Constant temperature control method and device for bath heater, bath heater and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of smart homes, and discloses a constant temperature control method and device for a bath heater, the bath heater and a computer readable storage medium. The constant temperature control method for the bath heater comprises the steps that the environment temperature collected by a temperature sensor is obtained; according to the difference value between the environment temperature and the set temperature, the total required power is calculated; generating a power distribution scheme according to the total demand power, the power distribution scheme comprising a start-stop strategy of the first electric heating module and a power adjustment strategy of the second electric heating module; and controlling the first electric heating module and the second electric heating module according to the power distribution scheme, so that the total power output by the electric heating modules is matched with the total required power. According to the scheme, refined collaborative management of the electric heating module is realized, continuous and accurate adjustment of the output power in a full range is ensured, basic functions are maintained for the system when part of modules fail, and finally, a better balance is obtained among cost, stability and reliability.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of smart home technology, such as a thermostatic control method, device, bathroom heater, and computer-readable storage medium for a bathroom heater. Background Technology

[0002] As people's demands for bathing comfort increase, the temperature control technology of bathroom heaters is also constantly evolving. Early bathroom heaters mostly relied on simple on / off temperature control, which could only achieve basic heating functions and could not maintain a stable temperature. Later, temperature sensors and control algorithms were gradually introduced, driving bathroom heaters to upgrade from simple heating to constant temperature comfort, meeting users' basic needs for temperature stability. However, the current constant temperature control technology of bathroom heaters still has obvious shortcomings. Some products use a single relay to control the electric heating module, which can only achieve fixed power switching and cannot perform precise stepless adjustment, resulting in large fluctuations in ambient temperature around the target value and poor constant temperature effect. Other products simply use silicon controlled rectifier (SCR) control, which can achieve stepless power adjustment, but expanding the adjustment range will significantly increase costs and lack stability.

[0003] Based on this, the relevant technology discloses a constant temperature control method that combines PID algorithm with speed and power adjustment. Specifically, the method collects the ambient temperature through a temperature sensor, calculates the target heating power using a PID algorithm, and adjusts the fan speed and the electric heating module level according to preset reference data, thereby realizing dynamic adjustment of the indoor temperature and making the temperature approach the set value.

[0004] While related technologies have solved the problem of excessive temperature fluctuations in traditional bathroom heaters and achieved temperature convergence towards the target value, they have not fully considered the power continuity and fault redundancy capabilities when electric heating modules are used in combination. Therefore, designing a bathroom heater thermostat control scheme that can achieve both continuous and precise power adjustment and fault redundancy has become an urgent technical problem to be solved.

[0005] It should be noted that the information disclosed in the background section above is only used to enhance the understanding of the background of this application, and therefore may include information that does not constitute prior art known to those skilled in the art. Summary of the Invention

[0006] To provide a basic understanding of some aspects of the disclosed embodiments, a brief summary is given below. This summary is not intended as a general commentary, nor is it intended to identify key / important components or describe the scope of protection of these embodiments, but rather as a prelude to the detailed description that follows.

[0007] This disclosure provides a method, device, bathroom heater, and computer-readable storage medium for constant temperature control of a bathroom heater, in order to design a constant temperature control scheme for a bathroom heater that can achieve both continuous and precise power adjustment and fault redundancy.

[0008] In some embodiments, the constant temperature control method for a bathroom heater includes: acquiring the ambient temperature collected by a temperature sensor; calculating the total power demand based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature; generating a power allocation scheme based on the total power demand, the power allocation scheme including a start-stop strategy for the first electric heating module and a power adjustment strategy for the second electric heating module; and controlling the first electric heating module and the second electric heating module according to the power allocation scheme so that the total power output by the electric heating modules matches the total power demand.

[0009] In some embodiments, the thermostatic control device for a bathroom heater includes a processor and a memory storing program instructions, wherein the processor is configured to execute the aforementioned thermostatic control method for a bathroom heater when running the program instructions.

[0010] In some embodiments, the bathroom heater includes: a bathroom heater body; a temperature sensor disposed on the bathroom heater body; an electric heating module disposed on the bathroom heater body, including a first electric heating module and a second electric heating module, wherein the on / off switch of the first electric heating module is a relay and the on / off switch of the second electric heating module is a silicon controlled rectifier; and the aforementioned device for constant temperature control of the bathroom heater, installed on the bathroom heater body.

[0011] In some embodiments, the computer-readable storage medium stores program instructions that, when executed, cause the computer to perform the aforementioned thermostatic control method for a bathroom heater.

[0012] The thermostatic control method, device, bathroom heater, and computer-readable storage medium for bathroom heaters provided in this disclosure can achieve the following technical effects: By employing a hybrid control architecture combining relays and thyristors, and dynamically generating a collaborative power allocation scheme based on real-time calculated total power demand, the inherent limitations of single relay control (inability to achieve stepless power regulation) and single thyristor control (high cost and insufficient stability) are effectively overcome. This achieves refined collaborative management of the electric heating modules, ensuring continuous and precise adjustment of output power across the entire range for a more stable temperature control effect. Furthermore, its dynamic allocation characteristic allows the system to maintain basic functionality and achieve fault redundancy even when some modules fail, ultimately achieving a better balance between cost, stability, and reliability.

[0013] The above general description and the description below are exemplary and illustrative only and are not intended to limit this application. Attached Figure Description

[0014] One or more embodiments are illustrated by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings. These illustrations and drawings do not constitute a limitation on the embodiments. Elements having the same reference numerals in the drawings are shown as similar elements. The drawings are not to be scaled. And wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a constant temperature control method for a bathroom heater provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a method for generating feasible power combinations provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of another method for generating feasible power combinations provided in this disclosure embodiment; Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of another thermostatic control method for a bathroom heater provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of a thermostatic control device for a bathroom heater provided in an embodiment of this disclosure; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of another thermostatic control device for a bathroom heater provided in an embodiment of this disclosure. Detailed Implementation

[0015] To provide a more detailed understanding of the features and technical content of the embodiments of this disclosure, the implementation of the embodiments of this disclosure will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. The accompanying drawings are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the embodiments of this disclosure. In the following technical description, for ease of explanation, several details are used to provide a full understanding of the disclosed embodiments. However, one or more embodiments may still be implemented without these details. In other cases, well-known structures and devices may be simplified in their depiction to simplify the drawings.

[0016] The terms "first," "second," etc., used in the specification, claims, and accompanying drawings of this disclosure are used to distinguish similar objects and are not necessarily used to describe a specific order or sequence. It should be understood that such data can be interchanged where appropriate for the embodiments of this disclosure described herein. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion.

[0017] Unless otherwise stated, the term "multiple" means two or more.

[0018] In this embodiment of the disclosure, the character " / " indicates that the objects before and after it are in an "or" relationship. For example, A / B means: A or B.

[0019] The term "and / or" describes an association between objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B means: A or B, or A and B.

[0020] The term "correspondence" can refer to an association or binding relationship. The correspondence between A and B means that there is an association or binding relationship between A and B.

[0021] Combination Figure 1 As shown in the figure, this disclosure provides a method for constant temperature control of a bathroom heater, including: S11, the bathroom heater obtains the ambient temperature from the temperature sensor.

[0022] S12, the bathroom heater calculates the total power demand based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature.

[0023] S13, the bathroom heater generates a power allocation scheme based on the total power demand. The power allocation scheme includes the start / stop strategy of the first electric heating module and the power adjustment strategy of the second electric heating module.

[0024] S14, the bathroom heater controls the first electric heating module and the second electric heating module according to the power distribution scheme so that the total power output of the electric heating module matches the total power demand.

[0025] In this solution, the bathroom heater includes a heater body, a temperature sensor installed on the body, and an electric heating module. The electric heating module includes a first electric heating module and a second electric heating module. The first electric heating module's on / off switch is a relay, and the second electric heating module's on / off switch is a silicon controlled rectifier (SCR). There can be one or more of the first and second electric heating modules. The SCR includes a SCR control circuit and an external SCR electrically connected to it. Furthermore, the bathroom heater is equipped with a thermostat, which is electrically connected to the temperature sensor, the relay, and the SCR. As an example, the temperature sensor is located at the return air duct of the bathroom heater to collect the temperature of the air flowing through the duct. In this way, the bathroom heater can collect the ambient temperature through the temperature sensor to determine the real-time return air temperature of the bathroom, thus reflecting the overall thermal environment of the bathroom.

[0026] In this solution, the bathroom heater calculates the total power demand based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature through the following steps: First, the ambient temperature measured in real time by the temperature sensor is compared with the user-stored set temperature to obtain a real-time temperature deviation value Δt. Then, the system uses this temperature deviation value Δt as input and employs a PID control algorithm to calculate the total power demand of the electric heating module required to bring the ambient temperature closer to the set temperature. The PID algorithm used is a standard positional PID control formula. This algorithm outputs the control quantity by comprehensively processing the proportional, integral, and derivative information of the temperature deviation. The specific formula is as follows:

[0027] In this formula, e(t) is the temperature deviation value Δt, u(t) is the calculated total power demand of the electric heating module, and K p To adjust the proportional coefficient of the response speed, T i T is the integral time constant used to eliminate steady-state error. d Let K be the differential time constant used to predict the changing trend. p Ti and T d It can be pre-configured. In one example, K p T i And T d Engineers can adjust the three parameters gradually through trial and error based on system response characteristics and experience until the system achieves fast, stable, and error-free control, thus ensuring the accuracy of the output power. In another example, the proportional gain, integral time constant, and derivative time constant of the bathroom heater can be determined as follows: Obtain the step response characteristic parameters of the bathroom heater, and calculate the proportional gain, integral time constant, and derivative time constant based on these parameters using preset empirical formulas. The step response characteristic parameters include the critical gain and critical oscillation period. The preset empirical formulas are formulas for calculating the proportional gain, integral time constant, and derivative time constant based on the critical gain and critical oscillation period, including: K p =0.6K u T i =0.5T u T d =0.125T u , where K u For critical gain, T u The critical oscillation period is defined. Using this scheme, the PID parameters are set based on the experimentally obtained critical oscillation characteristics of the system, thereby enabling the control system to possess appropriate stability margin and response speed, ensuring that the calculation and adjustment of total power demand are both rapid and stable. In an optimized scheme, the proportional coefficient, integral time constant, and derivative time constant of the bathroom heater can be determined as follows: an approximate mathematical model of the bathroom heater heating process is established, and based on this model, the proportional coefficient, integral time constant, and derivative time constant are determined through simulation or optimization algorithms. This method allows the parameter settings to be based on the system model, enabling more accurate matching of the characteristics of the actual controlled object and enhancing the system's adaptability and control accuracy under different operating conditions.

[0028] Optionally, the set temperature can be determined by the user according to their own comfort needs and can be set and adjusted through the bathroom heater control panel or remote control interface. This design allows users to personalize the heating temperature according to their actual physical sensation and environmental conditions, thereby improving user comfort and satisfaction.

[0029] In one optimized scheme, the bathroom heater dynamically adjusts the proportional coefficient, integral time constant, and derivative time constant of the PID controller based on the real-time temperature difference and its rate of change using a fuzzy inference mechanism. The adjusted PID parameters are then used to calculate the total power demand of the electric heating module. The fuzzy inference mechanism involves establishing a fuzzy rule table with the real-time temperature difference and its rate of change as input and the PID parameter adjustment as output. The output is calculated in real-time based on the fuzzy membership degrees of the inputs and the rule table. In practical applications, the bathroom heater control system collects ambient temperature data in real-time at a fixed sampling period, calculates the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature, and its rate of change. These two precise inputs are then transformed into five fuzzy levels—negative-large, negative-medium, zero, positive-medium, and positive-large—using a preset triangular membership function. For example, when the temperature difference is -3℃, the membership degree for negative-large is 0.6, and for negative-medium it is 0.4; when the rate of change is -1℃ / s, the membership degree for negative-medium is 0.7, and for zero it is 0.3. The bathroom heater's preset fuzzy rule table uses the fuzzy levels of temperature difference and rate of change as conditions, and the fuzzy levels of the proportional coefficient adjustment ΔKp, integral time constant adjustment ΔTi, and derivative time constant adjustment ΔTd as conclusions, containing a total of 25 rules. For example, if the difference is negative and the rate of change is negative, then ΔKp is positive (large), indicating a significant increase in proportional action; ΔTi is negative (medium), indicating a moderate decrease in integral time; and ΔTd is positive (medium), indicating a moderate enhancement of derivative action. Based on the membership degree of the current temperature difference and rate of change to each fuzzy level, the bathroom heater calculates the precise values ​​of ΔKp, ΔTi, and ΔTd through fuzzy inference and defuzzification, such as ΔKp=0.3, ΔTi=-0.05, and ΔTd=0.02. These adjustments are then superimposed on the current PID parameters, thereby updating the controller's proportional, integral, and derivative parameters in real time. Finally, the bathroom heater uses the updated PID parameters to calculate the total power demand of the electric heating module according to the standard positional PID formula, and controls the conduction and power adjustment of each parallel heating module accordingly. Through this fuzzy adaptive mechanism, the system can optimize the control parameters in real time according to the dynamic characteristics of the temperature difference, thereby enhancing the control effect during the rapid heating phase and suppressing overshoot when approaching the set temperature, achieving a more precise, stable, and adaptive constant temperature control effect.

[0030] In this scheme, the bathroom heater can generate a specific power allocation scheme based on the calculated total power demand. This scheme includes the start-stop strategy of the first electric heating module controlled by a relay and the power adjustment strategy of the second electric heating module controlled by a thyristor. Specifically, when the total power demand is less than or equal to the rated power of the second electric heating module, the determined power allocation scheme is: all first electric heating modules remain off, and the output power of the second electric heating module is adjusted to be exactly equal to the total power demand. When the total power demand is greater than the rated power of the second electric heating module, the bathroom heater will generate one or more feasible power combinations that can meet the total power demand based on the known rated power of each parallel first electric heating module. Each feasible power combination defines a set of specific first electric heating modules that need to be turned on, and simultaneously calculates the compensation power that needs to be borne by the second electric heating module. If only one feasible combination is generated, it is directly determined as the execution scheme. If multiple feasible combinations are generated, the optimal combination is selected as the final power allocation scheme according to a preset decision strategy, such as prioritizing the use of modules with larger rated power or a strategy that enables the system to have fault tolerance. In practical applications, for example, an electric heating module may consist of two relay modules with rated power of 500W and 300W, and a thyristor module with a rated power of 300W. If the total power demand is 200W, the allocation scheme is for the thyristor module to output 200W alone, while both relay modules are turned off. If the total power demand is 400W, the system will generate feasible combinations such as turning on the 300W relay module and having the thyristor module compensate for 100W, and execute accordingly. Through this method, the system can flexibly, accurately, and reliably decompose the total power demand into the execution of each heating module, achieving precise temperature control while also considering the system's economy and stability.

[0031] In this scheme, the bathroom heater coordinates the control of the first electric heating module (controlled by a relay) and the second electric heating module (controlled by a thyristor) according to the generated power distribution scheme. This ensures that the total power output of the electric heating modules accurately matches the calculated total power demand. Specifically, the control process is as follows: For the first electric heating module designated to be activated in the power distribution scheme, the main control board sends a conduction signal to its corresponding relay, and the module begins heating at its fixed rated power. For the second electric heating module designated to provide compensation power, the main control board adjusts the conduction angle of the connected thyristor, changing its input voltage, thereby steplessly adjusting its output power to the compensation power value required by the scheme. The activation and adjustment of all modules are performed synchronously, and the conduction time of each module is not unlimited but limited by a preset conduction duration. This preset duration can be adjusted according to thermal inertia and the control cycle to ensure the timeliness and safety of power output. In practical applications, for example, when the system calculates a total power demand of 580W and selects a power allocation scheme where a 500W relay module and a thyristor module providing 80W compensation power work together, the main control board will simultaneously send a turn-on command to the drive circuit of the 500W relay module and a voltage adjustment command to the thyristor module to output 80W power. Both operate within the set conduction time, thus ensuring that the total heating power is accurately and stably maintained at 580W. Through this control method combining precise switching and stepless adjustment of the sub-modules, the system can reliably translate the power allocation scheme into actual heating action, ensuring that the total output power matches the dynamically calculated total power demand in real time, ultimately achieving efficient and stable constant temperature control.

[0032] The thermostatic control method for bathroom heaters provided in this disclosure employs a hybrid control architecture combining relays and thyristors. Based on real-time calculations of the total power demand, it dynamically generates a collaborative power allocation scheme, effectively overcoming the inherent limitations of single relay control (inability to achieve stepless power adjustment) and single thyristor control (high cost and insufficient stability). This achieves refined collaborative management of the electric heating modules, ensuring continuous and precise adjustment of output power across the entire range for a more stable thermostatic effect. Furthermore, its dynamic allocation characteristic allows the system to maintain basic functionality and achieve fault redundancy even when some modules fail, ultimately achieving a better balance between cost, stability, and reliability.

[0033] Optionally, S12, the bathroom heater calculates the total power demand based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature, including: The bathroom heater obtains the critical temperature difference value; When the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature is less than or equal to the critical temperature difference value, the bathroom heater control electric heating module maintains the current operating power. When the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature exceeds the critical temperature difference value, the bathroom heater calculates the total power demand based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature.

[0034] In this solution, before calculating the total power demand based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature, the bathroom heater obtains a pre-set temperature difference threshold. This threshold is determined comprehensively based on the typical thermal inertia of the environment where the bathroom heater is located, the measurement accuracy of the temperature sensor, and the control requirement to avoid frequent operation of the heating module due to small temperature fluctuations. Its value can be set by the manufacturer at the factory or can be adjusted within a certain range for the user. In practical applications, for example, if the temperature difference threshold is set to 0.5℃, when the absolute value of the difference Δt between the real-time ambient temperature and the set temperature is less than or equal to 0.5℃, the system determines that the current temperature is within a stable and comfortable range, and no power adjustment is needed; therefore, the current operating power of the electric heating module remains unchanged. However, when the absolute value of Δt is greater than 0.5℃, the system determines that temperature adjustment is required and immediately initiates the subsequent PID algorithm calculation process to accurately calculate the required total power demand based on the current Δt. This approach, by introducing a temperature difference critical value mechanism, can effectively filter out unnecessary power adjustments caused by measurement noise or minor disturbances. This significantly reduces the number of actions of actuators such as relays and thyristors while ensuring constant temperature accuracy, thereby improving the system's control stability, response smoothness, and overall service life.

[0035] Optionally, if there are multiple first electric heating modules in the electric heating module, the rated power of the second electric heating module must meet the following requirements: The rated power of the second electric heating module is greater than or equal to the minimum rated power among the first electric heating modules. And, The rated power of the second electric heating module is greater than or equal to the maximum difference between two adjacent rated power values ​​after sorting the rated power of each first electric heating module by size.

[0036] To address the challenge of designing the power specifications of each module in an electric heating module using a combination of relays and SCRs to ensure accurate, continuous, and reliable achievement of the total power demand, this solution imposes explicit design constraints on the rated power of the second electric heating module (i.e., the SCR module). Specifically, the rated power of the SCR module must be greater than or equal to the minimum rated power among all the first electric heating modules controlled by relays. This constraint ensures that when the total power demand is less than the rated power of any relay module, the SCR module can independently handle and accurately output the required power, thus avoiding control dead zones caused by insufficient power adjustment granularity. Simultaneously, the rated power of the SCR module must be greater than or equal to the maximum difference between two adjacent power values ​​after sorting the rated power of all first electric heating modules by size. This constraint guarantees that when the total power demand falls between any two relay module power combinations, the SCR module can provide sufficient power compensation to fill the gap, allowing any required power value from the minimum power to the total system power to be accurately combined, thereby achieving continuous and stepless power adjustment. In practical applications, for example, a bathroom heater heating module consists of three relay modules with rated power of 800W, 500W, and 300W respectively, and a relay module with a rated power of P. k It consists of a thyristor module. According to the first constraint, P k ≥300W; According to the second constraint, the maximum difference between adjacent power is 800W-500W=300W, therefore P k ≥300W. When Pk is designed to be 300W, if the total power demand is 400W, the system can choose to activate the 300W relay module and have the SCR module compensate for 100W to achieve this. If the power demand is 700W, a 500W relay module can be activated and the SCR module can compensate for 200W to achieve this. These two constraints not only ensure the continuity and accuracy of power regulation but also allow the system to meet power demands through a combination of other modules and the SCR module even if a relay module fails. This significantly improves the system's control flexibility, reliability, and overall fault tolerance.

[0037] Optionally, S13, the bathroom heater generates a power allocation scheme based on the total power demand, including: When the total power demand is less than or equal to the rated power of the second electric heating module, the power allocation scheme of the bathroom heater is determined as follows: the start-stop strategy of the first electric heating module is to be off, and the power adjustment strategy of the second electric heating module is to make its output power equal to the total power demand.

[0038] To address the challenge of achieving precise power regulation and extending relay lifespan under low-power heating demands, this solution employs an efficient and precise power allocation scheme when the total power demand calculated by the bathroom heater is less than or equal to the rated power of the second electric heating module controlled by a thyristor. All first electric heating modules controlled by relays remain off, while the output power of the second electric heating module is adjusted to precisely match the total power demand. Understandably, because the second electric heating module is controlled by a thyristor, its power can be continuously and steplessly adjusted between zero and its rated power. Therefore, it can independently and precisely match smaller power demands, avoiding power output overshoot or inaccurate adjustment problems that might occur with the first electric heating module, which only has two states (on / off) and a fixed power. In practical applications, for example, if the heating module consists of a 300W rated power thyristor module, a 500W relay module, and a 300W relay module, and the PID algorithm calculates a total power demand of 200W, the system will control both relay modules to be off, while precisely adjusting the output of the thyristor module to 200W. In this way, not only is the continuous adjustment advantage of the thyristor fully utilized to achieve precise control of low power requirements and ensure the stability of temperature regulation, but the number of relay actions is also minimized, thereby effectively reducing mechanical wear and electrical noise, and significantly improving the control accuracy and long-term operational reliability of the entire electric heating system.

[0039] Optionally, S13, the bathroom heater generates a power allocation scheme based on the total power demand, including: When the total power demand exceeds the rated power of the second electric heating module, the bathroom heater determines the power allocation scheme to generate one or more feasible power combinations that meet the total power demand. Each feasible power combination defines a set of first electric heating modules to be turned on and the compensation power to be borne by the second electric heating module.

[0040] If only one feasible power combination is generated, the bathroom heater will use it as the power distribution scheme.

[0041] When multiple feasible power combinations are generated, the bathroom heater selects one as the power allocation scheme based on a preset decision strategy.

[0042] To address the challenge of rationally allocating power when the total power demand is high, achieving precise control while balancing system efficiency and stability, this solution generates one or more feasible power combinations that meet the total power demand when the calculated total power demand exceeds the rated power of the second electric heating module controlled by the thyristor. The specific generation process is as follows: the system iterates through all possible switching state combinations of the first electric heating modules controlled by relays. For each combination, it calculates the sum of the fixed power provided by all activated first electric heating modules in that combination. Then, it subtracts this sum of fixed power from the total power demand to obtain the compensation power required by the second electric heating module. If this compensation power is greater than or equal to zero and less than or equal to the rated power of the second electric heating module, then the combination and its corresponding compensation power are defined as a feasible power combination. If only one feasible power combination is obtained after iteration, the system directly determines it as the final power allocation scheme. If multiple feasible power combinations are obtained, the system selects one as the power allocation scheme based on a preset decision strategy, such as prioritizing combinations using fewer modules or those that provide system fault tolerance. In practical applications, for example, an electric heating module may consist of two first electric heating modules with rated power of 500W and 300W, and a second electric heating module with a rated power of 300W. When the total power demand is 400W, the system generates a feasible combination: activating the 300W first electric heating module and having the second electric heating module compensate by 100W. When the total power demand is 580W, the system generates two feasible combinations: one is activating the 300W first electric heating module and having the second electric heating module compensate by 280W; the other is activating the 500W first electric heating module and having the second electric heating module compensate by 80W. The system will choose to execute one of these combinations based on a preset strategy. Through this method, the system can flexibly and accurately configure the operating status of each heating module under various power demands, thereby improving the efficiency, flexibility, and overall reliability of power distribution while ensuring temperature control accuracy.

[0043] Combination Figure 2 As shown, optionally, the bathroom heater generates one or more feasible power combinations that meet the total power demand, including: S21, the bathroom heater determines all possible combinations of start / stop states for the first electric heating module.

[0044] S22, for each combination of start and stop states, the bathroom heater calculates the total fixed power of the first electric heating module in the on state.

[0045] S23, the difference between the total power demand of the bathroom heater and the sum of the fixed power is used as a candidate value for the compensation power to be borne by the second electric heating module.

[0046] S24, when the candidate value of the compensation power is greater than or equal to zero and less than or equal to the rated power of the second electric heating module, the bathroom heater determines the current start-stop state combination and its corresponding candidate value of the compensation power as a feasible power combination.

[0047] To address the challenge of systematically enumerating all possible operating states of the relay-controlled first electric heating modules when facing a large total power demand, thus ensuring the generation of a complete and feasible power allocation scheme, this solution determines candidate schemes by traversing all possible on / off state combinations of the first electric heating modules. Specifically, the system, based on the actual number of first electric heating modules in the heating module, uses logical operations to enumerate all binary state combinations from all off to all on. In one example, this can be determined through exhaustive search. Specifically, the system assigns a binary state bit to each first electric heating module and generates all 2^N combinations by traversing all bit changes from 0 (off) to 1 (on), where N is the number of first electric heating modules. In another example, this can be determined through a sorting and combination method. Specifically, the system sorts the first electric heating modules according to their rated power and, based on the range of total power demand, prioritizes module sequences with on power values ​​close to the demand and flexible combinations. In yet another approach, this can be determined through a priority method. The system generates multiple state combinations from high-priority module on to low-priority module on, based on a preset module usage priority order. In practical applications, for example, an electric heating module may contain two first electric heating modules with rated powers of 500W and 300W respectively. The system then determines four possible start-stop state combinations: both are off, only the 300W module is on, only the 500W module is on, and both are on. By systematically determining all possible start-stop state combinations, a complete search space is provided for generating feasible power combinations, ensuring that a corresponding solution can be found under any power demand, thereby improving the robustness of the power allocation algorithm and the reliability of system control.

[0048] To address the challenge of systematically selecting feasible solutions that precisely match the total power demand from all possible module start-stop combinations when multiple first electric heating modules and one second electric heating module coexist, this solution calculates the sum of the rated power of all first electric heating modules in the on state for each start-stop state combination determined in the previous stage. This sum is taken as the fixed total power provided by that combination. The system then subtracts this fixed total power from the calculated total power demand; the difference is the candidate power value for dynamic compensation by the second electric heating module. Finally, the system determines the validity of this compensation power candidate value: only when this value is greater than or equal to zero and simultaneously less than or equal to the rated power of the second electric heating module is the current start-stop state combination considered feasible, meaning the second electric heating module is capable of providing the differential power within its normal adjustment range. In this case, the system combines the current start-stop state combination with this compensation power value to determine a feasible power combination. In practical applications, for example, an electric heating module may consist of two first electric heating modules with rated power of 500W and 300W, and a second electric heating module with a rated power of 300W. When the total power demand is 580W, for the combination where only the 300W module is turned on, the fixed total power is 300W, and the candidate compensation power value is 580W - 300W = 280W. Since 280W is greater than or equal to 0 and less than or equal to 300W, this combination is feasible. However, for the combination where both modules are turned on, the fixed total power is 800W, and the candidate compensation power value is 580W - 800W = -220W. This value is less than 0, so it is determined to be infeasible. This scheme ensures that each selected feasible power combination is physically realizable, thus laying a precise and reliable foundation for generating the optimal power allocation scheme and improving the scientific nature of the entire power allocation process and the determinism of the control system.

[0049] Combination Figure 3 As shown, optionally, the bathroom heater selects one of the following as a power distribution scheme based on a preset decision strategy, including: S31, the bathroom heater determines the compensation power and cumulative working time corresponding to each feasible power combination.

[0050] S321, the bathroom heater selects the feasible power combination that minimizes the compensation power as the power allocation scheme based on the rule of prioritizing minimizing compensation power. Alternatively, S322, the bathroom heater selects the feasible power combination that minimizes the variance of the cumulative working time of each first electric heating module as the power allocation scheme according to the priority balance cumulative working time rule.

[0051] To address the challenge of intelligently selecting the optimal solution to optimize system performance and lifespan when multiple feasible power combinations exist, this solution uses a pre-defined decision-making strategy to select the final power allocation scheme from multiple feasible combinations. The specific decision-making process includes: determining the compensation power value that the second electric heating module must bear for each feasible power combination, and acquiring the historical cumulative operating time data of each first electric heating module. The system performs screening according to at least one of the following rules: In one case, the bathroom heater can select the combination that minimizes the compensation power value from all feasible combinations as the final solution according to the rule of minimizing compensation power. This rule makes it easier to make the second electric heating module work in a lower power adjustment range as much as possible, which is beneficial to reducing its workload and thermal stress, and is in line with the overall design concept of optimizing cost and stability by narrowing the adjustment range of the thyristor. In another case, the bathroom heater can calculate the variance of the cumulative working time of each first electric heating module after the update if the combination is executed under each feasible combination according to the rule of balancing the cumulative working time. The system selects the combination that minimizes this variance as the final solution. This rule makes it easier to make the workload of each parallel first electric heating module more balanced, avoids premature aging of individual or some modules due to overuse, and thus improves the overall life and reliability of the entire electric heating module. In practical applications, for example, an electric heating module may consist of two first electric heating modules (500W and 300W) and a second electric heating module (300W). When the total power demand is 580W, two feasible combinations are generated: Combination A involves activating the 300W module and having the second module compensate by 280W; Combination B involves activating the 500W module and having the second module compensate by 80W. If the rule of minimizing compensation power is adopted, combination B, with the smaller compensation power (80W), will be selected. If the rule of balancing cumulative working time is adopted, and assuming that the historical working time of the 500W module is much greater than that of the 300W module, the system may choose to activate combination A, which uses the 300W module, to balance wear. In this way, while meeting real-time power requirements, the optimized use and lifespan management of key actuators can be further achieved, thereby maintaining higher economy, stability, and reliability in long-term operation.

[0052] In an optimized embodiment, this disclosure provides another method for constant temperature control of a bathroom heater, including: the bathroom heater acquiring ambient temperature, ambient humidity, and user's historical usage data in real time; the bathroom heater predicting future temperature change trends based on historical and real-time ambient temperature data, and dynamically compensating for the set temperature or PID control parameters based on ambient humidity and user's historical usage data; the bathroom heater calculating the real-time temperature difference based on the ambient temperature and the compensated set temperature, and calculating the total power demand of the electric heating modules using a PID algorithm in conjunction with the predicted future temperature change trends; and the bathroom heater generating and executing a power allocation scheme based on the total power demand, the current ambient temperature, and the real-time energy efficiency status of each heating module.

[0053] To address the shortcomings of existing bathroom heater thermostat control solutions in considering environmental factors and personalized user needs, which result in insufficient control accuracy, energy efficiency, and comfort, this solution implements an intelligent thermostat control method that integrates environmental perception and predictive adaptation. Specifically, the bathroom heater collects real-time ambient temperature and humidity data, and acquires historical user behavior data. This historical user behavior data refers to a set of parameters related to user behavior learned by the system from historical records, such as the user's usage habits during specific time periods, preferred temperature ranges, and average usage duration. Based on the historical and real-time ambient temperature sequences, the system calculates and extrapolates the short-term rate of change, or employs a lightweight time-series prediction algorithm, to predict the temperature change trend over a future control cycle. Simultaneously, the system dynamically compensates for the set temperature or PID control parameters based on ambient humidity and historical user usage data: when ambient humidity is high, the system appropriately increases the internally calculated set temperature based on the user's set value, or correspondingly increases the proportional coefficient in the PID algorithm, to compensate for the accelerated heat loss and decreased perceived temperature caused by humidity; based on historical user usage habits, the system can start preheating at a lower power in advance before the predicted user's usual time period, or adopt response speed parameters that match the user's habits in the control. Furthermore, the system calculates the real-time temperature difference based on the real-time ambient temperature and the target temperature after the above compensation, and uses the predicted future temperature change trend as a feedforward quantity, inputting both into the PID control algorithm to calculate the total power demand that responds to both the current temperature difference and anticipates future changes. Finally, when generating the power allocation scheme, the system not only considers the total power demand but also the current ambient temperature and the real-time energy efficiency status of each heating module. For example, during the low-temperature cold start phase, it prioritizes the use of electric heating modules with high rated power and fast thermal response to quickly raise the ambient temperature. During the steady-state phase approaching the target temperature, it prioritizes the use of modules with higher energy efficiency ratios to maintain the temperature, thereby achieving a balance between performance and energy efficiency. In practical applications, for example, the system learns that the user showers at 8 pm every night and detects an ambient temperature of 15°C and humidity of 85% at 7:55 pm. The system then predicts that the temperature will slowly rise in the next few minutes based on the current temperature and its trend. At the same time, it compensates the internally calculated temperature to be 2°C higher than the set value based on the high humidity and calculates a higher initial total power demand based on the predicted trend. During power allocation, given the current low temperature, the system decides to prioritize the activation of high-power relay modules for rapid heating. With this scheme, by deeply integrating real-time environmental data, user habits, and predictive feedforward control, the environmental adaptability, control intelligence, and overall energy efficiency of the bathroom heater constant temperature system are significantly improved, thus providing users with a more precise, comfortable, and personalized bathing environment.

[0054] Combination Figure 4As shown in the embodiments of this disclosure, another method for constant temperature control of a bathroom heater is provided, including: S41, the bathroom heater monitors the working status of the first and second electric heating modules.

[0055] S42, if an electric heating module is detected to be faulty, the bathroom heater will mark it as unavailable and update the set of available electric heating modules.

[0056] S43, the bathroom heater regenerates a power allocation scheme based on the current total power demand and the updated set of available electric heating modules.

[0057] S44, the bathroom heater is controlled according to the regenerated power distribution scheme to match the total power output of the electric heating module with the total power demand.

[0058] To address the issue of ensuring continuous and reliable system operation and maintaining constant temperature control even when individual heating modules malfunction during bathroom heater operation, this solution continuously monitors the operating current, circuit continuity, and temperature feedback signals of each heating module in real time to determine if they are functioning correctly. When an abnormal current, lack of response, or abnormal temperature is detected in a heating module, the system identifies it as faulty, marks it as unavailable in the internal control list, and removes it from the currently available set of heating modules, thus updating a new set of available hardware resources that excludes the faulty module. Subsequently, based on the calculated total power demand, and combined with the updated set of available heating modules and their respective rated power and type, the system recalculates and generates a feasible power allocation scheme. Finally, the main control board of the bathroom heater sends corresponding start / stop commands to the available first heating modules and issues precise power adjustment commands to the available second heating modules according to the regenerated power allocation scheme. This ensures that the total output power of the entire heating module matches the total power demand, maintaining a stable ambient temperature. In practical applications, for example, in a system consisting of a 500W relay module, a 300W relay module, and a 300W SCR module, if a 500W relay module is detected as faulty and marked as unavailable during operation, when the total power demand is 580W, the system will regenerate a power allocation scheme based on the remaining 300W relay module and 300W SCR module. The final decision might be to simultaneously activate the 300W relay module and allow the SCR module to output 280W of power, thus continuing to meet the total heating demand. This approach, by introducing real-time fault monitoring and dynamic power reconfiguration mechanisms, significantly improves the fault tolerance and operational reliability of the bathroom heater / thermostat control system, ensuring that the core temperature control function is maintained even when some hardware fails, thus enhancing product durability and user experience.

[0059] This disclosure provides a thermostatic control device 200 for a bathroom heater, including an acquisition module 51, a calculation module 52, a generation module 53, and a control module 54. The acquisition module 51 is configured to acquire the ambient temperature collected by a temperature sensor; the calculation module 52 is configured to calculate the total power demand based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature; the generation module 53 is configured to generate a power allocation scheme based on the total power demand, the power allocation scheme including a start / stop strategy for a first electric heating module and a power adjustment strategy for a second electric heating module. The control module 54 is configured to control the first and second electric heating modules according to the power allocation scheme, so that the total power output by the electric heating modules matches the total power demand.

[0060] The thermostatic control device 200 for a bathroom heater provided in this disclosure employs a hybrid control architecture combining relays and thyristors. Based on real-time calculations of the total power demand, it dynamically generates a collaborative power allocation scheme, effectively overcoming the inherent limitations of single relay control (inability to achieve stepless power adjustment) and single thyristor control (high cost and insufficient stability). This achieves refined collaborative management of the electric heating modules, ensuring continuous and precise adjustment of output power across the entire range for a more stable temperature control effect. Furthermore, its dynamic allocation characteristic allows the system to maintain basic functionality and achieve fault redundancy even when some modules fail, ultimately achieving a better balance between cost, stability, and reliability.

[0061] Combination Figure 6 As shown, this disclosure provides a thermostat control device 300 for a bathroom heater, including a processor 301 and a memory 302. Optionally, the device 300 may further include a communication interface 303 and a bus 304. The processor 301, communication interface 303, and memory 302 can communicate with each other via the bus 304. The communication interface 303 can be used for information transmission. The processor 301 can call logical instructions in the memory 302 to execute the thermostat control method for a bathroom heater described in the above embodiment.

[0062] Furthermore, the logic instructions in the aforementioned memory 302 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium.

[0063] The memory 302, as a computer-readable storage medium, can be used to store software programs and computer-executable programs, such as program instructions / modules corresponding to the methods in the embodiments of this disclosure. The processor 301 executes functional applications and data processing by running the program instructions / modules stored in the memory 302, thereby implementing the constant temperature control method for the bathroom heater in the above embodiments.

[0064] The memory 302 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the terminal device. Furthermore, the memory 302 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-volatile memory.

[0065] This disclosure provides a bathroom heater, including: a bathroom heater body, a temperature sensor, an electric heating module, and the aforementioned thermostatic control device 200 (300) for the bathroom heater. The temperature sensor is disposed on the bathroom heater body. The electric heating module is disposed on the bathroom heater body and includes a first electric heating module and a second electric heating module. The first electric heating module's on / off switch is a relay, and the second electric heating module's on / off switch is a thyristor. The thermostatic control device 200 (300) for the bathroom heater is installed on the bathroom heater body. The installation relationship described herein is not limited to placement inside the bathroom heater body, but also includes installation connections with other components of the bathroom heater, including but not limited to physical connections, electrical connections, or signal transmission connections. Those skilled in the art will understand that the thermostatic control device 200 (300) for the bathroom heater can be adapted to any suitable bathroom heater body, thereby realizing other feasible embodiments.

[0066] This disclosure provides a computer-readable storage medium storing computer-executable instructions configured to perform the above-described constant temperature control method for a bathroom heater.

[0067] The technical solutions of this disclosure can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes one or more instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute all or part of the steps of the method described in this disclosure. The aforementioned storage medium can be a non-transitory storage medium, such as a USB flash drive, external hard drive, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disk, or optical disk, etc., and other media capable of storing program code.

[0068] The foregoing description and accompanying drawings fully illustrate embodiments of this disclosure to enable those skilled in the art to practice them. Other embodiments may include structural, logical, electrical, procedural, and other changes. The embodiments represent only possible variations. Individual components and functions are optional unless explicitly required, and the order of operation may vary. Parts and features of some embodiments may be included in or replace parts and features of other embodiments. Moreover, the terminology used in this application is for describing embodiments only and is not intended to limit the claims. As used in the description of embodiments and claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to equally include the plural forms unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Similarly, the term “and / or” as used in this application means including one or more of the associated listed items and all possible combinations thereof. Additionally, when used in this application, the term "comprise" and its variations "comprises" and / or "comprising" refer to the presence of stated features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integrals, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups thereof. Without further limitations, an element defined by the phrase "comprises a..." does not exclude the presence of other identical elements in the process, method, or apparatus that includes said element. In this document, each embodiment may focus on the differences from other embodiments, and similar or identical parts between embodiments can be referred to mutually. For methods, products, etc., disclosed in the embodiments, if they correspond to the method section disclosed in the embodiments, the relevant parts can be referred to the description of the method section.

[0069] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples 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 implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art 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 embodiments of this disclosure. Those skilled in the art will clearly understand that, for the sake of convenience and brevity, the specific working processes of the systems, devices, and units described above can be referred to the corresponding processes in the foregoing method embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0070] The methods and products disclosed in the embodiments herein (including but not limited to devices and equipment) can be implemented in other ways. For example, the device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of units may be merely a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple units or components may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. In addition, the mutual coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces, and the indirect coupling or communication connection of devices or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as units may or may not be physical units, that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the units can be selected to implement this embodiment according to actual needs. In addition, the functional units in the embodiments of this disclosure may be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit may exist physically separately, or two or more units may be integrated into one unit.

[0071] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to embodiments of this disclosure. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. In some alternative implementations, the functions marked in the blocks may occur in a different order than that shown in the drawings. For example, two consecutive blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. In the descriptions corresponding to the flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings, the operations or steps corresponding to different blocks may also occur in a different order than disclosed in the description, and sometimes there is no specific order between different operations or steps. For example, two consecutive operations or steps may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. Each block in a block diagram and / or flowchart, and combinations of blocks in a block diagram and / or flowchart, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or action, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

Claims

1. A method for constant temperature control in a bathroom heater, the bathroom heater comprising a temperature sensor and an electric heating module, characterized in that, The electric heating module includes a first electric heating module and a second electric heating module. The first electric heating module has a relay as its on / off switch, and the second electric heating module has a thyristor as its on / off switch. The method includes: Obtain the ambient temperature collected by the temperature sensor; Calculate the total power demand based on the difference between the ambient temperature and the set temperature; Based on the total power demand, a power allocation scheme is generated, which includes the start-stop strategy of the first electric heating module and the power adjustment strategy of the second electric heating module. The first electric heating module and the second electric heating module are controlled according to the power distribution scheme so that the total power output of the electric heating modules matches the total power demand.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When there are multiple first electric heating modules in the electric heating module, the rated power of the second electric heating module must meet the following requirements: The rated power of the second electric heating module is greater than or equal to the minimum rated power among the first electric heating modules; and, The rated power of the second electric heating module is greater than or equal to the maximum difference between two adjacent rated power values ​​after sorting the rated power of each of the first electric heating modules by size.

3. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the total power demand, a power allocation scheme is generated, including: If the total power demand is less than or equal to the rated power of the second electric heating module, the power allocation scheme is determined as follows: the start-stop strategy of the first electric heating module is to be off, and the power adjustment strategy of the second electric heating module is to make its output power equal to the total power demand.

4. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, Based on the total power demand, a power allocation scheme is generated, including: If the total required power is greater than the rated power of the second electric heating module, the power allocation scheme is determined to generate one or more feasible power combinations that meet the total required power, wherein each feasible power combination defines a set of compensation power to be borne by the first electric heating module to be turned on and the second electric heating module. If only one feasible power combination is generated, it is used as the power allocation scheme. When multiple feasible power combinations are generated, one is selected as the power allocation scheme based on a preset decision strategy.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Generating one or more feasible power combinations that satisfy the total power demand includes: Determine all possible combinations of start / stop states for the first electric heating module; For each of the aforementioned start / stop state combinations, calculate the total fixed power of the first electric heating module in the start state; Calculate the difference between the total required power and the sum of the fixed power, and use it as a candidate value for the compensation power that the second electric heating module needs to bear; If the candidate value of the compensation power is greater than or equal to zero and less than or equal to the rated power of the second electric heating module, the current start-stop state combination and its corresponding candidate value of compensation power are determined as the feasible power combination.

6. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Based on a preset decision-making strategy, one of the options is selected as the power allocation scheme, including: Determine the compensation power and cumulative operating time corresponding to each feasible power combination; Based on the rule of prioritizing minimizing compensation power, feasible power combinations that minimize compensation power are selected as power allocation schemes; or, Based on the priority and balance cumulative working time rule, the feasible power combination that minimizes the variance of the cumulative working time of each first electric heating module is selected as the power allocation scheme.

7. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 6, characterized in that, Also includes: Monitor the operating status of the first electric heating module and the second electric heating module; If an electric heating module is detected as faulty, it is marked as unavailable, and the set of available electric heating modules is updated. Based on the current total power demand and the updated set of available electric heating modules, a new power allocation scheme is generated. Control is performed according to the regenerated power allocation scheme so that the total power output of the electric heating module matches the total power demand.

8. A thermostatic control device for a bathroom heater, comprising a processor and a memory storing program instructions, characterized in that, The processor is configured to execute the thermostatic control method for a bathroom heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 7 when running the program instructions.

9. A bathroom heater, characterized in that, include: The bathroom heater itself; A temperature sensor is installed on the main body of the bathroom heater; An electric heating module is disposed in the body of the bathroom heater, including a first electric heating module and a second electric heating module. The on / off switch of the first electric heating module is a relay, and the on / off switch of the second electric heating module is a thyristor. The thermostatic control device for a bathroom heater as described in claim 8 is installed on the bathroom heater body.

10. A computer-readable storage medium storing program instructions, characterized in that, When the program instructions are executed, they cause the computer to perform the constant temperature control method for a bathroom heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 7.

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