Control method and control device of water heater and water heater

Abstract

The invention relates to the technical field of water heaters, and provides a control method and device of a water heater and the water heater, the control method of the water heater comprises the steps that in a historical recording period, water use information of the water heater is recorded, and the water use information comprises a use time period, a first heating set temperature and a second heating set temperature; the use time period comprises a bathing water time period and a non-bathing water time period, the first heating set temperature is the initial water temperature of the bathing water time period, the second heating set temperature is the lowest water temperature of the non-bathing water time period, and the second heating set temperature is smaller than the first heating set temperature; determining a first use time period corresponding to the bath water time period in the current recording period, and controlling the water heater to be preheated to a first heating set temperature before the first use time period based on the water information corresponding to the bath water time period in the historical recording period; and a second use time period corresponding to the non-bathing water use time period in the current recording period is determined, and the water heater is controlled to be not lower than the second heating set temperature in the second use time period.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] In related technologies, the water temperature stored in a water heater when it is not heating is much lower than the temperature required for bathing. Users need to preheat the water heater in advance to meet their bathing needs, which is cumbersome and results in a poor user experience. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This invention aims to at least solve one of the technical problems existing in related technologies. To this end, this invention proposes a water heater control method that, based on water usage information from historical records, controls the water heater to preheat to the corresponding first heating set temperature for the current recording period, eliminating the need for manual heating by the user, effectively improving the user experience. Furthermore, the automatic adjustment of the first heating set temperature effectively saves energy.

[0004] The present invention also proposes a control device for a water heater.

[0005] The present invention also provides a water heater.

[0006] A method for controlling a water heater according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: Within the historical record period, the water usage information of the water heater is recorded. The water usage information includes the usage period and the first heating setting temperature and the second heating setting temperature. The usage period includes the bathing water usage period and the non-bathing water usage period. The first heating setting temperature is the initial water temperature during the bathing water usage period, and the second heating setting temperature is the lowest water temperature during the non-bathing water usage period. The second heating setting temperature is lower than the first heating setting temperature. Determine the first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period, control the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage period; Determine the second usage period corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period within the current recording cycle, and control the water heater to ensure that the water temperature is not lower than the second heating setting temperature during the second usage period.

[0007] According to the water heater control method of the present invention, by utilizing water usage information in historical record periods to control the preheating of the water heater in the current record period, users can shower during the time when they need to shower without manually setting the water heater preheating, effectively improving the user experience. Furthermore, the water usage information in the current record period can serve as a data reference for the next record period, ensuring that the preheating node of the water heater is adjusted in real time based on the most recent record period, guaranteeing that the preheating of the water heater closely matches the user's usage needs in the most recent time period. Moreover, the water heater automatically adjusts the heating setting temperature based on first state characteristic parameters, effectively reducing the energy consumption of the water heater while meeting user needs.

[0008] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes: In one of the historical data cycles, the first heating setting temperature for a subsequent water use cycle is obtained from the first heating setting temperature in the previous water use cycle, the actual minimum temperature during the bathing water use period, and the theoretical minimum temperature during the bathing water use period. The historical data cycle includes at least two water use cycles.

[0009] According to an embodiment of the present invention, obtaining the first heating setting temperature for a subsequent water use cycle from the first heating setting temperature in the previous water use cycle, the actual minimum temperature during the bathing water use period, and the theoretical minimum temperature during the bathing water use period in a historical record cycle includes: In the preceding water usage cycle, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is greater than a preset range, the first heating setting temperature of the preceding water usage cycle is lowered to serve as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water usage cycle. In the preceding water usage cycle, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is less than a preset range, the first heating setting temperature of the preceding water usage cycle is increased to serve as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water usage cycle. In the preceding water usage cycle, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is determined to be within a preset range, the first heating setting temperature of the preceding water usage cycle will be used as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water usage cycle.

[0010] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period is determined, and the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period is used to control the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage period. The first heating setting temperature of the first usage period is determined based on the first heating setting temperature of the most recent bathing water usage period within the historical record period.

[0011] According to an embodiment of the present invention, determining a first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and controlling the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage period based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical recording period, includes: The actual temperature of the water heater, the volume of water, and the heating power of the water heater are obtained within the current recording period before the first usage period begins. Based on the actual temperature, the first heating setting temperature, the volume of water, and the heating power, the preheating time is calculated, and the water heater is controlled to heat the water in the inner tank before the preheating time during the first usage period.

[0012] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes: The second state characteristic parameter of the water in the inner tank of the water heater is obtained, and the water heater is determined to be in the bathing water use period based on the second state characteristic parameter reaching the second set parameter. Alternatively, the usage period of the water heater can be determined by accumulating time through software.

[0013] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second state characteristic parameter includes at least one of the water cooling rate, water flow rate, and actual water discharge time.

[0014] According to an embodiment of the present invention, determining that the water heater is in the bathing water usage period based on the second state characteristic parameter reaching the second set parameter includes: If the cooling rate is greater than or equal to the set rate, and the actual water output duration is greater than or equal to the set water output duration, then the water heater is determined to be in the bathing water usage period. or, If the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the set flow rate and the actual water flow duration is greater than or equal to the set water flow duration, then the water heater is determined to be in the bathing water usage period.

[0015] A control device for a water heater according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: The recording module is used to record the water usage information of the water heater within the historical record period. The water usage information includes the usage period and the first heating setting temperature and the second heating setting temperature. The usage period includes the bathing water usage period and the non-bathing water usage period. The first heating setting temperature is the initial water temperature of the bathing water usage period, and the second heating setting temperature is the lowest water temperature of the non-bathing water usage period. The second heating setting temperature is lower than the first heating setting temperature. The control module is used to determine a first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical recording period, control the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage period, or determine a second usage period corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and control the water heater to be no lower than the second heating setting temperature during the second usage period.

[0016] The control device for a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention has the same technical effect as the control method for a water heater according to the first aspect embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0017] A water heater according to a third aspect embodiment of the invention includes: The inner liner forms a liquid storage cavity; At least one temperature detector is provided, adapted to detect the water temperature within the liquid storage chamber; Heating assembly, adapted to heat the water in the liquid storage chamber; The controller, connected to the temperature detector and the heating element, is used to execute the control method of the water heater described above.

[0018] An electronic device according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein the processor executes the program to implement the control method for a water heater as described above.

[0019] According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium is provided thereon storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the control method for a water heater as described above.

[0020] A computer program product according to a sixth aspect of the present invention includes a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the control method for a water heater as described above.

[0021] 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

[0022] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or related technologies, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or related technologies will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0023] Figure 1This is one of the flowcharts illustrating the control method for a water heater provided in this embodiment of the invention.

[0024] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the control device for a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Figure 3 This is the second flowchart illustrating the control method for a water heater provided in this embodiment of the invention.

[0026] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the control method for a water heater provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 5 This is a temperature change trend diagram of the water inside the inner tank provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the electronic device provided in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Figure label: 600. Control device for water heater; 610. Acquisition module; 620. Control module; 810, Processor; 820, Communication Interface; 830, Memory; 840, Communication Bus. Detailed Implementation

[0030] The embodiments of the present invention will be described in further detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and examples. The following examples are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the scope of the invention.

[0031] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "longitudinal," "lateral," "upper," "lower," "front," "rear," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "top," "bottom," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing the embodiments of the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the embodiments of the present invention. In addition, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0032] In the description of the embodiments of the present invention, it should be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; 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. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in the embodiments of the present invention based on the specific circumstances.

[0033] In embodiments of the present 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," "on top of," and "over" 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.

[0034] In the description of this specification, the references to terms such as "one embodiment," "some embodiments," "example," "specific example," or "some examples," etc., refer to specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics described in connection with that embodiment or example, which are 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.

[0035] The control method of a water heater according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention is described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0036] Before introducing the water heater control method of this invention, it is necessary to first explain the application scenarios of the water heater control method. The water heater control method of this invention is applicable to various types of water heaters and can be used with smart terminals such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. It can also be applied to servers connected to water heaters. This invention does not impose special limitations on the application scenarios, as long as they can support and implement the water heater control method.

[0037] The water heater to which the control method of the water heater proposed in this invention is applicable has an inner tank, at least one temperature detector and a heating component. The inner tank forms a water storage chamber. The temperature detector is adapted to detect the water temperature in the water storage chamber. The heating component is adapted to heat the water in the water storage chamber to a set heating temperature.

[0038] Combination Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a water heater control method according to a first aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: Step 100: Record the water usage information of the water heater within the historical record period. The water usage information includes the usage period, the first heating setting temperature and the second heating setting temperature. The usage period includes the bathing water usage period and the non-bathing water usage period. The first heating setting temperature is the initial water temperature during the bathing water usage period, and the second heating setting temperature is the lowest water temperature during the non-bathing water usage period. The second heating setting temperature is lower than the first heating setting temperature. Among them, "recording water usage information" can determine the time period for bathing by detecting changes in water temperature inside the tank (when water usage decreases, the water temperature inside the tank decreases) and changes in water flow (when bathing, the water flow increases significantly).

[0039] The recording period can be adjusted according to the user's actual needs, such as using a month, three months, or a week as the length of the recording period, with each recording period having a corresponding length to facilitate the use of different recording periods. For example Figure 3 The recording period is 168 hours, or one week.

[0040] When the recording period is one week, the historical record period can be the previous period before the current recording period, so that the water preheated by the water heater in the current recording period is close to the user's usage needs in the most recent time. Of course, the historical record period can also be one of the multiple recording periods before the current period.

[0041] The usage period can be a time period that is evenly divided within a recording cycle. For example, a week (recording cycle) can be divided into 168 hours. If a user uses water for bathing in each hour, the hour is marked as a water usage period. If no water is used, it is marked as a non-water usage period. When a user's bathing process spans multiple consecutive hours, the starting point of the water usage period in the first hour is used as the reference point for the water heater preheating (that is, the time required to preheat to the heating set temperature is calculated backward from the starting point of the water usage period in that hour).

[0042] Step 200: Determine the first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period. Based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period, control the water heater to preheat to the first heating set temperature before the first usage period.

[0043] Step 300: Determine the second usage period corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period within the current recording cycle, and control the water heater to be no lower than the second heating setting temperature during the second usage period.

[0044] In this process, after the historical record period is completed, each usage period in the current record period has a corresponding bathing water usage period or non-bathing water usage period in the historical record period. Then, by using the water usage information of the historical record period, the bathing water usage period in the current record period that the user may have bathing needs can be obtained in advance, and the water heater can be preheated in advance before the corresponding first usage period. Alternatively, the second heating setting temperature corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period can be obtained in advance by using the water usage information of the historical record, and the water heater can be controlled to not be lower than the second heating setting temperature in the corresponding second usage period.

[0045] Of course, based on the first heating setting temperature of the historical record period, the user can also manually adjust the first heating setting temperature or the second heating setting temperature to meet the user's actual usage needs. Furthermore, the first heating setting temperature and the second heating setting temperature are used as water usage information for the next recording period, so that the user does not need to adjust the heating setting temperature again in the next recording period.

[0046] According to the water heater control method of the present invention, the preheating of the water heater in the current recording period is controlled by utilizing water usage information in the historical record period. Users do not need to manually set the water heater preheating to take a bath during the time when they need to bathe, and the water heater temperature is maintained at a suitable temperature during non-bathing water usage periods, effectively improving the user experience. Moreover, the water usage information in the current recording period can be used as a data reference for the next recording period, so that the preheating node of the water heater is adjusted in real time based on the most recent recording period, ensuring that the preheating of the water heater is close to the user's usage needs in the most recent time period.

[0047] In this embodiment, the recording of usage time periods does not require external hardware circuits such as clock chips. Time recording is achieved through software accumulation, thereby reducing the number of hardware components in the water heater.

[0048] According to an embodiment of this application, the method further includes step 400: in a historical record period, the first heating set temperature for a subsequent water use period is obtained from the first heating set temperature in the previous water use period, the actual minimum temperature during the bathing water use period, and the theoretical minimum temperature during the bathing water use period. The historical record period includes at least two water use periods.

[0049] In multiple water usage cycles within a recording period, the heating set temperature of a later water usage cycle (unless otherwise specified, the heating set temperature refers to at least one of the first and second heating set temperatures) is adjusted from the heating set temperature of the earlier water usage cycle. For example, if the water heater detects that the actual temperature of the remaining water in the water heater after the user's shower is too high, the first heating set temperature for the next water usage cycle can be lowered to reduce the temperature of the remaining water and avoid energy waste. If it detects that the actual temperature of the remaining water in the water heater after the user's shower is too low, the first heating set temperature for the next water usage cycle can be raised to ensure that the user's shower temperature meets their needs. Specifically, step 400 includes: Step 410: In the previous water use cycle, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is greater than the preset range, lower the first heating setting temperature of the previous water use cycle as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water use cycle. Step 420: In the previous water use cycle, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is less than the preset range, the first heating setting temperature of the previous water use cycle is increased to be used as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water use cycle. Step 430: In the previous water use cycle, determine that the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is within a preset range, and use the first heating setting temperature of the previous water use cycle as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water use cycle.

[0050] In steps 410 to 430, for example, the preset interval can be set based on different user needs. For example, the preset interval can be ±5 degrees. Of course, the preset interval can also be other values.

[0051] The first heating set temperature in a subsequent water usage cycle can be obtained by adjusting and updating the first heating set temperature in an earlier water usage cycle based on the relationship between the first state characteristic parameters of the water in the water heater and the first set parameter. The water heater automatically adjusts the first heating set temperature based on the first state characteristic parameters, effectively reducing energy consumption while meeting user needs.

[0052] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first state characteristic parameter includes the actual minimum temperature of the water inside the inner tank, and the first setting parameter includes the theoretical minimum temperature.

[0053] Specifically, the system determines the bathing water usage period of the current water usage cycle and obtains the actual lowest temperature inside the water heater's inner tank. The recording cycle includes several consecutive water usage cycles; each water usage cycle includes several bathing water usage periods. For example, if the recording cycle is one week and the water usage cycle is one day, a day may include multiple bathing water usage periods (e.g., 8:00-10:00, 18:00-20:00).

[0054] Among them, "determining the bathing water usage period of the water heater in the current water usage cycle" can be achieved by detecting changes in water temperature inside the tank (when the hot water content decreases, the water temperature inside the tank decreases), changes in water flow (when the water flow increases), or by statistically analyzing the time nodes of user bathing based on historical parameters (e.g., if the user bathes from 8:00 to 8:30 every day, then this time period is the water usage period).

[0055] The "obtaining the actual lowest temperature inside the inner tank of the water heater" can be achieved by setting a temperature detector in the water heater to detect the water temperature inside the inner tank. The temperature detector can be a temperature sensor, an infrared thermometer, a thermometer, etc.

[0056] During the shower time of the current water cycle, since the water in the inner tank is not heated by the heating element, the hot water in the inner tank gradually decreases as the user showers, causing the actual temperature to gradually drop until the user finishes showering, the hot water stops flowing out of the inner tank, and the temperature inside the inner tank is the actual lowest temperature.

[0057] Based on the above, the comparison relationship between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is determined, and the first heating setting temperature for the bathing water period of the next water cycle is adjusted and updated based on the comparison results. The theoretical minimum temperature is the minimum temperature of the water in the inner tank that meets the user's needs. The temperature of the warm water formed by mixing water with the ambient temperature water outside is greater than or equal to the temperature required by the user for bathing.

[0058] The water in the inner tank mixes with the ambient temperature water outside to form warm water for the user's bathing. The water in the inner tank, which is above the theoretical minimum temperature, ensures that the temperature when it mixes with the ambient temperature water outside will not be lower than the temperature required by the user for bathing (e.g., if the user needs 40 degrees Celsius warm water and the ambient temperature water is 20 degrees Celsius, the theoretical minimum temperature can be controlled to be above 50 degrees Celsius). Of course, the determination of the theoretical minimum temperature may also vary based on factors such as the user's water flow rate and the inlet water temperature of the water heater.

[0059] The following is an explanation of a specific embodiment: If the initial heating setting temperature of the water heater is 75 degrees Celsius, and the theoretical minimum temperature for user use is 50 degrees Celsius, when the first shower period begins, the hot water temperature in the inner tank continuously decreases until the user finishes showering. At this point, the actual minimum temperature in the inner tank is 60 degrees Celsius, higher than the theoretical minimum temperature. Therefore, the initial heating setting temperature is adjusted to decrease, so that when the next shower period begins, the initial water temperature in the inner tank decreases (e.g., from 75 degrees Celsius to 70 degrees Celsius). Since the total hot water consumption during the user's shower remains essentially unchanged, the actual minimum temperature at the end of the shower decreases accordingly (e.g., from 60 degrees Celsius to 55 degrees Celsius). Conversely, if the actual minimum temperature is lower than the theoretical minimum temperature, the initial heating setting temperature is increased to correspondingly raise the actual minimum temperature to meet the user's showering needs. Of course, the values ​​in the above embodiment are only used to illustrate specific implementation methods and are not intended to limit the implementation of this application. The relevant values ​​can be adjusted adaptively based on water heaters of different volumes and heating powers, as well as different users, to meet user needs.

[0060] According to the water heater control method of the present invention, by determining the comparison relationship between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature during the bathing water period of the current water cycle, and adjusting and updating the heating setting temperature for the bathing water period of the next water cycle based on the comparison result, the actual minimum temperature after the user finishes using the water gradually approaches the theoretical minimum temperature. After several updates to the first heating setting temperature, the actual minimum temperature eventually fluctuates around the theoretical minimum temperature, ensuring that the hot water in the inner tank meets the user's bathing needs while keeping the temperature of the remaining hot water lower. Consequently, the first heating setting temperature of the water heater is lower, thereby reducing energy waste of the water heater.

[0061] In this embodiment, the current water usage cycle is 24 hours. This means that the heating setting temperature will not change when the user uses the water heater multiple times throughout the day (24 hours). This avoids the problem of the water heater updating its heating setting temperature after the user showers in the morning, which might prevent the user from meeting their showering needs in the evening. This ensures a consistent user experience throughout the day. Of course, the cycle length can be adjusted to meet user needs.

[0062] In this embodiment, when comparing the actual minimum temperature with the theoretical minimum temperature, the theoretical minimum temperature can be increased by 2 degrees Celsius to compensate for the detection error of the temperature detector itself. This ensures that the water heater can still meet the user's bathing needs and improve the user experience even if there is a detection error.

[0063] In step 420, in the previous water use cycle, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is less than a preset range, the first heating setting temperature of the previous water use cycle is increased to serve as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water use cycle.

[0064] The statement that "the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is less than the preset range" indicates that the hot water in the inner tank can meet the user's bathing needs, but there may be a problem of energy waste caused by the water heater being set too high. Therefore, the heating setting temperature is controlled to be reduced to reduce energy waste.

[0065] In step 410, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is greater than the preset range, the first heating setting temperature of the previous water use cycle is lowered to serve as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water use cycle.

[0066] If the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is greater than the preset range, it means that the hot water in the water heater cannot meet the user's bathing needs. The heating setting temperature needs to be increased to raise the initial water temperature of the inner tank for the next bathing period, so as to ensure that the warm water in contact with the user does not fluctuate in temperature during the bathing process.

[0067] Step 420 includes: Step 421, controlling the heating setting temperature to decrease the first set temperature difference.

[0068] Step 410 includes: Step 411, controlling the heating setting temperature to rise to the second set temperature difference.

[0069] To illustrate the adjustment process, we will take the first shower water usage period as an example, where the actual minimum temperature is higher than the theoretical minimum temperature, and the cycle time is one shower water usage period. Figure 4As shown, along the X-axis time extension direction, the descending segment of the leftmost red broken line in the diagram represents the water heater during the first shower water usage period. The water temperature inside the tank gradually decreases until it reaches the inflection point, which is the actual minimum temperature. At this point, the actual minimum temperature is higher than the theoretical minimum temperature, so the first heating setting temperature is reduced by a first set temperature difference (the height of the leftmost black broken line in the diagram decreases). Subsequently, the red broken line rises, representing the water heater heating the water in the tank with the updated first heating setting temperature as the target before the next shower water usage period. This continues until the first heating setting temperature is reached, preparing to start the second shower water usage period. The first heating setting temperature is then updated, gradually decreasing with the first set temperature difference as a gradient, until the actual minimum temperature detected during one shower water usage period is lower than the theoretical minimum temperature. At this point, the first heating setting temperature is increased by a second set temperature difference (the height of the black broken line in the diagram increases). Ultimately, this ensures that the actual minimum temperature during each shower water usage period is higher than the theoretical minimum temperature, meeting the user's shower needs, and that the first heating setting temperature is closer to the theoretical minimum temperature, preventing energy waste.

[0070] The first set temperature difference is less than the second set temperature difference. That is, the decrease in the first heating set temperature is different from the increase in the first heating set temperature. It is understandable that the temperature detector has a certain error when detecting the temperature (usually 1 to 2 degrees Celsius). If the decrease and increase temperature difference are controlled to be equal, the increase in the first heating set temperature may not meet the user's bathing needs due to the error of the temperature detector. Therefore, ensuring that the second set temperature difference is greater than the first set temperature difference can effectively avoid the problem of not meeting the user's bathing needs due to the detection error of the temperature detector itself, and improve the user experience.

[0071] In this embodiment, the first set temperature difference is 5 degrees Celsius and the second set temperature difference is 10 degrees Celsius. Of course, the specific values ​​can be adjusted adaptively based on the actual situation. For example, if you want to adjust quickly, you can increase the temperature difference value, and if you want to improve the adjustment accuracy, you can decrease the temperature difference value. Of course, if a high-precision temperature detector is used, the first set temperature difference and the second set temperature difference can also be set to be equal.

[0072] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the first state characteristic parameters further include the actual temperature and volume of the water. Based on this, the first state characteristic parameters of the water inside the inner tank of the water heater, the first heating setting temperature, and the heating power of the water heater are obtained.

[0073] The first state characteristic parameter is used to characterize the state of the water inside the inner tank, and may include the actual temperature of the water, the rate of temperature change per unit time, the water flow rate, and the water volume. Sensors (such as temperature sensors and flow sensors) can be set to detect different types of state characteristic parameters.

[0074] Based on the above, the preheating time is calculated based on the first state characteristic parameters, the first heating setting temperature and the heating power of the water heater, and the water heater is controlled to preheat the water in the inner tank for a certain period of time before the initial node of the bathing water usage period.

[0075] This can be calculated based on the water heater heating formula: Tpreheat = 1.17 × V × ΔT / P; Where Tpreheat is the preheating time, V is the water storage volume of the water heater, ΔT is the temperature difference between the heating set temperature and the current water temperature, and P is the heating power of the water heater.

[0076] According to an embodiment of the present invention, step 200 includes: Step 210: Determine the first heating setting temperature for the first usage period based on the first heating setting temperature of the most recent bathing water usage period within the historical record period.

[0077] It is understandable that, within the historical record period, the heating set temperature for different water usage cycles is dynamically adjusted based on the comparison between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature. That is, the heating set temperature of the water heater is different for the same usage time (e.g., all at 8 o'clock) in different water usage cycles (e.g., Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) within a record period. By obtaining the heating set temperature of the bathing water usage time closest to the current record period (i.e., the heating set temperature on Friday), the heating set temperature of the first bathing water usage time in the current record period is ensured to be the dynamically adjusted heating set temperature. This not only meets the user's needs but also effectively reduces the energy waste of the water heater.

[0078] According to one embodiment of the present invention, step 210 includes: The current recording period is determined to be a non-bathing water usage period. The usage period corresponding to the current period in the historical water usage cycle is determined to be a bathing water usage period. The first heating setting temperature for the bathing water usage period is obtained.

[0079] Specifically, in the previous recording period (last week), there were no user showering activities at 11 AM from Monday to Sunday. In the current recording period (this week), the user manually set the water heater to preheat before 11 AM on Monday to meet their showering needs at 11 AM. On Tuesday, since the 11 AM timeframe from Monday to Sunday in last week's water usage records was not for showering, the heating set temperature could not be obtained. Therefore, the water heater retrieved the heating set temperature from the showering timeframe in the historical water usage period (i.e., this Monday). Consequently, in subsequent uses within the current recording period, the water heater will preheat based on the previous day's heating set temperature, eliminating the need for users to set the heating set temperature separately each day, effectively improving the user experience.

[0080] According to one embodiment of the present invention, it further includes: Step 500: Obtain the second state characteristic parameters of the water inside the inner tank of the water heater, and based on the second state characteristic parameters, reach the second set parameter to determine that the water heater is in the bathing water usage period.

[0081] The second state characteristic parameter is used to characterize the state of the water inside the inner tank, and may include parameters such as water temperature, rate of temperature change per unit time, and water flow rate. Different types of second state characteristic parameters can be detected by corresponding sensors (such as temperature sensors, flow sensors, etc.).

[0082] In the phrase "reaching the second set parameter based on the second state characteristic parameters", the second set parameter can be a manually set parameter, such as a value set by the user based on the water flow or water temperature change rate during their own bathing. Alternatively, the second set parameter can be obtained by statistically analyzing and processing the second state characteristic parameters of the water during multiple bathing periods based on the historical parameters of the water heater. The statistical processing can be the average of multiple second state characteristic parameters during multiple bathing periods, or the maximum or minimum value among multiple second state characteristic parameters, depending on actual needs.

[0083] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the second state characteristic parameter includes at least one of the water cooling rate and the water flow rate, and the actual water discharge time; the second setting parameter includes at least one of the setting rate and the setting flow rate, and the setting rate corresponds to the cooling rate, the setting flow rate corresponds to the water flow rate, and the actual water discharge time corresponds to the setting water discharge time.

[0084] Step 500 includes: Step 510: Determine that the cooling rate is greater than or equal to the set rate, and the actual water output time is greater than or equal to the set water output time, then determine that the water heater is in the shower water usage period. Combination Figure 5 As shown in the diagram, the temperature of the inner tank (i.e., the water temperature in the inner tank) in the middle position continuously decreases, and combined with the water flow signal (including high-frequency and low-frequency signals in the diagram), it is at the high-frequency signal. At this time, the water heater is in the water dispensing state. When it is determined that the cooling rate is greater than or equal to the set rate (the water temperature is lower during non-bathing periods, and the demand for hot water is less, so the cooling rate is smaller), and the duration of the high-frequency signal is greater than or equal to the set time (i.e., the actual water dispensing time is greater than or equal to the set time), it indicates that the user is using the water heater for bathing and is in the bathing period.

[0085] In this embodiment, as shown in the figure, the high-frequency signal may be discontinuous, corresponding to the situation where the water outlet may be opened and closed multiple times during the user's bathing water usage period. The water heater can accumulate the duration of multiple discontinuous high-frequency signals (if the interval between high-frequency signals is less than a certain threshold, it indicates that they are in the same bathing water usage period, where the threshold can be determined by the water heater based on historical parameters) to obtain the actual water output duration.

[0086] In this embodiment, the occurrence of bathing water usage is monitored by the cooling rate. The cooling rate is also measured using a temperature detector. That is, only one temperature detector needs to be installed in the water heater to realize temperature detection and monitoring of bathing water usage. This effectively adapts to low-end electric water heater models with only one temperature sensor, reducing the cost of water heater modification or use.

[0087] In this embodiment, the slope is evaluated by calculating and recording the average value of the temperature sensor inside the tank over one minute. If the maximum temperature value among the ten recorded average values ​​is greater than or equal to the average temperature of the current minute plus 2 degrees Celsius, it indicates that the temperature drop rate is greater than the set rate, and the water heater is in the bathing water usage period.

[0088] Step 520: Determine that the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the set flow rate, and the actual water flow duration is greater than or equal to the set water flow duration, and determine that the water heater is in the bathing water usage period.

[0089] It is understandable that the water flow rate is lower during non-bathing periods. When the water flow rate is higher than the set flow rate during non-bathing periods (such as when a user suddenly needs a large amount of hot water to soak items), the actual water flow time is shorter than the set water flow time, so it will not be incorrectly judged as being in the bathing period.

[0090] In this embodiment, the water flow rate can be achieved by setting a flow detector at the water outlet.

[0091] According to one embodiment of the present invention, before step 100, the method further includes: During the initial recording period, the water usage information of the water heater is recorded. This information includes the usage period and the initial set temperature, which is the first heating temperature set when the water heater is first powered on.

[0092] In this embodiment, by keeping the first heating setting temperature constant during the initial recording period, the hot water can always meet the user's bathing needs during the initial recording period. After the user's usage time is recorded in the initial recording period, the first heating setting temperature can be adjusted based on the comparison between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature during the second recording period to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater.

[0093] In this embodiment, the first heating temperature is set to 75 degrees Celsius. Of course, users can adjust it according to their needs.

[0094] Combination Figure 2 As shown, a control device for a water heater according to a second aspect embodiment of the present invention includes: The recording module 610 is used to record water usage information of the water heater within the historical record period. The water usage information includes the usage period and the first heating setting temperature and the second heating setting temperature. The usage period includes the bathing water usage period and the non-bathing water usage period. The first heating setting temperature is the initial water temperature during the bathing water usage period, and the second heating setting temperature is the lowest water temperature during the non-bathing water usage period. The second heating setting temperature is lower than the first heating setting temperature.

[0095] The control module 620 is used to determine the first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and control the water heater to preheat to the first heating set temperature before the first usage period based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period; or, it is used to determine the second usage period corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and control the water heater to be no lower than the second heating set temperature during the second usage period.

[0096] The control device 600 for a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention has the same technical effects as the control method for a water heater according to the first aspect embodiment, and will not be described again here.

[0097] Figure 6 An example is a schematic diagram of the physical structure of an electronic device, such as... Figure 6As shown, the electronic device may include: a processor 810, a communications interface 820, a memory 830, and a communication bus 840, wherein the processor 810, the communications interface 820, and the memory 830 communicate with each other through the communication bus 840. The processor 810 can call logical instructions in the memory 830 to execute the following methods: Within a historical record period, record water usage information of the water heater, wherein the water usage information includes usage periods and a first heating setting temperature and a second heating setting temperature. The usage periods include bathing water usage periods and non-bathing water usage periods. The first heating setting temperature is the initial water temperature during the bathing water usage period, and the second heating setting temperature is the lowest water temperature during the non-bathing water usage period, and the second heating setting temperature is lower than the first heating setting temperature; determine a first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current record period, and based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period, control the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage period; determine a second usage period corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period within the current record period, and control the water heater to not be lower than the second heating setting temperature during the second usage period.

[0098] Furthermore, the logical instructions in the aforementioned memory 830 can be implemented as software functional units and, when sold or used as independent products, can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, the technical solution of the present invention, or the part that contributes to related technologies, or a portion 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 of the various embodiments of the present invention. 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.

[0099] On the other hand, embodiments of the present invention disclose a computer program product, which includes a computer program stored on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The computer program includes program instructions, and when the program instructions are executed by the computer, the computer can execute the methods provided in the above-described method embodiments, such as: recording water usage information of a water heater within a historical record period, wherein the water usage information includes usage time periods and a first heating setting temperature and a second heating setting temperature, the usage time periods include bathing water usage periods and non-bathing water usage periods, the first heating setting temperature is the initial water temperature during the bathing water usage period, the second heating setting temperature is the lowest water temperature during the non-bathing water usage period, and the second heating setting temperature is lower than the first heating setting temperature; determining a first usage time period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and controlling the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage time period based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period; determining a second usage time period corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and controlling the water heater to be no lower than the second heating setting temperature during the second usage time.

[0100] In another aspect, embodiments of the present invention also provide a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program thereon. When executed by a processor, the computer program is implemented to perform the transmission methods provided in the above embodiments, for example including: recording water usage information of a water heater within a historical record period, wherein the water usage information includes usage time periods and a first heating setting temperature and a second heating setting temperature, the usage time periods include bathing water usage periods and non-bathing water usage periods, the first heating setting temperature is the initial water temperature during the bathing water usage period, the second heating setting temperature is the lowest water temperature during the non-bathing water usage period, and the second heating setting temperature is lower than the first heating setting temperature; determining a first usage time period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and controlling the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage time period based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period; determining a second usage time period corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and controlling the water heater to be no lower than the second heating setting temperature during the second usage time.

[0101] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and 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 modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs. Those skilled in the art can understand and implement this without any creative effort.

[0102] Through the above description of the embodiments, those skilled in the art can clearly understand that each embodiment can be implemented by means of software plus necessary general-purpose hardware platforms, and of course, it can also be implemented by hardware. Based on this understanding, the above technical solutions, in essence or the parts that contribute to the related technology, can be embodied in the form of software products. This computer software product can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium, such as ROM / RAM, magnetic disk, optical disk, etc., including several instructions to cause a computer device (which may be a personal computer, server, or network device, etc.) to execute the methods of various embodiments or some parts of embodiments.

[0103] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only for illustrating the present invention and not for limiting the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that various combinations, modifications, or equivalent substitutions of the technical solutions of the present invention do not depart from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the present invention and should be covered within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a water heater, characterized in that, include: Within the historical record period, the water usage information of the water heater is recorded. The water usage information includes the usage period and the first heating setting temperature and the second heating setting temperature. The usage period includes the bathing water usage period and the non-bathing water usage period. The first heating setting temperature is the initial water temperature during the bathing water usage period, and the second heating setting temperature is the lowest water temperature during the non-bathing water usage period. The second heating setting temperature is lower than the first heating setting temperature. Determine the first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period, control the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage period; Determine the second usage period corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period within the current recording cycle, and control the water heater to ensure that the water temperature is not lower than the second heating setting temperature during the second usage period.

2. The control method for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, Also includes: In one of the historical data cycles, the first heating setting temperature for a subsequent water use cycle is obtained from the first heating setting temperature in the previous water use cycle, the actual minimum temperature during the bathing water use period, and the theoretical minimum temperature during the bathing water use period. The historical data cycle includes at least two water use cycles.

3. The control method for a water heater according to claim 2, characterized in that, In one of the historical data cycles, the first heating setting temperature for a subsequent water usage cycle is obtained from the first heating setting temperature in the earlier water usage cycle, the actual minimum temperature during the bathing water usage period, and the theoretical minimum temperature during the bathing water usage period, including: In the preceding water usage cycle, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is greater than a preset range, the first heating setting temperature of the preceding water usage cycle is lowered to serve as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water usage cycle. In the preceding water usage cycle, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is less than a preset range, the first heating setting temperature of the preceding water usage cycle is increased to serve as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water usage cycle. In the preceding water usage cycle, if the difference between the actual minimum temperature and the theoretical minimum temperature is determined to be within a preset range, the first heating setting temperature of the preceding water usage cycle will be used as the first heating setting temperature of the subsequent water usage cycle.

4. The control method for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process involves determining a first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, controlling the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage period based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period, and determining the first heating setting temperature for the first usage period based on the first heating setting temperature of the most recent bathing water usage period within the historical record period.

5. The control method for a water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and controlling the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage period based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical recording period, includes: The actual temperature of the water heater, the volume of water, and the heating power of the water heater are obtained within the current recording period before the first usage period begins. Based on the actual temperature, the first heating setting temperature, the volume of water, and the heating power, the preheating time is calculated, and the water heater is controlled to heat the water in the inner tank before the preheating time during the first usage period.

6. The control method for a water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, Also includes: The second state characteristic parameter of the water in the inner tank of the water heater is obtained, and the water heater is determined to be in the bathing water use period based on the second state characteristic parameter reaching the second set parameter. Alternatively, the usage period of the water heater can be determined by accumulating time through software.

7. The control method for a water heater according to claim 6, characterized in that, The second state characteristic parameter includes at least one of the following: water cooling rate, water flow rate, and actual water discharge time.

8. The control method for a water heater according to claim 7, characterized in that, The step of determining that the water heater is in the bathing water usage period based on the second state characteristic parameter reaching the second set parameter includes: If the cooling rate is greater than or equal to the set rate, and the actual water output duration is greater than or equal to the set water output duration, then the water heater is determined to be in the bathing water usage period. or, If the water flow rate is greater than or equal to the set flow rate and the actual water flow duration is greater than or equal to the set water flow duration, then the water heater is determined to be in the bathing water usage period.

9. A control device for a water heater, characterized in that, include: The recording module (610) is used to record the water usage information of the water heater during the historical record period. The water usage information includes the usage period and the first heating setting temperature and the second heating setting temperature. The usage period includes the bathing water usage period and the non-bathing water usage period. The first heating setting temperature is the initial water temperature of the bathing water usage period. The second heating setting temperature is the lowest water temperature of the non-bathing water usage period. The second heating setting temperature is lower than the first heating setting temperature. The control module (620) is used to determine a first usage period corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and based on the water usage information corresponding to the bathing water usage period within the historical record period, control the water heater to preheat to the first heating setting temperature before the first usage period, or determine a second usage period corresponding to the non-bathing water usage period within the current recording period, and control the water heater to be no lower than the second heating setting temperature during the second usage period.

10. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The inner liner forms a liquid storage cavity; At least one temperature detector is provided, adapted to detect the water temperature within the liquid storage chamber; Heating assembly, adapted to heat the water in the liquid storage chamber; A controller, connected to the temperature detector and the heating assembly, is used to execute the control method of the water heater according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

11. An electronic device comprising a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, characterized in that, When the processor executes the program, it implements the control method for the water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

12. A non-transitory computer-readable storage medium having a computer program stored thereon, characterized in that, When executed by a processor, the computer program implements the control method for the water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

13. A computer program product, comprising a computer program, characterized in that, When the computer program is executed by the processor, it implements the control method for the water heater as described in any one of claims 1 to 8.

Images