Hot water circulation system and hot water circulation control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a hot water circulation system and a hot water circulation control method thereof. A one-way valve of the hot water circulation system is arranged to be capable of adjusting the opening degree of the one-way valve according to the water temperature. The hot water circulation control method comprises the following steps that a hot water circulation mode is started, and the initial water inlet temperature T0 of the water heater and the initial circulation water flow Q0 in a circulation pipeline are measured; the real-time water inlet temperature T1 of the water heater and the real-time circulating water flow Q1 in the circulating pipeline are measured; whether the hot water circulation system meets the condition a or the condition b is judged; condition a: Q1-Q0 > = m, and T1-T0 > = t; condition b: Q1-Q0 > = n; m, t and n are absolute values of constants, and m is greater than n; and closing the hot water circulation mode. Whether the water temperature reaches the set temperature or not is judged by comparing the difference value between the real-time circulating water flow and the initial circulating water flow, the accuracy of judging the closing time of the hot water circulating mode is higher, waste of natural gas is reduced, and user experience is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to the field of water heaters, and in particular to a hot water circulation system and a hot water circulation control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] The zero cold water function of the gas water heater is to facilitate users to open the hot water tap at any time, and the hot water will come out without waiting or draining the cold water. The existing technology uses software to estimate the time it takes for the water heater to heat to the preset temperature based on the first cycle time to determine when to stop burning. This judgment method is not accurate enough and can easily cause the final water temperature to be higher or lower than the preset temperature. When the water temperature is higher than the preset temperature, it causes a waste of natural gas; when the water temperature is lower than the preset temperature, it affects the user experience. Summary of the invention

[0003] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to overcome the defects in the above-mentioned prior art and provide a hot water circulation system and a hot water circulation control method thereof.

[0004] The present invention solves the above technical problems through the following technical solutions:

[0005] A hot water circulation control method for a hot water circulation system, the hot water circulation system comprising a water heater, a hot water pipe, a cold water pipe and a one-way valve, the hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water pipe, the cold water outlet of the water heater is connected to the cold water pipe, the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe are connected through the one-way valve, when the one-way valve is opened, the hot water pipe is connected to the cold water pipe;

[0006] The one-way valve is configured to be able to adjust the opening of the one-way valve according to the water temperature. When the water temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature, the opening of the one-way valve decreases.

[0007] The hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system comprises the following steps:

[0008] Step S1, turning on the hot water circulation mode, measuring the initial water inlet temperature T0 of the water heater and the initial circulating water flow rate Q0 in the circulation pipeline;

[0009] Step S2, measuring the real-time water inlet temperature T1 of the water heater and the real-time circulating water flow rate Q1 in the circulating pipeline;

[0010] Step S3, determine whether the hot water circulation system meets condition a or condition b; if not, return to step S2; if yes, execute step S4;

[0011] Condition a: Q1-Q0≥m, T1-T0≥t;

[0012] Condition b: Q1-Q0≥n;

[0013] Wherein, m, t and n are absolute values ​​of constants, and m>n;

[0014] Step S4, turning off the hot water circulation mode.

[0015] In this solution, the opening of the one-way valve determines the water flow in the circulation pipeline. Since the opening of the one-way valve can be adjusted according to the water temperature, the change in the water flow in the circulation pipeline can be used to reflect the change in the water temperature in the circulation pipeline. Therefore, by comparing the difference between the real-time circulation water flow and the initial circulation water flow, it is possible to determine whether the water temperature has reached the set temperature, and the accuracy of judging the closing time of the hot water circulation mode is higher, reducing the waste of natural gas and improving the user experience. In addition, setting the conditions for closing the two hot water circulation modes can meet more water heater usage scenarios, further improve the accuracy of judging the closing time of the hot water circulation mode, reduce the waste of natural gas, and improve the user experience.

[0016] Preferably, when the hot water circulation mode is turned on, the cold water pipe connected between the water heater and the one-way valve forms a return pipe;

[0017] When the length of the return pipe is less than or equal to the preset length, in step S3, it is determined whether the hot water circulation system meets condition a;

[0018] When the length of the return pipe is greater than the preset length, in step S3, it is determined whether the hot water circulation system meets condition b.

[0019] In this solution, when the return pipe is short, the amount of water that needs to be neutralized after the hot water passes through the one-way valve is small, and the water temperature rises greatly in this section. When the difference between the real-time inlet water temperature and the initial inlet water temperature is within a certain range, it can be closed in advance to save natural gas. When the return pipe is long, the amount of water that needs to be neutralized after the hot water passes through the one-way valve is large, and the water temperature rises less. It is still necessary to determine the water temperature by measuring the water flow rate, and it cannot be closed in advance to prevent the water temperature from not reaching the set temperature.

[0020] Preferably, the hot water circulation system includes a hot water circulation control module, and the hot water circulation control module includes a first operating mode and a second operating mode;

[0021] When the length of the return pipe is less than or equal to the preset length, the hot water circulation control module switches to the first working mode;

[0022] When the length of the return pipe is greater than a preset length, the hot water circulation control module switches to the second operating mode.

[0023] In this solution, the hot water circulation control module has two working conditions at the same time. In the judgment of the hot water circulation control method, both condition a and condition b can perform corresponding judgment operations, thereby improving the use range of the water heater.

[0024] Preferably, step S3 specifically includes:

[0025] Step S31, determine whether the hot water circulation system meets condition a; if not, execute step S32; if yes, execute step S4;

[0026] Step S32, determine whether the hot water circulation system meets condition b; if not, return to step S2; if yes, execute step S4.

[0027] In this solution, both condition a and condition b are judged, so there is no need to distinguish the length of the return pipe, and there is no need to set the judgment condition according to the length of the return pipe, which reduces the difficulty of use and improves the user experience.

[0028] Preferably, in step S1 and step S2, the initial water inlet temperature T0 of the water heater and the real-time water inlet temperature T1 of the water heater are both measured by measuring the temperature at the cold water inlet of the water heater.

[0029] Preferably, in step S1, the initial circulating water flow rate Q0 in the circulating pipeline is measured after the water flow rate in the circulating pipeline is stabilized.

[0030] In this solution, when the hot water circulation mode is just turned on, the water pump starts and adjusts the output power according to the circulation flow, resulting in an unstable initial water flow. Measuring the initial circulation water flow Q0 after the water flow in the circulation pipeline is stable can improve the accuracy of judging the closing time of the hot water circulation mode.

[0031] Preferably, the hot water circulation system further comprises a water use end, and the one-way valve is arranged at the water use end farthest from the water heater.

[0032] In this solution, a one-way valve is set at the water-using end farthest from the water heater to ensure that all water-using ends in the hot water circulation system can be connected to the circulation pipeline in the hot water circulation mode, so that each water-using end can directly output hot water, thereby improving user experience.

[0033] Preferably, the one-way valve comprises a valve body, a valve core and a reset member;

[0034] The valve core is arranged inside the valve body and can move between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body; when the valve core is in the first position, the one-way valve is closed; when the valve core is in the second position, the one-way valve is opened;

[0035] The reset member is made of a temperature control material and is used to apply a force to the valve core in a direction toward the first position.

[0036] In this solution, the reset member can adjust the magnitude of the force applied to the valve core in the direction of the first position according to the water temperature, thereby controlling the movement of the valve core to change the opening of the one-way valve.

[0037] Preferably, the reset member is a memory alloy spring, which is arranged on the side of the valve core away from the valve port of the valve body, with one end of the memory alloy spring abutting against the valve core and the other end of the memory alloy spring abutting against the inner wall surface of the valve body.

[0038] In this solution, the memory alloy spring can adjust the elasticity of the spring according to the temperature. When the temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, the elasticity of the memory alloy spring is enhanced, and a greater force can be applied to the valve core toward the first position, thereby reducing the opening of the one-way valve.

[0039] A hot water circulation system comprises the hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system as described above.

[0040] The positive and progressive effect of the present invention is that the opening of the one-way valve determines the water flow in the circulation pipeline. Since the opening of the one-way valve can be adjusted according to the water temperature, the change of the water flow in the circulation pipeline can be used to reflect the change of the water temperature in the circulation pipeline, so that the water temperature can be judged whether it reaches the set temperature by comparing the difference between the real-time circulation water flow and the initial circulation water flow, and the accuracy of judging the closing time of the hot water circulation mode is higher, reducing the waste of natural gas and improving the user experience. In addition, setting the conditions for closing the two hot water circulation modes can meet more usage scenarios of water heaters, further improve the accuracy of judging the closing time of the hot water circulation mode, reduce the waste of natural gas, and improve the user experience. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the internal structure of a one-way valve according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 2 The figure is a flow chart of a hot water circulation control method of a hot water circulation system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Description of reference numerals:

[0044] Valve body 1

[0045] Valve port 11

[0046] Hot water inlet 12

[0047] Hot water outlet 13

[0048] Cold water inlet 14

[0049] Cold water outlet 15

[0050] Spool 2

[0051] Reset 3 DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0052] The present invention is further described below by way of examples, but the present invention is not limited to the scope of the examples.

[0053] like Figure 1 As shown, this embodiment discloses a hot water circulation system, including a water heater, a hot water pipe, a cold water pipe, a one-way valve, a hot water circulation control module and a water use end. The water heater in this embodiment is a zero cold water water heater, the hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water pipe, the cold water outlet of the water heater is connected to the cold water pipe, the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe are connected through a one-way valve, when the one-way valve is opened, the hot water circulation system enters a zero cold water mode, the hot water pipe is connected to the cold water pipe, and water return is achieved.

[0054] Specifically, Figure 1 As shown, the one-way valve includes a hot water inlet 12, a hot water outlet 13, a cold water inlet 14 and a cold water outlet 15. The hot water inlet 12 is connected to the hot water pipe, the hot water outlet 13 is connected to the hot water outlet of the water-using end, the cold water inlet 14 is connected to the cold water pipe, and the cold water outlet 15 is connected to the cold water outlet of the water-using end. In the zero cold water mode, the hot water inlet and the cold water outlet of the water-using end are both in a closed state, the hot water circulation control module controls the hot water circulation mode to be turned on, and the one-way valve is opened to connect the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe. In this state, the section of the cold water pipe connected between the water heater and the one-way valve forms a return pipe to return the water in the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe to the water heater for combustion and heating, and the water heater, the hot water pipe, the one-way valve and the cold water pipe form a circulation pipeline.

[0055] Preferably, the one-way valve is arranged at the water-using end farthest from the water heater to ensure that all water-using ends in the hot water circulation system can be connected to the circulation pipeline in the hot water circulation mode, so that each water-using end can directly output hot water, thereby improving the user experience.

[0056] The one-way valve in this embodiment is configured to adjust the opening of the one-way valve according to the water temperature. When the water temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, the opening of the one-way valve decreases. Figure 1 As shown, the one-way valve includes a valve body 1 , a valve core 2 and a reset member 3 .

[0057] The valve core 2 is disposed inside the valve body 1 and can move between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body 1 to open or close the valve port 11 of the valve body 1. When the valve core 2 is in the first position, the valve core 2 blocks the valve port 11 of the valve body 1, and the one-way valve is in a closed state. When the valve core 2 is in the second position, the valve core 2 moves in a direction away from the valve port 11 to open the valve port 11, and the one-way valve is in an open state.

[0058] The reset member 3 is made of a temperature control material, specifically a memory alloy spring. The memory alloy spring is arranged on the side of the valve core 2 away from the valve port 11 of the valve body 1. One end of the memory alloy spring abuts against the valve core 2, and the other end of the memory alloy spring abuts against the inner wall surface of the valve body 1. The reset member 3 is used to apply a force toward the first position to the valve core 2, so that in the absence of water pressure, the valve core 2 is controlled to move from the second position to the first position to block the valve port 11 of the valve body 1, thereby achieving the closing of the one-way valve.

[0059] The reset member 3 made of a temperature control material can adjust the magnitude of the force applied to the valve core 2 in the direction of the first position according to the water temperature, thereby controlling the movement of the valve core 2 to change the opening of the one-way valve. Specifically, the memory alloy spring can adjust the elasticity of the spring according to the temperature. When the temperature is greater than or equal to the preset temperature, the elasticity of the memory alloy spring is enhanced, and a greater force can be applied to the valve core 2 in the direction of the first position, thereby reducing the opening of the one-way valve. The preset temperature refers to the temperature at which the memory alloy spring can be deformed.

[0060] It should be noted that, in this embodiment Figure 1 It is only an illustration of a feasible one-way valve structure. In other alternative implementations, the one-way valve may also adopt other structural forms that can achieve the above functions.

[0061] This embodiment discloses a hot water circulation control method for a hot water circulation system, which is used for the hot water circulation system mentioned above.

[0062] like Figure 2 As shown, the hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system includes the following steps:

[0063] Step S1, turn on the hot water circulation mode, and measure the initial water inlet temperature T0 of the water heater and the initial circulating water flow rate Q0 in the circulation pipeline.

[0064] Among them, measuring the initial water inlet temperature T0 of the water heater is to measure the temperature at the cold water outlet of the water heater, that is, to measure the return water temperature of the water heater.

[0065] When the hot water circulation mode is just turned on, the water pump starts and adjusts the output power according to the circulation flow, resulting in an unstable initial water flow. Therefore, it is necessary to measure the initial circulation water flow Q0 after the water flow in the circulation pipeline is stable to improve the accuracy of judging the closing time of the hot water circulation mode.

[0066] Step S2, measuring the real-time water inlet temperature T1 of the water heater and the real-time circulating water flow rate Q1 in the circulating pipeline;

[0067] Among them, measuring the real-time water inlet temperature T1 of the water heater is also measuring the temperature at the cold water outlet of the water heater, that is, also measuring the return water temperature of the water heater.

[0068] Step S3, determine whether the hot water circulation system meets condition a or condition b; if not, return to step S2; if yes, execute step S4.

[0069] Step S4, turning off the hot water circulation mode.

[0070] Among them, condition a: Q1-Q0≥m, T1-T0≥t; condition b: Q1-Q0≥n.

[0071] m, t and n are all absolute values ​​of constants, and m>n.

[0072] In this embodiment, the opening of the one-way valve determines the water flow in the circulation pipeline. Since the opening of the one-way valve can be adjusted according to the water temperature, the change in the water flow in the circulation pipeline can be used to reflect the change in the water temperature in the circulation pipeline. Therefore, by comparing the difference between the real-time circulation water flow and the initial circulation water flow, it is possible to determine whether the water temperature has reached the set temperature, and the accuracy of determining the closing time of the hot water circulation mode is higher, reducing the waste of natural gas and improving the user experience. In addition, setting the conditions for closing the two hot water circulation modes can meet more usage scenarios of water heaters, further improve the accuracy of determining the closing time of the hot water circulation mode, reduce the waste of natural gas, and improve the user experience.

[0073] Further, when the length of the return pipe is less than or equal to the preset length, in step S3, it is determined whether the hot water circulation system meets condition a; when the length of the return pipe is greater than the preset length, in step S3, it is determined whether the hot water circulation system meets condition b.

[0074] The preset length has no fixed value, but is set according to the common sense of technicians, and is mainly used to distinguish the length of the return pipe. When the length of the return pipe is less than or equal to the preset length, it is judged that the return pipe is short, and when the length of the return pipe is greater than the preset length, it is judged that the return pipe is long.

[0075] When the return pipe is short, the amount of water that needs to be neutralized after the hot water passes through the one-way valve is small, and the water temperature in this section rises greatly. When the difference between the real-time inlet water temperature and the initial inlet water temperature is within a certain range, it can be closed in advance to save natural gas. When the return pipe is long, the amount of water that needs to be neutralized after the hot water passes through the one-way valve is large, and the water temperature rises less. It is still necessary to judge the water temperature by measuring the water flow rate, and it cannot be closed in advance to prevent the water temperature from not reaching the set temperature.

[0076] Furthermore, the hot water circulation control module has two working conditions at the same time, namely the first working mode and the second working mode, the first working mode corresponds to condition a, and the second working mode corresponds to condition b. When the length of the return pipe is less than or equal to the preset length, the hot water circulation control module switches to the first working mode; when the length of the return pipe is greater than the preset length, the hot water circulation control module switches to the second working mode.

[0077] In the judgment of the hot water circulation control method of this embodiment, both condition a and condition b can perform corresponding judgment operations, thereby improving the use range of the water heater.

[0078] Furthermore, step S3 specifically includes:

[0079] Step S31, determine whether the hot water circulation system meets condition a; if not, execute step S32; if yes, execute step S4;

[0080] Step S32, determine whether the hot water circulation system meets condition b; if not, return to step S2; if yes, execute step S4.

[0081] In this embodiment, both condition a and condition b are judged, so there is no need to distinguish the length of the return pipe, and there is no need to set the judgment condition according to the length of the return pipe, which reduces the difficulty of use and improves the user experience.

[0082] Although the specific embodiments of the present invention are described above, it should be understood by those skilled in the art that this is only for illustration and the protection scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims. Those skilled in the art may make various changes or modifications to these embodiments without departing from the principles and essence of the present invention, but these changes and modifications all fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hot water circulation control method for a hot water circulation system, characterized in that: The hot water circulation system includes a water heater, a hot water pipe, a cold water pipe and a one-way valve. The hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water pipe, the cold water outlet of the water heater is connected to the cold water pipe, and the hot water pipe and the cold water pipe are connected through the one-way valve. When the one-way valve is opened, the hot water pipe is connected to the cold water pipe. The one-way valve is configured to be able to adjust the opening of the one-way valve according to the water temperature. When the water temperature is greater than or equal to a preset temperature, the opening of the one-way valve decreases. The hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system comprises the following steps: Step S1, turning on the hot water circulation mode, measuring the initial water inlet temperature T0 of the water heater and the initial circulating water flow rate Q0 in the circulation pipeline; Step S2, measuring the real-time water inlet temperature T1 of the water heater and the real-time circulating water flow rate Q1 in the circulating pipeline; Step S3, determine whether the hot water circulation system meets condition a or condition b; if not, return to step S2; if yes, execute step S4; Condition a: Q1-Q0≥m, T1-T0≥t; Condition b: Q1-Q0≥n; Wherein, m, t and n are absolute values ​​of constants, and m>n; Step S4, turning off the hot water circulation mode.

2. The hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: When the hot water circulation mode is turned on, the cold water pipe connected between the water heater and the one-way valve forms a return pipe; When the length of the return pipe is less than or equal to the preset length, in step S3, it is determined whether the hot water circulation system meets condition a; When the length of the return pipe is greater than the preset length, in step S3, it is determined whether the hot water circulation system meets condition b.

3. The hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system according to claim 2, characterized in that: The hot water circulation system includes a hot water circulation control module, and the hot water circulation control module includes a first working mode and a second working mode; When the length of the return pipe is less than or equal to the preset length, the hot water circulation control module switches to the first working mode; When the length of the return pipe is greater than a preset length, the hot water circulation control module switches to the second operating mode.

4. The hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system according to claim 3, characterized in that: Step S3 specifically includes: Step S31, determine whether the hot water circulation system meets condition a; if not, execute step S32; if yes, execute step S4; Step S32, determine whether the hot water circulation system meets condition b; if not, return to step S2; if yes, execute step S4.

5. The hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1 and step S2, the initial water inlet temperature T0 of the water heater and the real-time water inlet temperature T1 of the water heater are both measured by measuring the temperature at the cold water inlet of the water heater.

6. The hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: In step S1 , the initial circulating water flow rate Q0 in the circulating pipeline is measured after the water flow rate in the circulating pipeline is stabilized.

7. The hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The hot water circulation system also includes a water use end, and the one-way valve is arranged at the water use end farthest from the water heater.

8. The hot water circulation control method of a hot water circulation system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, characterized in that: The one-way valve includes a valve body, a valve core and a reset member; The valve core is arranged inside the valve body and can move between a first position and a second position relative to the valve body; when the valve core is in the first position, the one-way valve is closed; when the valve core is in the second position, the one-way valve is opened; The reset member is made of a temperature control material and is used to apply a force to the valve core in a direction toward the first position.

9. The hot water circulation control method of the hot water circulation system according to claim 8, characterized in that: The reset element is a memory alloy spring, which is arranged on the side of the valve core away from the valve port of the valve body. One end of the memory alloy spring abuts against the valve core, and the other end of the memory alloy spring abuts against the inner wall surface of the valve body.

10. A hot water circulation system, characterized in that: The hot water circulation system comprises a hot water circulation control method for a hot water circulation system as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 9.

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