Hot water supply system and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention relates to a hot water supply system and a control method, the system comprises a first water pump, a hot water tank, a cold water tank, a confluence valve, a pressure sensing device and a control unit, a water inlet of the first water pump is connected with an external hot water source, and a water outlet of the first water pump is connected with a water inlet of the hot water tank; a water outlet of the hot water tank is connected with a first inlet of the converging valve; a water outlet of the cold water tank is connected with a second inlet of the converging valve; a water outlet of the flow collecting valve is configured to supply water to an external process; the pressure sensing device comprises a first pressure sensing unit and a second pressure sensing unit, the first pressure sensing unit is configured to detect the first pressure of the first inlet of the converging valve, and the second pressure sensing unit is configured to detect the second pressure of the second inlet of the converging valve; and the control unit is in communication coupling with the pressure sensing device and the first water pump, and the control unit is configured to adjust the water inflow of the first water pump according to the first pressure and the second pressure.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to the field of production water supply, and more specifically, to a hot water supply system and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Gypsum board is a building board made of gypsum as the main raw material. Types of gypsum board include paper gypsum board, fiber gypsum board, etc. In the process of preparing gypsum, it is usually necessary to mix gypsum powder, binder, foaming agent, etc. with water in a certain proportion to form gypsum slurry. The temperature of the gypsum slurry can be between 35 and 40°C.

[0003] In the preparation of gypsum, the temperature of water needs to be controlled to be constant. In addition, the water temperature needs to be adjusted accordingly with different seasons. Usually, appropriate amounts of hot water and cold water can be drawn from hot water storage devices and cold water storage devices respectively, and mixed into mixed water with a preset water temperature through a thermostatic valve. However, the current thermostatic valve cannot accurately control the outlet water temperature, which affects the stability of process water in the production process. Summary of the invention

[0004] In order to solve at least part of the above problems, the present disclosure provides a hot water supply system and a control method thereof, which can achieve precise control of the mixed water temperature.

[0005] Specifically, the first aspect of the present disclosure proposes a hot water supply system, including a first water pump, a hot water tank, a cold water tank, a combining valve, a pressure sensing device and a control unit, wherein the water inlet of the first water pump is connected to an external hot water source, and the water outlet of the first water pump is connected to the water inlet of the hot water tank; the water outlet of the hot water tank is connected to the first inlet of the combining valve; the water outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the second inlet of the combining valve; the water outlet of the combining valve is configured to supply water to an external process; the pressure sensing device includes a first pressure sensing unit and a second pressure sensing unit, the first pressure sensing unit is configured to detect a first pressure of the first inlet of the combining valve, and the second pressure sensing unit is configured to detect a second pressure of the second inlet of the combining valve; and the control unit is communicatively coupled to the pressure sensing device and the first water pump, and the control unit is configured to adjust the water intake of the first water pump according to the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0006] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, a frequency converter is further included, and the frequency converter is communicatively coupled with the control unit and the first water pump. By adjusting the output frequency of the frequency converter, the water intake of the water pump can be accurately adjusted.

[0007] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the first pressure sensing unit and the second pressure sensing unit are pressure gauges, and the first pressure sensing unit and the second pressure sensing unit are respectively installed at the pipeline between the hot water tank and the cold water tank and the merging valve.

[0008] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the first pressure sensing unit and the second pressure sensing unit are liquid level gauges, and the first pressure sensing unit and the second pressure sensing unit are respectively installed on the top or bottom of the hot water tank and the cold water tank.

[0009] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a water mixing box is further included. The water mixing box is connected to the water outlet of the merging valve, and a first temperature sensing unit is provided in the water mixing box.

[0010] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, an automatic opening control valve is provided at the water inlet of the cold water tank 103. The automatic opening control valve can ensure that the cold water tank 103 has a constant water level, avoiding a large pressure difference caused by water replenishment.

[0011] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, the merging valve is a three-way flow regulating valve.

[0012] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a second temperature sensing unit is provided between the first water pump and the hot water tank.

[0013] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a heat exchanger is further included, wherein the heat exchanger includes a water pipe, and a water outlet of the water pipe is connected to a water inlet of the first water pump.

[0014] In one embodiment of the present disclosure, the water pipe includes a plurality of U-shaped pipe units, which are sequentially connected to form a channel, wherein each U-shaped pipe unit includes one or more fins. The meandering shape of the water pipe in the heat exchanger can increase the contact area with the heat exchange medium, and the provision of the fins can increase the heat exchange area and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0015] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a cache water tank is further included, the cache water tank comprising: a partition, the partition divides the cache water tank into a first area and a second area, the bottom of the first area is connected to the bottom of the second area; and the water inlet of the first area is connected to the water outlet of the water pipe, the water outlet of the first area is connected to the water inlet of the first water pump, the water inlet of the first area is located above the first area, and the water outlet of the first area is located below the first area. This setting can buffer the hot water source and the existing cold water of the water tank, thereby reducing the temperature fluctuation in the water tank.

[0016] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, a second water pump and a third temperature sensing unit are further included, wherein the water inlet of the second water pump is connected to the water outlet of the second area and the external water supply, the water outlet of the second water pump is connected to the water inlet of the heat exchanger, and the water outlet of the second area is located below the second area; the third temperature sensing unit is configured to detect the water temperature of the second area; and the control unit is communicatively coupled with the second water pump and the third temperature sensing unit, and the control unit is further configured to adjust the water intake of the second water pump according to the water temperature of the second area. The control unit adjusts the water pump through the frequency converter so that the water in the buffer water tank is circulated to improve the uniformity of the water temperature in the water tank.

[0017] In addition, the second aspect of the present disclosure relates to a control method applied to any one of the various embodiments of the first aspect of the content of the present disclosure, including obtaining a first pressure of the first inlet of the combining valve; obtaining a second pressure of the second inlet of the combining valve; and controlling the water intake of the first water pump based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0018] In one embodiment according to the contents of the present disclosure, it also includes obtaining a first detected water temperature of the hot water tank and a second detected water temperature of the cold water tank; obtaining a first preset water temperature of the water outlet of the merging valve; and determining the opening of the merging valve based on the first detected water temperature, the second detected water temperature, and the first preset water temperature.

[0019] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, obtaining the first pressure of the first inlet of the combining valve includes obtaining the first liquid level of the hot water tank, and obtaining the second pressure of the second inlet of the combining valve includes obtaining the second liquid level of the cold water tank.

[0020] In one embodiment according to the contents of the present disclosure, it also includes, when the third detected water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger is greater than or equal to the second preset water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger, opening the valve between the second water pump and the cache water tank; obtaining the fourth detected water temperature of the second area; and adjusting the water inlet flow rate of the second water pump based on the difference between the fourth detected water temperature of the second area and the third detected water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0021] In one embodiment according to the present disclosure, it also includes obtaining a fifth detected water temperature in the pipe between the first water pump and the hot water tank; obtaining a sixth detected water temperature in the mixing water tank; and when the fifth detected water temperature and the sixth detected water temperature exceed a preset range, issuing an alarm message.

[0022] In addition, the third aspect of the present disclosure relates to an electronic device, which includes a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores computer-readable instructions, and when the computer-readable instructions are executed by the processor, the processor implements the control method described in any one of the embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0023] Furthermore, the fourth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions are used to execute the control method described in any one of the embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0024] Finally, the fifth aspect of the present disclosure relates to a computer program product, which is tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium and includes computer-executable instructions, which, when executed by at least one processor, cause the at least one processor to perform the control method described in any one of the embodiments of the second aspect of the present disclosure.

[0025] In summary, in the technical solution according to the content of the present disclosure, the hot water supply system and control method according to the content of the present disclosure adopt hot water and cold water to mix to obtain mixed water of preset water temperature. The mixed hot water flowing out of the confluence valve can be used in the production process of other links. In addition, the water inlet of the hot water source is adjusted by the pressure of the water inlet of the confluence valve collected by the pressure sensing unit, thereby reducing the water pressure difference of different water inlets of the confluence valve, and finally achieving precise control of the mixed water temperature. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0026] The features, advantages and other aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure will become more apparent with reference to the following detailed description in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which several embodiments of the present disclosure are shown in an exemplary and non-limiting manner. In the accompanying drawings:

[0027] Figure 1 FIG. 1 is a schematic structural diagram of an exemplary hot water supply system 100 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0028] Figure 2 A schematic structural diagram of a control unit of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0029] Figure 3 A schematic structural diagram of an exemplary hot water supply system according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0030] Figure 4 A schematic structural diagram of a control unit of a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0031] Figure 5 A flow chart of a control method 200 for a hot water supply system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0032] Figure 6 A flow chart of a control method 210 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0033] Figure 7 A flow chart of a control method 220 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0034] Figure 8 A flow chart of a control method 230 according to one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown.

[0035] Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of an electronic device 300 according to another embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The various exemplary embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Although the exemplary methods and devices described below include software and / or firmware executed on hardware among other components, it should be noted that these examples are merely illustrative and should not be regarded as restrictive. For example, it is considered that any or all hardware, software, and firmware components can be implemented exclusively in hardware, exclusively in software, or in any combination of hardware and software. Therefore, although exemplary methods and devices have been described below, it should be readily understood by those skilled in the art that the examples provided are not intended to limit the manner in which these methods and devices are implemented.

[0037] In addition, the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the possible architectures, functions and operations of the methods and systems according to the various embodiments of the present disclosure. It should be noted that the functions marked in the boxes may also occur in an order different from that marked in the accompanying drawings. For example, two boxes represented in succession may actually be executed substantially in parallel, or they may sometimes be executed in the opposite order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each box in the flowchart and / or block diagram, and the combination of boxes in the flowchart and / or block diagram, may be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs a specified function or operation, or may be implemented using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0038] The terms "including", "comprising" and similar terms used in this disclosure are open terms, i.e., "including / including but not limited to", indicating that other contents may also be included. The term "based on" means "based at least in part on". The term "one embodiment" means "at least one embodiment"; the term "another embodiment" means "at least one other embodiment", etc.

[0039] In the present disclosure, the terms "first", "second", etc. are not used to limit the order of precedence and the number of components, unless otherwise specified. In the present disclosure, the meaning of "plurality" refers to two or more, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined. In addition, in the present disclosure, unless otherwise clearly and specifically defined, the terms "installation", "connection", "attachment", etc. should be understood in a broad sense. For example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral whole; it can be directly connected or indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, and it can be the internal connection of two elements or the interaction relationship between two elements. For those skilled in the art, the specific meanings of the above terms in this article can be understood according to the specific circumstances.

[0040] refer to Figure 1 , Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the structure of an exemplary hot water supply system 100 applicable to the embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The exemplary hot water supply system 100 (hereinafter referred to as "system 100") includes a water pump 101 (first water pump), a hot water tank 102, a cold water tank 103, a confluence valve 104, a pressure sensing device, and a control unit 106 ( Figure 1 In some examples, the hot water tank 102 and the cold water tank 103 may have a capacity of several tons, such as 10 tons, and a height of several meters, such as 3 meters.

[0041] The water inlet of the water pump 101 is connected to an external hot water source, and hot water is supplied by the external hot water source. In some examples, the external hot water source can be hot water obtained by passing cold water through a heat exchanger. In some examples, the external hot water source can provide hot water at a constant temperature. Cold water herein can refer to water at room temperature. Hot water can refer to water with a temperature higher than room temperature. The water outlet of the water pump 101 is connected to the water inlet 1021 of the hot water tank 102. The water pump 101 is used to inject hot water from the external hot water source into the hot water tank 102.

[0042] Cold water is stored in the cold water tank 103. In some examples, the cold water may be introduced from the water inlet 1031 of the cold water tank 103 by a municipal water source or the cold water may be introduced from other process production lines. The water in the hot water tank 102 and the cold water tank 103 is merged into the mixing water tank 107 through the confluence valve 104. Specifically, the water outlet 1022 of the hot water tank 102 is connected to the first inlet of the confluence valve 104. The water outlet 1032 of the cold water tank 103 is connected to the second inlet of the confluence valve 104. The water outlet of the confluence valve 104 is used to supply water to the external process, and the water outlet of the confluence valve 104 is connected to the mixing water tank 107 downstream. In some examples, the confluence valve 104 is a three-way flow regulating valve.

[0043] Under ideal conditions, assuming that the hot water inlet flow rate of the first inlet of the merging valve 104 is V1 and the water temperature is T1, the cold water inlet flow rate of the second inlet of the merging valve 104 is V2 and the water temperature is T2, and the water outlet flow rate of the merging valve 104 is V3 and the water temperature is T3. Then V1, V2, and V3 satisfy the following formula (1).

[0044] V1 + V2 = V3 (1)

[0045] In addition, according to the law of conservation of energy, the above flow rates and temperatures also satisfy formula (2).

[0046] V1*T1 + V2*T2 = V3*T3 (2)

[0047] Therefore, if the water inlet flow rate V1 of the hot water tank at the confluence valve and the water inlet flow rate V2 of the cold water tank at the confluence valve are determined, the water outlet flow rate V3 of the confluence valve can be obtained. In addition, when the water temperature T1 of the hot water tank and the water temperature T2 of the cold water tank are known, the temperature T3 of the mixed water at the outlet of the confluence valve can be obtained according to formula (2). In this way, when the water temperature T1 of the hot water tank and the water temperature T2 of the cold water tank and the water outlet flow rate of the confluence valve are known, the flow ratio of different water inlets of the confluence valve can be adjusted to adjust the mixed water of different temperatures. In some examples, the confluence valve is an electronic thermostatic valve, which drives the valve core inside the valve to rotate a certain angle through a stepper motor, thereby changing the ratio of cold and hot water to change the outlet water temperature.

[0048] However, in actual application scenarios, when the water temperatures at different water inlets of the combining valve are known and the flow ratios at different water inlets are set, the precise water outlet temperature may not be obtained. For example, when the water pressure difference at different water inlets of the electronic thermostatic valve is large, such as the liquid level height of the hot water tank is 3m and the liquid level height of the cold water tank is 1m, the valve core will not rotate according to the set angle, so the actual water outlet temperature is different from the set water outlet temperature. When the water pressure difference at different water inlets of the electronic thermostatic valve fluctuates over time, the actual water outlet temperature will also fluctuate.

[0049] In order to solve this problem, the system 100 accurately controls the outlet water temperature by adjusting the pressure difference of different water inlets of the converging valve. Specifically, the system 100 also includes a pressure sensing device, which includes a first pressure sensing unit 1051 and a second pressure sensing unit 1052. The first pressure sensing unit 1051 is used to detect the pressure P1 (first pressure) of the first inlet of the converging valve. The second pressure sensing unit 1052 is used to detect the pressure P2 (second pressure) of the second inlet of the converging valve.

[0050] The system 100 also includes a control unit 106. The control unit 106 is coupled to the pressure sensing devices 1051, 1052 and the water pump. The control unit 106 is used to adjust the water intake of the water pump 101 according to the first pressure and the second pressure. The control unit 160 can control the motor of the water pump 101 through the output module. In some embodiments, the water intake can be adjusted by adjusting the speed of the water pump motor. In some examples, when the pressure P1 is less than the pressure P2, the water intake of hot water can be increased by increasing the speed of the water pump motor until the pressure P1 and the pressure P2 are equal. When the pressure P1 is greater than the pressure P2, the water intake of hot water can be reduced by reducing the speed of the water pump motor until the pressure P1 and the pressure P2 are equal.

[0051] In some embodiments, the system 100 may further include a frequency converter to precisely regulate the water pump. Figure 2 The schematic diagram of the structure of the control unit of the hot water supply system of one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The control unit 106 is communicatively coupled with the pressure sensing units 1051, 1052 and the frequency converter 1011, and the frequency converter 1011 is communicatively coupled with the water pump 101. In some examples, the frequency converter 1011 can be integrated with the control unit 106 or the water pump 101. The pressure sensing units 1051, 1052 are used to detect the water inlet pressure of the water inlet of the confluence valve. The control unit 106 receives the feedback signal of the sensing units 1051, 1052, and controls the output frequency of the frequency converter 1011 to control the motor speed of the water pump 101.

[0052] In some examples, the speed can be controlled by direct torque control in the inverter. The motor torque can be controlled by real-time detection and feedback of the motor current and adjustment of the inverter switching state. In some examples, the speed can be controlled by vector control in the inverter. The excitation current and torque current are obtained by decomposing the motor stator current, and then controlled separately.

[0053] The frequency converter 1011 can convert the AC power of fixed frequency and voltage into the AC power of variable frequency and variable voltage, so as to adjust the running speed of the motor connected to the frequency converter. In some examples, the speed can be controlled by an open-loop speed control method in the frequency converter. The motor speed is regulated by adjusting the output frequency of the inverter. This method has a simple structure, but the accuracy is not high. In some examples, the speed can be controlled by a closed-loop speed control method in the frequency converter. The actual speed of the motor is detected in real time by setting a speed sensor. Then it is compared with the target speed to calculate the error signal. After processing the error signal, the output frequency of the inverter is adjusted to accurately adjust the motor speed.

[0054] Specifically, the frequency converter 1011 first converts the input AC power into DC power through the internal rectifier. The DC power is converted into variable frequency AC power by using the switching elements in the inverter and the pulse width modulation (PWM) technology. The AC power output with different frequencies and amplitudes is generated by controlling the switching frequency and duty cycle of the switch. The variable frequency AC power after inversion is sent to the motor to control the running speed of the motor. The speed of the motor can be accurately controlled by changing the output frequency.

[0055] In some examples, the difference between the pressure P1 and the pressure P2 can be calculated by a PID algorithm, and the motor speed of the water pump can be adjusted by a frequency converter to achieve precise regulation.

[0056] The hot water supply system 100 mixes hot water and cold water to obtain mixed water of a preset water temperature. The mixed hot water flowing out of the confluence valve can be used in other production processes. In addition, the pressure of the water inlet of the confluence valve collected by the pressure sensing unit is used to adjust the water inlet of the hot water source, thereby reducing the water pressure difference of different water inlets of the confluence valve, and finally achieving precise control of the mixed water temperature.

[0057] In some embodiments, the pressure sensing units 1051, 1052 may be pressure gauges, which may be installed in the pipeline between the hot / cold water tanks 102, 103 and the combining valve 104, for example. Figure 1 In some other examples, the pressure sensing units 1051 , 1052 may be installed in the hot / cold water tanks 102 , 103 , respectively.

[0058] In some embodiments, the pressure sensing units 1051, 1052 may be liquid level gauges. The installation position of the liquid level gauge may vary with the type of liquid level gauge. For example, the liquid level gauge may be one or more of a float level sensor, a pressure level sensor, an ultrasonic level sensor, a radar level sensor, a capacitive level sensor, and a photoelectric level sensor. Among them, the float level sensor may be installed on the surface of the water inside the water tank and at a position that is not disturbed by the inlet / outlet water flow. The pressure level sensor may be installed at the bottom of the water tank to determine the water level by measuring the pressure exerted by the liquid on the sensor. The ultrasonic level sensor, the radar level sensor, and the capacitive level sensor are installed at the center of the top of the hot / cold water tank to ensure that there is a certain distance between the sensor and the water surface.

[0059] In some embodiments, the system 100 further includes a mixing tank 107. The mixing tank 107 is connected to the water outlet of the combining valve 104, and the mixing tank 107 is used to mix the hot water from the hot water tank 102 and the cold water from the cold water tank 103. The water in the mixing tank 107 can be directly used in the process of mixing gypsum slurry. In some examples, a temperature sensing unit (first temperature sensing unit) is provided in the mixing tank 107 to detect the water temperature in the mixing tank. The detected water temperature in the mixing tank can be compared with the set water temperature to check whether the water inlet ratio adjustment of the combining valve is accurate. In some examples, the temperature sensing unit of the present application can be one or more of a thermocouple, a thermistor, a resistance temperature detector (RTD), an analog thermometer IC, and a digital thermometer IC. In some examples, the control unit 106 may receive an analog signal from the temperature sensing unit and convert it into a digital signal, or may directly receive a digital signal from the temperature sensing unit and read a switch state or pulse quantity, or may receive data from the temperature sensing unit using a specific communication interface, or may be connected to the temperature sensing unit through a bus interface template and read corresponding sensing data through addresses and commands.

[0060] In some embodiments, an automatic opening control valve is provided at the water inlet 1031 of the cold water tank 103. The automatic opening control valve is connected to an external water supply pipe and is used to control the water inlet of the external water supply pipe. A liquid level gauge in the cold water tank is used to detect the water level. The size of the opening of the automatic opening control valve is controlled by the size of the current, and the valve opening increases continuously as the current increases. The control unit 106 can convert the acquired digital quantity into a corresponding analog current to realize automatic control of the valve. The setting of the automatic opening control valve can ensure that the cold water tank 103 has a constant water level, avoiding a large pressure difference caused by water replenishment.

[0061] In some embodiments, a temperature sensing unit (second temperature sensing unit) is provided between the water pump 101 and the hot water tank 102. The temperature sensing unit is used to detect the temperature of the hot water source. When the temperature of the hot water source differs from the water temperature in the mixing water tank 107 by a certain threshold, the control unit 107 can issue an alarm message to remind the device of abnormality.

[0062] In some embodiments, the hot water supplied to the water pump 101 is provided by a heat exchanger. In some examples, the heat exchange medium in the heat exchanger may be a high temperature gas or a high temperature liquid. The heat exchanger may include a water pipe, and the water inlet of the water pipe is provided with water by an external water source. The external water source may be municipal water or water produced in other processes of gypsum board. The water provided by the external water source may be normal temperature water. The water outlet of the water pipe is connected to the water inlet of the water pump 101 to provide the water pump 101 with hot water generated by heat exchange.

[0063] In some examples, the water pipe in the heat exchanger may have a serpentine shape to increase the contact area with the heat exchange medium. For example, the water pipe may include a plurality of U-shaped tube units, and the plurality of U-shaped tube units are sequentially connected to form a channel. In some examples, each U-shaped tube unit may include one or more fins, and the fins may be located outside and / or inside the U-shaped tube unit. The provision of the fins can increase the heat exchange area and improve the heat exchange efficiency.

[0064] Figure 3 FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a hot water supply system 200 according to an embodiment of the present application. Figure 1 Compared with the hot water supply system 100 , the hot water supply system 200 (hereinafter referred to as “system 200 ”) further includes a heat exchanger 108 and a buffer water tank 109 to provide constant temperature hot water to the hot water tank 102 .

[0065] The heat exchanger 108 includes a water pipe, the water inlet 1081 of the water pipe can be provided with cold water by the external water source 10, and the water outlet 1082 of the water pipe is connected to the cache water tank 109. The cold water entering the water pipe is converted into hot water through heat exchange and input into the cache water tank 109.

[0066] The cache water tank 109 includes a partition 1091, which divides the cache water tank 109 into a first area I and a second area II. The bottom of the first area I is connected to the bottom of the second area II. The water inlet 1092 of the first area I is connected to the water outlet 1082 of the water pipe, and the water outlet 1093 of the first area I is connected to the water inlet of the water pump 101. The water inlet 1092 of the first area I is located above the first area I, and the water outlet 1093 of the first area I is located below the first area I.

[0067] The water inlet 1092 of the first area I is used to receive hot water from the heat exchanger 108 and input it into the buffer water tank 109. The water outlet 1093 of the first area I is used to supply hot water to the downstream water pump 101.

[0068] according to Figure 3 It can be seen that hard isolation is achieved in the buffer water tank 109 by the partition 1091. When hot water is input into the first area I from the water inlet 1092, the existing water in the first area I will flow to the second area II through the bottom where the two areas are connected. In some examples, the volume of the water tank 109 can reach 10 tons. This setting can buffer the hot water source and the existing cold water in the water tank, thereby reducing the temperature fluctuation in the water tank.

[0069] In some embodiments, the system 200 may further include a water pump 110 (a second water pump) and a third temperature sensing unit. The second water pump may circulate the water in the buffer water tank 109. Figure 3 The system 200 includes a second water pump 110 . The water inlet of the water pump 110 is connected to the water outlet 1094 of the second area II and the external water supply 10 , and the water outlet of the water pump 110 is connected to the water inlet 1081 of the heat exchanger 108 .

[0070] The third temperature sensing unit 111 ( Figure 3 The control unit 106 may also be used to adjust the water intake of the water pump 110 according to the water temperature in the second area II detected by the third temperature sensing unit. In some examples, the system 200 also includes a fourth temperature sensing unit 113, which is located outside the water inlet 1092 of the cache water tank 109, and is used to detect the water temperature output by the heat exchanger 108 or the water temperature entering the cache water tank 109. The system 200 also includes a fifth temperature sensing unit 114, which is located outside the water inlet 1081 of the heat exchanger 108, and is used to detect the water temperature entering the heat exchanger 108.

[0071] In some examples, the system 200 further includes a frequency converter 1101 to precisely regulate the water pump 110 . Figure 4The structural schematic diagram of the control unit of the hot water supply system of one embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The control unit 106 is connected to a variety of sensing units. For example, the third temperature sensing unit 111, the fourth temperature sensing unit 113 and the fifth temperature sensing unit 114. In addition, a pressure sensor 115 may be provided outside the water inlet 1092 of the cache water tank, and a pressure sensor 116 may be provided outside the water inlet 108 of the heat exchanger 108. The two pressure sensors 115, 116 are used to detect the water pressure of the water entering and leaving the heat exchanger 108. The control unit 106 is communicatively coupled to the frequency converter 1101, and the frequency converter 1101 is communicatively coupled to the water pump 110. In some examples, the frequency converter 1101 may be integrated with the control unit 106 or the water pump 110. The control unit 106 receives feedback signals from the temperature sensors 111, 113, 114, the pressure sensors 115, 116, and controls the output frequency of the frequency converter 1101 to control the motor speed of the water pump 110 to adjust the water intake.

[0072] The frequency converter 1101 can convert the alternating current of fixed frequency and voltage into alternating current of variable frequency and variable voltage, so as to adjust the running speed of the water pump motor connected to the frequency converter. The water inlet of the water pump is adjusted based on the difference between the water temperature detected by the third temperature sensing unit 111 and the set temperature. For example, when the water temperature detected by the third temperature sensing unit 111 is lower than the set temperature, the water inlet from the water outlet 1094 can be increased so that the water in the cache water tank 109 enters the heat exchanger circulation faster. When the water temperature detected by the third temperature sensing unit 111 is higher than the set temperature, the water inlet from the water outlet 1094 can be reduced or even closed so that the water in the cache water tank 109 can be maintained near the set temperature. In some examples, the set temperature here can be the detected water temperature of the fourth temperature sensing unit 113. A valve can be provided between the water outlet 1094 and the water pump 110 to adjust the water flow cutoff state between the cache water tank 109 and the water pump 110. The control unit 106 regulates the water pump 110 through the frequency converter 1101 so that the water in the buffer water tank 109 is circulated to improve the uniformity of the water temperature in the water tank. The control unit 106 can also control the frequency converter 1101 to regulate the water pump 110 according to the feedback signal of the pressure sensing units 115 and 116 to maintain the water pressure stability in the system 200.

[0073] In some examples, the cache water tank 109 can also receive cold water from an external water source, and a valve (not shown) is provided at its inlet. Before the hot water from the heat exchanger 108 enters the cache water tank 109, the cache water tank 109 can be partially filled with water from an external municipal water source, so that the cache water tank 109 maintains a certain water level before the heat exchanger 108 works.

[0074] With respect to the above hot water supply system, one embodiment of the present disclosure further discloses a control method 200 for the hot water supply system. Figure 5 A flow chart of the control method 200 is shown.

[0075] Any one or more steps in method 200 may be performed by, for example Figure 1 , Figure 3 Any one of the hot water supply systems 100, 200, Figure 2 or Figure 4 The control unit 106, Fig. 9 The electronic device 300 is implemented. Figure 5 As shown, the control method 200 for the hot water supply system can be specifically described as follows.

[0076] In S201 , a first pressure of a first inlet of a merging valve is obtained.

[0077] The first inlet of the confluence valve is connected to the water outlet of the hot water tank, and the pressure P1 of the first inlet of the confluence valve can be detected by a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge can be located at the water outlet of the hot water tank, near the first inlet of the confluence valve, or on the pipeline between the hot water tank and the confluence valve.

[0078] In S202 , a second pressure of a second inlet of the merging valve is obtained.

[0079] The second inlet of the confluence valve is connected to the water outlet of the cold water tank, and the pressure P2 of the second inlet of the confluence valve can be obtained by detecting with a pressure gauge. The pressure gauge can be located at the water outlet of the cold water tank, near the second inlet of the confluence valve, or on a pipeline between the cold water tank and the confluence valve.

[0080] In S203 , the water intake amount of the first water pump is controlled based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

[0081] Controlling the water intake of the water pump herein may refer to the control unit 106 or any other device in the hot water supply system sending an instruction to adjust the motor speed of the water pump.

[0082] In the early stage of the operation of the confluence valve, when the first pressure P1 detected is greater than the second pressure P2, it indicates that the water pressure from the hot water tank is relatively high, and the water inflow of the hot water is reduced by reducing the motor speed of the water pump until the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 are equal. When the first pressure P1 detected is less than the second pressure P2, it indicates that the water pressure from the cold water tank is relatively high, and the water inflow of the hot water is increased by increasing the motor speed of the water pump until the first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2 are equal.

[0083] In some implementations, a PID algorithm may be used to calculate the difference between the detected first pressure P1 and the second pressure P2, and a frequency converter may be used to adjust the motor speed of the water pump to achieve precise regulation.

[0084] The control method 200 adjusts the water inlet of the hot water source by collecting the pressure of different water inlets of the combining valve by the pressure sensing unit, thereby reducing the water pressure difference of different water inlets of the combining valve, and finally achieving precise control of the mixed water temperature.

[0085] In some examples, since the liquid level and the liquid pressure can be converted to each other, the first pressure P1 of the first inlet of the confluence valve includes obtaining the first liquid level H1 of the hot water tank, and obtaining the second pressure P2 of the second inlet of the confluence valve includes obtaining the second liquid level H2 of the cold water tank. Therefore, the water intake of the water pump can be indirectly controlled by comparing the difference in the liquid levels of the hot water tank and the cold water tank.

[0086] In some implementations, the control method 200 may further include controlling the opening degree of the merging valve. Figure 6 FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a control method 210 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 6 As shown, the control method 210 can be specifically described as follows.

[0087] In S211, a first detected water temperature of the hot water tank and a second detected water temperature of the cold water tank are obtained.

[0088] The corresponding water temperatures T1 and T2 may be acquired by temperature sensing units provided in the hot water tank and the cold water tank.

[0089] In S212, a first preset water temperature of the water outlet of the merging valve is obtained.

[0090] The set water temperature Ts of the water outlet of the confluence valve can be obtained from the control unit of the hot water supply system, the temperature sensing unit and / or any storage device storing the sensing data. In some examples, the preset water temperature of the water outlet is related to the production process used by the mixed water. For example, when the mixed water is used for gypsum slurry mixing, the preset water temperature can be 35-40°C.

[0091] In S213, the opening degree of the merging valve is determined based on the first detected water temperature, the second detected water temperature, and the first preset water temperature.

[0092] In some examples, the opening of the merging valve can be determined according to formulas (1)-(2), that is, the opening R1 of the first inlet is V1 / V3, and the opening R2 of the second inlet is V2 / V3. In some examples, the openings R1 and R2 can also be calculated according to formulas (3) and (4).

[0093] R1 = (Ts – T2) / (T1 – T2) (3)

[0094] R2 = 1 – R1 (4)

[0095] Control method 210 not only controls the water intake of the water pump by the pressure difference of different inlets of the combining valve, but also can adjust the opening ratio of the combining valve according to the temperature of the cold / hot water tank and the preset temperature, thereby providing constant temperature and constant liquid level control and improving the accuracy of the water outlet temperature of the combining valve.

[0096] In some embodiments, the water in the cache water tank and the heat exchanger can be circulated by a second water pump to equalize the water temperature in the cache water tank. Figure 7 FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a control method 220 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 7 As shown, the control method 220 can be specifically described as follows.

[0097] In S221, when the third detected water temperature of the water after the heat exchange is greater than or equal to the second preset water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger, the second water pump and the valve between the second water pump and the cache water tank are opened.

[0098] When the hot water temperature coming out of the heat exchanger 108 detected by the sensing unit 113 reaches the set temperature, the water pump 110 and the valve between the water pump and the water outlet 1094 of the cache water tank 109 can be opened so that the water in the cache water tank and the water in the heat exchanger can circulate.

[0099] In S222, a fourth detected water temperature of the second area is obtained.

[0100] The water temperature in the second area II in the cache water tank can be detected by the temperature sensing unit 111. Since the upper areas of the first area I and the second area II are isolated, the water can only flow through the communicating parts at the bottom. The hot water from the heat exchanger first enters the first area I of the water tank, and then flows into the second area II through the bottom of the water tank. When the temperature of the second area II reaches a certain preset temperature, it indicates that the minimum temperature in the water tank has reached the preset temperature requirement.

[0101] In S223, the water inlet flow rate of the second water pump is adjusted based on the difference between the fourth detected water temperature of the second area and the third detected water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger.

[0102] For example, when the water temperature of the detected second area II is lower than the water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger, the water inlet from the water outlet 1094 can be increased so that the water in the cache water tank 109 enters the heat exchanger circulation faster. When the water temperature of the detected second area II is higher than the water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger, the water inlet from the water outlet 1094 can be reduced or even closed so that the water in the cache water tank 109 can be maintained near the water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger. When the heat exchanger runs for a period of time to reach equilibrium, the third water temperature is close to or equal to the set temperature of the outlet water of the heat exchanger. In some examples, the difference between the fourth detected water temperature and the third detected water temperature can be calculated by a PID algorithm, and the motor speed of the second water pump can be adjusted by a frequency converter to achieve precise adjustment. In some examples, the water temperature of the temperature sensing units 111, 113, and 114 can be comprehensively considered to adjust the water inlet of the water pump. The error of the water temperature of the water tank after the water pump circulation can be within ±0.5°C.

[0103] The set temperature of the water coming out of the heat exchanger can be set according to the actual situation of the production line. For example, when the water after heat exchange is used for gypsum slurry, the set temperature can be any temperature between 50°C and 60°C. The set temperature can be obtained from a control unit of the hot water supply system (such as a programmable logic controller (PLC), a temperature sensing unit and / or any storage device storing sensing data.

[0104] In some embodiments, the operating status of the system 100 may be verified based on the temperature detected by the temperature sensing unit in the mixing water tank 107 . Figure 8 FIG. 2 is a flow chart of a control method 230 according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Figure 8 As shown, the control method 230 can be specifically described as follows.

[0105] In S231, a fifth detected water temperature in the pipeline between the first water pump and the hot water tank is obtained.

[0106] The fifth detected water temperature T5 may be acquired by a temperature sensing unit disposed in a pipe between the water pump 101 and the hot water tank 102 or by a temperature sensing unit in the hot water tank.

[0107] In S232, a sixth detected water temperature in the mixing tank is obtained.

[0108] The sixth detected water temperature T6 may be obtained by providing a temperature sensing unit in the mixing tank.

[0109] In S233, the fifth detected water temperature and the sixth detected water temperature are compared.

[0110] The sixth detected water temperature reflects the actual water temperature after the cold / hot water tank is mixed. The fifth detected water temperature reflects the actual water temperature of the hot water before mixing. When the difference between the two is large enough to exceed a predetermined range, it indicates that a certain working link of the hot water supply system has a fault, and then enter S233; otherwise, return to the previous step.

[0111] In S234, when the difference between the fifth detected water temperature and the sixth detected water temperature exceeds a preset range, an alarm message is issued.

[0112] When the difference between the fifth detected water temperature and the sixth detected water temperature exceeds a preset range, an alarm message is issued to remind of the fault, thereby improving the safety of equipment operation.

[0113] refer to Fig. 9 , Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of an electronic device 300 according to an embodiment of the present invention is shown. The electronic device 300 includes a processor (e.g., a central processing unit (CPU)) 301 and a memory 302 coupled to the processor 301. The memory 302 is used to store computer executable instructions, which, when executed, cause the processor 301 to perform the method in the above embodiment. The processor 301 and the memory 302 are connected to each other via a bus, and an input / output (I / O) interface is also connected to the bus. The electronic device 300 may also include a plurality of components (not shown) connected to the I / O interface, including but not limited to: an input unit, such as a keyboard, a mouse, etc.; an output unit, such as various types of displays, speakers, etc.; a storage unit, such as a disk, an optical disk, etc.; and a communication unit, such as a network card, a modem, a wireless communication transceiver, etc. The communication unit allows the electronic device 300 to exchange information / data with other devices via a computer network such as the Internet and / or various telecommunication networks.

[0114] Now back to Figure 1 , 3 The control unit 106 of the hot water supply system may include a processor and a memory, and the processor and the memory may be, for example, Fig. 9 The hot water supply system may further include at least one controller (such as a PLC).

[0115] The controller may be an independent hardware structure or a module integrated in other hardware. Alternatively, the controller may be a software module, for example, including a set of control instructions. In some examples, the controller may be integrated with the processor 301, or may be separate from the processor 301 and may communicate with each other (for example, via a communication link), for example, the controller may provide various acquired information to the processor 301. In some examples, the controller may be the processor 301.

[0116] In some examples, the hot water supply system may further include a display device (not shown in the figure). The display device is also communicatively coupled with the control unit 106, and may be, for example, a touch screen, a liquid crystal display, or the like. Although in this example, the display device is shown as being part of the hot water supply system, in other examples, the display device may also be a display device independent of the hot water supply system. In some examples, the display device may also be a display screen of an electronic device such as a smart phone or a tablet computer, and the like. The number of display devices may be one or more. For example, the display device may include a main screen and a touch screen, the main screen being mainly used to display a virtual production site, and the touch screen being mainly used for human-computer interaction. The display device has a display interface, and the display interface includes a plurality of display areas, each display area corresponding to at least one device.

[0117] In addition, alternatively, the above method can be implemented by a computer-readable storage medium. Computer-readable storage media are loaded with computer-readable program instructions for executing various embodiments of the present invention. Computer-readable storage media can be a tangible device that can hold and store instructions used by an instruction execution device. Computer-readable storage media can be, for example, but not limited to, an electrical storage device, a magnetic storage device, an optical storage device, an electromagnetic storage device, a semiconductor storage device, or any suitable combination of the above. More specific examples (non-exhaustive) of computer-readable storage media include: 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), a static random access memory (SRAM), a portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), a digital versatile disk (DVD), a memory stick, a floppy disk, a mechanical encoding device, such as a punch card or a protruding structure in a groove on which instructions are stored, and any suitable combination of the above. The computer-readable storage medium used herein is not to be construed as a transient signal per se, such as a radio wave or other freely propagating electromagnetic wave, an electromagnetic wave propagating through a waveguide or other transmission medium (e.g., light pulses through a fiber optic cable), or an electrical signal transmitted through wires.

[0118] Therefore, in another embodiment, the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, wherein the computer-executable instructions are used to execute the methods in various embodiments of the present invention.

[0119] The present invention also proposes a computer program product, which is tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium and includes computer-executable instructions. When the computer-executable instructions are executed, at least one processor is caused to perform the method in each embodiment of the present invention.

[0120] In general, various example embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented in hardware or dedicated circuits, software, firmware, logic, or any combination thereof. Certain aspects may be implemented in hardware, while other aspects may be implemented in firmware or software that may be executed by a controller, microprocessor, or other computing device. When various aspects of the embodiments of the present disclosure are illustrated or described as block diagrams, flow charts, or using certain other graphical representations, it will be understood that the blocks, devices, systems, techniques, or methods described herein may be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, dedicated circuits or logic, general hardware or controllers or other computing devices, or some combination thereof as non-limiting examples.

[0121] Computer-readable program instructions or computer program products for executing the various embodiments of the present invention can also be stored in the cloud. When needed, users can access the computer-readable program instructions for executing an embodiment of the present invention stored in the cloud through mobile Internet, fixed network or other networks, thereby implementing the technical solutions disclosed in accordance with the various embodiments of the present invention.

[0122] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described with reference to several specific embodiments, it should be understood that embodiments of the present invention are not limited to the specific embodiments of the disclosed content. Embodiments of the present invention are intended to cover various modifications and equivalent arrangements included in the spirit and scope of the appended claims. The scope of the claims is consistent with the broadest interpretation, thereby including all such modifications and equivalent structures and functions.

Claims

1. A hot water supply system, characterized in that: include: A first water pump, a hot water tank, a cold water tank, a confluence valve, a pressure sensing device and a control unit, wherein: The water inlet of the first water pump is connected to an external hot water source, and the water outlet of the first water pump is connected to the water inlet of the hot water tank; The water outlet of the hot water tank is connected to the first inlet of the confluence valve; The water outlet of the cold water tank is connected to the second inlet of the confluence valve; The water outlet of the combining valve is configured to supply water to an external process; The pressure sensing device includes a first pressure sensing unit and a second pressure sensing unit, the first pressure sensing unit is configured to detect a first pressure of a first inlet of the merging valve, and the second pressure sensing unit is configured to detect a second pressure of a second inlet of the merging valve; as well as The control unit is communicatively coupled to the pressure sensing device and the first water pump, and the control unit is configured to adjust a water intake amount of the first water pump according to the first pressure and the second pressure.

2. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A frequency converter is also included, and the frequency converter is communicatively coupled to the control unit and the first water pump.

3. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pressure sensing unit and the second pressure sensing unit are pressure gauges, and the first pressure sensing unit and the second pressure sensing unit are respectively installed at the pipeline between the hot water tank and the cold water tank and the converging valve.

4. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The first pressure sensing unit and the second pressure sensing unit are liquid level gauges, and the first pressure sensing unit and the second pressure sensing unit are respectively installed on the top or the bottom of the hot water tank and the cold water tank.

5. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a water mixing box, which is connected to the water outlet of the confluence valve, and a first temperature sensing unit is provided in the water mixing box.

6. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: An automatic opening control valve is arranged at the water inlet of the cold water tank.

7. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The confluence valve is a three-way flow regulating valve.

8. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: A second temperature sensing unit is provided between the first water pump and the hot water tank.

9. The hot water supply system according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes a heat exchanger, which includes a water pipe, and the water outlet of the water pipe is connected to the water inlet of the first water pump.

10. The hot water supply system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The water pipe includes a plurality of U-shaped pipe units, which are sequentially connected to form a channel, wherein each U-shaped pipe unit includes one or more fins.

11. The hot water supply system according to claim 9, characterized in that: Also included is a cache water tank, the cache water tank comprising: a partition, the partition dividing the cache water tank into a first area and a second area, the bottom of the first area is connected to the bottom of the second area; and The water inlet of the first area is connected to the water outlet of the water pipe, the water outlet of the first area is connected to the water inlet of the first water pump, the water inlet of the first area is located above the first area, and the water outlet of the first area is located below the first area.

12. The hot water supply system according to claim 11, characterized in that: It also includes a second water pump and a third temperature sensing unit, wherein: The water inlet of the second water pump is connected to the water outlet of the second area and the external water supply, the water outlet of the second water pump is connected to the water inlet of the heat exchanger, and the water outlet of the second area is located below the second area; The third temperature sensing unit is configured to detect a water temperature of the second area; and The control unit is communicatively coupled to the second water pump and the third temperature sensing unit, and the control unit is further configured to adjust the water intake of the second water pump according to the water temperature of the second area.

13. A control method for a hot water supply system according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized in that: include, obtaining a first pressure of the first inlet of the combining valve; obtaining a second pressure of the second inlet of the merging valve; as well as The water intake amount of the first water pump is controlled based on the difference between the first pressure and the second pressure.

14. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes, Acquire a first detected water temperature of the hot water tank and a second detected water temperature of the cold water tank; Obtaining a first preset water temperature of the water outlet of the confluence valve; The opening degree of the merging valve is determined based on the first detected water temperature, the second detected water temperature, and the first preset water temperature.

15. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Acquiring a first pressure at the first inlet of the combining valve includes acquiring a first liquid level of the hot water tank, and acquiring a second pressure at the second inlet of the combining valve includes acquiring a second liquid level of the cold water tank.

16. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes, When the third detected water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger is greater than or equal to the second preset water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger, opening the second water pump and the valve between the second water pump and the buffer water tank; Acquire a fourth detected water temperature of the second area; as well as The water inlet flow rate of the second water pump is adjusted based on the difference between the fourth detected water temperature of the second area and the third detected water temperature of the water outlet of the heat exchanger.

17. The control method according to claim 13, characterized in that: Also includes, Acquiring a fifth detected water temperature in the pipeline between the first water pump and the hot water tank; Acquiring a sixth detected water temperature in the mixing water tank; as well as When the fifth detected water temperature and the sixth detected water temperature exceed a preset range, an alarm message is issued.

18. An electronic device, characterized in that: The electronic device comprises a memory and a processor, wherein the memory stores computer-readable instructions, and when the computer-readable instructions are executed by the processor, the processor is caused to implement the control method according to any one of claims 13-17.

19. A computer-readable storage medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon, the computer-executable instructions being used to execute the control method according to any one of claims 13-17.

20. A computer program product, the computer program product being tangibly stored on a computer-readable storage medium and comprising computer-executable instructions, which when executed by at least one processor cause the at least one processor to perform the control method according to any one of 13-17.

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