Water heater and control method thereof

Abstract

The invention discloses a water heater and a control method thereof. The water heater comprises a first inner container and a second inner container, the second inner container is used for containing a phase change material; the heat exchanger is arranged in the second inner container and is used for exchanging heat with the phase change material; an inlet of the heat exchanger communicates with a water supply pipeline, and a water outlet of the first inner container communicates with a temperature control valve. The water heater further comprises a waterway switching device capable of being communicated with an outlet of the heat exchanger, a water inlet of the first inner container and the temperature control valve. According to the scheme, the water heater can be switched among multiple water path connection states through the water path switching device, so that the water heater is switched to different water path connection modes in different periods when the water heater starts to discharge water, and the amount of hot water continuously supplied by the water heater and meeting the water temperature requirement of a user can be increased.

Description

[0001] This application is a divisional application of the invention patent application filed on June 13, 2023, with application number 202310699330.3 and invention title "A water heater and its control method". Technical Field

[0002] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a water heater and its control method. Background Technology

[0003] Existing water heaters mainly include gas-fired water heaters, solar water heaters, air-source heat pump water heaters, and electric water heaters. Electric water heaters use electricity as an energy source for heating. Most electric water heaters use storage-type heating, which mainly includes: a storage tank, an anode rod to prevent corrosion, an electric heating element to heat the water in the tank, and other supporting equipment. Due to the size of the user's bathroom and the installation environment, the capacity of the inner tank of commonly used electric water heaters generally does not exceed 100L. For example, the most common household electric water heater sold on the market has a capacity of 60L. This type of electric water heater has a limited continuous hot water supply time, and users generally report insufficient hot water. Summary of the Invention

[0004] In order to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art, the technical problem to be solved by the embodiments of the present invention is to provide a water heater and a water heater control method, which can solve the problem of not being able to continuously provide a large amount of hot water.

[0005] This specification provides a water heater, comprising: a first inner tank for storing water; a second inner tank for containing a phase change material; a heat exchanger disposed in the second inner tank for exchanging heat with the phase change material, the heat exchanger having an inlet for water inlet and an outlet for water outlet; the inlet of the heat exchanger being connected to a water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the first inner tank being connected to a thermostatic valve; the water heater further comprising a water circuit switching device capable of communicating with the outlet of the heat exchanger, the inlet of the first inner tank, and the thermostatic valve.

[0006] In some embodiments, the water circuit switching device has at least a first state and a second state; when the water circuit switching device is in the first state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first inner tank so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank; when the water circuit switching device is in the second state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the temperature control valve so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger can at least partially flow to the temperature control valve.

[0007] In some embodiments, the water heater further includes a temperature detection element for obtaining the temperature of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger outlet; when the water temperature detected by the temperature detection element is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in the first state; when the water temperature detected by the temperature detection element is less than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in the second state.

[0008] In some embodiments, the water circuit switching device includes a first interface for connecting to the water supply pipeline, a second interface for connecting to the outlet of the heat exchanger, a third interface for connecting to the inlet of the first inner tank, and a fourth interface for connecting to the thermostatic valve. When the water circuit switching device is in a first state, the second interface and the third interface are connected, and the first interface and the fourth interface are connected, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank. When the water circuit switching device is in a second state, the first interface and the third interface are connected, and the second interface and the fourth interface are connected, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows to the thermostatic valve, and the water flowing out of the heat exchanger mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank at the thermostatic valve before flowing to the water terminal.

[0009] In some embodiments, the water circuit switching device includes a four-way valve, or the water circuit switching device includes a combination of multiple solenoid valves and pipelines.

[0010] In some embodiments, the water path switching device includes a first connection port for connecting to the outlet of the heat exchanger, a second connection port for connecting to the inlet of the first inner tank, and a third connection port for connecting to a temperature control valve. When the water path switching device is in a first state, the first connection port and the second connection port are connected, and the first connection port and the third connection port are not connected, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank. When the water path switching device is in a second state, the first connection port is simultaneously connected to the second connection port and the third connection port, so that part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank, and the other part flows to the temperature control valve. The water flowing to the temperature control valve mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank at the temperature control valve and then flows to the water terminal.

[0011] In some embodiments, the water circuit switching device includes a three-way valve, or the water circuit switching device includes a combination of multiple solenoid valves and pipelines.

[0012] In some embodiments, the thermostatic valve is located downstream of the outlet of the first inner tank and downstream of the water circuit switching device, and the thermostatic valve is disposed inside or outside the water heater housing.

[0013] In some embodiments, the water heater further includes a first heating element for heating water in the first inner tank, the first heating element being an electric heating element disposed in the lower middle part of the first inner tank.

[0014] In some embodiments, the water heater further includes a first temperature probe assembly for acquiring the water temperature in the first inner tank; and a controller electrically connected to the first temperature probe assembly, the controller controlling the operating state of a first heating element based on the temperature information detected by the first temperature probe assembly, the first heating element being used to heat the water in the first inner tank.

[0015] A second aspect of this specification provides a control method for a water heater, the water heater comprising: a first inner tank for storing water; a second inner tank for containing a phase change material; a heat exchanger disposed in the second inner tank for exchanging heat with the phase change material, the heat exchanger having an inlet for water inlet and an outlet for water outlet, and a water path switching device capable of communicating with the outlet of the heat exchanger, the inlet of the first inner tank, and a thermostatic valve, the water path switching device having at least a first state and a second state; when the water path switching device is in the first state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first inner tank, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank; when the water path switching device is in the second state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the thermostatic valve, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger can at least partially flow to the thermostatic valve; the control method comprising: controlling the water path switching device to be in the first state or the second state when preset conditions are met.

[0016] In some embodiments, the water heater further includes a temperature detection element for obtaining the temperature of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger; the control method includes: when the water temperature detected by the temperature detection element is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in a first state; when the water temperature detected by the temperature detection element is less than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in a second state.

[0017] In some embodiments, the water path switching device includes a first interface for connecting to a water supply pipeline, a second interface for connecting to the outlet of the heat exchanger, a third interface for connecting to the inlet of the first inner tank, and a fourth interface for connecting to the temperature control valve; the control method includes: when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water path switching device is in a first state, the second interface and the third interface are connected, and the first interface and the fourth interface are connected, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank; when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is less than the first preset temperature, the water path switching device is in a second state, the first interface and the third interface are connected, and the second interface and the fourth interface are connected, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows to the temperature control valve, and the water flowing out of the heat exchanger mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank at the temperature control valve and then flows to the water terminal.

[0018] In some embodiments, the water path switching device includes a first connection port for connecting to the outlet of the heat exchanger, a second connection port for connecting to the inlet of the first inner tank, and a third connection port for connecting to the temperature control valve; the control method includes: when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water path switching device is in a first state, the first connection port and the second connection port are connected, and the first connection port and the third connection port are not connected, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank; when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is less than the first preset temperature, the water path switching device is in a second state, the first connection port is simultaneously connected to the second connection port and the third connection port, so that part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank, and the other part flows to the temperature control valve, and the water flowing to the temperature control valve mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank at the temperature control valve and then flows to the water terminal.

[0019] The water heater described in this manual includes a first inner tank for storing water; a second inner tank for containing a phase change material; a heat exchanger disposed in the second inner tank for exchanging heat with the phase change material; an inlet of the heat exchanger connected to the water supply pipeline; and a water circuit switching device that connects to the outlet of the heat exchanger, the inlet of the first inner tank, and a thermostatic valve. The outlet of the first inner tank is connected to the thermostatic valve. This manual describes a water circuit switching device that allows the water heater to switch between various water circuit connection states, thereby switching to different water circuit connection modes at different times when the water heater starts discharging water, which can increase the continuous supply of hot water to meet the user's water temperature requirements.

[0020] Specific embodiments of the invention are disclosed in detail below with reference to the description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of the invention can be employed. It should be understood that the embodiments of the invention are not therefore limited in scope. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0021] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, guided by the teachings of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement the invention according to specific circumstances.

[0022] Figures 1 to 7 This diagram illustrates multiple states of a waterway switching device. Figures 8 to 10 This diagram illustrates multiple states of another waterway switching device; Figure 11 This is a graph showing the changes in water discharge time, hot water temperature, inlet water temperature, and mixing water temperature during the water discharge process of an electric water heater. Figure 12 for Figure 11 A graph showing the change in water discharge time and temperature when the power is turned off after the water temperature reaches 40 degrees Celsius and the water is discharged. The reference numerals in the above figures are as follows: 10-first inner tank; 101-inlet of the first inner tank; 102-outlet of the first inner tank; 20-second inner tank; 22-heat exchanger; 221-inlet of the heat exchanger; 222-outlet of the heat exchanger; 30-temperature control valve; 40-water circuit switching device. Detailed Implementation

[0023] The details of the present invention can be more clearly understood by referring to the accompanying drawings and the description of specific embodiments. However, the specific embodiments of the present invention described herein are for illustrative purposes only and should not be construed as limiting the invention in any way. Under the teachings of this invention, those skilled in the art can conceive of any possible modifications based on the invention, all of which should be considered within the scope of the invention. It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected" to another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "mounted," "connected," and "connected" should be interpreted broadly, for example, they can refer to mechanical or electrical connections, or internal communication between two elements, and can be direct or indirect connections through an intermediate medium. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms according to the specific circumstances. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only embodiments.

[0024] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein in the specification of this application is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0025] like Figures 1 to 10 As shown in the diagram, this specification provides a water heater, including a first inner tank 10 for storing water, a second inner tank 20 for containing a phase change material, and a heat exchanger 22 disposed in the second inner tank 20 for exchanging heat with the phase change material. The heat exchanger 22 has an inlet 221 for water inlet and an outlet 222 for water outlet. The inlet 221 of the heat exchanger 22 is connected to a water supply pipeline, and the outlet 102 of the first inner tank 10 is connected to a thermostatic valve 30. The water heater also includes a water circuit switching device 40 that can communicate with the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22, the inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10, and the thermostatic valve 30.

[0026] The second inner tank 20 has a cavity for filling with phase change material and a shell constituting the cavity. Phase change material refers to a substance that can change its shape with temperature and provide latent heat. In some embodiments of this specification, the phase change material may refer to a substance whose heat storage capacity per unit volume is higher than that of water, excluding water. By using phase change material to store heat in a portion of the space within the water heater, the water heater can pre-store more heat without changing its volume, thereby providing the user with a larger volume of hot water and for a longer period of time.

[0027] exist Figures 1 to 10 In the diagram, different styles of lines indicate changes in water temperature. A represents water supplied by the water supply pipe, B represents water flowing out of outlet 222 of heat exchanger 22, C represents water flowing out of outlet 102 of the first inner tank 10, and D represents water in the water supply pipe.

[0028] Although Figures 1 to 10 Cold water A flows through one half of the pipes in the heat exchanger 22, and phase-change hot water B flows through the other half. This diagram is only used to show that the temperature of cold water A gradually increases as it flows through the heat exchanger B, and does not indicate any limitation on the temperature of the water flowing through the pipes in each part of the heat exchanger 22.

[0029] The statement that the water circuit switching device 40 "can be connected to the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22, the inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10, and the temperature control valve 30" means that in a certain state, the water circuit switching device 40 is connected to the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22, the inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10, and the temperature control valve 30; in other states, the water circuit switching device 40 may not be connected to at least one of the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22, the inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10, and the temperature control valve 30.

[0030] In some embodiments, the waterway switching device 40 has at least a first state and a second state.

[0031] When the water circuit switching device 40 is in the first state, the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is connected to the inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10, so that water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the first inner tank 10. For example, in Figure 1 and Figure 2 ,as well as Figure 8 In this process, the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is connected to the inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10, so that all the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the first inner tank 10.

[0032] When the water circuit switching device 40 is in the second state, the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is connected to the temperature control valve 30 so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 can at least partially flow to the temperature control valve 30.

[0033] "The water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 can at least partially flow to the thermostatic valve 30" can mean that all the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows to the thermostatic valve 30; or, a portion of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows to the thermostatic valve 30, while another portion (which can be all of the remaining portion other than the aforementioned "partial portion", or a portion of the remaining portion other than the aforementioned "partial portion") does not flow to the thermostatic valve 30.

[0034] For example, in Figure 3 and Figure 4 ,as well as Figure 9 In the process, the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is connected to the temperature control valve 30, and all the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows to the temperature control valve 30.

[0035] For example, in Figure 5 and Figure 10 In the process, the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is connected to both the temperature control valve 30 and the water inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10, so that part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows to the temperature control valve 30 and the other part flows to the first inner tank 10.

[0036] In some embodiments, the water circuit switching device 40 may further include a third state. When the water circuit switching device 40 is in the third state, the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is not connected to the temperature control valve 30, and the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is also not connected to the inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10. For example, Figure 6 and Figure 7 A schematic diagram is shown of the water circuit switching device 40 in the third state. That is, when the water circuit switching device 40 is in the third state, the water heater does not use the water output from the heat exchanger 22 to provide hot water to the user.

[0037] In some embodiments, the decision to switch to another state can be determined based on the operating duration of the water path switching device 40 in each state. For example, when the water path switching device operates in state A for a predetermined duration, it is controlled to switch to another state. The state to which it switches from can be predetermined.

[0038] In some embodiments, the water heater further includes a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22. Accordingly, the water heater can also determine whether to switch to another state, and to which state, based on the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0039] Specifically, it can be set as follows: when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device 40 is in the first state; when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is less than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device 40 is in the second state.

[0040] In some embodiments, whether to switch to other states for a portion of the states can be determined based on the operating time; for another portion of the states, whether to switch to other states can be determined based on the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Furthermore, for a portion of the states, the decision to switch to other states can also be made by combining the operating time and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0041] The waterway switching device 40 can have three connection ports, four connection ports, or five or more connection ports.

[0042] The following description uses the example of a water circuit switching device 40 with four connection ports to illustrate the water heater provided in this manual.

[0043] like Figures 1 to 7 As shown, the water circuit switching device 40 includes a first interface 41 for connecting to the water supply pipeline, a second interface 42 for connecting to the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22, a third interface 43 for connecting to the inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10, and a fourth interface 44 for connecting to the thermostatic valve 30. For example, the water circuit switching device 40 can be a four-way valve, or it can be a combination of multiple solenoid valves and pipelines.

[0044] like Figure 1 As shown, when the water circuit switching device 40 is in the first state, the second interface 42 and the third interface 43 are connected, and the first interface 41 and the fourth interface 44 are connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the first inner tank 10. Of course, besides... Figure 1 , Figure 2 A schematic diagram of the waterway switching device 40 in its first state is also shown.

[0045] When the water path switching device 40 is in the first state, the first heating element used to heat the water in the first inner tank 10 can be controlled to start heating. Water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 into the first inner tank 10 will then be further heated, increasing its temperature. Therefore, when the water path switching device 40 is in the first state, the first inner tank 10 and the heat exchanger 22 form a series structure. Furthermore, the first state of the water path switching device 40 is particularly suitable for situations where the residual heat stored in the phase change material of the second inner tank 20 is insufficient to heat the water supplied by the pipeline to the user's water temperature requirements.

[0046] It is important to note that Figure 1 and Figure 2 The difference is that, Figure 1 Water in the pipe connected to the first interface 41 of the water circuit switching device 40 flows to the fourth interface 44, while... Figure 2Water in the pipe connected to the first interface 41 of the water switching device 40 does not flow to any interface.

[0047] like Figure 3 As shown, when the water switching device 40 is in the second state, the first interface 41 and the third interface 43 are connected, and the second interface 42 and the fourth interface 44 are connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows to the temperature control valve 30, and the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank 10 at the temperature control valve 30 before flowing to the water terminal. Of course, besides... Figure 3 , Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the waterway switching device 40 in its second state is also shown.

[0048] like Figure 3 As shown, when the water path switching device 40 is in the second state, the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows directly to the temperature control valve 30 without passing through the first inner tank 10. Simultaneously, water in the water supply pipeline also flows to the first inner tank 10, is heated in the first inner tank 10, and then flows to the temperature control valve 30. That is, when the water path switching device 40 is in the second state, the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 forms a parallel water path. Compared to the series structure described above, the first inner tank 10 shares part of the flow rate of the heat exchanger 22, thus reducing the flow rate and velocity of the heat exchanger 22, thereby prolonging the heat exchange time of the water in the heat exchanger 22 and increasing the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22. Therefore, the second state of the water circuit switching device 40 is particularly suitable for the middle and late stages when the water heater starts to release water. That is, during the process of using the water outlet of the heat exchanger 22 to provide hot water to the user, the heat stored in the phase change material gradually decreases, and the water outlet temperature of the heat exchanger 22 gradually decreases from much higher than the optimal water temperature to near the optimal water temperature. The water outlet temperature quickly fails to meet the user's water temperature requirements.

[0049] The following description uses the water circuit switching device 40, which has three connection ports, as an example to illustrate the water heater provided in this manual.

[0050] like Figures 8 to 10 As shown, the water circuit switching device 40 includes a first connection port 45 for connecting to the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22, a second connection port 46 for connecting to the inlet 101 of the first inner tank 10, and a third connection port 47 for connecting to the temperature control valve 30. For example, the water circuit switching device 40 can be a three-way valve, or the water circuit switching device 40 can be a combination of multiple solenoid valves and pipelines.

[0051] like Figure 8 As shown, when the water circuit switching device 40 is in the first state, the first connecting port 45 and the second connecting port 46 are connected, and the first connecting port 45 and the third connecting port 47 are not connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the first inner tank 10.

[0052] When the water path switching device 40 is in the first state, it can control the first heating element used to heat the water in the first inner tank 10 to heat up. Water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 into the first inner tank 10 will then be further heated, increasing its temperature. Therefore, when the water path switching device 40 is in the first state, the first inner tank 10 and the heat exchanger 22 form a series structure. Furthermore, the first state of the water path switching device 40 is particularly suitable for situations where the residual heat stored in the phase change material of the second inner tank 20 is insufficient to heat the water supplied by the pipeline to the user's water temperature requirements.

[0053] like Figure 10 As shown, when the water circuit switching device 40 is in the second state, the first connecting port 45 is simultaneously connected to the second connecting port 46 and the third connecting port 47, so that part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the first inner tank 10, and the other part flows to the temperature control valve 30. The water flowing to the temperature control valve 30 mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank 10 at the temperature control valve before flowing to the water terminal. Of course, besides... Figure 10 , Figure 9 A schematic diagram of the waterway switching device 40 in its second state is also shown.

[0054] The aforementioned temperature control valve 30 is located downstream of the outlet 103 of the first inner tank 10 and downstream of the water circuit switching device 40.

[0055] The thermostatic valve 30 can be installed inside the water heater housing as part of the water heater. For example, it can be a thermostatic valve that automatically adjusts the water temperature inside the water heater housing. In other embodiments, the thermostatic valve 30 can also be installed outside the water heater housing as a device used in conjunction with the water heater. For example, the thermostatic valve 30 can be a temperature regulating device in a shower room or washbasin.

[0056] In some embodiments, a first heating element for heating the water stored in the first inner tank 10 may be disposed in the lower middle part of the first inner tank 10. The first heating element may be an electric heating element, an air source heat pump heating element, or a phase change material heating element.

[0057] Preferably, the first heating element is an electric heating rod. Electric heating rods are characterized by their small size, simple structure, and high heating efficiency, enabling high-power heating with a relatively small footprint in the first inner tank 10, thus ensuring a longer hot water supply time for the water heater.

[0058] Taking the first inner tank 10 as an example, during the process of the first heating element heating the water in the first inner tank 10, the water temperature in the inner tank will be stratified along the height direction. Specifically, along the height direction, the temperature gradually decreases from top to bottom, that is, the water with a higher temperature is located in the upper part of the first inner tank 10, and the water with a lower temperature is located in the lower part of the first inner tank 10. When the first heating element 10 is located in the lower middle part of the lower temperature region, it can heat this part of the water in time, so that the average water temperature of the whole tank is efficiently close to the target water temperature.

[0059] In one embodiment, the water heater may further include a first temperature probe assembly for acquiring the water temperature in the first inner tank 10; and a controller electrically connected to the first temperature probe assembly, wherein the controller controls the operating state of a first heating element based on the temperature information detected by the first temperature probe assembly, and the first heating element is used to heat the water in the first inner tank 10.

[0060] In this embodiment, a first temperature probe assembly may be provided in the first inner tank 10, which is used to acquire the water temperature in the first inner tank 10. Specifically, the first temperature probe assembly may include a first temperature probe and a second temperature probe. The first temperature probe and the second temperature probe may be arranged at intervals along the height direction in the first inner tank 10. Through the temperature data acquired by the first temperature probe and the second temperature probe, the controller can determine the current water temperature in the first inner tank 10, thereby controlling the working state of the first heating element. The working state of the first heating element mainly includes starting heating or stopping heating.

[0061] The controller can control the operating state of the first heating element based on the temperature information detected by the first temperature probe assembly. In this specification, "controlling the operating state of the first heating element" refers to controlling under what conditions the first heating element starts heating and under what conditions it stops heating.

[0062] For example, in a certain application scenario, after the water temperature in the first inner tank 10 is heated to a preset temperature, the first heating element is in a stopped heating state. Subsequently, if a user water usage signal is received, the first temperature probe assembly continuously monitors the temperature. If the first temperature probe assembly detects that the water temperature has decreased by a second preset temperature difference, the first heating element can be activated to heat the water.

[0063] The water heater described in this manual includes a first inner tank for water storage, a second inner tank for containing a phase change material, a heat exchanger disposed in the second inner tank for heat exchange with the phase change material, an inlet of the heat exchanger connected to the water supply pipeline, and a water circuit switching device that connects to the outlet of the heat exchanger, the inlet of the first inner tank, and a thermostatic valve. The outlet of the first inner tank is connected to the thermostatic valve. This manual describes a water circuit switching device that allows the water heater to switch between various water circuit connection states, thereby switching to different water circuit connection modes at different times when the water heater starts discharging water, which can increase the continuous supply of hot water to meet the user's water temperature requirements.

[0064] This specification provides a control method for a water heater, applicable to the aforementioned water heater. The water circuit switching device 40 has at least a first state and a second state. When the water circuit switching device 40 is in the first state, the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is connected to the inlet 10 of the first inner tank 10, allowing water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 to flow into the first inner tank 10. When the water circuit switching device 40 is in the second state, the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is connected to the thermostatic valve 30, allowing at least a portion of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 to flow to the thermostatic valve 30.

[0065] The control method of the water heater includes: controlling the water circuit switching device 40 to be in a first state or a second state when the preset conditions are met.

[0066] In some embodiments, the decision to switch to another state can be determined based on the operating duration of the water path switching device 40 in each state. For example, when the water path switching device operates in a certain state for a predetermined duration, the device is controlled to switch to another state. The state to which the device switches from one state can be predetermined.

[0067] In some embodiments, the water heater further includes a temperature sensor for acquiring the temperature of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 outlet. Accordingly, the water heater can also determine whether to switch to another state, and to which state, based on the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0068] Specifically, it can be set as follows: when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device 40 is in the first state; when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is less than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device 40 is in the second state.

[0069] In some embodiments, whether to switch to other states for a portion of the states can be determined based on the operating time; for another portion of the states, whether to switch to other states can be determined based on the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor. Furthermore, for a portion of the states, the decision to switch to other states can also be made by combining the operating time and the temperature detected by the temperature sensor.

[0070] Taking the water circuit switching device 40 with four connecting ports as an example, the control method for the water heater provided in this specification may include: when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device 40 is in a first state, such as... Figure 1 As shown, at this time, the second interface 42 and the third interface 43 of the water circuit switching device 40 are connected, and the first interface 41 and the fourth interface 44 are connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the first inner tank 10; when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device 40 is in the second state, as shown. Figure 3 As shown, at this time, the first interface 41 and the third interface 43 of the water circuit switching device 40 are connected, and the second interface 42 and the fourth interface 44 are connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows to the temperature control valve 30, and the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 and the water flowing out of the first inner tank 10 are mixed at the temperature control valve 30 and then flow to the water terminal.

[0071] In this embodiment, the control method is illustrated primarily using a water heater equipped with a four-port water circuit switching device 40 as an example. The four-port water circuit switching device 40 can be referred to the detailed description of the above-described water heater embodiment, and will not be elaborated upon further here.

[0072] When the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is detected by the temperature detection device to be greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, it indicates that the current outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger 22 is relatively high. At this time, the outlet water of the heat exchanger 22 can be used as the inlet water of the first inner tank 10 and supplied into the first inner tank 10 (e.g., Figure 1 As shown, the second interface 42 and the third interface 43 of the water circuit switching device 40 are connected, and the first interface 41 and the fourth interface 44 are connected, ensuring the inlet water temperature of the first inner tank 10. The first preset temperature can be a value lower than the user-set outlet water temperature but higher than the inlet water temperature of the water supply pipe. For example, when the user-set constant outlet water temperature is 40℃, the first preset temperature can be 25℃. Of course, the first preset temperature can also be adjusted according to different preset outlet water temperatures, ambient temperatures, etc., and this application does not impose specific limitations on it.

[0073] When the temperature sensor detects that the water temperature flowing out of the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is lower than the first preset temperature, it indicates that the current outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger 22 has significantly decreased, and most of the energy stored in the phase change material in the second inner tank 20 has been utilized. At this time, the water circuit switching device 40 can be switched from the first state to the second state (e.g., Figure 3 As shown, at this time, the first interface 41 and the third interface 43 of the water circuit switching device 40 are connected, and the second interface 42 and the fourth interface 44 are connected. The water outlet of the heat exchanger 22 flows directly to the temperature control valve 4 for mixing, thereby increasing the mixing temperature and further utilizing the remaining energy stored in the phase change material in the second inner tank 20. At the same time, it can extend the heating time of the first inner tank 10, so that the amount of hot water that the water heater can continuously supply is significantly increased.

[0074] Taking the water circuit switching device 40 with three connecting ports as an example, the control method for the water heater provided in this specification may include: when the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device 40 is in a first state, such as... Figure 8 As shown, at this time, the first connecting port 45 and the second connecting port 46 of the water circuit switching device 40 are connected, and the first connecting port 45 and the third connecting port 47 are not connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the first inner tank 10; when the water temperature detected by the temperature detection element is lower than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device 40 is in the second state, as shown. Figure 10 As shown, at this time, the first connection port 45 of the water circuit switching device 40 is connected to the second connection port 46 and the third connection port 47, so that part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger 22 flows into the first inner tank 10, and the other part flows to the temperature control valve 30. The water flowing to the temperature control valve 30 mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank 10 at the temperature control valve 30 and then flows to the water terminal.

[0075] In this embodiment, the control method is illustrated primarily using a water heater equipped with a water circuit switching device 40 having three connection ports as an example. The water circuit switching device 40 with three connection ports can be referred to the detailed description of the above-described embodiment of the water heater, and will not be elaborated upon further here.

[0076] When the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is detected by the temperature detection device to be greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, it indicates that the current outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger 22 is relatively high. At this time, the outlet water of the heat exchanger 22 can be used as the inlet water of the first inner tank 10 and supplied into the first inner tank 10 (e.g., Figure 8As shown, at this time, the first connecting port 45 and the second connecting port 46 of the water circuit switching device 40 are connected, while the first connecting port 45 and the third connecting port 47 are not connected, ensuring the inlet water temperature of the first inner tank 10. The first preset temperature can be a value lower than the user-set outlet water temperature but higher than the inlet water temperature of the water supply pipe. For example, when the user-set constant outlet water temperature is 40℃, the first preset temperature can be 25℃. Of course, the first preset temperature can also be adjusted according to different preset outlet water temperatures, ambient temperatures, etc., and this application does not impose specific limitations on it here.

[0077] When the temperature sensor detects that the water temperature flowing out of the outlet 222 of the heat exchanger 22 is lower than the first preset temperature, it indicates that the current outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger 22 has significantly decreased, and most of the energy stored in the phase change material in the second inner tank 20 has been utilized. At this time, the water circuit switching device 40 can be switched from the first state to the second state (e.g., Figure 10 As shown, at this time, the first connection port 45 of the water circuit switching device 40 is connected to the second connection port 46 and the third connection port 47 at the same time, and part of the water outlet of the heat exchanger 22 flows directly to the temperature control valve 4 for use as mixing water, thereby increasing the mixing water temperature, further utilizing the remaining energy stored in the phase change material in the second inner tank 20, and extending the heating time of the first inner tank 10, so that the amount of hot water that the water heater can continuously supply is significantly increased.

[0078] It should be noted that when the water circuit switching device 40 is a flow-adjustable three-way valve structure, such as a PSG valve, when the water circuit switching device 40 is in the second state, the connection area of ​​its first connection port 45, second connection port 46, and third connection port 47 can be adaptively adjusted according to the outlet water temperature of the heat exchanger 22, thereby maximizing the utilization of the remaining energy stored in the phase change material in the second inner tank 20.

[0079] Please refer to the following: Figure 11 and Figure 12 The inventors of this application discovered that: when an existing electric water heater continuously discharges water at a flow rate of 7L / min, a water temperature of 10℃, and a user-set outlet water temperature of 40℃, the area indicated by the arrow represents the energy that the electric water heater can still release, but this energy cannot be used by the user. Figure 12 The energy in it is heat.

[0080] This invention combines a second inner tank 20 incorporating phase change material with a first inner tank 10 for containing water, forming a phase change + water tank hybrid system. This system fully utilizes 15%-20% of the energy from the phase change material below 40 degrees Celsius, increasing the hot water output by over 75% compared to electric water heaters of the same capacity. Furthermore, compared to pure phase change systems, this application reduces costs by at least 30%. Additionally, since the second inner tank 20 incorporating phase change material does not require an anode rod, an electronic anode can be installed only on the first inner tank 10, thus ensuring a longer service life for the water heater's inner tank.

[0081] The various embodiments described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0082] Any numerical values ​​cited herein include all values ​​ranging from a lower limit to an upper limit, incrementing by one unit, with at least two units between any lower and any higher value. For example, if the quantity of a component or a process variable (e.g., temperature, pressure, time, etc.) is described as ranging from 1 to 90, preferably from 20 to 80, more preferably from 30 to 70, the purpose is to illustrate that values ​​such as 15 to 85, 22 to 68, 43 to 51, 30 to 32 are also explicitly listed in this specification. For values ​​less than 1, a unit is appropriately considered to be 0.0001, 0.001, 0.01, 0.1, etc. These are merely examples intended for explicit expression, and it can be assumed that all possible combinations of values ​​listed between the minimum and maximum values ​​are similarly explicitly stated in this specification.

[0083] Unless otherwise stated, all ranges include the endpoints and all numbers between them. The terms "approximately" or "about" used with ranges apply to both endpoints of the range. Thus, "approximately 20 to 30" is intended to cover "approximately 20 to approximately 30," including at least the specified endpoints.

[0084] All articles and references disclosed herein, including patent applications and publications, are incorporated herein by reference for various purposes. The term “substantially constitutes…” used to describe a combination should include the identified elements, components, parts, or steps, as well as other elements, components, parts, or steps that do not substantially affect the essential novelty of the combination. The use of the terms “comprising” or “including” to describe combinations of elements, components, parts, or steps herein also contemplates embodiments substantially constituted by such elements, components, parts, or steps. The use of the term “may” herein is intended to indicate that any described attribute included by “may” is optional.

[0085] Multiple elements, components, parts, or steps can be provided by a single integrated element, component, part, or step. Alternatively, a single integrated element, component, part, or step can be divided into multiple separate elements, components, parts, or steps. The use of "a" or "an" to describe an element, component, part, or step does not imply the exclusion of other elements, components, parts, or steps.

[0086] The above descriptions are merely a few embodiments of the present invention. Although the embodiments disclosed in the present invention are as described above, the content is only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Any person skilled in the art to which this invention pertains may make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed in the present invention. However, the patent protection scope of the present invention shall still be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A water heater, characterized in that, include: The first inner tank used for water storage; A second inner liner for containing phase change materials; A heat exchanger is disposed in the second inner liner for exchanging heat with the phase change material, the heat exchanger having an inlet for water inlet and an outlet for water outlet; The inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the water supply pipeline, and the outlet of the first inner tank is used to connect to the temperature control valve. The water heater also includes a water circuit switching device that can be connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, the inlet of the first inner tank, and the temperature control valve; The waterway switching device has at least a first state and a second state; When the water circuit switching device is in the first state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first inner tank so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank. When the water circuit switching device is in the second state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the temperature control valve so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger can at least partially flow to the temperature control valve.

2. The water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a temperature detection device for obtaining the temperature of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger outlet; When the water temperature detected by the temperature detection device is greater than or equal to the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in the first state; When the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in the second state.

3. The water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water circuit switching device includes a first interface for connecting to the water supply pipeline, a second interface for connecting to the outlet of the heat exchanger, a third interface for connecting to the inlet of the first inner tank, and a fourth interface for connecting to the temperature control valve. When the water circuit switching device is in the first state, the second interface and the third interface are connected, and the first interface and the fourth interface are connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank; When the water circuit switching device is in the second state, the first interface and the third interface are connected, and the second interface and the fourth interface are connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows to the temperature control valve, and the water flowing out of the heat exchanger mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank at the temperature control valve and then flows to the water terminal.

4. The water heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The water circuit switching device includes a four-way valve, or the water circuit switching device includes a combination of multiple solenoid valves and pipelines.

5. The water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water circuit switching device includes a first connection port for connecting to the outlet of the heat exchanger, a second connection port for connecting to the inlet of the first inner tank, and a third connection port for connecting to the temperature control valve. When the water circuit switching device is in the first state, the first connection port and the second connection port are connected, and the first connection port and the third connection port are not connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank. When the water circuit switching device is in the second state, the first connection port is simultaneously connected to the second connection port and the third connection port, so that part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank and the other part flows to the temperature control valve. The water flowing to the temperature control valve mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank at the temperature control valve and then flows to the water terminal.

6. The water heater as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The water circuit switching device includes a three-way valve, or the water circuit switching device includes a combination of multiple solenoid valves and pipelines.

7. The water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The thermostatic valve is located downstream of the outlet of the first inner tank and downstream of the water circuit switching device. The thermostatic valve is located inside or outside the water heater housing.

8. The water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a first heating element for heating the water in the first inner tank, the first heating element being an electric heating element, and the first heating element being disposed in the lower middle part of the first inner tank.

9. The water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water heater further includes a first temperature probe assembly for acquiring the water temperature in the first inner tank; and a controller electrically connected to the first temperature probe assembly, wherein the controller controls the working state of a first heating element based on the temperature information detected by the first temperature probe assembly, and the first heating element is used to heat the water in the first inner tank.

10. A method for controlling a water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes: The first inner tank used for water storage; A second inner liner for containing phase change materials; A heat exchanger is installed in the second inner tank for exchanging heat with the phase change material. The heat exchanger has an inlet for water inlet and an outlet for water outlet. A water circuit switching device is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, the inlet of the first inner tank, and a temperature control valve. The water circuit switching device has at least a first state and a second state. When the water circuit switching device is in the first state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the first inner tank so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank. When the water circuit switching device is in the second state, the outlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the temperature control valve, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger can at least partially flow to the temperature control valve. The control method includes: controlling the water circuit switching device to be in a first state or a second state when preset conditions are met.

11. The water heater control method as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The water heater also includes a temperature detection device for obtaining the temperature of the water flowing out of the outlet of the heat exchanger; The control method includes: when the water temperature detected by the temperature detection element is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in a first state; When the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in the second state.

12. The water heater control method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The water circuit switching device includes a first interface for connecting to the water supply pipeline, a second interface for connecting to the outlet of the heat exchanger, a third interface for connecting to the inlet of the first inner tank, and a fourth interface for connecting to the temperature control valve. The control method includes: when the water temperature detected by the temperature detection element is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in a first state, the second interface and the third interface are connected, and the first interface and the fourth interface are connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank; When the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in the second state, the first interface and the third interface are connected, and the second interface and the fourth interface are connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows to the temperature control valve, and the water flowing out of the heat exchanger mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank at the temperature control valve and then flows to the water terminal.

13. The water heater control method as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The water circuit switching device includes a first connection port for connecting to the outlet of the heat exchanger, a second connection port for connecting to the inlet of the first inner tank, and a third connection port for connecting to the temperature control valve. The control method includes: when the water temperature detected by the temperature detection element is greater than or equal to a first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in a first state, the first connection port and the second connection port are connected, and the first connection port and the third connection port are not connected, so that the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank; When the water temperature detected by the temperature sensor is lower than the first preset temperature, the water circuit switching device is in the second state, and the first connection port is simultaneously connected to the second connection port and the third connection port, so that part of the water flowing out of the heat exchanger flows into the first inner tank and the other part flows to the temperature control valve. The water flowing to the temperature control valve mixes with the water flowing out of the first inner tank at the temperature control valve and then flows to the water terminal.

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