Water heater control methods, devices, electronic equipment and computer-readable storage media

Abstract

This application discloses a water heater control method, device, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium. The method includes: acquiring first temperature information and acquiring second temperature information, wherein the first temperature information is a predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater; determining expected water usage information based on historical water usage information, wherein the historical water usage information characterizes the water usage over a second time period prior to the current time, and the expected water usage information includes expected water usage time and expected water usage temperature; and determining a target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information. The water heater control method provided by this application can determine the target heating time of the water heater based on changes in ambient temperature and the user's historical water usage information, and heat the water during the target heating time, thus avoiding energy waste.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home technology, specifically to a water heater control method, device, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] A heat pump water heater is a high-efficiency heat energy lifting and transfer device based on the reverse Carnot cycle. It can use a small amount of electricity as power and refrigerant as a carrier to continuously absorb low-grade heat energy from the air, convert it into usable high-grade heat energy, and then release the high-grade heat energy into the water that needs to be heated to produce domestic hot water, which is finally delivered to users through hot water pipes.

[0003] In existing technologies, heat pump water heaters continuously use electricity to produce hot water in order to maintain the set water temperature.

[0004] However, in practical applications, users do not use hot water for extended periods at home, and continuously using electricity to maintain the set water temperature results in significant energy waste. Summary of the Invention

[0005] This application provides a water heater control method, device, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium, which can determine the target heating time of the water heater based on changes in ambient temperature and the user's historical water usage information, and heat the water during the target heating time to avoid energy waste.

[0006] In a first aspect, embodiments of this application provide a water heater control method, applied to a water heater, the method comprising:

[0007] Acquire first temperature information and acquire second temperature information, wherein the first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment in which the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater;

[0008] The projected water usage information is determined based on historical water usage information, which is used to characterize water usage within a second time period prior to the current time. The projected water usage information includes the projected water usage time and the projected water usage temperature.

[0009] The target heating time is determined based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information.

[0010] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, determining the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information includes:

[0011] The first temperature value of the environment in which the water heater is located is determined based on the first temperature information, wherein the first temperature value is the current temperature of the environment in which the water heater is located.

[0012] The first heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the first temperature value, and the second temperature information.

[0013] The target heating time is determined based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0014] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, determining the target heating time based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time includes:

[0015] If the first heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined to be the current time;

[0016] If the first heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then a second temperature value is determined based on the first temperature information, and the target heating time is determined based on the second temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information, wherein the second temperature value is the highest temperature value within the first duration.

[0017] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, determining the target heating time based on the second temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information includes:

[0018] The second heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the second temperature value, and the second temperature information.

[0019] The target heating time is determined based on the second heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0020] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, determining the target heating time based on the second heating time and the expected water usage time includes:

[0021] If the second heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the first time corresponding to the second temperature value is determined, and the target heating time is determined to be the first time;

[0022] If the second heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then the second time is determined based on the first time and the preset time interval, the third temperature value corresponding to the second time is determined based on the first temperature information, and the target heating time is determined based on the third temperature value, the second temperature information and the expected water usage information.

[0023] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, determining the target heating time based on the third temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information includes:

[0024] The third heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the third temperature value, and the second temperature information.

[0025] The target heating time is determined based on the third heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0026] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, determining the target heating time based on the third heating time and the expected water usage time includes:

[0027] If the third heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined to be the second time;

[0028] If the third heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined based on the first temperature information, the second time, and the expected water usage information.

[0029] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, determining the estimated water usage time based on historical water usage information includes:

[0030] The operating mode of the water heater within the third time period is determined based on the historical water usage information, and the water temperature change of the water heater within the third time period is determined. The third time period is the time period within the second time period.

[0031] The estimated water usage time is determined based on the operating mode and the water temperature changes.

[0032] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, determining the expected water usage time based on the operating mode and the water temperature change includes:

[0033] When the working mode is heating mode, if the water temperature change indicated by the water temperature change is greater than the preset change, then the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time.

[0034] When the working mode is non-heating mode, if the water temperature indicated by the water temperature change changes, then the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time.

[0035] Secondly, embodiments of this application also provide a water heater control device, applied to a water heater, the device comprising:

[0036] The acquisition module is used to acquire first temperature information and second temperature information. The first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater.

[0037] The processing module is used to determine the expected water usage information based on historical water usage information, wherein the historical water usage information is used to characterize the water usage within a second time period prior to the current time, and the expected water usage information includes the expected water usage time and the expected water usage temperature.

[0038] The processing module is used to determine the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information.

[0039] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module is used to:

[0040] The first temperature value of the environment in which the water heater is located is determined based on the first temperature information, wherein the first temperature value is the current temperature of the environment in which the water heater is located.

[0041] The first heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the first temperature value, and the second temperature information.

[0042] The target heating time is determined based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0043] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module is used to:

[0044] If the first heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined to be the current time;

[0045] If the first heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then a second temperature value is determined based on the first temperature information, and the target heating time is determined based on the second temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information, wherein the second temperature value is the highest temperature value within the first duration.

[0046] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module is used to:

[0047] The second heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the second temperature value, and the second temperature information.

[0048] The target heating time is determined based on the second heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0049] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module is used to:

[0050] If the second heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the first time corresponding to the second temperature value is determined, and the target heating time is determined to be the first time;

[0051] If the second heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then the second time is determined based on the first time and the preset time interval, the third temperature value corresponding to the second time is determined based on the first temperature information, and the target heating time is determined based on the third temperature value, the second temperature information and the expected water usage information.

[0052] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module is used to:

[0053] The third heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the third temperature value, and the second temperature information.

[0054] The target heating time is determined based on the third heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0055] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module is used to:

[0056] If the third heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined to be the second time;

[0057] If the third heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined based on the first temperature information, the second time, and the expected water usage information.

[0058] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module is used to:

[0059] The operating mode of the water heater within the third time period is determined based on the historical water usage information, and the water temperature change of the water heater within the third time period is determined. The third time period is the time period within the second time period.

[0060] The estimated water usage time is determined based on the operating mode and the water temperature changes.

[0061] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module is used to:

[0062] When the working mode is heating mode, if the water temperature change indicated by the water temperature change is greater than the preset change, then the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time.

[0063] When the working mode is non-heating mode, if the water temperature indicated by the water temperature change changes, then the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time.

[0064] Thirdly, embodiments of this application also provide an electronic device, which includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the steps in the above-described water heater control method.

[0065] Fourthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program, which, when executed by a processor, implements the steps in the above-described water heater control method.

[0066] Fifthly, embodiments of this application also provide a computer program product or computer program, which includes computer instructions stored in a computer-readable storage medium. A processor of a computer device reads the computer instructions from the computer-readable storage medium and executes the computer instructions, causing the computer device to perform the methods provided in the various optional implementations described in embodiments of this application.

[0067] In summary, the embodiments of this application obtain first temperature information and second temperature information. The first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater. Based on historical water usage information, expected water usage information is determined. The historical water usage information characterizes the water usage over a second time period prior to the current time, and the expected water usage information includes expected water usage time and expected water temperature. The technical solution of determining the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information can determine the target heating time of the water heater based on changes in ambient temperature and the user's historical water usage information, and effectively produce hot water during the target heating time, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing the energy consumption of the water heater. Attached Figure Description

[0068] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0069] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a scenario for the water heater control method provided in an embodiment of this application;

[0070] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a scenario where a water heater performs the water heater control method according to an embodiment of this application;

[0071] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the process for determining the estimated water usage time corresponding to the water heater control method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0072] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the target heating time determination process corresponding to the water heater control method provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0073] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater control device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0074] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in the embodiments of this application. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The technical solutions of this application will now be clearly and completely described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0076] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "length," "width," "thickness," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicating orientation or positional relationships based on the orientation or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, are only for the convenience of describing the invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation of the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of indicated technical features. Thus, features defined with "first" and "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of the aforementioned features. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0077] In this application, the term "exemplary" is used to mean "serving as an example, illustration, or description." Any embodiment described as "exemplary" in this application is not necessarily to be construed as being more preferred or advantageous than other embodiments. The following description is provided to enable any person skilled in the art to make and use the invention. Details are set forth in the following description for purposes of explanation. It should be understood that those skilled in the art will recognize that the invention can be made without using these specific details. In other instances, well-known structures and processes will not be described in detail to avoid obscuring the description of the invention with unnecessary detail. Therefore, the invention is not intended to be limited to the embodiments shown, but is consistent with the broadest scope of the principles and features disclosed in this application.

[0078] First, let's explain the terms used in this application:

[0079] A heat pump water heater is a device that uses heat pump technology to heat water. A heat pump is a device that transfers low-temperature heat energy to a high-temperature region. It utilizes components such as a compressor, evaporator, condenser, and expansion valve to achieve this heat energy transfer. The working principle of a heat pump water heater is as follows: the refrigerant in the evaporator absorbs heat energy from the environment, causing it to evaporate into a gas. Then, the compressor compresses the gas, raising its temperature. Next, the high-temperature, high-pressure gas passes through the condenser, releasing heat to the water and raising its temperature. Finally, the refrigerant passes through the expansion valve, reducing its pressure to a low-temperature, low-pressure liquid, and re-enters the evaporator for circulation.

[0080] This application provides a water heater control method, apparatus, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium. Specifically, this application provides a water heater control apparatus applicable to the water heater control method. The water heater control apparatus includes a water heater and a main control device for the water heater. The water heater is mainly a heat pump water heater or other device that uses electrical energy and ambient heat energy to produce hot water.

[0081] In existing technology, water heaters continuously use electricity to produce and store hot water in a tank in order to maintain the hot water temperature preset by the user during operation.

[0082] For example, after the water heater is turned on, it monitors the temperature of the hot water stored in the tank in real time. When the temperature is lower than the temperature preset by the user, it will use electricity to heat the hot water in the tank until the water temperature reaches the temperature preset by the user.

[0083] However, existing water heater control methods, which monitor water temperature in real time and require immediate heating before the set temperature is reached, result in significant energy waste. Furthermore, users' demand for hot water is far less than the heating time required by the water heater, rendering the heating operation ineffective for extended periods throughout the day.

[0084] Therefore, existing water heater control methods suffer from energy waste.

[0085] This application provides a water heater control method, device, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium. It employs a technical solution that involves acquiring first temperature information and second temperature information, where the first temperature information is a predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater; determining expected water usage information based on historical water usage information, where the historical water usage information characterizes water usage over a second time period prior to the current time, and the expected water usage information includes expected water usage time and expected water usage temperature; and determining a target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information.

[0086] In summary, the water heater control method in this application embodiment can determine the target heating time of the water heater based on changes in ambient temperature and the user's historical water usage information, and effectively produce hot water during the target heating time, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing the energy consumption of the water heater.

[0087] The following sections provide detailed descriptions of each example. It should be noted that the order in which the embodiments are described is not intended to limit the priority of the embodiments.

[0088] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario of the water heater control method provided in this application embodiment. The water heater control system may include a water heater 100 and a main control device 200. The water heater 100 and the main control device 200 can communicate with each other in any way, including but not limited to signal communication via electronic circuits or wireless signals. The wireless signals can be computer network communication using the TCP / IP protocol suite (TCP / IP) or User Datagram Protocol (UDP). The water heater 100 can receive control signals from a remote control or control panel, and it can also receive instruction information sent by the main control device 200. The water heater 100 can perform corresponding operations according to the corresponding instruction information.

[0089] In this embodiment, the water heater 100 includes, but is not limited to, heat pump water heaters, electric water heaters, gas water heaters, solar water heaters, multi-energy water heaters, etc.

[0090] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 1 The application environment shown is merely one application scenario of the solution in this application and does not constitute a limitation on the application scenario of the solution in this application. Other application environments may include those that are more specific to this application. Figure 1 The number of water heaters shown is more or less, for example Figure 1 Only one water heater is shown in the image; the specific one is not specified here.

[0091] In addition, such as Figure 1 As shown, the main control device 200 may include any hardware device capable of data processing and instruction sending, such as a CPU or microcontroller embedded inside the water heater; no specific limitation is made here.

[0092] It should be noted that, Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the water heater control system shown is merely an example. The water heater control system and scenario described in this application are intended to more clearly illustrate the technical solutions of this application and do not constitute a limitation on the technical solutions provided in this application. As those skilled in the art will know, with the evolution of water heater control systems and the emergence of new business scenarios, the technical solutions provided in this application are also applicable to similar technical problems.

[0093] For details, please refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a scenario where a water heater executes the water heater control method according to an embodiment of this application. The specific execution process of the water heater executing the water heater control method is as follows:

[0094] S201: Obtain the first temperature information and the second temperature information.

[0095] In this embodiment of the application, the first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater.

[0096] Optionally, the first temperature information can be the predicted outdoor temperature change within a first time period after the current moment, based on historical temperature information collected by an outdoor temperature sensor; the first temperature information can also be the temperature change within a first time period after the current moment in the area where the water heater is located, obtained by the water heater through a network module.

[0097] It should be noted that the method for collecting the first temperature information is not specifically limited in this embodiment. The temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located can be the temperature change of the area where the water heater is installed. The range of this area can be modified or adjusted according to the actual situation. For example, when collecting temperature through an outdoor temperature sensor, the ambient temperature change within a preset distance can be predicted with the water heater as the center. When obtaining temperature through a network module, the ambient temperature change can be predicted based on the area defined by the weather forecast. The first duration can be set to 24 hours or other durations, and is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0098] Optionally, the second temperature information may be the current hot water temperature collected by a temperature sensor installed in the water heater tank; or the hot water temperature in the water heater tank may be collected by other means.

[0099] In this embodiment, the heating time can be obtained based on the first and second temperature information, combined with the preset temperature set by the user (or the preset temperature can be obtained by analyzing the user's historical water usage information), and then the heating start time, i.e. the target heating time, can be determined.

[0100] S202: Determine projected water usage information based on historical water usage information.

[0101] In this embodiment of the application, historical water usage information is used to characterize water usage within a second time period prior to the current time, and expected water usage information includes expected water usage time and expected water usage temperature.

[0102] Optionally, the water heater will record the user's water usage data as historical water usage information when the user uses hot water. This information may include: water usage time, water temperature changes, water temperature, water consumption, and the water heater's operating mode when using water.

[0103] As an optional embodiment, based on the collected historical water usage information, the possible water usage time and temperature of the user after the current moment are determined to obtain the expected water usage information.

[0104] It should be noted that the second duration can be set to any length of time, and is not specifically limited in this embodiment. To make the predicted water usage information obtained from the analysis more accurate, the second duration can be set to one month, that is, collecting the user's historical water usage data for the past month and analyzing the possible predicted water usage information after the user's current time (e.g., within 24 hours after the current time).

[0105] Optionally, the water heater control method provided in this application embodiment further includes: determining the working mode of the water heater within a third time period based on historical water usage information, and determining the water temperature change of the water heater within the third time period, wherein the third time period is the time period within the second time period; and determining the expected water usage time based on the working mode and the water temperature change.

[0106] In this embodiment of the application, the third duration is the time period during which the user uses hot water. For example, if the user uses hot water between 8:00 and 8:10 in the morning, then the third duration is the time period between 8:00 and 8:10. This time period can be any other time period or any duration.

[0107] Optionally, based on historical water usage information from multiple third time periods within the second time period, including the water heater's operating mode and water temperature changes within the third time period, predicted water usage information can be obtained. For example, the user's predicted water usage time can be determined based on the user's daily hot water usage over a month.

[0108] Optionally, the water heater control method provided in this application embodiment further includes: when the working mode is heating mode, if the water temperature change indicated by the water temperature change status is greater than the preset change status, then the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time; when the working mode is non-heating mode, if the water temperature indicated by the water temperature change status has changed, then the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time.

[0109] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 3 The flowchart illustrating the estimated water usage time determination process shows that, based on the user's historical water usage information, it determines whether the user turned on the electric heater or heat pump when using hot water, i.e., whether the water heater's operating mode is heating mode or non-heating mode. If the operating mode is heating mode, and the hot water temperature drops by 2 degrees Celsius within 10 minutes (the third time interval), then that 10-minute period is determined as the estimated water usage time and included in the water usage time point. Optionally, if the hot water temperature drops by 3 degrees Celsius within 15 minutes (the third time interval) while the operating mode is heating mode, then that 15-minute period can also be determined as the estimated water usage time and included in the water usage time point. Optionally, if the operating mode is non-heating mode, and the current hot water temperature is lower than the hot water temperature 15 minutes (the third time interval) ago, then that 15-minute period is determined as the estimated water usage time and included in the water usage time point.

[0110] It should be noted that the third duration can be the actual length of time the user uses water, or one or more pre-set durations. Different durations can correspond to different water temperature changes (i.e., preset changes can be set according to actual usage).

[0111] Optionally, based on the frequency of occurrence of time periods corresponding to multiple third time periods within the second time period, the time period with the higher frequency of occurrence can be selected as the user's expected water usage time.

[0112] Optionally, the user's water temperature can be statistically analyzed over multiple third time periods within the second time period to determine the user's expected water temperature, so that the water heater can heat the water according to the expected water temperature.

[0113] S203: Determine the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information.

[0114] In this embodiment of the application, after the main control device of the water heater obtains the user's expected water usage information, it determines the target heating time, that is, the time to start heating, by combining the obtained first temperature information and second temperature information.

[0115] Optionally, the water heater obtains ambient temperature data for 24 hours after the current moment, and then, based on the current water tank temperature and the data curves of ambient temperature and water tank temperature in the laboratory, calculates the time required to heat by 5°C. It then compares this time with the previously determined user's expected water usage time and expected water temperature to determine a suitable economical and energy-saving heating start time, and heats at that time to achieve the purpose of energy saving.

[0116] Optionally, the water heater control method provided in this application embodiment further includes: determining a first temperature value of the environment where the water heater is located based on first temperature information, wherein the first temperature value is the temperature of the environment where the water heater is currently located; determining a first heating time based on the expected water temperature, the first temperature value, and the second temperature information; and determining a target heating time based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0117] In the embodiments of this application, such as Figure 4 The flowchart shown illustrates the process of determining the target heating time. Based on the first temperature information, the first temperature value of the current environment where the water heater is located is determined. Based on the expected water temperature, the first temperature value, and the current water temperature in the water heater, the first heating time from the current water temperature to the expected water temperature is determined at the current ambient temperature (which can be calculated by combining temperature data curves or other algorithms). After obtaining the first heating time, the target heating time is determined based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0118] Optionally, the water heater control method provided in this application embodiment further includes: if the first heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined to be the current time; if the first heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then a second temperature value is determined based on the first temperature information, and a target heating time is determined based on the second temperature value, the second temperature information and the expected water usage information, wherein the second temperature value is the highest temperature value within the first duration.

[0119] Specifically, it is determined whether the first heating time is greater than the expected water usage time. If so, the target heating time is set to the current time, the water heater immediately starts heating, and stops after heating to the expected water usage temperature. If not, the highest ambient temperature after the current time (before the expected water usage time) can be determined based on the first temperature information, i.e., the second temperature value. Then, the target heating time is determined based on the second temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information.

[0120] Optionally, the water heater control method provided in this application embodiment further includes: determining a second heating time based on the expected water temperature, a second temperature value, and second temperature information; and determining a target heating time based on the second heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0121] In the embodiments of this application, it is still as follows Figure 4 As shown, based on the first temperature information, the second temperature value of the environment where the water heater is located after the current time is determined. Based on the expected water temperature, the second temperature value, and the current water temperature in the water heater, the second heating time from the current water temperature to the expected water temperature is determined at the highest ambient temperature. After obtaining the second heating time, the target heating time is determined based on the second heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0122] Optionally, the water heater control method provided in this application embodiment further includes: if the second heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then determining the first time corresponding to the second temperature value and determining the target heating time as the first time; if the second heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then determining the second time according to the first time and a preset time interval, determining the third temperature value corresponding to the second time according to the first temperature information, and determining the target heating time according to the third temperature value, the second temperature information and the expected water usage information.

[0123] It should be noted that after determining the second temperature value, it is necessary to further determine the first time corresponding to the second temperature value, that is, the time point corresponding to the highest ambient temperature.

[0124] Specifically, it is determined whether the second heating time is greater than the expected water usage time. If so, the target heating time is set as the first time, and the water heater starts heating at the first time and stops after heating to the expected water temperature. If not, a second time before the first time can be determined based on a preset time interval, and the ambient temperature at the second time, i.e., the third temperature value, can be determined. Then, the target heating time is determined based on the third temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information.

[0125] It should also be noted that the preset time interval can be set to 1 hour, or other times, such as 15 minutes.

[0126] Optionally, the water heater control method provided in this application embodiment further includes: determining a third heating time based on the expected water temperature, a third temperature value, and second temperature information; and determining a target heating time based on the third heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0127] In the embodiments of this application, it is still as follows Figure 4As shown, based on the first temperature information, the third temperature value of the environment where the water heater is located is determined at the second time. Based on the expected water temperature, the third temperature value, and the current water temperature in the water heater, the third heating time from the current water temperature to the expected water temperature is determined at the third temperature value. After obtaining the third heating time, the target heating time is determined based on the third heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0128] Optionally, the water heater control method provided in this application embodiment further includes: if the third heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined as the second time; if the third heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined based on the first temperature information, the second time, and the expected water usage information.

[0129] Specifically, it is determined whether the third heating time is greater than the expected water usage time. If so, the target heating time is determined to be the second time corresponding to the third temperature value. The water heater starts heating at the second time and stops after heating to the expected water usage temperature. If not, the ambient temperature value (also called the third temperature value) before the second time is determined, and then the target heating time is determined based on the ambient temperature value before the second time, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information.

[0130] In one optional embodiment, 24-hour ambient temperature data is acquired from the cloud. Based on the current hot water temperature and the ambient temperature at each moment, the time required to heat the hot water by 5°C is determined. It is then determined whether the heating time to reach the set temperature is greater than the user's preset water usage time. If so, the water is immediately heated to the set temperature and the system stops. If not, it is determined whether the heating time from the highest ambient temperature before the current moment to the set temperature is greater than the user's preset water usage time. If so, the water is heated to the set temperature at the highest ambient temperature and the system stops. If not, it is determined whether the heating time from the previous moment at the highest ambient temperature to the set temperature is greater than the user's preset water usage time. If so, the water is heated to the set temperature at the previous moment at the highest ambient temperature and the system stops. If not, it is determined whether the heating time from the previous moment to the set temperature meets the user's preset water usage time.

[0131] It should be noted that the previous moment refers to the moment before the preset time interval.

[0132] In this embodiment, weather information is used to fit the ambient temperature provided by the weather information to the curve obtained from the experiment, thereby obtaining the heating duration for each time period and calculating the appropriate heating time point to achieve the purpose of energy saving.

[0133] This application's embodiments employ a technical solution that acquires first temperature information and second temperature information. The first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater. It also determines expected water usage information based on historical water usage information, which characterizes water usage over a second time period prior to the current time. The expected water usage information includes expected water usage time and expected water temperature. By determining the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information, the technical solution enables the determination of the target heating time of the water heater based on changes in ambient temperature and the user's historical water usage information. Effective hot water production is then performed within the target heating time, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing the energy consumption of the water heater.

[0134] To facilitate better implementation of the water heater control method of this application, this application also provides a water heater control device based on the above-described water heater control method. The meanings of the terms used are the same as in the above-described water heater control method, and specific implementation details can be found in the descriptions of the method embodiments.

[0135] Please see Figure 5 , Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the water heater control device provided in the embodiment of this application. The water heater control device 500 is applied to a water heater, and can be specifically as follows:

[0136] The acquisition module 501 is used to acquire first temperature information and second temperature information. The first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located in the first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater.

[0137] Processing module 502 is used to determine the expected water usage information based on historical water usage information. The historical water usage information is used to characterize the water usage within a second time period before the current time. The expected water usage information includes the expected water usage time and the expected water usage temperature.

[0138] The processing module 502 is used to determine the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information.

[0139] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module 502 is used for:

[0140] The first temperature value of the environment where the water heater is located is determined based on the first temperature information. The first temperature value is the temperature of the current environment where the water heater is located.

[0141] The first heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the first temperature value, and the second temperature information.

[0142] The target heating time is determined based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0143] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module 502 is used for:

[0144] If the first heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined to be the current time;

[0145] If the first heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then the second temperature value is determined based on the first temperature information, and the target heating time is determined based on the second temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information. The second temperature value is the highest temperature value within the first duration.

[0146] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module 502 is used for:

[0147] The second heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the second temperature value, and the second temperature information.

[0148] The target heating time is determined based on the second heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0149] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module 502 is used for:

[0150] If the second heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the first time corresponding to the second temperature value is determined, and the target heating time is determined as the first time.

[0151] If the second heating time is less than the expected water usage time, the second time is determined based on the first time and the preset time interval, the third temperature value corresponding to the second time is determined based on the first temperature information, and the target heating time is determined based on the third temperature value, the second temperature information and the expected water usage information.

[0152] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module 502 is used for:

[0153] The third heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the third temperature value, and the second temperature information.

[0154] The target heating time is determined based on the third heating time and the expected water usage time.

[0155] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module 502 is used for:

[0156] If the third heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined as the second time.

[0157] If the third heating time is less than the expected water usage time, the target heating time is determined based on the first temperature information, the second time, and the expected water usage information.

[0158] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module 502 is used for:

[0159] The operating mode of the water heater within the third time period is determined based on historical water usage information, as well as the water temperature change within the third time period. The third time period is the time period within the second time period.

[0160] The estimated water usage time is determined based on the operating mode and water temperature changes.

[0161] Optionally, in some embodiments of this application, the processing module 502 is used for:

[0162] When the working mode is heating mode, if the water temperature change indicated by the water temperature change status is greater than the preset change, then the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time.

[0163] When the working mode is non-heating mode, if the water temperature indicated by the water temperature change changes, the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time.

[0164] In this embodiment, the acquisition module 501 first acquires first temperature information and second temperature information. The first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located during a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater. Then, the processing module 502 determines the expected water usage information based on historical water usage information. The historical water usage information is used to characterize the water usage during a second time period before the current time, and the expected water usage information includes the expected water usage time and the expected water usage temperature. Subsequently, the processing module 502 determines the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information.

[0165] In this embodiment, the technical solution involves obtaining first temperature information and second temperature information. The first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater. Based on historical water usage information, the expected water usage information is determined. The historical water usage information characterizes the water usage over a second time period prior to the current time, and the expected water usage information includes the expected water usage time and expected water temperature. This solution determines the target heating time of the water heater based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information. This allows for effective hot water production during the target heating time, thereby reducing the energy consumption of the water heater.

[0166] In addition, this application also provides an electronic device, such as Figure 6 As shown, it illustrates the structural diagram of the electronic device involved in this application, specifically:

[0167] The electronic device may include components such as a processor 601 with one or more processing cores, a memory 602 with one or more computer-readable storage media, a power supply 603, and an input unit 604. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 5 The electronic device structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements. Wherein:

[0168] The processor 601 is the control center of the electronic device. It connects various parts of the electronic device via various interfaces and lines, and performs various functions and processes data by running or executing software programs and / or modules stored in the memory 602, and by calling data stored in the memory 602, thereby providing overall monitoring of the electronic device. Optionally, the processor 601 may include one or more processing cores; preferably, the processor 601 may integrate an application processor and a modem processor, wherein the application processor mainly handles the operating system, user interface, and applications, and the modem processor mainly handles wireless communication. It is understood that the modem processor may not be integrated into the processor 601.

[0169] The memory 602 can be used to store software programs and modules. The processor 601 executes various functional applications and data processing by running the software programs and modules stored in the memory 602. The memory 602 may mainly include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system, application programs required for at least one function (such as sound playback function, image playback function, etc.), etc.; the data storage area may store data created according to the use of the electronic device, etc. In addition, the memory 602 may include high-speed random access memory, and may also include non-volatile memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other volatile solid-state storage device. Accordingly, the memory 602 may also include a memory controller to provide the processor 601 with access to the memory 602.

[0170] The electronic device also includes a power supply 603 that supplies power to the various components. Preferably, the power supply 603 can be logically connected to the processor 601 through a power management system, thereby enabling functions such as charging, discharging, and power consumption management through the power management system. The power supply 603 may also include one or more DC or AC power supplies, recharging systems, power equipment debugging circuits, power converters or inverters, power status indicators, and other arbitrary components.

[0171] The electronic device may also include an input unit 604, which can be used to receive input digital or character information and generate keyboard, mouse, joystick, optical or trackball signal inputs related to user settings and function control.

[0172] Although not shown, the electronic device may also include a display unit, etc., which will not be described in detail here. Specifically, in this embodiment, the processor 601 in the electronic device loads the executable files corresponding to the processes of one or more application programs into the memory 602 according to the following instructions, and the processor 601 runs the application programs stored in the memory 602, thereby implementing the steps in any of the water heater control methods provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0173] This application's embodiments employ a technical solution that acquires first temperature information and second temperature information. The first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater. It also determines expected water usage information based on historical water usage information, which characterizes water usage over a second time period prior to the current time. The expected water usage information includes expected water usage time and expected water temperature. By determining the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information, the technical solution enables the determination of the target heating time of the water heater based on changes in ambient temperature and the user's historical water usage information. Effective hot water production is then performed within the target heating time, thereby achieving the technical effect of reducing the energy consumption of the water heater.

[0174] For details on the implementation of each of the above operations, please refer to the previous examples, which will not be repeated here.

[0175] Those skilled in the art will understand that all or part of the steps in the various methods of the above embodiments can be performed by instructions, or by instructions controlling related hardware. These instructions can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium and loaded and executed by a processor.

[0176] Therefore, this application provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that can be loaded by a processor to execute the steps in any of the water heater control methods provided in this application.

[0177] For details on the implementation of each of the above operations, please refer to the previous examples, which will not be repeated here.

[0178] The computer-readable storage medium may include: read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), disk or optical disk, etc.

[0179] Since the instructions stored in the computer-readable storage medium can execute the steps of any of the water heater control methods provided in this application, the beneficial effects that any of the water heater control methods provided in this application can achieve can be realized, as detailed in the preceding embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0180] The above provides a detailed description of a water heater control method, device, electronic device, and computer-readable storage medium provided in this application. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the method and core ideas of the present invention. At the same time, those skilled in the art will recognize that there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of the present invention. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater control method, characterized in that, Applied to water heaters, the method includes: Acquire first temperature information and acquire second temperature information, wherein the first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment in which the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater; The projected water usage information is determined based on historical water usage information, which is used to characterize water usage within a second time period prior to the current time. The projected water usage information includes the projected water usage time and the projected water usage temperature. The target heating time is determined based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information; The step of determining the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information includes: determining a first temperature value of the environment where the water heater is located based on the first temperature information, wherein the first temperature value is the current temperature of the environment where the water heater is located; determining a first heating time based on the expected water usage temperature, the first temperature value, and the second temperature information; and determining the target heating time based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time. The step of determining the target heating time based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time includes: if the first heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then determining the target heating time as the current time; if the first heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then determining a second temperature value based on the first temperature information, and determining the target heating time based on the second temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information, wherein the second temperature value is the highest temperature value within the first duration.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Determining the target heating time based on the second temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information includes: The second heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the second temperature value, and the second temperature information. The target heating time is determined based on the second heating time and the expected water usage time.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, Determining the target heating time based on the second heating time and the expected water usage time includes: If the second heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the first time corresponding to the second temperature value is determined, and the target heating time is determined to be the first time; If the second heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then the second time is determined based on the first time and the preset time interval, the third temperature value corresponding to the second time is determined based on the first temperature information, and the target heating time is determined based on the third temperature value, the second temperature information and the expected water usage information.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Determining the target heating time based on the third temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information includes: The third heating time is determined based on the expected water temperature, the third temperature value, and the second temperature information. The target heating time is determined based on the third heating time and the expected water usage time.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Determining the target heating time based on the third heating time and the expected water usage time includes: If the third heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined to be the second time; If the third heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then the target heating time is determined based on the first temperature information, the second time, and the expected water usage information.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process of determining the estimated water usage time based on historical water usage information includes: The operating mode of the water heater within the third time period is determined based on the historical water usage information, and the water temperature change of the water heater within the third time period is determined. The third time period is the time period within the second time period. The estimated water usage time is determined based on the operating mode and the water temperature changes.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, Determining the estimated water usage time based on the operating mode and the water temperature changes includes: When the working mode is heating mode, if the water temperature change indicated by the water temperature change is greater than the preset change, then the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time. When the working mode is non-heating mode, if the water temperature indicated by the water temperature change changes, then the time period corresponding to the third duration is determined as the expected water usage time.

8. A water heater control device, characterized in that, Applied to a water heater, the device includes: The acquisition module is used to acquire first temperature information and second temperature information. The first temperature information is the predicted temperature change of the environment where the water heater is located over a first time period, and the second temperature information is the current temperature of the hot water in the water heater. The processing module is used to determine the expected water usage information based on historical water usage information, wherein the historical water usage information is used to characterize the water usage within a second time period prior to the current time, and the expected water usage information includes the expected water usage time and the expected water usage temperature. The processing module is used to determine the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information; The step of determining the target heating time based on the first temperature information, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information includes: determining a first temperature value of the environment where the water heater is located based on the first temperature information, wherein the first temperature value is the current temperature of the environment where the water heater is located; determining a first heating time based on the expected water usage temperature, the first temperature value, and the second temperature information; and determining the target heating time based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time. The step of determining the target heating time based on the first heating time and the expected water usage time includes: if the first heating time is greater than or equal to the expected water usage time, then determining the target heating time as the current time; if the first heating time is less than the expected water usage time, then determining a second temperature value based on the first temperature information, and determining the target heating time based on the second temperature value, the second temperature information, and the expected water usage information, wherein the second temperature value is the highest temperature value within the first duration.

9. An electronic device, characterized in that, It includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the computer program to implement the steps of the water heater control method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the water heater control method as described in any one of claims 1-7.

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