Hot water system and hot water control method

Abstract

The invention is suitable for the field of water heaters, and discloses a hot water system and a hot water control method.The hot water system comprises a first circulation loop and a plurality of second circulation loops, and the first circulation loop comprises a first hot water device, a thermostatic valve, a first circulation pump, a first one-way valve, a hot water main pipe and a cold water pipe; the first hot water device is provided with a hot water outlet and a first cold water inlet, the thermostatic valve is provided with a thermostatic water outlet, a second cold water inlet, a cold water outlet and a hot water inlet, the two ends of the hot water main pipe are connected with the thermostatic water outlet and a middle pipeline of the cold water pipe respectively, and the tail end of the cold water pipe is connected with the second cold water inlet. The cold water outlet is connected with the first cold water inlet, the hot water inlet is connected with the hot water outlet, and the second circulation loop is connected with the hot water main pipe and used for providing hot water for all water consuming points. And the second circulation loop ensures instant hot water supply of each water space.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] Currently, residential hot water supply systems primarily utilize two technical solutions: traditional single-pipe water heater systems and zero-cold water circulation systems. However, both solutions present significant limitations in terms of user experience, resource efficiency, and water quality safety.

[0003] 1. Traditional single-pipe water heater systems use a single water supply line to connect the water heater to the water-using terminal (such as a shower or faucet). When the user turns on the hot water device, the cold water trapped in the pipe must be drained first. Only after the water heated by the water heater flows through the pipe can hot water at the target temperature be obtained. This process leads to two core problems:

[0004] Waste of water resources: A large amount of cold water needs to be discharged before each use of water, which is especially serious in long pipes or in winter environments, resulting in a double loss of water resources and economic costs for users.

[0005] Poor user experience: Users have to wait a long time to get hot water, especially during peak washing hours or continuous water use scenarios, and the user experience is significantly reduced.

[0006] Second, to address instant heating needs, some households are using zero-cold-water gas water heaters equipped with return pipes. This system uses a circulating pump to return cooled water in the pipes to the water heater for reheating, maintaining a constant temperature. While this solves the cold-water discharge issue, the frequent start-stop heating of these water heaters leads to increased gas and electricity consumption, significantly increasing energy costs over the long term.

[0007] Therefore, the existing technology still needs to be improved and developed. Summary of the Invention

[0008] The first object of the present invention is to provide a hot water system, which aims to solve the technical problem that existing hot water systems cannot achieve both energy saving and instant water use.

[0009] To achieve the above object, the present invention provides the following solutions:

[0010] A hot water system, comprising a first circulation loop and several second circulation loops, the first circulation loop comprising a first hot water device, a thermostatic valve, a first circulation pump, a first non-return valve, a hot water main pipe and a cold water pipe, the first hot water device being provided with a hot water outlet and a first cold water inlet, the thermostatic valve being provided with a constant temperature water outlet, a second cold water inlet, a cold water outlet and a hot water inlet, the two ends of the hot water main pipe being respectively connected to the constant temperature water outlet and the middle pipe of the cold water pipe, the end of the cold water pipe being connected to the second cold water inlet, the cold water outlet being connected to the first cold water inlet, the hot water inlet being connected to the hot water outlet, the first circulation pump and the first non-return valve being both provided on the hot water main pipe, the second circulation loop comprising a second hot water device a first hot water branch pipe, a second hot water branch pipe and a third hot water branch pipe; the second hot water device is provided with a first water inlet and a first water outlet; the thermostatic reversing valve is provided with a second water inlet, a third water inlet and a second water outlet; one end of the first hot water branch pipe is connected to the hot water main pipe, and the other end is divided into two branches respectively connected to the first water inlet and the second water inlet; the first water outlet is connected to the third water inlet; both ends of the second hot water branch pipe are respectively connected to the second water outlet and the third hot water branch pipe; the second hot water branch pipe extends to each water use point and is connected to each water use point; the second one-way valve and the second circulating pump are both provided on the third hot water branch pipe.

[0011] Preferably, both the first circulation pump and the second circulation pump are equipped with a built-in temperature sensor.

[0012] Preferably, a water hammer muffler is provided on the first hot water branch pipe.

[0013] The second object of the present invention is to provide a hot water control method, which is used to realize the working control of the hot water system as described above, and the hot water control method includes: pre-setting the hot water circulation period according to the user's habits; obtaining the user's current status; when the user's current status is the state of going out or returning home, judging whether the current time is the hot water circulation period, and if so, executing the first hot water control mode, the first hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop, and when it is detected that the user enters the water use space, switching the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop to the second water inlet to allow water to enter, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop passes through the The thermostatic reversing valve supplies water to each water use point; when the user status is the home water use state, the second hot water control mode is executed, and the second hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop at the same time, first switching the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop to the third water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the second circulation loop is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve, and when the hot water generated by the first circulation loop reaches the water use temperature threshold, the thermostatic reversing valve is switched to the second water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve.

[0014] Preferably, the obtaining of the user's current status includes: setting human presence sensors in the entrance hall, living room and water-using space of the house, and the water-using space includes the kitchen and bathroom; obtaining the opening and closing time of the smart door lock and the feedback information of all human presence sensors in the house. If there is a smart door lock opening and closing record in the current time period, and the feedback information of any human presence sensor in the house changes from no human signal to human signal, then the user status is determined to be the out-and-home status; if there is no smart door lock opening and closing record in the current time period, and the feedback information of the human presence sensor in the water-using space is the presence of a human signal, then the user status is determined to be in the home water-using status.

[0015] Preferably, when the user's current status is that of going out or returning home, it is determined whether the current time is a hot water circulation period. If so, the first hot water control mode is executed. The first hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop, and when it is detected that the user enters the water-using space, the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop is switched to the second water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop is supplied to each water-using point through the thermostatic reversing valve, including: when the user's current status is that of going out or returning home and it is detected that the water-using space entered by the user is a bathroom, user portrait data is obtained, the user portrait data includes user identity and user water temperature, and a water temperature threshold is determined according to the user water temperature; according to the user identity, the first hot water device in the first circulation loop is controlled to heat water until the water temperature coming out of the thermostatic valve is the water temperature threshold; the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop is switched to the second water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first hot water device is supplied to each water-using point through the thermostatic reversing valve.

[0016] Preferably, the method of controlling the first hot water device in the first circulation loop according to the user identity to heat the water until the water temperature coming out of the thermostatic valve is the water use temperature threshold includes: starting the first circulation pump and the first hot water device, and cold water flows into the thermostatic valve through the cold water pipe, and then enters the first hot water device from the thermostatic valve. After the first hot water device heats the cold water, it flows out to the hot water main and circulates in the hot water main until the heated hot water reaches the water use temperature threshold corresponding to the user identity after the temperature is adjusted by the thermostatic valve, and then the first hot water device is turned off.

[0017] Preferably, when the user status is a home water-demanding status, the second hot water control mode is executed, and the second hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop at the same time, first switching the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop to the third water inlet to supply water, so that the hot water generated by the second circulation loop is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve, and when the hot water generated by the first circulation loop reaches the water use temperature threshold, the thermostatic reversing valve is switched to the second water inlet to supply water, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve, including: when the user status is a home water use state and the water use space is a bathroom, obtaining user portrait data, the user The portrait data includes the user identity and the user's water temperature, and the water temperature threshold is determined according to the user's water temperature; according to the user identity, the second water heater in the second circulation loop is controlled to heat the water until the temperature of the hot water coming out of the thermostatic reversing valve is the user's water temperature; the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop is switched to the third water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the second water heater is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve; when the first water heater in the first circulation loop heats the water until the temperature of the water coming out of the thermostatic valve is the water temperature threshold, the thermostatic reversing valve is switched to the second water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first water heater is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve.

[0018] Preferably, controlling the second hot water device in the second circulation loop according to the user identity to heat the water until the temperature of the hot water coming out of the constant temperature reversing valve is the user water temperature, includes: starting the second circulation pump and the second hot water device, switching the constant temperature reversing valve to the third water inlet for water inlet, the water in the first circulation loop enters the second hot water device through the first hot water branch pipe, and the second hot water device heats the water until the temperature of the hot water coming out of the constant temperature reversing valve is the user water temperature corresponding to the user identity.

[0019] Preferably, the water temperature threshold is 3-5° C. higher than the water temperature of the corresponding user in the family.

[0020] In this solution, a dual-circulation collaborative working mechanism is adopted. When the user enters the water-using space, the second circulation pump starts quickly. If the first circulation loop is preheated, the hot water generated by the first circulation loop is supplied to each water use point through the constant temperature reversing valve. If the first circulation loop is not preheated, the hot water generated by the second circulation loop is first supplied to each water use point through the constant temperature reversing valve. When the hot water generated by the first circulation loop reaches the water use temperature threshold, the hot water generated by the first circulation loop is supplied to each water use point through the constant temperature reversing valve. This ensures that hot water is output quickly while maintaining a stable water temperature, avoiding hot and cold situations, and thus realizing the function of constant temperature water supply on the basis of real-time hot water output and energy saving. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0021] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the following briefly introduces the drawings required for use in the embodiments or the description of the prior art. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on the structures shown in these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0022] Figure 1 is a schematic structural diagram of a hot water system provided by an embodiment of the present invention;

[0023] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of middle A;

[0024] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Enlarged view of middle B;

[0025] Figure 4 This is a flow chart of a hot water control method provided by an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Marking Description:

[0027] 10. First circulation loop; 11. First hot water device; 111. Hot water outlet; 112. First cold water inlet; 12. Thermostatic valve; 121. Thermostatic water outlet; 122. Second cold water inlet; 123. Cold water outlet; 124. Hot water inlet; 13. First circulation pump; 14. First non-return valve; 15. Hot water main; 16. Cold water pipe; 20. Second circulation loop; 21. Second hot water device; 211. First water inlet; 212. First water outlet; 22. Thermostatic reversing valve; 221. Second water inlet; 222. Third water inlet; 223. Second water outlet; 23. Second non-return valve; 24. Second circulation pump; 25. First hot water branch; 26. Second hot water branch; 27. Third hot water branch; 28. Water point; 29. Water hammer silencer. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0028] The terms "first," "second," "third," "fourth," and the like (if any) in the description and claims of the present invention and in the accompanying drawings are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a particular order or precedence. It should be understood that the terms used in this manner are interchangeable where appropriate so that the embodiments described herein can be implemented in an order other than that illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" or "having" and any variations thereof are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions, for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units that are not explicitly listed or that are inherent to these processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0029] For ease of understanding, the specific process of the embodiment of the present invention is described below. Figure 1 , an embodiment of the present invention provides a hot water system.

[0030] See also Figure 1-Figure 3 As shown, a hot water system according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a first circulation loop 10 and several second circulation loops 20. The first circulation loop 10 includes a first hot water device 11, a thermostatic valve 12, a first circulation pump 13, a first one-way valve 14, a hot water main 15 and a cold water pipe 16. The first hot water device 11 is provided with a hot water outlet 111 and a first cold water inlet 112. The thermostatic valve 12 is provided with a constant temperature water outlet 121, a second cold water inlet 122, a cold water outlet 123 and a hot water inlet 124. Both ends of the hot water main 15 are connected to the constant temperature water outlet 121 and the middle pipeline of the cold water pipe 16 respectively. The end of the cold water pipe 16 is connected to the second cold water inlet 122, the cold water outlet 123 is connected to the first cold water inlet 112, and the hot water inlet 124 is connected to the hot water outlet 111. The first circulation pump 13 and the first one-way valve 14 are both provided on the hot water main 15. It includes a second hot water device 21, a constant temperature reversing valve 22, a second one-way valve 23, a second circulating pump 24, a first hot water branch pipe 25, a second hot water branch pipe 26 and a third hot water branch pipe 27. The second hot water device 21 is provided with a first water inlet 211 and a first water outlet 212. The constant temperature reversing valve 22 is provided with a second water inlet 221, a third water inlet 222 and a second water outlet 223. One end of the first hot water branch pipe 25 is connected to the hot water main pipe 15, and the other end is divided into two branches respectively connected to the first water inlet 211 and the second water inlet 221. The first water outlet 212 is connected to the third water inlet 222. Both ends of the second hot water branch pipe 26 are connected to the second water outlet 223 and the third hot water branch pipe 27 respectively, and the second hot water branch pipe 26 extends to each water use point 28 and is connected to each water use point 28. The second one-way valve 23 and the second circulating pump 24 are both provided on the third hot water branch pipe 27.

[0031] In this embodiment, the number of second circulation loops 20 is set according to the actual situation of the water-using space. For example, if the kitchen, main bathroom, and secondary bathroom all need to use hot water, three second circulation loops 20 are provided.

[0032] In this embodiment, the number of water points 28 is set according to actual conditions. For example, when the second circulation loop 20 is set in the main bathroom, the water points 28 include a bathtub water point, a constant temperature shower water point and a wash basin water point.

[0033] In this embodiment, the hot water temperature output by the thermostatic reversing valve 22 can be preset according to the family members, and the hot water is heated to the water temperature threshold in advance through a large hot water circulation. The water temperature threshold is 3-5°C higher than the water temperature of the corresponding user in the family.

[0034] In this embodiment, both the first circulation pump 13 and the second circulation pump 24 are equipped with built-in temperature sensors, which are respectively used to detect the temperature of water flowing through the first circulation pump 13 and the second circulation pump 24 .

[0035] In this embodiment, the second water heater 21 is a storage-type electric water heater. This type of water heater has an insulation layer, typically made of a material such as polyurethane, which effectively reduces heat loss. When the water reaches the set temperature, the heating element stops operating. The insulation layer allows the hot water to maintain a high temperature for a longer period of time, eliminating the need for frequent reheating during subsequent use, thus saving energy.

[0036] It should be noted that the capacity of the first water heater 11 in the first circulation loop 10 is greater than the capacity of the second water heater 21. For example, the capacity of the second water heater 21 is 8L, while the capacity of the first water heater 11 is 30L or 60L, etc. Since the second water heater 21 only supplies hot water to the water point 28 during the initial period, and later directly connects the hot water from the first circulation loop 10 to the water point 28, the capacity of the second water heater 21 is set to a relatively small capacity. In this way, when the hot water in the second circulation loop 20 falls below the preset minimum water temperature, the second circulation loop 20 can be independently activated to maintain the hot water in the second circulation loop 20 at or above the preset minimum water temperature, thereby ensuring immediate hot water supply to each water-using space. Moreover, since the capacity of the second water heater 21 is set to a relatively small capacity, even if it needs to be activated multiple times to achieve the heat preservation function, it will not consume too much energy.

[0037] For example, in certain embodiments, a water hammer muffler 29 is installed on the first hot water branch pipe 25. During startup and shutdown of the hot water system, or when the circulating pump is started and stopped, sudden changes in water flow velocity can generate water hammer pressure waves, potentially impacting pipes, joints, valves, and other equipment, leading to loosening, cracking, and other problems. The water hammer muffler 29 absorbs and buffers these pressure waves, reducing transient pressure peaks, extending the service life of pipes and equipment, and reducing maintenance costs and replacement frequency. Furthermore, by mitigating pressure waves, the water hammer muffler 29 effectively reduces the noise generated by water impacting the pipes, ensuring quieter operation of the hot water system and minimizing disruption to user life.

[0038] The hot water system in this embodiment can be connected to a smart home system for use. The smart home system also includes human presence sensors, i.e., millimeter-wave radar sensors, arranged in the entrance, living room, and various water-using spaces. The smart home system is also equipped with smart door locks.

[0039] The system uses the opening and closing times of smart door locks and feedback from all human presence sensors in the house to determine whether the user is at home and needs water or is away from home. If there are records of smart door lock openings and closings within the current time period, and the feedback from any human presence sensor in the house changes from no human presence to a human presence signal, the user is considered to be away from home. If there are no records of smart door lock openings and closings within the current time period, and the feedback from any human presence sensor in the water-using space shows a human presence signal, the user is considered to be at home and needs water.

[0040] In this embodiment, when the user is away from home, it is determined whether the current time is the hot water circulation time. If so, the first hot water control mode is executed. The first hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop 10, and when it is detected that the user enters the water use space, the thermostatic reversing valve 22 of the second circulation loop 20 is switched to the second water inlet 221 to allow water to enter, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 is supplied to each water use point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22.

[0041] In this embodiment, the first circulation loop 10 is operated to perform a large hot water circulation to achieve the purpose of preheating. Operating the first circulation loop 10 includes starting the first circulation pump 13 and the first water heater 11. Cold water flows through the cold water pipe 16, into the thermostatic valve 12, and then enters the first water heater 11 through the second cold water inlet 122 of the thermostatic valve 12. The first water heater 11 heats the cold water, which flows out to the hot water main 15 and circulates in the hot water main 15 until the heated hot water reaches the water temperature threshold after being adjusted by the thermostatic valve 12. At this time, the first water heater 11 is shut down.

[0042] When the user status is the home water demand status, the second hot water control mode is executed. The second hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop 10 and the second circulation loop 20 at the same time. The thermostatic reversing valve 22 of the second circulation loop 20 is first switched to the third water inlet 222 for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the second circulation loop 20 is supplied to each water use point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22. When the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 reaches the water use temperature threshold, the thermostatic reversing valve 22 is switched to the second water inlet 221 for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 is supplied to each water use point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22.

[0043] Operating the second circulation loop 20 includes starting the second circulation pump 24 and the second water heater 21, switching the thermostatic reversing valve 22 to allow water inlet to the third water inlet 222, and then allowing water in the first circulation loop 10 to enter the second water heater 21 through the first hot water branch pipe 25. After being heated, the water is then supplied to the various water points 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22. When the second circulation loop 20 is started, the first circulation loop 10 is simultaneously started to provide hot water for the second circulation loop 20. Specifically, the first circulation pump 13 and the first water heater 11 of the first circulation loop 10 are simultaneously started, and the first water heater 11 heats the water. The heated water circulates in the hot water main 15 and is supplied to the second water heater 21 through the first hot water branch pipe 25. When the hot water produced by the first circulation loop 10 reaches a water temperature threshold, the second water heater 21 stops heating, and the thermostatic reversing valve 22 switches to allow water inlet to the second water inlet 221. The hot water in the first hot water branch pipe 25 directly enters the thermostatic reversing valve 22, allowing the hot water produced by the first circulation loop 10 to be supplied to the various water points 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22.

[0044] In this embodiment, when the first water heater 11 only circulates and the water point 28 does not need water, the first water heater 11 does not need to replenish cold water from the cold water pipe 16 and only returns hot water in the hot water main 15 .

[0045] When the water point 28 needs water and the water in the first hot water device 11 is reduced, cold water is introduced from the cold water pipe 16 .

[0046] In this embodiment, by observing and recording the time when family members use hot water every day, such as fixed time periods such as washing up in the morning and taking a bath in the evening, the peak period of hot water use is determined, and the peak period of hot water use is set as the hot water circulation period.

[0047] In this embodiment, the user's water temperature can be customized according to different family members.

[0048] In this embodiment, when the water-using space is a bathroom, the water temperature threshold is 3-5° C. higher than the water temperature of the corresponding user in the family. When the water-using space is a kitchen, the water temperature threshold is the preset value for kitchen water use.

[0049] For example, when the water-using space is a bathroom, the required temperature of the male owner is 40°C in winter, that is, the user water temperature is 40°C, then the water temperature threshold is 3-5°C higher than 40°C, for example, 43°C.

[0050] In this embodiment, the thermostatic valve 12 is an existing thermostatic valve, as long as it can achieve a constant temperature function. The thermostatic reversing valve 22 is a conventional thermostatic reversing valve. The thermostatic reversing valve 22 is equipped with a thermal element. The characteristics of the thermal element are used to move the valve core in the valve body, thereby switching water intake from the third water inlet 222 to the second water inlet 221.

[0051] The hot water system of the embodiment of the present invention includes a first circulation loop 10 and several second circulation loops 20, and adopts a dual-circulation collaborative working mechanism. The first circulation loop 10 is responsible for preheating and providing hot water to the second circulation loop 20. The second circulation loop 20 ensures instant hot water supply to each water-using space. When the user enters the water-using space, the second circulation pump 24 is quickly started. If the first circulation loop 10 is preheated, the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 is supplied to each water-using point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22. If the first circulation loop 10 is not preheated, the hot water generated by the second circulation loop 20 is first supplied to each water-using point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22. When the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 reaches the water-using temperature threshold, the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 is supplied to each water-using point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22. In this way, the hot water can be quickly output while maintaining a stable water temperature, avoiding the situation of fluctuating temperatures, thereby achieving the function of constant temperature water supply on the basis of real-time hot water output and energy saving.

[0052] See also Figure 4 As shown, an embodiment of the present invention further provides a hot water control method for implementing the operation control of the hot water system as described above. The hot water control method includes:

[0053] S101, pre-setting the hot water circulation period according to user habits;

[0054] S102, obtaining the user's current status;

[0055] S103: When the user is currently in the home state, determine whether the current time is a hot water circulation period. If so, execute the first hot water control mode. The first hot water control mode includes operating the first circulation loop 10, and when it is detected that the user enters the water-using space, switching the thermostatic reversing valve 22 of the second circulation loop 20 to the second water inlet 221 for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 is supplied to each water-using point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22;

[0056] S104. When the user status is the home water demand status, the second hot water control mode is executed. The second hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop 10 and the second circulation loop 20 at the same time, first switching the thermostatic reversing valve 22 of the second circulation loop 20 to the third water inlet 222 for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the second circulation loop 20 is supplied to each water use point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22, and when the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 reaches the water use temperature threshold, the thermostatic reversing valve 22 is switched to the second water inlet 221 for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 is supplied to each water use point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22.

[0057] In this embodiment, in step S101, by observing and recording the time when family members use hot water every day, such as fixed time periods such as washing after getting up in the morning and taking a bath in the evening, the peak period of hot water use is determined, and the peak period of hot water use is set as the hot water circulation period.

[0058] For example, during the evening bathing period, the earliest time a family member uses water is 19:00 and the latest time is 23:00. In this case, 17:00-24:00 can be set as the hot water circulation period.

[0059] In this embodiment, in step S102, the user's current status is obtained, including: setting human presence sensors in the entrance hall, living room and water-using space of the house, and the water-using space includes the kitchen and bathroom; obtaining the opening and closing time of the smart door lock and the feedback information of all human presence sensors in the house. If there is a smart door lock opening and closing record in the current time period, and the feedback information of any human presence sensor in the house changes from no human signal to human signal, then the user status is determined to be out and back home; if there is no smart door lock opening and closing record in the current time period, and the feedback information of the human presence sensor in the water-using space is human signal, then the user status is determined to be at home and water-using state.

[0060] In this embodiment, in step S103, when the user is currently in the state of being away from home, the first circulation loop 10 is used to preheat the hot water. When the user enters the water-using space, the hot water generated by the first circulation loop 10 can be used to supply water to each water-using point 28 through the constant temperature reversing valve 22, thereby avoiding the additional energy consumption of the second water-heating device 21.

[0061] Furthermore, when the user's current status is "out and home" and the user enters a bathroom, user profile data is obtained, including the user's identity and the user's water temperature. A water temperature threshold is determined based on the user's water temperature. Based on the user's identity, the first water heater 11 in the first circulation loop 10 is controlled to heat water to the water temperature reaching the water temperature threshold from the thermostatic valve 12. The thermostatic reversing valve 22 in the second circulation loop 20 is switched to the second water inlet 221, so that the hot water produced by the first water heater 11 is supplied to each water point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22. By using the user's water temperature information in the user profile data, different users can be provided with hot water temperatures that meet their personal preferences. Everyone has different preferences for hot water temperature. For example, some users prefer slightly hot water for showering, while others prefer a relatively mild water temperature. Determining the water temperature threshold based on the user's specific water temperature ensures that when the user enters the bathroom to use hot water, the water temperature supplied to each water point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22 is exactly what they are used to and satisfied with, greatly improving their comfort and user experience.

[0062] Specifically, according to the user identity, the first hot water device 11 in the first circulation loop 10 is controlled to heat the water until the water temperature coming out of the thermostatic valve 12 is the water use temperature threshold, including: starting the first circulation pump 13 and the first hot water device 11, cold water flows into the thermostatic valve 12 through the cold water pipe 16, and then enters the first hot water device 11 from the thermostatic valve 12. After the first hot water device 11 heats the cold water, it flows out to the hot water main 15 and circulates in the hot water main 15 until the heated hot water reaches the water use temperature threshold corresponding to the user identity after the temperature is adjusted by the thermostatic valve 12, and then the first hot water device 11 is turned off.

[0063] In this embodiment, in step S104, when the user is using water at home and the water-using space is the bathroom, the second circulation loop 20 is prioritized for water supply because the first circulation loop 10 is not preheated, thus quickly responding to the user's water needs. Because the second circulation loop 20 can provide hot water immediately, there is no need to wait for the hot water in the first circulation loop 10 to reach the water temperature threshold, reducing user waiting time and improving water convenience.

[0064] Furthermore, when the user status is a home water use status and the water use space is a bathroom, user portrait data is obtained, which includes user identity and user water temperature, and a water temperature threshold is determined based on the user water temperature; based on the user identity, the second water heater 21 in the second circulation loop 20 is controlled to heat the water until the temperature of the hot water coming out of the thermostatic reversing valve 22 is the user water temperature; the thermostatic reversing valve 22 of the second circulation loop 20 is switched to the third water inlet 222 for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the second water heater 21 is supplied to each water use point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22; when the first water heater 11 in the first circulation loop 10 heats the water until the temperature of the water coming out of the thermostatic valve 12 is the water temperature threshold, the thermostatic reversing valve 22 is switched to the second water inlet 221 for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first water heater 11 is supplied to each water use point 28 through the thermostatic reversing valve 22. Through the user water temperature information in the user portrait data, different users can be provided with hot water temperatures that meet their personal preferences.

[0065] Specifically, according to the user identity, the second hot water device 21 in the second circulation loop 20 is controlled to heat the water until the temperature of the hot water coming out of the constant temperature reversing valve 22 is the user water temperature, including: starting the second circulation pump 24 and the second hot water device 21, switching the constant temperature reversing valve 22 to the third water inlet 222 for water inlet, the water in the first circulation loop 10 enters the second hot water device 21 through the first hot water branch pipe 25, and the second hot water device 21 heats the water until the temperature of the hot water coming out of the constant temperature reversing valve 22 is the user water temperature corresponding to the user identity.

[0066] In this embodiment, the user water temperature can be set to different temperatures according to different seasons. When determining the user water temperature of the current user, the current season can be determined based on the timestamp, and then the user water temperature can be determined based on the corresponding season.

[0067] In this embodiment, the water temperature threshold is 3-5° C. higher than the water temperature of the corresponding user in the family.

[0068] In this embodiment, the user fills in relevant information according to the form content to form the user's initial portrait data. The user's initial portrait data is stored in the home AI brain or cloud server. Later, based on AI identity recognition, the data is gradually learned and adjusted.

[0069] For example, the user portrait data is shown in Table 1.

[0070] Table 1 User portrait data

[0071]

[0072]

[0073] In this embodiment, the circulation loop is started on demand by combining multiple conditions such as the user's status of being away from home or at home, the water demand status at home, and the hot water circulation period. The first circulation loop 10 is started for preheating only when the user is away from home and in the hot water circulation period; when the user is at home and water demand is in place, the first circulation loop 10 and the second circulation loop 20 are directly started for hot water circulation, avoiding the 24-hour continuous circulation of the traditional zero cold water system, effectively reducing gas and electricity consumption, and saving user usage costs.

[0074] The above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and does not limit the patent scope of the present invention. All equivalent structural transformations made by using the contents of the present invention description and drawings under the inventive concept of the present invention, or direct / indirect application in other related technical fields are included in the patent protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A hot water system, characterized in that: The first circulation loop comprises a first hot water device, a thermostatic valve, a first circulation pump, a first non-return valve, a hot water main pipe and a cold water pipe. The first hot water device is provided with a hot water outlet and a first cold water inlet. The thermostatic valve is provided with a constant temperature water outlet, a second cold water inlet, a cold water outlet and a hot water inlet. The two ends of the hot water main pipe are respectively connected to the constant temperature water outlet and the middle pipe of the cold water pipe, the end of the cold water pipe is connected to the second cold water inlet, the cold water outlet is connected to the first cold water inlet, and the hot water inlet is connected to the hot water outlet. The first circulation pump and the first non-return valve are both provided on the hot water main pipe. The second circulation loop comprises a second hot water device, a thermostatic valve, a first circulation pump, a first non-return valve, a hot water main pipe and a cold water pipe. A temperature reversing valve, a second one-way valve, a second circulation pump, a first hot water branch, a second hot water branch and a third hot water branch. The second hot water device is provided with a first water inlet and a first water outlet. The constant temperature reversing valve is provided with a second water inlet, a third water inlet and a second water outlet. One end of the first hot water branch is connected to the hot water main pipe, and the other end is divided into two branches respectively connected to the first water inlet and the second water inlet. The first water outlet is connected to the third water inlet. Both ends of the second hot water branch are connected to the second water outlet and the third hot water branch respectively, and the second hot water branch extends to each water use point and is connected to each water use point. The second one-way valve and the second circulation pump are both arranged on the third hot water branch.

2. The hot water system according to claim 1, wherein: The first circulation pump and the second circulation pump are both equipped with a built-in temperature sensor.

3. The hot water system according to claim 1, wherein: The first hot water branch pipe is provided with a water hammer muffler.

4. A hot water control method, characterized in that: The hot water control method is used to implement the operation control of the hot water system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, and the hot water control method includes: Pre-set hot water circulation period according to user habits; Get the user's current status; When the user is currently away or returning home, it is determined whether the current time is a hot water circulation period. If so, a first hot water control mode is executed. The first hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop, and when it is detected that the user enters the water-using space, the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop is switched to the second water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop is supplied to each water-using point through the thermostatic reversing valve; When the user status is a home water use status, the second hot water control mode is executed. The second hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop at the same time, first switching the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop to the third water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the second circulation loop is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve, and when the hot water generated by the first circulation loop reaches the water use temperature threshold, the thermostatic reversing valve is switched to the second water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve.

5. The hot water control method according to claim 4, wherein: The obtaining of the user's current status includes: Human presence sensors are installed in the entrance hall, living room and water-using areas of the house, including the kitchen and bathroom; Obtain the opening and closing time of the smart door lock and the feedback information of all human presence sensors in the house. If there is a smart door lock opening and closing record in the current time period, and the feedback information of any human presence sensor in the house changes from no human signal to human signal, then the user status is determined to be away from home; If there is no smart door lock opening and closing record in the current period, and the feedback information of the human presence sensor in the water-using space is a human signal, it is determined that the user is in a home water-using state.

6. The hot water control method according to claim 4, wherein: When the user is currently in the state of being away or returning home, it is determined whether the current time is a hot water circulation period. If so, a first hot water control mode is executed. The first hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop, and when it is detected that the user enters the water-using space, the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop is switched to the second water inlet to allow water to enter, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop is supplied to each water-using point through the thermostatic reversing valve, including: When the user's current status is "out and home" and the user enters a bathroom, user profile data is obtained. The user profile data includes the user's identity and the user's water temperature, and a water temperature threshold is determined based on the user's water temperature. controlling the first water heater in the first circulation loop to heat water until the water temperature flowing out of the thermostatic valve reaches a water temperature threshold according to the user identity; The thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop is switched to the second water inlet to allow water to enter, so that the hot water generated by the first water heater is supplied to each water point through the thermostatic reversing valve.

7. The hot water control method according to claim 6, wherein: The step of controlling the first water heater in the first circulation loop to heat water until the water temperature flowing out of the thermostatic valve reaches a water temperature threshold according to the user identity includes: The first circulation pump and the first hot water device are started, and cold water flows through the cold water pipe into the thermostatic valve and then into the first hot water device from the thermostatic valve. The first hot water device heats the cold water, and then flows out to the hot water main and circulates in the hot water main until the heated hot water reaches the water temperature threshold corresponding to the user identity after the temperature is adjusted by the thermostatic valve. Then, the first hot water device is turned off.

8. The hot water control method according to claim 4, wherein: When the user state is a home water demand state, the second hot water control mode is executed. The second hot water control mode includes running the first circulation loop and the second circulation loop at the same time, first switching the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop to the third water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the second circulation loop is supplied to each water point through the thermostatic reversing valve, and when the hot water generated by the first circulation loop reaches the water use temperature threshold, switching the thermostatic reversing valve to the second water inlet for water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first circulation loop is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve, including: When the user status is that the user is using water at home and the water-using space is the bathroom, user portrait data is obtained, the user portrait data including the user identity and the user's water temperature, and a water temperature threshold is determined based on the user's water temperature; According to the user identity, the second water heater in the second circulation loop is controlled to heat the water until the temperature of the hot water flowing out of the thermostatic reversing valve is the user's water temperature; Switching the thermostatic reversing valve of the second circulation loop to the third water inlet so that the hot water generated by the second water heater is supplied to each water point through the thermostatic reversing valve; When the first hot water device in the first circulation loop heats the water until the water temperature coming out of the thermostatic valve reaches the water use temperature threshold, the thermostatic reversing valve is switched to the second water inlet, so that the hot water generated by the first hot water device is supplied to each water use point through the thermostatic reversing valve.

9. The hot water control method according to claim 8, wherein: The method of controlling the second water heater in the second circulation loop according to the user identity to heat water until the temperature of the hot water flowing out of the thermostatic reversing valve is the user water temperature includes: Start the second circulation pump and the second hot water device, switch the thermostatic reversing valve to the third water inlet, and the water in the first circulation loop enters the second hot water device through the first hot water branch pipe. The second hot water device heats the water until the temperature of the hot water coming out of the thermostatic reversing valve is the user water temperature corresponding to the user identity.

10. The hot water control method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized in that: The water temperature threshold is 3-5° C. higher than the water temperature of the corresponding user in the family.

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