Energy-saving control method for circulating water heater, circulating water heater and storage medium

Abstract

The application discloses a circulating water heater energy-saving control method, a circulating water heater and a storage medium, and relates to the technical field of water heaters. The method comprises the following steps: identifying the regulation and control demand of the circulating water heater according to the real-time temperature and the target temperature of water in a water tank; if the regulation and control demand is a loading demand and the current time is outside the water use period, starting part of the compressors of the main machine and / or the slave machine; under the condition that the heat output of the heat pump changes with the ambient temperature and the outlet water temperature, calculating the target unit heat output of one compressor; in the process of part of the compressors operating, calculating the total heat required for the water in the water tank to be heated to the target temperature according to the target unit heat output; calculating the target number of required compressors according to the target unit heat output, the total heat and the water use period; adjusting the compressors of the main machine and / or the slave machine according to the target number; and when the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank reaches the target temperature, shutting down the started compressors. The embodiment reduces the frequent start-stop of the compressors and reduces energy consumption.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the technical field of heat pumps, and more particularly to an energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater, a circulating water heater, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Circulating water heaters have a large load and often use multiple heat pumps (including multi-system heat pumps) to meet the load demand. This results in the existence of multiple single-system or multi-system master control slave units with group control functions.

[0003] Due to the complex on-site installation conditions and significant variations in ambient temperature and load, the accuracy of matching the user-side load with the unit's capacity is low for circulating water heaters, resulting in frequent start-ups and shutdowns, high energy consumption, and a high failure rate. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of this, the present invention provides an energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater, a circulating water heater and a storage medium, to reduce the start-up and shutdown frequency of the unit in the circulating water heater, thereby reducing the energy consumption and failure rate of the circulating water heater.

[0005] The first aspect of the present invention provides an energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater, wherein the circulating water heater has multiple heat pumps and a water tank, the heat pumps are divided into master and slave units, each heat pump unit includes one or more compressors, the master unit is configured with water usage periods and target temperatures, and the method is applied to the master unit, comprising:

[0006] The control requirements of the circulating water heater are identified based on the real-time temperature of the water in the tank and the target temperature.

[0007] If the control demand is a loading demand and the current time is outside the water usage period, then control the main unit and / or the slave unit to start part of the compressor to heat the water in the water tank;

[0008] Calculate the target unit heat output of one compressor under the condition that the heat output of the heat pump varies with the ambient temperature and the outlet water temperature.

[0009] During the operation of part of the compressor, the total heat required to raise the water in the water tank to the target temperature is calculated based on the target unit heat output.

[0010] The target number of compressors required is calculated based on the target unit heating capacity, the total heating capacity, and the water usage period.

[0011] The host and / or slave device are controlled to adjust the compressor according to the target quantity;

[0012] When the real-time temperature of the water in the tank reaches the target temperature, the compressor that has been started is turned off.

[0013] A second aspect of the present invention provides an energy-saving control device for a circulating water heater, wherein the circulating water heater has multiple heat pumps and a water tank, the heat pumps are divided into main and slave units, each heat pump unit includes one or more compressors, the main unit is configured with water usage periods and target temperatures, and the device is applied to the main unit, comprising:

[0014] The regulation demand identification module is used to identify the regulation demand of the circulating water heater based on the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank and the target temperature.

[0015] A partial start-up module is used to control the host and / or the slave to start part of the compressor to heat the water in the water tank if the regulation demand is a loading demand and the current time is outside the water usage period;

[0016] The target unit heat output calculation module is used to calculate the target unit heat output of one compressor under the condition that the heat output of the heat pump changes with the ambient temperature and the outlet water temperature.

[0017] The total heat calculation module is used to calculate the total heat required to raise the water in the water tank to the target temperature based on the target unit heat output during the operation of part of the compressor.

[0018] The target quantity calculation module is used to calculate the target quantity of the compressor required based on the target unit heating capacity, the total heating capacity, and the water usage period.

[0019] A compressor adjustment module is used to control the host and / or the slave to adjust the compressor according to the target quantity;

[0020] A partial shutdown module is used to shut down the compressor that has been started when the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank reaches the target temperature.

[0021] A third aspect of the present invention provides a circulating water heater, the circulating water heater comprising:

[0022] At least one processor; and

[0023] A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein,

[0024] The memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the at least one processor, the computer program being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the energy-saving control method for the circulating water heater as described in the first aspect above.

[0025] A fourth aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater as described in the first aspect above.

[0026] The fifth aspect of the present invention provides a computer program product comprising a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater as described in the first aspect above.

[0027] In this embodiment, the circulating water heater has multiple heat pumps and a water tank. Each heat pump unit is divided into a master unit and slave units. Each heat pump unit includes one or more compressors. The master unit is configured with water usage periods and target temperatures. The master unit identifies the circulating water heater's control needs based on the real-time temperature of the water in the tank and the target temperature. If the control need is a loading need and the current time is outside the water usage period, the master unit and / or slave units are controlled to start some compressors to heat the water in the tank. Under the condition that the heat pump's heating capacity changes with the ambient temperature and the outlet water temperature, the target unit heating capacity of one compressor is calculated. During the operation of some compressors, the total heat required to raise the water in the tank to the target temperature is calculated based on the target unit heating capacity. The target number of compressors required is calculated based on the target unit heating capacity, the total heat, and the water usage period. The master unit and / or slave units are controlled to adjust the compressors according to the target number. When the real-time temperature of the water in the tank reaches the target temperature, the started compressors are shut down. This embodiment dynamically adjusts the heating capacity of a compressor based on the environment and outlet water temperature, which can improve the accuracy of the heating capacity provided by the compressor. On this basis, the number of operating compressors is precisely adjusted according to the water usage period. While ensuring that the water in the tank is heated to the target temperature and guaranteeing the user's water service, the operation of heating the water in the tank is extended into a smooth heating process, minimizing the number of compressors, reducing frequent compressor start-stop, reducing energy consumption, improving the user experience, and mitigating the damage to the heat pump unit caused by frequent start-stop, thereby reducing the failure rate of the heat pump.

[0028] It should be understood that the description in this section is not intended to identify key or essential features of the embodiments of the present invention, nor is it intended to limit the scope of the invention. Other features of the invention will become readily apparent from the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0029] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the accompanying drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0030] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of an energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0031] Figure 2 This is a structural diagram of a circulating water heater provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 3 This is an example diagram of a change function provided in Embodiment 1 of the present invention.

[0033] Figure 4 This is a flowchart of an energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater provided in Embodiment 2 of the present invention.

[0034] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an energy-saving control device for a circulating water heater provided in Embodiment 3 of the present invention.

[0035] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a circulating water heater provided in Embodiment 4 of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0036] To enable those skilled in the art to better understand the present invention, the technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," etc., in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this invention are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be used interchangeably where appropriate so that the embodiments of the invention described herein can cover implementations in sequences other than those illustrated or described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that comprises a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0038] Example 1

[0039] See Figure 1The diagram shows a flowchart of an energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. This method can be executed by an energy-saving control device for the circulating water heater, which can be implemented in hardware and / or software and can be configured in the circulating water heater.

[0040] A circulating water heater uses a heat pump system to absorb heat from the outside environment (such as air or water) and transfer it to the water tank to heat the water. For example... Figure 2 As shown, a circulating water heater has the following components:

[0041] 1. Multiple heat pumps, whose units include compressors, condensers, evaporators, expansion valves, etc., are responsible for heat transfer.

[0042] 2. Water tank 203: Responsible for storing water, and equipped with a water pump to transport the water.

[0043] 3. Temperature sensor: monitors the temperature of the water in the tank, the inlet water temperature, the ambient temperature, etc.

[0044] 4. Controller: MCU (Microcontroller Unit) or PLC (Programmable Controller), which processes signals and issues control commands.

[0045] 5. Circulation pump: Drives water to circulate between the heat pump and the water tank.

[0046] 6. Auxiliary heating device (optional): such as electric heating, to assist in heating when the heat pump efficiency is low.

[0047] Under normal circumstances, such as Figure 2 As shown, the units in the multiple heat pumps can be divided into master unit 201 and slave unit 202 based on performance and other factors. The identity (i.e., master unit 201 and slave unit 202) and address parameters of each unit have been written into the configuration information of each unit. In the event of a failure of master unit 201, slave unit 202 can switch to master unit 201. When master unit 201 recovers, it can act as slave unit 202.

[0048] Each heat pump unit contains one or more compressors. The compressor is an independent heat pump system and is the smallest independent system unit. The units communicate with each other wirelessly or via wired links (such as RJ485). The energy-saving control method for the circulating water heater in this embodiment can be applied to the main unit. The main unit can monitor parameters such as the operating status of the unit, faults, and compressor running time. The main unit can control the slave units, and the units start up and unload (also known as unloading) according to the instructions of the main unit.

[0049] The host has been configured with parameters X such as water usage period, target temperature Tset, and target ratio. The water usage period is the time range set by the user for individual or cyclic water use, the target temperature Tset is the temperature value set by the user when water is used, and the target ratio X is the ratio at which the compressor is started.

[0050] like Figure 1 As shown, the method includes:

[0051] Step 101: Identify the control requirements of the circulating water heater based on the real-time temperature and target temperature of the water in the tank.

[0052] When the circulating water heater is powered on for the first time or restarted after reaching the desired temperature, the temperature sensor in the water tank can be used to continuously monitor the real-time temperature TW of the water in the tank in order to determine the control needs of the circulating water heater. The control needs of the circulating water heater include loading needs indicating the loading of the compressor or unloading needs indicating the unloading of the compressor.

[0053] In practice, the real-time temperature TW of the water in the tank can be compared with the target temperature Tset.

[0054] If the real-time temperature TW of the water in the tank is lower than the target temperature Tt (i.e., TW < Tt), then the target temperature Tset is subtracted from the real-time temperature TW of the water in the tank to obtain the temperature deviation value ΔT (i.e., ΔT = Tt - TW).

[0055] If the temperature deviation value ΔT is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, it indicates that the real-time temperature TW of the water in the tank deviates significantly from the target temperature Tt. In this case, the control requirement of the circulating water heater is determined to be the loading requirement.

[0056] Step 102: If the control demand is a loading demand and the current time is outside the water usage period, then control the main unit and / or the slave unit to start part of the compressor to heat the water in the water tank.

[0057] If the control demand of the circulating water heater is a loading demand, then the current time can be further queried from the circulating water heater's local system time server or from the network time server, and the current time can be compared with the water usage period.

[0058] If the current time is outside of the peak water usage period, the circulating water heater can be started in a slow heating mode to reasonably reduce the rate at which the water in the tank is heated, thereby reducing energy consumption.

[0059] At this time, the host can read the target ratio and control the host and / or slave to select and start a portion of the compressors that meet the target ratio X from all the compressors according to load balancing, randomization and other methods. The so-called "meeting" means that the ratio between the number of compressors A1 started this time and the total number of compressors A is the target ratio X. These compressors heat the water in the water tank, so that the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank tends to the target temperature.

[0060] For example, if the total number of compressors A is 8, and the target ratio X is 12.5%, then one compressor will be started; if the target ratio X is 50%, then four compressors will be started.

[0061] Furthermore, the host can use a gradual method to start the compressor, that is, the host controls the host or slave to start one compressor every time interval (e.g., 5 seconds) until the ratio between the number of currently started compressors and the total number of compressors reaches the target ratio.

[0062] Step 103: Calculate the target unit heat output of a compressor under the condition that the heat output of the heat pump varies with the ambient temperature and the outlet water temperature.

[0063] Since the environment in which the heat pump is located and the condition of the water outlet of the heat pump have a significant impact on the heating capacity of the heat pump, the target unit heating capacity of a single compressor can be calculated under the condition that the heating capacity of the heat pump changes with the ambient temperature and the water outlet temperature.

[0064] In practice, one can query the original unit heating capacity Q1 provided by a compressor under standard conditions.

[0065] The system calls a temperature sensor installed in the external environment of the heat pump to detect the ambient temperature T of the environment in which the heat pump is located, and calls a temperature sensor installed in the heat pump main pipe to detect the outlet water temperature To of the heat pump. Generally, the ambient temperature T is the average value of a temperature series in the environment in which the heat pump is located, and the outlet water temperature To is the average value of a temperature series in the heat pump main pipe.

[0066] The product of ambient temperature T and the first adjustment coefficient (e.g., 0.016) is added to the second adjustment coefficient (e.g., 0.9) to obtain the first heat change ratio of the heat pump as the ambient temperature changes: (0.016T+0.9)×Q1.

[0067] Substitute the outlet water temperature To into the preset change function f for calculation to obtain the second heat change ratio f(To) of the heat pump as the outlet water temperature decreases.

[0068] Wherein, the variation function f is the curve fitted to the heat pump in the offline case, which represents the change process of the compressor's heating capacity with the outlet water temperature of the heat pump. The second heat change ratio f(To) is positively correlated with the outlet water temperature To, that is, the higher the outlet water temperature To, the larger the second heat change ratio f(To), and vice versa.

[0069] In one fitting method, multiple sample data can be collected from the heat pump unit; wherein, the sample data includes the heating capacity of the compressor and the outlet water temperature in the heat pump unit.

[0070] Based on multiple sample data (such as Figure 3 (points in the middle) to fit multiple polynomial functions (such as...) Figure 3 The solid lines shown represent quadratic functions, cubic functions, etc., in one variable, as functions of change.

[0071] For each change function, calculate the degree to which multiple sample data deviate from the change function (such as residual sum of squares RSS, root mean square error RMSE, etc.) to obtain the first index value.

[0072] For each changing function, the resources consumed by the heat pump unit when calculating the changing function are statistically analyzed (such as weighted summation of memory usage, processor usage, etc.) to obtain the second index value.

[0073] For each change function, the first index value and the second index value are merged into a third index value using a linear (such as weighted summation) or nonlinear method; wherein the third index value is negatively correlated with the first index value and negatively correlated with the second index value.

[0074] By comparing the third index values ​​of each change function, the change function with the highest third index value is determined, thus balancing the accuracy of the change function with resource consumption.

[0075] The target heat output Q of a compressor is obtained by multiplying the first heat change ratio, the original unit heat output Q1, and the second heat change ratio.

[0076] Using a quadratic function as an example of the function of change, the target heat output Q of a compressor can be expressed as: Q = (0.016T + 0.9) × Q1 × (-0.0758To) 2 +7.78To+809) / 1000, assuming the ambient temperature T is 20℃, the current outlet water temperature To is 25℃, and the original unit heating capacity Q1 of a compressor is 10KW, then the target unit heating capacity Q of a compressor is 12.2KW.

[0077] Step 104: During the operation of part of the compressor, calculate the total heat required to raise the water in the tank to the target temperature based on the target unit heat output.

[0078] After the compressor has started, wait for a period of time (e.g., 5 minutes) to allow the compressor to run stably.

[0079] During this period, the state of the water in the heating tank of the currently activated compressor can be monitored, and the total amount of heat required to adjust the water in the heating tank from the current real-time temperature to the target temperature can be estimated by combining the target unit heat output of a compressor.

[0080] In the specific implementation, during the operation of some compressors, the heating time (h) consumed when the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank increases by a unit temperature (e.g., 1℃) is statistically analyzed.

[0081] Calculate the product of the target unit heat capacity Q of one compressor and the total number of compressors A, and use it as the global heat capacity W of all compressors (i.e., W = Q × A).

[0082] Query the target ratio X; where the target ratio X is the percentage of compressors that have been started out of all compressors.

[0083] Calculate the product between the total global heating capacity W of all compressors and the target ratio X, and use it as the local heating capacity W1 of the currently running compressors (i.e., W1 = W × X).

[0084] For example, if the target heating capacity Q of a compressor is 12.2KW, the total number of compressors A is 8, and the target ratio X is 50%, then the total heating capacity W of all compressors is 97.6KW, and the local heating capacity W1 of the compressors that have been started is 48.8KW.

[0085] Divide the product of the local heating capacity W1 and the heating time h by the specific heat capacity c of the water and the conversion ratio p between the total amount and the volume (p is usually 1:1) to obtain the weight M of the water in the tank (i.e., M = W1 × h / c / p).

[0086] For example, suppose the local heating capacity W1 of the currently activated compressor is 48.8 kW, the heating time h required for the water in the tank to rise by 1°C is 10 min, and the specific heat capacity c of the water is 4.2 × 10⁻⁶. 3 J / (kg·℃), then the weight of the water in the tank is M=48.8 / 60×10×3600 / 4.2 / 1 / 1000=6.9714t.

[0087] Calculate the product of the temperature deviation value ΔT, the weight M of the water in the tank, and the specific heat capacity c of the water to obtain the total heat S required to raise the water in the tank from the current real-time temperature TW to the target temperature Tset (i.e., S = ΔT × M × c).

[0088] For example, suppose the real-time temperature TW of the water in the tank is 10℃, the target temperature Tset is 50℃, the weight M of the water in the tank is 6.9714t, and the specific heat capacity c of the water is 4.2×10⁻⁶. 3 If the heat required for heating the water in the tank is S = (50-10) × 6.9714 × 4.2 / 3600 × 1000 = 325.3 KW, then the total heat required is S = (50-10) × 6.9714 × 4.2 / 3600 × 1000 = 325.3 KW.

[0089] Step 105: Calculate the target number of compressors required based on the target unit heating capacity, total heating capacity, and water usage period.

[0090] In this embodiment, the target number of compressors required to heat water can be dynamically arranged based on the target unit heat output of a compressor and the total heat output of the water in the heating tank, so that the real-time temperature of the water in the heating tank reaches the target temperature just when the water usage period arrives.

[0091] Furthermore, the upper limit of the target number is the total number of compressors. If the target number is greater than the total number of compressors, the target number is set to the total number of compressors.

[0092] In practice, the time deviation between the current time and the start time of the water usage period can be calculated.

[0093] The target number of compressors required is obtained by dividing the total heat output by the target unit heat output and the time deviation value, and then rounding the quotients.

[0094] To ensure that the water in the tank is heated to the target temperature when the water usage period arrives, the rounding algorithm is usually to round up (also known as the round-up method).

[0095] For example, suppose the current time is 10:00:00, the water usage period is 18:00:00-22:00:00, the target heat output Q of one compressor is 12.2KW, and the total heat required by the water in the heating tank is 325.3KW. Then the time deviation is 8h, and the target number of compressors is 325.3 / 8 / 12.2 = 3.333. Rounding this up, we get the target number of compressors as 4 (units).

[0096] Step 106: Adjust the compressor of the host and / or slave according to the target quantity.

[0097] In this embodiment, the host and / or slave units can be controlled to adjust the started compressors according to the target number of compressors required, so as to heat the water in the water tank at a reasonable speed.

[0098] In practice, the number of compressors currently running can be queried and compared with the target number.

[0099] If the target number is greater than the number of compressors that are currently running, it means that the number of compressors that are currently running is insufficient. The difference between the target number and the number of compressors that are currently running is then calculated to obtain the first adjustment number.

[0100] Based on load balancing, randomization, or other methods, the master and / or slave units are controlled to select and start compressors from the remaining unstarted compressors to meet the first adjustment quantity.

[0101] Furthermore, the host can start the compressor in a progressive manner, that is, the host controls the host or slave to start one compressor at intervals of waiting time (e.g., 5 seconds) until the number of compressors started reaches the first adjustment number.

[0102] If the target number is less than the number of compressors that are currently running, it means that there are too many compressors that are currently running. In this case, the difference between the number of compressors that are currently running and the target number is calculated to obtain the second adjustment number.

[0103] Based on load balancing, randomization, or other methods, the master and / or slave units select and unload (i.e. shut down) compressors that meet the second adjustment quantity from the already started compressors.

[0104] Furthermore, the host can use a gradual unloading method for the compressors, that is, the host controls the host or slave to unload one compressor at intervals of waiting time (e.g., 5 seconds) until the number of compressors unloaded reaches the second adjustment number.

[0105] If the target number equals the number of compressors currently in operation, it means that the number of compressors currently in operation is appropriate, and the number of compressors currently in operation will remain unchanged.

[0106] Step 107: When the real-time temperature of the water in the tank reaches the target temperature, turn off the compressor that has been started.

[0107] If the host detects that the real-time temperature of the water in the tank has reached the target temperature, it means that the water in the tank has reached the target temperature, and the host and / or slave can control the host and / or slave to shut down the currently running compressor.

[0108] In this embodiment, the circulating water heater has multiple heat pumps and a water tank. Each heat pump unit is divided into a master unit and slave units. Each heat pump unit includes one or more compressors. The master unit is configured with water usage periods and target temperatures. The master unit identifies the circulating water heater's control needs based on the real-time temperature of the water in the tank and the target temperature. If the control need is a loading need and the current time is outside the water usage period, the master unit and / or slave units are controlled to start some compressors to heat the water in the tank. Under the condition that the heat pump's heating capacity changes with the ambient temperature and the outlet water temperature, the target unit heating capacity of one compressor is calculated. During the operation of some compressors, the total heat required to raise the water in the tank to the target temperature is calculated based on the target unit heating capacity. The target number of compressors required is calculated based on the target unit heating capacity, the total heat, and the water usage period. The master unit and / or slave units are controlled to adjust the compressors according to the target number. When the real-time temperature of the water in the tank reaches the target temperature, the started compressors are shut down. This embodiment dynamically adjusts the heating capacity of a compressor based on the environment and outlet water temperature, which can improve the accuracy of the heating capacity provided by the compressor. On this basis, the number of operating compressors is precisely adjusted according to the water usage period. While ensuring that the water in the tank is heated to the target temperature and guaranteeing the user's water service, the operation of heating the water in the tank is extended into a smooth heating process, minimizing the number of compressors, reducing frequent compressor start-stop, reducing energy consumption, improving the user experience, and mitigating the damage to the heat pump unit caused by frequent start-stop, thereby reducing the failure rate of the heat pump.

[0109] Example 2

[0110] See Figure 4 The diagram shows a flowchart of an energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. This embodiment adds a heating operation during the water usage period based on the previous embodiments. Figure 4 As shown, the method includes:

[0111] Step 401: Identify the control requirements of the circulating water heater based on the real-time temperature and target temperature of the water in the tank.

[0112] Step 402: If the control demand is a loading demand and the current time is within the water usage period, then the main unit and slave units will start all compressors to heat the water in the water tank.

[0113] If the control demand of the circulating water heater is a loading demand, then the current time can be further queried from the circulating water heater's local system time server or from the network time server, and the current time can be compared with the water usage period.

[0114] If the current time falls within the water usage period, the circulating water heater can be activated in rapid heating mode to increase the speed at which the water in the tank is heated, thus providing hot water service to users in a timely manner.

[0115] At this time, the master unit controls the master and slave units to directly start all compressors. "All" means all controllable and normal compressors at this time. There may be some offline uncontrollable or faulty compressors in the heat pump, and these compressors are not included in the start-up scope.

[0116] Step 403: When the real-time temperature of the water in the tank reaches the target temperature, shut down all compressors.

[0117] If the host detects that the real-time temperature of the water in the tank has reached the target temperature, it means that the water in the tank has reached the target temperature, and the host and / or slave can be controlled to shut down all compressors.

[0118] Example 3

[0119] See Figure 5 This diagram illustrates a structural schematic of an energy-saving control device for a circulating water heater according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The circulating water heater includes multiple heat pumps and a water tank. Each heat pump unit is divided into a master unit and slave units. Each heat pump unit includes one or more compressors. The master unit is configured with water usage periods and target temperatures. The device is applied to the master unit, such as... Figure 5 As shown, the device includes:

[0120] The regulation demand identification module 501 is used to identify the regulation demand of the circulating water heater based on the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank and the target temperature.

[0121] The partial start-up module 502 is used to control the host and / or the slave to start part of the compressor to heat the water in the water tank if the regulation demand is a loading demand and the current time is outside the water usage period;

[0122] The target unit heat output calculation module 503 is used to calculate the target unit heat output of one compressor under the condition that the heat output of the heat pump changes with the ambient temperature and the outlet water temperature.

[0123] The total heat calculation module 504 is used to calculate the total heat required to raise the water in the water tank to the target temperature based on the target unit heat output during the operation of part of the compressor.

[0124] The target quantity calculation module 505 is used to calculate the target quantity of the compressor required based on the target unit heating capacity, the total heating capacity and the water usage period.

[0125] The compressor adjustment module 506 is used to control the host and / or the slave to adjust the compressor according to the target quantity;

[0126] The partial shutdown module 507 is used to shut down the compressor that has been started when the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank reaches the target temperature.

[0127] In one embodiment of the present invention, the regulation demand identification module 501 includes:

[0128] The temperature deviation calculation module is used to subtract the real-time temperature of the water in the tank from the target temperature if the real-time temperature of the water in the tank is lower than the target temperature, so as to obtain the temperature deviation value.

[0129] The loading demand determination module is used to determine the control demand of the circulating water heater as the loading demand if the temperature deviation value is greater than or equal to a preset temperature threshold.

[0130] In one embodiment of the present invention, the target unit heat production calculation module 503 includes:

[0131] The raw unit heat output query module is used to query the raw unit heat output provided by one of the compressors.

[0132] A temperature detection module is used to detect the ambient temperature of the environment where the heat pump is located and the outlet water temperature of the heat pump.

[0133] The first heat change ratio calculation module is used to calculate the first heat change ratio of the heat pump as the ambient temperature changes by multiplying the ambient temperature by the first adjustment coefficient and adding the second adjustment coefficient.

[0134] The second heat change ratio calculation module is used to substitute the outlet water temperature into a preset change function for calculation to obtain the second heat change ratio of the heat pump as the outlet water temperature decreases.

[0135] The target unit heat output generation module is used to calculate the product between the first heat output change ratio, the original unit heat output, and the second heat output change ratio to obtain the target unit heat output of one compressor.

[0136] In one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0137] The sample data acquisition module is used to collect multiple sample data from the heat pump unit; the sample data includes the heating capacity of the compressor and the outlet water temperature in the heat pump unit.

[0138] The variation function fitting module is used to fit multiple polynomial functions based on multiple sample data as variation functions.

[0139] The first indicator value calculation module is used to calculate the degree to which multiple sample data deviate from the change function for each of the change functions, and obtain the first indicator value;

[0140] The second index value calculation module is used to calculate the resources consumed by the heat pump unit when performing calculations on the changing functions for each of the changing functions, and obtain the second index value.

[0141] The third indicator value calculation module is used to merge the first indicator value and the second indicator value into a third indicator value for each of the aforementioned change functions; the third indicator value is negatively correlated with the first indicator value and negatively correlated with the second indicator value.

[0142] The change function application module is used to determine the change function that has the highest value of the third indicator.

[0143] In one embodiment of the present invention, the total heat calculation module 504 includes:

[0144] The heating time statistics module is used to count the heating time consumed when the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank increases by a unit temperature during the operation of some of the compressors.

[0145] A global heating capacity calculation module is used to calculate the product between the target unit heating capacity and the total number of compressors, which is used as the global heating capacity of all compressors.

[0146] The target ratio query module is used to query the target ratio; the target ratio is the proportion of the compressor that has been started among all the compressors.

[0147] A local heating capacity calculation module is used to calculate the product between the global heating capacity and the target ratio, which serves as the local heating capacity of the compressor that has been started.

[0148] The water volume calculation module is used to divide the product of the local heating capacity and the heating time by the specific heat capacity of the water and the conversion ratio between the total amount and volume, respectively, to obtain the weight of the water in the water tank.

[0149] The total heat generation module is used to calculate the product of the temperature deviation value, the weight, and the specific heat capacity of the water body to obtain the total heat required to raise the water body in the water tank to the target temperature.

[0150] In one embodiment of the present invention, the target quantity calculation module 505 includes:

[0151] The time deviation calculation module is used to calculate the time deviation between the current time and the start time of the water usage period;

[0152] The target quantity generation module is used to divide the total heat by the quotient obtained by the target unit heat output and the time deviation value, and then round down to obtain the target quantity of the compressor required.

[0153] In one embodiment of the present invention, the compressor adjustment module 506 includes:

[0154] The first adjustment quantity calculation module is used to calculate the difference between the target quantity and the number of compressors currently started if the target quantity is greater than the number of compressors currently started, and obtain the first adjustment quantity.

[0155] A compressor loading module is used to control the host and / or the slave to start the compressors to meet the first adjusted quantity.

[0156] The second adjustment quantity calculation module is used to calculate the difference between the number of currently started compressors and the target quantity if the target quantity is less than the number of currently started compressors, and obtain the second adjustment quantity.

[0157] A compressor unloading module is used to control the host and / or the slave to unload the compressors to meet the second adjusted quantity;

[0158] A compressor maintenance module is configured to maintain the number of compressors already in operation if the target number is equal to the number of compressors currently in operation.

[0159] In one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes:

[0160] The full start module is used to control the host and the slave to start all the compressors to heat the water in the water tank if the control demand is a loading demand and the current time is within the water usage period.

[0161] The "All Shutdown" module is used to shut down all compressors when the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank reaches the target temperature.

[0162] The energy-saving control device for a circulating water heater provided in this embodiment of the invention can execute the energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater provided in any embodiment of the invention, and has the corresponding functional modules and beneficial effects for executing the energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater.

[0163] Example 3

[0164] See Figure 6 This diagram illustrates a structural schematic of a circulating water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. The components shown herein, their connections and relationships, and their functions are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the implementation of the invention described and / or claimed herein.

[0165] like Figure 6 As shown, the circulating water heater 10 includes at least one processor 11 and a memory, such as a read-only memory (ROM) 12 or a random access memory (RAM) 13, communicatively connected to the at least one processor 11. The memory stores computer programs executable by the at least one processor. The processor 11 can perform various appropriate actions and processes based on the computer program stored in the ROM 12 or loaded from storage unit 18 into the RAM 13. The RAM 13 can also store various programs and data required for the operation of the circulating water heater 10. The processor 11, ROM 12, and RAM 13 are interconnected via a bus 14. An input / output (I / O) interface 15 is also connected to the bus 14.

[0166] Multiple components in the circulating water heater 10 are connected to the I / O interface 15, including: an input unit 16, such as a keyboard, mouse, etc.; an output unit 17, such as various types of displays, speakers, etc.; a storage unit 18, such as a disk, optical disk, etc.; and a communication unit 19, such as a network card, modem, wireless transceiver, etc. The communication unit 19 allows the circulating water heater 10 to exchange information / data with other devices through computer networks such as the Internet and / or various telecommunications networks.

[0167] Processor 11 can be a variety of general-purpose and / or special-purpose processing components with processing and computing capabilities. Some examples of processor 11 include, but are not limited to, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), various special-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) computing chips, various processors running machine learning model algorithms, a digital signal processor (DSP), and any suitable processor, controller, microcontroller, etc. Processor 11 performs the various methods and processes described above, such as the energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater.

[0168] In some embodiments, the energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater can be implemented as a computer program tangibly contained in a computer-readable storage medium, such as storage unit 18. In some embodiments, part or all of the computer program can be loaded and / or installed on the circulating water heater 10 via ROM 12 and / or communication unit 19. When the computer program is loaded into RAM 13 and executed by processor 11, one or more steps of the energy-saving control method for the circulating water heater described above can be performed. Alternatively, in other embodiments, processor 11 can be configured to perform the energy-saving control method for the circulating water heater by any other suitable means (e.g., by means of firmware).

[0169] Various embodiments of the systems and techniques described above herein can be implemented in digital electronic circuit systems, integrated circuit systems, field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), application-specific standard products (ASSPs), systems-on-a-chip (SoCs), payload-programmable logic devices (CPLDs), computer hardware, firmware, software, and / or combinations thereof. These various embodiments may include implementations in one or more computer programs that can be executed and / or interpreted on a programmable system including at least one programmable processor, which may be a dedicated or general-purpose programmable processor, capable of receiving data and instructions from a storage system, at least one input device, and at least one output device, and transmitting data and instructions to the storage system, the at least one input device, and the at least one output device.

[0170] Computer programs used to implement the methods of the present invention may be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. These computer programs may be provided to a processor of a general-purpose computer, a special-purpose computer, or other programmable data processing device, such that when executed by the processor, the computer programs cause the functions / operations specified in the flowcharts and / or block diagrams to be performed. The computer programs may be executed entirely on a machine, partially on a machine, or as a standalone software package, partially on a machine and partially on a remote machine, or entirely on a remote machine or server.

[0171] In the context of this invention, a computer-readable storage medium can be a tangible medium that may contain or store a computer program for use by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. A computer-readable storage medium may include, but is not limited to, electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor systems, apparatus, or devices, or any suitable combination thereof. Alternatively, a computer-readable storage medium may be a machine-readable signal medium. More specific examples of machine-readable storage media include electrical connections based on one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fibers, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof.

[0172] To provide user interaction, the systems and techniques described herein can be implemented in a circulating water heater, which includes: a display device (e.g., a CRT (cathode ray tube) or LCD (liquid crystal display) monitor) for displaying information to the user; and a keyboard and pointing device (e.g., a mouse or trackball) through which the user provides input to the circulating water heater. Other types of devices can also be used to provide user interaction; for example, feedback provided to the user can be any form of sensory feedback (e.g., visual feedback, auditory feedback, or tactile feedback); and input from the user can be received in any form (including sound input, voice input, or tactile input).

[0173] The systems and technologies described herein can be implemented in computing systems that include backend components (e.g., as data servers), or computing systems that include middleware components (e.g., application servers), or computing systems that include frontend components (e.g., user computers with graphical user interfaces or web browsers through which users can interact with implementations of the systems and technologies described herein), or any combination of such backend, middleware, or frontend components. The components of the system can be interconnected via digital data communication of any form or medium (e.g., communication networks). Examples of communication networks include local area networks (LANs), wide area networks (WANs), blockchain networks, and the Internet.

[0174] A computing system can include clients and servers. Clients and servers are generally located far apart and typically interact through communication networks. The client-server relationship is created by computer programs running on the respective computers and having a client-server relationship with each other. The server can be a cloud server, also known as a cloud computing server or cloud host, which is a hosting product within the cloud computing service system to address the shortcomings of traditional physical hosts and VPS services, such as high management difficulty and weak business scalability.

[0175] Example 4

[0176] This invention also provides a computer program product, which includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater as provided in any embodiment of this invention.

[0177] In implementing the computer program product, computer program code for performing the operations of this invention can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof. Programming languages ​​include object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, as well as conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as C or similar languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0178] It should be understood that the various forms of processes shown above can be used, with steps reordered, added, or deleted. For example, the steps described in this invention can be executed in parallel, sequentially, or in different orders, as long as the desired result of the technical solution of this invention can be achieved, and this is not limited herein.

[0179] The specific embodiments described above do not constitute a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. Those skilled in the art should understand that various modifications, combinations, sub-combinations, and substitutions can be made according to design requirements and other factors. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this invention should be included within the scope of protection of this invention.

Claims

1. An energy-saving control method for a circulating hot water machine, characterized in that, The circulating water heater has multiple heat pumps and a water tank. Each heat pump unit is divided into a main unit and a slave unit. Each heat pump unit includes one or more compressors. The main unit is configured with water usage periods and target temperatures. The method is applied to the main unit, including: The control requirements of the circulating water heater are identified based on the real-time temperature of the water in the tank and the target temperature. If the control demand is a loading demand and the current time is outside the water usage period, then control the main unit and / or the slave unit to start part of the compressor to heat the water in the water tank; Calculate the target unit heat output of one compressor under the condition that the heat output of the heat pump varies with the ambient temperature and the outlet water temperature. During the operation of part of the compressor, the total heat required to raise the water in the water tank to the target temperature is calculated based on the target unit heat output. The target number of compressors required is calculated based on the target unit heating capacity, the total heating capacity, and the water usage period. The host and / or slave units are controlled to adjust the compressor according to the target quantity; When the real-time temperature of the water in the tank reaches the target temperature, the compressor that has been started is turned off.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of identifying the control requirements of the circulating water heater based on the real-time temperature of the water in the tank and the target temperature includes: If the real-time temperature of the water in the tank is lower than the target temperature, then the real-time temperature of the water in the tank is subtracted from the target temperature to obtain the temperature deviation value. If the temperature deviation value is greater than or equal to the preset temperature threshold, then the control requirement of the circulating water heater is determined to be a loading requirement.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calculation of the target unit heating capacity of one compressor, under the condition that the heating capacity of the heat pump varies with the ambient temperature and the outlet water temperature, includes: Query the raw unit heating capacity provided by one of the compressors mentioned; The ambient temperature of the environment where the heat pump is located and the outlet water temperature of the heat pump are detected. The product of the ambient temperature and the first adjustment coefficient, plus the second adjustment coefficient, is used to obtain the first heat change ratio of the heat pump as the ambient temperature changes. Substitute the outlet water temperature into a preset change function for calculation to obtain the second heat change ratio of the heat pump as the outlet water temperature decreases; The target heat output of one compressor is obtained by multiplying the first heat change ratio, the original unit heat output, and the second heat change ratio.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, Also includes: Multiple sample data were collected from the heat pump unit; the sample data included the heating capacity of the compressor and the outlet water temperature in the heat pump unit. Multiple polynomial functions are fitted based on the multiple sample data to serve as the transformation function; For each of the aforementioned change functions, the degree to which multiple sample data deviates from the change function is calculated to obtain a first index value; For each of the aforementioned change functions, the resources consumed by the heat pump unit when performing calculations on the change functions are statistically analyzed to obtain a second index value; For each of the aforementioned change functions, the first indicator value and the second indicator value are merged into a third indicator value; the third indicator value is negatively correlated with the first indicator value, and the third indicator value is negatively correlated with the second indicator value. Determine the change function that has the highest value of the third indicator.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, During the operation of part of the compressor, the calculation of the total heat required to raise the temperature of the water in the tank to the target temperature based on the target unit heat output includes: During the operation of some of the compressors, the heating time consumed when the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank increases by a unit temperature is statistically analyzed. The product of the target unit heating capacity and the total number of compressors is calculated as the global heating capacity of all compressors. Query the target ratio; the target ratio is the percentage of the compressors that have been started out of all the compressors. Calculate the product between the global heating capacity and the target ratio, and use it as the local heating capacity of the compressor that has been started; The weight of the water in the tank is obtained by dividing the product of the local heating capacity and the heating time by the specific heat capacity of the water and the conversion ratio between the total amount and volume. The total amount of heat required to raise the water in the tank to the target temperature is obtained by multiplying the temperature deviation value, the weight, and the specific heat capacity of the water.

6. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The calculation of the target number of compressors required based on the target unit heating capacity, the total heating capacity, and the water usage period includes: Calculate the time deviation between the current time and the start time of the water usage period; The total heat is divided by the target unit heat output and the time deviation value, and the quotient is rounded up to obtain the target number of compressors required.

7. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of controlling the host and / or the slave to adjust the compressor according to the target quantity includes: If the target number is greater than the number of compressors that are currently running, then the difference between the target number and the number of compressors that are currently running is calculated to obtain the first adjustment number; Control the host and / or the slave to start the compressors to meet the first adjusted quantity; If the target number is less than the number of compressors that are currently running, then the difference between the number of compressors that are currently running and the target number is calculated to obtain the second adjustment number; Control the host and / or the slave to unload the compressors that meet the second adjustment quantity; If the target number is equal to the number of compressors currently in operation, then the number of compressors already in operation remains unchanged.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that, Also includes: If the control demand is a loading demand and the current time is within the water usage period, then control the host and the slave to start all the compressors to heat the water in the water tank; When the real-time temperature of the water in the water tank reaches the target temperature, all compressors are shut down.

9. A circulating water heater, characterized in that, The circulating water heater includes: At least one processor; and A memory communicatively connected to the at least one processor; wherein, The memory stores a computer program that can be executed by the at least one processor, the computer program being executed by the at least one processor to enable the at least one processor to perform the energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater as described in any one of claims 1-8.

10. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium stores a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the energy-saving control method for a circulating water heater as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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