Water heater and control method thereof

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a water heater and a control method thereof, the water heater comprises a first container, the first container is filled with a phase change material, a heat transfer structure is arranged in the first container, the heat transfer structure is provided with a containing cavity, and the heat transfer structure is in contact with the phase change material; the second container comprises a water storage cavity used for storing water and a heating device used for heating water in the water storage cavity; at least part of the first container is higher than the second container, a communicating part is arranged between the containing cavity and the water storage cavity, water, heated by the heating device, in the water storage cavity can flow into the containing cavity through the communicating part so as to transfer heat to the phase change material making contact with the heat transfer structure, and meanwhile water flowing out of the containing cavity can flow into the water storage cavity through the communicating part. According to the water heater, only one heating device needs to be arranged, water in the second container can be heated, energy can be stored in the phase change material in the first container, and the cost of the water heater can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The embodiments of this specification relate to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a water heater and a control method thereof. Background Art

[0002] Phase-change water heaters rely on the physical state transitions of phase-change materials to store and release heat. Before water is used, the phase-change material absorbs heat from a heat source and stores it. When water is used, the material releases this stored energy to heat the cold water flowing through the heat exchange tubes. Existing phase-change water heaters utilize the material's heat storage capacity to adjust the amount of water released, resulting in a relatively low output of hot water. Furthermore, existing technologies require a separate heating device to heat and store the phase-change material, increasing the overall cost of the water heater.

[0003] In view of this, the embodiments of this specification aim to provide a water heater and a control method thereof. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In view of the above problems in the prior art, the purpose of the embodiments of this specification is to provide a water heater and a control method thereof.

[0005] In order to solve the above technical problems, the specific technical solutions of the embodiments of this specification are as follows:

[0006] In one aspect, an embodiment of the present disclosure provides a water heater, comprising:

[0007] a first chamber, wherein the first chamber is filled with a phase change material, a heat transfer structure is provided in the first chamber, the heat transfer structure has a receiving cavity, and the heat transfer structure is in contact with the phase change material;

[0008] a second tank, the second tank comprising a water storage chamber for storing water and a heating device for heating the water in the water storage chamber;

[0009] At least a portion of the first chamber is higher than the second chamber, and a connecting portion is provided between the accommodating chamber and the water storage chamber. Water heated by the heating device in the water storage chamber can flow into the accommodating chamber through the connecting portion to transfer heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure. At the same time, water flowing out of the accommodating chamber can flow into the water storage chamber through the connecting portion.

[0010] In some preferred embodiments, water flows naturally between the accommodating chamber and the water storage chamber.

[0011] In some preferred embodiments, the second bladder includes a water inlet and a water outlet, and the accommodating chamber includes an inlet and an outlet; water in the water storage chamber can flow out from the water outlet and flow into the accommodating chamber through the inlet, and water in the accommodating chamber can flow out from the outlet and flow into the water storage chamber through the water inlet.

[0012] In some preferred embodiments, the communication portion includes a first passage and a second passage, the first passage being used to connect the water outlet and the inlet; the second passage being used to connect the outlet and the inlet.

[0013] In some preferred embodiments, the first passage and the second passage are provided separately or coaxially.

[0014] In some preferred embodiments, the water inlet is provided with an inlet pipe, and the water outlet is provided with an outlet pipe. Along the height direction of the water heater, the water inlet end of the outlet pipe is located at the upper part of the first tank, and the water outlet end of the water inlet pipe is located at the lower part of the first tank.

[0015] In some preferred embodiments, along the height direction of the water heater, the water inlet is located below the water outlet.

[0016] In some preferred embodiments, along the height direction of the water heater, the inlet is located above the outlet.

[0017] In some preferred embodiments, along the height direction of the water heater, the heating device at least partially extends into the lower middle portion of the second tank.

[0018] In some preferred embodiments, the heat transfer structure is a heat exchange pipeline having the accommodating cavity; during the water use phase of the water heater, the water flowing in the heat exchange pipeline absorbs the heat in the phase change material and then outputs it.

[0019] In some preferred embodiments, the heat transfer structure includes a heat exchange pipeline and a box-shaped component, and the box-shaped component has the accommodating cavity; during the water use stage of the water heater, the water flowing in the heat exchange pipeline absorbs the heat in the phase change material and is output to the water use pipeline.

[0020] In some preferred embodiments, the heat transfer structure includes a heat exchange pipeline and a box-shaped component, the box-shaped component forms the accommodating cavity, and during the water use stage of the water heater, the heat exchange pipeline and the accommodating cavity of the box-shaped component are connected; the water flowing in the box-shaped component and the heat exchange pipeline absorbs the heat in the phase change material and then outputs it to the water use pipeline.

[0021] In some preferred embodiments, the heat exchange pipeline includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes, which extend along the length direction of the first tank, and at least some of the heat exchange tubes are connected in series through a first connecting structure; the first connecting structure is located inside or outside the first tank.

[0022] In some preferred embodiments, fins are further provided in the first tank, the fins are provided with openings, the heat exchange tubes and the box-shaped component are passed through the openings and are arranged in the fins, and the fins are in contact with the phase change material.

[0023] In some preferred embodiments, the box-shaped component extends along the height and length directions of the first bladder, and has a predetermined thickness along the width direction of the first bladder.

[0024] In some preferred embodiments, the first bladder includes a cylinder and end plates arranged at both ends of the cylinder, and the box-shaped component includes a first opening opposite to the end plate on one side of the cylinder and a second opening opposite to the end plate on the other side of the cylinder, and the first opening and the second opening are respectively closed by the end plates on both sides of the cylinder.

[0025] In some preferred embodiments, a plurality of the box-shaped components are provided, and at least two of the box-shaped components are connected via a second connecting structure.

[0026] In some preferred embodiments, a plurality of the box-shaped components are arranged along the width direction of the first bladder.

[0027] In some preferred embodiments, the second communication structure includes a connecting pipe arranged inside or outside the first vessel;

[0028] Alternatively, the second communicating structure is provided on the end plate.

[0029] In some preferred embodiments, the end plate is further provided with a connection port, the connection port being communicated with the interior of the box-shaped component;

[0030] Along the extension direction of the first bladder, the second connecting structure connects the connection ports of at least two of the box-shaped components on the outer side of the end plate.

[0031] In some preferred embodiments, the second communication structure includes an upper second communication structure and a lower second communication structure, and the connection port includes an upper connection port and a lower connection port;

[0032] Along the height direction of the first bladder, the upper second communicating structure is connected to the upper connecting ports of at least two of the box-shaped components near the upper portion of the box-shaped component, and the lower second communicating structure is connected to the lower connecting ports corresponding to any two of the box-shaped components near the lower portion of the box-shaped component.

[0033] In some preferred embodiments, the length direction of the first bladder is the same as or forms a certain angle with the length direction of the second bladder.

[0034] On the other hand, an embodiment of this specification provides a method for controlling a water heater, which is applied to a water heater provided by the above technical solution, and includes:

[0035] During the energy storage phase of the water heater, the heating device is controlled to be in an operating state to heat the water in the water storage chamber, so that the water in the water storage chamber heated by the heating device can flow into the accommodating chamber to transfer heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure, and at the same time, the water flowing out of the accommodating chamber can flow into the water storage chamber;

[0036] During the water use phase of the water heater, the water in the first tank heated by the phase change material and / or the water in the second tank heated by the heating device flows into the water use pipeline.

[0037] By adopting the above technical solution, the embodiment of this specification provides a water heater and a control method thereof, which only requires a heating device to heat the water in the second tank and store energy in the phase change material in the first tank, thereby reducing the cost of the water heater.

[0038] In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the embodiments of this specification more obvious and easy to understand, preferred embodiments are specifically cited below and described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0039] In order to more clearly illustrate the embodiments of this specification 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 this specification. For ordinary technicians in this field, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without paying any creative work.

[0040] Figure 1 A first structural schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0041] Figure 2 A second structural schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0042] Figure 3 A third structural schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0043] Figure 4 A fourth structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0044] Figure 5 A fifth structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0045] Figure 6A sixth structural diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this specification is shown;

[0046] Figure 7 shows a seventh structural schematic diagram of a water heater provided in an embodiment of this specification;

[0047] Figure 8 shows a schematic structural diagram of the fin;

[0048] Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the explosion of the first gallbladder is shown;

[0049] Figure 10 A schematic diagram of a partial explosion of the first gallbladder is shown;

[0050] Figure 11 A first structural schematic diagram of the water heater is shown when the heat exchange pipe is not connected to the box-shaped component;

[0051] Figure 12 A second structural schematic diagram of the water heater is shown when the heat exchange pipe is not connected to the box-shaped component;

[0052] Figure 13 A first structural schematic diagram of the water heater is shown when the heat exchange pipe is connected to the box-shaped component;

[0053] Figure 14 A second structural schematic diagram of the water heater is shown when the heat exchange pipe is connected to the box-shaped component;

[0054] Figure 15 shows a first schematic diagram of communication between a plurality of box-shaped components;

[0055] Figure 16 shows a second schematic diagram of communication between a plurality of box-shaped components;

[0056] Figure 17 The following is a schematic diagram showing the steps of a water heater control method provided in an embodiment of this specification.

[0057] 10. First courage;

[0058] 11. Import;

[0059] 12. Export;

[0060] 13. Cylinder;

[0061] 14. End plate;

[0062] 15. Support plate;

[0063] 16. Connection port;

[0064] 161, 161a, 161b, 161c, upper connection port;

[0065] 162, 162a, 162b, 163c, lower side connection port;

[0066] 20. The second courage;

[0067] 21. Water inlet;

[0068] 22. Water outlet;

[0069] 23. Water inlet pipe;

[0070] 231, water outlet;

[0071] 24. Water outlet pipe;

[0072] 241, water inlet;

[0073] 30. Heating device;

[0074] 41. First access;

[0075] 42. Second passage;

[0076] 50. Heat exchange pipeline;

[0077] 51. Heat exchange tube;

[0078] 52. A first communication structure;

[0079] 60, 61a, 60b, 60c, box-shaped component;

[0080] 61. First exposure;

[0081] 62. Second connecting structure;

[0082] 621, upper second connecting structure;

[0083] 622, lower second connecting structure;

[0084] 70, fins;

[0085] 71. Open the hole. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0086] The following will be combined with the drawings in the embodiments of this specification to clearly and completely describe the technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification. Obviously, the embodiments described are only part of the embodiments of this specification, not all of the embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making any creative efforts are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0087] It should be noted that the terms "first," "second," and the like in this specification, the claims, and 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 of this specification described herein can be implemented in an order other than those illustrated or described herein. In addition, the terms "including" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusions. For example, a process, method, apparatus, product, or device comprising 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 such processes, methods, products, or devices.

[0088] To solve the above problems, the embodiments of this specification provide a water heater and a control method thereof, which can solve the problem that existing phase change water heaters require additional heating rods, resulting in a relatively high cost of the entire water heater. Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a water heater provided in the embodiment of this specification. Figure 1 As shown, the water heater may include:

[0089] A first bladder 10, wherein the first bladder 10 is filled with a phase change material and a heat transfer structure is provided in the first bladder 10, wherein the heat transfer structure has a receiving cavity and is in contact with the phase change material;

[0090] The second container 20 includes a water storage chamber for storing water and a heating device 30 for heating the water in the water storage chamber;

[0091] At least a portion of the first chamber 10 is higher than the second chamber 20. A connecting portion is provided between the accommodating chamber and the water storage chamber. Water heated by the heating device 30 in the water storage chamber can flow into the accommodating chamber through the connecting portion to transfer heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure. At the same time, water flowing out of the accommodating chamber can flow into the water storage chamber through the connecting portion.

[0092] In the water heater provided in the embodiments of this specification, the first vessel 10 is a phase change vessel. The phase change material filled in the first vessel 10 is a material that changes state. When the phase change material changes from solid to liquid, it absorbs heat and stores energy; when the phase change material changes from liquid to solid, it releases energy. The second vessel is a water vessel, and the water stored in its water storage chamber can be heated by the heating device 30.

[0093] In the embodiments of this specification, Figure 1In the height direction of the water heater indicated by the middle arrow H, at least part of the first tank 10 is higher than the second tank 20. After the water in the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 is heated by the heating device 30, it expands due to the heat and will flow upward and flow into the heat transfer structure of the first tank 10 through the connecting portion, thereby transferring heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure, causing the phase change material to absorb heat and store energy. At the same time, the water originally in the heat transfer structure, because its temperature is lower than the water in the water storage chamber heated by the heating device 30, will flow downward and flow back through the connecting portion to the water storage chamber of the second tank 20, thereby being heated by the heating device. Ultimately, the water in both the first tank 10 and the second tank 20 is heated. Therefore, the water heater provided in the embodiment of this specification only needs to be provided with one heating device 30 to heat the water in the second tank 20 and store energy in the phase change material in the first tank 10, which can reduce the number of heating devices and reduce the cost of the water heater.

[0094] It should be noted that, in the embodiment of this specification, the water heated by the heating device 30 in the second vessel 20 flows into the first vessel 10 and the water with a lower temperature in the first vessel 10 flows into the second vessel 20, and both are carried out simultaneously.

[0095] In the embodiment of this specification, water flows naturally between the accommodating cavity and the water storage cavity.

[0096] Specifically, in the water heater provided in the embodiments of this specification, the flow of water between the receiving chamber and the water storage chamber does not require a water pump. Instead, it relies on a thermal cycle naturally generated by the height difference between the first liner receiving chamber and the second liner water storage chamber, as well as the temperature difference between the water in the first liner receiving chamber and the second liner water storage chamber. Consequently, the water heater provided in the embodiments of this specification does not require a water pump, further reducing the cost of the water heater.

[0097] like Figure 1 As shown, in the embodiment of this specification, the second bladder 20 includes a water inlet 21 and a water outlet 22, and the accommodating chamber includes an inlet 11 and an outlet 12; the water in the water storage chamber can flow out from the water outlet 22 and flow into the accommodating chamber through the inlet 11, and the water in the accommodating chamber can flow out from the outlet 12 and flow into the water storage chamber through the water inlet 21.

[0098] In a specific embodiment, the water heater further includes a first switching device and a second switching device (not shown in the figure);

[0099] The first switching device is used to connect the water inlet 21 to the water supply pipeline and the outlet 12 respectively;

[0100] The second switching device is used to connect the water outlet 22 to the water pipe and the inlet 11 respectively.

[0101] Therefore, the cooler water flowing into the second chamber can come from the water supply line or the first chamber. The water heated by the heating device in the second chamber can flow into the first chamber to transfer heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure, allowing the phase change material to absorb heat and store energy; or it can flow directly into the water pipe for user use.

[0102] The first switching device can adjust the flow of water from the water supply pipeline and from the outlet 12 to the water inlet 21; the second switching device can adjust the flow of water from the water outlet 22 to the water supply pipeline and to the inlet 11.

[0103] When the water heater is in the energy storage stage of the phase change material, the first switching device can adjust the flow from the water supply pipe to the water inlet 21 to zero, and the second switching device can adjust the flow from the water outlet 22 to the water pipe to zero, so that the water with lower temperature flowing to the water inlet comes entirely from the accommodating cavity of the first tank, and the water heated by the heating device in the second tank flows entirely to the accommodating cavity of the first tank, so as to transfer heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure.

[0104] When the water heater is in the water use stage, the first switching device can adjust the flow from the outlet 12 to the water inlet 21 to zero, and the second switching device can adjust the flow from the water outlet 22 to the inlet 11 to zero, so that the heating device in the second tank heats the water from the water supply pipeline, so that the water heated by the heating device in the second tank and / or the water heated by the phase change material in the first tank releasing heat energy can be output to the water use pipeline, which is conducive to increasing the hot water output.

[0105] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the communication portion includes a first passage 41 and a second passage 42 . The first passage 41 is used to connect the water outlet 22 and the inlet 11 ; the second passage 42 is used to connect the outlet 12 and the water inlet 21 .

[0106] That is, the water in the water storage chamber heated by the heating device 30 flows out from the water outlet 22 of the water storage chamber and flows into the accommodating chamber from the inlet 11 through the first passage 41; the water with a lower temperature in the accommodating chamber flows out from the outlet 12 of the accommodating chamber and flows into the water storage chamber from the water inlet 21 through the second passage 42.

[0107] In some feasible embodiments, the first passage 41 and the second passage 42 are separately provided (eg Figure 1 、 Figures 3 to 7 as shown) or coaxial setup (as Figure 2 shown).

[0108] The coaxial arrangement means that at least a portion of the second passage 42 is nested within the first passage 41, and the water outlet 22 of the water storage chamber of the second bladder 20 is located in the gap between the walls of the first passage 41 and the second passage 42. By coaxially arranging the first and second passages 41, 42, the piping can be simplified and the space occupied by the piping within the water storage chamber can be reduced.

[0109] In a possible embodiment, Figure 1 As shown, the water inlet 21 is provided with a water inlet pipe 23, and the water outlet 22 is provided with a water outlet pipe 24. Along the height direction of the water heater, the water inlet end 241 of the water outlet pipe 24 is located at the upper part of the first tank 10, and the water outlet end 231 of the water inlet pipe 23 is located at the lower part of the first tank 10.

[0110] Under the action of the heating device 30, the water in the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 is heated and flows toward the upper part of the water storage chamber, while the water with a lower temperature flows toward the lower part of the water storage chamber. As a result, the water temperature near the upper part of the water storage chamber is higher than the water temperature near the lower part of the water storage chamber.

[0111] When water is introduced into the water storage chamber of the second liner 20, the incoming water will be injected into the lower part of the second liner 20 along the water outlet end 231 of the water inlet pipe 23. Since the incoming water is the water in the first liner and / or the water in the water supply pipeline, the temperature is relatively low. After being injected into the lower part of the water storage chamber along the water outlet end 231 of the water inlet pipe 23, it will merge with the water in the water storage chamber, which can reduce the disturbance caused by the lower temperature of the incoming water to the higher temperature water in the upper part of the water storage chamber.

[0112] When water is discharged from the water storage chamber of the second liner 20, since the water inlet end 241 of the water outlet pipe 24 is located at the upper part of the water storage chamber, the water heated by the heating device near the upper part of the water storage chamber can easily flow out of the water outlet pipe 24, thereby outputting water with more thermal energy and higher temperature to the accommodating chamber of the first liner 10 and / or supplying it to the user, which is beneficial to improving the energy storage efficiency of the phase change material and increasing the water temperature, thereby improving the user's water experience.

[0113] Furthermore, in the water heater provided in this embodiment, along the height direction of the water heater, the inlet 11 is located above the outlet 12 .

[0114] Thus, the water with a lower temperature in the heat transfer structure of the first bladder 10 will flow toward the lower part of the heat transfer structure and easily flow out from the outlet 12 near the lower part of the first bladder; while the water with a higher temperature in the heat transfer structure will flow toward the lower part of the first bladder 10 and transfer the heat of the higher temperature water to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure, causing the phase change material to store energy.

[0115] In another possible embodiment, Figure 2As shown, along the height direction of the water heater, the water inlet 21 is located below the water outlet 22.

[0116] That is, in the water heater provided in this embodiment, it is only necessary to ensure that the water inlet 21 connected to the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 is located below the water outlet 22, so that the water flowing into the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 through the water inlet 21 is combined with the water originally located in the lower part of the water storage chamber, and the water with a higher temperature located in the upper part of the water storage chamber can easily flow out through the water outlet 22; therefore, there is no need to provide pipes connecting the water inlet and the water outlet, which can reduce the installation cost of the water inlet and water outlet pipes in the second tank.

[0117] In this embodiment, along the height of the water heater, the inlet 11 is located above the outlet 12. This allows the cooler water in the heat transfer structure's accommodating chamber to easily flow out of the outlet 12 located at the lower portion of the accommodating chamber into the second tank water storage chamber. Meanwhile, the warmer water from the second tank water storage chamber flows toward the lower portion of the accommodating chamber. This creates a water circulation system within the first tank accommodating chamber and the second tank water storage chamber, transferring heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure.

[0118] Furthermore, if Figures 1 to 7 As shown, along the height direction of the water heater, the heating device 30 at least partially extends into the middle and lower part of the second tank 20.

[0119] In the present application, the water in the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 is heated by the heating device 30 and expands due to the heat, and will flow to the upper part of the water storage chamber; and the water with a lower temperature is driven to flow to the lower part of the water storage chamber, and then heated by the heating device, which is beneficial to improve the heating efficiency of the heating device for the water in the water storage chamber.

[0120] like Figures 1 to 3 As shown, in a specific embodiment, the heat transfer structure is a heat exchange pipe 50, and the heat exchange pipe 50 has the accommodating cavity; during the water use stage of the water heater, the water flowing in the heat exchange pipe 50 absorbs the heat in the phase change material and then outputs it.

[0121] At this time, the inlet and outlet of the accommodating chamber are the inlet and outlet of the heat exchange pipeline (such as Figures 1 to 3 shown).

[0122] During the water heater's energy storage phase, the heating device 30 heats the water in the water storage chamber of the second vessel 20. The heated water flows upward and into the heat exchange pipe 50 of the first vessel 10. The water flowing into the heat exchange pipe 50 transfers heat through the pipe wall to the phase change material, causing it to absorb heat and store energy. During the water heater's water use phase, the phase change material releases heat energy to heat the water in the heat exchange pipe 50. The heated water is then output to the water pipe for consumption.

[0123] In some feasible embodiments, the heat exchange pipe 50 can be a U-shaped pipe (such as Figure 3 shown).

[0124] In other feasible embodiments, the heat exchange pipeline 50 includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes 51, and the plurality of heat exchange tubes 51 extend along the length direction of the first tank 10, and at least part of the heat exchange tubes 51 are connected in series by bending end to end through the first connecting structure 52 (such as Figure 1 shown).

[0125] By connecting multiple heat exchange tubes 51 end to end in the first tank 10, the length of the heat exchange tube 50 can be increased, thereby increasing the storage capacity of the water to be heated circulating in the heat exchange tube 50, and increasing the heat exchange contact area between the heat exchange tube 50 and the phase change material, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the thermal energy stored in the phase change material and improving the heating efficiency of the phase change material for the water to be heated circulating in the heat exchange tube 50.

[0126] Furthermore, the first connecting structure 52 is located inside the first bladder 10 (eg Figure 1 as shown) or located outside the first gallbladder 10 (as shown) Figure 9 shown).

[0127] When the first connecting structure 52 is located inside the first container 10 , the first connecting structure 52 may be a U-shaped connecting pipe; when the first connecting structure 52 is located outside the first container 10 , the first connecting structure 52 may be a water collecting box.

[0128] like Figure 9 As shown, when the first connecting structure 52 is located outside the first bladder, the heat exchange tubes in the first bladder 10 can be arranged up to the two ends of the first bladder 10, which is beneficial to increase the length of the heat exchange tubes, thereby increasing the storage capacity of the heat exchange tubes and increasing the heat exchange contact area between the heat exchange tubes and the phase change material; and, since the heat exchange tubes in the first bladder can be arranged up to the two ends of the first bladder, the phase change material located at the ends of the first bladder can also be fully utilized, thereby improving the utilization rate of the heat storage performance of the phase change material.

[0129] like Figure 2 As shown, a fin 70 is further provided in the first bladder 10 . The fin 70 is provided with an opening. The heat exchange tube 51 passes through the opening and is provided in the fin 70 . The fin 70 is in contact with the phase change material.

[0130] During the water heater's energy storage phase, the fins 70 transfer heat from the water flowing through the heat exchange piping 50 to the phase change material in contact with the fins 70, thereby improving the energy storage efficiency of the phase change material within the first tank 10 and the uniformity of the temperature rise during energy storage. During the water heater's water use phase, the phase change material releases heat energy to heat the water flowing through the heat exchange piping 50. The fins 70 transfer this heat energy from the phase change material to the heat exchange piping 50, thereby increasing the heating rate of the water in the heat exchange piping and increasing the amount of hot water output.

[0131] Furthermore, when the first connecting structure 52 is located outside the first bladder 10, the fins 70 can be arranged along the heat exchange tube 51 to both ends of the first bladder, thereby making fuller use of the energy storage and release properties of the phase change material located at both ends of the first bladder 10 and improving the heat exchange efficiency.

[0132] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in another specific embodiment, the heat transfer structure includes a heat exchange pipeline 50 and a box-shaped component 60, and the box-shaped component 60 has the accommodating cavity. In the water heater stage, the water flowing in the heat exchange pipeline 50 absorbs the heat in the phase change material and then outputs it to the water use pipeline.

[0133] That is, in the water heater provided in this embodiment, the heat exchange pipe 50 and the box-shaped component 60 may not be connected; in this case, the inlet and outlet included in the accommodating cavity are the inlet 11 and outlet 12 of the box-shaped component 60 (such as Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown), the water inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline can be directly connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet end of the heat exchange pipeline can be directly connected to the water supply pipeline.

[0134] During the water heater's energy storage phase, the water in the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 is heated by the heating device 30, causing it to expand and flow upward through the first passage 41 into the box-shaped component 60 within the first tank 10. This heat is then transferred to the phase-change material in contact with the box-shaped component 60, causing the phase-change material to absorb heat and store energy. Simultaneously, the water originally in the box-shaped component 60, because its temperature is lower than the water in the water storage chamber being heated by the heating device, flows downward through the second passage 42 into the water storage chamber of the second tank 20, where it is further heated by the heating device.

[0135] During the water heater's usage phase, the phase change material releases heat energy to heat the water in the heat exchange pipe 50. The water in the heat exchange pipe 50 absorbs the heat from the phase change material and is then transferred to the water pipe for user use. Furthermore, the water in the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 and the water in the box-shaped component 60, after being heated by the heating device, can also be transferred to the water pipe for user use, thereby increasing the water output of the water heater.

[0136] In some feasible embodiments, the heat exchange pipeline can be a U-shaped pipeline (not shown in the figure).

[0137] In other feasible embodiments, the heat exchange pipeline 50 may also include multiple heat exchange tubes 51, multiple heat exchange tubes 51 extend along the length direction of the first tank 10, and at least part of the heat exchange tubes 51 are connected in series by bending end to end through the first connecting structure 52 (such as Figure 5 shown).

[0138] When the heat exchange pipeline 50 is formed by multiple heat exchange tubes 51 connected in series, the length of the heat exchange pipeline 50 can be increased, thereby increasing the storage capacity of water to be heated flowing in the heat exchange pipeline 50, and increasing the heat exchange contact area between the heat exchange pipeline 50 and the phase change material, thereby improving the utilization efficiency of the thermal energy stored in the phase change material and improving the heating efficiency of the phase change material on the water to be heated flowing in the heat exchange pipeline 50.

[0139] The first connecting structure 52 may be located inside the first bladder 10 (eg Figure 5 As shown), or the first communication structure 52 may be located outside the first gallbladder 10 (as shown Figure 9 shown).

[0140] like Figure 9 As shown, when the first connecting structure 52 is located outside the first bladder, the heat exchange tubes in the first bladder 10 can be arranged up to the two ends of the first bladder 10, which is beneficial to increase the length of the heat exchange tubes, thereby increasing the storage capacity of the heat exchange tubes and increasing the heat exchange contact area between the heat exchange tubes and the phase change material; and, since the heat exchange tubes in the first bladder can be arranged up to the two ends of the first bladder, the phase change material located at the ends of the first bladder can also be fully utilized, thereby improving the utilization rate of the heat storage performance of the phase change material.

[0141] In the embodiment of this specification, the box-shaped member 60 is a closed structure. Water flowing through the box-shaped member will not leak into the phase change material in the first bladder. The box-shaped member 60 extends along the height and length of the first bladder 10 and has a predetermined thickness along the width of the first bladder 10.

[0142] The length direction is Figure 4 Neutralization Figure 9 The direction indicated by the arrow L in the middle, the width direction is as follows Figure 4 Neutralization Figure 9 The direction indicated by the arrow W.

[0143] The box-shaped member 60 extends along the height and length of the first liner 10, facilitating heat transfer from water flowing within the box-shaped member 60 to the phase change material at various locations within the first liner. The predetermined thickness of the box-shaped member 60 along the width of the first liner 10 indicates that the water-flowing cavity within the box-shaped member 60 has a certain thickness, thereby accommodating a certain volume of water and ensuring a heat exchange effect on the phase change material.

[0144] like Figure 4 As shown, the first bladder is further provided with fins 70, and the fins are provided with openings 71 (as shown in FIG. Figure 8 As shown), the heat exchange tube 51 and the box-shaped component 60 are passed through the fin 70 from the opening 71 (the shapes of the openings for the heat exchange tube and the box-shaped component to pass through are different), and the fin 70 is in contact with the phase change material.

[0145] During the water heater's energy storage phase, the fins 70 transfer heat from the water flowing through the box-shaped component 60 to the phase change material in contact with the fins 70, thereby improving the energy storage efficiency of the phase change material within the first tank 10 and the uniformity of the temperature rise during energy storage. During the water heater's water use phase, the phase change material releases heat energy to heat the water flowing through the heat exchange pipe 50. The fins 70 transfer the heat energy from the phase change material to the heat exchange pipe 50, thereby increasing the heating rate of the water in the heat exchange pipe and increasing the amount of hot water output.

[0146] like Figure 4 The water heater shown and Figure 5 The difference between the illustrated water heaters lies in the relative positions of the water inlet 21 and the water outlet 22 on the body of the second tank 20. In other words, in the embodiment of this specification, it is only necessary to ensure that the outlet end 231 of the water inlet pipe 23 is located at the lower portion of the second tank 20, and the water inlet end 241 of the water outlet pipe 24 is located at the upper portion of the second tank 20.

[0147] like Figure 6 and Figure 7 As shown, in another feasible embodiment, the heat transfer structure includes a heat exchange pipeline 50 and a box-shaped component 60, the box-shaped component 60 forms the accommodating cavity, and the heat exchange pipeline 50 and the accommodating cavity of the box-shaped component 60 are connected; during the water use stage of the water heater, the water flowing in the box-shaped component 60 and the heat exchange pipeline 50 absorbs the heat of the phase change material and then outputs it to the water use pipeline.

[0148] At this time, the heat exchange pipe 50 is connected to the accommodating cavity of the box-shaped component 60, and the inlet and outlet of the accommodating cavity are the inlet 11 and outlet 12 of the box-shaped component 60 respectively (as shown in FIG. Figure 6 and Figure 7As shown). During the energy storage stage of the water heater, the water in the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 is heated by the heating device 30 and expands due to the heat. It will flow upward and flow into the box-shaped component 60 in the first tank 10 through the first passage 41. The heat is transferred to the phase change material through the shell of the box-shaped component 60, causing the phase change material to absorb heat and store energy. At the same time, the water originally in the box-shaped component 60 will flow downward due to its lower temperature and flow into the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 through the second passage 42, and then be heated by the heating device 30. In other words, during the energy storage stage of the water heater, the box-shaped component 60 can exchange heat with the phase change material located at different positions in the first tank 10, which is conducive to improving the uniformity of the temperature increase of the phase change material at different positions in the first tank when storing energy.

[0149] During the water use stage of the water heater, the phase change material releases heat energy, and the water in the heat exchange pipe 50 and the water in the box-shaped component 60 absorb the heat energy of the phase change material and then output it; since the heat exchange pipe 50 is connected to the box-shaped component 60, the water in the heat exchange pipe 50 and the water in the box-shaped component 60 can both be output for user use, thereby greatly improving the water outlet temperature of the water heater and increasing the hot water output.

[0150] In some feasible embodiments, the heat exchange pipeline 50 may be a U-shaped pipeline.

[0151] In other feasible embodiments, the heat exchange pipeline 50 may also include multiple heat exchange tubes 51 (such as Figure 7 As shown), multiple heat exchange tubes 51 extend along the length direction of the first bile 10, and at least some of the heat exchange tubes 51 are connected in series by bending end to end through a first connecting structure 52, and the first connecting structure 52 is located inside or outside the first bile 10.

[0152] like Figure 7 As shown, the box-shaped component 60 extends along the height and length direction of the first bladder 10 , and the box-shaped component 60 has a predetermined thickness along the width direction of the first bladder 10 .

[0153] The length direction is Figure 7 and Figure 9 The direction indicated by the arrow L in the middle, the width direction is as follows Figure 7 and Figure 9The box-shaped member 60 extends along the height and length of the first liner 10, facilitating heat transfer from water flowing through the box-shaped member 60 to the phase change material at various locations within the first liner 10 and facilitating the placement of the box-shaped member 60 and the heat exchange tubes 51 within the first liner. The box-shaped member 60 has a predetermined thickness along the width of the first liner 10, allowing it to accommodate a certain volume of water and thereby ensuring effective heat exchange between the box-shaped member 60 and the phase change material.

[0154] The first bladder 10 is further provided with fins 70 (such as Figure 7 As shown), the fin 70 is provided with an opening 71 (as shown Figure 8 As shown in FIG. 1 , the heat exchange tube 51 and the box-shaped component 60 are passed through the opening 71 and arranged on the fin 70 , and the fin 70 is in contact with the phase change material.

[0155] During the water heater's energy storage phase, the fins 70 transfer heat from the water flowing through the box-shaped component 60 to the phase change material in contact with the fins 70, thereby increasing the energy storage rate of the phase change material within the first tank 10 and the uniformity of the temperature rise during energy storage. During the water heater's water use phase, the phase change material releases heat energy to heat the water flowing through the heat exchange piping 50. The fins 70 transfer the heat energy of the phase change material to the heat exchange piping 50 and the box-shaped component 60, thereby increasing the heating rate of the water in the heat exchange piping and the box-shaped component and increasing the amount of hot water output.

[0156] Figure 6 The water heater shown and Figure 7 The difference between the water heaters shown is that the relative positions of the water inlet 21 and the water outlet 22 on the body of the second tank 20 are different.

[0157] like Figure 9 and Figure 10 As shown, in a feasible embodiment, the first bladder 10 includes a cylinder 13 and end plates 14 arranged at both ends of the cylinder 13, and the box-shaped component 60 includes a first opening 61 (as shown in FIG. Figure 10 As shown) and a second opening opposite to the end plate 14 on the other side of the cylinder 13, the first opening 61 and the second opening are respectively closed by the end plates 14 on both sides of the cylinder 13.

[0158] Furthermore, the first bladder 10 further includes support plates 15 provided at both ends of the cylinder 13 , and the support plates 15 are located inside the end plates 14 on the same side.

[0159] When the box-shaped component 60 is not connected to the heat exchange pipeline 50, the first opening 61 of the box-shaped component 60 passes through the support plate 15 on one side and is then sealed by the end plate 14 on that side. The second opening of the box-shaped component 60 passes through the support plate 15 on the other side of the first bladder 10 and is then sealed by the end plate on the other side. In this case, the box-shaped component 60 has the accommodating cavity, and the inlet and outlet of the accommodating cavity can be located at the opening of the box-shaped component 60 that is sealed by the end plate.

[0160] When the box-shaped component 60 is in communication with the heat exchange pipeline 50, at least a portion of the heat exchange tubes 51 in the heat exchange pipeline can communicate with the box-shaped component 60 via a third communication structure, which can be a convex bump provided on the end plate 14. After the first opening 61 of the box-shaped component 60 passes through the support plate 15 on one side, a portion of the first opening 61 is covered by the convex bump on the end plate 14 on the same side, thereby communicating with a heat exchange tube in the heat exchange pipeline. The remaining portion of the first opening 61 is sealed by the end plate 14 on the same side. Similarly, after the second opening of the box-shaped component 60 passes through the support plate 15 on the other side of the first bladder, a portion of the second opening is covered by the convex bump on the same side, thereby communicating with another heat exchange tube in the heat exchange pipeline. The remaining portion of the second opening is sealed by the end plate 14 on the other side.

[0161] The convex bulge can be arranged on the outside of the end plate 14 along the extension direction of the cylinder 13. The heat exchange tube and the box-shaped component covered by the same convex bulge can realize the circulation of water; the convex bulge is convex outward and has a smooth surface transition, which is conducive to improving the smooth flow of water.

[0162] The heat exchange pipe 50 and the box-shaped component 60 are passed through the support plate 15. The support plate 15 is used to support the heat exchange pipe 50 and the box-shaped component 60, thereby preventing the heat exchange pipe 50 and the box-shaped component 60 from sagging and deforming under the influence of their own gravity inside the first liner, thereby avoiding adverse effects on the circulation of water in the heat exchange pipe 50 and the box-shaped component 60.

[0163] The box-shaped component 60 is provided with a plurality of (such as Figures 11 to 14 As shown), at least two of the box-shaped components 60 are connected through a second communication structure 62 (as shown Figures 15 and 16 shown) connected.

[0164] The plurality of box-shaped components 60 are arranged along the width direction of the first bladder 10 .

[0165] This facilitates the transfer of heat from the water heated by the heating device 30 in the second vessel 20 to the phase change material at different positions in the first vessel 10 via the multiple box-shaped components 60, thereby improving the uniformity of the temperature rise of the phase change material in the first vessel 10 and improving the energy storage efficiency of the phase change material.

[0166] In some feasible embodiments, the second communication structure 62 includes a connecting pipe disposed inside or outside the first bile 10;

[0167] In some other feasible embodiments, the second communication structure 62 is provided on the end plate 14 (eg Figure 9 and Figure 10 shown).

[0168] When the second connecting structure 62 is provided on the end plate 14, the length of each box-shaped component 60 along the longitudinal direction of the first bladder 10 can be made consistent with the length of the first bladder 10, which is beneficial to increase the volume of the box-shaped component 60, thereby increasing the storage capacity of hot water stored in the box-shaped component 60; at the same time, it can also increase the heat exchange contact area between the box-shaped component 60 and the phase change material, thereby fully utilizing the heat storage capacity of the phase change material located at both ends of the first bladder 10.

[0169] It should be noted that the second connecting structure 62 and the third connecting structure can be provided on the end plate 14 located on either side of the first bladder as required.

[0170] like Figures 11 to 14 As shown, the end plate 14 is further provided with a connection port 16, and the connection port 16 is communicated with the interior of the box-shaped component 60;

[0171] Along the extension direction of the first bladder 10 , the second connecting structure 62 connects the connection ports of at least two of the box-shaped components 60 on the outer side of the end plate 14 .

[0172] Thus, the water from the second water storage chamber heated by the heating device 30 can circulate in the plurality of box-shaped components 60 to transfer heat to the phase change material in contact with the box-shaped components.

[0173] Figure 11 and Figure 12 This is a structural diagram of the water heater when the box-shaped component 60 is not connected to the heat exchange pipeline 50. The box-shaped component 60 has the aforementioned accommodating cavity. At this time, the water inlet end of the heat exchange pipeline 50 can be directly connected to the water supply pipeline, and the water outlet end of the heat exchange pipeline can be directly connected to the water supply pipeline.

[0174] During the water heater's energy storage phase, the water in the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 is heated by the heating device 30, causing it to expand and flow upward through the outlet pipe 24 and the first passage 41 into the box-shaped component 60 within the first tank 10. This heat is then transferred to the phase-change material in contact with the box-shaped component 60, causing the phase-change material to absorb heat and store energy. Simultaneously, the water originally in the box-shaped component 60, since its temperature is lower than the water heated by the heating device in the water storage chamber, flows downward through the second passage 42 and the water inlet pipe 23 into the water storage chamber of the second tank 20, where it is further heated by the heating device.

[0175] During the water use phase of the water heater, the phase change material releases heat energy to heat the water in the heat exchange pipe 50 , so that the water in the heat exchange pipe 50 absorbs the heat of the phase change material and is output to the water pipe for use by the user.

[0176] like Figure 11 The water heater shown and Figure 12 The difference between the water heaters shown is that the positions of the connection ports of the lower second communication structure and the box-shaped components are different.

[0177] Figure 13 and Figure 14 1 is a schematic structural diagram of the water heater when the box-shaped component 60 is connected to the heat exchange pipe 50. The box-shaped component 60 has the accommodating cavity.

[0178] During the energy storage phase of the water heater, the water in the water storage chamber of the second tank 20 is heated by the heating device 30 and expands due to the heat. It will flow upward and flow through the water outlet pipe 24 and the first passage 41 into the middle box-shaped component of the three box-shaped components 60 in the first tank 10. The water flowing into the middle box-shaped component then flows through the second connecting structure into the box-shaped components on both sides. As a result, heat is transferred to the phase change material through the box-shaped component 60, causing the phase change material to absorb heat and store energy. In addition, because the box-shaped component is connected to the heat exchange pipeline, at least some of the water may be able to flow into the heat exchange pipeline. The water originally in the box-shaped component 60, due to its lower temperature, will flow downward and flow through the second passage 42 and the water inlet pipe 23 into the water storage chamber of the second tank 20, and then be heated by the heating device 30.

[0179] During the water use phase of the water heater, the phase change material releases heat energy. For example, the water from the second tank and / or the water from the water supply pipe can be heated from the Figure 13 and Figure 14Water enters the heat exchange tube at the lower right corner of the first tank, flows through the remaining heat exchange tubes in series along the direction indicated by the arrows, passes through the heat exchange tube at the lower left corner of the first tank, and then flows into the box-shaped component 60 on the left through the third connecting structure. It then flows into the box-shaped components in the middle and right through the second connecting structure, and is finally output from the upper part of the middle box-shaped component to the water pipe for user use. Water flowing through the heat exchange tube and box-shaped component absorbs the thermal energy of the phase change material, thereby significantly increasing the outlet water temperature and hot water output of the water heater.

[0180] like Figure 15 As shown, the second communication structure 62 includes an upper second communication structure 621 and a lower second communication structure 622 , and the connection port 16 includes an upper connection port 161 and a lower connection port 162 ;

[0181] Along the height direction of the first bladder 10, the upper second connecting structure 621 is connected to the upper connecting ports 161 of at least two of the box-shaped parts 60 near the upper part of the box-shaped part 60, and the lower second connecting structure 622 is connected to the lower connecting ports 162 corresponding to any two of the box-shaped parts 60 near the lower part of the box-shaped part 60.

[0182] That is, water in any two box-shaped components 60 can flow through the upper second communication structure 621 and the lower second communication structure 622 connecting the two box-shaped components 60. After the water in the second container 20 is heated by the heating device and flows into any box-shaped component 60, it will flow through the upper second communication structure 621 to the other box-shaped components 60. The water in each box-shaped component 60, which was originally at a lower temperature, will flow to the lower part of the box-shaped component 60, be collected through the lower second communication structure 622, and then flow back into the water storage chamber of the second container 20.

[0183] It should be noted that the upper second communicating structure 621 and the lower second communicating structure 622 can be provided on the end plate 14 on either side of the first bladder 10 as required.

[0184] Along the height direction of the first bladder 10 , the heights of the upper connecting openings 161 of each box-shaped component 60 are different, and the heights of the lower connecting openings 162 of each box-shaped component are different.

[0185] In a preferred embodiment, three box-shaped components 60 are provided;

[0186] In a cross section perpendicular to the length of the first bladder 10, the three box-shaped components 60 may be distributed approximately axially symmetrically to improve the uniformity of heat exchange between the box-shaped components 60 and the phase change material at different locations within the first bladder 10. In other feasible embodiments, the box-shaped components 60 may be provided in other quantities. The number of box-shaped components 60 may be determined based on factors such as the space within the first bladder 10 and the thickness of the box-shaped components 60 along the width of the first bladder 10.

[0187] like Figure 15 As shown, the three box-shaped parts are respectively marked as 60a, 60b and 60c, and the height of the upper connecting port 161b of the box-shaped part 60b located in the middle among the three box-shaped parts 60 is higher than or equal to the height of the upper connecting ports (respectively marked as 161a and 161c) of the box-shaped parts 60a and 60c located on both sides among the three box-shaped parts 60;

[0188] The height of the lower connecting port 162b of the middle box-shaped part 60b is higher than the height of the lower connecting ports (respectively 162a and 162c) of the box-shaped parts 60a and 60c on both sides of the three box-shaped parts 60.

[0189] The water from the water storage chamber of the second bladder 20 will flow into the upper part of the box-shaped component 60b located in the middle through the first passage, and flow into the box-shaped component 60a located on the left and the box-shaped component 60c located on the right through the upper second communicating structure 621 connected to the upper connecting port 161b; the water in each box-shaped component 60a, 60b and 60c flows to the lower part of each box-shaped component; further, the water in the box-shaped component 60b located in the middle flows into the lower part of the box-shaped component 60a located on the left and / or the lower part of the box-shaped component 60c located on the right through the lower second communicating structure 622; finally, it flows back to the water storage chamber of the second bladder through the second passage connected to the lower connecting port 162a and the lower connecting port 162c (as shown in FIG. Figure 11 and Figure 13 shown).

[0190] In the embodiments of the present specification, by setting a height difference for the upper connecting port connecting each box-shaped component to the upper second connecting structure and setting a height difference for the lower connecting port connecting each box-shaped component to the lower second connecting structure, it is more conducive to the formation of heat circulation of water in multiple box-shaped components, which is conducive to improving the uniformity of the temperature of the water in the box-shaped components, thereby improving the heat exchange effect of the phase change material located at different positions in the first tank.

[0191] In another possible embodiment, Figure 16As shown, the height of the upper connecting port 161b of the middle box-shaped member 60b among the three box-shaped members 60 is higher than or equal to the height of the upper connecting ports (respectively denoted as 161a and 161c) of the box-shaped members 60a and 60c located on both sides of the three box-shaped members 60;

[0192] The height of the lower connecting port 162b of the middle box-shaped part 60b among the three box-shaped parts 60 is equal to the height of the lower connecting ports (respectively denoted as 162a and 162c) of the box-shaped parts 60a and 60c located on both sides among the three box-shaped parts 60.

[0193] The water from the water storage chamber of the second bladder 20 will flow into the upper part of the box-shaped component 60b located in the middle through the first passage, and flow into the box-shaped component 60a located on the left and the box-shaped component 60c located on the right through the upper second communicating structure 621 connected to the upper connecting port 161b; the water in each box-shaped component 60a, 60b and 60c flows to the lower part of each box-shaped component; further, the water in the box-shaped component 60a located on the left and the water in the box-shaped component 60c located on the right flow into the lower part of the box-shaped component 60b located in the middle through the lower second communicating structure 622; finally, it flows back to the water storage chamber of the second bladder through the second passage connected to the lower connecting port 162b (as shown in FIG. Figure 12 and Figure 14 shown).

[0194] In the embodiment of this specification, the length direction of the first bladder 10 is the same as or at a certain angle to the length direction of the second bladder 20.

[0195] Figure 17 This is a schematic diagram of the steps of a water heater control method provided in an embodiment of this specification. This specification provides the method operation steps described in the embodiment or flowchart, but more or fewer operation steps may be included based on routine or non-creative work. The order of steps listed in the embodiment is only one way of executing the steps among many steps and does not represent the only execution order. When the actual system or device product is executed, it can be executed in the order or in parallel according to the method shown in the embodiment or the accompanying drawings.

[0196] The method is applied to a water heater provided by the above technical solution, and the method comprises:

[0197] S1710: During the energy storage phase of the water heater, controlling the heating device to be in an operating state to heat the water in the water storage chamber, so that the water in the water storage chamber heated by the heating device can flow into the accommodating chamber to transfer heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure, and at the same time, the water flowing out of the accommodating chamber can flow into the water storage chamber;

[0198] S1720: During the water use phase of the water heater, the water in the first tank heated by the phase change material and / or the water in the second tank heated by the heating device flows to the water pipe.

[0199] The embodiment of this specification provides a control method for a water heater. During the energy storage stage of the water heater, the water in the second tank water storage chamber is heated by the heating device and expands due to the heat. It will flow upward and flow into the heat transfer structure of the first tank, thereby transferring heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure, causing the phase change material to absorb heat and store energy. At the same time, the water with a lower temperature originally in the heat transfer structure will flow downward and flow into the second tank water storage chamber, thereby being heated by the heating device. Ultimately, the water in the first tank holding chamber and the second tank water storage chamber is heated. Therefore, the water heater provided by the embodiment of this specification only needs to be provided with one heating device to heat the water in the first tank holding chamber and the water in the second tank water storage chamber, which can reduce the number of heating devices and reduce the cost of the water heater.

[0200] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this specification, the size of the serial numbers of the above-mentioned processes does not mean the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this specification.

[0201] It should also be understood that in the embodiments of this specification, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between associated objects, indicating that three possible relationships exist. For example, "A and / or B" can represent three situations: A exists alone, A and B exist simultaneously, and B exists alone. Furthermore, the character " / " in this specification generally indicates that the associated objects are in an "or" relationship.

[0202] In the embodiments of this specification, the term "essentially consisting of..." describing a combination should include the determined elements, ingredients, parts or steps and other elements, ingredients, parts or steps that do not substantially affect the basic novel features of the combination. The use of the terms "comprising" or "including" to describe the combination of elements, ingredients, parts or steps here also contemplates an embodiment that is essentially composed of these elements, ingredients, parts or steps. Here, by using the term "may", it is intended to illustrate that any attribute described that "may" include is optional. Multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, ingredient, part or step can be divided into separate multiple elements, ingredients, parts or steps. The disclosure "one" or "an" used to describe an element, ingredient, part or step is not meant to exclude other elements, ingredients, parts or steps.

[0203] Each embodiment in this specification is described in a progressive manner, and each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments. The same or similar parts between the various embodiments can be referred to each other. The above embodiments are only for illustrating the technical concept and features of the present invention. Its purpose is to enable people familiar with this technology to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and it cannot be used to limit the scope of protection of the present invention. Any equivalent changes or modifications made according to the spirit of the present invention should be included in the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that: The water heater comprises: a first chamber, wherein the first chamber is filled with a phase change material, a heat transfer structure is provided in the first chamber, the heat transfer structure has a receiving cavity, and the heat transfer structure is in contact with the phase change material; a second vessel, the second vessel comprising a water storage chamber for storing water and a heating device for heating the water in the water storage chamber; At least a portion of the first chamber is higher than the second chamber, and a connecting portion is provided between the accommodating chamber and the water storage chamber. Water heated by the heating device in the water storage chamber can flow into the accommodating chamber through the connecting portion to transfer heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure. At the same time, water flowing out of the accommodating chamber can flow into the water storage chamber through the connecting portion.

2. The water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that Water flows naturally between the accommodating chamber and the water storage chamber.

3. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein: The second bladder includes a water inlet and a water outlet, and the accommodating chamber includes an inlet and an outlet; water in the water storage chamber can flow out from the water outlet and flow into the accommodating chamber through the inlet, and water in the accommodating chamber can flow out from the outlet and flow into the water storage chamber through the water inlet.

4. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that The communication portion includes a first passage and a second passage, wherein the first passage is used to connect the water outlet and the inlet; and the second passage is used to connect the outlet and the water inlet.

5. The water heater according to claim 4, characterized in that The first passage and the second passage are provided separately or coaxially.

6. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that The water inlet is provided with an inlet pipe, and the water outlet is provided with an outlet pipe. Along the height direction of the water heater, the water inlet end of the outlet pipe is located at the upper part of the first tank, and the water outlet end of the water inlet pipe is located at the lower part of the first tank.

7. The water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that Along the height direction of the water heater, the water inlet is located below the water outlet.

8. The water heater according to claim 6 or 7, characterized in that: Along the height direction of the water heater, the inlet is located above the outlet.

9. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein: Along the height direction of the water heater, the heating device at least partially extends into the middle and lower part of the second tank.

10. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein The heat transfer structure is a heat exchange pipeline having the accommodating cavity. During the water use phase of the water heater, the water flowing in the heat exchange pipeline absorbs the heat in the phase change material and then outputs it.

11. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein The heat transfer structure includes a heat exchange pipeline and a box-shaped component, and the box-shaped component has the accommodating cavity. During the water use stage of the water heater, the water flowing in the heat exchange pipeline absorbs the heat in the phase change material and is then output to the water pipeline.

12. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein The heat transfer structure includes a heat exchange pipeline and a box-shaped component, the box-shaped component forms the accommodating cavity, and the heat exchange pipeline is connected to the accommodating cavity of the box-shaped component; during the water use stage of the water heater, the water flowing through the box-shaped component and the heat exchange pipeline absorbs the heat in the phase change material and then outputs it to the water use pipeline.

13. The water heater according to claim 10, 11 or 12, characterized in that: The heat exchange pipeline includes a plurality of heat exchange tubes, which extend along the length direction of the first tank, and at least some of the heat exchange tubes are connected in series through a first connecting structure; the first connecting structure is located inside or outside the first tank.

14. The water heater according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The first tank is further provided with a fin, the fin being provided with an opening, the heat exchange tube and the box-shaped component passing through the opening and being arranged on the fin, and the fin being in contact with the phase change material.

15. The water heater according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: The box-shaped component extends along the height and length directions of the first bladder, and has a predetermined thickness along the width direction of the first bladder.

16. The water heater according to claim 15, characterized in that The first bladder includes a cylinder and end plates arranged at both ends of the cylinder, and the box-shaped component includes a first opening opposite to the end plate on one side of the cylinder and a second opening opposite to the end plate on the other side of the cylinder, and the first opening and the second opening are respectively closed by the end plates on both sides of the cylinder.

17. The water heater according to claim 16, characterized in that There are multiple box-shaped components, and at least two of the box-shaped components are connected through a second communication structure.

18. The water heater according to claim 17, characterized in that The plurality of box-shaped components are arranged along the width direction of the first bladder.

19. The water heater according to claim 18, wherein The second communication structure includes a connecting pipe arranged inside or outside the first vessel; Alternatively, the second communicating structure is provided on the end plate.

20. The water heater according to claim 19, wherein The end plate is further provided with a connection port, which is communicated with the interior of the box-shaped component; Along the extension direction of the first bladder, the second connecting structure connects the connection ports of at least two of the box-shaped components on the outer side of the end plate.

21. The water heater according to claim 20, characterized in that The second communication structure includes an upper second communication structure and a lower second communication structure, and the connection port includes an upper connection port and a lower connection port; Along the height direction of the first bladder, the upper second communicating structure is connected to the upper connecting ports of at least two of the box-shaped components near the upper portion of the box-shaped component, and the lower second communicating structure is connected to the lower connecting ports corresponding to any two of the box-shaped components near the lower portion of the box-shaped component.

22. The water heater according to claim 1, wherein The length direction of the first bladder is the same as or at a certain angle to the length direction of the second bladder.

23. A method for controlling a water heater, characterized in that: The method is applied to the water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 22, and the method comprises: During the energy storage phase of the water heater, the heating device is controlled to be in an operating state to heat the water in the water storage chamber, so that the water in the water storage chamber heated by the heating device can flow into the accommodating chamber to transfer heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat transfer structure, and at the same time, the water flowing out of the accommodating chamber can flow into the water storage chamber; During the water use phase of the water heater, the water in the first tank heated by the phase change material and / or the water in the second tank heated by the heating device flows into the water use pipeline.

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