Water heater energy storage control method, controller and water heater

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, in particular to a water heater energy storage control method, a controller and a water heater, and the energy storage control method comprises the steps that in at least part of the process of storing energy for a phase change material, a heating device is controlled to work at a first preset return difference, and a second preset return difference is controlled to work at a second preset return difference; and then the heating device is controlled to work at a second preset return difference, the second preset return difference is smaller than the first preset return difference, and the preset return difference is the difference value between the stopping temperature when the heating device stops working and the starting temperature when the heating device starts working. By controlling the heating device to work intermittently at different temperature return differences, the local overheating phenomenon caused by heating of the phase change material in the inner container can be reduced, and / or the energy storage time can be shortened.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present specification relates to the technical field of water heaters, and in particular to a water heater energy storage control method, a controller and a water heater. BACKGROUND

[0002] The volume of the inner tank of a commonly used water heater is generally not more than 100L, affected by the size of the user's bathroom and the installation environment. For example, the capacity of household water heaters on the market is generally 60L. The water heater with the above capacity has limited ability to supply hot water, especially in winter, and the user has the problem of insufficient hot water or long heating time when bathing. In addition to ordinary electric heating storage water heaters, there are also some phase change water heaters, which first make the phase change material absorb the heat of the heat source to store energy; when supplying water, the phase change material releases the stored energy to heat the cold water flowing in the heat exchange pipe. However, the energy storage efficiency of the phase change material needs to be improved, and the temperature of the phase change material during the energy storage process needs to be reasonably controlled to avoid overheating. SUMMARY

[0003] To solve the problems in the prior art, the embodiments of the present specification provide a water heater energy storage control method, a controller and a water heater, which can solve the problem of local overheating of the phase change material in the prior art by controlling the heating device to work intermittently with smaller and smaller hysteresis, and can solve the problem of low energy storage efficiency in the prior art by controlling the start temperature to be raised.

[0004] The embodiments of the present specification provide a water heater energy storage control method, the water heater comprising a heating device and an inner tank with a phase change material, the heating device being used to generate heat and directly or indirectly transfer the heat to the phase change material to store energy in the phase change material.

[0005] The energy storage control method comprises, during at least part of the process of storing energy in the phase change material, controlling the heating device to work with a first preset hysteresis first, and then controlling the heating device to work with a second preset hysteresis, the second preset hysteresis being smaller than the first preset hysteresis, and the preset hysteresis being the difference between the stop temperature when the heating device stops working and the start temperature when the heating device starts working.

[0006] As a further aspect of the present specification, the start temperature is a variable.

[0007] As another further aspect of the present specification, if the temperature of the phase change material is less than a first phase change material temperature, the start temperature is a first temperature value.

[0008] If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the first phase change material temperature, the start temperature is a second temperature value.

[0009] The first temperature value is less than the second temperature value.

[0010] As another further aspect of the present specification, the first phase change material temperature is equal to the first temperature value,

[0011] Alternatively,

[0012] The first phase change material temperature is not equal to the first temperature value, and an absolute value of a difference between the first phase change material temperature and the first temperature value is not greater than a first preset value.

[0013] As another further aspect of the present specification, the first preset value is less than or equal to 5.

[0014] As another further aspect of the present specification, if the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the first phase change material temperature and less than a second phase change material temperature, the start temperature is a second temperature value;

[0015] If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the second phase change material temperature, the start temperature is a third temperature value;

[0016] The second temperature value is less than the third temperature value.

[0017] As another further aspect of the present specification, the second phase change material temperature is equal to the second temperature value,

[0018] Alternatively,

[0019] The second phase change material temperature is not equal to the second temperature value, and an absolute value of a difference between the second phase change material temperature and the second temperature value is not greater than a second preset value.

[0020] As another further aspect of the present specification, the second preset value is less than or equal to 5.

[0021] As another further aspect of the present specification, the stop temperature is a variable.

[0022] As another further aspect of the present specification, if the temperature of the phase change material is less than the first phase change material temperature, the stop temperature is a fourth temperature value;

[0023] If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the first phase change material temperature, the stop temperature is a fifth temperature value;

[0024] The fourth temperature value is greater than the fifth temperature value.

[0025] As another further aspect of this specification, if the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material and less than the temperature of the second phase change material, the stop temperature is a fifth temperature value.

[0026] If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the second phase change material, the stop temperature is the sixth temperature value;

[0027] The fifth temperature value is greater than or equal to the sixth temperature value.

[0028] As a further aspect of this specification, a first phase change material temperature sensor is provided in the inner liner, the first phase change material temperature sensor being close to the inner liner wall, for obtaining the temperature of the phase change material near the inner liner wall as the temperature of the phase change material.

[0029] As another further aspect of this specification, the inner liner also has a heat exchange structure, the heating device is used to heat water, and the water heated by the heating device can transfer heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure. The stop temperature and the start temperature are the temperature values ​​of the water that transfers heat to the phase change material.

[0030] As a further aspect of this specification, a water temperature sensor is provided on the heat exchange structure, the water temperature sensor being used to obtain the temperature value of the water that transfers heat with the phase change material.

[0031] As another further aspect of this specification, water heated by the heating device transfers heat to the phase change material within the heat exchange structure via natural convection.

[0032] As another further aspect of this specification, water heated by the heating device flows into the heat exchange structure under the drive of a pump, transferring heat to the phase change material.

[0033] As a further aspect of this specification, a first phase change material temperature sensor is provided on the heat exchange structure to detect the temperature of the surface of the heat exchange structure or the phase change material.

[0034] The water heater also includes a water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water heated by the heating device.

[0035] As a further aspect of this specification, the stop temperature and the start temperature are temperature values ​​of the phase change material near the heating device.

[0036] As another further aspect of this specification,

[0037] The inner liner is provided with a first phase change material temperature sensor, which is located away from the heating device and is used to obtain the temperature of the phase change material near the inner liner wall as the temperature of the phase change material.

[0038] A second phase change material temperature sensor is installed in the inner liner. The second phase change material temperature sensor is located near the heating device and is used to obtain the temperature value of the phase change material near the heating device.

[0039] This specification also provides a controller for use in a water heater, the water heater including a heating device and an inner tank having a phase change material, the heating device being used to generate heat and directly or indirectly transfer the heat to the phase change material to store energy in the phase change material; the controller executing the energy storage control method as described above.

[0040] This specification also provides an embodiment of a water heater, including the controller described above.

[0041] As another further aspect of this specification, the water heater includes an inner tank having a phase change material and a heat exchange structure, a pump, a heating device, and a controller for controlling the heating device;

[0042] The controller controls the operation of the heating device, which heats the water. The heated water is pumped into the heat exchange structure of the inner tank by the pump. The heated water transfers heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure for energy storage.

[0043] As a further aspect of this specification, the pump is a circulating pump, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange structure, and the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the heating device.

[0044] As another further aspect of this specification, along the direction of water flow, the pump is located upstream of the heating device. After the water flows out from the outlet of the pump, it is heated by the heating device and then flows into the inlet of the heat exchange structure.

[0045] As another further aspect of this specification, the water heater has an inner tank made of phase change material and a heat exchange structure, a heating device, and a controller for controlling the heating device;

[0046] The heating device, under the control of the controller, heats at least the water in the lower part or bottom of the heat exchange structure. The water in the heat exchange structure transfers heat to the phase change material in the inner tank through natural convection for energy storage.

[0047] As a further aspect of this specification, the heat exchange structure includes a heat exchange box located inside the inner liner, where water heated by the heating device naturally convects within the heat exchange box, thereby transferring heat to the phase change material.

[0048] As a further aspect of this specification, the heat exchange box extends along the height and length directions of the inner liner, and the heat exchange box has a predetermined thickness along the width direction of the inner liner.

[0049] As a further aspect of this specification, the heat exchange box is provided in multiple ways, and the heat exchange structure also includes heat exchange tubes, which are connected to each other and to each other through a communication structure.

[0050] As another further aspect of this specification, the water heater includes an inner tank having a phase change material.

[0051] The inner liner has a heat exchange structure, through which water flowing through the heat exchange structure can exchange heat with the phase change material.

[0052] The water heater also includes a water-passing device, at least a portion of which is located within the heat exchange structure. A first water flow channel is formed between the outer surface of the wall of the water-passing device and the inner surface of the wall of the heat exchange structure. At least a portion of the water in the first water flow channel can flow out of the water-passing device after flowing into it. The water-passing device is used to hold functional materials.

[0053] As another further aspect of this specification, functional materials include scale inhibitors and / or bactericidal and / or purifying materials.

[0054] As a further aspect of this specification, the water heater also includes a flow guide for directing water from the first water flow channel to the inlet and / or the filter.

[0055] As a further aspect of this specification, the inner liner has a connector with a water-passing device interface having a first end and a second end. The first end of the water-passing device interface is connected to the heat exchange structure, the second end of the water-passing device interface is connected to one end of the water-passing device, and the other end of the water-passing device extends into the heat exchange structure through the second end of the water-passing device interface.

[0056] As a further aspect of this specification, the second end of the water-passing device interface is detachably and sealingly connected to one end of the water-passing device.

[0057] As a further aspect of this specification, the water-passing device has a functional material, an inlet and an outlet, the inlet being for allowing water from the first water flow channel to flow into the water-passing device and come into contact with the functional material, and the outlet being for allowing water treated by the functional material to flow out of the water-passing device.

[0058] As a further aspect of this specification, the inner surface of the wall of the water-passing device defines a receiving cavity for receiving the functional material, and the water inlet and / or the water outlet are disposed on the outer surface of the wall.

[0059] As a further aspect of this specification, the wall of the water-passing device is a mesh structure, with some openings in the mesh structure serving as the water inlet and others serving as the water outlet.

[0060] As a further aspect of this specification, the water heater also includes a flow guide for directing water from the first water flow channel to the inlet and / or the functional material.

[0061] As another further aspect of this specification, the water heater includes a heating device and an inner tank having a phase change material, the inner tank also having a heat exchange structure, the heating device being used to heat water, and the water heated by the heating device being able to transfer heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure;

[0062] The water heater also includes a water temperature sensor, a thermal circuit breaker, and a heating device switch, wherein the heating device switch and the thermal circuit breaker are connected in series in the working circuit of the heating device.

[0063] The water temperature sensor is disposed on the heat exchange structure and is used to detect the water temperature in the heat exchange structure. The heating device switch is used to disconnect and / or connect the working circuit according to the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor.

[0064] The thermal circuit breaker is installed in the heat exchange structure and is used to disconnect the working circuit when the water temperature in the heat exchange structure exceeds the standard.

[0065] As a further aspect of this specification, the water heater also includes a phase change material temperature sensor, which is in contact with the phase change material and located in the inner tank away from the heating device, for detecting the temperature of the phase change material.

[0066] As another further aspect of this specification, the water heater also includes a housing, a water tank, a valve body, and a controller. The inner tank, the water tank, the valve body, and the controller are all located within the housing. The valve body is connected to the inner tank and / or the water tank. The controller is used to at least control the switching of the heating device.

[0067] In the longitudinal direction of the water heater, the length of the water tank is greater than that of the inner tank, so as to form a receiving space within the housing for accommodating the valve body and / or the controller.

[0068] By utilizing the embodiments in this specification, and controlling the heating device to operate intermittently with increasingly smaller hysteresis, the localized overheating phenomenon caused by heating in the phase change material in the inner liner can be reduced and / or the energy storage efficiency can be improved. Attached Figure Description

[0069] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments or prior art of this specification, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this specification. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0070] Figure 1 The diagram shown is a flowchart of a water heater energy storage control method according to an embodiment of this specification;

[0071] Figure 2a The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the temperature change when the heating device indirectly transfers heat to the phase change material according to the embodiment of this specification.

[0072] Figure 2b The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the temperature change when the heating device indirectly transfers heat to the phase change material according to the embodiment of this specification.

[0073] Figure 2c The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the temperature change when the heating device indirectly transfers heat to the phase change material according to the embodiment of this specification.

[0074] Figure 3 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the energy storage control method according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0075] Figure 4 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a water heater according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0076] Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a water heater according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0077] Figure 6a andFigure 6b The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the heat exchange structure in an embodiment of this specification.

[0078] Figure 7 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the heat exchange box body according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0079] Figure 8a The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of water flow during the energy storage stage in an embodiment of this specification.

[0080] Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram of the water flow during the energy release stage in an embodiment of this specification;

[0081] Figure 9a The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a water heater with a water-passing device according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0082] Figure 9b The diagram shown is a partially enlarged schematic of the interface of the water-passing device in an embodiment of this specification.

[0083] Figure 10 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the inner liner connector in an embodiment of this specification.

[0084] Figure 11a The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the inner liner connector in an embodiment of this specification.

[0085] Figure 11b The figure shown is a cross-sectional view of the inner liner connector in an embodiment of this specification;

[0086] Figure 12 The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the water heater structure according to an embodiment of this manual.

[0087] Figure 13a The diagram shown is a cross-sectional view of the water-passing device according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0088] Figure 13b The diagram shown is a partially enlarged structural schematic of the cross-section of the water-passing device in an embodiment of this specification.

[0089] Figure 14a The diagram shown is a detailed structural diagram of the water-passing device according to an embodiment of this specification.

[0090] Figure 14b The diagram shown is another specific structural diagram of the water-passing device according to an embodiment of this specification;

[0091] Figure 15 The diagram shown is a schematic of a water heater structure according to an embodiment of this manual, which controls the operation of the heating device based on water temperature.

[0092] Figure 16 The diagram shown is a circuit diagram of the heating device working circuit in an embodiment of this specification.

[0093] Figure 17The diagram shown is another structural schematic of a water heater that controls the operation of the heating device according to the water temperature, as described in this specification.

[0094] Figure 18 The diagram shown is another structural schematic of a water heater that controls the operation of the heating device according to the water temperature, as described in this specification.

[0095] Figure 19 The image shown is a computer device provided in an embodiment of this specification.

[0096] [Explanation of Labels in the Attached Image]

[0097] 401. Inner liner; 4011. Phase change material; 4012. Heat exchange structure; 402. Pump; 403. Heating device; 404. Controller;

[0098] 501. Inner liner; 5011. Phase change material; 5012. Heat exchange structure; 502. Heating device; 503. Controller;

[0099] 6012, Heat exchange box body; 6013, Heating chamber;

[0100] 701. Inner liner; 7012. Heat exchange box body; 7013. Heat exchange tube; 702. Heating device; 703. Controller; 704. End cap; 7041. Connecting structure;

[0101] 801. Inner liner; 8011. Phase change material; 8012. Heat exchange box body; 8013. Heat exchange tube; 802. Heating device; 803. Controller; 804. End cap; 8041. Connecting structure; 8042. Water inlet; 8043. Water outlet;

[0102] 901, Inner liner; 9011, Phase change material; 9012, Heat exchange structure; 902, Water flow device; 903, First water flow channel; 904, Water inlet section; 905, Water inlet; 906, Water flow device interface; 9061, First end; 9062, Second end;

[0103] 1001. Inner tank; 1002. Water passage device; 1003. Heat exchange structure; 1004. Connector; 10041. Water inlet; 10042. Water passage device interface; 10043. Water outlet;

[0104] 1101, Inner tank; 11012, Heat exchange structure; 1102, Heating device; 1103, Inner tank connector; 11031, Water flow device interface; 11032, Water inlet; 11033, Second water flow channel; 11034, Water outlet; 1104, Water flow device;

[0105] 1201, Shell; 1202, Water Tank; 1203, Valve Body; 1204, Inner Tank; 12041, Connector; 1205, Accommodation Space;

[0106] 1301. Functional material; 1302. Inlet; 1303. Outlet; 1304. Receiving cavity; 1305. First water flow channel; 1306. Second water flow channel;

[0107] 1401. Functional material; 1402. Inlet; 1403. Outlet; 1404. Receiving cavity; 1405. Flow guide; 1406. Limiting component; 14061. Sealing part; 14062. Flanged edge; 1407. First water flow channel;

[0108] 1501. Inner tank; 1502. Heat dissipation fins; 1503. Heating device; 1504. Heat exchange structure; 1505. Water temperature sensor; 1506. Thermal circuit breaker; 1507. Heating device switch;

[0109] 1701. Inner tank; 1702. Phase change material; 1703. Heating device; 1704. Heat exchange structure; 1705. Water temperature sensor; 1706. Thermal circuit breaker; 1707. Heating device switch; 1708. Pump; 1709. Controller;

[0110] 1801. Inner liner; 1802. Heat dissipation fins; 1803. Heating device; 1804. Heat exchange structure; 1805. Water temperature sensor; 1806. Thermal circuit breaker; 1809. Phase change material temperature sensor;

[0111] 1902, Computer equipment; 1904, Processor; 1906, Memory; 1910, Input / output module; 1912, Input device; 1914, Output device; 1916, Presentation device; 1918, Graphical user interface; 1920, Network interface; 1922, Communication link; 1924, Communication bus. Detailed Implementation

[0112] The technical solutions in the embodiments of this specification will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this specification, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments in this specification, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this specification.

[0113] The water heater described in this specification includes a heating device and an inner tank containing a phase change material. The heating device generates heat and directly or indirectly transfers the heat to the phase change material to store energy. The heating device can be built into the inner tank to directly transfer heat to the phase change material, thereby completing energy storage. Alternatively, the heating device can heat water, and then use the heated water to store energy in the phase change material within the inner tank. Alternatively, water can be heated outside the inner tank, and the heated water can then be used to store energy in the phase change material within the inner tank. During the energy storage process, the control method for the heating device is executed by a controller, processor, or microcontroller of the water heater, such as... Figure 1 The diagram shows a flowchart of a water heater energy storage control method according to an embodiment of this specification. The specific steps included in the diagram are as follows:

[0114] Step 101: During at least a portion of the energy storage process of the phase change material, the heating device is controlled to operate with a first preset hysteresis.

[0115] Step 102: Control the heating device to operate with a second preset hysteresis. The second preset hysteresis is less than the first preset hysteresis. The preset hysteresis is the difference between the stopping temperature when the heating device stops working and the starting temperature when the heating device starts working.

[0116] During the energy storage control process described above, the intermittent operation of the heating device is achieved by controlling its start and stop, allowing the water heater temperature to vary between preset hysteresis ranges. Alternatively, the water heater temperature can also vary between preset hysteresis ranges by controlling the high-power output and low-power output of the heating device. The high-power output includes controlling the heating device to heat at its rated power or at a power close to its rated power. The low-power output includes controlling the heating device to stop heating or to heat at a power far below its rated power. The power far below the rated power may be a fraction of the rated power or below a certain preset threshold value, which is not limited here.

[0117] The preset hysteresis mentioned in the embodiments of this specification refers to the difference between the temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank or the temperature of the energy storage water changing from a higher temperature to a lower temperature. The higher and lower temperatures can be preset upper and lower limits, or they can be calculated based on the characteristics of the phase change material, the rate of temperature change of the phase change material, etc. The stop temperature when the heating device stops working refers to the corresponding upper limit temperature reached by the phase change material or the energy storage water when the heating device stops heating. The start temperature when the heating device starts working refers to the corresponding lower limit temperature reached by the phase change material or the energy storage water when the heating device starts heating.

[0118] The upper limit temperature corresponding to the first preset hysteresis is the same as the upper limit temperature in the second preset hysteresis, or the upper limit temperature corresponding to the first preset hysteresis is greater than the upper limit temperature in the second preset hysteresis.

[0119] The energy storage control method described in this specification reduces local overheating of the phase change material in the inner tank due to heating by lowering the stop temperature during the hysteresis loop, and / or shortens the energy storage time by raising the start temperature during the hysteresis loop. In other words, when the second preset hysteresis loop is less than the first preset hysteresis loop, the time required for the phase change material to transfer heat to the far end due to the larger first preset hysteresis loop is shortened as the temperature of the phase change material gradually increases. Since only one heating device can be used to store energy in the phase change material, the cost of the water heater can also be reduced.

[0120] As one embodiment of this specification, the start-up temperature is a variable.

[0121] In this embodiment, the start-up temperature includes the lower limit temperature in the first preset hysteresis and the lower limit temperature in the second preset hysteresis. The start-up temperature of the heating device is different in different preset hysteresis. In order to shorten the energy storage time and improve the energy storage efficiency, the lower limit temperature corresponding to the first preset hysteresis can be set to be lower than the lower limit temperature in the second preset hysteresis.

[0122] When energy storage ends, the heating device stops heating. Whether energy storage has ended can be determined by whether the temperature of the phase change material in the inner liner has reached the preset phase change temperature, or by whether the set heating time has been reached, or there may be other methods, which are not limited here.

[0123] As an embodiment of this specification, if the temperature of the phase change material is lower than the temperature of the first phase change material, the start-up temperature is a first temperature value;

[0124] If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material, the start-up temperature is a second temperature value;

[0125] The first temperature value is less than the second temperature value.

[0126] In this embodiment, when the energy storage is in a first stage where the temperature of the phase change material is lower than the temperature of the first phase change material, the start-up temperature is a first temperature value; when the energy storage is in a second stage where the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material, the start-up temperature of the heating device is a second temperature value; for example, when the temperature of the first phase change material is 60°C, when the temperature of the phase change material is less than 60°C, the start-up temperature (first temperature value) of the heating device can be 60°C; when the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to 60°C, the start-up temperature (second temperature value) of the heating device is 67°C.

[0127] The heating device can be inserted into the phase change material to store energy by directly heating the phase change material; or it can store energy indirectly, that is, by controlling the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchange structure, and then the heated water transfers heat to the heat exchange structure, which in turn transfers heat to the phase change material, thereby storing energy in the phase change material.

[0128] In this embodiment, the temperature of the phase change material can be directly determined. For example, a phase change material temperature sensor can be installed in the phase change material of the inner liner to obtain the temperature of the phase change material, thereby determining the relationship between the temperature of the phase change material and the temperature of the first phase change material. Determining the relationship between the temperature of the phase change material and the temperature of the first phase change material includes determining that the temperature of the phase change material is less than the temperature of the first phase change material, or that the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material. The phase change material temperature sensor can be installed near the inner liner wall to obtain the temperature of the phase change material, or it can be installed in the phase change material of the inner liner away from the heating device.

[0129] In other embodiments, the temperature of the phase change material can also be determined indirectly, for example by determining the relationship between the temperature of the phase change material and the temperature of the first phase change material through the number of heating cycles and the time of heating by the heating device, or there may be other methods, which are not limited here.

[0130] As one embodiment of this specification, the temperature of the first phase change material is equal to the first temperature value, or...

[0131] The temperature of the first phase change material is not equal to the first temperature value, and the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the first phase change material and the first temperature value is not greater than the first preset value.

[0132] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the temperature of the first phase change material can be the same as the first temperature value, both being 60°C. In this embodiment, the temperature of the first phase change material can be slightly higher or slightly lower than the first temperature value, as long as the difference between the temperature of the first phase change material and the first temperature value is not greater than a first preset value. For example, if the temperature of the first phase change material is 60°C, the first temperature value for starting the heating device can be 62°C or 59°C; or, if the first temperature value is 60°C, the temperature of the first phase change material can be 62°C or 59°C; thereby ensuring that the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the first phase change material and the first temperature value is not greater than the first preset value.

[0133] As one embodiment of this specification, the first preset value is less than or equal to 5.

[0134] In other embodiments, the first preset value may also be other values, such as 6 or other values ​​greater than 5.

[0135] The following explanation uses an indirect heating device for energy storage of phase change materials as an example. Figure 2a The diagram illustrates the temperature change of the energy storage control method when the heating device indirectly transfers heat to the phase change material according to an embodiment of this specification. The diagram includes the phase change material temperature t, the first phase change material temperature t1, the second phase change material temperature t2, the water temperature w, the first temperature value w1, and the second temperature value w2. The frequency of the water temperature w fluctuations indirectly reflects the intermittent operation of the heating device. That is, when the heating device is working, it heats the water, and as the water temperature gradually increases, it transfers heat to the phase change material in the inner tank, achieving energy storage. When the heating device stops heating, the heat in the water is more fully transferred to the phase change material. As the water in the heat exchange structure releases heat to the phase change material, its temperature gradually decreases. The time interval between the heating device stopping and restarting can be indirectly reflected by the time between points r1 and r2 in the water temperature w. The water temperature w curve in this diagram is only for reference; the time interval between points r1 and r2 does not accurately reflect the intermittent operation time of the heating device. Figure 2a As shown, although the water temperature w continuously decreases after the heating device stops working, it remains higher than the temperature of the phase change material. Therefore, heat transfer still occurs to the phase change material, which remains in the energy storage process, and its temperature continues to rise. The rise and fall of the water temperature indirectly reflects the start and stop of the heating device's operation. The number of fluctuations is for illustrative purposes only and should not be interpreted as controlling the number of times the heating device is started and stopped.

[0136] In the embodiment shown in the figure, when the phase change material temperature t is less than the first phase change material temperature t1 in the first stage, the starting temperature of the heating device is a first temperature value, which can be any value in the range of 55℃-65℃ (or other temperature ranges), for example, 60℃. When the phase change material temperature is greater than or equal to the first phase change material temperature t1 in the second stage, the starting temperature of the heating device is a second temperature value, which can be any value in the range of 62℃-72℃ (or other temperature ranges), for example, 67℃. The first phase change material temperature t1 can also be a variable value, as long as the absolute value of the difference between the first phase change material temperature and the first temperature value is not greater than a first preset value.

[0137] In the first stage when the phase change material temperature is low (e.g., when the phase change material temperature is 60°C lower than the first phase change material temperature t1), the preset hysteresis for starting and stopping the heating device is 25°C. That is, the heating device stops heating when the water temperature w is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, and starts heating when the water temperature w is less than or equal to the start temperature. The stop temperature can be a preset safe operating temperature for the phase change material, which is 85°C in this embodiment, but can also be other temperature values. The start temperature (first temperature value w1) can be 60°C, or other close values. Furthermore, in this first stage, it can be seen that as the phase change material temperature t increases, the rate at which the water temperature w decreases during the time the heating device stops operating decreases, that is, the time interval between the water temperature w from the stop temperature to the start temperature gradually increases. In the second stage after the phase change material temperature increases (e.g., when the phase change material temperature exceeds the first phase change material temperature t), the heating device stops heating when the phase change material temperature increases. The heating device starts at 60°C (but less than the second phase change material temperature t2 of 67°C). The preset hysteresis of the heating device's start and stop is 15°C. That is, the heating device stops heating when the water temperature w is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, and starts heating when the water temperature w is less than or equal to the start temperature. The stop temperature can be a preset safe operating temperature of the phase change material, which in this embodiment can be 82°C, or other lower temperature values, or it can be kept at 85°C. The start temperature (second temperature value w2) can be 67°C, or other close values. In this second stage, it can be seen that due to the increase in the start temperature, the hysteresis between the stop temperature and the start temperature becomes smaller, the time for the water temperature w to drop from the stop temperature to the start temperature is reduced, and the time interval of the heating device's intermittent operation is also reduced. The heating device can transfer heat to the water more frequently, thereby shortening the energy storage time and improving the energy storage efficiency.

[0138] In the embodiment where the heating device heats water and then uses the hot water to store energy in the phase change material, the energy storage stability is higher, the phase change material is less prone to vaporization, the cost of using the phase change material is lower, and it is also safer.

[0139] As an embodiment of this specification, if the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material and less than the temperature of the second phase change material, the start-up temperature is the second temperature value.

[0140] If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the second phase change material, the start-up temperature is a third temperature value;

[0141] The second temperature value is less than the third temperature value.

[0142] In this embodiment, after the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the first phase change material temperature t1, a second phase change material temperature t2 is set. When the temperature of the phase change material is in the second stage between the first phase change material temperature t1 and the second phase change material temperature t2, the starting temperature of the heating device is higher than the starting temperature of the heating device in the first stage. The starting temperature of the heating device in the second stage is a second temperature value w2. As can be seen from the previous embodiment, the second temperature value is greater than the first temperature value. The stopping temperature of the heating device in the second stage can be kept consistent with the stopping temperature of the heating device in the first stage, or the stopping temperature of the heating device in the second stage can be lower than the stopping temperature of the heating device in the first stage. That is to say, the second preset hysteresis in the second stage is less than the first preset hysteresis in the first stage.

[0143] When the energy storage is in the third stage where the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the second phase change material, the start-up temperature of the heating device is higher than that of the heating device in the second stage. The start-up temperature of the heating device in the third stage is a third temperature value. As can be seen from the aforementioned embodiment, the third temperature value is greater than the second temperature value, and the second temperature value is greater than the first temperature value. The stop temperature of the heating device in the third stage can be kept consistent with the stop temperature of the heating device in the second stage, or the stop temperature of the heating device in the third stage can be lower than the stop temperature of the heating device in the second stage. That is to say, the third preset hysteresis in the third stage is less than the second preset hysteresis in the second stage.

[0144] As one embodiment of this specification, the temperature of the second phase change material is equal to the second temperature value, or...

[0145] The temperature of the second phase change material is not equal to the second temperature value, and the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the second phase change material and the second temperature value is not greater than the second preset value.

[0146] As can be seen from the above embodiments, the temperature of the second phase change material can be the same as the second temperature value, both being 67°C. In this embodiment, the temperature of the second phase change material can be slightly higher or slightly lower than the second temperature value, as long as the difference between the second phase change material temperature and the second temperature value is not greater than a second preset value. For example, if the second phase change material temperature is 67°C, the second temperature value for starting the heating device can be any value in the range of 65°C-72°C, such as 68°C or 65°C. The second phase change material temperature t2 can also be a variable value, as long as the absolute value of the difference between the second phase change material temperature and the second temperature value is not greater than the second preset value, which can be the same as or different from the first preset value.

[0147] As one embodiment of this specification, the second preset value is less than or equal to 5.

[0148] In other embodiments, the second preset value may also be other values, such as 6 or other values ​​greater than 5.

[0149] The following explanation uses an indirect heating device to store energy from phase change materials as an example. Figure 2bThe diagram illustrates the temperature change of an energy storage control method when a heating device indirectly transfers heat to a phase change material according to an embodiment of this specification. The diagram includes the phase change material temperature t, a first phase change material temperature t1, a second phase change material temperature t2, a water temperature w, a first temperature value w1, a second temperature value w2, and a third temperature value w3. In the embodiment shown in the diagram, in the first stage, when the phase change material temperature t is less than the first phase change material temperature t1, the heating device starts operating at the first temperature value w1 (e.g., 60°C). In the second stage, when the phase change material temperature is greater than or equal to the first phase change material temperature t1 and less than the second phase change material temperature t2, the heating device starts operating at the second temperature value w2 (e.g., 67°C). In the third stage, when the phase change material temperature is greater than or equal to the second phase change material temperature t2, the heating device starts operating at the third temperature value w3 (e.g., 72°C).In the first stage when the phase change material temperature is low (e.g., when the phase change material temperature is 60°C lower than the first phase change material temperature t1), the preset hysteresis for starting and stopping the heating device is 25°C. That is, the heating device stops heating when the water temperature w is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, and starts heating when the water temperature w is less than or equal to the start temperature. The stop temperature can be a preset safe operating temperature for the phase change material, which is 85°C in this embodiment, but can also be other temperature values. The start temperature (first temperature value w1) can be 60°C, or other close values. Furthermore, in this first stage, it can be seen that as the phase change material temperature t increases, the rate at which the water temperature w decreases during the time the heating device stops operating decreases, that is, the time interval between the water temperature w from the stop temperature to the start temperature gradually increases. In the second stage after the phase change material temperature increases (e.g., when the phase change material temperature exceeds the first phase change material temperature t), the heating device stops heating when the phase change material temperature increases. The heating device starts at 60°C (but is less than the second phase change material temperature t2, which is 67°C). The preset hysteresis for starting and stopping the heating device is 15°C. That is, the heating device stops heating when the water temperature w is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, and starts heating when the water temperature w is less than or equal to the start temperature. The stop temperature can be a preset safe operating temperature for the phase change material, which in this embodiment can be 82°C, or other lower temperatures, or it can be kept at 85°C. The start temperature (second temperature value w2) can be 67°C, or other close values. Furthermore, it can be seen in this second stage that, due to the increase in the start temperature, the hysteresis between the stop temperature and the start temperature decreases, the time for the water temperature w to drop from the stop temperature to the start temperature decreases, and the time interval between intermittent operation of the heating device also decreases. The heating device can transfer heat to the water more frequently, thereby shortening the storage time. The energy storage efficiency is improved by extending the energy storage time. In the third stage after the phase change material temperature rises again (for example, the phase change material temperature exceeds 67°C of the second phase change material temperature t2), the preset hysteresis of the heating device for starting and stopping is 10°C. That is, the heating device stops heating when the water temperature w is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, and starts heating when the water temperature w is less than or equal to the start temperature. The stop temperature can be a preset safe operating temperature of the phase change material, which in this embodiment can be 82°C, or other lower temperature values, or it can be kept at 85°C. The start temperature (third temperature value w3) can be 72°C, or other close values. As can be seen from the figure, regardless of whether the stop temperature changes (decreases) in the three stages, the continuous increase in the start temperature will make the third preset hysteresis smaller than the second preset hysteresis, and the second preset hysteresis smaller than the first preset hysteresis.

[0150] In other embodiments, more energy storage stages may be included, meaning that the number of preset hysteresis stages may be greater, which will not be elaborated here.

[0151] As one embodiment of this specification, the stop temperature is a variable.

[0152] In this embodiment, the stop temperature can be a predetermined value to ensure the normal operation of the phase change material, or it can be a variable.

[0153] As an embodiment of this specification, if the temperature of the phase change material is lower than the temperature of the first phase change material, the stop temperature is a fourth temperature value;

[0154] If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material, the stop temperature is the fifth temperature value;

[0155] The fourth temperature value is greater than the fifth temperature value.

[0156] In this embodiment, when energy storage is in the first stage, the temperature of the phase change material is lower than the temperature of the first phase change material. The stop temperature of the heating device (fourth temperature value) can be a value for normal operation of the phase change material, such as 85°C, or other specific temperature values. When energy storage is in the second stage, the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material. The stop temperature of the heating device (fifth temperature value) can be a value for normal operation of the phase change material, such as 82°C, or other specific temperature values, as long as the second predetermined hysteresis is greater than the first predetermined hysteresis.

[0157] As an embodiment of this specification, if the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material and less than the temperature of the second phase change material, the stop temperature is a fifth temperature value.

[0158] If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the second phase change material, the stop temperature is the sixth temperature value;

[0159] The fifth temperature value is greater than or equal to the sixth temperature value.

[0160] In this embodiment, when energy storage is in the second stage, the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material and less than the temperature of the second phase change material. The stopping temperature of the heating device (the fifth temperature value) can be a value for normal operation of the phase change material, such as 82°C, or other specific temperature values. When energy storage is in the third stage, the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the second phase change material. The stopping temperature of the heating device (the sixth temperature value) can be a value for normal operation of the phase change material, such as 82°C, or other specific temperature values, as long as the second predetermined hysteresis is greater than the first predetermined hysteresis.

[0161] The following explanation uses an indirect heating device to store energy from phase change materials as an example.Figure 2cThe diagram shows the temperature change of the energy storage control method when the heating device indirectly transfers heat to the phase change material in an embodiment of this specification. The diagram includes the phase change material temperature t, the first phase change material temperature t1, the second phase change material temperature t2, the water temperature w, the first temperature value w1, the second temperature value w2, the third temperature value w3, the fourth temperature value w4, the fifth temperature value w5, and the sixth temperature value w6. In the embodiment shown in the figure, when the phase change material temperature t is less than the first phase change material temperature t1 in the first stage, the heating device starts working at a first temperature value of 60°C, and stops working at a fourth temperature value of 85°C, with a first preset hysteresis of 25°C. In the second stage, when the phase change material temperature is greater than or equal to the first phase change material temperature t1, the heating device starts working at a second temperature value of 67°C, and stops working at a fifth temperature value of 82°C, with a second preset hysteresis of 15°C. In the third stage, when the phase change material temperature is greater than or equal to the second phase change material temperature t2, the heating device starts working at a third temperature value of 72°C, and stops working at a fifth temperature value of 82°C, with a third preset hysteresis of 10°C.In the first stage when the phase change material temperature is low (e.g., when the phase change material temperature is 60°C lower than the first phase change material temperature t1), the preset hysteresis for starting and stopping the heating device is 25°C. That is, the heating device stops heating when the water temperature w is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, and starts heating when the water temperature w is less than or equal to the start temperature. The stop temperature (fourth temperature value w4) can be a preset safe operating temperature for the phase change material, which is 85°C in this embodiment, but can also be other temperature values. The start temperature (first temperature value w1) can be 60°C, or other close values. Furthermore, in this first stage, it can be seen that as the phase change material temperature t increases, the water temperature w increases... During the time the heating device stops working, the rate of temperature decrease decreases, meaning the time interval between the water temperature w rising from the stop temperature to the start temperature gradually increases. In the second stage after the phase change material temperature rises (e.g., the phase change material temperature exceeds 60°C of the first phase change material temperature t1, but is less than 67°C of the second phase change material temperature t2), the preset hysteresis for starting and stopping the heating device is 15°C. That is, the heating device stops heating when the water temperature w is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, and starts heating when the water temperature w is less than or equal to the start temperature. The stop temperature (the fifth temperature value w5) can be a preset safe operating temperature for the phase change material; in this embodiment, it can be 82°C, but it can also be other values. A lower temperature value can be used, or it can be maintained at 85°C. The start-up temperature (second temperature value w2) can be 67°C, or other close values. Furthermore, in this second stage, it can be seen that due to the increase in the start-up temperature and the decrease in the stop temperature, the hysteresis between the stop and start temperatures decreases, the time it takes for the water temperature w to drop from the stop temperature to the start temperature decreases, and the time interval between intermittent operations of the heating device also decreases. The heating device can transfer heat to the water more frequently, thereby shortening the energy storage time and improving energy storage efficiency. In the third stage after the phase change material temperature rises further (for example, the phase change material temperature exceeds 67°C of the second phase change material temperature t2), the heating device starts and stops... The preset hysteresis is 10℃, that is, the heating device stops heating when the water temperature w is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, and starts heating when the water temperature w is less than or equal to the start temperature. The stop temperature (sixth temperature value w6) can be a preset temperature at which the phase change material can operate safely. In this embodiment, it can be 82℃, or other lower temperature values, or it can be kept at 85℃. The start temperature (third temperature value w3) can be 72℃, or other close values. As can be seen from the figure, since the start temperature and stop temperature in different energy storage stages are constantly approaching each other, the third preset hysteresis can be less than the second preset hysteresis, and the second preset hysteresis can be less than the first preset hysteresis.

[0162] As one embodiment of this specification, a first phase change material temperature sensor is provided in the inner liner. The first phase change material temperature sensor is close to the inner liner wall and is used to obtain the temperature of the phase change material near the inner liner wall as the temperature of the phase change material.

[0163] In this embodiment, a first phase change material temperature sensor can be installed in the phase change material near the inner wall of the inner liner to obtain the temperature of the phase change material near the inner wall.

[0164] As one embodiment of this specification, the inner tank also has a heat exchange structure, the heating device is used to heat water, the water heated by the heating device can transfer heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure, and the stop temperature and the start temperature are the temperature values ​​of the water that transfers heat to the phase change material.

[0165] In this embodiment, the temperature of the water used for energy storage in the heat exchange structure can be used as the start-up temperature and the stop-up temperature for controlling the heating device to start heating. By controlling the start and stop of operation, the heating device can operate intermittently.

[0166] According to the different start-up and stop temperatures corresponding to different energy storage stages in the aforementioned embodiments, when the water temperature in the heat exchange structure is less than or equal to the start-up temperature, the heating device is controlled to start heating to raise the water temperature in the heat exchange structure, and the temperature of the phase change material is also raised by the increase in water temperature; when the water temperature in the heat exchange structure is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, the heating device is controlled to stop heating, so that the water in the heat exchange structure can more fully transfer the stored heat to the surrounding phase change material, and the surrounding phase change material can more fully transfer the absorbed heat to the phase change material in the inner tank that is far away from the heat exchange structure, thereby improving the energy storage efficiency.

[0167] As one embodiment of this specification, a water temperature sensor is provided on the heat exchange structure, and the water temperature sensor is used to obtain the temperature value of the water that transfers heat with the phase change material.

[0168] In this embodiment, the water temperature can be obtained by setting a water temperature sensor on the heat exchange structure, so that the operation of the heating device can be controlled according to the temperature of the water used for energy storage and the start-up or stop temperature.

[0169] As one embodiment of this specification, water heated by the heating device transfers heat to the phase change material within the heat exchange structure via natural convection.

[0170] In this embodiment, the heat exchange structure is built into the inner tank, and the heating device is at least partially placed in the heat exchange structure. After the water in the heat exchange structure is heated by the heating device, natural convection is formed in the heat exchange structure as the water temperature rises. The heat exchange structure transfers heat to the nearby phase change material in the natural convection of the water inside.

[0171] As one embodiment of this specification, water heated by the heating device flows into the heat exchange structure under the drive of a pump, transferring heat to the phase change material.

[0172] In this embodiment, the pump and heating device can be located outside the inner tank, while the heat exchange structure is located inside the inner tank. Water heated by the heating device can also be pumped through the heat exchange structure in the inner tank, thereby transferring the heat in the water to the phase change material. The pumping method includes pumping the heated water into the heat exchange structure in the inner tank, or pumping the heated water into the heat exchange structure in the inner tank. After the heat transfer is completed, the cooled water is extracted from the heat exchange structure.

[0173] As one embodiment of this specification, a first phase change material temperature sensor is provided on the heat exchange structure to detect the temperature of the surface of the heat exchange structure or the phase change material.

[0174] The water heater also includes a water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water heated by the heating device.

[0175] In this embodiment, the pump and heating device can be located outside the inner tank, and the heat exchange structure can be located inside the inner tank. A first phase change material temperature sensor can be installed in the heat exchange structure to detect the temperature of the phase change material on or near the heat exchange structure. A water temperature sensor is installed at the outlet of the heating device, or on the flow channel of the water heated by the heating device, or in the flow channel of the water inside the heating device, to detect the temperature value of the water heated by the heating device.

[0176] As one embodiment of this specification, the stop temperature and the start temperature are temperature values ​​of the phase change material near the heating device.

[0177] In this embodiment, in the method of directly heating the phase change material, the temperature of the phase change material near the heating device can be used as the start-up temperature and the stop-up temperature for controlling the heating device to start heating. By controlling the start and stop of operation, the heating device can work intermittently.

[0178] Based on the different start-up and stop temperatures corresponding to different energy storage stages in the aforementioned embodiments, when the temperature of the phase change material near the heating device is less than or equal to the start-up temperature, the heating device is controlled to start heating to increase the temperature of the phase change material away from the heating device; when the temperature of the phase change material near the heating device is greater than or equal to the stop temperature, the heating device is controlled to stop heating, so that the phase change material around the heat exchange structure can more fully transfer the absorbed heat to the phase change material in the inner liner away from the heat exchange structure, thereby improving the energy storage efficiency.

[0179] As one embodiment of this specification, a first phase change material temperature sensor is provided in the inner liner. The first phase change material temperature sensor is far away from the heating device and is used to obtain the temperature of the phase change material near the inner liner wall as the temperature of the phase change material.

[0180] A second phase change material temperature sensor is installed in the inner liner. The second phase change material temperature sensor is located near the heating device and is used to obtain the temperature value of the phase change material near the heating device.

[0181] In this embodiment, a first phase change material temperature sensor is installed in the phase change material at a location far from the heating device, such as near the inner wall, to obtain the temperature of the phase change material near the inner wall, as a similar... Figure 2c The temperature t of the phase change material is determined by a second phase change material temperature sensor located near the heating device, for example, on a heat dissipation component or fixing component near the heating device. This sensor acquires the temperature of the phase change material near the heating device, and serves as a similar reference. Figure 2c Medium water temperature w.

[0182] like Figure 3 The diagram shown is a flowchart of the energy storage control method according to an embodiment of this specification. This diagram illustrates the control of the heating device during the energy storage process using three stages as an example. Please refer to the foregoing... Figure 2c As shown, in this embodiment, the heating device can be controlled by a controller, allowing it to operate intermittently. The heating device can directly or indirectly transfer heat to the phase change material in the inner tank. A phase change material temperature sensor collects the temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank in real time, thereby controlling the heating device to operate intermittently between different start-up and stop temperatures. Alternatively, a water temperature sensor can collect the temperature of the water used for energy storage in real time, thereby controlling the heating device to operate intermittently between different start-up and stop temperatures. The method specifically includes:

[0183] Step 301: Control the heating device to heat continuously so that the water temperature reaches the fourth temperature value.

[0184] In this step, the controller obtains the water temperature in the heat exchange structure in real time through the water temperature sensor and compares it with the fourth temperature value w4 of the stop temperature. If the fourth temperature value w4 is not reached, the heating device continues to operate continuously.

[0185] As an optional embodiment, the controller can also control the heating device to operate intermittently so that the water temperature w reaches a fourth temperature value w4. During this process, the temperature t of the phase change material also continuously increases.

[0186] Step 302: Control the heating device to stop heating until the water temperature drops to the first temperature value.

[0187] In this step, during the first stage of energy storage, after the heating device stops heating, the water in the heat exchange structure continuously releases heat, which is then transferred to the nearby phase change material through the heat exchange structure. The nearby phase change material also transfers the heat it receives to the phase change material farther away from the heat exchange structure, thereby causing the temperature t of the phase change material in the inner tank to rise continuously.

[0188] After a period of time, when the water temperature in the heat exchange structure, as obtained by the water temperature sensor, drops to the start-up temperature, i.e., the first temperature value w1, the first temperature value w1 is still higher than the temperature t of the phase change material. The water in the heat exchange structure still transfers heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure.

[0189] This not only makes full use of the heat from the water heated by the heating device, but also improves the energy storage efficiency of the phase change material in the inner tank, allowing the phase change material to reach the first phase change material temperature t1 more quickly, thereby shortening the energy storage time.

[0190] Step 303: Start the heating device to heat the water so that the water temperature reaches the fourth temperature value again.

[0191] In this step, the controller obtains the water temperature in the heat exchange structure in real time through the water temperature sensor and compares it with the stop temperature fourth temperature value w4. If the fourth temperature value w4 is not reached, the controller controls the heating device to start heating.

[0192] Step 304: Determine whether the phase change material temperature has reached the first phase change material temperature. If it has, proceed to step 305; otherwise, return to step 302.

[0193] In this step, the controller obtains the temperature t of the phase change material near the inner wall in real time through the temperature sensor of the first phase change material near the inner wall, and compares it with the temperature t1 of the first phase change material. If the temperature t of the phase change material does not reach the temperature t1 of the first phase change material, the controller returns to step 302 and controls the heating device to work intermittently according to the relationship between the water temperature and the start-up and stop temperatures in the first stage, so that the water temperature w in the heat exchange structure fluctuates continuously between the fourth temperature value w4 and the first temperature value w1.

[0194] Step 305: Control the heating device to heat the water to reach the fifth temperature value.

[0195] In this step, during the second energy storage stage, when the temperature t of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature t1 of the first phase change material, the controller controls the heating device to heat the water temperature w to the fifth temperature value w5 of the stop temperature (if the water temperature w has already reached the fifth temperature value w5 of the stop temperature, then the heating device does not need to operate). Figure 2c As can be seen, the fifth temperature value w5 in the second stage of energy storage is less than the fourth temperature value w4 in the first stage of energy storage, and the temperature t1 of the first phase change material can be equal to, slightly greater than or less than the first temperature value w1 of the start-up temperature.

[0196] Step 306: Control the heating device to stop heating until the water temperature drops to the second temperature value.

[0197] In this step, for a period of time after the heating device stops heating, the water in the heat exchange structure continuously releases heat, which is transferred to the nearby phase change material through the heat exchange structure. The nearby phase change material also transfers the heat it receives to the phase change material farther away from the heat exchange structure, thereby causing the temperature of the phase change material in the inner liner to rise continuously.

[0198] When the water temperature in the heat exchange structure drops to the second temperature value w2, the second temperature value w2 is still higher than the temperature t of the phase change material, and the water in the heat exchange structure still transfers heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure.

[0199] In this embodiment, reference Figure 2c It can be seen that the fifth temperature value w5, the stop temperature of the second stage of energy storage, is lower than the fourth temperature value w4 of the first stage; the second temperature value w2 of the second stage of energy storage is higher than the first temperature value w1 of the first stage, and the heating device operates intermittently under the control of the controller. The difference between the second temperature value w2 and the fifth temperature value w5, that is, the temperature hysteresis of the second stage of energy storage, is less than the temperature hysteresis between the first temperature value w1 and the fourth temperature value w4 of the first stage of energy storage. This not only makes full use of the heat of the water heated by the heating device, but also takes into account that the overall temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank has increased (the degree of phase change changes, and the fluidity of the phase change material also changes), further improving the energy storage efficiency of the phase change material in the inner tank, so that the temperature of the phase change material reaches the second phase change material temperature t2 more quickly, thereby shortening the energy storage time.

[0200] Step 307: Determine whether the phase change material temperature has reached the second phase change material temperature. If it has, proceed to step 308; otherwise, return to step 305.

[0201] In this step, the controller obtains the temperature t of the phase change material near the inner wall in real time through the first phase change material temperature sensor and compares it with the second phase change material temperature t2. If the temperature t of the phase change material does not reach the second phase change material temperature t2, the controller returns to step 305 and controls the heating device to work intermittently according to the relationship between the water temperature in the second stage and the stop temperature and start temperature, so that the water temperature w in the heat exchange structure fluctuates between the second temperature value w2 and the fifth temperature value w5.

[0202] Step 308: Control the heating device to heat the water to reach the sixth temperature value.

[0203] In this step, during the third stage of energy storage, once the temperature t of the phase change material near the inner wall reaches the second phase change material temperature t2, the controller activates the heating device to heat the water temperature w to the sixth temperature value w6 (if the water temperature w has already reached the sixth temperature value w6, no further heating is required). Figure 2c As can be seen, the stopping temperature of the third stage of energy storage (the sixth temperature value as the upper limit of the water temperature) is the same as the stopping temperature of the second stage of energy storage (the fifth temperature value as the upper limit of the water temperature), both being, for example, 82°C. In other embodiments, the sixth temperature value w6 of the stopping temperature in the third stage of energy storage may also be slightly smaller than the fifth temperature value w5 of the stopping temperature in the second stage of energy storage; for example, w6 may be 80°C, and the temperature t1 of the first phase change material may be greater than or equal to the second temperature value w2 of the second stage start-up temperature.

[0204] Step 309: Control the heating device to stop heating until the water temperature drops to the third temperature value.

[0205] In this step, for a period of time after the heating device stops heating, the water in the heat exchange structure continuously releases heat, which is transferred to the nearby phase change material through the heat exchange structure. The nearby phase change material also transfers the heat it receives to the phase change material farther away from the heat exchange structure, thereby causing the temperature of the phase change material in the inner liner to rise continuously.

[0206] After a period of time, the water temperature in the heat exchange structure drops to the third temperature value w3. At this time, the third temperature value w3 is still higher than the temperature t of the phase change material, and the water in the heat exchange structure still transfers heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure.

[0207] In this embodiment, reference Figure 2cIt can be seen that the third temperature value w3 in the third stage of energy storage is greater than the second temperature value w2 in the second stage. The difference between the third temperature value w3 and the sixth temperature value w6, which is the temperature hysteresis in the third stage of energy storage, is less than the temperature hysteresis between the second temperature value w2 and the fifth temperature value w5 in the second stage. The heating device operates intermittently under the control of the controller. This not only makes full use of the heat of the water heated by the heating device, but also takes into account the fact that the overall temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank has increased (the degree of phase change changes, and the fluidity of the phase change material also changes), further improving the energy storage efficiency of the phase change material in the inner tank, so that the temperature of the phase change material reaches the temperature requirement for the end of energy storage more quickly, thereby shortening the energy storage time.

[0208] Step 310: Determine whether the temperature of the phase change material has reached the end of energy storage requirements. If it has, proceed to step 311 to end energy storage; otherwise, return to step 308.

[0209] In this step, it can be determined whether the energy storage has ended by checking whether the temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank has reached the preset phase change temperature, or by checking whether the set heating time has been reached, or there may be other methods, which are not limited here.

[0210] The controller in the embodiments of this specification can be a microcontroller, a DSP, or a general-purpose chip or a dedicated chip with corresponding instructions, which can execute at least one step of the above-described energy storage control method.

[0211] In another aspect of the embodiments of this specification, a water heater is also provided, comprising a heating device and an inner tank having a phase change material. The heating device generates heat and directly or indirectly transfers the heat to the phase change material to store energy. The heating device can be built into the inner tank to directly transfer heat to the phase change material to complete energy storage, or it can heat water using the heating device and then use the heated water to store energy in the phase change material in the inner tank; alternatively, water can be heated outside the inner tank, and the heated water can be used to store energy in the phase change material in the inner tank. The water heater also includes the aforementioned controller, one function of which is to execute the energy storage control method described in the embodiments of this specification.

[0212] As one embodiment of this specification, please refer to Figure 4The diagram shows a water heater according to an embodiment of this specification. The diagram includes an inner tank 401 with a phase change material 4011 and a heat exchange structure 4012, a pump 402, a heating device 403, and a controller 404 that controls the heating device. The controller 404 controls the heating device 403 to operate according to the control method described in the previous embodiment. The heating device 403 heats water, and the pump 402 pumps the heated water into the heat exchange structure 4012 of the inner tank 401. The heated water transfers heat to the phase change material 4011 through the heat exchange structure 4012 for energy storage.

[0213] The pump 402 can be installed at the water inlet end of the heat exchange structure 4012 of the inner tank 401, and the heating device 403 is installed outside the inner tank 401. The pump 402 can be installed at the water outlet end of the heat exchange structure 4012 of the inner tank 401, with the water inlet end of the pump 402 connected to the water outlet end of the heat exchange structure 4012 of the inner tank 401. The heating device 403 is installed outside the inner tank 401, with the water outlet end of the heating device 403 connected to the water inlet end of the heat exchange structure 4012 of the inner tank 401, and the water inlet end of the heating device 403 connected to the water outlet end of the pump 402. Under the action of the pump 402, the water heated by the heating device 403 can be pumped into the water inlet end of the heat exchange structure 4012 of the inner tank 401.

[0214] In other embodiments, the outlet of the heating device 403 is connected to the inlet of the pump 402, and the outlet of the pump 402 is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange structure 4012 of the inner liner 401. The pump 402 pumps the water heated by the heating device 403 into the inlet of the heat exchange structure 4012 of the inner liner 401. In another embodiment, along the water flow direction, the pump is located upstream of the heating device, the outlet of the pump 402 is connected to the inlet of the heating device 403, and the outlet of the heating device 403 is connected to the inlet of the heat exchange structure of the inner liner 401. The pump 402 pumps the water heated by the heating device 403 into the inlet of the heat exchange structure 4012 of the inner liner 401 through the outlet of the heating device 403.

[0215] The pump 402 can be a circulating pump.

[0216] As another embodiment of this specification, please refer to Figure 5 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of a water heater according to an embodiment of this specification. The water heater has an inner tank 501 with a phase change material 5011 and a heat exchange structure 5012, a heating device 502, and a controller 503 for controlling the heating device. The heating device 502 can be a cylindrical heating rod.

[0217] The heating device 502 is at least partially disposed inside the heat exchange structure 5012. Under the control of the controller 503, the heating device 502 heats at least the water in the lower part or bottom of the heat exchange structure 5012. The water in the heat exchange structure 5012 transfers heat to the phase change material 5011 in the inner liner 501 through natural convection for energy storage. The phase change material 5011 is represented by black dots in the figure; it is actually the material filling the inner liner 501 and is not limited to the locations of the black dots in the figure. In this embodiment, the heat exchange structure 5012 can be in the form of a heat exchange box; in other embodiments, it can have other structural shapes.

[0218] like Figure 6a and Figure 6b The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the heat exchange structure according to an embodiment of this specification. Figure 6a and Figure 6b The heat exchange structure is a heat exchange box 6012, which is located inside the inner liner. The heating device extends into the heating cavity 6013 of the heat exchange box 6012. The heat exchange box 6012 is filled with water for energy storage. The water heated by the heating device naturally convects within the heat exchange box 6012, thereby transferring heat to the phase change material around the heat exchange box 6012.

[0219] Taking three heat exchange boxes 6012 as an example, the heat exchange boxes 6012 on both sides are connected to the middle heat exchange box 6012 through a connecting structure (not shown in the figure). This ensures that the water naturally convecting in the middle heat exchange box 6012 can flow to the heat exchange boxes 6012 on both sides, and then flow back from the heat exchange boxes 6012 on both sides to the lower part of the middle heat exchange box 6012. Specifically, the water in the central heat exchange box 6012 is heated by a heating device located at the bottom of the heat exchange box 6012. The heated water changes volume, generating upward lift, and flows upward along the interior of the central heat exchange box 6012 as indicated by the dashed arrow. The cooler water in the central heat exchange box 6012, under the influence of lift, flows towards the side heat exchange boxes 6012 as indicated by the dashed arrow. The cooler water originally in the side heat exchange boxes 6012 is pushed downward along the dashed arrow and flows back to the central heat exchange box 6012 through the lower connecting structure, where it is further heated by the heating device. This forms a natural convection process. During this process, the heated water transfers heat to the surface of the heat exchange box 6012, and the phase change material absorbs the heat transferred by the heat exchange box 6012 for energy storage. Through natural convection, the flow of hot water in the heat exchange structure can be completed using natural water convection, avoiding the need for additional components to drive the water flow in the water heater, thus reducing manufacturing costs. Furthermore, due to its simple structure, it also improves the reliability of the water heater.

[0220] like Figure 7The diagram shows a schematic representation of the heat exchange box body according to an embodiment of this specification. The diagram depicts a heat exchange box body 7012, heat exchange tubes 7013, a heating device 702, a controller 703, an end cap 704, and a communication structure 7041 on the end cap. The heat exchange box body 7012 extends along the height (H) and length (L) directions of the inner liner, and has a predetermined thickness along the width (W) direction of the inner liner. The end cap 704 and the side wall of the inner liner are sealed to form the inner liner 701. The end cap 704 has a communication structure 7041 for communication between the heat exchange box body and the heat exchange tubes, and a communication structure 7041 for communication between the heat exchange box body and the heat exchange tubes. In this process, the heating device 702, under the control of the controller 703, heats the water in the heat exchange box 7012. The heated water flows naturally through multiple heat exchange boxes 7012 via the connecting structure 7041. The heat in the heated water is transferred to the phase change material in the inner tank for energy storage. During the energy release phase, the heat exchange tubes 7013 are connected in series via the connecting structure 7041. Water with a lower temperature flows through the heat exchange tubes 7013. The heat stored in the phase change material is transferred to the water with a lower temperature through the heat exchange tubes 7013. After the water temperature rises, it is output to the user.

[0221] For information on the water flow process within the inner tank during the energy storage and release phases, please refer to [link / reference]. Figure 8a and Figure 8b , Figure 8a The diagram shown is a schematic representation of the water flow during the energy storage stage in an embodiment of this specification. Figure 8b This is a schematic diagram of the water flow during the energy release stage of an embodiment of this specification, which includes an inner liner 801 having a phase change material 8011, a heat exchange box 8012 and a heat exchange tube 8013, a heating device 802, a controller 803 for controlling the heating device, an end cover 804, a connecting structure 8041 on the end cover 804, a water inlet 8042, and a water outlet 8043.

[0222] Figure 8aThe three heat exchange boxes 8012 contain water for energy storage. Under the control of the controller 803, the heating device 802 located at the lower part of the heat exchange box 8012 heats the water in the middle heat exchange box 8012 according to the method in the aforementioned embodiment. According to the direction indicated by the arrow in the figure, the heated water flows upward naturally and flows to the left and right heat exchange boxes 8012 through the communication structure 8041 located on the upper side of the middle heat exchange box 8012 and the two side heat exchange boxes. The water with a lower temperature in the left and right side heat exchange boxes 8012 flows downward and flows back to the middle heat exchange box 8012 through the communication structure 8041 located on the lower side of the middle heat exchange box 8012 and the two side heat exchange boxes, and continues to be heated by the heating device 802. Thus, natural convection is formed in the three heat exchange boxes 8012 to complete the energy storage of the phase change material 8011 in the inner liner 801. As shown in the figure, the top of the middle heat exchange box 8012 is slightly lower than the tops of the left and right heat exchange boxes 8012, and the bottom of the middle heat exchange box 8012 is slightly lower than the bottom of the left and right heat exchange boxes 8012. This allows for full utilization of the natural convection of the heated water, enabling it to flow within the three heat exchange boxes 8012. Combined with the energy storage control method of the controller 803 for the heating device 802 in the aforementioned embodiment, the natural convection of water can be used more efficiently to store energy in the phase change material.

[0223] Figure 8b Cooler water flows into heat exchange tube 8013 from inlet 8042, and flows through the connected structure 8041 in the series of heat exchange tubes 8013 according to the direction of the arrow in the figure. During the flow, the cooler water absorbs heat from the phase change material in contact with the heat exchange tube 8013. Figure 8b When the water flows to the lower left side, it flows into the left heat exchange box 8012 and the middle heat exchange box 8012 through the connecting structure 8041. The water flows through the three heat exchange boxes 8012, and after reaching the right heat exchange box 8012, it flows out of the inner tank 801 through the outlet 8043 on the end cap 804. Through the pipeline design in this example, more of the heat stored in the phase change material 8011 in the inner tank 801 can be fully utilized. In some embodiments, by controlling the heating device 802, it can continue to heat the water during the energy release phase, thereby supplementing the heat of the outlet water and increasing the outlet temperature of the hot water.

[0224] like Figure 9a The diagram shown is a schematic representation of a water heater with a water-passing device according to an embodiment of this specification. Figure 9b The diagram shown is a partially enlarged schematic diagram of the water-passing device interface in an embodiment of this specification. The diagram includes an inner tank 901 with a phase change material 9011 and a heat exchange structure 9012, a water-passing device 902, a first water flow channel 903, a water inlet section 904, a water inlet 905, a water-passing device interface 906, a first end 9061 of the water-passing device interface, and a second end 9062 of the water-passing device interface.

[0225] The inner tank 901 has a heat exchange structure 9012, through which water flowing through the heat exchange structure 9012 can exchange heat with the phase change material 9011. The water heater also includes a water flow device 902, at least a portion of which is located within the heat exchange structure 9012. A first water flow channel 903 is formed between the outer surface of the wall of the water flow device 902 and the inner surface of the wall of the heat exchange structure, allowing water to pass through. At least a portion of the water in the first water flow channel 903 flows into the water flow device 902 and then out of it. The water flow device 902 is used to hold functional materials. The functional materials can be pre-placed in the water flow device 902, or the user can place them in the water flow device 902 through a detachable connection between the water flow device and the heat exchange structure, thereby enabling the user to select and replace functional materials and improve the user experience.

[0226] As one aspect of an embodiment of this specification, a portion of the water entering the first water flow channel 903 continues to flow along the first water flow channel 903, while another portion flows into the water passing device 902 and, after contacting the functional materials therein, flows out of the water passing device 902. The functional materials include scale-inhibiting materials and / or bactericidal materials and / or purifying materials, with the scale-inhibiting materials comprising scale-inhibiting particles. The properties of these functional materials are utilized to treat the water used in the water heater. For example, scale-inhibiting materials can reduce scaling in the heat exchange structure of the water heater; bactericidal materials can reduce the bacterial content in the water heater's water; purifying materials can reduce other impurities in the water heater's water; and the functional materials in the water passing device can improve the quality of the water used in the water heater.

[0227] according to Figure 9a As shown in the figure, the heat exchange structure 9012 includes an inlet section 904, an outlet section, and a connecting section between the inlet section and the outlet section. The inlet section 904 is the section through which water is injected into the heat exchange structure 9012, the inlet 905 is the inlet of the inlet section 904, the outlet section is the section through which water flows out of the heat exchange structure 9012, and the outlet is the outlet of the outlet section. As can be seen from the figure, the heat exchange structure 9012 is composed of connected heat exchange tubes. The connecting section is the heat exchange structure between the inlet section and the outlet section. In other embodiments, the heat exchange structure may also be composed of other connected structures. At least a portion of the water-passing device 902 is disposed in the inlet section 904 of the heat exchange structure 9012. The inlet section is close to or includes the inlet of the heat exchange structure, and the outlet section is close to or includes the outlet of the heat exchange structure. At least a portion of the water-passing device 902 is disposed at the water inlet 905 of the water inlet section of the heat exchange structure 9012 and extends into the water inlet section 904.

[0228] according to Figure 9a As shown, the diameter of the inlet section 904 corresponding to the water-passing device 902 is larger than that of the outlet section and / or the connecting section. This allows the water-passing device 902 to be accommodated within the heat exchange structure 9012 of the slightly larger-diameter inlet section 904, saving internal space in the inner tank 901. This allows for more phase change material to be accommodated, storing more heat. Furthermore, the piping design of the water heater is simpler, resulting in lower manufacturing and material costs.

[0229] like Figure 10 The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the inner liner connector in an embodiment of this specification. Figure 9b and Figure 10 ,exist Figure 10 The system includes an inner tank 1001, a water-passing device 1002, a heat exchange structure 1003, a connector 1004, a water inlet 10041, a water-passing device interface 10042, and a water outlet 10043. The inner tank 1001 has a connector 1004, and the connector 1004 has a water-passing device interface 10042. The water-passing device interface 10042 (… Figure 9b The water-passing device interface 906 has a first end 9061 and a second end 9062. The first end 9061 of the water-passing device interface 10042 (906) is connected to the heat exchange structure 1003. The second end 9062 of the water-passing device interface 10042 (906) is connected to one end of the water-passing device 1002. The other end of the water-passing device interface 10042 (906) near the outlet extends into the heat exchange structure 1003 through the first end 9061 of the water-passing device interface 10042 (906).

[0230] Among them, through Figure 9b As can be seen by example, the second end 9062 of the water-passing device interface 906 is detachably and sealingly connected to one end of the water-passing device. Through the detachable and sealing connection between the water-passing device and the water-passing device interface 906, the user can replace the functional materials in the water-passing device as needed, or add functional materials to the water-passing device when there are no pre-installed functional materials.

[0231] like Figure 11a The diagram shown is a structural schematic of the inner liner connector in an embodiment of this specification. Figure 11b The figure shown is a cross-sectional view of the inner liner connector in an embodiment of this specification. Figure 11a and Figure 11b It includes an inner tank 1101, a heat exchange structure 11012, a heating device 1102, an inner tank connector 1103, a water flow device interface 11031, a water inlet 11032, a second water flow channel 11033, a water outlet 11034, and a water flow device 1104.

[0232] The inlet 11032 and the water-passing device 1104 are connected via a second water flow channel 11033, which is connected to a first water flow channel. Water entering through the inlet 11032 flows into the first water flow channel through the second water flow channel 11033. At least a portion of the water-passing device 1104 is disposed within the water-passing device interface 11031. Water flowing in through the inlet 11032 flows into the first water flow channel through the second water flow channel 11033, and the water-passing device 1104 processes the water flowing into it. The water-passing device interface 11031 allows the water-passing device 1104 to be detachably inserted into the heat exchange structure 11012, thereby enabling the replacement of the water-passing device 1104 and / or the replacement of functional materials within it.

[0233] The heat exchange structure 11012 has an inlet section and an outlet section, and the outlet 11034 is connected to the outlet section of the heat exchange structure 11012.

[0234] In some embodiments, the inlet 11032 and the water passage device interface 11031 can also be combined into one interface, that is, the water flowing into the heat exchange structure 11012 can directly flow into the first water flow channel between the water passage device 1104 and the heat exchange structure 11012.

[0235] In some embodiments, the heat exchange structure 11012 can be a series of heat exchange tubes. During the energy release phase, lower-temperature water flows into the second water flow channel 11033 through the inlet 11032. The water then enters the first water flow channel through the second water flow channel 11033. At least a portion of the water in the first water flow channel enters the water passing device 1104 for treatment, and then flows into the heat exchange tubes. The water in the heat exchange tubes, which are at least partially inserted with phase change material, transfers heat with the phase change material, absorbing the heat from the phase change material, thereby raising the water temperature. The heated water then flows out of the heat exchange tubes through the outlet 11034 for user use. The inlet 11032, the water passing device interface 11031, and the outlet 11034 of the heat exchange structure can be integrally formed to constitute the inner tank connector 1103. Integrating the inner tank connector 1103 into one piece can reduce the manufacturing cost of the water heater and improve manufacturing efficiency.

[0236] like Figure 12The diagram shown is a schematic diagram of the water heater structure according to an embodiment of this specification. The diagram includes a shell 1201, a water tank 1202, a valve body 1203, an inner tank 1204, a connector 12041, and a receiving space 1205. The water tank 1202 and the valve body 1203 are both located inside the shell 1201. The valve body 1203 is connected to the water inlet and the water outlet on the connector 12041 of the inner tank 1204, and / or, the valve body 1203 is connected to the water inlet on the water tank 1202 and the water outlet on the water tank.

[0237] Along the length (L) of the water heater, the size of the water tank is larger than the size of the inner tank, so as to form a receiving space 1205 within the housing 1201 for accommodating the valve body 1203.

[0238] In other embodiments, the controller may also be housed within the receiving space 1205. This receiving space 1205 can accommodate the valve body 1203 and other pipes, connectors, and other components. In possible embodiments, it can also accommodate a heating device, its operating circuitry, and other components such as a controller that controls the operation of the heating device. This reduces the size of the water heater, and because all the water heater components are concentrated in the receiving space, maintenance costs can be reduced.

[0239] like Figure 13a The diagram shown is a cross-sectional structural schematic of the water-passing device according to an embodiment of this specification. Figure 13bThe diagram shown is a partially enlarged cross-sectional view of the water-passing device according to an embodiment of this specification. The specific structure of the water-passing device is described in this figure. The device includes a functional material 1301, an inlet 1302, an outlet 1303, a receiving cavity 1304, a first water flow channel 1305, and a second water flow channel 1306. The water-passing device can be, for example, a cylinder extending into a heat exchange structure. The inner surface of the heat exchange structure wall and the outer surface of the water-passing device wall form the first water flow channel 1305. The water-passing device has a receiving cavity 1304 for housing the functional material 1301. The functional material 1301 can be scale-inhibiting particles, allowing water to be filtered through the soluble functional material 1301. Alternatively, the functional material 1301 can be a physical filtration component, filtering water through a small-pore filter membrane, filter screen, filter cotton, etc. The functional material can also be, for example, a material that performs sterilization functions; no limitations are imposed here. The inlet... The inlet 1302 and / or outlet 1303 are disposed on the outer surface of the wall of the water-passing device. The inlet 1302 and / or outlet 1303 can be a mesh structure. The openings of part of the mesh structure form the inlet 1302, and the openings of part of the mesh structure form the outlet 1303. Water flows into the first water flow channel 1305 through the second water flow channel 1306. The inlet 1302 introduces the water in the first water flow channel 1305 into the receiving cavity 1304 of the water-passing device, so that the water comes into contact with the functional material 1301. The outlet 1303 leads the water that has come into contact with the functional material 1301 out of the water-passing device and into the heat exchange structure.

[0240] like Figure 14a The diagram shows the specific structure of the water-passing device according to an embodiment of this specification. The diagram includes a functional material 1401 (represented by a gray circle), a water inlet 1402 (represented by a hollow circle), a water outlet 1403 (represented by a hollow circle), a receiving cavity 1404, a flow guide 1405, a limiting member 1406, a sealing part 14061, a flange 14062, and a first water flow channel 1407. Water flows from left to right in the first water flow channel 1407 according to the direction of the dashed arrow. The water inlet 1402 can be located at the front of the water-passing device, and the water outlet 1403 can be located at the rear of the water-passing device. The water inlet 1402 and the water outlet 1403 can also be located in other parts of the water-passing device.

[0241] In this embodiment, the guide element 1405 can be a spring, located inside the first water flow channel and sleeved on the outside of the water-passing device. The spring, with its simple structure and low cost, can guide the water flow direction, and its manufacturing cost is also relatively low. The spring on the outside of the water-passing device can guide the water flowing through the first water flow channel 1407 into the inlet 1402 of the water-passing device and into the receiving cavity 1404. The inlet 1402 can be a through hole penetrating the side wall of the water-passing device. Guided by the spring, the water passes through the inlet 1402 into the receiving cavity 1404, contacts the functional material 1401 inside the receiving cavity 1404, and flows out of the water-passing device through the outlet 1403. The limiting member 1406 includes a blocking part 14061 and a flange 14062 located around the blocking part 14061. The flange 14062 is connected to the blocking part 14061 or to the inner surface of the wall of the water-passing device. The blocking part 14061 is used to block the functional material 1401 in the water-passing device, and the flange 14062 is used to limit the flow guide 1405.

[0242] The limiting member 1406 of the water-passing device abuts against the inner surface of the wall of the heat exchange structure to limit the water-passing device. The flange 14062 is connected to the sealing part 14061 or the flange 14062 is connected to the outer surface of the wall of the water-passing device. The sealing part 14061 is used to seal the functional material 1401 in the water-passing device. The flange 14062 abuts against the inner surface of the wall of the heat exchange structure.

[0243] The sealing part 14061 of the limiting member 1406 can prevent the functional material 1401 from flowing out of the water passage device with the flowing water. The flange 14062 of the limiting member 1406 can be used to stabilize the water passage device in the heat exchange structure, or it can also be used to limit the flow guide 1405 to prevent the flow guide 1405 from detaching from the outer wall surface of the water passage device.

[0244] In other embodiments, the limiting member 1406 may include only the blocking part 14061, without the flange 14062.

[0245] like Figure 14b The diagram shown is another specific structural diagram of the water-passing device according to an embodiment of this specification. The diagram illustrates the use of different types of guide elements, such as... Figure 14b As shown, the flow guide 1405 is formed by the inner surface of the wall of the heat exchange structure corresponding to the water passage device. The inner surface of the wall of the heat exchange structure can be wavy, or a turbulence protrusion or turbulence groove, so that the water flowing through the first water flow channel 1407 can flow toward the water passage device receiving cavity 1404.

[0246] In other embodiments, the guide element 1405 may also be a guide plate outside the receiving cavity 1404. The guide plate guides the water flowing into the first water flow channel 1407 to the inlet 1402 of the receiving cavity 1404, thereby entering the interior of the receiving cavity 1404, and flowing out of the receiving cavity 1404 through the outlet 1403 and merging into the heat exchange structure. There may be multiple guide plates, and the angle between the guide plate and the outer surface of the wall of the receiving cavity 1404 facing the water flow direction is an acute angle.

[0247] In other embodiments, the guide element may also be a plurality of water inlets 1402 on the side wall of the water-passing device, the plurality of water inlets 1402 being inclined through the side wall of the water-passing device, the inclination direction being towards the water flow direction.

[0248] In this embodiment, the water-passing device is built into the heat exchange structure, which reduces the space occupied by the phase change material of the inner tank and reduces the design and manufacturing costs. Since the water flow of the water heater is guided, the water of the water heater can directly contact the functional material, so the water quality of the water heater is significantly improved.

[0249] like Figure 15 The diagram shown is a schematic of a water heater structure according to an embodiment of this specification, which controls the operation of the heating device based on water temperature. The diagram illustrates a structure in which a water temperature sensor is installed in the inner tank to obtain the water temperature used for energy storage, and a thermal circuit breaker is installed to prevent damage to the phase change material when the water temperature is too high. Specifically, it includes: inner tank 1501, heat dissipation fins 1502, heating device 1503, heat exchange structure 1504, water temperature sensor 1505, thermal circuit breaker 1506, and heating device switch (not shown).

[0250] The water heater includes a heating device 1503 and an inner tank 1501 with a phase change material. The inner tank 1501 also has a heat exchange structure 1504. The heating device 1503 is used to heat water. The water heated by the heating device 1503 can transfer heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure 1504 and the heat dissipation fins 1502. The thermal circuit breaker 1506 and the heating device switch are connected in series in the working circuit of the heating device 1503.

[0251] The water temperature sensor 1505 is disposed on the heat exchange structure 1504 and is used to detect the water temperature in the heat exchange structure 1504. The heating device switch is used to disconnect and / or connect the working circuit according to the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 1505.

[0252] The thermal circuit breaker 1506 is disposed in the heat exchange structure 1504 and is used to disconnect the working circuit when the water temperature in the heat exchange structure 1504 exceeds the standard.

[0253] In this configuration, both the water temperature sensor 1505 and the thermal circuit breaker 1506 are located on the outer surface of the heat exchange structure 1504, enabling stable, reliable, and accurate acquisition of the water temperature after heating by the heating device 1503 during the energy storage phase. Alternatively, the water temperature sensor 1505 may be at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure 1504, while the thermal circuit breaker 1506 may be located on the outer surface of the heat exchange structure 1504. When the water temperature sensor 1505 is at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure 1504, the water temperature acquired by the water temperature sensor 1505 after heating by the heating device 1503 is more accurate. Or, both the water temperature sensor 1505 and the thermal circuit breaker 1506 may be at least partially located inside the heat exchange structure 1504, in which case the water temperature acquired by the water temperature sensor 1505 and the thermal circuit breaker 1506 after heating by the heating device 1503 is more accurate.

[0254] The heating device 1503 is located at the lower part of the heat exchange structure 1504; in the height direction of the heat exchange structure 1504, the water temperature sensor 1505 is located above the heating device 1503, and the thermal circuit breaker 1506 is located above the water temperature sensor 1505.

[0255] This structure ensures that, if the water temperature sensor 1505 and the heating device switch are functioning correctly, they will disconnect the heating device's operating circuit before the thermal circuit breaker 1506. This prevents the thermal circuit breaker 1506 from disconnecting the heating device's operating circuit before either the water temperature sensor 1505 or the heating device switch has failed. The heating device's operating circuit will only be disconnected when the water temperature sensor 1505 or the heating device switch fails and the thermal circuit breaker 1506 detects an excessive water temperature. This provides dual protection for the water heater, further ensuring its safe operation and preventing damage to the phase change material due to excessively high water temperatures.

[0256] The structure of the water heater in this embodiment may include, for example, a heat exchange box or heat exchange tubes, which can be referred to the corresponding descriptions in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0257] In this embodiment, the heating device switch can also be connected to a controller. The controller controls the heating device 1503 to operate with different preset hysteresis according to the energy storage control method in the previous embodiment through the heating device switch, which will not be described in detail here.

[0258] like Figure 16The diagram shows a schematic of the heating device's operating circuit according to an embodiment of this specification. The diagram includes a heating device 1503, a heating device switch 1507, and a thermal circuit breaker 1506. The heating device switch 1507 controls the opening and closing of the operating circuit based on the water temperature collected by the water temperature sensor 1505. When the heating device switch 1507 is connected in series in the heating device's operating circuit, when the water temperature reaches or exceeds a preset temperature value, the heating device switch 1507 can control the heating device 1503 to stop heating by disconnecting the operating circuit. When the water temperature does not reach or is lower than the preset temperature value, the heating device switch 1507 can control the heating device 1503 to continue heating by connecting the operating circuit of the heating device 1503. The heating device switch 1507 can be, for example, a relay.

[0259] In other embodiments, the water temperature sensor 1505 can transmit the collected water temperature to the controller (not shown). When the water temperature reaches or exceeds the preset temperature value, the controller sends a stop operation command to the heating device switch 1507. The heating device switch 1507 disconnects the working circuit of the heating device 1503 according to the stop operation command, thereby stopping the heating device 1503 from heating. When the water temperature does not reach or is lower than the preset temperature value, the controller sends a start operation command to the heating device switch 1507. The heating device switch 1507 connects the working circuit of the heating device 1503 according to the start operation command, thereby enabling the heating device 1503 to start heating.

[0260] In other embodiments, the controller can also directly control the heating device 1503 to perform heating or stop heating based on the water temperature collected by the water temperature sensor 1505 (in this embodiment, it is not necessary to connect the heating device switch 1507 in the working circuit), or further control the heating device 1503 to perform heating at a certain power.

[0261] In the above embodiments, the controller can also execute the aforementioned energy storage control method to control the operation of the heating device 1503.

[0262] The thermal circuit breaker 1506 includes, for example, a bimetallic thermal circuit breaker. If the water temperature detected by the thermal circuit breaker 1506 exceeds the standard, the bimetallic thermostat deforms, disconnecting the working circuit and thus cutting off the working circuit of the heating device 1503, thereby stopping the heating operation of the heating device 1503. When the water temperature decreases, the thermal circuit breaker 1506 deforms again, reconnecting the working circuit. In this embodiment, the thermal circuit breaker 1506 physically disconnects the working circuit, which can disconnect the working circuit and stop the heating operation of the heating device 1503 when the water temperature sensor 1505 fails, the heating device switch 1507 fails, or the controller fails, further improving the safety of the water heater.

[0263] like Figure 17 The diagram shown is another structural schematic of a water heater according to an embodiment of this specification, which controls the operation of the heating device based on water temperature. The water heater in this embodiment includes an inner tank 1701, a phase change material 1702, a heating device 1703, a heat exchange structure 1704, a water temperature sensor 1705, a thermal circuit breaker 1706, a heating device switch 1707, a pump 1708, and a controller 1709.

[0264] The embodiments described in this figure are... Figure 15 The main difference in the illustrated embodiment is that the heating device 1703 is located outside the inner tank 1701; the water heater also includes a pump 1708, which pumps the water heated by the heating device 1703 into the heat exchange structure 1704. The water temperature sensor 1705 is located in the heat exchange structure 1704 and is used to detect the water temperature within the heat exchange structure 1704. The heating device switch 1707 is used to disconnect and / or connect the operating circuit of the heating device 1703 based on the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor 1705. The thermal circuit breaker 1706 is located in the heat exchange structure 1704, downstream of the water temperature sensor 1705 in the direction of water flow, and is used to disconnect the operating circuit of the heating device 1703 when the water temperature within the heat exchange structure 1704 exceeds the standard. The pump 1708 can be a circulating pump. The water inlet of the pump 1708 is connected to the water outlet of the heat exchange structure 1704. The water outlet of the pump 1708 is connected to the water inlet of the heat exchange structure 1704 through a heating device 1703.

[0265] In this embodiment, a controller 1709 may also be included to control the heating device 1703 to operate or stop operating. The energy storage control method of the controller 1709 for controlling the heating device can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0266] In other embodiments, the heating device 1703 may also be disposed inside the inner tank 1701, and water is pumped into the heating device 1703 by the pump 1708. After the water is heated, it flows into the heat exchange structure 1704. The water temperature sensor 1705, the thermal circuit breaker 1706, and the heating device switch 1707 may also be disposed in other locations.

[0267] like Figure 18The diagram shown is another structural schematic of a water heater according to an embodiment of this specification, which controls the operation of the heating device based on water temperature. The diagram illustrates a water temperature sensor installed in the inner tank to obtain the water temperature used for energy storage, a thermal circuit breaker to prevent damage to the phase change material structure when the water temperature is too high, and a phase change material temperature sensor to obtain the temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank. Specifically, it includes: an inner tank 1801, heat dissipation fins 1802, a heating device 1803, a heat exchange structure 1804, a water temperature sensor 1805, a thermal circuit breaker 1806, a heating device switch (not shown), and a phase change material temperature sensor 1809.

[0268] The embodiments described in this figure are... Figure 15 The main difference in the illustrated embodiment is that a phase change material temperature sensor 1809 is added to the inner liner 1801. The phase change material temperature sensor 1809 is in contact with the phase change material and is located in the inner liner 1801 away from the heating device 1803 (for example, it can be located near the wall of the inner liner 1801). It is used to detect the temperature of the phase change material. When the temperature of the phase change material reaches the phase change material warning temperature, the heating device switch is turned off and / or the working circuit of the heating device 1803 is connected.

[0269] In other embodiments, the heating device 1803 can also be controlled to operate or stop operating by a controller. The energy storage control method of the controller controlling the heating device can be referred to the description in the foregoing embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0270] In other embodiments, the controller may also control the heating device 1803 to perform heating or stop heating based on the detection results of the phase change material temperature sensor 1809.

[0271] The temperature of the phase change material in the inner tank can be obtained by using a phase change material temperature sensor. The temperature of the phase change material can be used to more flexibly control the changes in the working status of the heating device during the energy storage process of the water heater, such as when to heat and when to stop heating.

[0272] like Figure 19The illustration shows a computer device provided in an embodiment of this specification. The methods in this embodiment can be run on the computer device to execute the methods in this embodiment. The computer device 1902 may include one or more processors 1904, such as one or more central processing units (CPUs), each of which can implement one or more hardware threads. The computer device 1902 may also include any memory 1906 for storing information of any kind, such as code, settings, data, etc. Non-limitingly, for example, memory 1906 may include any type of RAM, any type of ROM, flash memory, hard disk, optical disk, etc. More generally, any memory can use any technology to store information. Further, any memory can provide volatile or non-volatile retention of information. Further, any memory can represent a fixed or removable component of the computer device 1902. In one case, when processor 1904 executes associated instructions stored in any memory or combination of memories, the computer device 1902 can perform any operation of the associated instructions.

[0273] Computer device 1902 may also include an input / output module 1910 (I / O) for receiving various inputs (via input device 1912) and providing various outputs (via output device 1914). A specific output mechanism may include a presentation device 1916 and an associated graphical user interface (GUI) 1918. In other embodiments, the input / output module 1910 (I / O), input device 1912, and output device 1914 may be omitted, allowing the device to function independently as a computer. Computer device 1902 may also include one or more network interfaces 1920 for exchanging data with other devices via one or more communication links 1922. One or more communication buses 1924 couple the components described above together.

[0274] Communication link 1922 can be implemented in any way, such as via a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN) (e.g., the Internet), a point-to-point connection, or any combination thereof. Communication link 1922 may include any combination of hardwired links, wireless links, routers, gateway functions, name servers, etc., governed by any protocol or combination of protocols.

[0275] This specification also provides computer-readable instructions, wherein when a processor executes the instructions, the program therein causes the processor to perform the methods described above.

[0276] It should be understood that in the various embodiments of this specification, the sequence number of each process does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of this specification.

[0277] It should also be understood that, in the embodiments of this specification, the term "and / or" is merely a description of the relationship between related objects, indicating that three relationships can exist. For example, A and / or B can represent: A existing alone, A and B existing simultaneously, and B existing alone. Additionally, the character " / " in this specification generally indicates that the preceding and following related objects have an "or" relationship.

[0278] Those skilled in the art will recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed in this specification can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of each example have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. 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 this specification.

[0279] 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.

[0280] In the several embodiments provided in this specification, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, and methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative; for instance, the division of units is only 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. Furthermore, the couplings or direct couplings or communication connections shown or discussed may be indirect couplings or communication connections through some interfaces, devices, or units, or they may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms of connection.

[0281] 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 achieve the purpose of the embodiments described in this specification, depending on actual needs.

[0282] Furthermore, the functional units in the various embodiments of this specification can be integrated into one processing unit, or each unit can exist physically separately, or two or more units can be integrated into one unit. The integrated unit can be implemented in hardware or as a software functional unit.

[0283] If the integrated unit is implemented as a software functional unit and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of this specification, in essence, or the part that contributes to the prior art, or all or part of the technical solution, can be embodied in the form of a software product. This computer software product is stored in a storage medium and includes several 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 methods described in the various embodiments of this specification. The aforementioned storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0284] This specification uses specific embodiments to illustrate the principles and implementation methods of this specification. The descriptions of the above embodiments are only for the purpose of helping to understand the methods and core ideas of this specification. At the same time, for those skilled in the art, there will be changes in the specific implementation methods and application scope based on the ideas of this specification. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of this specification.

Claims

1. A method for controlling the energy storage of a water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes a heating device and an inner tank with a phase change material. The heating device generates heat and directly or indirectly transfers the heat to the phase change material to store energy in the phase change material. The energy storage control method includes controlling the heating device to operate with a first preset hysteresis first, and then controlling the heating device to operate with a second preset hysteresis, wherein the second preset hysteresis is less than the first preset hysteresis, and the preset hysteresis is the difference between the stop temperature when the heating device stops working and the start temperature when the heating device starts working.

2. The energy storage control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The starting temperature is a variable.

3. The energy storage control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the temperature of the phase change material is lower than the temperature of the first phase change material, the start-up temperature is the first temperature value; If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material, the start-up temperature is a second temperature value; The first temperature value is less than the second temperature value.

4. The energy storage control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The temperature of the first phase change material is equal to the first temperature value. or, The temperature of the first phase change material is not equal to the first temperature value, and the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the first phase change material and the first temperature value is not greater than the first preset value.

5. The energy storage control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first preset value is less than or equal to 5.

6. The energy storage control method according to claim 3, characterized in that, If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material and less than the temperature of the second phase change material, the start-up temperature is the second temperature value. If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the second phase change material, the start-up temperature is a third temperature value; The second temperature value is less than the third temperature value.

7. The energy storage control method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The temperature of the second phase change material is equal to the second temperature value. or, The temperature of the second phase change material is not equal to the second temperature value, and the absolute value of the difference between the temperature of the second phase change material and the second temperature value is not greater than the second preset value.

8. The energy storage control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The second preset value is less than or equal to 5.

9. The energy storage control method according to any one of claims 1 to 8, characterized in that, The stopping temperature is a variable.

10. The energy storage control method according to claim 9, characterized in that, If the temperature of the phase change material is lower than the temperature of the first phase change material, the stop temperature is the fourth temperature value; If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material, the stop temperature is the fifth temperature value; The fourth temperature value is greater than the fifth temperature value.

11. The energy storage control method according to claim 10, characterized in that, If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the first phase change material and less than the temperature of the second phase change material, the stop temperature is the fifth temperature value. If the temperature of the phase change material is greater than or equal to the temperature of the second phase change material, the stop temperature is the sixth temperature value; The fifth temperature value is greater than or equal to the sixth temperature value.

12. The energy storage control method according to claim 3, 6, 10 or 11, characterized in that, A first phase change material temperature sensor is installed in the inner liner, which is close to the inner liner wall and is used to obtain the temperature of the phase change material near the inner liner wall as the temperature of the phase change material.

13. The energy storage control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner tank also has a heat exchange structure. The heating device is used to heat water. The water heated by the heating device can transfer heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure. The stop temperature and the start temperature are the temperature values ​​of the water that transfers heat to the phase change material.

14. The energy storage control method according to claim 13, characterized in that, A water temperature sensor is installed on the heat exchange structure to obtain the temperature value of the water that transfers heat with the phase change material.

15. The energy storage control method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Water heated by the heating device transfers heat to the phase change material within the heat exchange structure via natural convection.

16. The energy storage control method according to claim 13, characterized in that, Water heated by the heating device flows into the heat exchange structure under the drive of the pump, transferring heat to the phase change material.

17. The energy storage control method according to claim 16, characterized in that, A first phase change material temperature sensor is installed on the heat exchange structure to detect the temperature of the surface of the heat exchange structure or the phase change material. The water heater also includes a water temperature sensor for detecting the temperature of the water heated by the heating device.

18. The energy storage control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The stop temperature and the start temperature are the temperature values ​​of the phase change material near the heating device.

19. The energy storage control method according to claim 18, characterized in that, The inner liner is provided with a first phase change material temperature sensor, which is located away from the heating device and is used to obtain the temperature of the phase change material near the inner liner wall as the temperature of the phase change material. A second phase change material temperature sensor is installed in the inner liner. The second phase change material temperature sensor is located near the heating device and is used to obtain the temperature value of the phase change material near the heating device.

20. A controller, characterized in that, The invention is applied to a water heater, which includes a heating device and an inner tank having a phase change material. The heating device generates heat and directly or indirectly transfers the heat to the phase change material to store energy in the phase change material. The controller performs the energy storage control method as described in any one of claims 1-19.

21. A water heater, characterized in that, Includes the controller as described in claim 20.

22. The water heater according to claim 21, characterized in that, The water heater includes an inner tank with phase change material and heat exchange structure, a pump, a heating device, and a controller for controlling the heating device. The controller controls the operation of the heating device, which heats the water. The heated water is pumped into the heat exchange structure of the inner tank by the pump. The heated water transfers heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure for energy storage.

23. The water heater according to claim 22, characterized in that, The pump is a circulating pump, and the pump's inlet is connected to the outlet of the heat exchange structure, while the pump's outlet is connected to the inlet of the heating device.

24. The water heater according to claim 23, characterized in that, Along the direction of water flow, the pump is located upstream of the heating device. After the water flows out from the outlet of the pump, it is heated by the heating device and then flows into the inlet of the heat exchange structure.

25. The water heater according to claim 22, characterized in that, The water heater has an inner tank with phase change material and heat exchange structure, a heating device, and a controller for controlling the heating device. The heating device, under the control of the controller, heats at least the water in the lower part or bottom of the heat exchange structure. The water in the heat exchange structure transfers heat to the phase change material in the inner tank through natural convection for energy storage.

26. The water heater according to claim 25, characterized in that, The heat exchange structure includes a heat exchange box located inside the inner liner. Water heated by the heating device convects naturally within the heat exchange box, thereby transferring heat to the phase change material.

27. The water heater according to claim 26, characterized in that, The heat exchange box extends along the height and length of the inner liner, and the heat exchange box has a predetermined thickness along the width of the inner liner.

28. The water heater according to claim 27, characterized in that, The heat exchange box is provided in multiple ways, and the heat exchange structure also includes heat exchange tubes. The heat exchange tubes and the heat exchange box are connected to each other, as are the heat exchange boxes, through a communication structure.

29. The water heater according to claim 21, characterized in that, The water heater includes an inner tank with a phase change material. The inner liner has a heat exchange structure, through which water flowing through the heat exchange structure can exchange heat with the phase change material. The water heater also includes a water-passing device, at least a portion of which is located within the heat exchange structure. A first water flow channel is formed between the outer surface of the wall of the water-passing device and the inner surface of the wall of the heat exchange structure. At least a portion of the water in the first water flow channel can flow out of the water-passing device after flowing into it. The water-passing device is used to hold functional materials.

30. The water heater according to claim 29, characterized in that, The functional materials include scale inhibitors and / or bactericidal and / or purifying materials.

31. The water heater according to claim 29, characterized in that, The inner liner has a connector, the connector has a water-passing device interface, the water-passing device interface has a first end and a second end, the first end of the water-passing device interface is connected to the heat exchange structure, the second end of the water-passing device interface is connected to one end of the water-passing device, and the other end of the water-passing device extends into the heat exchange structure through the first end of the water-passing device interface.

32. The water heater according to claim 31, characterized in that, The second end of the water-passing device interface is detachably and sealed to one end of the water-passing device.

33. The water heater according to claim 29, characterized in that, The water-passing device has a functional material, an inlet and an outlet. The inlet allows water from the first water flow channel to flow into the water-passing device and come into contact with the functional material. The outlet allows water treated by the functional material to flow out of the water-passing device.

34. The water heater according to claim 33, characterized in that, The inner surface of the wall of the water-passing device defines a receiving cavity for accommodating the functional material, and the water inlet and / or the water outlet are disposed on the outer surface of the wall.

35. The water heater according to claim 34, characterized in that, The wall of the water-passing device has a mesh structure, with some openings in the mesh structure serving as the water inlet and others as the water outlet.

36. The water heater according to claim 33, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a flow guide, which is used to guide the water from the first water flow channel to the water inlet and / or the functional material.

37. The water heater according to claim 21, characterized in that, The water heater includes a heating device and an inner tank with a phase change material. The inner tank also has a heat exchange structure. The heating device is used to heat water, and the water heated by the heating device can transfer heat to the phase change material through the heat exchange structure. The water heater also includes a water temperature sensor, a thermal circuit breaker, and a heating device switch, wherein the heating device switch and the thermal circuit breaker are connected in series in the working circuit of the heating device. The water temperature sensor is disposed on the heat exchange structure and is used to detect the water temperature in the heat exchange structure. The heating device switch is used to disconnect and / or connect the working circuit according to the water temperature detected by the water temperature sensor. The thermal circuit breaker is installed in the heat exchange structure and is used to disconnect the working circuit when the water temperature in the heat exchange structure exceeds the standard.

38. The water heater according to claim 37, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a phase change material temperature sensor, which is in contact with the phase change material and located in the inner tank away from the heating device, for detecting the temperature of the phase change material.

39. The water heater according to claim 37, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a shell, a water tank, a valve body, and a controller. The inner tank, the water tank, the valve body, and the controller are all located inside the shell. The valve body is connected to the inner tank and / or the water tank. The controller is used to control at least the switching on and off of the heating device. In the longitudinal direction of the water heater, the length of the water tank is greater than that of the inner tank, so as to form a receiving space within the housing for accommodating the valve body and / or the controller.

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