than the temperature difference threshold, the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is reset to zero, and the water heater is controlled to operate at the target heat load.

[0037] In some embodiments of the present invention, when controlling the water heater to stop, the method further includes:

[0038] The number of times that the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold value occurs is reset to zero.

[0039] In some embodiments of the present invention, before determining whether the first temperature difference is greater than a temperature difference threshold, the method further includes:

[0040] The temperature difference threshold is calculated based on the preset heat load and the minimum water flow rate allowed by the preset heat load, and the calculation formula is as follows:

[0041]

[0042] Among them, T this the temperature difference threshold, P is the preset heat load, Q is the minimum water flow rate allowed by the preset heat load, and C is the specific heat capacity of water.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, it is characterized in that the preset heat load is the minimum heat load of the water heater.

[0044] The above second technical problem is solved by the following technical solution:

[0045] A water heater, comprising:

[0046] A controller, used to execute the water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by any of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention;

[0047] A temperature sensor is disposed at the water outlet of the water heater and connected to the controller, and is used to collect the outlet water temperature of the water outlet of the water heater;

[0048] A heat exchanger is arranged in the combustion chamber of the water heater, the water inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the water outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a water outlet pipe;

[0049] A circulating water pump is arranged on the water inlet pipe between the water inlet of the water heater and the water inlet of the heat exchanger, and is connected to the controller;

[0050] A burner is disposed in the combustion chamber, and the burner is connected to the gas supply pipeline;

[0051] An igniter, disposed on the burner and connected to the controller;

[0052] A gas valve, disposed on the gas supply pipeline and connected to the controller;

[0053] A fault indicator is connected to the controller.

[0054] The third technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0055] An electronic device, comprising:

[0056] one or more processors;

[0057] A storage device for storing one or more programs;

[0058] When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by any of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention.

[0059] The fourth technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution:

[0060] A computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements a water heater water pipe blockage detection method as provided in any of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention.

[0061] It should be understood that the contents described in this section are not intended to identify the key or important features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor are they intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Other features of the present invention will become easily understood through the following description. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0062] In order to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the description of the embodiments. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative work.

[0063] Figure 1 A flow chart of a water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by the present invention;

[0064] Figure 2 A flow chart of another water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by the present invention;

[0065] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water pipe blockage detection device for a water heater provided by the present invention;

[0066] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0067] The above drawings have shown clear embodiments of the present application, which will be described in more detail later. These drawings and text descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the present application in any way, but to illustrate the concept of the present application to those skilled in the art by referring to specific embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0068] In order to enable those skilled in the art to better understand the scheme of the present invention, the technical scheme in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present invention, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0069] It should be noted that the terms "first", "second", etc. in the specification and claims of the present invention and the above-mentioned drawings are used to distinguish similar objects, and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that the data used in this way can be interchanged where appropriate, so that the embodiments of the present invention described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, 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 clearly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not clearly listed or inherent to these processes, methods, products or devices.

[0070] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of a water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by the present invention. This embodiment can be used to detect whether a water heater water pipe blockage occurs when the water heater is running at a low heat load. The method can be performed by a water heater water pipe blockage detection device provided by an embodiment of the present invention. The device can be implemented by software and / or hardware, and is usually configured in an electronic device, such as Figure 1 As shown, the water heater water pipe blockage detection method specifically includes the following steps:

[0071] S101. In response to a heating request, record the outlet water temperature of the water heater as a first temperature.

[0072] In an embodiment of the present invention, when a user needs to use hot water or heating, he turns on a water-using device (such as a faucet) or a floor heating device to trigger a heating request. The controller of the water heater responds to the heating request and records the outlet water temperature of the water heater as the first temperature. Exemplarily, a temperature sensor may be provided at the water outlet of the water heater to collect the outlet water temperature of the water heater and feed it back to the controller.

[0073] S102: Control the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time period, wherein the preset heat load is lower than a target heat load during normal operation of the water heater.

[0074] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller controls the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time, and the preset heat load is lower than the target heat load when the water heater is operating normally. Exemplarily, the target heat load refers to a heat load determined according to the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe (or the valve opening of the water-using equipment) in this heating request and the set temperature of the user, and the preset heat load is lower than the target heat load. Exemplarily, the preset time can be set to a shorter time, such as 1 minute, to avoid the blockage detection process being too long and affecting the normal water use of the user.

[0075] Since the minimum heat load of the water heater is always lower than the target heat load when the water heater is in normal operation, in some embodiments of the present invention, the preset heat load is directly set as the minimum heat load of the water heater, which saves the process of calculating the target heat load and improves the detection efficiency. The minimum heat load of the water heater represents the minimum power that can be adjusted when the water heater needs to operate at a low power.

[0076] Most existing blockage detection schemes perform water pipe blockage detection under the condition of the target heat load of the water heater. However, during the water pipe blockage detection process, the user is using hot water. If the water pipe has been blocked, the high-temperature hot water generated by the blockage may scald the user, posing a major safety hazard. In the embodiment of the present invention, the water heater is controlled to operate at a preset load lower than the target heat load, that is, the water heater operates at a lower heat load. Even if the water pipe of the water heater has been blocked, the temperature of the hot water generated will not be too high, thereby improving water safety.

[0077] S103, continuously recording the outlet water temperature of the water heater within a preset time period, and determining the highest outlet water temperature as the second temperature.

[0078] During the preset time period when the water heater operates at the preset heat load, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is continuously recorded, and the highest outlet water temperature recorded during the preset time period is determined as the second temperature.

[0079] S104: Calculate a first temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature.

[0080] In the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature recorded in step S101 is calculated as the first temperature difference.

[0081] S105: Determine whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked based on the first temperature difference.

[0082] In an embodiment of the present invention, whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked is determined based on the first temperature difference. Exemplarily, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first temperature difference can be compared with a temperature difference threshold associated with a preset heat load. If the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold, it means that the water flow in the heat exchanger is too small, resulting in a high outlet water temperature, and the water pipe of the water heater is determined to be blocked. In other embodiments of the present invention, in order to improve the detection accuracy, the water pipe of the water heater can be determined to be blocked only when the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold for more than a preset number of consecutive occurrences.

[0083] S106. When the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, the water heater is controlled to shut down and a blockage fault prompt is issued.

[0084] When it is determined that the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, the water heater is shut down and a blockage fault prompt is issued to prevent the user from being scalded. The user can maintain and clean the water heater according to the blockage fault prompt, thereby extending the service life of the water heater.

[0085] The water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by the present invention responds to a heating request, records the water outlet temperature of the water heater as the first temperature, controls the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time, the preset heat load is lower than the target heat load when the water heater is operating normally, continuously records the water outlet temperature of the water heater within the preset time, determines the highest water outlet temperature as the second temperature, calculates the first temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature, determines whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked based on the first temperature difference, controls the water heater to stop when the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, and issues a blockage fault prompt. Whether the water pipe is blocked is detected during the operation of the water heater at a preset heat load lower than the target heat load, and even if the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, the temperature of the generated hot water will not be too high, thereby improving the safety of water use.

[0086] Figure 2 This is a flow chart of another water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by the present invention. This embodiment describes the scheme of the present invention in detail based on the above-mentioned embodiment. Figure 2 As shown, the water heater water pipe blockage detection method includes:

[0087] S201. In response to a heating request, record the outlet water temperature of the water heater as a first temperature.

[0088] In an embodiment of the present invention, when a user needs to use hot water or heating, he turns on a water-using device (such as a faucet) or a floor heating device to trigger a heating request. The controller of the water heater responds to the heating request and records the outlet water temperature of the water heater as the first temperature. Exemplarily, a temperature sensor may be provided at the water outlet of the water heater to collect the outlet water temperature of the water heater and feed it back to the controller.

[0089] Exemplarily, the heating request is triggered by a valve of a water-using device or a floor heating device, and when the valve of the water-using device or the floor heating device is opened, the heating request is triggered. Exemplarily, the heating request includes the water flow rate or valve opening of the water inlet pipe.

[0090] S202: Control the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time period, wherein the preset heat load is lower than a target heat load during normal operation of the water heater.

[0091] In an embodiment of the present invention, the controller controls the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time, and the preset heat load is lower than the target heat load when the water heater is operating normally. Exemplarily, the target heat load refers to a heat load determined according to the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe (or the valve opening of the water-using equipment) in this heating request and the set temperature of the user, and the preset heat load is lower than the target heat load. The preset time can be set to a shorter time, such as 1 minute, to avoid the blockage detection process being too long and affecting the normal water use of the user.

[0092] Since the minimum heat load of the water heater is always lower than the target heat load when the water heater is in normal operation, in some embodiments of the present invention, the preset heat load is directly set as the minimum heat load of the water heater, which saves the process of calculating the target heat load and improves the detection efficiency. The minimum heat load of the water heater represents the minimum power that can be adjusted when the water heater needs to operate at a low power.

[0093] In another embodiment of the present invention, the target heat load can be calculated according to the water flow of the water inlet pipe (or the valve opening of the water-using equipment) in the current heating request and the user's set temperature, and a load lower than the target heat load is selected as the preset load. The specific steps are as follows:

[0094] S2021. Obtain the current water inlet temperature of the water heater.

[0095] In an embodiment of the present invention, in response to a heating request, the current water inlet temperature of the water heater is obtained. Exemplarily, a temperature sensor is provided at the water inlet of the water heater to collect the water inlet temperature of the water heater.

[0096] S2022. Calculate a second temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the inlet water temperature.

[0097] In the embodiment of the present invention, a second temperature difference between the temperature set by the user and the inlet water temperature is calculated.

[0098] S2023: Calculate the target heat load of the water heater during normal operation based on the second temperature difference and the water flow rate in the heating request.

[0099] In the embodiment of the present invention, the target heat load of the water heater during normal operation is calculated based on the second temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the inlet water temperature, and the water flow rate (or valve opening) in the heating request. Specifically, the target heat load required for this heating request can be obtained by multiplying the second temperature difference by the water flow rate (or the water flow rate corresponding to the valve opening) and then by the specific heat capacity of water.

[0100] S2024. Select a heat load lower than the target heat load as the preset heat load.

[0101] After the target heat load required for this heating request is calculated, a heat load lower than the target heat load may be randomly selected as the preset heat load.

[0102] S203: continuously record the outlet water temperature of the water heater within a preset time period, and determine the highest outlet water temperature as the second temperature.

[0103] During the preset time period when the water heater operates at the preset heat load, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is continuously recorded, and the highest outlet water temperature recorded during the preset time period is determined as the second temperature.

[0104] Exemplarily, in some embodiments of the present invention, the process of determining the highest outlet water temperature within a preset time period is as follows:

[0105] S2031. Use the first temperature as an initial value of the reference temperature.

[0106] In the embodiment of the present invention, the first temperature recorded in response to the heating request is used as the initial value of the reference temperature.

[0107] S2032. Obtain the outlet water temperature collected at the i-th collection moment as the target temperature, where i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0108] In an embodiment of the present invention, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is continuously collected by a temperature sensor, and the outlet water temperature collected at the i-th collection moment is obtained as the target temperature, where i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2.

[0109] S2033. Determine whether the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature.

[0110] Determine whether the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature. If yes, execute S2034; if no, execute S2036.

[0111] S2034. Use the target temperature as a reference temperature.

[0112] If the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature, the target temperature is used as the reference temperature, that is, the value of the reference temperature is updated.

[0113] S2035. Obtain the outlet water temperature collected at the (i+1)th collection time as the target temperature.

[0114] After the reference temperature value is updated, the outlet water temperature collected at the (i+1)th collection moment is obtained as the target temperature, and the process returns to the step of determining whether the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature.

[0115] S2036: The outlet water temperature collected at the (i-1)th collection time is taken as the maximum outlet water temperature.

[0116] In the aforementioned step S2033, if the target temperature is not greater than the reference temperature, the outlet water temperature collected at the (i-1)th collection moment is taken as the highest outlet water temperature.

[0117] It should be noted that in other embodiments of the present invention, other methods may also be used to determine the maximum outlet water temperature, for example, a sliding window method, which is not limited in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0118] S204: Calculate a first temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature.

[0119] In the embodiment of the present invention, the temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature recorded in step S201 is calculated as the first temperature difference.

[0120] S205: Determine whether the first temperature difference is greater than a temperature difference threshold.

[0121] The first temperature difference is compared with the temperature difference threshold to determine whether the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold. The temperature difference threshold is associated with a preset heat load. For example, after determining the preset heat load, the temperature difference threshold can be calculated based on the preset heat load and the minimum water flow allowed by the preset heat load. The specific calculation formula is:

[0122]

[0123] Among them, T th is the temperature difference threshold, P is the preset heat load, Q is the minimum water flow rate allowed by the preset heat load, and C is the specific heat capacity of water.

[0124] If the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold, step S206 is executed; if the first temperature difference is not greater than the temperature difference threshold, step S212 is executed.

[0125] S206. Accumulate the number of times that the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold.

[0126] Exemplarily, if the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold, the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is accumulated, that is, the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is increased by 1.

[0127] S207: Determine whether the number of times reaches a preset number of times.

[0128] After accumulating the number of times that the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold, it is determined whether the number reaches a preset number. If so, step S208 is executed, and if not, step S211 is executed.

[0129] S208: Determine whether the water pipe of the water heater is clogged.

[0130] If the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold reaches a preset number of times, it is determined that the water pipe of the water heater is blocked.

[0131] S209, control the water heater to shut down and issue a blockage fault prompt.

[0132] When it is determined that the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, the water heater is shut down and a blockage fault prompt is issued to prevent the user from being scalded. The user can maintain and clean the water heater according to the blockage fault prompt, thereby extending the service life of the water heater.

[0133] S210. Clear the number of times that the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold.

[0134] After the water heater is shut down and a blockage fault prompt is issued, the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is reset to zero. The water heater water pipe blockage detection of the present invention is started again when water is used next time, and the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is accumulated from zero.

[0135] S211. Control the water heater to operate at a target heat load.

[0136] In the above step S207, if the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold does not reach the preset number of times, it can be considered that the water pipe of the water heater is not blocked, and the water heater is controlled to operate at the target heat load to supply hot water normally. However, since the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold in this detection, there is a possibility of water pipe blockage. In order to avoid misjudgment of this detection, the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is not cleared. When water is used next time, the water heater water pipe blockage detection of the present invention is started again, and the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is accumulated based on the number of times of this detection, and the water pipe of the water heater is determined to be blocked when the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold reaches the preset number of times, thereby improving the detection accuracy.

[0137] S212: Control the water heater to operate at a target heat load.

[0138] In step S205, if the first temperature difference is not greater than the temperature difference threshold, it is considered that the water pipe of the water heater is not blocked, and the water heater is controlled to operate at the target heat load to supply hot water normally.

[0139] S213. Clear the number of times that the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold.

[0140] After controlling the water heater to operate at the target heat load, the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is reset to zero, and the water heater water pipe blockage detection of the present invention is started again when water is used next time, and the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is accumulated from 0.

[0141] The present invention also provides a water heater, comprising:

[0142] A controller, used to execute the water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by any of the aforementioned embodiments of the present invention;

[0143] The temperature sensor is arranged at the water outlet of the water heater and connected to the controller, and is used to collect the outlet water temperature of the water outlet of the water heater;

[0144] The heat exchanger is arranged in the combustion chamber of the water heater, the water inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the water inlet pipe, and the water outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the water outlet pipe;

[0145] A circulating water pump is arranged on a water inlet pipe between the water inlet of the water heater and the water inlet of the heat exchanger, and is connected to a controller;

[0146] A burner is arranged in the combustion chamber and is connected to the gas supply pipeline;

[0147] An igniter is arranged on the burner and connected to the controller;

[0148] A gas valve is arranged on the gas supply pipeline and is connected to the controller;

[0149] A fault indicator is connected to the controller and sends out a jam fault indicator under the control of the controller.

[0150] The water pipe blockage detection process of the water heater has been described in detail in the aforementioned embodiment, and the embodiment of the present invention will not be repeated here.

[0151] It should be noted that in the embodiment of the present invention, the water heater only shows the components related to the present invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that in other embodiments of the present invention, the water heater may also include other components, such as a fan, a flow meter, etc., and the embodiment of the present invention is not limited here.

[0152] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater water pipe blockage detection device provided by the present invention, as shown in Figure 3 As shown, the water heater water pipe blockage detection device comprises:

[0153] A first temperature recording module 301 is used to record the outlet water temperature of the water heater as a first temperature in response to a heating request;

[0154] An operation control module 302 is used to control the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time period, wherein the preset heat load is lower than a target heat load when the water heater operates normally;

[0155] A second temperature determination module 303, configured to continuously record the outlet water temperature of the water heater within the preset time period, and determine the highest outlet water temperature as the second temperature;

[0156] A first temperature difference calculation module 304, used to calculate a first temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature;

[0157] A water pipe blockage determination module 305, configured to determine whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked based on the first temperature difference;

[0158] The shutdown control module 306 is used to control the water heater to shut down when the water pipe of the water heater is blocked and issue a blockage fault prompt.

[0159] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating request includes the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe, and the water heater water pipe blockage detection device further includes:

[0160] The water inlet temperature acquisition module is used to acquire the current water inlet temperature of the water heater before controlling the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time period;

[0161] A second temperature difference calculation module, used for calculating a second temperature difference between a user's set temperature and the water inlet temperature;

[0162] a target heat load calculation module, configured to calculate a target heat load of the water heater when the water heater is operating normally based on the second temperature difference and the water flow rate in the heating request;

[0163] The preset heat load determination module is used to select a heat load lower than the target heat load as the preset heat load.

[0164] In some embodiments of the present invention, the second temperature determination module 303 includes:

[0165] an initial value determination submodule, configured to use the first temperature as an initial value of a reference temperature;

[0166] A target temperature determination submodule is used to obtain the outlet water temperature collected at the i-th collection moment as the target temperature, where i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2;

[0167] A first judgment submodule is used to judge whether the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature;

[0168] A reference temperature updating submodule, used to use the target temperature as the reference temperature when the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature;

[0169] The target temperature update submodule is used to obtain the outlet water temperature collected at the i+1th collection time as the target temperature, and return to execute the step of determining whether the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature;

[0170] The maximum outlet water temperature determination submodule is used to take the outlet water temperature collected at the i-1th collection moment as the maximum outlet water temperature when the target temperature is not greater than the reference temperature.

[0171] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water pipe blockage determination module 305 includes:

[0172] A second judgment submodule is used to judge whether the first temperature difference is greater than a temperature difference threshold, wherein the temperature difference threshold is associated with the preset heat load;

[0173] A times accumulation module, used for accumulating the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold when the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold;

[0174] A second judgment submodule is used to judge whether the number of times reaches a preset number of times;

[0175] A blockage determination submodule, used for determining that the water pipe of the water heater is blocked when the number of times reaches a preset number of times;

[0176] A first normal operation control submodule, configured to control the water heater to operate at the target heat load when the number of times does not reach a preset number of times;

[0177] The second normal operation control submodule is used for clearing the number of times that the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold when the first temperature difference is not greater than the temperature difference threshold, and controlling the water heater to operate at the target heat load.

[0178] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water pipe blockage determination module 305 further includes:

[0179] The times clearing submodule is used to clear the times that the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold when controlling the water heater to shut down.

[0180] In some embodiments of the present invention, the water pipe blockage determination module 305 further includes:

[0181] The temperature difference threshold calculation submodule is used to calculate the temperature difference threshold based on the preset heat load and the minimum water flow allowed by the preset heat load before determining whether the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold. The calculation formula is as follows:

[0182]

[0183] Among them, T th is the temperature difference threshold, P is the preset heat load, Q is the minimum water flow rate allowed by the preset heat load, and C is the specific heat capacity of water.

[0184] In some embodiments of the present invention, the preset heat load is the minimum heat load of the water heater.

[0185] The above-mentioned water heater water pipe blockage detection device can execute the water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided by the embodiment of the present invention, and has corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for executing the water heater water pipe blockage detection method.

[0186] Figure 4A schematic diagram of the structure of an electronic device provided for an embodiment of the present invention. The electronic device is intended to represent various forms of digital computers, such as laptop computers, desktop computers, workstations, personal digital assistants, servers, blade servers, mainframe computers, and other suitable computers. The electronic device may also represent various forms of mobile devices, such as personal digital processing, cellular phones, smart phones, wearable devices (such as helmets, glasses, watches, etc.) and other similar computing devices. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely examples and are not intended to limit the implementation of the present invention described and / or required herein.

[0187] like Figure 4 As shown, the electronic device includes at least one processor 11, and a memory connected to the at least one processor 11, such as a read-only memory (ROM) 12, a random access memory (RAM) 13, etc., wherein the memory stores a computer program that can be executed by at least one processor, and the processor 11 can perform various appropriate actions and processes according to the computer program stored in the read-only memory (ROM) 12 or the computer program loaded from the storage unit 18 to the random access memory (RAM) 13. In the RAM 13, various programs and data required for the operation of the electronic device can also be stored. The processor 11, the ROM 12, and the RAM 13 are connected to each other through a bus 14. An input / output (I / O) interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14.

[0188] A number of components in the electronic device are connected to the I / O interface 15, including: an input unit 16, such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output unit 17, such as various types of displays, speakers, etc.; a storage unit 18, such as a disk, an optical disk, etc.; and a communication unit 19, such as a network card, a modem, a wireless communication transceiver, etc. The communication unit 19 allows the electronic device to exchange information / data with other devices through a computer network such as the Internet and / or various telecommunication networks.

[0189] The processor 11 may be a variety of general and / or special processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of the processor 11 include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), various special artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, various processors running machine learning model algorithms, a digital signal processor (DSP), and any appropriate processor, controller, microcontroller, etc. The processor 11 executes the various methods and processes described above, such as a water heater water pipe blockage detection method.

[0190] In some embodiments, the water heater water pipe blockage detection method can be implemented as a computer program, which is tangibly contained in a computer-readable storage medium, such as a storage unit 18. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program can be loaded and / or installed on the electronic device via the ROM 12 and / or the communication unit 19. When the computer program is loaded into the RAM 13 and executed by the processor 11, one or more steps of the water heater water pipe blockage detection method described above can be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the processor 11 can be configured to execute the water heater water pipe blockage detection method in any other appropriate manner (for example, by means of firmware).

[0191] Various implementations of the systems and techniques described above herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application specific standard products (ASSPs), systems on chips (SOCs), load programmable logic devices (CPLDs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various implementations can include: being implemented in one or more computer programs that can be executed and / or interpreted on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which can be a special purpose or general purpose programmable processor that can receive data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and transmit data and instructions to the storage system, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device.

[0192] Computer programs for implementing the methods of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These computer programs may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, so that when the computer program is executed by the processor, the functions / operations specified in the flow chart and / or block diagram are implemented. The computer program may be executed entirely on the machine, partially on the machine, partially on the machine and partially on a remote machine as a stand-alone software package, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0193] In the context of the present invention, a computer-readable storage medium may be a tangible medium that may contain or store a computer program for use by or in combination with an instruction execution system, device or equipment. A computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, devices or equipment, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Alternatively, a computer-readable storage medium may be a machine-readable signal medium. A more specific example of a machine-readable storage medium may include an electrical connection based on one or more lines, a portable computer disk, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0194] To provide interaction with a user, the systems and techniques described herein may be implemented on an electronic device having: a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user; and a keyboard and a pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user can provide input to the electronic device. Other types of devices may also be used to provide interaction with the user; for example, the feedback provided to the user may be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user may be received in any form (including acoustic input, voice input, or tactile input).

[0195] The systems and techniques described herein may be implemented in a computing system that includes backend components (e.g., as a data server), or a computing system that includes middleware components (e.g., an application server), or a computing system that includes frontend components (e.g., a user computer with a graphical user interface or a web browser through which a user can interact with implementations of the systems and techniques described herein), or a computing system that includes any combination of such backend components, middleware components, or frontend components. The components of the system may be interconnected by any form or medium of digital data communication (e.g., a communication network). Examples of communication networks include: a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a blockchain network, and the Internet.

[0196] A computing system may include a client and a server. The client and the server are generally remote from each other and usually interact through a communication network. The client and server relationship is generated by computer programs running on the corresponding computers and having a client-server relationship with each other. The server may be a cloud server, also known as a cloud computing server or cloud host, which is a host product in the cloud computing service system to solve the defects of difficult management and weak business scalability in traditional physical hosts and VPS services.

[0197] An embodiment of the present invention further provides a computer program product, including a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the water heater water pipe blockage detection method provided in any embodiment of the present application.

[0198] In the process of implementation, the computer program product can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof to perform the computer program code of the present invention, including object-oriented programming languages, such as Java, Smalltalk, C++, and conventional procedural programming languages, such as "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a separate software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In the case of a remote computer, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer through any type of network, including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN), or can be connected to an external computer (for example, using an Internet service provider to connect through the Internet).

[0199] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used to reorder, add or delete steps. For example, the steps described in the present invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially or in different orders, as long as the desired results of the technical solution of the present invention can be achieved, and this document does not limit this.

[0200] The above specific implementations do not constitute a limitation on the protection scope of the present invention. It should be understood by those skilled in the art that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modification, equivalent substitution and improvement made within the spirit and principle of the present invention should be included in the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for detecting water pipe blockage of a water heater, characterized in that: include: In response to a heating request, recording a water outlet temperature of the water heater as a first temperature; Controlling the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time, wherein the preset heat load is lower than a target heat load when the water heater operates normally; Continuously recording the outlet water temperature of the water heater within the preset time period, and determining the highest outlet water temperature as the second temperature; calculating a first temperature difference between the second temperature and the first temperature; Determining whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked based on the first temperature difference; When the water pipe of the water heater is blocked, the water heater is controlled to shut down and a blockage fault prompt is issued.

2. The method for detecting water pipe blockage of a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heating request includes the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe, and before controlling the water heater to operate at a preset heat load for a preset time, it also includes: Get the current water inlet temperature of the water heater; Calculate a second temperature difference between the user's set temperature and the water inlet temperature; calculating a target heat load of the water heater during normal operation based on the second temperature difference and the water flow rate in the heating request; A heat load lower than the target heat load is selected as the preset heat load.

3. The water heater water pipe blockage detection method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Continuously recording the outlet water temperature of the water heater within the preset time period, and determining the highest outlet water temperature as the second temperature, comprising: Using the first temperature as an initial value of a reference temperature; Obtain the outlet water temperature collected at the i-th collection moment as the target temperature, where i is a positive integer greater than or equal to 2; Determine whether the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature; If yes, the target temperature is used as the reference temperature; Obtain the outlet water temperature collected at the (i+1)th collection time as the target temperature, and return to the step of determining whether the target temperature is greater than the reference temperature; If not, the outlet water temperature collected at the (i-1)th collection time is taken as the highest outlet water temperature.

4. The method for detecting water pipe blockage of a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that: Judging whether the water pipe of the water heater is blocked based on the first temperature difference includes: determining whether the first temperature difference is greater than a temperature difference threshold, wherein the temperature difference threshold is associated with the preset heat load; If the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold, accumulating the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold; Determining whether the number of times reaches a preset number of times; If the number of times reaches the preset number of times, it is determined that the water pipe of the water heater is blocked; If the number of times does not reach the preset number of times, controlling the water heater to operate at the target heat load; If the first temperature difference is not greater than the temperature difference threshold, the number of times the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold is reset to zero, and the water heater is controlled to operate at the target heat load.

5. The water heater water pipe blockage detection method according to claim 4, characterized in that: When controlling the water heater to shut down, it also includes: The number of times that the first temperature difference is greater than the temperature difference threshold value occurs is reset to zero.

6. The water heater water pipe blockage detection method according to claim 4, characterized in that: Before determining whether the first temperature difference is greater than a temperature difference threshold, the method further includes: The temperature difference threshold is calculated based on the preset heat load and the minimum water flow rate allowed by the preset heat load, and the calculation formula is as follows: Among them, T th is the temperature difference threshold, P is the preset heat load, Q is the minimum water flow rate allowed by the preset heat load, and C is the specific heat capacity of water.

7. The method for detecting water pipe blockage of a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 3, 5 and 6, characterized in that: The preset heat load is the minimum heat load of the water heater.

8. A water heater, characterized in that: include: A controller, used to execute the water heater water pipe blockage detection method according to any one of claims 1 to 7; A temperature sensor is disposed at the water outlet of the water heater and connected to the controller, and is used to collect the outlet water temperature of the water outlet of the water heater; A heat exchanger is arranged in the combustion chamber of the water heater, the water inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a water inlet pipe, and the water outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to a water outlet pipe; A circulating water pump is arranged on the water inlet pipe between the water inlet of the water heater and the water inlet of the heat exchanger, and is connected to the controller; A burner is disposed in the combustion chamber, and the burner is connected to the gas supply pipeline; An igniter, disposed on the burner and connected to the controller; A gas valve, disposed on the gas supply pipeline and connected to the controller; A fault indicator is connected to the controller.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that: include: one or more processors; A storage device for storing one or more programs; When the one or more programs are executed by the one or more processors, the one or more processors implement the water heater water pipe blockage detection method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that: When the program is executed by a processor, the method for detecting water pipe blockage of a water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 is implemented.

Images