Water heater, control method thereof, controller and computer readable storage medium

Abstract

The invention discloses a control method of a water heater, a controller of the water heater, a computer readable storage medium and the water heater. The control method comprises the steps that when the water heater is in a standby state, if the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than a first temperature threshold value, an anti-freezing time sequence is executed; and within a first time threshold range after the anti-freezing time sequence is quitted, if the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than a first temperature threshold, it is determined that the anti-freezing device of the water heater has the anti-freezing failure risk. According to the control method of the water heater, when the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold value, the heating device is controlled to heat the water in the heat exchange device, so that the water heater is effectively prevented from being damaged due to freezing, and the water heater is prevented from being frozen within the first time threshold value range after the anti-freezing time sequence is quitted. Whether anti-freezing fails or not is confirmed by comparing the water temperature of the heat exchange device with the first temperature threshold value, and the use safety of the water heater is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a water heater control method, a water heater controller, a computer-readable storage medium, and a water heater. Background Technology

[0002] After a gas water heater is used, all the water pipes are filled with tap water. If the water heater freezes, because solid ice has a specific gravity of only 0.9, the tap water will expand in volume after freezing. The great destructive force generated in this process can cause damage to the internal water pipes of the water heater, making the water heater unable to work. In severe cases, the water heater may leak after freezing, causing damage to the wooden floors of the house, household appliances, and in some cases, it may even affect downstairs residents and public facilities such as elevators, leading to serious consequences. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The present invention aims to at least partially solve one of the technical problems in the related art.

[0004] Therefore, the first objective of this invention is to provide a control method for a water heater that can effectively prevent the water heater from being damaged by freezing and can determine whether the antifreeze function is operating normally, thereby improving the safety of using the water heater.

[0005] The second objective of this invention is to provide a controller for a water heater.

[0006] A third objective of this invention is to provide a computer-readable storage medium.

[0007] The fourth objective of this invention is to provide a water heater.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the first aspect of the present invention provides a control method for a water heater, the water heater including a heat exchange device, a heating device, and an antifreeze device. The control method includes, when the water heater is in standby mode, if the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than a first temperature threshold, executing an antifreeze sequence. The antifreeze sequence includes controlling the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchange device, and exiting the antifreeze sequence when the water temperature in the heat exchange device is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold. Within a first time threshold range after exiting the antifreeze sequence, if the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold, it is determined that the antifreeze device of the water heater has a risk of antifreeze failure.

[0009] According to the water heater control method of the present invention, when the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than a first temperature threshold, the heating device is controlled to heat the water in the heat exchange device to effectively prevent the water heater from being damaged by freezing. Furthermore, by comparing the water temperature in the heat exchange device with the first temperature threshold within the first time threshold range after the antifreeze sequence is exited, the failure of the antifreeze is confirmed, thereby improving the safety of the water heater.

[0010] In addition, the water heater control method according to the above embodiments of the present invention may also have the following additional technical features:

[0011] In some examples, the control method further includes generating antifreeze failure information after determining that the antifreeze device of the water heater has a risk of antifreeze failure; sending the antifreeze failure information to the supplier terminal and / or user terminal; and / or displaying the antifreeze failure information through sound signals, display screens, or light signals.

[0012] In some examples, the heating device includes an electric heating unit and a gas heating unit, and controlling the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchange device includes: controlling the electric heating unit to turn on when the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than a first temperature threshold and the on-time of the electric heating unit is lower than a second time threshold; and controlling the gas heating unit to turn on when the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold and the on-time of the electric heating unit is greater than or equal to the second time threshold.

[0013] In some examples, the heating power of the gas heating unit is set to 5% to 50% of the rated power.

[0014] In some examples, controlling the heating device to heat the heat exchange device further includes: if the on-time of the gas heating unit is greater than or equal to a third time threshold, then determining that the water heater is faulty; after determining that the water heater is faulty, exiting the antifreeze sequence.

[0015] In some examples, the water heater further includes a bypass flow path, a circulating water pump, and an on / off valve. The bypass flow path connects to the heat exchange device, and the on / off valve is connected in series with the on / off valve of the bypass flow path. The antifreeze sequence further includes controlling the on / off valve to open and controlling the circulating water pump to drive water flow along the bypass flow path and the heat exchange device.

[0016] To achieve the above objectives, a second aspect of the present invention provides a controller for a water heater, the controller comprising a temperature sensing element, a heating device, and a control device, the temperature sensing element for detecting the water temperature in the heat exchange device, the heating device for heating the heat exchange device, and the control device for signal transmission with the heating device and the temperature sensing element, and for executing the water heater control method described above.

[0017] According to the water heater controller of the present invention, by executing the water heater control method described above, the water heater can be effectively prevented from being damaged by freezing, and the antifreeze function can be determined to be operating normally, thereby improving the safety of water heater use.

[0018] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the third aspect of the present invention provides a computer-readable storage medium comprising a computer program, wherein the computer program, when executed, controls the electronic device in which the storage medium is located to perform the water heater control method described above.

[0019] According to the computer-readable storage medium of the present invention, by executing the above-described control method for a water heater, damage to the water heater caused by freezing can be effectively prevented, and the operation of the antifreeze function can be determined, thereby improving the safety of the water heater.

[0020] To achieve the above objectives, an embodiment of the fourth aspect of the present invention provides a water heater, which includes a casing, a temperature sensing element, a heating device, a flue pipe, and a control device. The casing is provided with an inlet water flow path, a heat exchange device, and an outlet water flow path connected in sequence. The temperature sensing element is used to detect the water temperature in the heat exchange device. The heating device is disposed in the casing and is used to heat the water in the heat exchange device. The flue pipe is connected to the casing and is provided with an antifreeze device to control the flow of flue gas along the exhaust direction of the flue pipe. The control device transmits signals with the heating device and the temperature sensing element and is used to execute the control method of the water heater described above.

[0021] According to the embodiments of the present invention, by executing the above-described water heater control method, the water heater can be effectively prevented from being damaged by freezing, and the antifreeze function can be determined to be operating normally, thereby improving the safety of water heater use.

[0022] In some examples, the temperature sensing element is configured as a normally open temperature control switch; and / or, the heating device includes an electric heating unit and a gas heating unit.

[0023] Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. Attached Figure Description

[0024] Figure 1 This is a first flowchart of a water heater control method in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 2 This is a second flowchart of a water heater control method in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 3 This is a third flowchart of a water heater control method in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 4 This is the fourth flowchart of the water heater control method in some embodiments of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 5This is the fifth flowchart of the water heater control method in some other embodiments of the present invention.

[0029] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of a water heater in some embodiments of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0030] Embodiments of the present invention are described in detail below, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain the present invention, and should not be construed as limiting the present invention.

[0031] This invention proposes a control method for a water heater that can effectively prevent damage from freezing and can determine whether the anti-freeze function is operating normally, thereby improving the safety of water heater use. In conjunction with the aforementioned control method, this invention also proposes a control device for a water heater, a computer-readable storage medium, and a water heater.

[0032] Reference Figure 1 In some embodiments of the present invention, the water heater includes a heat exchange device, a heating device, and an antifreeze device. Water in the water heater can flow through the heat exchange device, and during this process, the heating device can heat the water flowing through the heat exchange device, so that the water heater releases water at a predetermined temperature to meet user needs. The antifreeze device can be an anti-backdraft valve, which prevents external cold air from flowing back into the water heater from the exhaust duct, thereby preventing the water heater from freezing. It also works with the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchange device, thereby preventing the water heater from freezing.

[0033] Water heater control methods include:

[0034] In step S100, when the water heater is in standby mode, if the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold, an antifreeze sequence is executed. The antifreeze sequence includes controlling the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchange device, and exiting the antifreeze sequence when the water temperature in the heat exchange device is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold.

[0035] Specifically, when a water heater is in standby mode, the water inside freezes and expands when the temperature falls below a first temperature threshold, potentially damaging internal pipes and components, leading to leaks and other hazards. Therefore, water heaters can be equipped with temperature sensors to detect the water temperature within the heat exchanger. When the temperature sensor detects that the water temperature is below the first temperature threshold, it transmits a temperature signal to the control device. The control device then executes an anti-freeze sequence. During this sequence, the control device sends a signal to the heating element, instructing it to start and heat the water in the heat exchanger until the water temperature exceeds or equals the first temperature threshold. The temperature sensor then sends another signal to the control device, which stops the heating process, thus exiting the anti-freeze sequence and improving the water heater's safety.

[0036] In step S200, if the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold within the first time threshold range after the antifreeze sequence is exited, it is determined that the antifreeze device of the water heater has the risk of antifreeze failure.

[0037] Specifically, when the water temperature inside the heat exchanger is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, the temperature sensing element transmits the water temperature value of the heat exchanger to the control device. The control device can then control the heat exchanger to stop heating, causing the water heater to exit the anti-freeze sequence and start the timer. If the water heater is within the first time threshold range of 0 to T1, and the temperature sensing element detects that the water temperature inside the heat exchanger is again lower than the first temperature threshold, then it can be confirmed that the anti-freeze device of the water heater has failed. The user or maintenance personnel need to be notified for repair, thereby improving the safety of the water heater and preventing the water heater from freezing and being damaged.

[0038] Therefore, the water heater control method according to the present invention controls the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchange device when the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold, so as to effectively prevent the water heater from being damaged by freezing. And by comparing the water temperature in the heat exchange device with the first temperature threshold within the first time threshold range after exiting the antifreeze sequence, it is confirmed whether the antifreeze has failed, thereby improving the safety of water heater use.

[0039] Reference Figure 2 In some embodiments of the present invention, the control method further includes:

[0040] Step S300: After determining that the antifreeze device of the water heater has a risk of antifreeze failure, antifreeze failure information is generated.

[0041] Step S400: Send the antifreeze failure information to the supplier terminal and / or user terminal; and / or display the antifreeze failure information through sound signals, display screens, or light signals.

[0042] Specifically, after determining in step S200 that the antifreeze device has a risk of antifreeze failure, the control device generates antifreeze failure information and sends it to the supplier terminal via network or Bluetooth. This allows the supplier terminal to repair the equipment based on the antifreeze failure information. The control device can also send the antifreeze failure information to the user terminal so that the user is aware of the water heater's antifreeze failure, reminds the user to pay attention to the use of the water heater and to repair it. In addition, the control device can also remind the user through sound signals from a speaker, display on the water heater's external screen, and light signals from the water heater's LED indicator, thereby improving the user's safety.

[0043] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating device includes an electric heating unit and a gas heating unit. Optionally, the electric heating unit may be an electric heating ceramic block, and the gas heating unit may be a burner.

[0044] Reference Figure 3 Based on the condition that the water temperature inside the heat exchanger is lower than a first temperature threshold, the control method for the water heater includes controlling the heating device to heat the water inside the heat exchanger, including:

[0045] Step S110: When the water temperature of the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold and the on-time of the electric heating unit is lower than the second time threshold, control the electric heating unit to turn on.

[0046] Step S120: When the water temperature of the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold and the on-time of the electric heating unit is greater than or equal to the second time threshold, the gas heating unit is controlled to open.

[0047] When the water heater is in standby mode, the temperature sensing element detects that the water temperature in the heat exchanger is lower than the first temperature threshold. After receiving the temperature signal from the temperature sensing element, the control device controls the heating element to heat the water in the heat exchanger. During this process, because the electric heating unit has a fast response speed and a small combined load, the control device can first control the electric heating unit to heat the water flow in the heat exchanger, so that the water flow in the heat exchanger heats up quickly. The timer calculates the on-time of the electric heating unit until the water temperature in the heat exchanger is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold, and the on-time of the electric heating unit is less than the second time threshold. At this time, the control device receives the temperature signal from the temperature sensing element and controls the electric heating unit to stop heating. However, if the on-time of the electric heating unit is greater than or equal to the second time threshold, but the water temperature in the heat exchanger is still lower than the first temperature threshold, the control device receives the temperature signal from the temperature sensing element and can control the gas heating unit to turn on. The water in the heat exchanger is heated by both the electric heating unit and the gas heating unit to improve the heating effect and prevent the water in the heat exchanger from freezing.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating power of the gas heating unit is set to 5% to 50% of the rated power. This reduces the energy consumption of the water heater while achieving antifreeze protection, allowing the water heater to operate at low load during the antifreeze process. The heating power of the gas heating unit can be 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% of the rated power, etc.

[0049] Reference Figure 3 In some embodiments of the present invention, based on the condition that the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than a first temperature threshold, the control method for the water heater further includes controlling the heating device to heat the heat exchange device, which is further described in the following ways:

[0050] Step S130: If the on-time of the gas heating unit is greater than or equal to the third time threshold, then the water heater is determined to be faulty; after determining the water heater to be faulty, the antifreeze sequence is exited.

[0051] In conjunction with step S120, the control device controls the electric heating unit and the gas heating unit to heat the water flow in the heat exchange device, and calculates the on-time of the gas heating unit through a timer. When the water temperature in the heat exchange device is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold and the on-time of the gas heating unit is less than the third time threshold, the control device receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensing element and controls the gas heating unit and the electric heating unit to stop heating. However, if the on-time of the gas heating unit is greater than or equal to the third time threshold, but the water temperature in the heat exchange device is still lower than the first temperature threshold, the control device receives a temperature signal from the temperature sensing element. The control device can determine that the water heater is faulty and control the gas heating unit and the electric heating unit to stop heating the water flow in the heat exchange device, thereby exiting the antifreeze sequence.

[0052] Reference Figure 4 In some embodiments of the present invention, the water heater further includes a bypass flow path, a circulating water pump, and an on / off valve. The bypass flow path is connected to a heat exchange device, and the on / off valve is connected in series with the on / off valve of the bypass flow path.

[0053] The antifreeze sequence also includes:

[0054] In step S140, the on / off valve is opened, and the circulating water pump is controlled to drive the water flow along the bypass flow path and the heat exchange device.

[0055] Specifically, when the control device controls the electric heating unit and the gas heating unit to heat the water flow in the heat exchange device, the control device can also control the opening and closing of the bypass flow path valve and control the operation of the circulating water pump. At this time, since the water heater is in a stopped state, the circulating water pump can drive the water tank to circulate along the bypass flow path and the heat exchange device, so that the heated water flow in the heat exchange device circulates in the water heater, preventing the flow path of other parts of the water heater from freezing and improving the safety of the water heater.

[0056] Reference Figure 6 Based on the water heater control method of the above embodiments of the present invention, the present invention also proposes a water heater controller, which includes a temperature sensing element, a heating device and a control device.

[0057] The temperature sensing element is used to detect the water temperature inside the heat exchange device, the heating device is used to heat the heat exchange device, the control device transmits signals with the heating device and the temperature sensing element, and is used to execute the water heater control method described above. By executing the water heater control method described above, the water heater can be effectively prevented from being damaged by freezing, and the antifreeze function can be judged to be operating normally, thereby improving the safety of water heater use.

[0058] Specifically, when the water heater is in standby mode, the temperature sensing element detects the water temperature inside the heat exchange device. When the water temperature inside the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold, the control device executes the anti-freeze sequence. At this time, the control device can control the electric heating unit to heat the water inside the heat exchange device, and the timer can calculate the on-time of the electric heating unit. When the on-time of the electric heating unit is greater than or equal to the second time threshold, and the water temperature inside the heat exchange device is still lower than the first temperature threshold, the control device controls the gas heating unit to turn on. The electric heating unit and the gas heating unit heat the water inside the heat exchange device together. The timer can calculate the on-time of the gas heating unit. When the on-time of the gas heating unit is greater than or equal to the third time threshold, and the water temperature inside the heat exchange device is still lower than the first temperature threshold, the control device determines that the water heater is faulty and controls the electric heating unit and the gas heating unit to stop heating the heat exchange device, thereby exiting the anti-freeze sequence.

[0059] Understandably, when the timer calculates that the electric heating unit has been on for less than a second time threshold and the temperature sensing element detects that the water temperature in the heat exchange device is not lower than a first temperature threshold, the control device can control the electric heating unit to stop heating; when the timer calculates that the gas heating unit has been on for less than a third time threshold and the temperature sensing element detects that the water temperature in the heat exchange device is not lower than a first temperature threshold, the control device can control both the electric heating unit and the gas heating unit to stop heating.

[0060] In addition, if the temperature sensing element detects that the water temperature of the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold within the first time threshold after the antifreeze sequence is exited, the control device determines that the antifreeze device of the water heater has a risk of antifreeze failure. The control device can send the information of the risk of antifreeze failure to the supplier's terminal and the user's terminal to remind the supplier to repair and to provide the user with precautions. In addition, the control device can also display the antifreeze failure information to the user through a speaker, display screen or light source.

[0061] Based on the water heater control method of the above embodiments of the present invention, the present invention also proposes a computer-readable storage cutoff. The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program. When the computer program runs, it controls the electronic device where the readable storage medium is located to execute the water heater control method of the above embodiments. By executing the above water heater control method, the water heater can be effectively prevented from being damaged by freezing, and it can be determined whether the antifreeze function is operating normally, thereby improving the safety of water heater use.

[0062] It should be noted that the specific implementation of the computer-readable storage medium in the embodiments of the present invention corresponds one-to-one with the specific implementation of the control device of the water heater in the foregoing embodiments of the present invention. To reduce redundancy, it will not be described again here.

[0063] Based on the water heater control method of the above embodiments of the present invention, the present invention also proposes a water heater, which includes a casing, a temperature sensing element, a heating device, a flue pipe, and a control device.

[0064] The unit casing is equipped with an inlet water flow path, a heat exchange device, and an outlet water flow path connected in sequence. A temperature sensing element is used to detect the water temperature inside the heat exchange device. A heating device is located in the casing and is used to heat the water inside the heat exchange device. A flue pipe is connected to the casing and is equipped with an antifreeze device to control the flow of flue gas along the exhaust direction of the flue pipe. The control device transmits signals with the heating device and the temperature sensing element and is used to execute the water heater control method described above. By executing the water heater control method described above, the water heater can be effectively prevented from being damaged by freezing, and the operation of the antifreeze function can be determined, thereby improving the safety of the water heater.

[0065] When the water heater is working, the water flow is driven by water pressure to flow along the inlet flow path, heat exchange device and outlet flow path. At least one of the electric heating unit and gas heating unit heats the water flowing through the heat exchange device. The temperature sensing element detects the water temperature in the heat exchange device and causes the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchange device to a predetermined temperature so that the water heater can release hot water to the user. When the heating device is working, flue gas can be discharged to the outside through the flue pipe. The flue pipe is equipped with an antifreeze device to prevent cold air from flowing back into the water heater.

[0066] When the water heater stops, the temperature sensing element can detect the water temperature in the heat exchange device and execute the antifreeze sequence when it is lower than the first temperature threshold. At this time, the control device controls the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchange device. Specifically, if the electric heating unit is turned on for less than the second time threshold, it will heat the water in the heat exchange device to a temperature not lower than the first temperature threshold. Otherwise, it will control the gas heating unit and the electric heating unit to heat together. If the gas heating unit is turned on for less than the third time threshold, it will heat the water in the heat exchange device to a temperature not lower than the first temperature threshold. Otherwise, the water heater is determined to be faulty, and the heating device will stop heating the water in the heat exchange device to exit the antifreeze sequence.

[0067] During the aforementioned process, the control device can also control the start of the circulating water pump and control the opening of the bypass flow path valve to allow the water in the water heater to circulate, bringing the heat from the heating device to the flow path of the water heater, thereby improving the antifreeze effect of the water heater.

[0068] In some embodiments of the present invention, the temperature sensing element is configured as a normally open temperature control switch. The normally open temperature control switch remains open when the water temperature of the heat exchange device is not lower than a first temperature threshold. When the water temperature of the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold, the normally open temperature control switch closes and sends a signal to the control device to cause the control device to execute the antifreeze sequence.

[0069] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating device includes an electric heating unit and a gas heating unit; specifically, the electric heating unit has a faster response speed and can effectively achieve the antifreeze effect of the water heater; the gas heating unit has a faster heating speed and can provide sufficient heat for the antifreeze effect of the water heater.

[0070] Reference Figure 5 In some embodiments of the present invention, the water heater also includes a water flow sensor, which can detect the water flow in the heat exchange device. The control device can determine whether the user is using the water heater by receiving the water flow signal from the water flow sensor. Since the user will start the heating device when using hot water, the water heater can exit the antifreeze sequence when the user is using the water heater. It is understood that the water flow sensor can be combined with the aforementioned control method of the water heater to realize the antifreeze function of the water heater.

[0071] Specifically, when the water heater is in standby mode, the antifreeze switch (i.e., the temperature sensing element) detects that the water temperature in the heat exchanger is lower than the first temperature threshold and closes. The system calculates whether the time elapsed since the last exit of the antifreeze sequence to the current closing of the antifreeze switch is within the first time threshold range 0 to T1. If so, the control device determines that the water heater's antifreeze device is at risk of failure. The control device generates an antifreeze failure warning and notifies the supplier or user via wireless signal, or displays the mechanical antifreeze failure risk on the water heater. Because the water temperature in the heat exchanger is lower than the first temperature threshold, the antifreeze sequence is executed. First, the control device controls the electric heating unit to heat the water in the heat exchanger and detects the water flow signal in the heat exchanger through a water flow sensor. The control device uses the signal from the water flow sensor to determine whether the user is using water. If water is flowing, the control device controls the water heater to exit the antifreeze sequence until the water flow sensor loses its signal, i.e., after the user has finished using hot water, the water heater's flow path is cleaned. If no water flows through, the control device checks if the antifreeze switch is closed. If the antifreeze switch is closed, the control device checks if the operating time of the electric heating unit is lower than the second time threshold. If it is not lower than the second time threshold, the control device controls the gas heating unit to turn on and heat the water in the heat exchanger together with the electric heating unit. Then, the control device checks if the user is using water based on the water flow sensor. If the user is not using water, the control device checks if the operating time of the gas heating unit is lower than the third time threshold. If it is not lower than the third time threshold, the control device determines that the water heater has malfunctioned and controls the water heater to shut off the gas valve, turn off the flame, and clean.

[0072] It should be noted that the logic and / or steps represented in the flowchart or otherwise described herein, for example, can be considered as a sequenced list of executable instructions for implementing logical functions, and can be embodied in any computer-readable medium for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device (such as a computer-based system, a processor-included system, or other system that can fetch and execute instructions from, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device). For the purposes of this specification, "computer-readable medium" can be any means that can contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transmit programs for use by, or in conjunction with, an instruction execution system, apparatus, or device. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of computer-readable media include: an electrical connection having one or more wires (electronic device), a portable computer disk drive (magnetic device), random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable and editable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), fiber optic devices, and portable optical disc read-only memory (CDROM). Alternatively, the computer-readable medium may be paper or other suitable media on which the program can be printed, since the program can be obtained electronically, for example, by optically scanning the paper or other medium, followed by editing, interpreting, or otherwise processing as necessary, and then stored in a computer memory.

[0073] It should be understood that various parts of the present invention can be implemented in hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the above embodiments, multiple steps or methods can be implemented in software or firmware stored in memory and executed by a suitable instruction execution system. For example, if implemented in hardware, as in another embodiment, it can be implemented using any one or a combination of the following techniques known in the art: discrete logic circuits having logic gates for implementing logical functions on data signals, application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) having suitable combinational logic gates, programmable gate arrays (PGAs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), etc.

[0074] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include at least one of that feature. In the description of this invention, "a plurality of" means at least two, such as two, three, etc., unless otherwise explicitly specified.

[0075] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral part; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; they can refer to the internal communication of two components or the interaction between two components, unless otherwise explicitly limited. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0076] In this invention, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can mean that the first feature is in direct contact with the second feature, or that the first feature is in indirect contact with the second feature through an intermediate medium. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature can mean that the first feature is directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0077] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., indicate that a specific feature, structure, material, or characteristic described in connection with that embodiment or example is included in at least one embodiment or example of the present invention. In this specification, the illustrative expressions of the above terms do not necessarily refer to the same embodiment or example. Furthermore, the specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples. Moreover, without contradiction, those skilled in the art can combine and integrate the different embodiments or examples described in this specification, as well as the features of different embodiments or examples.

[0078] Although embodiments of the present invention have been shown and described above, it is understood that the above embodiments are exemplary and should not be construed as limiting the present invention. Those skilled in the art can make changes, modifications, substitutions and variations to the above embodiments within the scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a water heater, the water heater comprising a heat exchange device, a heating device, and an antifreeze device, characterized in that, The control method includes: When the water heater is in standby mode, if the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold, an antifreeze sequence is executed. The antifreeze sequence includes controlling the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchange device, and exiting the antifreeze sequence when the water temperature in the heat exchange device is greater than or equal to the first temperature threshold. If, within the first time threshold range after the antifreeze sequence is terminated, the water temperature in the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold, then the antifreeze device of the water heater is determined to have a risk of antifreeze failure.

2. The control method for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The control method further includes: After determining that the antifreeze device of the water heater has a risk of antifreeze failure, antifreeze failure information is generated; The antifreeze failure information is sent to the supplier terminal and / or the user terminal; and / or, the antifreeze failure information is displayed through sound signals, display screens, or light signals.

3. The control method for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating device includes an electric heating unit and a gas heating unit, and controlling the heating device to heat the water in the heat exchanger includes: When the water temperature of the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold and the on-time of the electric heating unit is lower than the second time threshold, the electric heating unit is controlled to turn on. When the water temperature of the heat exchange device is lower than the first temperature threshold and the on-time of the electric heating unit is greater than or equal to the second time threshold, the gas heating unit is controlled to turn on.

4. The control method for a water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The heating power of the gas heating unit is set to 5% to 50% of the rated power.

5. The control method for a water heater according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method of controlling the heating device to heat the heat exchange device further includes: If the on-time of the gas heating unit is greater than or equal to the third time threshold, then the water heater is determined to be faulty. After confirming the water heater malfunction, exit the antifreeze sequence.

6. The control method for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The water heater further includes a bypass flow path, a circulating water pump, and an on / off valve. The bypass flow path is connected to the heat exchange device, and the on / off valve is connected in series with the on / off valve of the bypass flow path. The antifreeze sequence further includes controlling the on / off valve to open and controlling the circulating water pump to drive water flow along the bypass flow path and the heat exchange device.

7. A controller for a water heater, characterized in that, include: A temperature sensing element, used to detect the water temperature inside the heat exchange device; Heating device, the heating device being used to heat the heat exchange device; A control device that transmits signals with the heating device and the temperature sensing element, and is used to execute the control method of the water heater according to any one of claims 1-6.

8. A computer-readable storage medium, characterized in that, The computer-readable storage medium includes a computer program, which, when executed, controls the electronic device containing the readable storage medium to perform the control method of the water heater as described in any one of claims 1-6.

9. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The housing is provided with an inlet water flow path, a heat exchange device and an outlet water flow path connected in sequence. A temperature sensing element, used to detect the water temperature inside the heat exchange device; A heating device, located in the housing, is used to heat the water inside the heat exchange device; A smoke outlet pipe is connected to the housing, and the smoke outlet pipe is equipped with an antifreeze device to control the flow of flue gas along the exhaust direction of the smoke outlet pipe; A control device that transmits signals with the heating device and the temperature sensing element, and is used to execute the control method of the water heater according to any one of claims 1-6.

10. The water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that, The temperature sensing element is configured as a normally open temperature control switch; and / or, the heating device includes an electric heating unit and a gas heating unit.

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