Water heater corrosion prevention control method, control device and water heater

Abstract

The application provides a water heater anti-corrosion control method, a control device and a water heater, and relates to the technical field of water heaters. The water heater anti-corrosion control method comprises the following steps: detecting a first current value of a physical anode, wherein the electronic anode does not output current during the detection of the first current value; determining the working state of the physical anode based on the first current value; if the working state is a normal consumption state, controlling the current value of the electronic anode so that the real-time current value of the physical anode tends to a first preset current value; the first preset current value is used to make the current value of the electronic anode meet the anti-corrosion demand of the inner container while reducing the consumption of the physical anode. Compared with the related art, the application can reasonably control the current output by the electronic anode and realize the anti-corrosion protection of the inner container of the water heater.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, specifically to a water heater corrosion prevention and control method, control device, and water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Water heater inner tanks are constantly exposed to high temperatures and humidity, making them highly susceptible to electrochemical corrosion, which can lead to damage and leaks. This not only shortens the lifespan of the water heater but can also pose safety hazards. Currently, water heaters often use physical anodes (such as magnesium rods) to protect the inner tank from corrosion. These anodes utilize the difference in activity between the physical anode and the inner tank metal, releasing electrons through spontaneous corrosion to inhibit corrosion. However, the rate of physical anode consumption is significantly affected by environmental factors such as water quality and temperature, requiring regular inspection and replacement. If the physical anode is not replaced in time, the inner tank will lose its protective function. Electron anodes, due to their advantages of not requiring self-consumption and low maintenance costs, are increasingly being used for water heater corrosion prevention. They protect the inner tank through an applied current. Therefore, how to rationally control the current output of the electron anode to achieve corrosion protection for the water heater inner tank is a key focus. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a water heater corrosion prevention control method, control device and water heater, so as to reasonably control the current value of the electronic anode and realize corrosion protection of the inner tank of the water heater.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a corrosion prevention control method for a water heater, applicable to a water heater comprising an inner tank, an electronic anode, and a physical anode, wherein the electronic anode and the physical anode are respectively connected to the inner tank to form two corrosion protection circuits; the method includes: The first current value of the physical anode is detected, while the electronic anode does not output current during the detection of the first current value; The operating state of the physical anode is determined based on the first current value; If the working state is the normal consumption state, the current value of the electronic anode is controlled so that the real-time current value of the physical anode tends to the first preset current value; the first preset current value is used to reduce the consumption of the physical anode while meeting the corrosion protection requirements of the inner liner.

[0005] In the water heater corrosion prevention control method provided by this invention: during the detection of the current first current value of the physical anode, the electronic anode does not output current, eliminating interference from the electronic anode on the physical anode current detection, ensuring that the first current value can truly reflect the working state of the physical anode, and improving the accuracy of the physical anode working state judgment. Furthermore, when the physical anode is in a normal consumption state, the real-time current value of the physical anode is made to tend towards a first preset current value as the control target, allowing the electronic anode to undertake the main corrosion prevention task, reducing the consumption of the physical anode, and extending the service life of the physical anode; wherein, by calibrating the first preset current value, that is, by using the physical characteristics of the physical anode to determine the output of the electronic anode, it is ensured that the current value output by the electronic anode can meet the corrosion prevention requirements of the water heater inner tank, effectively avoiding under-protection or over-protection situations.

[0006] In some optional implementations, controlling the current value of the electronic anode to make the real-time current value of the physical anode tend towards a first preset current value includes: If the real-time current value of the physical anode is greater than the first preset current value, then increase the current value of the electronic anode. or, If the real-time current value of the physical anode is less than the first preset current value, then the current value of the electronic anode is reduced.

[0007] The water heater corrosion prevention control method provided by this invention dynamically adjusts the current value of the electronic anode to stabilize the real-time current value of the physical anode near a first preset current value. When the real-time current value of the physical anode exceeds the first preset current value, the current value of the electronic anode is increased. This satisfies the corrosion prevention requirements of the inner tank while preventing the physical anode from being rapidly consumed due to excessive current. When the real-time current value of the physical anode falls below the first preset current value, the current value of the electronic anode is promptly reduced to prevent over-protection risks. Furthermore, during the adjustment of the electronic anode current value, even if water quality, water temperature, etc., change, the current value of the electronic anode is always adjusted based on the real-time current value of the physical anode, ensuring the reliability of the corrosion prevention effect.

[0008] In some alternative implementations, after detecting the first current value, the method further includes: If the operating state is an abnormal consumption state, then the second current value is determined according to the preset current control rules; The current value of the electronic anode is controlled to be the second current value.

[0009] The water heater corrosion prevention control method provided by this invention determines the second current of the electronic anode by setting a preset current control rule when the physical anode is excessively consumed and the corrosion prevention fails, thereby preventing the risk of water leakage in the inner tank due to the lack of corrosion protection.

[0010] In some optional implementations, the second current value is determined according to a preset current control rule, including: The sum of the second preset current value and the first current value is determined as the second current value.

[0011] The water heater anti-corrosion control method provided by the present invention uses a second preset current value as a preset basic supplementary current to compensate for the deficiency when the physical anode is in an abnormal digestion state. The second current value obtained by adding the first current value and the second preset current value can not only replace the remaining protection capability of the physical anode, but also fill the deficiency of the first current value through the basic supplementary current, thereby ensuring that the electronic anode can effectively protect the inner tank.

[0012] In some alternative implementations, after detecting the first current value, the method further includes: If the operating status is in an abnormal consumption state, a prompt message will be generated to indicate the replacement of the physical anode; or, If the operating status is a connection error, an alarm message is generated to indicate a physical anode connection error.

[0013] The water heater corrosion prevention control method provided by this invention prompts the user to replace the physical anode in time when the physical anode is abnormally worn, which can avoid the risk of water leakage in the inner tank caused by the failure of the physical anode. The alarm information when the connection is abnormal can quickly remind the user to deal with the physical anode fault, prevent the inner tank from corroding due to lack of protection, and extend the service life of the water heater.

[0014] In some alternative implementations, the operating state of the physical anode is determined based on a first current value, including: If the first current value is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, then it is determined that the physical anode is in a normal consumption state. or, If the first current value is less than the first preset threshold and greater than the second preset threshold, then the physical anode is determined to be in an abnormal consumption state. or, If the first current value is less than or equal to the second preset threshold, then the physical anode is determined to be in an abnormal connection state.

[0015] The water heater corrosion prevention control method provided by this invention establishes a judgment range through a first preset threshold and a second preset threshold, providing a basis for accurately judging the normal consumption state, abnormal consumption state, and abnormal connection state of the physical anode. The first preset threshold and the second preset threshold can be flexibly set according to the characteristics of the physical anode, thereby adapting to different application scenarios.

[0016] In some alternative implementations, after controlling the current value of the electronic anode to bring the real-time current value of the physical anode toward a first preset current value, the method further includes: Control the electronic anode to continuously output for a first preset duration; Control the electronic anode to stop outputting current, completing the control operation of the electronic anode in the current control cycle; After a second preset time period, the control operation of the electronic anode is entered into the next control round to determine the working state of the physical anode based on the first current value detected in the next control round, and to control the current value of the electronic anode.

[0017] The water heater corrosion prevention control method provided by this invention takes into account that the consumption of the physical anode is continuous. By re-collecting the first current value in each control cycle, changes in the physical anode's operating state can be detected in a timely manner, such as a change from a normal consumption state to an abnormal consumption state. This avoids situations where the electronic anode output current cannot effectively protect the inner tank due to long-term lack of monitoring. Furthermore, since user water usage habits, water quality fluctuations, and water temperature changes all affect the corrosion prevention requirements of the inner tank, readjusting the current in each cycle ensures that the electronic anode output always adapts to the current operating conditions, avoiding insufficient or over-protection.

[0018] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a control device for a water heater corrosion prevention control method, the device comprising: Control module; The current detection circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and an output terminal; the first terminal is used to connect to the physical anode, the second terminal is used to ground through the inner liner, and the output terminal is connected to the control module. The adjustable voltage output circuit has a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a control terminal; the positive terminal is used to connect to the electronic anode, the negative terminal is used to ground through the inner tank, and the control terminal is connected to the control module.

[0019] Thirdly, the present invention provides a water heater that includes the aforementioned control device. Attached Figure Description

[0020] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the specific embodiments or related technologies of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0021] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a water heater corrosion prevention control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the connection relationship between the inner tank, physical anode, and electronic anode of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of the current direction in the corrosion protection circuit composed of the physical anode and the inner liner according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the current direction in the corrosion protection circuit composed of the electronic anode and the inner liner according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It is understood that before using the technical solutions disclosed in the various embodiments of the present invention, users should be informed of the types, scope of use, and usage scenarios of the personal information involved in the present invention and their authorization should be obtained in accordance with relevant laws and regulations through appropriate means.

[0024] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise explicitly defined.

[0025] When a water heater's inner tank is constantly exposed to a high-temperature, humid water environment, the inner wall is prone to corrosion and damage, leading to leaks. This not only shortens the water heater's lifespan but can also cause safety hazards such as short circuits due to leaks.

[0026] Currently, to prevent corrosion of the inner tank of water heaters, physical anodes (such as magnesium or zinc rods) are typically installed. These anodes utilize the fact that their activity is far greater than that of the inner tank metal. Through spontaneous corrosion, they continuously release electrons into the inner tank, forming an electron protective layer on its surface, thereby inhibiting the oxidation and corrosion reaction of the inner tank metal. However, during the use of the water heater, the physical anode is gradually consumed. If it is not replaced in time, once the physical anode is depleted, the inner tank will lose its protection.

[0027] Electronic anodes are increasingly used in water heater corrosion prevention due to their advantages such as no self-consumption and low maintenance costs, protecting the inner tank through an applied current. However, the challenge in using electronic anodes to prevent inner tank corrosion lies in controlling the current value of the electronic anode to protect the inner tank from corrosion while preventing over-protection. Related technologies control the current value of the electronic anode by detecting the voltage between the electronic anode rod and the inner tank, and by using a preset voltage-current relationship table. However, the voltage-current relationship varies significantly for inner tanks of different volumes (e.g., 60L, 80L, 120L) or different structures (e.g., vertical, horizontal). Therefore, this method of controlling the current value of the electronic anode requires obtaining a voltage-current relationship table specific to each water heater, resulting in poor universality.

[0028] Therefore, how to control the current value of the electronic anode and solve problems such as over-protection, under-protection, and poor versatility in the corrosion prevention process of the water heater inner tank is a key focus in the current water heater industry.

[0029] This embodiment provides a method for controlling corrosion in water heaters. Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a water heater corrosion prevention control method according to an embodiment of the present invention. The method is applied to a water heater, which includes an inner tank, an electronic anode, and a physical anode. The electronic anode and the physical anode are respectively connected to the inner tank to form two corrosion protection circuits.

[0030] Specifically, a physical anode, also known as a sacrificial anode, is a corrosion-resistant component that relies on its own metal activity being higher than that of the inner liner metal, sacrificing itself through spontaneous corrosion. Examples of physical anodes include magnesium rods and zinc rods. An electronic anode is a component that achieves corrosion protection for the inner liner through an applied current. Examples of electronic anodes include titanium alloys and mixed metal oxides.

[0031] Specifically, the outer wall of the inner tank is grounded. In one possible implementation, both the electronic anode and the physical anode are insulated and mounted on the inner tank, extending at least partially into it. One end of the electronic anode is connected to the outer wall of the inner tank via an adjustable voltage output circuit, and one end of the physical anode is connected to the outer wall of the inner tank via a current detection circuit. When the inner tank is filled with water, the electronic anode and physical anode located inside the inner tank come into contact with the water, thus forming two corrosion protection circuits. These corrosion protection circuits refer to the current path formed between the electronic anode and the inner tank, and the current path formed between the physical anode and the inner tank.

[0032] like Figure 1 As shown, the process includes the following steps: S101 detects the current first current value of the physical anode.

[0033] The electronic anode did not output current during the detection of the first current value.

[0034] Specifically, during the detection of the first current value, the electronic anode did not output current, and the current of the physical anode was entirely the current of natural corrosion, which was not affected by the output current of the electronic anode. Therefore, the current first current value of the physical anode can truly reflect the working state of the physical anode.

[0035] For example, the first current value can be the corrosion current value of the physical anode collected after the current output of the physical anode has stabilized from its initial fluctuations. In this way, the first current value detected after waiting for a period of time to allow the current state to stabilize can truly reflect the natural corrosion state of the physical anode when there is no external interference, avoiding misjudgment of the working state caused by initial fluctuations.

[0036] For example, the first current value can be the average current generated by corrosion of the physical anode over a preset time period prior to the current moment. This avoids sampling errors caused by random factors by using the average current value, thus providing a reliable basis for accurately determining the working state of the physical anode. For instance, the physical anode current is collected two minutes before the current moment, and the calculated average current value is used as the first current value.

[0037] For example, the first current value can also be the rate of change of the current generated by corrosion of the physical anode within a preset time period before the current time, and the rate of change reflects the corrosion stability of the physical anode.

[0038] S102, based on the first current value, determines the operating state of the physical anode.

[0039] Specifically, the working states of the physical anode include, but are not limited to, normal consumption state, abnormal consumption state, and connection abnormal state. The normal consumption state means that the physical anode can provide effective protection for the inner tank. The abnormal consumption state means that the physical anode has been largely consumed and its protective ability for the water heater inner tank is insufficient, requiring replacement of the physical anode. The connection abnormal state means that the corrosion protection circuit formed by the physical anode and the inner tank is broken, such as due to loose wiring or a broken physical anode, resulting in no protection for the water heater inner tank.

[0040] In one possible implementation, the operating state of the physical anode is determined by comparing a first current value with a preset current value.

[0041] For example, if the first current value is the average current generated by corrosion of the physical anode within a preset time period before the current time, or if the first current value is the current value collected at the current time when the output current of the physical anode is stable, then if the first current value is greater than or equal to the first preset current value, the physical anode is determined to be in a normal consumption state; if the first current value is less than the first preset current value, the physical anode is determined to be in an abnormal consumption state.

[0042] For example, if the first current value is the rate of change of the current generated by corrosion of the physical anode within a preset time period prior to the current time, and the rate of change is less than or equal to a preset rate of change threshold, it indicates that the corrosion current of the physical anode fluctuates very little within the preset time period, the corrosion process is stable, and it is in a normal consumption state. If the rate of change is greater than the preset rate of change threshold, it indicates that the corrosion current of the physical anode fluctuates greatly, the corrosion process is unstable, and it is in an abnormal digestion state.

[0043] It should be noted that the specific implementation method for determining the working state of the physical anode based on the first current value will be described in subsequent embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0044] S103, if the working state is the normal consumption state, control the current value of the electronic anode so that the real-time current value of the physical anode tends to the first preset current value.

[0045] The first preset current value is used to ensure that the current value of the electronic anode meets the corrosion protection requirements of the inner liner while reducing the consumption of the physical anode.

[0046] Specifically, the current value of the electronic anode is the current released by the electronic anode to protect the inner liner, while the real-time current value of the physical anode refers to the instantaneous current value of the physical anode after the electronic anode outputs current. It can be understood that after the electronic anode outputs current, it protects the inner liner, reducing the consumption of the physical anode and thus reducing the current in the circuit containing the physical anode.

[0047] The first preset current value is a pre-set target current value for the physical anode, used to balance the corrosion protection of the inner liner and the consumption of the physical anode. For example, the first preset current value can be 1mA, 0mA, etc., which means that after the electronic anode is activated, the consumption of the physical anode is greatly reduced, and the inner liner mainly relies on the corrosion protection of the electronic anode.

[0048] In one possible implementation, the current value of the electronic anode is determined by comparing the real-time current value of the physical anode with a first preset current value, thereby causing the real-time current value of the physical anode to tend towards the first preset current value. In this way, by comparing the real-time current value of the physical anode with the first preset current value, the deviation between the two values ​​can be accurately and quickly reduced, shortening the response time of the inner liner corrosion protection.

[0049] In another possible implementation, initially, the current output of the electronic anode is gradually increased from a set value until the real-time current value of the physical anode drops to a first preset current value. Subsequently, the current value of the electronic anode is dynamically adjusted based on the real-time current of the physical anode. The preset value is the minimum initial current output of the electronic anode. For example, the preset value is set to 1mA. In this way, the entire process of controlling the current value of the electronic anode is simple and direct, meeting the corrosion protection requirements of the inner liner without complex calculations, while not excessively consuming the physical anode.

[0050] Understandably, during a power outage, the inner tank relies primarily on the physical anode for corrosion protection, which is more comprehensive.

[0051] It should be noted that the specific implementation method for controlling the current value of the electronic anode will be described in subsequent embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0052] In this embodiment of the invention, the electronic anode does not output current during the detection of the current value of the current, eliminating interference from the electronic anode on the detection of the physical anode current. This ensures that the current value accurately reflects the working state of the physical anode, improving the accuracy of the physical anode's working state judgment. Furthermore, when the physical anode is in a normal consumption state, the real-time current value of the physical anode is calibrated to approach a first preset current value as the control target. This allows the electronic anode to undertake the main anti-corrosion task, reducing the consumption of the physical anode and extending its service life. Simultaneously, the calibration of the first preset current value ensures that the current output of the electronic anode precisely meets the anti-corrosion requirements of the water heater's inner tank, effectively avoiding safety hazards such as leakage due to under-protection or hydrogen evolution reaction due to over-protection. Furthermore, during the anti-corrosion control process, the current value of the electronic anode is dynamically controlled based on the real-time current value of the physical anode. This adapts to changes in water quality and temperature and is not dependent on a specific inner tank volume or structure, improving the reliability of the anti-corrosion effect and enhancing the versatility of the method provided by this invention.

[0053] In some embodiments, in S103 above, if the real-time current value of the physical anode is greater than the first preset current value, the current value of the electronic anode is increased.

[0054] Specifically, if the real-time current value of the physical anode is greater than the first preset current value, it indicates that the physical anode is still corroding relatively quickly. It is necessary to increase the current value of the electronic anode to further lower the potential of the inner liner, making it easier for the inner liner surface to acquire electrons, thereby replacing the protective function of the physical anode. As a result, the physical anode no longer needs to release electrons through a large amount of corrosion, and the real-time current value of the physical anode naturally decreases, thereby reducing the consumption of the physical anode. At the same time, the increased current of the electronic anode can ensure that the inner liner is still under effective anti-corrosion protection.

[0055] In one possible implementation, based on the deviation between the real-time current value and a first preset current value, a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm is used to increase the current value of the electronic anode. After increasing the current value of the electronic anode, the real-time current value of the physical anode is continuously monitored. If the real-time current value of the physical anode is still greater than the first preset current value, the current value of the electronic anode is further increased based on the deviation between the real-time current value and the first preset current value, using the PID algorithm.

[0056] Optionally, the proportional term (P) is used to output a corresponding adjustment amount in the positive direction based on the deviation between the real-time physical anode current and the first preset current (i.e., the larger the deviation, the larger the increase); the integral term (I) is used to continuously accumulate the historical deviation between the real-time physical anode current and the first preset current (if the deviation exists for a long time, the integral value will gradually increase), and to offset this long-term small deviation (i.e., static error) by outputting an additional adjustment amount, ensuring that the physical anode current eventually stabilizes near the first preset value; the derivative term (D) is used to output a reverse adjustment amount based on the rate of change of the deviation between the real-time physical anode current and the first preset current (e.g., the deviation rapidly decreases from 3mA to 1mA, or rapidly increases from 0.5mA to 1.5mA) (the faster the rate of change of deviation, the larger the reverse adjustment amount), suppressing rapid fluctuations in deviation and preventing excessive adjustment of the electronic anode current. By calculating the total increase after the superposition of the three terms in real time, the current value of the electronic anode is dynamically adjusted until the deviation between the real-time current value of the physical anode and the first preset current value approaches 0. In this way, based on the change in deviation, the current of the physical anode is precisely controlled near the first preset current value, avoiding over-protection or under-protection of the water heater tank's corrosion protection.

[0057] In one possible implementation, based on the deviation between the real-time current value and the first preset current value, pulse width modulation technology is used to control the voltage output to the electronic anode by the adjustable voltage circuit, thereby achieving the adjustment of the current value of the electronic anode.

[0058] In one possible implementation, the current value of the electronic anode is gradually increased through a preset step adjustment strategy.

[0059] Optionally, the current value of the electronic anode can be increased based on a preset current increment step. For example, when the real-time current of the physical anode is detected to be greater than a first preset current value, the current value of the electronic anode is gradually increased according to a fixed current increment step until the real-time current value of the physical anode approaches the first preset current value. For example, if the first preset current value is 1mA and the current increment step is 0.5mA, in the first adjustment, the current value of the electronic anode is increased from 3mA to 3.5mA, and the real-time current value of the physical anode decreases to 1.8mA, which is still greater than the first preset current value. In the second adjustment, the current value of the electronic anode is increased from 3.5mA to 4mA, and the physical anode current decreases to 1.3mA. The above process is repeated until the physical anode current approaches the first preset current value. In this way, without the need for complex algorithms, the dynamic adjustment of the electronic anode current value can be achieved simply by setting a preset current increment step.

[0060] Optionally, the growth rate of the electronic anode current value can be determined by the deviation between the real-time current value and the first preset current value, as well as the mapping relationship between the deviation and the current amplification step size.

[0061] For example, if the deviation is greater than 2mA, the increase is 2mA; if the deviation is less than 2mA, the increase is 0.5mA. This allows for rapid adjustment when the deviation is large and fine adjustment when the deviation is small, balancing adjustment efficiency and accuracy.

[0062] In this embodiment of the invention, a high real-time current of the physical anode indicates that it is in a state of rapid corrosion and consumption. By increasing the current value of the electronic anode, the electronic anode will replace the physical anode in undertaking more of the inner liner's anti-corrosion function. That is, the electronic anode provides sufficient electrons to the inner liner's metal matrix by outputting more current, reducing the corrosion caused by the physical anode needing to release electrons to protect the inner liner, thereby effectively inhibiting the consumption of the physical anode. In this way, the anti-corrosion requirements of the inner liner are met, and the increased current of the electronic anode reduces the consumption of the physical anode.

[0063] In some other embodiments, in S103 above, if the real-time current value of the physical anode is less than the first preset current value, the current value of the electronic anode is reduced.

[0064] Specifically, if the real-time current value of the physical anode is less than the first preset current value, it indicates that the current value of the electronic anode is too high, which may lead to overprotection and trigger the hydrogen evolution reaction during water electrolysis, posing a safety hazard. In this case, it is necessary to reduce the current value of the electronic anode, thereby reducing the substitution protection strength of the electronic anode for the physical anode, so that the real-time current value returns to the first preset current value. This effectively avoids the risk of overprotection and prevents excessive consumption of the physical anode, thus meeting the corrosion prevention requirements of the water heater's inner tank.

[0065] In one possible implementation, based on the deviation between the real-time current value and a first preset current value, a proportional-integral-derivative (PID) control algorithm is used to reduce the current value of the electronic anode. After reducing the current value of the electronic anode, the real-time current value of the physical anode is continuously monitored. If the real-time current value of the physical anode is still less than the first preset current value, the current value of the electronic anode is further reduced using the PID algorithm based on the deviation between the real-time current value and the first preset current value.

[0066] In one possible implementation, the current value of the electron anode is gradually reduced through a preset step-by-step adjustment strategy. Similar to increasing the current value of the electron anode, the specific implementation methods for increasing the electron anode current value described above can be referred to, and will not be repeated here.

[0067] In this embodiment of the invention, a low real-time current value of the physical anode indicates that the current value of the electronic anode is too high, which may indicate an over-protection state. In this case, reducing the current output of the electronic anode can effectively avoid the safety hazards caused by over-protection.

[0068] In this invention, the current value of the electronic anode is dynamically adjusted to stabilize the real-time current value of the physical anode near a first preset current value. When the real-time current value of the physical anode exceeds the first preset current value, the current value of the electronic anode is increased. This satisfies the corrosion protection requirements of the inner tank while preventing the physical anode from being rapidly consumed due to excessive current. Conversely, when the real-time current value of the physical anode falls below the first preset current value, the current value of the electronic anode is promptly reduced to prevent over-protection risks. Furthermore, during the adjustment of the electronic anode current value, even if water quality or temperature changes, the current value of the electronic anode is always adjusted based on the real-time current value of the physical anode, ensuring the reliability of the corrosion protection effect.

[0069] In some embodiments, after detecting the first current value, the method provided by the present invention further includes the following: First, if the operating state is an abnormal consumption state, then the second current value is determined according to the preset current control rules.

[0070] Specifically, an abnormal consumption state of the physical anode refers to a situation where the physical anode, due to long-term and significant consumption, has severely insufficient anti-corrosion protection for the water heater's inner tank. In this case, the electronic anode needs to output current to meet the anti-corrosion protection requirements of the inner tank. The preset current control rules are electronic anode control logic that has been experimentally verified or adapted to the operating conditions in advance. This ensures that the electronic anode can both compensate for the deficiencies of the physical anode and avoid over-protection caused by excessively high current values ​​from the electronic anode.

[0071] In one possible implementation, the sum of the second preset current value and the first current value is determined as the second current value.

[0072] Specifically, the second preset current value serves as a preset basic supplementary current to compensate for the deficiencies of the physical anode when it is in an abnormal digestion state. The second current value, obtained by adding the first current value and the second preset current value, can both replace the remaining protection capability of the physical anode and fill the deficiency of the first current value through the basic supplementary current, thereby ensuring that the electronic anode can effectively protect the inner liner.

[0073] In another possible implementation, the third preset current value is determined as the second current value.

[0074] The third preset current value is a fixed current value preset for when the physical anode is abnormally consumed. In this way, there is no need to calculate, and the third preset current value can be directly used as the second current value, simplifying the control logic and making it suitable for large-scale mass production scenarios of the same model of water heater.

[0075] Then, the current value of the electronic anode is controlled to be the second current value.

[0076] Of course, the real-time voltage between the electronic anode and the inner tank can also be detected. Based on the real-time voltage and the preset mapping relationship between voltage and current values, a second current value is determined. The preset mapping relationship between voltage and current values ​​can be a voltage-current relationship table or a voltage-current function calibrated through experiments. Thus, a high voltage means the inner tank metal is prone to losing electrons, potentially leading to corrosion; a low voltage means the inner tank is over-polarized, indicating over-protection. By controlling the output of the electronic anode through the preset mapping relationship between voltage and current, corrosion protection for the water heater's inner tank can be achieved.

[0077] In this embodiment of the invention, when the physical anode is excessively consumed and the corrosion protection fails, the second current of the electronic anode is determined by a preset current control rule to prevent the risk of water leakage in the inner liner due to the lack of corrosion protection.

[0078] In some embodiments, after detecting the first current value, the method provided in this application further includes the following: If the operating status is in an abnormal consumption state, a prompt message will be generated to indicate the replacement of the physical anode; or, If the operating status is a connection error, an alarm message is generated to indicate a physical anode connection error.

[0079] Specifically, an abnormal connection of the physical anode means that the physical anode and the inner liner cannot form a corrosion protection circuit. For example, the physical anode may be broken, the connection end may be oxidized, or the wiring may be loose.

[0080] In this embodiment of the invention, when the physical anode is abnormally worn, the user is prompted to replace it in time, which can avoid the risk of water leakage in the inner tank caused by the failure of the physical anode. The alarm information when the connection is abnormal can quickly remind the user to deal with the physical anode fault, prevent the inner tank from corroding due to lack of protection, and extend the service life of the water heater.

[0081] In some embodiments, in S102 above, the operating state of the physical anode is determined based on the first current value in the following manner: If the first current value is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, then it is determined that the physical anode is in a normal consumption state. or, If the first current value is less than the first preset threshold and greater than the second preset threshold, then the physical anode is determined to be in an abnormal consumption state. or, If the first current value is less than or equal to the second preset threshold, then the physical anode is determined to be in an abnormal connection state.

[0082] Specifically, the first preset threshold is a pre-set boundary value used to distinguish between normal and abnormal physical anode consumption. It serves as a standard for whether the physical anode can effectively protect the inner liner. If the first current value is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, it indicates that the physical anode still has sufficient anti-corrosion protection capability. The first preset threshold can be determined through experience or experimentation. For example, for a 10mm diameter magnesium rod, experiments have determined that the minimum current required to effectively protect the inner liner is 3mA; therefore, the first preset threshold can be set to 3mA.

[0083] The second preset threshold is a pre-set boundary value used to distinguish between abnormal physical anode consumption and abnormal connection. It serves as the standard for the continuity of the anti-corrosion protection circuit between the physical anode and the inner liner. If the first current value is less than or equal to the second preset threshold, it indicates that no current flows through the physical anode, the anti-corrosion protection circuit between the physical anode and the inner liner is broken, and the physical anode has no anti-corrosion protection capability for the inner liner. For example, the second preset threshold is set to 0mA.

[0084] In this embodiment of the invention, a judgment interval is constructed by a first preset threshold and a second preset threshold, providing a basis for accurately determining the normal consumption state, abnormal consumption state, and abnormal connection state of the physical anode. The first preset threshold and the second preset threshold can be flexibly set according to the characteristics of the physical anode, thereby adapting to different application scenarios.

[0085] In some embodiments, after controlling the current value of the electronic anode to make the real-time current value of the physical anode tend towards a first preset current value, the method provided by the embodiments of the present invention further includes the following: First, control the electronic anode to continuously output for a first preset duration.

[0086] Then, control the electronic anode to stop outputting current, completing the control operation of the electronic anode in the current control cycle.

[0087] Finally, after the second preset time period, the control operation of the electronic anode is entered into the next control round to determine the working state of the physical anode based on the first current value detected in the next control round, and to control the current value of the electronic anode.

[0088] Specifically, the next control cycle refers to a cyclic control process with the same logic as the current control cycle. By re-acquiring the first current value of the physical anode, determining the working state, and then controlling the output of the electronic anode again, a closed-loop control of periodic detection and dynamic adjustment is achieved.

[0089] The second preset duration is to prevent the current value of the electronic anode in the current control cycle from interfering with the first current value of the physical anode in the next control cycle. This is because when the electronic anode is working, it outputs current, providing electrons to the inner liner through the corrosion protection circuit. This process inhibits the natural corrosion of the physical anode, meaning the electronic anode has taken over the corrosion protection of the inner liner, and the physical anode no longer needs to release electrons through extensive corrosion. Its current will then approach the first preset current value. If the second preset duration is not set, and the first current value of the physical anode is detected immediately after the electronic anode stops outputting, the corrosion state of the physical anode is still affected by the output of the electronic anode in the previous control cycle. That is, the physical anode has not yet recovered to its natural corrosion state, and the detected first current value differs significantly from the true value. By setting the second preset duration, the physical anode has sufficient time to recover to a natural corrosion state without external interference after the electronic anode stops outputting. Only the first current value collected after the second preset duration can truly reflect the actual consumption of the physical anode, providing an accurate basis for determining the working state of the physical anode in the next control cycle.

[0090] In this embodiment of the invention, considering that the consumption of the physical anode is continuous, re-collecting the first current value in each control cycle can promptly detect changes in the working state of the physical anode, such as a change from a normal consumption state to an abnormal consumption state. This avoids situations where the electronic anode output current cannot effectively protect the inner tank due to long-term lack of monitoring. Furthermore, since user water usage habits, water quality fluctuations, and water temperature changes all affect the corrosion resistance requirements of the inner tank, readjusting the current in each cycle ensures that the electronic anode output always adapts to the current operating conditions, effectively avoiding insufficient or over-protection.

[0091] This embodiment also provides a control device for the above-described water heater corrosion prevention control method, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the device includes: Control module 1; The current detection circuit 2 has a first terminal, a second terminal, and an output terminal; the first terminal is used to connect to the physical anode, the second terminal is used to ground through the inner liner, and the output terminal is connected to the control module 1. The adjustable voltage output circuit 3 has a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a control terminal; the positive terminal is used to connect to the electronic anode, the negative terminal is used to ground through the inner liner, and the control terminal is connected to the control module 1.

[0092] Specifically, in the current detection circuit 2, the first end is connected to the physical anode, and the second end is grounded through the inner tank of the water heater to form a closed loop for current detection, so as to detect the current first current value of the physical anode; the output end is connected to the control module 1 to transmit the first current value to the control module 1.

[0093] The control module 1 is used to receive the first current value detected by the current detection circuit 2, determine the working state of the physical anode based on the first current value, and when the working state is the normal consumption state, send a control command to the adjustable voltage output circuit 3 to adjust the output voltage of the adjustable voltage output circuit 3 to change the current value of the electronic anode, thereby making the current value of the physical anode tend to the first preset current value.

[0094] The adjustable voltage output circuit 3 outputs an adjustable voltage based on the instructions from the control module 1, thereby adjusting the current value of the electronic anode. The positive terminal is connected to the electronic anode, providing it with its operating voltage, while the negative terminal is grounded through the inner tank of the water heater, forming a complete current output loop. The control terminal is connected to the control module 1, receives control instructions from the control module 1, and adjusts its own output voltage based on these instructions.

[0095] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram showing the direction of current in the corrosion protection circuit composed of the physical anode and the inner liner. Figure 3 In the process, the physical anode generates current through its own corrosion, and the current flows from the physical anode to the inner liner to the current detection circuit 2. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the current direction in the corrosion protection circuit composed of the electronic anode and the inner liner. When the physical anode is in a normal consumption state, the control module 1 sends a control command to the adjustable voltage output circuit 3, causing the adjustable voltage output circuit 3 to output voltage to adjust the current value of the electronic anode. The current flow direction is adjustable voltage output circuit 3 - electronic anode - inner liner, thereby achieving corrosion protection for the inner liner.

[0096] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for corrosion prevention control of water heaters, characterized in that, The method is applied to a water heater, which includes an inner tank, an electronic anode, and a physical anode, wherein the electronic anode and the physical anode are respectively connected to the inner tank to form two anti-corrosion protection circuits; the method includes: The first current value of the physical anode is detected, wherein the electronic anode does not output current during the detection of the first current value; Based on the first current value, the operating state of the physical anode is determined; If the working state is the normal consumption state, the current value of the electronic anode is controlled so that the real-time current value of the physical anode tends to the first preset current value; the first preset current value is used to reduce the consumption of the physical anode while meeting the corrosion protection requirements of the inner liner. After detecting the first current value, the method further includes: If the operating state is an abnormal consumption state, then the second current value is determined according to the preset current control rules; The current value of the electronic anode is controlled to be the second current value; The step of determining the second current value according to the preset current control rules includes: The sum of the second preset current value and the first current value is determined as the second current value.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Controlling the current value of the electronic anode to make the real-time current value of the physical anode tend towards a first preset current value includes: If the real-time current value of the physical anode is greater than the first preset current value, then the current value of the electronic anode is increased. or, If the real-time current value of the physical anode is less than the first preset current value, then the current value of the electronic anode is reduced.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, After detecting the first current value, the method further includes: If the operating status is an abnormal consumption status, a prompt message is generated, which is used to indicate the replacement of the physical anode; or, If the operating state is a connection abnormality state, an alarm message is generated, which is used to indicate that the physical anode connection is abnormal.

4. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Determining the operating state of the physical anode based on the first current value includes: If the first current value is greater than or equal to the first preset threshold, then it is determined that the physical anode is in a normal consumption state; or, If the first current value is less than the first preset threshold and greater than the second preset threshold, then the physical anode is determined to be in an abnormal consumption state. or, If the first current value is less than or equal to the second preset threshold, then the physical anode is determined to be in an abnormal connection state.

5. The method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, After controlling the current value of the electronic anode to make the real-time current value of the physical anode tend towards a first preset current value, the method further includes: The electronic anode is controlled to continuously output for a first preset duration; Control the electronic anode to stop outputting current, completing the control operation on the electronic anode in the current control cycle; After a second preset time period, the control operation of the electronic anode is entered into the next control round to determine the working state of the physical anode based on the first current value detected in the next control round, and to control the current value of the electronic anode.

6. A control device applicable to the water heater corrosion prevention control method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, include: Control module; The current detection circuit has a first terminal, a second terminal, and an output terminal; the first terminal is used to connect to the physical anode, the second terminal is used to ground through the inner liner, and the output terminal is connected to the control module. An adjustable voltage output circuit has a positive terminal, a negative terminal, and a control terminal; the positive terminal is used to connect to the electronic anode, the negative terminal is used to ground through the inner liner, and the control terminal is connected to the control module.

7. A water heater, characterized in that, Includes the control device as described in claim 6.

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