Control method of water heater and water heater

Abstract

The embodiment of the invention provides a control method of a water heater and the water heater. The control method comprises the steps that the actual working time length of a heating assembly of the water heater in the same preset time period of each day is obtained; for each day starting from the (n + 1) th day, on the basis of the actual working time ts of the heating assembly within the same preset time period of continuous n days from ending to before the day, the average working time is calculated, the predicted heating temperature Ty of the heating assembly on the day is determined on the basis of the average working time, and the predicted heating temperature Ty is in positive correlation with the average working time; and controlling the heating assembly to work based on the predicted heating temperature Ty of the day in the same preset time period of the day. Therefore, the water heater can determine the hot water use condition of the user in the preset time period every day based on the hot water taking condition of the user. Therefore, hot water conforming to use habits of users can be provided. Under the condition that hot water used by a user is reduced, the set temperature of the water heater can be reduced.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the field of water heaters, and more particularly to a water heater control method and a water heater using the control method. Background Art

[0002] As users demand more comfort and intelligence, the intelligent functions of electric water heaters are gradually becoming more and more widely used. In addition to providing hot water, modern electric water heaters also integrate temperature control, timer switch, leakage protection, dry-boiling protection, remote control and other functions.

[0003] Most water heaters on the market today have a water heating and insulation control function, which allows the water temperature to be maintained within a pre-set temperature range. When the temperature is lower than the temperature range, the water is automatically heated until the water temperature reaches the temperature range.

[0004] Such water heaters cannot automatically adjust the water temperature according to the user's water usage. When the user sets the water temperature high, the water heater may continue to heat the water at a lower temperature even when the user is not using hot water, wasting energy and generating scale. When the user sets the water temperature low, it is difficult to meet the user's hot water needs, resulting in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems.

[0006] The present invention provides a control method for a water heater, comprising: obtaining the actual working time of a heating component of the water heater in the same predetermined time period every day; and for each day starting from the n+1th day: calculating the actual working time t of the heating component in the same predetermined time period of n consecutive days up to the day before the day. s , calculate the average working hours Based on average working hours Determine the expected heating temperature T of the heating component on that day y , where the expected heating temperature T y Average working hours Positive correlation; and within the same predetermined period of the day, based on the expected heating temperature T y Controlling the operation of the heating component. This allows the water heater to determine the user's daily hot water usage during a predetermined time period based on the user's hot water usage. This allows the user's hot water usage during a predetermined time period in the coming day to be estimated, and the water heater's preset water temperature for that time period to be determined, thereby providing hot water that suits the user's usage habits. If the user's hot water usage decreases, the water heater's set temperature can be lowered, avoiding the waste of energy by repeatedly heating the water to a high temperature without the user using it.

[0007] For example, based on the average working hours Determine the expected heating temperature T of the heating component on that day y The steps include: Based on the average working hours Determine the expected working time t of the heating component for the day y , Where δ is the compensation coefficient; based on the expected working time t y , calculate the expected heating temperature T of the heating component on that day y Since the hot water in the water heater will gradually dissipate heat, the average working time is directly Determined expected heating temperature T y Setting a suitable compensation factor can ensure that the expected heating temperature T y Within a reasonable range.

[0008] Exemplarily, the method further comprises the following steps: for each day starting from the n+1th day: when t y >1.1 × t s When the compensation coefficient δ of that day is adjusted downward, the estimated working time t of the heating component for the next day is obtained. y The compensation coefficient δ; when t y <t s When the compensation coefficient δ of the day is adjusted upward, the estimated working time t of the heating component for the next day is obtained. y Therefore, when the user's hot water usage increases, the water temperature of the corresponding predetermined period is adjusted or maintained based on the compensation coefficient. This control is more reliable and has simple logic.

[0009] For example, the expected heating temperature T y Calculated by the following formula: Where: P is the power of the heating element; m is the mass of the water stored in the water heater; and T0 is the temperature of the ambient water. This determines the temperature that the water heater should be set to during a predetermined time period.

[0010] For example, within the same predetermined period of the day, based on the expected heating temperature T y The step of controlling the operation of the heating component specifically includes one or more of the following steps: when the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is higher than the upper limit, the heating component is controlled to work at the upper limit during the same predetermined period of the day; when the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is lower than the lower limit, the heating component is controlled not to work during the same predetermined period of the day; and when the expected heating temperature T yWhen the temperature is between the lower limit and the upper limit, the heating component is controlled to heat at the expected heating temperature T y For safety reasons, the design temperature limit of electric water heaters is generally not more than 75℃ to prevent the internal temperature from being too high and causing safety accidents. For water heaters, they do not have cooling function, so when the heating temperature T is expected to be y When the temperature is lower than the lower limit, the heating component is controlled not to heat.

[0011] For example, from day 1 to day n, the heating component operates when the water temperature in the water heater is below the upper temperature limit. This ensures that the water heater can provide hot water to the maximum extent possible, regardless of how the user accesses hot water. Furthermore, whenever the user accesses hot water, causing the water temperature to drop, the water heater immediately heats the water to the upper temperature limit. This determines the required operating time of the heating component within a predetermined daily time period, and thus the user's access to hot water. During subsequent use, the collected data can be used to determine the expected heating temperature within the predetermined daily time period, thereby reducing energy consumption while meeting the user's hot water needs.

[0012] For example, n is 7. Since the work and life conditions of a user are generally relatively stable during a week, determining the operating temperature of the water heater based on a 7-day cycle can make the water heater more intelligent and user-friendly.

[0013] For example, there are multiple predetermined time periods corresponding to multiple non-overlapping time periods each day, thereby enabling the water heater to more accurately control the temperature, achieve better energy-saving effects and provide hot water, and enhance user experience.

[0014] For example, the multiple time periods cover a continuous 24 hours. In this way, even if the time of the water heater controller is not synchronized with the real world time, it can be ensured that the water heater can provide appropriate hot water according to a fixed time period every day.

[0015] The present application also provides a water heater, comprising: a heat tank, which is used to store water; a heating component, which is used to heat the water in the heat tank; a temperature sensor, which is used to detect the water temperature in the heat tank; and a controller, which is used to execute the above-mentioned control method.

[0016] Exemplarily, the water heater includes a power storage device, which is used to supply power to the controller when the water heater is powered off, so as to save data related to the actual working time of the heating component.

[0017] The above description is only an overview of the technical solution of the present invention. In order to more clearly understand the technical means of the present invention, it can be implemented in accordance with the contents of the specification. In order to make the above and other purposes, features and advantages of the present invention more obvious and easy to understand, the specific implementation methods of the present invention are specifically listed below. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The above and other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent through a more detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are provided to provide a further understanding of the embodiments of the present invention and constitute a part of the specification. Together with the embodiments of the present invention, they are used to explain the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. In the drawings, the same reference numerals generally represent the same components or steps.

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic block diagram of a control method according to an embodiment of the present application is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 shows a schematic block diagram of a control method according to another embodiment of the present application;

[0021] Figure 3 A schematic block diagram of a control method according to another embodiment of the present application is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] In order to make the purpose, technical solutions and advantages of the present invention more apparent, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only a part of the embodiments of the present invention, rather than all the embodiments of the present invention, and it should be understood that the present invention is not limited to the exemplary embodiments described herein. Based on the embodiments of the present invention described in the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative work should fall within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] This application provides a control method for a water heater. The following will describe in detail the working process of an exemplary water heater to which the control method is applied. Figure 1 As shown, the control method includes:

[0024] Step S100: Obtaining the actual operating hours of the heating component of the water heater within the same predetermined time period each day; and for each day starting from the n+1th day, including:

[0025] Step S210: Based on the actual working time t of the heating component in the same predetermined period of n consecutive days up to the day before s , calculate the average working hours

[0026] Step S220: Based on the average working time Determine the expected heating temperature T of the heating component on that day y , where the expected heating temperature T y Average working hours positive correlation; and

[0027] Step S230: During the same predetermined period of the day, based on the expected heating temperature T y Control the operation of the heating component.

[0028] In some embodiments, the time of the water heater controller can be synchronized with the real-world time. Thus, the water heater can determine which time of the day the current time is. This time can be set when the water heater leaves the factory, or it can be determined when the user uses it for the first time, or it can be determined by any means such as connecting to the network. In these embodiments, the water heater controller can obtain the actual working time of the water heater's heating component within a predetermined time period, for example, from 8 am to 12 noon. Optionally, after the water heater is connected to a power source, the hot water can be heated to a certain temperature. When the user uses hot water, the water temperature will drop, and the controller can heat the water to this temperature like a conventional water heater. The controller can accumulate the working time of the heating component to determine the working time of the heating component within the predetermined time period.

[0029] Take n=7 and the scheduled time period from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm as an example for detailed description:

[0030] The controller can obtain the working time of the heating component from 8 am to 12 pm every day. At the beginning of the 8th day, the working time of the heating component based on the previous 7 days is t s Calculating average working hours And calculate the average working hours based on Determine the expected heating temperature T between 8:00 am and 12:00 pm on the 8th day. y0 It should be understood that if the user's life is relatively regular, then the more hot water is used during the first 7 days, the longer the working time of the heating component will be. s On the contrary, the less hot water is used during this period of 7 days, the working time of the heating component in these 7 days is t s The shorter the time. It can be estimated how much hot water is used during the period from 8 am to 12 pm on the 8th day. The heating temperature T y Average working hours Positive correlation. Determine the expected heating temperature T y After that, the heating component can be controlled to work from 8 am to 12 pm on the 8th day: the water is heated to the expected heating temperature T y0 , and when the water temperature is lower than the expected heating temperature Ty When the heating element is controlled, the water is reheated to the expected heating temperature T y During the period from 8:00 am to 12:00 pm on the 9th day, the working time of the heating components from the 2nd to the 8th day is t s Calculating average working hours Then determine the expected heating temperature T from 8 am to 12 pm on the 9th day y1 , and so on.

[0031] In some embodiments, the water heater may not need to synchronize the controller time with the real-world time. Specifically, the water heater may determine a predetermined time period after being connected to a power source. For example, if the water heater is powered on at 8 a.m., the controller may determine the predetermined time period as 8 a.m. to 12 p.m.; if the water heater is powered on at 10 p.m., the controller may determine the predetermined time period as 10 p.m. to 2 a.m. In these embodiments, the power-on time may be determined as the start time of the predetermined time period. Optionally, heating may begin after the water heater is powered on, and when the water temperature reaches a preset temperature, this point in time is determined as the start time of the predetermined time period. The start time of the next day's predetermined time period may be determined by counting 24 hours from the start time of the first day's predetermined time period.

[0032] In another embodiment, n=7, and there is a predetermined time period (A1, B1, ..., J1) every day as shown in the following table. The working time t of the heating component in n days is s A1 to G1, respectively, are used to determine the expected heating temperature T on the 8th day y1 Average working hours Estimated heating temperature T on the 8th day y1 At the end of the scheduled time period on the 8th day, the actual working time H1 of the heating component can be determined. y1 Average working hours Similarly, at the end of the scheduled time period on the 9th day, the actual operating time I1 of the heating component can be determined. y2 Average working hours

[0033] Day 1 the next day Day 3 Day 4 Day 5 Day 6 Day 7 A1 B1 C1 D1 E1 F1 G1 Day 8 Day 9 Day 10 H1 I1 J1

[0034] In another embodiment, n=7, and there are four predetermined time periods each day (A1, A2, A3, A4, B1, B2, B3, B4, ..., I1, I2, I3, I4) as shown in the following table: within n days, in the first predetermined time period, the working time t of the heating component sA1 to G1 respectively; in the second predetermined time period, the working time of the heating component is t s A2 to G2 respectively. Used to determine the expected heating temperature T in the first predetermined time period on the 8th day y1 Average working hours Used to determine the expected heating temperature T during the second predetermined time period on the 8th day y2 Average working hours At the end of the first scheduled time period on the 8th day, the actual working time H1 of the heating component can be determined. y3 Average working hours For determining the expected heating temperature T for the second predetermined time period on the 9th day y4 Average working hours

[0035] Used to determine the expected heating temperature T for the first predetermined time period on the 10th day y4 Average working hours Used to determine the expected heating temperature T on day 10 y5 Average working hours for the second scheduled period And so on.

[0036]

[0037] The data for n days must be continuous. Taking n=7 as an example, if no data is collected on a certain day during the 7 days, the data for the 7 days will be collected starting from the first day of continuous data collection. For example, if no data is collected on the third day, the data for the first three days will be invalidated, and the average working hours will be calculated based on the data collected from the fourth to the tenth day.

[0038] The water heater can thus determine the user's daily hot water usage during a predetermined time period based on the user's hot water usage. This can estimate the user's hot water usage during a predetermined time period in the coming day and determine the preset water temperature for the water heater during that time period, thereby providing hot water that suits the user's usage habits. If the user's hot water usage decreases, the water heater's set temperature can be lowered, avoiding the waste of energy by repeatedly heating the water to a high temperature without the user using it.

[0039] For example, n may be 7. Since the work and life conditions of a user are generally relatively stable during a week, determining the operating temperature of the water heater based on a 7-day cycle can make the water heater more intelligent and user-friendly.

[0040] For example, there may be multiple predetermined time periods corresponding to different times of day. Alternatively, a day may be divided into four time periods corresponding to morning, midday, afternoon, and evening. Alternatively, a day may be divided into three time periods: morning, noon, and evening, or into more or fewer time periods. This allows for more precise temperature control by the water heater, improved energy savings and hot water provision, and a better user experience.

[0041] For example, the multiple time periods may cover a continuous 24 hours, so that even if the time of the water heater controller is not synchronized with the real world time, it can be ensured that the water heater can provide appropriate hot water according to a fixed time period every day.

[0042] Take the example of dividing a day into four time periods. For example, the user's water usage habit is to use a small amount of hot water in the morning, no hot water in the afternoon, and a lot of hot water in the evening. The temperature of the heating module in the four predetermined time periods is set to: 30°C, 45°C, 30°C, and 70°C, so that different amounts of hot water can be provided in the corresponding time periods of each day. Compared with the traditional water heater with a fixed setting temperature of 65°C, the average insulation temperature of the water heater using the control method of the present application is (30+45+30+70) / 4=45°C. The inlet water temperature is calculated according to 15°C. The average insulation temperature difference of the traditional temperature setting method is 50°C per day, and the average insulation temperature difference of the present application is 30°C per day. According to Q=CM△T, it can be concluded that the self-temperature adjustment mode can theoretically save 40% of the insulation power consumption compared with the traditional temperature setting method.

[0043] For a 60L electric water heater with first-class energy efficiency, the heat preservation temperature of 65℃ for one day can be obtained according to the national standard formula.

[0044] Q=(0.015*60+0.8)*0.6=1.02kW*h. Theoretically, the insulation power consumption can be reduced to 0.612kW*h, which is more energy-saving. At the same time, during the peak water usage period, the set temperature is changed to 70℃, which can produce more hot water than 65℃, meeting the user's greater hot water demand.

[0045] like Figure 2 As shown, for example, based on the average working hours Determine the expected heating temperature T of the heating component on that day y The steps specifically include:

[0046] Step S222: Based on the average working time Determine the expected working time t of the heating component for the day y , Where δ is the compensation coefficient;

[0047] Step S223:

[0048] Based on the expected working time t y ,

[0049] Calculate the expected heating temperature T of the heating component on that day y

[0050] Since the hot water in the water heater will gradually dissipate the heat, it is directly calculated by the average working time. Determined expected heating temperature T y Setting a suitable compensation factor can ensure that the expected heating temperature T y Within a reasonable range.

[0051] like Figure 3 As shown, illustratively, the method further includes the following steps:

[0052] Step S221:

[0053] For each day starting from day n+1:

[0054] When t y >1.1×t s When the compensation coefficient δ of that day is adjusted downward, the

[0055] Used to determine the expected working time t of the heating component the next day y The compensation coefficient δ;

[0056] When t y <t s When the compensation coefficient δ of the day is adjusted upward, the compensation coefficient δ for determining

[0057] Estimated working time of the heating component the next day t y The compensation coefficient δ.

[0058] Therefore, when the user's hot water usage increases, the water temperature for the corresponding predetermined period is adjusted or maintained based on the compensation coefficient. This control is more reliable and the logic is simple.

[0059] For example, the expected heating temperature T y Calculated by the following formula:

[0060] Where P is the power of the heating component, m is the water storage mass of the water heater, and T0 is the temperature of the room temperature water. y The total heat generated during the expected operating time is divided by the specific heat capacity of water (4200 J / kg°C), and then divided by the mass of the water to determine the temperature at which the water can be raised. This determines the temperature that the water heater should be set to during the predetermined time period.

[0061] Water heaters have a maximum heating temperature limit. For storage-type electric water heaters, this setting range is typically between 30°C and 75°C. This is because the heating temperature of an electric water heater is affected by multiple factors, including the inner tank material and insulation performance. For safety reasons, the design temperature limit for electric water heaters is generally not higher than 75°C to prevent accidents caused by excessive internal temperatures.

[0062] For example, within the same predetermined period of the day, based on the expected heating temperature T y The step of controlling the operation of the heating component specifically includes one or more of the following steps:

[0063] When the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is higher than the upper temperature limit, the heating component is controlled to operate at the upper temperature limit during the same predetermined period of the day;

[0064] When the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is lower than the lower limit, the heating component is controlled not to work during the same predetermined period of time on that day; and

[0065] When the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is between the lower limit and the upper limit, the heating component is controlled to heat at the expected heating temperature T y Work.

[0066] Therefore, at the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is higher than the upper limit, the heating component can be controlled to stop heating when the water temperature reaches the upper limit. In addition, when the water temperature is lower than the upper limit, the heating component is controlled to heat the water to the upper limit. For the water heater, it does not have a cooling function, so when the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is lower than the lower limit, the heating component is controlled not to heat. y When the temperature is between the lower limit and the upper limit, the water temperature can be heated to the expected heating temperature T in the heating component. y When the water temperature is lower than the expected heating temperature T y Under the condition of controlling the heating component, the water temperature is heated to the expected heating temperature T y .

[0067] For example, from day 1 to day n, the heating component operates when the water temperature in the water heater is below the upper temperature limit. Because the water heater initially does not collect sufficient data, it is impossible to predict the amount of hot water the user will use the following day. To ensure that the user has access to sufficient hot water and that the hot water is promptly heated and replenished after the user uses it, the water heater's preset water temperature can be set as the upper temperature limit. Thus, regardless of how the user uses hot water, the water heater can provide hot water to the maximum extent within its capabilities. As long as the user uses hot water, causing the water temperature in the water heater to drop, the water heater immediately heats it to the upper temperature limit, thereby determining how long the heating component needs to operate within a predetermined time period each day, and further determining the user's use of hot water. During subsequent use, the expected heating temperature within the predetermined time period each day can be determined based on the collected data, thereby reducing energy consumption while meeting the user's hot water needs.

[0068] The present application also provides a water heater, which is a water storage water heater. The water heater may include a heat tank, which is used to store water. At the same time, the heat tank can also keep the heated hot water warm. The water heater also includes a heating component, which is used to heat the water in the heat tank. Optionally, the heating component may include an existing or future heating component suitable for water storage water heaters, such as a heating tube or an air-energy heat pump. The water heater includes a temperature sensor and a controller, and the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the heat tank. The controller is used to execute the control method of any of the above embodiments. Among them, the controller can be built using electronic components such as comparators, registers, digital logic circuits, or can be implemented using processor chips such as single-chip microcomputers, microprocessors, programmable logic controllers (PLCs), digital signal processors (DSPs), field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), programmable logic arrays (PLAs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), and their peripheral circuits.

[0069] For example, the water heater may include a power storage device that powers the controller when the water heater is powered off, thereby storing data related to the actual operating hours of the heating component. The power storage device may include energy storage elements such as batteries, supercapacitors, and lithium capacitors. Optionally, the controller's data is stored in RAM, and the power storage device can maintain the integrity of the controller's stored data when the water heater is powered off. Optionally, when the water heater is powered off, the controller can store the data in non-volatile memory (NVM), such as electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM) or flash memory. The power storage device only provides power to maintain the water heater's clock circuit, so that when the water heater is reconnected to power, the current time can be correctly associated with the stored data. In some embodiments, the power storage device is rechargeable. If the user disconnects the water heater from power for an extended period, the power storage device may be depleted. After the water heater is powered back on, the actual operating hours of the water heater's heating component during the same predetermined time period each day can be retrieved. After sufficient data is obtained, the temperature can be controlled according to the above control method for the same predetermined time period the following day. During this period, the power storage device can be charged to store data or maintain power supply to the clock circuit.

[0070] Although example embodiments have been described herein with reference to the accompanying drawings, it should be understood that the above example embodiments are merely illustrative and are not intended to limit the scope of the present invention. Various changes and modifications may be made therein by those skilled in the art without departing from the scope and spirit of the present invention. All such changes and modifications are intended to be included within the scope of the present invention as claimed in the appended claims.

[0071] Those skilled in the art will appreciate that the units and algorithm steps of each example described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, or a combination of computer software and electronic hardware. Whether these functions are performed in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Professionals and technicians can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of the present invention.

[0072] In the several embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed devices and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For example, the division of the units described is merely a logical function division. In actual implementation, other division methods may be used, such as combining or integrating multiple units or components into another device, or ignoring or not performing some features.

[0073] In the description provided herein, numerous specific details are described. However, it is understood that embodiments of the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In some instances, well-known methods, structures, and techniques are not shown in detail so as not to obscure the understanding of this description.

[0074] Similarly, it should be understood that in order to streamline the present invention and aid in understanding one or more of the various inventive aspects, in the description of exemplary embodiments of the present invention, the various features of the present invention are sometimes grouped together into a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof. However, this approach to the present invention should not be interpreted as reflecting the intention that the claimed invention requires more features than those explicitly recited in each claim. More precisely, as reflected in the corresponding claims, the inventive point is that the corresponding technical problem can be solved with fewer features than all the features of a single disclosed embodiment. Therefore, the claims following the detailed description are hereby expressly incorporated into the detailed description, with each claim itself serving as a separate embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] It will be understood by those skilled in the art that, except where mutually exclusive, all features disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) and all processes or units of any method or apparatus disclosed herein may be combined in any combination. Unless expressly stated otherwise, each feature disclosed in this specification (including the accompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced by an alternative feature providing the same, equivalent, or similar purpose.

[0076] Furthermore, those skilled in the art will appreciate that although some embodiments described herein include certain features included in other embodiments but not other features, combinations of features from different embodiments are intended to be within the scope of the present invention and to form different embodiments. For example, in the claims, any of the claimed embodiments may be used in any combination.

[0077] It should be noted that the above embodiments illustrate rather than limit the invention, and that those skilled in the art may devise alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference signs placed between brackets should not be construed as limiting the claims. The word "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps not listed in the claims. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. The present invention may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several different elements and by means of appropriately programmed computers. In a unit claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by the same item of hardware. The use of the words first, second, and third etc. does not indicate any order. These words may be interpreted as names.

[0078] The foregoing description is merely a specific embodiment of the present invention or an illustration of a specific embodiment. The scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any modifications or substitutions that can be readily conceived by a person skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention are intended to be encompassed by the scope of protection of the present invention. The scope of protection of the present invention shall be subject to the scope of protection of the claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a water heater, characterized in that: include: Obtaining the actual operating hours of the heating component of the water heater within the same predetermined time period each day; as well as For each day starting from day n+1: Based on the actual working time t of the heating component in the same predetermined period of n consecutive days up to the day before s , calculate the average working hours Based on the average working hours Determine the expected heating temperature T of the heating component on that day y , wherein the expected heating temperature T y Average working hours positive correlation; and During the same predetermined period of the day, based on the expected heating temperature T y Control the heating component to work.

2. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The average working hours are based on Determine the expected heating temperature T of the heating component on that day y The steps specifically include: Based on the average working hours Determine the expected working time t of the heating component on that day y , Where δ is the compensation coefficient; Based on the estimated working time t y , calculate the expected heating temperature T of the heating component on that day y .

3. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The method further comprises the following steps: For each day starting from day n+1: When t y >1.1×t s When the compensation coefficient δ of the day is adjusted downward to obtain the estimated working time t for determining the heating component on the next day y The compensation coefficient δ; When t y <t s When the compensation coefficient δ of the day is adjusted upward, the estimated working time t of the heating component for the next day is obtained. y The compensation coefficient δ.

4. The control method according to claim 2, wherein: The expected heating temperature T y Calculated by the following formula: in: P is the power of the heating component; m is the water storage mass of the water heater; T0 is the temperature of room temperature water.

5. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: The above-mentioned heating temperature T is calculated based on the expected heating temperature T of the day during the same predetermined period of the day. y The step of controlling the operation of the heating component specifically includes one or more of the following steps: When the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is higher than the upper temperature limit, the heating component is controlled to operate at the upper temperature limit during the same predetermined period of the day; When the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is lower than the lower limit, the heating component is controlled not to work during the same predetermined period of time on the day; and When the expected heating temperature T y When the temperature is between the lower limit and the upper limit, the heating component is controlled to heat at the expected temperature T y Work.

6. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: During the period from the 1st day to the nth day, the heating component operates when the water temperature in the water heater is lower than the upper temperature limit.

7. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: n is 7.

8. The control method according to claim 1, wherein: There are multiple predetermined time periods, corresponding to multiple non-overlapping time periods every day.

9. The control method according to claim 8, wherein: The multiple time periods cover a continuous 24-hour period.

10. A water heater, characterized in that: include: A heat container, the heat container being used to store water; A heating component, the heating component is used to heat the water in the heat tank; A temperature sensor, the temperature sensor is used to detect the water temperature in the heat tank; as well as A controller, wherein the controller is configured to execute the control method according to any one of claims 1 to 9.

11. The water heater according to claim 10, wherein: The water heater includes a power storage device, which is used to supply power to the controller when the water heater is powered off, so as to save data related to the actual working time of the heating component.

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