Hot water remaining use time length prediction method, water heater and storage medium

Abstract

This invention discloses a method for predicting remaining hot water usage time, a water heater, and a storage medium, relating to the field of water heater technology. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time includes: acquiring the operating parameters of an electric water heater; inputting the operating parameters into an electric water heater simulation model to obtain the current internal energy consumption, current total heat, and the total heat cutoff state of the electric water heater; determining the remaining hot water usage time based on the current total heat, the total heat cutoff state, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating state of the electric water heater in the operating parameters. The electric water heater simulation model is used to simulate the parameter changes of the electric water heater during operation. The parameters of the electric water heater include the current internal energy consumption, the current total heat, and the total heat cutoff state. This invention solves the problem of low accuracy in predicting remaining hot water usage time.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time, a water heater, and a storage medium. Background Technology

[0002] Storage-type electric water heaters are commonly used household appliances that produce hot water quickly and consistently. However, when the stored hot water is almost used up, the water temperature drops rapidly. Furthermore, because users cannot accurately predict the remaining hot water time, they may encounter situations where the hot water suddenly runs out, impacting the user experience. Therefore, improving the accuracy of predicting the remaining hot water usage time is a pressing technical problem that needs to be solved.

[0003] The above content is only used to help understand the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application, and does not represent an admission that the above content is prior art. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The main objective of this invention is to provide a method for predicting the remaining usage time of hot water, a water heater, and a storage medium, aiming to solve the technical problem of low accuracy in predicting the remaining usage time of hot water.

[0005] To achieve the above objectives, this invention provides a method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time, applied to an electric water heater simulation model. The method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time includes:

[0006] The operating parameters of the electric water heater are obtained and input into the simulation model of the electric water heater to obtain the current internal energy consumption, current total heat, and total heat cutoff of the electric water heater under the preset hot water cutoff state.

[0007] Based on the current total heat, the cutoff total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating status of the electric water heater in the operating parameters, determine the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater;

[0008] The electric water heater simulation model is used to simulate the parameter changes of the electric water heater during operation. The parameters of the electric water heater include the current internal energy consumption, the current total heat, and the cutoff total heat.

[0009] In one embodiment, the electric water heater simulation model includes an inner tank space, and the inner tank space includes a predetermined number of layers;

[0010] The step of inputting the operating parameters into the electric water heater simulation model to obtain the current internal energy consumption, current total heat, and total heat cutoff of the electric water heater under the preset hot water cutoff state includes:

[0011] The operating parameters are input into the electric water heater simulation model, and the current inlet water energy and current outlet water energy of the inner tank space are determined by the electric water heater simulation model.

[0012] The difference between the current outflow internal energy and the current inflow internal energy is taken as the current internal energy consumption.

[0013] The current internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space is determined by the electric water heater simulation model, and the current internal energy of all layers of the inner tank space is aggregated to obtain the current total heat.

[0014] The internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space under a preset hot water cut-off state is determined by the electric water heater simulation model, and the total heat cut-off is obtained by aggregating the internal energy of all layers of the inner tank space.

[0015] In one embodiment, the electric water heater simulation model includes a flow input interface and a flow output interface configured in the inner tank space, and the operating parameters include: current inlet water flow rate, current inlet water temperature, historical density and historical specific enthalpy of each layer of the inner tank space;

[0016] The steps of determining the current inlet water energy and current outlet water energy of the inner tank space through the electric water heater simulation model include:

[0017] Using the electric water heater simulation model, the current pressure of the bottom layer of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface in the inner tank space is determined;

[0018] Using the electric water heater simulation model, the current inlet water internal energy corresponding to the current inlet water flow rate, the current inlet water temperature, and the current bottom pressure is found in the preset inlet water internal energy mapping relationship;

[0019] The current inlet water internal energy is obtained by calculating the product of the current inlet water flow rate, the historical density and historical specific enthalpy of the layer adjacent to the flow output interface using the electric water heater simulation model.

[0020] In one embodiment, the operating parameters further include: the outlet pressure of the flow output interface;

[0021] The step of determining the current pressure of the bottom layer of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface in the inner tank space using the electric water heater simulation model includes:

[0022] For each layer of the inner tank space, the pressure of each layer is calculated by the electric water heater simulation model based on the outlet pressure, the historical density of each layer, and the height of each layer relative to the flow output interface.

[0023] The current pressure of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface is taken as the current pressure of the bottom layer.

[0024] In one embodiment, the inner liner space includes a target layer, which can be any layer of the inner liner space, and the operating parameters also include the historical heat exchange power and historical internal energy of the target layer;

[0025] The step of determining the current internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space using the electric water heater simulation model includes:

[0026] For each target layer, the power of the target layer is obtained by calculating the product of the historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and current input flow rate in the operating parameters using the electric water heater simulation model.

[0027] Using the electric water heater simulation model, the power of the adjacent lower layer of the target layer, the power of the target layer, and the difference between the target layer and the historical heat exchange power are calculated to obtain the remaining power of the target layer.

[0028] Based on the remaining power of the target layer, the relative position between the target layer and the preset heating tube in the inner tank space, the heating status of the electric water heater, and the historical internal energy of the target layer in the operating parameters, the current internal energy of the target layer is determined.

[0029] Specifically, when the target layer is adjacent to the flow input interface of the inner tank space, the current internal energy of the influent of the inner tank space is used as the power of the adjacent lower layer of the target layer.

[0030] In one embodiment, the operating parameters include the current heating power of the electric water heater;

[0031] The step of determining the current internal energy of the target layer based on the remaining power of the target layer, the relative position between the target layer and the preset heating element in the inner tank space, the heating state of the electric water heater, and the historical internal energy of the target layer in the operating parameters includes:

[0032] When the heating state is not heated, or when the relative position is that the target layer is not located in the layer where the preset heating tube is located, the sum of the remaining power of the target layer and the historical internal energy is taken as the current internal energy of the target layer;

[0033] When the heating state is heating and the target layer is located in the layer where the preset heating tube is located, the sum of the remaining power of the layer and the current heating power is calculated to obtain the heating power of the target layer, and the sum of the heating power and the historical internal energy is taken as the current internal energy of the target layer.

[0034] In one embodiment, the operating parameters further include a preset cutoff temperature;

[0035] The step of determining the cutoff internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space under a preset hot water cutoff state using the electric water heater simulation model includes:

[0036] For each target layer in the inner tank space, the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer is determined by the electric water heater simulation model based on the predicted cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature in the operating parameters.

[0037] Based on the predicted cutoff temperature, the cutoff internal energy of the target layer under the preset hot water cutoff state is determined.

[0038] In one embodiment, the step of determining the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer using the electric water heater simulation model, based on the predicted cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature in the operating parameters, includes:

[0039] The cutoff temperature difference between the preset cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature is determined using an electric water heater simulation model.

[0040] Based on the target order of the target layer in the direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface in the inner space, the difference between the preset quantity and the target order is calculated to obtain the order difference, and the ratio of the order difference to the preset quantity is used as the temperature difference ratio.

[0041] The product of the cutoff temperature difference and the percentage of the temperature difference is calculated to obtain the layer temperature difference of the target layer;

[0042] The sum of the stratified temperature difference and the current influent temperature is used as the cutoff predicted temperature of the target stratum.

[0043] In one embodiment, the step of determining the cutoff internal energy of the target layer under a preset hot water cutoff state based on the cutoff predicted temperature includes:

[0044] The cutoff density of the target layer at the cutoff prediction temperature is determined in a preset temperature-density mapping relationship;

[0045] The cutoff pressure of the target layer is calculated based on the cutoff density, the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface of the inner liner space, the outlet pressure in the operating parameters, and the cutoff density of the target layer.

[0046] Find the cutoff internal energy that corresponds to both the predicted cutoff temperature and the cutoff pressure in the preset internal energy mapping relationship.

[0047] In one embodiment, the step of determining the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater based on the current total heat, the cutoff total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating status of the electric water heater in the operating parameters includes:

[0048] Determine the heat difference between the current total heat and the cutoff total heat;

[0049] The heat consumption time is obtained by calculating the ratio of the heat difference to the current internal energy consumption.

[0050] Based on the heat consumption time and the heating status, the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater is determined.

[0051] In one embodiment, the step of determining the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater based on the heat consumption time and the heating state includes:

[0052] When the electric water heater is in an unheated state, the heat consumption time is taken as the remaining hot water usage time.

[0053] When the electric water heater is in heating mode, the heating energy is obtained by calculating the product of the heat consumption time, the preset time correction factor, and the current heating power in the operating parameters.

[0054] The remaining total heat is obtained by summing the heating energy and the heat difference. The ratio of the remaining total heat to the current internal energy consumption is used as the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater in heating state.

[0055] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the operating parameters of the electric water heater includes:

[0056] For each target layer in the inner tank space, if the current simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model is not the initial cycle, the pressure and temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model are obtained, wherein the temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle is determined based on the pressure and internal energy of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle.

[0057] Based on the pressure and temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, the target density of the target layer is determined in the preset density mapping relationship in the electric water heater simulation model, and the target density is used as the historical density of the target layer.

[0058] Based on the volume of the target layer in the inner space, the target density, internal energy and pressure of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, the target specific enthalpy of the target layer is calculated, and the target specific enthalpy is used as the historical specific enthalpy of the target layer;

[0059] Based on the preset heat transfer coefficient, the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle, the temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, and the contact area with the inner surface of the inner tank space, the target heat transfer power of the target layer is calculated, and the target heat transfer power is used as the historical heat transfer power of the target layer.

[0060] In one embodiment, the step of obtaining the operating parameters of the electric water heater includes:

[0061] When the current simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model is the initial cycle, and the inner tank space of the electric water heater simulation model receives a preset initial input flow, the detected temperature in the inner tank space is obtained.

[0062] For each target layer in the inner space, the initial density corresponding to the detection temperature is found in the preset temperature-density mapping relationship, and the initial density is used as the historical density of the target layer.

[0063] The initial pressure of the target layer is calculated based on the initial density, the outlet pressure of the electric water heater simulation model, and the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface of the electric water heater simulation model.

[0064] Find the initial internal energy corresponding to the initial pressure and the detected temperature in the preset internal energy mapping relationship;

[0065] Based on the initial internal energy, initial density, initial pressure, and the volume of the target layer in the inner liner space, the initial specific enthalpy of the target layer is calculated, and the initial specific enthalpy is used as the historical specific enthalpy of the target layer.

[0066] Based on the preset heat transfer coefficient, the detection temperature, the preset initial inlet water temperature of the preset initial input flow rate, and the contact area between the target layer and the inner surface of the inner tank space, the initial heat transfer power of the target layer is calculated, and the initial heat transfer power is used as the historical heat transfer power of the target layer.

[0067] The present invention also provides a hot water remaining usage time prediction device, applied to a preset electric water heater simulation model, the hot water remaining usage time prediction device comprising:

[0068] The acquisition module is used to acquire the operating parameters of the electric water heater, input the operating parameters into the simulation model of the electric water heater, and obtain the current internal energy consumption, current total heat of the electric water heater, and the total heat of the electric water heater when the preset hot water cut-off state is reached.

[0069] The duration prediction module is used to determine the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater based on the current total heat, the cutoff total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating status of the electric water heater in the operating parameters;

[0070] The electric water heater simulation model is used to simulate the parameter changes of the electric water heater during operation. The parameters of the electric water heater include the current internal energy consumption, the current total heat, and the cutoff total heat.

[0071] The present invention also provides a water heater, the water heater including a memory, a processor, and a hot water remaining usage time prediction program stored in the memory and executable on the processor, wherein when the hot water remaining usage time prediction program is executed by the processor, the steps of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method as described above are performed.

[0072] The present invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium storing a hot water remaining usage time prediction program that can run on a processor, the hot water remaining usage time prediction program being invoked by the processor to implement the steps of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method as described above.

[0073] This invention provides a method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time, which can achieve at least the following technical effects: This invention obtains the operating parameters of an electric water heater and inputs the operating parameters into an electric water heater simulation model to obtain the current internal energy consumption, the current total heat, and the total heat at the preset hot water cut-off state of the electric water heater. Therefore, based on the current total heat, the cut-off total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating state of the electric water heater in the operating parameters, the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater can be determined.

[0074] Since the current total heat can reflect the heat energy currently contained in the electric water heater, the preset hot water cut-off total heat can reflect the energy when the electric water heater runs out of hot water, and the current internal energy consumption can reflect the internal energy consumption in the electric water heater, and since the electric water heater continuously provides heat energy when heating but does not provide heat energy when not heating, this invention can determine the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater in the corresponding heating state based on the current total heat, the cut-off total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating state of the electric water heater in the operating parameters, without requiring user speculation, thus improving the accuracy of predicting the remaining hot water usage time. Attached Figure Description

[0075] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and form part of this specification, illustrate embodiments consistent with the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

[0076] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, for those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0077] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method of the present invention;

[0078] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an example electric water heater simulation model of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method of the present invention;

[0079] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of each preset number of layers in the inner tank space in the hot water remaining usage time prediction method of the present invention;

[0080] Figure 4 This is a flowchart illustrating an example of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0081] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the module structure of the hot water remaining usage time prediction device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

[0082] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the hardware operating environment involved in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The objectives, features, and advantages of this invention will be further explained in conjunction with the embodiments and with reference to the accompanying drawings. Detailed Implementation

[0084] To make the above-mentioned objects, features, and advantages of the present invention more apparent and understandable, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0085] To overcome the above-mentioned shortcomings, the present invention provides a method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time:

[0086] Based on this, the present invention proposes a method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time in the first embodiment, which is applied to a preset simulation model of an electric water heater. Please refer to... Figure 1 The method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time includes steps S10 to S20:

[0087] Step S10: Obtain the operating parameters of the electric water heater, input the operating parameters into the electric water heater simulation model, and obtain the current internal energy consumption, current total heat, and total heat cutoff of the electric water heater under the preset hot water cutoff state.

[0088] The electric water heater simulation model is used to simulate the parameter changes of the electric water heater during operation. The parameters of the electric water heater include the current internal energy consumption, the current total heat, and the cutoff total heat.

[0089] It should be noted that the electric water heater can be a storage-type electric water heater, etc. An electric water heater at least includes an inner tank and a heating element, which can be a heating rod or a heating tube, etc., but this embodiment does not specifically limit this. The heating element can be used to heat the water stored in the inner tank.

[0090] An electric water heater simulation model is a digital twin model of the water heater. It can be created using Modelica (a modeling language) to model the mechanistic mechanisms of the water heater. Modelica can be used to model the mechanisms of various physical systems, such as electric water heaters. A digital twin model of an electric water heater can be built using Modelica. The simulation model consists of an inner tank space, a flow input interface, a flow output interface, a control interface, an inlet pipe, and an outlet pipe. It can simulate the operating conditions of the water heater through these components. For example, the inner tank space can simulate the temperature, internal energy, and pressure of each layer inside the tank. The inlet pipe and flow input interface can simulate the water flow rate and inlet temperature entering the inner tank, while the outlet pipe and flow output interface can simulate the output flow rate and outlet temperature. The heating power can be input through the control interface to simulate the heating element's heating behavior within the inner tank.

[0091] Operating parameters can be used to describe the operating status of an electric water heater. In this embodiment, operating parameters include control operating parameters and simulation operating parameters. The control operating parameters include the current input flow rate, the current inlet water temperature, and the current heating power. The current input flow rate reflects the actual water flow rate input to the electric water heater, the inlet water temperature reflects the actual temperature of the water flow rate input to the electric water heater, and the current heating power reflects the actual current heating power of the electric water heater. The higher the current heating power, the faster the liquid in the inner tank heats up. The simulation operating parameters can be used to describe the state of the inner tank space of the electric water heater simulation model at the previous time step, such as the density and internal energy of the inner tank.

[0092] The current internal energy consumption represents the consumption of internal energy in the electric water heater. The more internal energy is consumed, the more hot water is used, and the less time the hot water will remain. The current total heat reflects the total heat energy in the inner tank of the electric water heater. For example, the current total heat can be the sum of the internal energy in the inner tank space of the electric water heater simulation model.

[0093] The preset hot water cutoff state characterizes the state where hot water has been used up. This preset state is determined based on a preset cutoff temperature, which can be set according to actual conditions. For example, the preset cutoff temperature could be 40℃, 41℃, etc. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations. When the temperature of the hot water in the inner tank of the electric water heater drops to the preset cutoff temperature, the electric water heater is determined to be in the preset hot water cutoff state. The total heat cutoff reflects the total internal energy of the inner tank of the electric water heater in the preset hot water cutoff state.

[0094] For example, you can refer to Figure 2 , Figure 2 The image shows the inner tank R3, flow input interface R2, and flow output interface R1 of a simulation model of an electric water heater. The control interface, inlet pipe, and outlet pipe are also shown. Figure 3 Not shown in the image. Figure 2 In the model, in_1, in_2, and in_3 are all inputs. in_1 can represent the initial temperature of the inner tank, which is the initial temperature inside the tank. in_2 can represent the current heating power. in_3 can represent the current inlet water flow rate and current inlet water temperature. out can represent the output flow rate of the inner tank and the output temperature of the flow rate exiting the inner tank. The electric water heater simulation model can cyclically simulate the operation of the electric water heater. The current simulation cycle refers to the latest simulation cycle of the inner tank simulation model. The duration of the simulation cycle can be 1 second, etc., but this embodiment does not specify a particular duration. The electric water heater simulation model can directly obtain the simulation parameters from the previous simulation cycle in the current simulation cycle.

[0095] In constructing the electric water heater simulation model, the inner tank space is divided into a preset number of layers. The preset number can be determined based on actual conditions, and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on it. The electric water heater simulation model can be used to simulate the operation process of the electric water heater based on operating parameters, so as to output the current internal energy consumption, current total heat, and cutoff total heat of the electric water heater.

[0096] For example, you can refer to Figure 3 ,in, Figure 3 This diagram illustrates the division of the inner tank space into a predetermined number of layers when the inner tank is cylindrical. R3 represents the inner tank space, R1 is the flow output interface of the electric water heater simulation model, and R2 is the flow output interface of the electric water heater simulation model. Figure 2 As shown, the inner space can be divided into n layers, where n is a preset number. For example, the layer adjacent to the flow output interface can be numbered 1, and so on down to 2 to i, i to n-1, and n-1 to n. i is less than n.

[0097] The electric water heater simulation model is used to simulate the parameter changes of the electric water heater during operation. The electric water heater simulation model can continuously simulate the operation process of the electric water heater and can run simulation cycles multiple times in a row. In each simulation cycle, the current energy consumption, current total heat, and cutoff total heat of the electric water heater will be determined.

[0098] For example, control operating parameters and simulation operating parameters are obtained. The control operating parameters can be set based on the actual situation. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this. The control operating parameters and simulation operating parameters are input into the electric water heater simulation model. The electric water heater simulation model outputs the current internal energy consumption, the current total heat, and the cutoff total heat.

[0099] In a feasible embodiment, step S10 further includes steps S11 to S14:

[0100] Step S11: Input the operating parameters into the electric water heater simulation model, and determine the current inlet water energy and current outlet water energy of the inner tank space through the electric water heater simulation model;

[0101] Step S12, and take the difference between the current outflow internal energy and the current inflow internal energy as the current internal energy consumption;

[0102] Step S13: Determine the current internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space through the electric water heater simulation model, and aggregate the current internal energy of all layers of the inner tank space to obtain the current total heat.

[0103] Step S14: Determine the cutoff internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space under the preset hot water cutoff state through the electric water heater simulation model, and aggregate the cutoff internal energy of all layers of the inner tank space to obtain the total cutoff heat.

[0104] It should be noted that the current inlet water internal energy can be characterized as the inlet water internal energy corresponding to the current inlet water flow rate input to the electric water heater simulation model in the current simulation cycle, while the current outlet water internal energy can be characterized as the current internal energy of the flow rate output from the outlet flow interface of the inner tank space in the current simulation cycle. The current simulation cycle refers to the current simulation cycle in which the electric water heater simulation model is running. The electric water heater simulation model can continuously run multiple simulation cycles. The currently running simulation cycle is the simulation of the electric water heater performed by the electric water heater simulation model based on the currently input operating parameters.

[0105] The difference between the current internal energy of the outflowing water and the current internal energy of the inflowing water reflects the change in internal energy between the flow input interface and the flow output interface of the inner tank space.

[0106] The inner liner space includes a preset number of layers. Each layer in the inner liner space has its own corresponding current internal energy. The current internal energy can be the internal energy of each layer in the inner liner space under the current simulation cycle. By superimposing the current internal energies of all layers in the inner liner space, the current total heat of the inner liner space can be obtained.

[0107] Each layer in the inner tank has its own corresponding cutoff internal energy. The cutoff internal energy is the internal energy predicted by the electric water heater simulation model under the preset hot water cutoff state. The total cutoff heat can be obtained by accumulating the cutoff internal energies of all layers in the inner tank.

[0108] For example, in this embodiment, after the operating parameters are input into the electric water heater simulation model, the electric water heater simulation model can be used to determine the current inlet water internal energy and the current outlet water internal energy of the inner tank space under the operating parameters, and use the difference between the current outlet water internal energy and the current inlet water internal energy as the current internal energy consumption; the electric water heater simulation model can also be used to determine the current internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space under the operating parameters, and accumulate the current internal energy of all layers in the inner tank space to obtain the current total heat; the electric water heater simulation model can also be used to determine the cutoff internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space under the preset hot water cutoff state under the operating parameters, and accumulate the cutoff internal energy of all layers in the inner tank space to obtain the cutoff total heat.

[0109] This embodiment uses an electric water heater simulation model to simulate the operation of the electric water heater, outputting the current internal energy consumption, the current total heat, and the cutoff total heat, thereby facilitating the subsequent determination of the remaining hot water time.

[0110] In one feasible embodiment, the electric water heater simulation model includes a flow input interface and a flow output interface configured in the inner tank space, and the operating parameters include: current inlet water flow rate, current inlet water temperature, historical density and historical specific enthalpy of each layer of the inner tank space; step S11 further includes steps A10 to A30:

[0111] Step A10: Determine the current pressure of the bottom layer of the inner tank adjacent to the flow input interface using the electric water heater simulation model;

[0112] It should be noted that the current pressure at the bottom layer refers to the current pressure experienced by the bottom layer within the inner tank space, which is the layer adjacent to the flow input interface. For example, the current pressure at the bottom layer of the inner tank space can be determined using a simulation model of an electric water heater.

[0113] In a feasible embodiment, the operating parameters further include: the outlet pressure of the inner tank space including the flow output interface; step A10 includes steps A11 to A12:

[0114] Step A11: For each layer of the inner tank space, the pressure of each layer is calculated by the electric water heater simulation model based on the outlet pressure, the historical density of each layer, and the height of each layer relative to the flow output interface.

[0115] Step A12: Use the current pressure of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface as the current pressure of the bottom layer.

[0116] It should be noted that the outlet pressure can be atmospheric pressure or the pressure detected by a pressure sensor at the flow output interface. For example, the pressure can be detected at the output port of an electric water heater and used as the outlet pressure. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0117] When the current simulation cycle is the initial cycle, the historical density is the initial density. When the current simulation cycle is not the initial cycle, the historical density is the target density of the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle. The target density of the previous simulation cycle is the density output by the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle. The initial cycle refers to the first cycle in which the electric water heater simulation model simulates the operation of the electric water heater's inner tank. The initial cycle does not have a corresponding previous simulation cycle, so the historical density is the initial density. The initial density can be determined based on the detected temperature inside the inner tank and the preset temperature-density mapping relationship. The preset temperature-density mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between each temperature and its corresponding density.

[0118] The height of each layer relative to the flow output interface can refer to the vertical distance of each layer to the flow output interface. For any layer, it can be the vertical distance from the upper surface of the layer to the flow output interface. The height of the layer can also be the average vertical distance from the layer to the flow output interface. For example, it can be the average of the vertical distance from the upper surface of the layer to the flow output interface and the vertical distance from the lower surface of the layer to the flow output interface. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0119] For example, for each layer, the product of the layer's height relative to the flow output interface, historical density, and gravitational acceleration is calculated to obtain the intermediate pressure. The sum of the intermediate pressure and the outlet pressure is then calculated to obtain the pressure of that layer. In this embodiment, each layer in the inner liner space can have its own corresponding serial number. For example, the serial numbers of each layer in the inner liner space start from the layer adjacent to the flow output interface and are sequentially numbered 1 to i to n. For example, the serial number of the layer adjacent to the flow output interface is 1, and the serial number of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface is n. Alternatively, the serial numbers of each layer in the inner liner space can also start from the layer adjacent to the flow output interface and are sequentially numbered n to i to 1. For example, the serial number of the layer adjacent to the flow output interface is n, and the serial number of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface is 1.

[0120] For example, when the layers in the inner chamber are numbered sequentially from 1 to i to n, starting from the layer adjacent to the flow output interface, the formula for calculating the pressure of each layer can be expressed as:

[0121] The historical density of layer i, g is the preset gravitational acceleration, i is the layer sequence, R is the radius corresponding to the inner cavity being a cylinder, n is the preset quantity, 2iR / n is the height of layer i relative to the flow output interface, i and j are positive integers, i is less than n. It is understandable that the height of layer i relative to the flow output interface can be calculated based on the radius of the inner cavity, the preset quantity, and the sequence number i of layer i. The current pressure of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface is taken as the current pressure of the bottom layer.

[0122] In other embodiments, the formula for calculating the pressure of each layer in the electric water heater simulation model can also be used to directly calculate the current pressure of the bottom layer.

[0123] This embodiment calculates the pressure of each layer by using the outlet pressure, the corresponding height and density of each layer, etc., so as to understand the pressure of each layer in the inner tank space, thereby determining the current pressure of the bottom layer, and thus facilitating the determination of the current internal energy of the incoming water.

[0124] Step A20: Using the electric water heater simulation model, find the current inlet water internal energy corresponding to the current inlet water flow rate, current inlet water temperature, and current bottom pressure in the preset inlet water internal energy mapping relationship;

[0125] It should be noted that the operating parameters include control operating parameters, which at least include the current inlet water flow rate and the current inlet water temperature. The current inlet water flow rate is the inlet water flow rate input to the inner tank space during the current simulation cycle of the electric water heater, and the current inlet water temperature is the temperature at the current inlet water flow rate. The preset inlet water internal energy mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between pressure, inlet water flow rate, and inlet water temperature for multiple inlet water internal energies. The electric water heater simulation model can also be used to find the inlet water internal energy of the bottom layer in the inner tank space based on the current inlet water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and the current pressure of the target layer in the preset inlet water internal energy mapping relationship.

[0126] Step A30: Using the electric water heater simulation model, calculate the current inlet water flow rate, the product of the historical density and historical specific enthalpy of the layer adjacent to the flow output interface, and obtain the current outlet water internal energy.

[0127] It should be noted that the operating parameters include simulation operating parameters, which at least include the historical density and historical specific enthalpy for each layer. When the current simulation cycle is the initial cycle, the historical specific enthalpy is the initial specific enthalpy. When the current simulation cycle is not the initial cycle, the historical density is the target specific enthalpy of the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle. The target specific enthalpy of the previous simulation cycle is the specific enthalpy output by the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle.

[0128] For example, the simulation model of an electric water heater may include formulas for calculating the internal energy of the current outlet water, such as:

[0129] Historical density of adjacent layers, F j This represents the current inflow rate. The specific enthalpy of the m-th layer in the (j-1)-th simulation period, that is This represents the historical enthalpy of the layer adjacent to the output flow interface. The current simulation period can be j, where j-1 is the previous simulation period. The m-th layer is the top layer of the inner space, which is the layer adjacent to the flow output interface of the inner space.

[0130] This embodiment calculates the internal energy of the current outflow water and the current inflow water to determine the internal energy consumption of the electric water heater simulation model in the current simulation cycle, thus facilitating the subsequent determination of the remaining hot water usage time.

[0131] In a feasible embodiment, the inner liner space includes a target layer, which can be any layer of the inner liner space, and the operating parameters also include the historical heat exchange power of the target layer; step S13 further includes steps B10 to B30:

[0132] Step B10: For each target layer, calculate the power of the target layer by multiplying the historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and current input flow rate in the operating parameters using an electric water heater simulation model.

[0133] It should be noted that the operating parameters include simulation operating parameters, which include the historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and historical heat transfer power of each layer. That is, each layer in the inner liner space has its own corresponding historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and historical heat transfer power. Specific enthalpy represents the thermodynamic property of the liquid in the target layer under constant pressure, and its unit is joules per kilogram (J / kg). Heat transfer power is the ability to transfer heat per unit time; in this embodiment, the heat transfer power can be the heat transfer power of the target layer to the inner liner space.

[0134] The simulation model of an electric water heater can be used to calculate the power of a target layer. This model can include a formula for calculating the power of the target layer, which can be derived by calculating the product of historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and the current input flow rate. For example, this formula can be expressed as:

[0135] The historical density of the i-th layer, F j Let be the current influent flow rate, which is also the influent flow rate in the j-th simulation period. The specific enthalpy of the i-th layer in the (j-1)-th simulation cycle, that is Let be the historical enthalpy of the i-th layer in the j-th simulation period. The current simulation period can be j, where j-1 is the previous simulation period. i is greater than 0 and less than n, and i is a positive integer.

[0136] Density is measured in kilograms per cubic meter (kg / m³), specific enthalpy in joules per kilogram (J / kg), and current input flow rate in cubic meters per second (m³ / s). The product of density and current input flow rate is mass flow rate, measured in kilograms per second (kg / s). Power is measured in joules per second (J / s), and the product of mass flow rate and specific enthalpy is in J / s, where J / s is the unit of power. Therefore, the power of the target layer can be obtained by calculating the product of its historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and current input flow rate using the internal energy simulation module. Mass flow rate is the mass of fluid flowing through a cross-section per unit time. For example, the mass flow rate of the target layer is the mass of fluid flowing through the target layer per unit time.

[0137] Step B20: Using an electric water heater simulation model, calculate the power of the adjacent lower layers of the target layer, the power of the target layer, and the difference between the power and the historical heat exchange power to obtain the remaining power of the target layer.

[0138] It should be noted that the adjacent lower layer refers to the layer adjacent to the target layer and closer in vertical distance to the flow input interface. The current input flow is injected into the inner tank space through the flow input interface. Therefore, the liquid in the adjacent lower layer will compress the liquid in the target layer, and the liquid in the target layer will compress the liquid above it. It can be understood that the energy of the liquid in the adjacent lower layer will be transferred to the target layer, and the energy of the liquid in the target layer will be transferred to the layer above it. Simultaneously, the target layer will exchange heat with the inner surface of the inner tank space, thus consuming heat exchange power. Therefore, the remaining power is obtained by subtracting the power of the target layer from the power of the adjacent lower layer, and then subtracting the historical heat exchange power.

[0139] For example, the electric water heater simulation model can also be used to calculate the remaining power of the target layer. The electric water heater simulation model includes a formula for calculating the remaining power of the target layer. For example, the formula can be expressed as: Remaining power of the target layer = Power of the adjacent lower layer of the target layer - Power of the target layer - Historical heat exchange power of the target layer.

[0140] Since specific enthalpy is related to internal energy and heat transfer power is related to temperature, and specific enthalpy and heat transfer power are needed when calculating internal energy in the current simulation cycle, historical specific enthalpy and historical heat transfer power can be used to calculate the remaining power of the target layer in the current simulation cycle. Since the electric water heater simulation model is continuously running, the current simulation cycle will continue after the previous simulation cycle ends. Adjacent simulation cycles are continuous in time. Therefore, historical specific enthalpy and historical heat transfer power of the target layer can be used to calculate the remaining power of the target layer in the first place. This can improve the accuracy of the remaining power calculation and facilitate the subsequent determination of internal energy.

[0141] When the target layer is adjacent to the flow input interface, the current internal energy of the influent is used as the power of the adjacent lower layer of the target layer.

[0142] It should be noted that when the target layer is adjacent to the flow input interface, it means that the target layer is the bottom layer in the inner tank space. When the target layer is the bottom layer in the inner tank space, the current internal energy of the incoming water can be used as the power of the adjacent lower layer of the target layer, which makes it easier to calculate the remaining power using the internal energy of the incoming water.

[0143] For example, based on the current inlet water flow rate, inlet water temperature, and the pressure of the target layer in the current simulation cycle, the corresponding current inlet water internal energy is found in the preset inlet water internal energy mapping relationship. When the target layer is the bottom layer in the inner tank space, the remaining power corresponding to the target layer is the inlet water internal energy minus the power of the target layer and the historical heat exchange power of the target layer.

[0144] Step B30: Based on the remaining power of the target layer, the relative position between the target layer and the preset heating tube in the inner tank space, the heating status of the electric water heater, and the historical internal energy of the target layer in the operating parameters, determine the current internal energy of the target layer.

[0145] Specifically, when the target layer is adjacent to the flow input interface of the inner tank space, the current internal energy of the influent in the inner tank space is used as the power of the adjacent lower layer of the target layer.

[0146] It should be noted that a preset heating element can also be installed in the inner tank space of the electric water heater simulation model. This preset heating element is used to heat the liquid in the inner tank space. In the electric water heater simulation model, the preset heating element can be simplified to a point, which can be configured in a certain layer of the inner tank space. The configuration position of the preset heating element in the inner tank space can be determined based on the actual situation; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this. Each layer in the inner tank space has its own corresponding historical internal energy. When the current simulation cycle is not the initial cycle, the historical internal energy is the internal energy of the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle. When the current simulation cycle is the initial cycle, the historical internal energy is the initial internal energy corresponding to the electric water heater simulation model, which is determined based on the initial temperature and initial pressure in the initial cycle.

[0147] Since the preset heating element can be used to heat the liquid in the inner tank space, it will also affect the internal energy of the liquid in the inner tank space. Therefore, the electric water heater simulation model can be used to determine the internal energy in the current simulation cycle based on the remaining power of the target layer, the position of the preset heating element, and the historical internal energy of the target layer.

[0148] For example, the relative position between the preset heating element and the target layer can be determined based on the layer in which the preset heating element is located within the inner liner space. The relative position between the preset heating element and the target layer includes whether the target layer is not in the layer where the preset heating element is located, and whether the target layer is in the layer where the preset heating element is located. There can be multiple layers containing the preset heating element, or there can be only one. The number of layers containing the preset heating element may also be different when the volume of the preset heating element is different, and / or when the number of layers in the inner liner space is different.

[0149] For example, an electric water heater simulation model can be used to determine the internal energy of the target layer in the current simulation cycle based on the remaining power of the target layer, the relative position between the target layer and the preset heating tube, and the historical internal energy of the target layer.

[0150] This embodiment takes into account the influence of the preset heating tube on the liquid in the inner tank space, and combines the preset heating tube, the remaining power of the target layer and the historical cumulative power to determine the internal energy of the target layer, thereby improving the accuracy of determining the internal energy of each layer.

[0151] In a feasible embodiment, step B30 further includes steps B31 to B32:

[0152] Step B31: When the heating state is not heated, or the relative position is that the target layer is not in the layer where the preset heating tube is located, the sum of the remaining power of the target layer and the historical internal energy is taken as the current internal energy of the target layer.

[0153] It should be noted that when the target layer is not located in the layer containing the preset heating element, the influence of the current heating power of the preset heating element on the target layer can be ignored. When the heating state is not heating, the current heating power is 0, so the influence of the current heating power of the preset heating element on the target layer can also be ignored. Therefore, the internal energy of the target layer in the current simulation cycle can be obtained by directly summing the remaining power and the historical internal energy. When the target layer is not located in the layer containing the preset heating element, the historical internal energy of the target layer can be represented as the remaining power accumulated by the target layer from the initial cycle to the previous simulation cycle during the simulation of the electric water heater simulation model.

[0154] For example, the electric water heater simulation model can be used to take the sum of the target layer, the remaining power, and the historical internal energy as the internal energy of the target layer in the current simulation cycle when the target layer is not in the layer where the preset heating tube is located, or when the heating state is not heating.

[0155] Step B32: When the heating state is heating and the target layer is located in the layer where the preset heating tube is located, calculate the sum of the remaining power of the layer and the current heating power to obtain the heating power of the target layer, and use the sum of the heating power and the historical internal energy as the current internal energy of the target layer.

[0156] It should be noted that when the heating state is active and the target layer is located on the layer containing the preset heating tube, the preset heating tube will transfer energy to the target layer. Therefore, the impact of the current heating power of the preset heating tube on the target layer needs to be considered. The heating power corresponding to each simulation cycle can be the same or different. In this embodiment, the remaining power and the current heating power can be directly added together to obtain the heating layer power, and the sum of the heating layer power and the historical internal energy is taken as the internal energy in the current simulation cycle. The heating layer power is the sum of the remaining power of the target layer and the current heating power.

[0157] When the target layer is located in the layer where the preset heating tube is located, the historical internal energy of the target layer can be characterized as the heating layer power accumulated in the previous simulation cycle from the initial cycle to the current simulation cycle during the simulation of the electric water heater simulation model.

[0158] For example, in an electric water heater simulation model, when the target layer is located in the layer with the preset heating element and is in the heating state, the sum of the remaining power and the current heating power of the target layer is calculated to obtain the heating layer power of the target layer. The sum of the heating layer power and the historical internal energy of the target layer is taken as the internal energy of the target layer in the current simulation cycle. This can improve the accuracy of determining the current internal energy of each layer in the inner tank space.

[0159] In a feasible embodiment, the operating parameters further include a preset cutoff temperature, and step S14 further includes steps C10 to C20:

[0160] Step C10: For each target layer in the inner tank space, the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer is determined by using the electric water heater simulation model based on the predicted cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature in the operating parameters.

[0161] It should be noted that the preset cutoff temperature refers to the temperature under a preset cutoff state. This preset cutoff temperature can be the temperature of the output flow rate when there is no hot water in the water heater, or it can be the average temperature of the inner tank. When the average temperature of the hot water in the inner tank drops to the preset cutoff temperature, or the temperature of the output flow rate drops to the preset cutoff temperature, the water heater is determined to be in a preset hot water cutoff state. During the operation of the water heater, the flow volume within the inner tank is generally constant; for example, the inflow and outflow rates are generally the same. Therefore, in the water heater simulation model, the inflow rate and the output flow rate in the inner tank space are the same within the same simulation cycle. It is understandable that when there is flow output in the inner tank, there will be flow input, and the temperature of the inflow flow rate will also affect the temperature of the liquid in the inner tank space. Flow input interfaces closer to the inner tank space are more affected by the inflow temperature, while those farther away are less affected. This also explains why the temperature in different parts of the inner tank space is not necessarily the same. Therefore, the predicted cutoff temperature for each point in the inner tank space may also be different under the preset cutoff state. Therefore, the electric water heater simulation model in this embodiment can be used to determine the predicted cutoff temperature for each target layer in the inner tank space based on the preset cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature. The predicted cutoff temperature is the temperature of the target layer in the preset cutoff state predicted under the current inlet water temperature and the preset cutoff temperature. Each layer in the inner tank space has its own corresponding predicted cutoff temperature.

[0162] For example, for each layer in the inner tank space, the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer is determined in the electric water heater simulation model based on the predicted cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature. Different target layers have different predicted cutoff temperatures. In the direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface, the predicted cutoff temperature of each layer in the inner tank space gradually increases. The electric water heater simulation model is used to determine the predicted cutoff temperature of each target layer.

[0163] In one feasible embodiment, step C10 further includes steps C11 to C14:

[0164] Step C11: Determine the cutoff temperature difference between the preset cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature using an electric water heater simulation model;

[0165] Step C12: Based on the target order of the target layer in the direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface in the inner liner space, calculate the difference between the preset quantity and the target order to obtain the order difference, and use the ratio of the order difference to the preset quantity as the temperature difference ratio.

[0166] Step C13: Calculate the product of the cutoff temperature difference and the temperature difference ratio to obtain the layer temperature difference of the target layer;

[0167] Step C14: The sum of the stratification temperature difference and the current influent temperature is used as the cutoff predicted temperature of the target layer.

[0168] It should be noted that the cutoff temperature difference is the difference between the preset cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature, where the preset cutoff temperature is greater than the current inlet water temperature. The inner tank space can be divided into n layers, where n is a preset number. The order of each layer in the inner tank space can be determined. For example, the layers in the inner tank space can be ordered in the direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface, or in the direction from the flow output interface to the flow input interface, etc. This embodiment does not specifically limit this. When determining the temperature difference ratio, the order of the target layer in the direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface needs to be used as the target order. The target order is the order of the target layer in the direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface. For example, in the direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface, the layer adjacent to the flow output interface can be numbered 1, and so on down to 2 to i, i to n-1, and n-1 to n. i is less than n.

[0169] The order difference is the difference between the preset quantity and the target order. The closer the target layer is to the flow input interface, the smaller the order difference. When the target layer is adjacent to the flow input interface, the order difference is 0. The closer the target layer is to the flow output interface, the larger the order difference. The smaller the order difference, the smaller the proportion of temperature difference and the smaller the stratified temperature difference; the larger the order difference, the larger the proportion of temperature difference and the smaller the stratified temperature difference. The order difference can be used to describe the relative distance between the target layer and the flow input interface. The larger the order difference, the larger the relative distance; the smaller the order difference, the smaller the relative distance. This makes it easier to determine the stratified temperature difference of the target layer through the order difference, so that the stratified temperature difference of the target layer closer to the flow input interface is smaller, and the stratified temperature difference of the target layer farther from the flow input interface is larger, thus improving the accuracy of determining the cutoff temperature.

[0170] When the target layer is adjacent to the flow input interface, the temperature difference ratio is 0. The layer temperature difference of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface is 0. The cutoff predicted temperature of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface is the current inlet water temperature. The layer adjacent to the flow input interface directly receives the current inlet water flow. Therefore, the temperature of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface can be considered as the current inlet water temperature.

[0171] In this embodiment, the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer closer to the flow output interface is higher, and the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer closer to the flow input interface is lower. Under the preset cutoff state, the change pattern of the predicted cutoff temperature of each layer in the inner tank space is as follows: in the direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface, the temperature of each layer in the inner tank space gradually increases. The direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface refers to the vertical direction from the horizontal plane where the flow input interface is located to the horizontal plane where the flow output interface is located. In this embodiment, it can be considered that under the preset cutoff state, the predicted cutoff temperature of the same layer in the inner tank space is the same. In this embodiment, the electric water heater simulation model can be used to determine the cutoff temperature difference, the temperature difference ratio of each target layer, and the layer temperature difference. The electric water heater simulation model is used to determine the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer based on the cutoff temperature difference, the temperature difference ratio of the target layer, and the layer temperature difference. For example, the electric water heater simulation model can include a formula for determining the predicted cutoff temperature, through which the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer can be determined.

[0172]

[0173] Where n is the preset quantity, i is the target order of the target layer, ni is the order difference, and T end,j The preset cutoff temperature for the j-th simulation cycle can be considered as the current simulation cycle. In this embodiment, each simulation cycle in the electric water heater simulation model can have its own corresponding preset cutoff temperature. The preset cutoff temperatures for different simulation cycles can be the same or different. in,j Let T be the inlet water temperature in the j-th simulation cycle. in,j This represents the current inlet water temperature.

[0174] This implementation improves the accuracy of determining the predicted cutoff temperature by determining the predicted cutoff temperature of each layer in the inner tank space under the preset cutoff state, rather than simply assuming that the temperature of each layer in the inner tank space is the same. Furthermore, since the predicted cutoff temperature of each layer is based on the current inlet water temperature, the preset cutoff temperature, and the relative distance between that layer and the flow input interface, the accuracy of determining the predicted cutoff temperature is improved.

[0175] Step C20: Based on the predicted cutoff temperature, determine the cutoff internal energy of the target layer under the preset hot water cutoff state.

[0176] It should be noted that each layer in the inner tank has its own corresponding cutoff internal energy, which can be determined based on the predicted cutoff temperature of each layer. The cutoff internal energy of each layer in the inner tank may be different. In this embodiment, the cutoff internal energy of the water heater under the preset hot water cutoff state can also be determined by an electric water heater simulation model.

[0177] Since internal energy is related to temperature, this embodiment determines the cutoff predicted temperature of each layer, and then determines the cutoff internal energy of each layer, thereby facilitating the determination of the total heat of the inner tank space under the preset hot water cutoff state, and improving the accuracy of determining the total heat of the cutoff.

[0178] In a feasible embodiment, step C20 further includes steps C21 to C23:

[0179] Step C21: Determine the cutoff density of the target layer at the cutoff predicted temperature in the preset temperature-density mapping relationship;

[0180] Step C22: Based on the cutoff density, the height of the flow output interface of the target layer relative to the inner liner space, the outlet pressure in the operating parameters, and the cutoff density of the target layer, the cutoff pressure of the target layer is calculated.

[0181] Step C23: Find the cutoff internal energy corresponding to both the cutoff predicted temperature and the cutoff pressure in the preset internal energy mapping relationship.

[0182] It should be noted that the preset temperature-density mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between each temperature and its corresponding density. This mapping relationship allows you to find the cutoff density corresponding to the predicted cutoff temperature. Different predicted cutoff temperatures correspond to different cutoff densities. The cutoff density is the density of the target layer under the preset hot water cutoff condition.

[0183] In this embodiment, the electric water heater simulation model can calculate the cutoff pressure of the target layer based on the cutoff density, outlet pressure, and the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface. The cutoff pressure of the target layer can be obtained by calculating the product of the cutoff density, the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface, and a preset gravitational acceleration, and then summing this product with the outlet pressure. The preset internal energy mapping relationship includes multiple mapping relationships between internal energy and corresponding temperature and pressure. The preset internal energy mapping relationship can be preset based on actual conditions; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this.

[0184] For example, an electric water heater simulation model may include a formula for calculating the cutoff pressure, which can be expressed as:

[0185]

[0186] Where, p out Let g be the outlet pressure, g be the preset gravitational acceleration, and L be the velocity. i It is the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface. When the sequence numbers of each layer in the inner space start from the layer adjacent to the flow output interface and are sequentially 1 to i to n, L i This can be expressed as 2iR / n, where i is the layer order, R is the radius when the inner space is a cylinder, and n is the preset number. Let n be the cutoff density of the i-th layer in the j-th simulation period, where i is a positive integer, less than or equal to n. Let be the cutoff pressure of the i-th layer in the j-th simulation period. Based on the cutoff pressure and predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer, find the cutoff internal energy of the target layer in the preset internal energy mapping relationship.

[0187] This embodiment finds the cutoff density by predicting the cutoff temperature, and then calculates the corresponding cutoff pressure based on the cutoff density. This allows for the determination of the corresponding cutoff internal energy based on both the cutoff pressure and the predicted cutoff temperature, thus improving the accuracy of the cutoff internal energy. In this embodiment, the electric water heater simulation model can also be used to find the cutoff density, determine the cutoff pressure, and find the cutoff internal energy.

[0188] Step S20: Determine the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater based on the current total heat, the cutoff total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating status of the electric water heater in the operating parameters.

[0189] It should be noted that the heating state can include two states: heating and not heating. When heating, the current heating power of the electric water heater simulation model is 0. The remaining hot water usage time varies depending on the heating state.

[0190] For example, in this embodiment, the remaining energy of the electric water heater when it reaches the preset hot water cutoff state can be determined based on the current total heat, the cutoff total heat, and the heating state. The ratio of the remaining energy to the current consumption of the inner tank can be used as the remaining hot water usage time.

[0191] Since the current total heat can reflect the current thermal energy of the electric water heater, the preset total heat at the hot water cut-off state can reflect the energy when the electric water heater runs out of hot water, and the current internal energy consumption can reflect the consumption of hot water in the electric water heater (for example, the more internal energy is consumed, the more hot water is used), and since the electric water heater continuously provides energy when heating but does not provide energy when not heating, this invention can determine the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater in the corresponding heating state based on the current total heat, the cut-off total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating state of the electric water heater in the operating parameters, without requiring the user to guess, thus improving the accuracy of the prediction of the remaining hot water usage time.

[0192] In a feasible embodiment, step S20 further includes steps S21 to S23:

[0193] Step S21: Determine the heat difference between the current total heat and the cutoff total heat;

[0194] Step S22: Calculate the ratio of the heat difference to the current internal energy consumption to obtain the heat consumption time;

[0195] Step S23: Determine the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater based on the heat consumption time and heating status.

[0196] It should be noted that the heat difference describes the remaining energy of the electric water heater when it reaches the preset hot water cut-off state, without heating. The heat consumption time describes the duration for which the remaining energy is used when the electric water heater is not heating.

[0197] For example, the difference between the current total heat and the cutoff total heat is calculated to obtain the heat difference. The ratio of the heat difference to the current internal energy consumption is used as the heat consumption time. When the heating state is not heating, the heat consumption time is used as the remaining hot water usage time. When the heating state is heating, the remaining hot water usage time during heating is determined based on the heat consumption time, the current heating power during heating, the preset time correction factor, and the current internal energy consumption. In this embodiment, the determination of the heat difference, heat consumption time, and remaining hot water usage time are all performed in the electric water heater simulation model. The electric water heater simulation model can be used to determine the heat difference, heat consumption time, and remaining hot water usage time.

[0198] This embodiment determines the heat consumption time by using the heat difference and the current internal energy consumption, which makes it easier to understand the remaining usage time of hot water when it is not heated. This allows users to plan their hot water usage based on the remaining usage time when it is not heated.

[0199] In a feasible embodiment, step S23 further includes steps S231 to S233:

[0200] Step S231: When the electric water heater is not heating, the heat consumption time is taken as the remaining hot water usage time.

[0201] It should be noted that when not heated, there is no additional heat replenishment in the inner tank. Since the heat consumption time can be reflected in the remaining energy usage time when not heated, the heat consumption time can be directly used as the remaining hot water usage time.

[0202] Step S232: When the electric water heater is in heating mode, calculate the product of heat consumption time, preset time correction factor and current heating power in the operating parameters to obtain the heating energy;

[0203] Step S233: Accumulate the heating energy and the heat difference to obtain the remaining total heat. Use the ratio of the remaining total heat to the current internal energy consumption as the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater in heating state.

[0204] It should be noted that during heating, the inner tank receives heat from the preset heating element. The current heating power is the power of the preset heating element during the current simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model. The heating power corresponding to different simulation cycles can be the same or different; this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on this. Therefore, during heating, it is necessary to consider the impact of the current heating power on the remaining hot water usage time to improve the accuracy of determining the remaining hot water usage time during heating.

[0205] The heating energy is the thermal energy used to heat the liquid inside the inner tank when the heating state is active. The preset duration correction factor can be used to correct the heating time. Since the heat consumption time is the time of energy consumption when not heating, the liquid inside the inner tank continuously receives heat during heating. Therefore, the time it takes for the electric water heater to reach the preset hot water cutoff state will be longer than the heat consumption time. Thus, the preset duration correction factor is needed to adjust the heat consumption time to improve the accuracy of the heating energy measurement.

[0206] The remaining total heat is the sum of heating energy and the heat difference. It describes the amount of heat remaining when the electric water heater reaches the preset hot water cut-off state during heating. Therefore, the ratio of the remaining total heat to the current internal energy consumption can be used as the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater in heating mode.

[0207] For example, an electric water heater simulation model can include a formula for determining the remaining hot water usage time. When the water is not heated, the formula for determining the remaining hot water usage time can be expressed as:

[0208] The current total heat during the simulation period, E end,j U is the cutoff total heat for the j-th simulation period. out,j For the current effluent internal energy in the j-th simulation cycle, U in,j For the current inflow internal energy in the j-th simulation period, U out,j -U in,j E represents the current internal energy consumption. start,j -E end,j Given the heat difference, it's understandable that in the electric water heater simulation model, the remaining unheated hot water usage time for different simulation cycles can be different or the same; the cutoff total heat for different simulation cycles can be different or the same; the current total heat for different simulation cycles can be different or the same; the current internal energy of the inlet water for different simulation cycles can be different or the same; and the current internal energy of the outlet water for different simulation cycles can be different or the same.

[0209] The formula for determining the remaining usage time of hot water during heating can be expressed as:

[0210] Remaining water usage time, P j Let E be the current heating power in the j-th simulation cycle, σ be the correction factor, and E be the current heating power in the j-th simulation cycle. start,j -E end,j +ΔE j For the remaining total heat, t j The remaining usage time of the hot water during the j-th simulation cycle is denoted as .

[0211] This embodiment can determine the remaining hot water usage time under different heating states, improving the accuracy of determining the remaining hot water usage time. Furthermore, when the heating state is active, a preset duration correction factor is introduced to determine the corresponding heating energy, thereby improving the remaining hot water usage time during heating. In this embodiment, the determination of the remaining hot water usage time can be performed within an electric water heater simulation model; that is, the electric water heater simulation model can be used to determine the remaining hot water usage time during heating as well as when it is not heating.

[0212] In other embodiments, once the electric water heater simulation model determines the remaining hot water usage time, it can output the remaining hot water usage time and display it on the display module of the electric water heater. This allows users to understand the remaining hot water usage time, improves user experience, and reduces the chance of running out of hot water midway through use.

[0213] In one feasible embodiment, step S10 further includes steps X10 to X40:

[0214] Step X10: For each target layer in the inner tank space, if the current simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model is not the initial cycle, obtain the pressure and temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model, wherein the temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle is determined based on the pressure and internal energy of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle.

[0215] Step X20: Based on the pressure and temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, determine the target density of the target layer in the preset density mapping relationship in the electric water heater simulation model, and use the target density as the historical density of the target layer.

[0216] It should be noted that the operating parameters include the historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and historical heat transfer power of each layer in the inner tank space. When the current simulation cycle is not the initial cycle, it indicates that the current simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model has a corresponding previous simulation cycle. In each simulation cycle, the electric water heater simulation model can output the pressure, internal energy, temperature, density, specific enthalpy, heat transfer power, and remaining hot water usage time for each layer of the inner tank space. Specifically, the internal energy, density, specific enthalpy, and heat transfer power output by the inner tank simulation model in the previous simulation cycle will be used as the historical internal energy, historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and historical heat transfer power for the current simulation cycle, respectively.

[0217] Since both pressure and internal energy affect temperature, and the volume of each layer remains constant after dividing the inner tank space into a predetermined number of layers, the temperature of each layer can be determined by the pressure and internal energy of each layer. In each simulation cycle, the temperature of each layer in the inner tank space can be determined based on its respective pressure and internal energy. For example, for the current simulation cycle, the temperature of the target layer in the current simulation cycle can be found in the preset temperature mapping relationship based on the current pressure and current internal energy of the target layer. The current pressure and current internal energy are the pressure and internal energy of the target layer in the current simulation cycle. In the electric water heater simulation model, the method for determining the pressure, internal energy, temperature, specific enthalpy, heat exchange power, and remaining hot water usage time of each layer is the same in each simulation cycle. Therefore, the temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle is determined based on the pressure and internal energy of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle.

[0218] For example, in each simulation cycle, for each layer, the electric water heater simulation model can look up the corresponding temperature in a preset temperature mapping relationship based on the pressure and internal energy of that layer, and thus output the temperature of that layer. The preset temperature mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between each temperature and the corresponding pressure and internal energy. The preset temperature mapping relationship can be represented as a table, etc., and can be preset based on actual conditions. This embodiment does not make specific limitations on this.

[0219] For example, in the current simulation cycle, the internal energy of the target layer output by the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle can be directly used as the historical internal energy of the target layer; the density of the target layer output by the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle can be used as the historical density of the target layer; the specific enthalpy of the target layer output by the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle can be used as the historical specific enthalpy of the target layer; and the heat transfer power of the target layer output by the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle can be used as the historical heat transfer power of the target layer.

[0220] The preset density mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between each density and its corresponding pressure and temperature. The preset density mapping relationship can be represented as a table. The preset density mapping relationship can be preset based on actual conditions, and this embodiment does not impose specific limitations on it. The target density is the density output by the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle. This target density can be used as the historical density of the target layer in the current simulation cycle.

[0221] For example, in each simulation cycle, the density can be determined based on pressure and temperature. Therefore, the target density in the previous simulation cycle can be determined based on the pressure and temperature output by the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle.

[0222] Step X30: Based on the volume of the target layer in the inner space, the target density, internal energy and pressure of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, calculate the target specific enthalpy of the target layer, and use the target specific enthalpy as the historical specific enthalpy of the target layer.

[0223] It should be noted that the volume of the target layer within the inner liner space can be determined based on its geometric dimensions. After dividing the inner liner space into a predetermined number of layers, the volume of each layer can be determined. For example, the volume of the target layer can be obtained by calculating the product of its height and its base area. The height can be obtained by dividing the diameter of the inner liner space by a predetermined number. The base area of ​​the target layer is determined based on its length and width. The length of the target layer can be the length of the inner liner space. When the inner liner space is a cylinder, the length of the inner liner space is the height of the cylinder. The width of the target layer can be the chord length of the base of the target layer within the circle of the cylinder, etc. This embodiment does not impose specific limitations on these aspects.

[0224] The electric water heater simulation model can calculate the target specific enthalpy of the target layer based on the volume of the target layer in the inner tank space, the density, internal energy, and pressure of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle.

[0225] For example, in the previous simulation cycle, the electric water heater simulation model calculates the product of the target layer's volume and target density to obtain the target layer's mass in the previous simulation cycle. The internal energy of the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle is divided by this mass to obtain the specific internal energy of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle. Specific internal energy is the internal energy per unit mass of the target layer. Based on the ratio of the target layer's pressure to its target density in the previous simulation cycle, the pressure-density ratio is obtained. The sum of the pressure-density ratio and the specific internal energy of the target layer is calculated to obtain the target specific enthalpy of the target layer. The target specific enthalpy of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle can be used as the historical specific enthalpy of the target layer in the current simulation cycle.

[0226] Step X40: Based on the preset heat transfer coefficient, the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle, the temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, and the contact area with the inner surface of the inner tank space, calculate the target heat transfer power of the target layer, and use the target heat transfer power as the historical heat transfer power of the target layer.

[0227] It should be noted that each layer in the inner liner has its own corresponding contact area. For any layer, the contact area of ​​that layer refers to the contact area between that layer and the inner surface of the inner liner. After dividing the inner liner into a preset number of layers, the contact area of ​​each layer in the inner liner can be determined. For example, the contact area of ​​the target layer is the area where the target layer intersects with the inner surface area of ​​the inner liner.

[0228] The preset heat transfer coefficient can be used to describe the heat exchanged per unit area per unit time due to temperature difference. The preset heat transfer coefficient can be determined based on the actual situation. When performing simulation in the inner liner simulation model, the preset heat transfer coefficient can remain unchanged. The preset heat transfer coefficient can be expressed as ε.

[0229] The electric water heater simulation model can be used to calculate the target heat transfer power of the target layer based on the preset heat transfer coefficient, the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle, the temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, and the contact area with the inner surface of the inner tank space.

[0230] For example, the temperature difference can be obtained by comparing the inlet water temperature with the temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle. The product of the temperature difference, the preset heat transfer coefficient, and the contact area of ​​the target layer can be calculated to obtain the target heat transfer power of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle. This target heat transfer power can be used as the historical heat transfer power of the target layer in the current simulation cycle.

[0231] In this embodiment, the target density, target specific enthalpy, and target heat transfer power of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle are respectively used as the historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and historical heat transfer power of the target layer in the current simulation cycle. This makes it easier to determine the current pressure and current internal energy of the target layer in the current simulation cycle, and thus easier to determine the corresponding remaining hot water usage time.

[0232] In a feasible embodiment, step S10 further includes steps Y10 to Y60:

[0233] Step Y10: When the current simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model is the initial cycle, and the inner tank space of the electric water heater simulation model receives the preset initial input flow, obtain the detected temperature in the inner tank space.

[0234] Step Y20: For each target layer in the inner space, find the initial density corresponding to the detection temperature in the preset temperature-density mapping relationship, and use the initial density as the historical density of the target layer.

[0235] It should be noted that when the current simulation cycle is the initial cycle, it means that the current simulation cycle is the first cycle in which the inner tank simulation model begins simulation. The detected temperature can be obtained from the temperature sensor built into the inner tank of an actual electric water heater.

[0236] For example, since the inner tank space in the electric water heater simulation model simulates the inner tank of the electric water heater, the simulation model can also simulate the initial temperature of the inner tank, the flow rate input to the inner tank, and the inlet water temperature of the input flow rate. During the initial cycle, the simulation model also configures the initial temperature of the inner tank space to match the temperature of the inner tank, which is the temperature when there is no liquid inside the inner tank. Therefore, when the inner tank is at its initial temperature, and the water flow rate is also input to the inner tank at a preset initial inlet temperature and a preset initial input flow rate, the temperature detected by the temperature sensor in the inner tank can be used as the detected temperature of the inner tank space. For example, it could be the temperature detected by any one of the temperature sensors in the inner tank, or it could be the average temperature detected by all the temperature sensors in the inner tank. This embodiment does not specifically limit this. In other embodiments, the detected temperature could also be a temperature set by the test personnel based on the test conditions, etc., which is not specifically limited in this embodiment.

[0237] The preset initial input flow rate is the flow rate input before the initial cycle, and the preset initial inlet water temperature is the temperature at the preset initial flow rate. While inputting the preset initial flow rate and preset initial inlet water temperature into the inner tank simulation model, the heating power of the inner tank simulation model can be configured to be 0, thus facilitating accurate acquisition of the detection temperature of the inner tank space. During the simulation process of the inner tank simulation model, operating parameters can also be input into the inner tank simulation model within the initial cycle. It is understood that a preset initial input flow rate and preset initial inlet water temperature are input before the initial cycle, and preset flow rate and preset flow rate temperature can still be input into the electric water heater simulation model within the initial cycle. The preset flow rate can be the same as or different from the preset initial flow rate, and the preset flow rate temperature can be the same as or different from the preset initial inlet water temperature; this embodiment does not specifically limit this.

[0238] The preset temperature-density mapping relationship includes the mapping relationship between each temperature and its corresponding density. This relationship allows us to find the initial density corresponding to the detected temperature and use it as the historical density of the target layer in the current simulation cycle. Since the detected temperature is available in the initial cycle, the corresponding initial density can be determined first to facilitate the subsequent calculation of the initial pressure of the target layer. In the current simulation cycle, the initial density of each layer in the inner chamber is the same.

[0239] Step Y30: Calculate the initial pressure of the target layer based on the initial density, the outlet pressure of the electric water heater simulation model, and the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface of the electric water heater simulation model.

[0240] Step Y40: Find the initial internal energy corresponding to the initial pressure and the detection temperature in the preset internal energy mapping relationship;

[0241] It should be noted that the electric water heater simulation model can calculate the initial pressure of the target layer based on the initial density, outlet pressure, and the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface. For example, the electric water heater simulation model can calculate the product of the initial density, the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface, and a preset gravitational acceleration to obtain the initial intermediate pressure of the target layer, and then calculate the sum of the initial intermediate pressure and the outlet pressure to obtain the initial pressure of the target layer. The initial intermediate pressure is the pressure of the target layer before the outlet pressure is accumulated. The preset internal energy mapping relationship includes multiple mapping relationships between internal energy and corresponding temperature and pressure.

[0242] For example, after determining the initial pressure and the detection temperature, the initial internal energy corresponding to both the initial pressure and the detection temperature can be found in a preset internal energy mapping relationship. When the current simulation cycle is the initial cycle, the historical internal energy of the target layer in the current simulation cycle is this initial internal energy.

[0243] Step Y50: Calculate the initial specific enthalpy of the target layer based on the initial internal energy, initial density, initial pressure, and the volume of the target layer in the inner space, and use the initial specific enthalpy as the historical specific enthalpy of the target layer.

[0244] It should be noted that the electric water heater simulation model can be used to determine the initial specific enthalpy of the target layer. For example, the initial mass of the target layer can be obtained by calculating the product of its volume and initial density. The initial internal energy can then be divided by this initial mass to obtain the initial specific internal energy of the target layer. Specific internal energy is the internal energy per unit mass of the target layer, and the initial specific internal energy is the initial specific internal energy of the target layer. Based on the ratio of the initial pressure to the initial density of the target layer, the initial pressure-density ratio can be obtained. The sum of the initial pressure-density ratio and the initial specific internal energy of the target layer can be calculated to obtain the initial specific enthalpy of the target layer. This initial specific enthalpy can be used as the historical specific enthalpy of the target layer in the current simulation cycle.

[0245] Step Y60: Based on the preset heat transfer coefficient, detection temperature, preset initial inlet water temperature of preset initial input flow rate, and contact area between the target layer and the inner surface of the inner tank space, calculate the initial heat transfer power of the target layer, and use the initial heat transfer power as the historical heat transfer power of the target layer.

[0246] It should be noted that the electric water heater simulation model can be used to determine the initial heat transfer power of the target layer. For example, the difference between the detected temperature of the target layer and the preset initial inlet water temperature can be calculated to obtain the detected temperature difference. The product of the detected temperature difference, the preset heat transfer coefficient, and the contact area of ​​the target layer can then be calculated to obtain the initial heat transfer power of the target layer. This initial heat transfer power can be used as the historical heat transfer power of the target layer.

[0247] In this embodiment, the temperature is detected first during the initial operation of the electric water heater simulation model, and then the corresponding initial density, initial pressure, initial specific enthalpy, and initial heat exchange power are determined. This facilitates the determination of the temperature in subsequent simulation cycles, and in turn facilitates the determination of internal energy, pressure, etc., in subsequent simulation cycles, so as to predict the remaining usage time of hot water.

[0248] To better understand this embodiment, please refer to Figure 4 The process of determining the remaining time for displaying hot water in this embodiment will be explained.

[0249] Step z10: Build an electric water heater simulation model based on Modelica; Step z20: Determine the C code for the electric water heater simulation model; Step z30: Deploy the C code on a server to run the electric water heater simulation model on the server, and / or the electric water heater controller to run the electric water heater simulation model on the controller; Step z40: Initialize the electric water heater simulation model; Step z50: Obtain the running parameters; Step z60: Run the electric water heater simulation model, which will output the remaining hot water usage time after running; Step z80: Display the remaining hot water usage time on the electric water heater.

[0250] Initializing the electric water heater simulation model means inputting a preset initial flow rate and a preset initial inlet water temperature into the electric water heater simulation model, and determining the detection temperature, initial density, initial pressure, initial specific enthalpy, initial internal energy, and initial heat exchange power.

[0251] The C code for the electric water heater simulation model can be determined using a code conversion tool. This C code can then be integrated into the water heater's controller to run the simulation model. Alternatively, the C code can be integrated into the corresponding server to run the simulation model. This embodiment does not specifically limit the specific implementation. For example, the code generation tool could be the OpenModelica compiler (OMC), which can compile the electric water heater simulation model into C code.

[0252] Operating parameters can include control operating parameters and simulation operating parameters. Control operating parameters include at least the current inlet water flow rate, current inlet water temperature, heating status, current heating power, and preset cutoff temperature. Control operating parameters can also include outlet pressure and preset cutoff temperature. The outlet pressure can be atmospheric pressure or can be preset in the electric water heater simulation model. Simulation operating parameters can include the historical density, historical specific enthalpy, historical heat exchange power, and historical internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space.

[0253] This invention also provides a hot water remaining usage time prediction device 30, applied to a preset electric water heater simulation model. Please refer to... Figure 4 The hot water remaining usage time prediction device 30 includes:

[0254] The acquisition module 10 is used to acquire the operating parameters of the electric water heater, input the operating parameters into the electric water heater simulation model, and obtain the current internal energy consumption, current total heat, and total heat cutoff of the electric water heater under the preset hot water cutoff state.

[0255] The duration prediction module 20 is used to determine the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater based on the current total heat, the cutoff total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating status of the electric water heater in the operating parameters.

[0256] The hot water remaining usage time prediction device provided by this invention, employing the hot water remaining usage time prediction method in the above embodiments, can solve the technical problem of low prediction accuracy of hot water remaining usage time. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the hot water remaining usage time prediction device provided by this invention are the same as those of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method provided in the above embodiments, and other technical features in the hot water remaining usage time prediction device are the same as those disclosed in the methods of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0257] This invention provides a water heater, which includes a memory, a processor, and a hot water remaining usage time prediction program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the hot water remaining usage time prediction program is executed by the processor, it enables at least one processor to execute the hot water remaining usage time prediction method in the above embodiments.

[0258] The following is for reference. Figure 5 It shows a structural schematic diagram of a water heater suitable for implementing embodiments of the present disclosure. Figure 5 The structure of the water heater shown is merely an example and should not be construed as limiting the functionality and scope of use of the embodiments disclosed herein.

[0259] like Figure 5 As shown, the water heater may include a processor 101, such as a CPU, a communication bus 102, a user interface 103, a network interface 104, and a memory 105. The communication bus 102 is used to enable communication between these components. The user interface 103 may include a display screen and an input unit such as a keyboard; optionally, the user interface 103 may also include a standard wired interface or a wireless interface. The network interface 104 may optionally include a standard wired interface or a wireless interface (such as a Wi-Fi interface). The memory 105 may be high-speed RAM or stable non-volatile memory, such as a disk drive. Optionally, the memory 105 may also be a storage device independent of the aforementioned processor 101.

[0260] Those skilled in the art will understand that Figure 5 The water heater structure shown does not constitute a limitation on the water heater and may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or have different component arrangements.

[0261] like Figure 5 As shown, the memory 105, which serves as a computer storage medium, may include an operating system, a network communication module, a user interface module, and a program for predicting the remaining hot water usage time.

[0262] exist Figure 5 In the water heater shown, the network interface 104 is mainly used to connect to the backend server and communicate data with the backend server; the user interface 103 is mainly used to connect to the client and communicate data with the client; and the processor 101 can be used to call the hot water remaining usage time prediction program stored in the memory 105 to execute the steps of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method.

[0263] The water heater provided by this invention employs the hot water remaining usage time prediction method in the above embodiments, which can solve the technical problem of low accuracy in predicting the remaining hot water usage time. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the water heater provided by this invention are the same as those of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method provided in the above embodiments, and other technical features of this water heater are the same as those disclosed in the method of the previous embodiment, and will not be repeated here.

[0264] It should be understood that various parts of this disclosure can be implemented using hardware, software, firmware, or a combination thereof. In the description of the above embodiments, specific features, structures, materials, or characteristics may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments or examples.

[0265] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, but the scope of protection of the present invention is not limited thereto. Any variations or substitutions that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art within the technical scope disclosed in the present invention should be included within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of the present invention should be determined by the scope of the claims.

[0266] This invention provides a computer-readable storage medium including computer-readable program instructions stored thereon, which are used to execute the hot water remaining usage time prediction method in Embodiment 1 above.

[0267] The computer-readable storage medium provided in this embodiment of the invention may be, for example, a USB flash drive, but is not limited to, an electrical, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, device, or any combination thereof. More specific examples of a computer-readable storage medium may include, but are not limited to, electrical connections including one or more wires, portable computer disks, hard disks, random access memory (RAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), optical fiber, portable compact disk read-only memory (CD-ROM), optical storage devices, magnetic storage devices, or any suitable combination thereof. In this embodiment, the computer-readable storage medium may be any tangible medium containing or storing a program that can be used by or in conjunction with an instruction execution system, system, or device. The program code contained on the computer-readable storage medium may be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to: wires, optical cables, RF (Radio Frequency), etc., or any suitable combination thereof.

[0268] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium may be included in the hot water remaining usage time prediction device; or it may exist independently and not assembled into the hot water remaining usage time prediction device.

[0269] The aforementioned computer-readable storage medium carries one or more programs. When the aforementioned one or more programs are executed by the hot water remaining usage time prediction device, the hot water remaining usage time prediction device: acquires the operating parameters of the electric water heater, inputs the operating parameters into the electric water heater simulation model, and obtains the current internal energy consumption, current total heat, and the total heat cutoff of the electric water heater under a preset hot water cutoff state; and determines the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater based on the current total heat, the total heat cutoff, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating state of the electric water heater in the operating parameters.

[0270] Computer program code for performing the operations of this disclosure can be written in one or more programming languages ​​or a combination thereof, including object-oriented programming languages ​​such as Java, Smalltalk, and C++, and conventional procedural programming languages ​​such as the "C" language or similar programming languages. The program code can be executed entirely on the user's computer, partially on the user's computer, as a standalone software package, partially on the user's computer and partially on a remote computer, or entirely on a remote computer or server. In cases involving remote computers, the remote computer can be connected to the user's computer via any type of network—including a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN)—or can be connected to an external computer (e.g., via the Internet using an Internet service provider).

[0271] The flowcharts and block diagrams in the accompanying drawings illustrate the architecture, functionality, and operation of possible implementations of systems, methods, and computer program products according to various embodiments of the present invention. In this regard, each block in a flowchart or block diagram may represent a module, segment, or portion of code containing one or more executable instructions for implementing a specified logical function. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions indicated in the blocks may occur in a different order than those indicated in the drawings. For example, two consecutively indicated blocks may actually be executed substantially in parallel, and they may sometimes be executed in reverse order, depending on the functions involved. It should also be noted that each block in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flowcharts, can be implemented using a dedicated hardware-based system that performs the specified function or operation, or using a combination of dedicated hardware and computer instructions.

[0272] The modules described in the embodiments of this disclosure can be implemented in software or hardware. The names of the modules do not necessarily limit the functionality of the unit itself.

[0273] The readable storage medium provided by this invention is a computer-readable storage medium that stores computer-readable program instructions for executing the above-described method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time, thereby solving the technical problem of low accuracy in predicting the remaining hot water usage time. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the computer-readable storage medium provided in this invention are the same as those of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method provided in the above-described embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0274] This invention also provides a computer program product, including a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the steps of the above-described method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time.

[0275] The computer program product provided by this invention can solve the technical problem of low accuracy in predicting the remaining hot water usage time. Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of the computer program product provided in this invention are the same as those of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method provided in the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0276] The above are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and do not limit the patent scope of the present invention. Any equivalent structural or procedural transformations made based on the content of the present invention's specification and drawings, or direct or indirect applications in other related technical fields, are similarly included within the patent scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A method for predicting the remaining usage time of hot water, characterized in that, The method for predicting the remaining hot water usage time, applied to a preset electric water heater simulation model, includes: The operating parameters of the electric water heater are obtained and input into the simulation model of the electric water heater to obtain the current internal energy consumption, current total heat, and total heat cutoff of the electric water heater under the preset hot water cutoff state. Based on the current total heat, the cutoff total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating status of the electric water heater in the operating parameters, determine the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater; The electric water heater simulation model is used to simulate the parameter changes of the electric water heater during operation. The parameters of the electric water heater include the current internal energy consumption, the current total heat, and the cutoff total heat.

2. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The electric water heater simulation model includes an inner tank space, and the inner tank space includes a preset number of layers; The step of inputting the operating parameters into the electric water heater simulation model to obtain the current internal energy consumption, current total heat, and total heat cutoff of the electric water heater under the preset hot water cutoff state includes: The operating parameters are input into the electric water heater simulation model, and the current inlet water energy and current outlet water energy of the inner tank space are determined by the electric water heater simulation model. The difference between the current outflow internal energy and the current inflow internal energy is taken as the current internal energy consumption. The current internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space is determined by the electric water heater simulation model, and the current internal energy of all layers of the inner tank space is aggregated to obtain the current total heat. The internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space under a preset hot water cut-off state is determined by the electric water heater simulation model, and the total heat cut-off is obtained by aggregating the internal energy of all layers of the inner tank space.

3. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electric water heater simulation model includes a flow input interface and a flow output interface configured in the inner tank space. The operating parameters include: current inlet water flow rate, current inlet water temperature, historical density and historical specific enthalpy of each layer in the inner tank space. The steps of determining the current inlet water energy and current outlet water energy of the inner tank space through the electric water heater simulation model include: Using the electric water heater simulation model, the current pressure of the bottom layer of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface in the inner tank space is determined; Using the electric water heater simulation model, the current inlet water internal energy corresponding to the current inlet water flow rate, the current inlet water temperature, and the current bottom pressure is found in the preset inlet water internal energy mapping relationship; The current inlet water internal energy is obtained by calculating the product of the current inlet water flow rate, the historical density and historical specific enthalpy of the layer adjacent to the flow output interface using the electric water heater simulation model.

4. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The operating parameters also include: the outlet pressure of the flow output interface; The step of determining the current pressure of the bottom layer of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface in the inner tank space using the electric water heater simulation model includes: For each layer of the inner tank space, the pressure of each layer is calculated by the electric water heater simulation model based on the outlet pressure, the historical density of each layer, and the height of each layer relative to the flow output interface. The current pressure of the layer adjacent to the flow input interface is taken as the current pressure of the bottom layer.

5. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The inner liner space includes a target layer, which can be any layer of the inner liner space. The operating parameters also include the historical heat exchange power and historical internal energy of the target layer. The step of determining the current internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space using the electric water heater simulation model includes: For each target layer, the power of the target layer is obtained by calculating the product of the historical density, historical specific enthalpy, and current input flow rate in the operating parameters using the electric water heater simulation model. Using the electric water heater simulation model, the power of the adjacent lower layer of the target layer, the power of the target layer, and the difference between the target layer and the historical heat exchange power are calculated to obtain the remaining power of the target layer. Based on the remaining power of the target layer, the relative position between the target layer and the preset heating tube in the inner tank space, the heating status of the electric water heater, and the historical internal energy of the target layer in the operating parameters, the current internal energy of the target layer is determined. Specifically, when the target layer is adjacent to the flow input interface of the inner tank space, the current internal energy of the influent of the inner tank space is used as the power of the adjacent lower layer of the target layer.

6. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 5, characterized in that, The operating parameters include the current heating power of the electric water heater; The step of determining the current internal energy of the target layer based on the remaining power of the target layer, the relative position between the target layer and the preset heating element in the inner tank space, the heating state of the electric water heater, and the historical internal energy of the target layer in the operating parameters includes: When the heating state is not heated, or when the relative position is that the target layer is not located in the layer where the preset heating tube is located, the sum of the remaining power of the target layer and the historical internal energy is taken as the current internal energy of the target layer; When the heating state is heating and the target layer is located in the layer where the preset heating tube is located, the sum of the remaining power of the layer and the current heating power is calculated to obtain the heating power of the target layer, and the sum of the heating power and the historical internal energy is taken as the current internal energy of the target layer.

7. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The operating parameters also include a preset cutoff temperature; The step of determining the cutoff internal energy of each layer of the inner tank space under a preset hot water cutoff state using the electric water heater simulation model includes: For each target layer in the inner tank space, the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer is determined by the electric water heater simulation model based on the predicted cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature in the operating parameters. Based on the predicted cutoff temperature, the cutoff internal energy of the target layer under the preset hot water cutoff state is determined.

8. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The step of determining the predicted cutoff temperature of the target layer using the electric water heater simulation model, based on the predicted cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature in the operating parameters, includes: The cutoff temperature difference between the preset cutoff temperature and the current inlet water temperature is determined using an electric water heater simulation model. Based on the target order of the target layer in the direction from the flow input interface to the flow output interface in the inner space, the difference between the preset quantity and the target order is calculated to obtain the order difference, and the ratio of the order difference to the preset quantity is used as the temperature difference ratio. The product of the cutoff temperature difference and the percentage of the temperature difference is calculated to obtain the layer temperature difference of the target layer; The sum of the stratified temperature difference and the current influent temperature is used as the cutoff predicted temperature of the target stratum.

9. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 7, characterized in that, The step of determining the cutoff internal energy of the target layer under the preset hot water cutoff state based on the cutoff predicted temperature includes: The cutoff density of the target layer at the cutoff prediction temperature is determined in a preset temperature-density mapping relationship; The cutoff pressure of the target layer is calculated based on the cutoff density, the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface of the inner liner space, the outlet pressure in the operating parameters, and the cutoff density of the target layer. Find the cutoff internal energy that corresponds to both the predicted cutoff temperature and the cutoff pressure in the preset internal energy mapping relationship.

10. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The step of determining the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater based on the current total heat, the cutoff total heat, the current internal energy consumption, and the heating status of the electric water heater in the operating parameters includes: Determine the heat difference between the current total heat and the cutoff total heat; Calculate the ratio of the heat difference to the current internal energy consumption to obtain the heat consumption time; Based on the heat consumption time and the heating status, the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater is determined.

11. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in claim 10, characterized in that, The step of determining the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater based on the heat consumption time and the heating state includes: When the electric water heater is in an unheated state, the heat consumption time is taken as the remaining hot water usage time. When the electric water heater is in heating mode, the heating energy is obtained by calculating the product of the heat consumption time, the preset time correction factor, and the current heating power in the operating parameters. The remaining total heat is obtained by summing the heating energy and the heat difference. The ratio of the remaining total heat to the current internal energy consumption is used as the remaining hot water usage time of the electric water heater in heating state.

12. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The steps to obtain the operating parameters of an electric water heater include: For each target layer in the inner tank space, if the current simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model is not the initial cycle, the pressure and temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model are obtained, wherein the temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle is determined based on the pressure and internal energy of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle. Based on the pressure and temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, the target density of the target layer is determined in the preset density mapping relationship in the electric water heater simulation model, and the target density is used as the historical density of the target layer. Based on the volume of the target layer in the inner space, the target density, internal energy and pressure of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, the target specific enthalpy of the target layer is calculated, and the target specific enthalpy is used as the historical specific enthalpy of the target layer; Based on the preset heat transfer coefficient, the inlet water temperature of the electric water heater simulation model in the previous simulation cycle, the temperature of the target layer in the previous simulation cycle, and the contact area with the inner surface of the inner tank space, the target heat transfer power of the target layer is calculated, and the target heat transfer power is used as the historical heat transfer power of the target layer.

13. The method for predicting remaining hot water usage time as described in any one of claims 1-11, characterized in that, The steps to obtain the operating parameters of an electric water heater include: When the current simulation cycle of the electric water heater simulation model is the initial cycle, and the inner tank space of the electric water heater simulation model receives a preset initial input flow, the detected temperature in the inner tank space is obtained. For each target layer in the inner space, the initial density corresponding to the detection temperature is found in the preset temperature-density mapping relationship, and the initial density is used as the historical density of the target layer. The initial pressure of the target layer is calculated based on the initial density, the outlet pressure of the electric water heater simulation model, and the height of the target layer relative to the flow output interface of the electric water heater simulation model. Find the initial internal energy corresponding to the initial pressure and the detected temperature in the preset internal energy mapping relationship; Based on the initial internal energy, initial density, initial pressure, and the volume of the target layer in the inner liner space, the initial specific enthalpy of the target layer is calculated, and the initial specific enthalpy is used as the historical specific enthalpy of the target layer. Based on the preset heat transfer coefficient, the detection temperature, the preset initial inlet water temperature of the preset initial input flow rate, and the contact area between the target layer and the inner surface of the inner tank space, the initial heat transfer power of the target layer is calculated, and the initial heat transfer power is used as the historical heat transfer power of the target layer.

14. A water heater, characterized in that, The water heater includes at least a memory, a processor, and a hot water remaining usage time prediction program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the hot water remaining usage time prediction program is executed by the processor, it performs the steps of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method as described in any one of claims 1-13.

15. A storage medium, characterized in that, The storage medium is a computer-readable storage medium that stores a hot water remaining usage time prediction program that can run on a processor. The hot water remaining usage time prediction program is called by the processor to implement the steps of the hot water remaining usage time prediction method according to any one of claims 1-13.

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