Ignition control method of gas water heater

Abstract

The invention relates to an ignition control method for a gas water heater, which comprises the following steps of: monitoring the current water flow of a water inlet pipeline of the gas water heater in a post-circulation stage of an internal circulation mode of the gas water heater; and if it is recognized that the user uses water in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the target delay duration of delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined on the basis of the current water flow of the water inlet pipeline and the preset recognized water use time, and the gas water heater is controlled to be ignited after the target delay duration. By the adoption of the technical scheme, when a user uses water in the post-circulation stage, delayed ignition of the igniter can be controlled based on the current water flow of the water inlet pipeline and the preset recognized water using time, the phenomenon that outlet water is too hot is avoided, and user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to an ignition control method for a gas water heater. Background Art

[0002] When a gas water heater is used, when the water is turned off briefly and then used again, a period of hot water higher than the set temperature will be produced, followed by a period of cold water lower than the set temperature. The subsequent water outlet temperature is the target temperature set by the user.

[0003] In order to solve the above problems, the relevant technology will set a bypass pipe, a water storage tank and a circulation pump in the gas water heater. The two ends of the bypass pipe are respectively connected to the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe of the gas water heater. The water storage tank and the circulation pump are arranged on the water inlet pipe between the connection point between the bypass pipe and the water inlet pipe and the heat exchanger. When the gas water heater is turned off, it can enter the internal circulation mode according to certain conditions, start the circulation pump, connect the bypass pipe, form an internal circulation water circuit, and preheat the water in the internal circulation water circuit so that the water temperature in the internal circulation water circuit is maintained at the target temperature. Therefore, when the user uses water again, the water temperature is stabilized at the target temperature.

[0004] The internal circulation mode usually includes two stages: the circulation heating stage and the circulation without heating stage. The circulation without heating stage is the post-circulation stage. In the circulation without heating stage, the circulation pump in the gas water heater runs, but the burner does not ignite. This stage helps to make full use of the waste heat of the heat exchanger and keep the temperature of the water in the pipe uniform and relatively high, which can avoid the user's water temperature fluctuating when the user turns on the water again, and improve the user experience.

[0005] However, if the user uses hot water during the non-heating stage of the cycle, the water will be overheated, affecting the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0006] The technical problem solved by the present invention is to provide an ignition control method for a gas water heater. When a user uses water in the post-circulation stage, the igniter can be controlled to delay ignition based on the current water flow in the water inlet pipe and the preset water use time, thereby avoiding overheating of the water outlet and improving the user experience.

[0007] The above technical problems are solved by the following technical solutions:

[0008] An ignition control method for a gas water heater, the method comprising:

[0009] In the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, monitoring the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater;

[0010] If user water use is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the target delay time for delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow in the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, and the gas water heater is controlled to ignite after the target delay time.

[0011] The ignition control method of the gas water heater described in the present invention monitors the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater; if the user's water use is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the target delay time of the delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, and the gas water heater is controlled to ignite after the target delay time. Compared with the background technology, the beneficial effect is that the present application can control the delayed ignition of the igniter based on the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, avoid the phenomenon of overheating of the outlet water due to the high water temperature of the entire circulation pipe during the post-circulation process if the water is directly ignited and heated, and improve the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0012] Figure 1 A flow chart of an ignition control method for a gas water heater provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0013] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for identifying water usage of a user provided in an embodiment of the present application;

[0014] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a method for identifying water usage of a user provided in yet another embodiment of the present application;

[0015] Figure 4 A flow chart of an ignition control method for a gas water heater provided in another embodiment of the present application;

[0016] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of the structure of a gas water heater provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0017] Figure 6 A schematic diagram of the structure of an ignition control device for a gas water heater provided in one embodiment of the present application;

[0018] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater provided in another embodiment of the present application. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0019] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are only part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0020] In the description of the present application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "up", "down", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside", "outside", etc., indicating orientations or positional relationships, are based on the orientations or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be understood as a limitation on the present application.

[0021] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be understood as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise specified, "plurality" means two or more.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise clearly specified and limited, the terms "installed", "connected", and "connected" should be understood in a broad sense, for example, it can be a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; it can be a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; it can be a direct connection, or it can be indirectly connected through an intermediate medium, or it can be the internal communication of two components. For ordinary technicians in this field, the specific meanings of the above terms in this application can be understood according to specific circumstances.

[0023] Figure 1 This is a flow chart of a method for controlling the ignition of a gas water heater provided in one embodiment of the present application. The method can be executed by an ignition control device for a gas water heater or a gas water heater. Figure 1 As shown, the ignition control method of the gas water heater may include the following steps:

[0024] S101. In the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, monitor the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater.

[0025] The post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater is a stage of circulation without heating. In the stage of circulation without heating, the circulation pump in the gas water heater runs, but the burner does not ignite. This stage helps to make full use of the waste heat of the heat exchanger and keep the water temperature in the pipe uniform and relatively high, which can avoid the user's hot and cold water when turning on the water again, and improve the user experience. In this step, one or more water flow sensors can be used to monitor the current water flow of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater.

[0026] In one embodiment, the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe may be monitored within a preset time period after the start of the post-circulation phase of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater.

[0027] In another embodiment, after the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater begins, the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe can be monitored when the temperature drop of the internal circulation water circuit is not greater than a preset temperature drop range.

[0028] S102. If water use by the user is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the target delay time for delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, and the gas water heater is controlled to ignite after the target delay time.

[0029] In a specific embodiment of the present application, the user's water use can be identified in one of the following two ways: the first way is to identify the user's water use by identifying a sudden increase in the water flow in the water inlet pipe; the second way is to identify the user's water use by identifying a temperature drop in the insulated water tank.

[0030] By adopting the first method mentioned above, the user's water use is identified by identifying the sudden increase in water flow in the water inlet pipe, which has the following beneficial effects: the sudden increase in water flow usually occurs at the moment when the user turns on the faucet, so this method can immediately detect the user's water use and respond quickly to ensure the timeliness of hot water supply; in addition, the water flow sensor can provide accurate water flow data, allowing the system to more finely control the gas supply and water pump speed, thereby achieving more efficient heating; and, heating is only started when actual water demand is detected, which can avoid unnecessary energy waste and improve overall energy efficiency.

[0031] The second method mentioned above can be used to identify the user's water use by identifying the temperature drop of the insulated water tank. This has the following beneficial effects: the temperature change of the insulated water tank is a continuous process, which can provide water use information over a longer period of time. Even if the user's water consumption is small, the temperature drop can be detected. In addition, the temperature change is usually relatively gentle and is not easily affected by short-term external interference, so the possibility of false alarms is low. Therefore, whether it is a large amount of water used in a short period of time or a small amount of water used for a long time, the temperature change can be effectively reflected, which is suitable for various water use scenarios.

[0032] The ignition control method of the gas water heater described in the present invention monitors the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater; if the user's water use is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the target delay time of the delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, and the gas water heater is controlled to ignite after the target delay time. Compared with the background technology, the beneficial effect is that the present application can control the delayed ignition of the igniter based on the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, avoid the phenomenon of overheating of the outlet water due to the high water temperature of the entire circulation pipe during the post-circulation process if the water is directly ignited and heated, and improve the user experience.

[0033] Figure 2 This is a flow chart of a method for identifying user water usage provided in one embodiment of the present application. Based on the above technical solution, it is further optimized and expanded, and can be combined with the above optional implementation methods. Figure 2 As shown, the user water use identification method may include the following steps:

[0034] S201, obtaining an ignition water flow rate, the ignition water flow rate being greater than the post-circulation water flow rate.

[0035] The ignition water flow rate in the embodiment of the present application refers to the water flow rate of the gas water heater when the user ignites. In the early stage of ignition, the gas water heater needs sufficient heat to quickly raise the water temperature to ensure successful ignition. A larger water flow rate can provide better heat exchange efficiency and help the water heater reach the operating temperature faster. The use of a larger water flow rate is to ensure the safe and stable operation of the equipment, while improving the ignition efficiency and user experience.

[0036] S202: When the current water flow exceeds the ignition water flow or the current water flow exceeds the ignition water flow for a first preset time, it is determined that the user is using water.

[0037] The ignition water flow rate in the embodiment of the present application is a preset minimum water flow rate value, which is used to trigger the ignition procedure of the gas water heater. When the detected current water flow rate reaches or exceeds the ignition water flow rate, the gas water heater starts to ignite and enters the heating mode.

[0038] The first preset time in the embodiment of the present application refers to a short period of time, which is used to determine whether the user is actually using water. For example, if the current water flow exceeds the ignition water flow and lasts for more than this period of time (such as a few seconds), it can be determined that the user is actually using water.

[0039] Specifically, if the current water flow rate keeps exceeding the ignition water flow rate within the first preset time, it can be determined that the user is actually using water. If the current water flow rate falls below the ignition water flow rate within the first preset time, it can be determined that the user is not actually using water.

[0040] The method for identifying user water usage by identifying a sudden increase in water flow in a water inlet pipe described in the present invention first obtains the ignition water flow; when the current water flow exceeds the ignition water flow or the current water flow exceeds the ignition water flow for a first preset time, it is determined that the user is using water. Compared with the background technology, the beneficial effect is that this method can more accurately judge the actual water usage of the user and avoid misjudgment caused by short-term fluctuations. For example, when a gas water heater is ignited, the water flow may rise rapidly in a short period of time. By setting a reasonable ignition water flow threshold and duration, normal operation can be effectively distinguished from real water use behavior.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a flow chart of a method for identifying user water usage provided by another embodiment of the present application. It is further optimized and expanded based on the above technical solution and can be combined with the above optional implementation methods. Figure 3 As shown, the user water use identification method may include the following steps:

[0042] S301: Obtain a falling temperature threshold.

[0043] When a user uses water, the hot water in the insulated water tank will be pumped out and new cold water will enter, causing the water temperature in the insulated water tank to drop. By setting a temperature drop threshold, you can accurately determine whether this temperature change is caused by the user's water use. If the temperature drop threshold is not set, any slight temperature fluctuation may be mistakenly identified as the user's water use. For example, changes in ambient temperature, heat loss of the device itself, etc. may cause slight fluctuations in water temperature. By setting a temperature drop threshold, you can filter out these interference factors and ensure the accuracy of recognition.

[0044] S302: When the temperature drop of the insulated water tank reaches a temperature drop threshold, it is determined that the user is using water.

[0045] By setting a drop temperature threshold, it can be ensured that the temperature change is significant, rather than minor fluctuations caused by other factors, such as ambient temperature changes, heat loss of the device itself, etc. Ambient temperature changes or heat loss of the device itself may cause small fluctuations in water temperature, but these fluctuations usually do not reach the set drop temperature threshold. Therefore, by setting a reasonable drop temperature threshold, it is possible to effectively distinguish these normal fluctuations from significant temperature changes caused by user water use, avoid frequent starting and stopping of the gas water heater, reduce wear and tear of the equipment, and extend its service life.

[0046] The method for identifying user water use by identifying the temperature drop of the insulated water tank of the present invention first obtains the temperature drop threshold; when the temperature drop value of the insulated water tank reaches the temperature drop threshold, it is determined that the user uses water. Compared with the background technology, the application has the beneficial effect that the application can effectively distinguish between normal fluctuations and significant temperature changes caused by user water use, avoid frequent starting and stopping of the gas water heater, reduce equipment wear and tear, and extend service life.

[0047] Figure 4 This is a flow chart of an ignition control method for a gas water heater provided in another embodiment of the present application. It is further optimized and expanded based on the above technical solution and can be combined with the above optional implementation methods. Figure 4 As shown, the ignition control method of the gas water heater may include the following steps:

[0048] S401. In the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, monitor the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater.

[0049] S402. If water use by a user is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the current water flow rate is substituted into the mapping relationship between the expected delay duration and the current water flow rate to determine the expected delay duration, wherein the delay duration in the mapping relationship is inversely correlated with the water flow rate.

[0050] In one embodiment, the delay duration in the mapping relationship is inversely correlated with the water flow rate, that is, within the range of the ignition water flow rate and the preset water flow rate, the smaller the water flow rate, the longer the delay duration, thereby avoiding the problem of water outlet temperature overshoot caused by a small water flow rate.

[0051] For example, in one embodiment, the mapping relationship between the estimated delay time and the current water flow rate is as follows: Among them, t1 is the predetermined delay time, V is the water storage capacity in the water path between the connection point between the water inlet pipe and the bypass pipe of the gas water heater and the water outlet of the heat exchanger, k is the correction factor, v is the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe, t0 is the blank time from receiving the boiling water command to successful ignition during the normal ignition process, v1 is the ignition water flow rate required for ignition of the gas water heater, and v0 is the preset water flow rate.

[0052] In the above embodiment of the present invention, the mapping relationship is determined by the relationship between the delay time and the effective water storage capacity V, the ignition blank time t0, the preset water flow v0 and the water flow v of the water inlet pipe. In other embodiments of the present invention, the mapping relationship can also be determined during the factory commissioning stage of the gas water heater, through multiple tests, the delay time t1 corresponding to the real-time water flow v is collected, and is determined by fitting, and then written into the gas water heater.

[0053] S403: Determine a target delay time according to the difference between the estimated delay time and the preset water usage identification time.

[0054] S404: If the difference is not greater than 0, determine the target delay duration to be 0.

[0055] S405: If the difference is greater than 0, determine the target delay duration to be the difference.

[0056] S406: Control the gas water heater to ignite after the target delay time.

[0057] In a specific embodiment of the present application, if user water use is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the post-circulation stage is ended and the internal circulation mode is exited, and then the target delay time for delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow rate in the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time.

[0058] The internal circulation mode is usually used to maintain the water temperature in the pipes to prevent cold water from flowing out when the user turns on the faucet. However, if the user has already started using water, exiting the internal circulation mode in time can reduce unnecessary energy consumption and save gas costs; it can also reduce the workload of the equipment and extend its service life.

[0059] Furthermore, in one embodiment, after the post-circulation stage is ended and the internal circulation mode is exited, the step of determining the target delay time of delayed ignition of the gas water heater based on the current water flow rate and the preset identification water use time includes: after the post-circulation stage is ended and the internal circulation mode is exited, the current water flow rate and the preset water flow rate are obtained; if the current water flow rate is not less than the preset water flow rate, the igniter is controlled to ignite normally; if the current water flow rate is less than the preset water flow rate and greater than or equal to the ignition water flow rate, the target delay time of delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow rate and the preset identification water use time; if the current water flow rate is less than the ignition water flow rate, the igniter is maintained inactive; wherein the preset water flow rate is the maximum water flow rate at which the outlet water temperature of the outlet pipe of the gas water heater is maintained within the preset range of the target water temperature when the igniter is ignited normally.

[0060] This application can more accurately determine the best time to ignite by calculating the difference between the expected delay time and the preset water use identification time. This ensures that the gas water heater is ready when the user actually needs hot water, reducing waiting time.

[0061] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas water heater provided in one embodiment of the present application. Figure 5 As shown, the gas water heater 500 at least includes: a heat exchanger 501, an insulated water tank 502, a water pump 503, a water flow sensor 504, a bypass valve 505, and a controller (not shown in the figure); wherein the heat exchanger 501 is arranged in the combustion chamber of the gas water heater 500, the water inlet of the heat exchanger 501 is connected to a water inlet pipe 5011, the water outlet of the heat exchanger 501 is connected to a water outlet pipe 5012, and a bypass pipe 5013 is connected between the water inlet pipe 5011 and the water outlet pipe 5012. The insulated water tank 502 is arranged on the water inlet pipe 5011 between the connection point of the water inlet pipe 5011 and the bypass pipe 5013 of the gas water heater 500 and the water inlet of the heat exchanger 501. The water pump 503 is arranged on the water inlet pipe 5011 between the water inlet of the gas water heater 500 and the water inlet of the heat exchanger 501. A water flow sensor 504 is arranged on the water inlet pipe 5011, and the water flow sensor 504 is used to collect the water flow of the water inlet pipe 5011. A bypass valve 505 is arranged on the bypass pipe 5013. A burner (not shown in the figure) is arranged in the combustion chamber, and the burner is connected to the gas supply pipe. An igniter (not shown in the figure) is arranged on the burner. A gas valve (not shown in the figure) is arranged on the gas supply pipe. A controller (not shown in the figure) is respectively connected to the water pump 503, the flow sensor 504, the igniter, the gas valve and the bypass valve 505, and is used to execute the ignition control method of the gas water heater described in any of the above embodiments.

[0062] Furthermore, if Figure 5As shown, the gas water heater 500 also includes a first temperature sensor 506 , which is disposed at the water outlet of the insulated water tank 502 . The first temperature sensor 506 is connected to the controller and is used to collect the water temperature at the water outlet of the insulated water tank 502 .

[0063] Furthermore, if Figure 5 As shown, the gas water heater 500 further includes a second temperature sensor 507 , which is disposed on the water outlet pipe 5012 . The second temperature sensor 507 is connected to the controller and is used to collect the outlet water temperature of the water outlet pipe 5012 .

[0064] Furthermore, if Figure 5 As shown, the gas water heater 500 may further include a third temperature sensor 508 , which is disposed on the water inlet pipe 5011 upstream of the insulated water tank 502 . The third temperature sensor 508 is connected to the controller and is used to collect the water inlet temperature of the water inlet pipe 5011 .

[0065] Furthermore, if Figure 5 As shown, the end of the water outlet pipe 5012 of the gas water heater 500 is connected to the water-using device 509, and the water-using device 509 is connected to the water inlet pipe 5011 through the return pipe 510, and the return pipe 510 is provided with a one-way valve 511. The return pipe 510 ensures that when the user uses hot water, he can immediately get hot water by turning on the water-using device 509, without waiting or discharging too much cold water. In addition, the design of the return pipe 510 helps to reduce the waste of water resources, improve the efficiency of hot water use, and reduce energy consumption.

[0066] The ignition control method of the gas water heater described in the present invention monitors the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater; if the user's water use is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the target delay time of the delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, and the gas water heater is controlled to ignite after the target delay time. Compared with the background technology, the beneficial effect is that the present application can control the delayed ignition of the igniter based on the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, avoid the phenomenon of overheating of the outlet water due to the high water temperature of the entire circulation pipe during the post-circulation process if the water is directly ignited and heated, and improve the user experience.

[0067] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an ignition control device for a gas water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application. The device is suitable for executing the ignition control method for a gas water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application. Figure 6As shown, the ignition control device of the gas water heater includes: a water flow monitoring module 601 and a delay control module 602; wherein,

[0068] The water flow monitoring module 601 is used to monitor the current water flow of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater;

[0069] The delay control module 602 is used to determine the target delay time for delayed ignition of the gas water heater based on the current water flow in the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time if user water use is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, and control the ignition of the gas water heater after the target delay time.

[0070] The ignition control device of the gas water heater can execute the method provided in any embodiment of the present application, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects of the execution method. For technical details not described in detail in this embodiment, please refer to the ignition control method of the gas water heater provided in any embodiment of the present application.

[0071] Figure 7 A schematic structural diagram of a gas water heater provided in another embodiment of the present application. Figure 7 A block diagram of an exemplary gas water heater suitable for implementing embodiments of the present application is shown. Figure 7 The gas water heater 12 shown is only an example and should not bring any limitation to the functions and scope of use of the embodiments of the present application.

[0072] like Figure 7 As shown, the components of the gas water heater 12 may include, but are not limited to: one or more processors or processing units 16, a system memory 28, and a bus 18 connecting various system components (including the system memory 28 and the processing unit 16).

[0073] Bus 18 represents one or more of several types of bus structures, including a memory bus or memory controller, a peripheral bus, an accelerated graphics port, a processor or a local bus using any of a variety of bus architectures. By way of example, these architectures include, but are not limited to, an Industry Standard Architecture (ISA) bus, a Micro Channel Architecture (MAC) bus, an Enhanced ISA bus, a Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA) local bus, and a Peripheral Component Interconnect (PCI) bus.

[0074] The gas water heater 12 typically includes a variety of computer system readable media. These media can be any available media that can be accessed by the gas water heater 12, including volatile and non-volatile media, removable and non-removable media.

[0075] The system memory 28 may include computer system readable media in the form of volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM) 30 and / or cache memory 32. The gas water heater 12 may further include other removable / non-removable, volatile / non-volatile computer system storage media. By way of example only, the storage system 34 may be used to read and write non-removable, non-volatile magnetic media ( Figure 7 not shown, usually called a "hard drive"). Although Figure 7 Not shown, a disk drive for reading and writing to a removable non-volatile disk (e.g., a "floppy disk"), and an optical drive for reading and writing to a removable non-volatile optical disk (e.g., a CD-ROM, a DVD-ROM, or other optical medium) may be provided. In these cases, each drive may be connected to the bus 18 via one or more data medium interfaces. The memory 28 may include at least one program product having a set (e.g., at least one) of program modules that are configured to perform the functions of the various embodiments of the present application.

[0076] A program / utility 40 having a set (at least one) of gas water heater program modules 42 may be stored in, for example, the memory 28, such program modules 42 including but not limited to an operating system, one or more application programs, other program modules, and program data, each of which or some combination may include an implementation of a network environment. The program modules 42 generally perform the functions of the embodiments described herein.

[0077] The gas water heater 12 may also communicate with one or more external devices 14 (e.g., keyboards, pointing devices, displays 24, etc.), one or more devices that enable a user to interact with the gas water heater 12, and / or any device that enables the gas water heater 12 to communicate with one or more other computing devices (e.g., network cards, modems, etc.). Such communication may be performed through an input / output (I / O) interface 22. Furthermore, the gas water heater 12 may also communicate with one or more networks (e.g., a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), and / or a public network, such as the Internet) through a network adapter 20. As shown, the network adapter 20 communicates with other modules of the gas water heater 12 through a bus 18. It should be understood that although Figure 7 Not shown, other hardware and / or software modules may be used in conjunction with the gas water heater 12, including but not limited to: microcode, device drivers, redundant processing units, external disk drive arrays, RAID systems, tape drives, and data backup storage systems.

[0078] The processing unit 16 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the programs stored in the system memory 28, such as implementing the ignition control method of the gas water heater provided in the embodiment of the present application.

[0079] In the specific contents of the above-mentioned specific implementation methods, the various technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory manner. In order to make the description concise, not all possible combinations of the above-mentioned technical features are described. However, as long as there is no contradiction in the combination of these technical features, they should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0080] The specific contents of the above specific embodiments only express several embodiments of the present invention, and the description is relatively specific and detailed, but it cannot be understood as limiting the scope of the patent of the present invention. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this field, several modifications and improvements can be made without departing from the concept of the present invention, which all belong to the protection scope of the present invention. Therefore, the protection scope of the patent of the present invention shall be based on the attached claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the ignition of a gas water heater, characterized in that: The method comprises: In the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, monitoring the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater; If user water use is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the target delay time for delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow in the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, and the gas water heater is controlled to ignite after the target delay time.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Identifying the user's water use includes identifying the user's water use by identifying a sudden increase in the water flow of the water inlet pipe; wherein the step of identifying the user's water use by identifying a sudden increase in the water flow of the water inlet pipe includes: Obtaining an ignition water flow rate, wherein the ignition water flow rate is greater than a post-circulation water flow rate; When the current water flow exceeds the ignition water flow or the current water flow exceeds the ignition water flow for a first preset time, it is determined that the user is using water.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: The preset water use identification time includes a first water use identification preset time, which is the time when the user's water use is identified by identifying a sudden increase in the water flow of the water inlet pipe; Before the step of determining the target delay time length of the delayed ignition of the gas water heater based on the current water flow of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, the method further includes: Determining the preset identification water use time according to the identification method of the user's water use; If the identification method is to identify a sudden increase in the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe, the preset identification water use time is determined to be the first identification water use preset time.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: Identifying that the user is using water, including identifying that the user is using water by identifying that the temperature of the insulated water tank is dropping; wherein the step of identifying that the user is using water by identifying that the temperature of the insulated water tank is dropping includes: Get the falling temperature threshold; When the temperature drop value of the heat preservation water tank reaches the temperature drop threshold, it is determined that the user uses water.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that: The preset water use identification time includes a second water use identification preset time, and the second water use identification preset time is the time when the user's water use is identified by identifying the temperature drop of the thermal insulation water tank; Before the step of determining the target delay time length of the delayed ignition of the gas water heater based on the current water flow of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time, the method further includes: Determining the preset identification water use time according to the identification method of the user's water use; If the identification method is to identify the temperature drop of the thermal insulation water tank, the preset identification water use time is determined to be the second identification water use preset time.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, monitoring the water flow of the water inlet pipe of the gas water heater comprises: The water flow rate of the water inlet pipe is monitored within a preset time period after the start of the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater; or, after the start of the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe is monitored within a range where the temperature drop of the internal circulation water circuit is not greater than a preset temperature drop.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that: If user water use is identified in the post-circulation stage of the internal circulation mode of the gas water heater, the post-circulation stage is ended and the internal circulation mode is exited, and the target delay time for delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow rate of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of determining the target delay time length of the delayed ignition of the gas water heater based on the current water flow of the water inlet pipe and the preset water use identification time includes: Substituting the current water flow into the mapping relationship between the expected delay time and the current water flow to determine the expected delay time, wherein the delay time in the mapping relationship is inversely correlated with the water flow; Determine the target delay time according to the difference between the estimated delay time and the preset water use identification time; If the difference is not greater than 0, the target delay duration is determined to be 0; If the difference is greater than 0, the target delay duration is determined to be the difference.

9. The method according to claim 8, characterized in that: The mapping relationship between the expected delay time and the current water flow is as follows: Among them, t1 is the predetermined delay time, V is the water storage capacity in the water path between the connection point between the water inlet pipe and the bypass pipe of the gas water heater and the water outlet of the heat exchanger, k is the correction factor, v is the water flow rate of the water inlet pipe, t0 is the blank time between receiving the boiling water command and successful ignition during the normal ignition process, v1 is the ignition water flow rate required for ignition of the gas water heater, and v0 is the preset water flow rate.

10. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that: The step of ending the post-circulation phase and exiting the internal circulation mode, and then determining the target delay time of the delayed ignition of the gas water heater based on the current water flow and the preset water use identification time, comprises: ending the post-circulation phase and exiting the internal circulation mode, obtaining the current water flow and the preset water flow; If the current water flow rate is not less than the preset water flow rate, the igniter is controlled to ignite normally; If the current water flow rate is less than the preset water flow rate and greater than or equal to the ignition water flow rate, the target delay time for the delayed ignition of the gas water heater is determined based on the current water flow rate and the preset identification water use time; If the current water flow rate is less than the ignition water flow rate, the igniter is kept inactive; The preset water flow rate is the maximum water flow rate when the outlet water temperature of the water outlet pipe of the gas water heater is maintained within the preset range of the target water temperature when the igniter is ignited normally.

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