Water temperature control method and water temperature control system of water heater

Abstract

The invention relates to the field of water heaters, and provides a water temperature control method and system for a water heater, and the method comprises the steps: when a water flow signal is detected, starting an electric heating mode in advance for electric heating, and obtaining an initial theoretical load and maximum electric heating power; based on the magnitude relation between the initial theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power, target heating modes are determined, and the target heating modes comprise an electric heating mode and a gas heating mode; the change condition of the actual heating load and the change condition of the initial theoretical load in the heating process are obtained; and adjusting a target heating mode and / or current heating power based on the change condition of the actual heating load and the change condition of the initial theoretical load. According to the water temperature control method of the water heater, the influence of electrical element errors or power grid voltage fluctuation and other factors on the heating power can be reduced, and then temperature fluctuation is reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present application relates to the field of water heaters, and in particular to a water temperature control method and a water temperature control system for a water heater. Background Art

[0002] Due to the influence of the minimum load, the gas water heater is prone to the problem of hot water when used in summer. Therefore, the existing related technologies mostly solve the problem by adding an electric heating module with step-by-step power adjustment.

[0003] However, the electric heating module with step-by-step power adjustment has a fixed heating power in each gear and cannot accurately match the required power. In addition, when errors occur in electrical components or grid voltage fluctuates, the heating power will become unstable and temperature fluctuations will occur. Summary of the invention

[0004] The embodiments of the present application provide a water temperature control method and a water temperature control system for a water heater, aiming to solve the problems of temperature fluctuation and poor constant temperature effect in the prior art.

[0005] In a first aspect, an embodiment of the present application provides a method for controlling the water temperature of a water heater, the method comprising: When a water flow signal is detected, the electric heating mode is pre-started to perform electric heating and obtain an initial theoretical load and a maximum electric heating power; Based on the magnitude relationship between the initial theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power, determining a target heating mode, wherein the target heating mode includes an electric heating mode and a gas heating mode; Obtain the changes in the actual heating load and the initial theoretical load during the heating process; Based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load, the target heating mode and / or the current heating power are adjusted.

[0006] In some embodiments, determining the target heating mode based on the magnitude relationship between the theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power includes: Determining whether the initial theoretical load is less than a preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power; If the initial theoretical load is less than the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power, determining the target heating mode to be the electric heating mode; If the initial theoretical load is greater than or equal to the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power, the target heating mode is determined to be the gas heating mode.

[0007] In some embodiments, when the target heating mode is the electric heating mode, adjusting the target heating mode and / or the current heating power based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load includes: Determine whether the change in the theoretical load is an increase, and whether the changed theoretical load is greater than the maximum electric heating power; If yes, adjust the target heating mode to gas heating mode; If not, determining whether the actual heating load is too low, and whether the difference between the actual heating load and the changed theoretical load is greater than a first preset power; If yes, adjust the target heating mode to gas heating mode; If not, adjust the current electric heating power.

[0008] In some embodiments, when the target heating mode is the gas heating mode, adjusting the target heating mode and / or the current heating power based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load includes: Determine whether the change in the theoretical load is a decrease, and whether the changed theoretical load is less than the minimum gas heating load; If yes, adjust the target heating mode to the electric heating mode; If not, determining whether the actual heating load is too high, and whether the difference between the actual heating load and the changed theoretical load is greater than a second preset power; If yes, adjust the target heating mode to the electric heating mode; If not, adjust the current gas heating power.

[0009] In some embodiments, if the initial theoretical load is greater than or equal to the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power, after determining that the target heating mode is the gas heating mode, the method further includes: Start gas ignition; Determine whether the gas ignition is successful. If the gas ignition is successful, turn off the electric heating mode; If the gas ignition is unsuccessful, the process returns to the step of starting the gas ignition.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water heater includes an electric heating module, a gas heating module, a stop valve and a circulating water pump, the circulating water pump is arranged at the water inlet of the water heater, the gas heating module includes a fan, a heat exchanger and a burner, the fan is located above the heat exchanger, the burner is located below the heat exchanger, the fan, the heat exchanger and the burner are connected in sequence, the heat exchanger is connected to the electric heating module and the circulating water pump, the stop valve is arranged between the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater, and the method further includes: When receiving the closing signal of the faucet, the water heater is controlled to start the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode, and the stop valve and circulating water pump of the water heater are opened; Determine whether the inner loop time reaches the preset inner loop running time; If the internal circulation time reaches the preset internal circulation running time, the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode is terminated, and the stop valve and the circulating water pump are closed; If the internal circulation time does not reach the preset internal circulation running time, the stop valve and the circulating water pump are kept in the open state.

[0011] In some embodiments, obtaining the initial theoretical load comprises: Obtain water inlet flow, water inlet temperature and preset water outlet temperature; An initial theoretical load is obtained based on the inlet water flow rate, the inlet water temperature and the preset outlet water temperature.

[0012] In some embodiments, obtaining the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load during the heating process includes: Get the actual outlet water temperature; Determining a change in the actual heating load based on the actual outlet water temperature; Obtain the change of water inlet flow rate during heating process; The change of the initial theoretical load is determined based on the change of the water inlet flow rate.

[0013] In the second aspect, an embodiment of the present application also provides a water temperature control system for a water heater, the water temperature control system comprising a controller and a water heater, the water heater comprising an electric heating module, a thyristor, a gas heating module, a stop valve and a circulating water pump, the circulating water pump being arranged at the water inlet of the water heater, the gas heating module comprising a fan, a heat exchanger and a burner, the fan being located above the heat exchanger, the burner being located below the heat exchanger, the fan, the heat exchanger and the burner being connected in sequence, the heat exchanger being connected to the electric heating module and the circulating water pump, the stop valve being arranged between the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater, the electric heating module being connected to the thyristor, and the controller being used to execute any of the methods described above.

[0014] In some embodiments, the water temperature control system further includes a relay, the electric heating module includes a first electric heating element and a second electric heating element, the first electric heating element is connected to the relay, and the second electric heating element is connected to the thyristor.

[0015] The embodiment of the present application provides a water temperature control method and a water temperature control system for a water heater. The method includes: when a water flow signal is detected, pre-starting an electric heating mode to perform electric heating and obtaining an initial theoretical load and a maximum electric heating power; determining a target heating mode based on the magnitude relationship between the initial theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power, wherein the target heating mode includes an electric heating mode and a gas heating mode; obtaining a change in the actual heating load and a change in the initial theoretical load during the heating process; adjusting the target heating mode and / or the current heating power based on the change in the actual heating load and the change in the initial theoretical load.

[0016] The embodiments of the present application dynamically adjust the heating power and / or the target heating mode by obtaining the changes in the actual heating load and the changes in the initial theoretical load during the heating process, thereby ensuring that the required power can be accurately matched and stably operated under different voltage conditions, reducing the impact of factors such as errors in electrical components or grid voltage fluctuations on the heating power, and thus reducing temperature fluctuations, thereby improving the existing problem of unstable heating power and temperature fluctuations caused by the use of fixed-gear heating power. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0017] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the present application and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the present application.

[0018] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present application or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative labor.

[0019] One or more embodiments are exemplarily described by pictures in the corresponding drawings, and these exemplified descriptions do not constitute limitations on the embodiments. Elements with the same reference numerals in the drawings represent similar elements, and unless otherwise stated, the figures in the drawings do not constitute proportional limitations.

[0020] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a water temperature control system for a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 2 A schematic diagram of water flow direction in an external circulation of a water temperature control system of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 3 A schematic diagram of water flow direction in an internal circulation of a water temperature control system of a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 4 A schematic diagram of electrical connection between an electric heating module and a gas heating module provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 5 A connection diagram of the electric heating module provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 6 Another connection diagram of the electric heating module provided in the embodiment of the present application; Figure 7 A schematic diagram of a flow chart of a water temperature control method for a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present application; Figure 8 A schematic diagram of a process for rapid electric heating of a water heater when it is turned on according to an embodiment of the present application; Fig. 9 A schematic diagram of a process of silent internal circulation of warm water provided in an embodiment of the present application; Fig.10 A schematic diagram of the structure of a computer device provided in an embodiment of the present application.

[0021] Description of Figure Numbers: Water heater 10, water inlet 101, water outlet 102, hot water pipe 103, cold water pipe 104, electric heating module 110, heat exchanger 120, circulating water pump 130, stop valve 140, burner 150, fan 160, three-way valve 170, water flow sensor 180, water inlet temperature probe 191, water outlet temperature probe 192, gas heating module 210. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to make the purpose, technical solution and advantages of the embodiments of the present application clearer, the technical solution in the embodiments of the present application will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the drawings in the embodiments of the present application. Obviously, the described embodiments are part of the embodiments of the present application, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in the present application, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative work are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0023] The disclosure below provides many different embodiments or examples to realize the different structures of the present application. In order to simplify the disclosure of the present application, the parts and settings of specific examples are described below. Of course, they are only examples, and the purpose is not to limit the present application. In addition, the present application can repeat reference numbers and / or letters in different examples. This repetition is for the purpose of simplification and clarity, and does not itself indicate the relationship between the various embodiments and / or settings discussed.

[0024] It should be understood that when used in this specification and the appended claims, the terms "include" and "comprises" indicate the presence of described features, integers, steps, operations, elements and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components and / or combinations thereof.

[0025] It should also be understood that the terms used in this application specification are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the application. As used in this application specification and the appended claims, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms "a", "an" and "the" are intended to include plural forms.

[0026] It should be further understood that the term “and / or” used in the specification and appended claims refers to any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, and includes these combinations.

[0027] As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term "if" may be interpreted as "when" or "upon" or "in response to determining" or "in response to detecting," depending on the context. Similarly, the phrases "if it is determined" or "if [described condition or event] is detected" may be interpreted as meaning "upon determination" or "in response to determining" or "upon detection of [described condition or event]" or "in response to detecting [described condition or event]," depending on the context.

[0028] Due to the influence of the minimum load, the gas water heater is prone to the problem of hot water when used in summer. Therefore, the existing related technologies mostly solve the problem by adding an electric heating module with step-by-step power adjustment.

[0029] However, the electric heating module with step-by-step power adjustment has a fixed heating power in each gear and cannot accurately match the required power. In addition, when errors occur in electrical components or grid voltage fluctuates, the heating power will become unstable and temperature fluctuations will occur.

[0030] In addition, when the water volume decreases, the load calculated based on the water volume will also be smaller, resulting in a series of problems such as reduced heating load, slower heating speed, longer heating time, etc., which reduces the comfort of user experience.

[0031] In order to solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a water temperature control method and a water temperature control system for a water heater, which can accurately match the required power and reduce temperature fluctuations.

[0032] like Figure 1-Figure 4 As shown, the water temperature control system provided in the present application includes a controller and a water heater 10, wherein the water heater 10 includes an electric heating module 110, a thyristor, a gas heating module 210, a stop valve 140 and a circulating water pump 130, wherein the circulating water pump 130 is arranged at the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10, and the gas heating module 210 includes a fan 160, a heat exchanger 120 and a burner 150, wherein the fan 160 is located above the heat exchanger 120, and the burner 150 is located below the heat exchanger 120, wherein the fan 160, the heat exchanger 120 and the burner 150 are connected in sequence, wherein the heat exchanger 120 is connected to the electric heating module 110 and the circulating water pump 130, wherein the stop valve 140 is arranged between the water outlet 102 and the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10, and wherein the electric heating module 110 is connected to the thyristor, and wherein the controller is used to perform the steps of the following method embodiment.

[0033] The position of the circulating water pump 130 can be changed according to actual conditions, for example, it can be on the water inlet pipe of the water heater 10 or on the water outlet pipe of the water heater 10 .

[0034] Similarly, the position of the electric heating module 110 can also be changed according to actual conditions, for example, it can be on the water inlet pipe of the water heater 10 or on the water outlet pipe of the water heater 10. When the electric heating module 110 is in different positions, the control logic of the program needs to be adjusted accordingly.

[0035] The three-way valve 170 is installed at the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10, and the stop valve 140 is installed between the water outlet 102 and the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10. In this way, when the stop valve 140 closes the water circuit, it can ensure that the internal circulation water circuit is full of water at normal water pressure, and it can also avoid problems such as water pressure drop and poor internal circulation effect caused by opening the water point at this time.

[0036] When hot water is used under normal conditions, the stop valve 140 is in a closed state. When hot water is used at a water point, after the hot water tap is turned on, cold water at the total water inlet end is input from the water inlet 101 of the water heater 10, passes through the three-way valve 170, the water flow sensor 180, and the circulating water pump 130, enters the heat exchanger 120 in the gas heating module 210, and then passes through the electric heating module 110 and the stop valve 140 to output hot water from the water outlet 102.

[0037] The water temperature control system provided in this application has an external circulation and an internal circulation. Figure 2 Before using hot water, when the zero cold water function is turned on for preheating, the circulating water pump 130 runs, driving the cold water in the cold water pipe 104 to enter the heat exchanger 120 for heating, and then flows to the hot water pipe 103, and circulates and heats the water in the hot water pipe 103 (i.e., external circulation). At the same time, the water heater 10 actively heats the water in the pipe to heat it into hot water for users to use, reducing the waiting time for cold water.

[0038] See also Figure 3 When the internal circulation function is turned on, the stop valve 140 is in an open state, and the water in the water heater 10 flows directly to the three-way valve 170 through the stop valve 140 under the drive of the circulating water pump 130, forming an internal circulation. At this time, the water heater 10 does not actively heat, but only relies on the waste heat of the heat exchanger 120 or the electric heating module 110 to make full use of the waste heat of the cold water in the water heater 10, achieving the effect of mixing cold and hot water at a constant temperature, effectively reducing the temperature rise caused by water outage, and solving the problem of hot water temperature and temperature fluctuation during secondary water use.

[0039] The electrical connection between the gas heating module 210 and the electric heating module 110 can be as follows: Figure 4 shown.

[0040] like Figure 4 As shown, the electric heating module 110 is connected to the N-level neutral line, and the thyristor is connected to the L-level live line. When the electric heating module 110 is not working, the thyristor makes the L-pole open circuit to ensure that the electric heating module 110 is not energized; only when the electric heating module 110 is working, the thyristor makes the L-pole conductive, so that the electric heating module 110 is energized.

[0041] The high-voltage controller can be powered by an AC220V leakage protection plug, and the output ends are respectively connected to the electric heating module 110 and the low-voltage controller.

[0042] The high-voltage controller integrates thyristors, which control the power of the electric heater to achieve 0-100% stepless adjustment.

[0043] The electric heating module 110 can be powered by AC220V, and the weak-current controller can be powered by DC24V to achieve isolation between strong and weak electricity.

[0044] Among them, the controller can realize the isolation of strong and weak electricity, and the operator can be equipped with a communication module.

[0045] In addition, the water heater in the present application has safety protection functions such as leakage protection, water leakage detection, isolation of strong and weak electricity, as well as communication functions such as Bluetooth communication, WiFi communication, and radio wave communication.

[0046] The electric heating module 110 may include one or more electric heating elements.

[0047] like Figure 5 As shown, the electric heating module 110 may include an electric heating element, wherein the electric heating element is connected to a thyristor, and the power of the electric heating element is P, and 0-100% heating can be achieved through the thyristor.

[0048] In some embodiments, the water temperature control system further includes a relay, and the electric heating module 110 includes a first electric heating element and a second electric heating element, the first electric heating element is connected to the relay, and the second electric heating element is connected to the thyristor.

[0049] like Figure 6 As shown, the electric heating module 110 may include a first electric heating element (ie Figure 6 The electric heating element 1) and the second electric heating element (ie Figure 6 Electric heating element 2), wherein the first electric heating element is connected to the relay and the second electric heating element is connected to the thyristor.

[0050] The electric heating module 110 and the gas heating module 210 can be combined to form a gas-electric hybrid heating system.

[0051] Referring to the first embodiment of the water temperature control method of a water heater provided in the present application, the first embodiment may specifically include the following steps: Step 110: When a water flow signal is detected, the electric heating mode is pre-started to perform electric heating and obtain an initial theoretical load and a maximum electric heating power.

[0052] Step 120: Determine a target heating mode based on the relationship between the initial theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power, wherein the target heating mode includes an electric heating mode and a gas heating mode.

[0053] Step 130: Obtain the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load during the heating process.

[0054] Step 140: Adjust the target heating mode and / or the current heating power based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load.

[0055] This embodiment dynamically adjusts the heating power and / or target heating mode by obtaining changes in the actual heating load and changes in the initial theoretical load during the heating process, ensuring that the required power can be accurately matched and stably operated under different voltage conditions, reducing the impact of factors such as errors in electrical components or grid voltage fluctuations on the heating power, and thus reducing temperature fluctuations, thereby improving the existing problem of unstable heating power and temperature fluctuations caused by the use of fixed-gear heating power.

[0056] In addition, since the present application can achieve the temperature control effect without using a voltage and power monitoring module, the cost can be reduced.

[0057] Referring to the second embodiment of the water temperature control method of a water heater provided in this application, Figure 7 , which may specifically include the following steps: Step 210: When a water flow signal is detected, the electric heating mode is pre-started to perform electric heating and obtain an initial theoretical load and a maximum electric heating power.

[0058] The following steps can be used to obtain the initial theoretical load: Step 211: Obtain the water inlet flow rate, water inlet temperature and preset water outlet temperature.

[0059] Step 212: Obtain an initial theoretical load based on the inlet water flow rate, the inlet water temperature and the preset outlet water temperature.

[0060] For example, the initial theoretical load may be calculated using the following formula 1: X=ρ*Q*( T2-T1) *C, formula 1.

[0061] Where X is the initial theoretical load, C is the specific heat capacity of water, which can be 4.2×10³ J / (kg·°C), ρ is the density of water (e.g. ρ=1kg / L), Q is the water inlet flow rate of the water heater, which can be obtained through the water flow sensor, T1 is the water inlet temperature, and T2 is the preset water outlet temperature (i.e. Figure 5 set temperature in ).

[0062] Step 220: Determine a target heating mode based on the relationship between the initial theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power, wherein the target heating mode includes an electric heating mode and a gas heating mode.

[0063] In some implementations, step 220 may include the following steps: Step 221: Determine whether the initial theoretical load is less than a preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power.

[0064] Among them, the maximum electric heating power is Pe, and the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power can be 70%Pe, 80%Pe, 90%Pe, etc., which can be set and adjusted according to actual needs.

[0065] That is to say, the electric heating power can be adjusted between 0-100%Pe by controlling the thyristor.

[0066] Step 222: If the initial theoretical load is less than the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power, the target heating mode is determined to be the electric heating mode.

[0067] Taking the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power as 80%Pe as an example, if the initial theoretical load X is less than 80%Pe, the target heating mode is determined to be the electric heating mode, that is, the electric heating mode is performed.

[0068] Step 223: If the initial theoretical load is greater than or equal to the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power, the target heating mode is determined to be the gas heating mode.

[0069] If the initial theoretical load X≥80%Pe, the target heating mode is determined to be the gas heating mode, that is, the gas heating mode is performed.

[0070] Because the existing gas water heaters need to start the fan before cleaning and then discharge and ignite when using water, there is a delay in gas combustion, which causes the process to release a large amount of cold water, a long waiting time, and slow heating, resulting in the actual water outlet temperature not reaching the required temperature, causing the water temperature to be too cold and the cold water to be wasted. Therefore, in some embodiments, if the initial theoretical load is greater than or equal to the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power, then the target heating mode is determined to be the gas heating mode, that is, after step 223, the method also includes steps 224-226, combined with Figure 8 .

[0071] Step 224: Start gas ignition.

[0072] Among them, after starting the gas heating mode to clean in front of the fan, the gas ignition can be started through the ignition execution module.

[0073] Step 225: Determine whether the gas ignition is successful. If the gas ignition is successful, turn off the electric heating mode.

[0074] That is to say, when the present application detects a water use signal, the electric heating module is pre-started to perform electric heating before the water heater is ignited. When the gas is ignited successfully, the electric heating mode is turned off. In this way, by performing electric heating in advance, the overall heating time can be shortened, and the delay in gas combustion can be avoided, which causes the process to release a large amount of cold water, a long waiting time, and slow heating, resulting in the actual water outlet temperature failing to reach the required temperature, causing the water temperature to be cold and cold water to be wasted.

[0075] In addition, turning off the electric heating mode after the gas is successfully ignited can make the current heating mode accurately match the currently required heating power.

[0076] Step 226: If the gas ignition is unsuccessful, the process returns to the step of starting the gas ignition, i.e., step 224.

[0077] In this way, the present application adopts the technology of extremely fast electric heating upon startup, and electric heating is first performed when water is used, which effectively solves the problems of cold water waste during the first use, long waiting time, slow heating, and temperature fluctuations during the second use of water.

[0078] Step 230: Obtain the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load during the heating process.

[0079] Wherein, obtaining the change of the actual heating load may include the following steps 231 and 232: Step 231: Obtain the actual outlet water temperature.

[0080] Step 232: Determine the change of the actual heating load based on the actual outlet water temperature.

[0081] The actual heating load can be calculated using the following formula 2: Y=ρ*Q*( T3-T1) *C, formula 2.

[0082] Among them, Y is the actual heating load and T3 is the actual water outlet temperature.

[0083] Factors such as electrical component errors or grid voltage fluctuations can affect the electric heating power, and thus affect the actual heating load Y. For example, the maximum electric heating power Pe=3kW. When the grid voltage fluctuates, the maximum electric heating power Pe may become 3.1 or 2.9.

[0084] Specifically, if the maximum electric heating power Pe=3kW, the initial theoretical load X=2.4kW is calculated at this time, then the electric heating mode only needs to be turned on to 80%Pe for heating to meet the demand, and the actual heating load Y should also be calculated to be 2.4kW. When the grid voltage is high, such as 230V, the initial theoretical load X is still calculated to be 2.4kW, and the electric heating is still turned on to 80%Pe for heating, but because the actual heating power is higher than 2.4kW, the actual water outlet temperature T3 increases, and the actual heating load Y is also higher. Therefore, the change in the actual heating load can be determined based on the actual water outlet temperature.

[0085] The change of the initial theoretical load during the heating process can be determined by the following steps 233 and 234: Step 233: Obtain the change of water inlet flow rate during the heating process.

[0086] Step 234: Determine the change of the initial theoretical load based on the change of the water inlet flow rate.

[0087] Assuming the maximum electric heating power Pe=3kW, the water heater starts at 80%Pe=2.4kW, the water inlet flow Q=4L / min, the water inlet temperature T1 is 30℃, and the preset water outlet temperature T2 is 36℃, the initial theoretical load X=4*6*4.2 / 60=1.68kW is calculated. Since 1.68kW is lower than 2.4kW, the electric heating mode is selected and the electric heating power is adjusted to 1.68kW.

[0088] During the heating process, if the water inlet flow rate Q is adjusted, the initial theoretical load will also change accordingly.

[0089] For example, if the water inlet flow rate Q changes to 8L / min, the initial theoretical load X=3.36kW; if the water inlet flow rate Q changes to 6L / min, the initial theoretical load X=2.94kW.

[0090] That is to say, when the water inlet flow rate Q increases, the initial theoretical load X will increase, and when the water inlet flow rate Q decreases, the initial theoretical load X will decrease.

[0091] In addition, adjusting the preset water outlet temperature T2 will also cause the initial theoretical load X to change.

[0092] In addition, the water flow sensor itself has errors, which may also affect the initial theoretical load X. For example, the water inlet flow signal obtained by the water flow sensor is Q. Since the water flow sensor itself has errors (such as ±2%), the actual water inlet flow may be larger or smaller than Q.

[0093] Step 240: Adjust the target heating mode and / or the current heating power based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load.

[0094] In some embodiments, when the target heating mode is an electric heating mode, step 240 may include: Step 241: Determine whether the change in the theoretical load is an increase, and whether the changed theoretical load is greater than the maximum electric heating power.

[0095] Step 242: If yes, adjust the target heating mode to the gas heating mode.

[0096] For step 241 and step 242, the example listed in the above step 234 is used for explanation. If the water inlet flow rate Q changes to 8L / min, the initial theoretical load X changes to 3.36kW, that is, the theoretical load after the change is 3.36kW. Since the theoretical load after the change is 3.36kW, which is greater than the maximum electric heating power Pe=3kW, the current electric heating mode is switched to the gas heating mode.

[0097] Step 243: If not, determine whether the actual heating load is too low, and whether the difference between the actual heating load and the changed theoretical load is greater than the first preset power.

[0098] The first preset power may be m*Pe, and the value range of m may be 0-50%.

[0099] Step 244: If yes, adjust the target heating mode to the gas heating mode.

[0100] Step 245: If not, adjust the current electric heating power.

[0101] Among them, the current electric heating power can be adjusted by adjusting the thyristor.

[0102] For step 243 and step 244, the example listed in the above step 234 is used for explanation. If the water inlet flow rate Q becomes 6L / min, the initial theoretical load X becomes 2.94kW, that is, the theoretical load after the change is 2.94kW, which does not exceed the maximum electric heating power Pe=3kW, but the actual water outlet temperature T3=34℃ (for example, the actual water inlet flow rate is greater than 6L / min or the temperature probe has an accuracy deviation, which ultimately causes the actual water outlet temperature T3 to be lower than the preset water outlet temperature T2), then the actual heating load Y=2.1kW, assuming m=20%, the first preset power is m*Pe=0.6kW, then the difference between the actual heating load and the theoretical load after the change YX=0.84kW>the first preset power 0.6kW, therefore, it can be determined that the actual heating load is too low, and the current electric heating mode is adjusted to the gas heating mode.

[0103] In some embodiments, when the target heating mode is a gas heating mode, step 240 may include: Step 341: Determine whether the change in the theoretical load is a decrease, and whether the changed theoretical load is less than the minimum gas heating load.

[0104] Among them, the minimum gas heating load can be L1.

[0105] Step 342: If yes, adjust the target heating mode to the electric heating mode.

[0106] Step 343: If not, determine whether the actual heating load is too high, and whether the difference between the actual heating load and the changed theoretical load is greater than the second preset power.

[0107] The second preset power may be n*Pe, and the value range of n may be 0-50%.

[0108] Step 344: If yes, adjust the target heating mode to the electric heating mode.

[0109] Step 345: If not, adjust the current gas heating power.

[0110] The current gas heating power can be adjusted by controlling the gas quantity.

[0111] That is to say, when the water heater is started, the required heating power and heating mode are determined by the initial theoretical load. For example, when the required load at startup, that is, the initial theoretical load X is less than 80%Pe, the electric heating mode is used, otherwise the gas heating mode is used.

[0112] Assuming that the current target heating mode is electric heating mode, the water heater adjusts the electric heating power or switches the target heating mode in real time according to the load change. Specifically, ① when the initial theoretical load rises and exceeds the maximum electric heating power, that is, X>Pe, it can be judged that the electric heating power is too low to meet the heating demand, and the electric heating mode is switched to gas heating mode.

[0113] ② When the initial theoretical load rises and exceeds the actual heating load to a certain extent, that is, X>Y and XY>m*Pe (the first preset power), it can be judged that the electric heating power is too low to meet the heating demand, and the electric heating mode is switched to the gas heating mode.

[0114] Assuming that the current target heating mode is gas heating mode, the water heater adjusts the gas heating power or switches the target heating mode in real time according to the load change. Specifically, ① when the initial theoretical load decreases below the minimum gas load, that is, X<L1; it can be judged that the gas heating power is too high and exceeds the heating demand, and the gas heating mode is switched to the electric heating mode.

[0115] ② When the initial theoretical load decreases to a certain extent below the actual heating load, that is, X<Y and YX>n*Pe (the second preset power), it can be determined that the gas heating power is too high and exceeds the heating demand, and the gas heating mode is switched to the electric heating mode.

[0116] Also, see Figure 6 , when the electric heating module includes a first electric heating element (i.e. Figure 6 The electric heating element 1 and the second electric heating element (ie Figure 6 An electric heating element 2), wherein the power of the first electric heating element and the second electric heating element are P1 and P2 respectively, and P1+P2=P, P2>P1.

[0117] When the initial theoretical load X is less than P2, the second electric heating element can be controlled by thyristor to achieve stepless heating. When the required electric heating power X0 is less than P2, the second electric heating element can be controlled by thyristor to achieve stepless heating. The electric heating power X0=k*P2, where the value range of k can be 0-100%, which meets the heating power requirements.

[0118] When the required electric heating power X0 is greater than P2, the first electric heating element starts heating through the relay control, and the second electric heating element also starts heating. The electric heating power X0=P1+k*P2, where the value range of k can be 0-100%, which meets the heating requirements.

[0119] In summary, the electric heating power X0=λ*P1+k*P2, and P1+P2=P, P2>P1. λ is 0 or 1, and k is in the range of 0-100%.

[0120] In this way, this embodiment can adopt an intelligent power adjustment mechanism to flexibly recommend and adjust different heating modes according to different water inlet temperature, water inlet flow, preset water outlet temperature and other conditions, thereby reducing the impact of water inlet flow and water temperature fluctuations.

[0121] In addition, after the existing gas water heaters turn off the water, a large amount of residual heat will remain in the heat exchanger, resulting in a high temperature rise after the water is cut off. Therefore, when the user starts and stops the water heater or uses the water for a second time during the bathing process, "interlayer water" is easily generated, that is, a three-stage water outlet temperature of "hot-cold-hot". Although the high-speed operation of the fan can remove high-temperature flue gas in the post-cleaning stage, reduce the internal temperature, and avoid the problem of excessively hot secondary water use caused by excessive temperature rise when the water is cut off, the fan runs for a long time, makes loud noises, and provides a poor user experience. Therefore, in some embodiments, when the water is used and the faucet is turned off, the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode can be started to utilize the residual heat inside the water heater and avoid heat loss and waste. For details, please refer to Fig. 9 And the following steps 411-414: Step 411: When a faucet closing signal is received, the water heater is controlled to start a preset warm water silent internal circulation mode, and the stop valve and circulating water pump of the water heater are opened.

[0122] Among them, when the faucet closing signal is received, the water temperature control system can automatically start the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode.

[0123] When the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode is started, neither the electric heating module nor the gas heating module works, that is, the fan in the gas heating module is turned off and no fan noise is generated. Therefore, starting the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode can achieve a silent effect.

[0124] Step 412: Determine whether the inner loop time reaches the preset inner loop running time.

[0125] The preset inner cycle running time may be 0-5 minutes, preferably 20 seconds to 1 minute.

[0126] It should be noted that the preset inner loop running time can be set and adjusted according to actual conditions.

[0127] Step 413: If the internal circulation time reaches the preset internal circulation running time, the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode is terminated, and the stop valve and the circulating water pump are closed.

[0128] Step 414: If the internal circulation time does not reach the preset internal circulation running time, the stop valve and the circulating water pump are kept open.

[0129] That is to say, after the water heater is used, the present application can start the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode, open the stop valve and the circulating water pump, so that a circulation loop is formed inside the water heater, and the water circulates under the drive of the circulating water pump. The circulating cold water can fully absorb and utilize the residual heat inside the water heater to avoid heat loss and waste.

[0130] In addition, the circulation between cold water and hot water can fully mix and evenly form warm water, effectively reducing the temperature rise during water outage, thereby solving the problem of scalding water temperature and temperature fluctuations during secondary water use.

[0131] In addition, starting the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode can also solve the problems of high fan speed and loud noise, thereby improving user comfort.

[0132] like Fig.10 As shown, the embodiment of the present application provides a computer device, including a processor 111, a communication interface 112, a memory 113 and a communication bus 114, wherein the processor 111, the communication interface 112, and the memory 113 communicate with each other through the communication bus 114. Memory 113, used for storing computer programs; In one embodiment of the present application, the processor 111 is used to execute the program stored in the memory 113 to implement the water temperature control method of the water heater provided by any of the above method embodiments, including: When a water flow signal is detected, the electric heating mode is pre-started to perform electric heating and obtain an initial theoretical load and a maximum electric heating power; Based on the magnitude relationship between the initial theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power, determining a target heating mode, wherein the target heating mode includes an electric heating mode and a gas heating mode; Obtain the changes in the actual heating load and the initial theoretical load during the heating process; Based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load, the target heating mode and / or the current heating power are adjusted.

[0133] It is understood by those skilled in the art that all or part of the processes in the method for implementing the above embodiment can be completed by instructing the relevant hardware through a computer program. The computer program can be stored in a storage medium, which is a computer-readable storage medium. The computer program is executed by at least one processor in the computer system to implement the process steps of the embodiment of the above method.

[0134] Therefore, an embodiment of the present application further provides a computer-readable storage medium on which a computer program is stored. When the computer program is executed by a processor, the steps of the water temperature control method for a water heater provided in any of the aforementioned method embodiments are implemented.

[0135] When a water flow signal is detected, the electric heating mode is pre-started to perform electric heating and obtain an initial theoretical load and a maximum electric heating power; Based on the magnitude relationship between the initial theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power, determining a target heating mode, wherein the target heating mode includes an electric heating mode and a gas heating mode; Obtain the changes in the actual heating load and the initial theoretical load during the heating process; Based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load, the target heating mode and / or the current heating power are adjusted.

[0136] The storage medium is a physical, non-transient storage medium, such as a USB flash drive, a mobile hard disk, a read-only memory (ROM), a magnetic disk, or an optical disk, etc., which can store program codes. The computer-readable storage medium can be non-volatile or volatile.

[0137] Those of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of the two. In order to clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the composition and steps of each example have been generally described in terms of function in the above description. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professional and technical personnel can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered to be beyond the scope of this application.

[0138] In the several embodiments provided in the present application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are only schematic. For example, the division of each unit is only a logical function division, and there may be other division methods in actual implementation. For example, multiple units or components can be combined or integrated into another system, or some features can be ignored or not executed.

[0139] The steps in the method of the embodiment of the present application can be adjusted in order, combined and deleted according to actual needs. The units in the device of the embodiment of the present application can be combined, divided and deleted according to actual needs. In addition, the functional units in the various embodiments of the present application can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit.

[0140] If the integrated unit is implemented in the form of a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present application is essentially or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution can be embodied in the form of a software product, and the computer software product is stored in a storage medium, including a number of instructions for a computer device (which can be a personal computer, terminal, or network device, etc.) to perform all or part of the steps of the method described in each embodiment of the present application.

[0141] In the above embodiments, the description of each embodiment has its own emphasis. For parts that are not described in detail in a certain embodiment, reference can be made to the relevant descriptions of other embodiments.

[0142] Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various changes and modifications to the present application without departing from the spirit and scope of the present application. Thus, if these modifications and variations of the present application fall within the scope of the claims of the present application and their equivalents, the present application is also intended to include these modifications and variations.

[0143] The above is only a specific implementation of the present application, but the protection scope of the present application is not limited thereto. Any technician familiar with the technical field can easily think of various equivalent modifications or replacements within the technical scope disclosed in the present application, and these modifications or replacements should be included in the protection scope of the present application. Therefore, the protection scope of the present application shall be based on the protection scope of the claims.

Claims

1. A water temperature control method for a water heater, characterized in that: The method comprises: When a water flow signal is detected, the electric heating mode is pre-started to perform electric heating and obtain an initial theoretical load and a maximum electric heating power; Based on the magnitude relationship between the initial theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power, determining a target heating mode, wherein the target heating mode includes an electric heating mode and a gas heating mode; Obtaining changes in the actual heating load and changes in the initial theoretical load during the heating process; Based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load, the target heating mode and / or the current heating power are adjusted.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The determining of the target heating mode based on the magnitude relationship between the theoretical load and the maximum electric heating power includes: Determining whether the initial theoretical load is less than a preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power; If the initial theoretical load is less than the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power, determining that the target heating mode is the electric heating mode; If the initial theoretical load is greater than or equal to a preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power, the target heating mode is determined to be a gas heating mode.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that When the target heating mode is the electric heating mode, adjusting the target heating mode and / or the current heating power based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load includes: Determine whether the change in the theoretical load is an increase, and whether the changed theoretical load is greater than the maximum electric heating power; If yes, adjust the target heating mode to gas heating mode; If not, determining whether the actual heating load is too low, and whether the difference between the actual heating load and the changed theoretical load is greater than a first preset power; If yes, adjust the target heating mode to gas heating mode; If not, adjust the current electric heating power.

4. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: When the target heating mode is the gas heating mode, adjusting the target heating mode and / or the current heating power based on the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load includes: Determine whether the change in the theoretical load is a decrease, and whether the changed theoretical load is less than the minimum gas heating load; If yes, adjust the target heating mode to the electric heating mode; If not, determining whether the actual heating load is too high, and whether the difference between the actual heating load and the changed theoretical load is greater than a second preset power; If yes, adjust the target heating mode to the electric heating mode; If not, adjust the current gas heating power.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that: If the initial theoretical load is greater than or equal to the preset percentage value of the maximum electric heating power, after determining that the target heating mode is the gas heating mode, the method further includes: Start gas ignition; Determine whether the gas ignition is successful. If the gas ignition is successful, turn off the electric heating mode; If the gas ignition is unsuccessful, the process returns to the step of starting the gas ignition.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The water heater comprises an electric heating module, a gas heating module, a stop valve and a circulating water pump, wherein the circulating water pump is arranged at the water inlet of the water heater, the gas heating module comprises a fan, a heat exchanger and a burner, wherein the fan is located above the heat exchanger, and the burner is located below the heat exchanger, the fan, the heat exchanger and the burner are connected in sequence, the heat exchanger is connected to the electric heating module and the circulating water pump, and the stop valve is arranged between the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater, and the method further comprises: When receiving the closing signal of the faucet, the water heater is controlled to start the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode, and the stop valve and circulating water pump of the water heater are opened; Determine whether the inner loop time reaches the preset inner loop running time; If the internal circulation time reaches the preset internal circulation running time, the preset warm water silent internal circulation mode is terminated, and the stop valve and the circulating water pump are closed; If the internal circulation time does not reach the preset internal circulation running time, the stop valve and the circulating water pump are kept in the open state.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The obtaining of the initial theoretical load comprises: Obtain water inlet flow, water inlet temperature and preset water outlet temperature; An initial theoretical load is obtained based on the inlet water flow rate, the inlet water temperature and the preset outlet water temperature.

8. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that The obtaining of the change of the actual heating load and the change of the initial theoretical load during the heating process includes: Get the actual outlet water temperature; Determining a change in the actual heating load based on the actual outlet water temperature; Obtain the change of water inlet flow rate during heating process; The change of the initial theoretical load is determined based on the change of the water inlet flow rate.

9. A water temperature control system for a water heater, characterized in that: The water temperature control system includes a controller and a water heater, the water heater includes an electric heating module, a thyristor, a gas heating module, a stop valve and a circulating water pump, the circulating water pump is arranged at the water inlet of the water heater, the gas heating module includes a fan, a heat exchanger and a burner, the fan is located above the heat exchanger, the burner is located below the heat exchanger, the fan, the heat exchanger and the burner are connected in sequence, the heat exchanger is connected to the electric heating module and the circulating water pump, the stop valve is arranged between the water outlet and the water inlet of the water heater, the electric heating module is connected to the thyristor, and the controller is used to execute the method as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

10. The water temperature control system according to claim 9, characterized in that: The water temperature control system further includes a relay, and the electric heating module includes a first electric heating element and a second electric heating element, wherein the first electric heating element is connected to the relay, and the second electric heating element is connected to the thyristor.

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