Test methods and apparatus for gas water heaters

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of water heater technology and discloses a testing method and apparatus for gas water heaters. The method includes: controlling the gas water heater to operate at a target outlet water temperature; collecting the outlet water temperature in real time; gradually adjusting the inlet water flow rate; determining a first and second jump water flow rate during load segment switching; controlling the inlet water flow rate to switch to the second jump water flow rate after reaching the first jump water flow rate; and switching back to the first jump water flow rate after the outlet water temperature stabilizes; and outputting a test result indicating whether the temperature fluctuation is within acceptable limits based on the collected outlet water temperature. This method uses a controller to test the gas water heater. The testing process requires no manual adjustment, enabling automatic testing of water temperature fluctuations during segmented load switching, thus improving testing efficiency and reducing testing costs.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to a testing method and apparatus for gas water heaters. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, gas water heaters are typically equipped with segmented loads and gas proportional valves. The segmented loads correspond to multiple load segments of the gas water heater. The firepower is controlled by adjusting the opening of the gas proportional valve at different load segments, thereby regulating the water temperature.

[0003] When switching between load segments, water temperature fluctuations can occur. Excessive water temperature fluctuations can affect the user experience. Therefore, the constant temperature logic of gas water heaters adjusts the opening of the gas proportional valve at the moment of segment switching to resist the fluctuations caused by the segment switching.

[0004] However, different models of gas water heaters exhibit varying water temperature fluctuations. Currently, adjusting the opening value of the gas proportional valve in the constant temperature logic relies solely on engineers' experience, which may still result in significant water temperature fluctuations. Therefore, there is an urgent need for an automated testing method to detect water temperature fluctuations in gas water heaters during segmented load switching, in order to uncover design flaws in the opening value of the gas proportional valve in the constant temperature logic. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a testing method and device for gas water heaters, which can automatically test gas water heaters and discover design defects in the opening value of the gas proportional valve in the constant temperature logic.

[0006] The above-mentioned technical problems are solved by the following technical solutions: A testing method for a gas water heater, the method comprising: Control the gas water heater to operate at the target outlet water temperature, and collect the outlet water temperature of the gas water heater in real time; The inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater is gradually adjusted back and forth. During the process of switching from the first segment to the second segment and from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow rate in the load segment, the first jump water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment are determined. The inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater is controlled at the first jump water flow rate. After the outlet water temperature stabilizes, the inlet water flow rate is controlled to switch from the first jump water flow rate to the second jump water flow rate to ensure that the load segment switches from the second segment to the first segment. After the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater reaches the second jump water flow rate and the outlet water temperature stabilizes, the inlet water flow rate is controlled to switch from the second jump water flow rate to the first jump water flow rate to ensure that the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment; Based on the collected outlet water temperature of the gas water heater, a test result is output to characterize whether the outlet water temperature fluctuation of the gas water heater is qualified.

[0007] The testing method for gas water heaters described in this invention has the following advantages compared to the prior art: This method uses a controller to regulate the inlet water flow of the gas water heater. By gradually adjusting the flow rate back and forth, the first and second switching flow rates are determined during load segmentation. Under the premise of stable outlet water temperature, the flow rate alternates between the first and second switching flow rates to simulate the process of load segmentation switching from the second segment to the first segment and vice versa. The method also evaluates whether the temperature fluctuation is acceptable based on real-time collected outlet water temperature data. This method achieves automatic testing of water temperature fluctuations during load segmentation of the gas water heater, avoiding manual adjustments, improving testing efficiency, and reducing testing costs.

[0008] In one embodiment, the gradual back-and-forth adjustment of the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater includes: Starting from the minimum starting water flow of the gas water heater, the inlet water flow is gradually increased based on the preset water flow adjustment amount until the maximum water flow is reached; Starting from the maximum water flow rate of the gas water heater, the inlet water flow rate is gradually reduced based on the preset water flow adjustment amount until the minimum start-up water flow rate is reached.

[0009] In one embodiment, the step of gradually increasing the inlet water flow rate based on a preset water flow regulation amount or gradually decreasing the inlet water flow rate based on a preset water flow regulation amount includes: The motor steps of the water proportional valve are adjusted based on a preset number of steps, wherein the preset water flow adjustment amount corresponds to the preset number of steps.

[0010] In one embodiment, the method further includes: The motor steps are adjusted based on the preset step size of the water proportioning valve; Collect the inlet water flow rate corresponding to the number of steps of each motor; The correspondence between the number of motor steps and the corresponding water inflow rate is determined.

[0011] In one embodiment, determining the first jump water flow rate for switching from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow rate for switching from the second segment to the first segment when the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment based on the change in water flow includes: Based on the current water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment, determine the first jump water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment; Based on the current water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment, determine the second jump water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment.

[0012] In one embodiment, the minimum output heat load of the first segment is less than the minimum output heat load of the second segment; the first switching water flow rate is greater than the current water flow rate when the first segment switches to the second segment; and the second switching water flow rate is less than the current water flow rate when the second segment switches to the first segment.

[0013] In one embodiment, determining the first jump water flow rate from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow rate from the second segment to the first segment during the process of switching load segments from the first segment to the second segment based on the change in water flow includes: When the segmented load switches from the first segment to the second segment based on the change in water flow, the maximum output heat load of the first segment is determined based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the current water flow. When the segmented load switches from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow, the minimum output heat load of the second segment is determined based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the current water flow. Based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the maximum output heat load of the first segment, determine the first jump water flow rate for switching from the first segment to the second segment; Based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the minimum output heat load of the second segment, determine the second jump water flow rate for switching from the second segment to the first segment.

[0014] In one embodiment, the first jump water flow rate is determined according to the following formula: The first jump water flow rate = (maximum output heat load of the first segment + preset compensation value) / (current temperature difference * specific heat capacity of water); The second jump water flow rate is determined according to the following formula: The second jump water flow rate = (minimum output heat load of the second segment - preset compensation value) / (current temperature difference * specific heat capacity of water).

[0015] In one embodiment, the output of the test result characterizing whether the outlet water temperature fluctuation of the gas water heater is acceptable includes: Get the real-time water temperature; A water temperature fluctuation curve is generated based on the real-time water temperature; and / or, a water temperature fluctuation curve is generated. Based on the real-time outlet water temperature, calculate the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature and output the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature; and / or, Determine whether the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature is within the preset fluctuation range. If the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature is within the preset fluctuation range, output a qualified indicator; if the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature is not within the preset fluctuation range, output a unqualified indicator.

[0016] A testing device for a gas water heater, the device comprising: The water flow regulation module is used to control the gas water heater to operate at the target outlet water temperature and to collect the outlet water temperature of the gas water heater in real time. The boundary determination module is used to gradually adjust the inlet water flow of the gas water heater back and forth. During the process of switching from the first segment to the second segment and from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow in the load segment, the module determines the first jump water flow from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow from the second segment to the first segment. The first control module is used to control the inlet water flow of the gas water heater to be at the first jump water flow. After the outlet water temperature stabilizes, the inlet water flow is controlled to switch from the first jump water flow to the second jump water flow to ensure that the load segment switches from the second segment to the first segment. The second control module is used to control the inlet water flow rate to switch from the second jump water flow rate to the first jump water flow rate after the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater is at the second jump water flow rate and the outlet water temperature is stable, so as to ensure that the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment; The temperature acquisition module is used to output test results based on the acquired outlet water temperature of the gas water heater, which characterize whether the outlet water temperature fluctuation of the gas water heater is qualified.

[0017] A controller for a gas water heater, the controller comprising: The system includes a memory and a processor, which are interconnected. The memory stores computer instructions, and the processor executes these computer instructions to perform a test method for a gas water heater.

[0018] A gas water heater, the gas water heater including the above-mentioned controller. Attached Figure Description

[0019] To more clearly illustrate the specific embodiments of the present invention or the technical solutions in the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the specific embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained from these drawings without creative effort.

[0020] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a testing method for a gas water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of a testing device for a gas water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the controller of a gas water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0022] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "outer", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0023] The terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Therefore, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0024] In the description of this application, it should be noted that, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," and "linking" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0025] In related technologies, gas water heaters are equipped with segmented loads and gas proportional valves. Each segmented load corresponds to multiple control segments of the gas proportional valve. The heat output is controlled by adjusting the opening of the gas proportional valve in different control segments, thereby regulating the water temperature. Switching between segmented loads causes water temperature fluctuations. Excessive temperature fluctuations can negatively impact the user experience. Therefore, gas water heaters adjust the opening of the gas proportional valve at the moment of segment switching to counteract these fluctuations. However, different models of gas water heaters exhibit different water temperature fluctuations. Currently, the adjustment of the gas proportional valve opening value in the constant temperature logic relies solely on engineers' experience, which may still result in significant water temperature fluctuations.

[0026] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a testing method for a gas water heater is provided. Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a test method for a gas water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 1 As shown, the process includes the following steps: Step S101: Control the gas water heater to operate at the target outlet water temperature and collect the outlet water temperature of the gas water heater in real time.

[0027] The target outlet water temperature is set based on the required temperature. The target outlet water temperature of the gas water heater is set according to the testing requirements. After the test begins, the outlet water temperature of the gas water heater is collected in real time by a temperature sensor installed on the outlet pipe.

[0028] Step S102: Gradually adjust the inlet water flow of the gas water heater back and forth. During the process of switching from the first segment to the second segment and from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow in the load segment, determine the first jump water flow when switching from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow when switching from the second segment to the first segment.

[0029] The inlet water flow rate is real-time. Gradual adjustment means that the inlet water flow rate is gradually increased and then gradually decreased according to a preset water flow adjustment amount. For example, the motor steps are increased or decreased at fixed time intervals to change the opening of the water proportional valve, and so on. During the adjustment process, the load segment will automatically switch according to the water flow rate.

[0030] The first segment and the second segment are two adjacent load segments. The output heat load of the second segment is greater than that of the first segment. The output heat load of each segment includes the maximum output heat load and the minimum output heat load.

[0031] When the water flow gradually increases to a critical value, the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment. The water flow rate under this critical state is determined as the first switching water flow rate. When the water flow gradually decreases to a critical value, the load segment switches back from the second segment to the first segment. The water flow rate under this critical state is determined as the second switching water flow rate. The first and second switching water flow rates can be the same or different, determined by the switching characteristics of the gas water heater itself.

[0032] Specifically, the corresponding heat load can be calculated based on the current outlet water temperature, current inlet water temperature, real-time water flow rate, and specific heat capacity of water under the critical switching state, and then the switching water flow rate can be determined. Alternatively, the actual water flow rate under the critical state can be directly recorded as the switching water flow rate.

[0033] Step S103: Control the inlet water flow of the gas water heater to the first switching water flow. After the outlet water temperature stabilizes, control the inlet water flow to switch from the first switching water flow to the second switching water flow to ensure that the load segment switches from the second segment to the first segment.

[0034] After determining the first and second jump water flow rates, the inlet water flow rate is first stabilized at the first jump water flow rate, and the outlet water temperature is allowed to stabilize, for example, when the temperature change is less than a set threshold for several consecutive seconds. The inlet water flow rate is then switched from the first jump water flow rate to the second jump water flow rate. At this time, the load segment will switch back from the second segment to the first segment, that is, switch from the high load segment to the low load segment.

[0035] Step S104: After the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater is at the second jump water flow rate and the outlet water temperature is stable, control the inlet water flow rate to switch from the second jump water flow rate to the first jump water flow rate to ensure that the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment.

[0036] After the inlet water flow rate is switched to the second jumper flow rate, wait for the outlet water temperature to stabilize. Then, control the inlet water flow rate to jump back from the second jumper flow rate to the first jumper flow rate. Since the first jumper flow rate is greater than the second jumper flow rate, the load segment will switch from the first segment to the second segment, that is, switch back from the low load segment to the high load segment.

[0037] By alternating between steps S103 and S104, the extreme operating condition of load segments switching back and forth near the critical point can be simulated. These two switching steps can be repeated multiple times according to testing requirements, and the outlet water temperature can be continuously collected throughout the test.

[0038] Step S105: Based on the collected outlet water temperature of the gas water heater, output the test results used to characterize whether the outlet water temperature fluctuation of the gas water heater is qualified.

[0039] Based on real-time collected outlet water temperature data, the system outputs test results that characterize whether the outlet water temperature fluctuation of the gas water heater is within acceptable limits. The test results can be output in various formats to meet the needs of different application scenarios.

[0040] Specifically, it can generate and output water temperature fluctuation curves for R&D personnel to analyze the specific form of temperature fluctuations; it can calculate and output the maximum fluctuation value of water temperature to quantitatively evaluate the constant temperature performance; it can also directly output qualified or unqualified indicators for quick judgment of test results.

[0041] The testing method for a gas water heater provided in this invention includes: controlling the gas water heater to operate at a target outlet water temperature and collecting the outlet water temperature in real time; gradually adjusting the inlet water flow rate back and forth, determining the first and second jump water flow rates during load segment switching; controlling the water flow rate to stabilize at the first jump water flow rate and then switching to the second jump water flow rate to ensure that the load segment switches back from the second segment to the first segment; then stabilizing the second jump water flow rate and then switching back to the first jump water flow rate to ensure that the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment; and outputting test results based on the collected outlet water temperature. This method uses a controller to control the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater, gradually adjusting and determining the first and second jump water flow rates for load segment switching. Under the premise of stable outlet water temperature, the method switches back and forth between the first and second jump water flow rates to simulate the process of load segment switching from the second segment to the first segment and from the first segment to the second segment, and evaluates whether the temperature fluctuation is acceptable based on the real-time collected outlet water temperature. The method enables automatic testing of water temperature fluctuations in gas water heaters during load segmentation, avoiding manual adjustment, improving testing efficiency, and reducing testing costs.

[0042] In some optional embodiments, the step S102 above, which involves gradually adjusting the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater, includes: Step S201: Starting from the minimum start-up water flow of the gas water heater, gradually increase the inlet water flow based on the preset water flow adjustment amount until the maximum water flow.

[0043] Specifically, the minimum starting water flow rate refers to the minimum water flow rate required to maintain normal combustion of the gas water heater. Starting from the minimum starting water flow rate, the inlet water flow rate is gradually increased according to a preset water flow adjustment amount (e.g., 0.5L / min). After each increase, the water flow rate is allowed to stabilize until the maximum water flow rate that the gas water heater can withstand is reached. This process is used to simulate the working condition of gradually increasing water flow rate to trigger the switching of segmented loads from low load segment to high load segment.

[0044] Step S202: Starting from the maximum water flow of the gas water heater, gradually reduce the inlet water flow based on the preset water flow adjustment amount until the minimum start-up water flow.

[0045] After reaching the maximum water flow rate, the inlet water flow rate is gradually reduced according to a preset flow rate adjustment (e.g., 0.5 L / min), starting from the maximum flow rate. After each reduction, the water flow rate is allowed to stabilize until it returns to the minimum starting water flow rate. This process is used to simulate the operating condition of gradually decreasing water flow rate to trigger the switching of segmented loads from high load segments to low load segments.

[0046] Through bidirectional, step-by-step adjustment, it can comprehensively cover various operating conditions of segmented load switching.

[0047] In some optional implementations, the above-mentioned gradual increase or decrease of the inlet water flow rate based on a preset water flow adjustment amount includes: adjusting the motor steps of the water proportional valve based on a preset number of steps, wherein the preset water flow adjustment amount corresponds to the preset number of steps.

[0048] Specifically, a water proportional valve (also known as a water flow servo) is installed on the inlet pipe of the gas water heater to detect the current water flow and control its changes. The water proportional valve is driven by a stepper motor; by controlling the number of steps the stepper motor takes, the opening of the water proportional valve is changed, thereby achieving precise regulation of the inlet water flow. There is a corresponding relationship between the preset water flow adjustment amount and the preset number of steps; that is, for every preset number of steps adjusted, the inlet water flow changes by the same preset adjustment amount. This correspondence can be obtained through pre-calibration. For example, by gradually adjusting the motor steps and collecting corresponding water flow data, a curve showing the correspondence between the motor steps and the water flow can be fitted, thus determining the water flow change corresponding to each unit of steps. By adjusting the motor steps based on the preset number of steps, precise control of the inlet water flow can be achieved, ensuring consistent water flow changes with each adjustment, and improving the accuracy and repeatability of the test.

[0049] In some alternative implementations, the method further includes: Step S301: Adjust the motor steps of the water proportional valve based on the preset step size.

[0050] The preset step size is a pre-defined adjustment amount for the number of motor steps, used to gradually change the opening of the water proportional valve. For example, the water supply pressure can be set to 0.1 MPa, and the stepper motor controlling the water proportional valve can start from the minimum number of steps and gradually increase the number of steps according to the preset step size until the maximum number of steps is reached. Alternatively, it can start from the maximum number of steps and gradually decrease the number of steps according to the preset step size until the minimum number of steps is reached. This step-by-step adjustment method can fully cover the entire adjustment range of the motor steps.

[0051] Step S302: Collect the inlet water flow rate corresponding to the number of steps of each motor.

[0052] After each adjustment of the motor step count, once the water flow rate stabilizes, the water flow rate corresponding to the current motor step count is collected using a flow sensor installed on the inlet pipe. This process is repeated, and multiple sets of data on the correspondence between motor step counts and inlet water flow rates are recorded.

[0053] Step S303: Determine the correspondence between the number of motor steps and the corresponding inlet water flow rate.

[0054] Based on the collected data of multiple sets of motor step counts and inlet water flow rates, a correspondence between the two is established. This correspondence can be presented in various forms; for example, it can be fitted as a motor step count-water flow rate curve, or a mapping table can be generated to store the water flow rate value corresponding to each motor step count. During actual testing, when it is necessary to adjust to the target water flow rate, the corresponding motor step count can be quickly found based on this correspondence, thereby achieving precise water flow control.

[0055] In some optional embodiments, in step S102 above, during the process of switching the load segment from the first segment to the second segment and from the second segment to the first segment based on changes in water flow, determining the first jump water flow rate for switching from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow rate for switching from the second segment to the first segment includes: Step S401: Based on the current water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment, determine the first jump water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment.

[0056] Step S402: Based on the current water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment, determine the second jump water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment.

[0057] During the gradual adjustment of the inlet water flow rate, the status of the load segments is monitored in real time. The switching of load segments can be determined in various ways, such as detecting changes in the current or opening of the gas proportional valve, detecting the switching status of the burner burners, or based on real-time heat load calculations. When a load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment or vice versa, the inlet water flow rate at the switching moment is recorded. This can be obtained directly from a water flow sensor installed on the inlet pipe, or calculated based on a pre-calibrated relationship between the motor steps of the water proportional valve and the water flow rate.

[0058] The current water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment can be directly used as the first jump water flow rate, or the current water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment can be directly used as the second jump water flow rate.

[0059] Alternatively, the maximum output heat load of the first segment can be calculated based on the current water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment, and the minimum output heat load of the second segment can be calculated based on the current water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment. Then, the first switching water flow rate can be calculated based on the maximum output heat load of the first segment, and the second switching water flow rate can be calculated based on the minimum output heat load of the second segment. In this scenario, the first switching water flow rate is greater than the current water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment, and the second switching water flow rate is less than the current water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment.

[0060] Furthermore, the minimum output heat load of the first segment is less than the minimum output heat load of the second segment. The first segment belongs to the low load segment, and the second segment belongs to the high load segment. Therefore, the minimum output heat load of the second segment is greater than the minimum output heat load of the first segment.

[0061] Furthermore, when the segmented load switches from the first segment to the second segment based on changes in water flow rate, the maximum output heat load of the first segment is determined based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the current water flow rate; when the segmented load switches from the second segment to the first segment based on changes in water flow rate, the minimum output heat load of the second segment is determined based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the current water flow rate; the first jump water flow rate for switching from the first segment to the second segment is determined based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the maximum output heat load of the first segment; and the second jump water flow rate for switching from the second segment to the first segment is determined based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the minimum output heat load of the second segment.

[0062] When the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment, the inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, and inlet water flow rate are recorded. Based on the principle of heat balance, the specific heat capacity of water is multiplied by the current inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and then multiplied by the current water flow rate to calculate the maximum heat load that the first segment can output under this operating condition, which is the minimum output heat load of the first segment.

[0063] When the load segment switches from the second segment to the first segment, the inlet water temperature, outlet water temperature, and inlet water flow rate are recorded. Based on the principle of heat balance, the specific heat capacity of the water is multiplied by the current inlet and outlet water temperature difference, and then multiplied by the current water flow rate to calculate the minimum heat load that the second segment can output under this operating condition, i.e., the minimum output heat load of the second segment.

[0064] Specifically, the first jump water flow rate is determined according to the following formula: First jump water flow rate = (maximum output heat load of the first segment + preset compensation value) / (current temperature difference * specific heat capacity of water).

[0065] The second jump water flow rate is determined according to the following formula: Second jump water flow rate = (minimum output heat load of the second segment - preset compensation value) / (current temperature difference * specific heat capacity of water) The preset compensation value represents the compensation error for the overall machine performance, used to correct the deviation between the theoretically calculated value and the actual value. The preset compensation value used when calculating the first and second jump water flow rates is a value set according to the actual situation, and can be the same value.

[0066] In some optional implementations, step S105 includes: acquiring the real-time outlet water temperature; generating an outlet water temperature fluctuation curve based on the real-time outlet water temperature; and / or, calculating the maximum outlet water temperature fluctuation value based on the real-time outlet water temperature and outputting the maximum outlet water temperature fluctuation value; and / or, determining whether the maximum outlet water temperature fluctuation value is within a preset fluctuation range; if the maximum outlet water temperature fluctuation value is within the preset fluctuation range, outputting a qualified indicator; if the maximum outlet water temperature fluctuation value is not within the preset fluctuation range, outputting a unqualified indicator.

[0067] During the process of controlling the inlet water flow rate to switch back and forth between the first and second jump water flow rates, the outlet water temperature of the gas water heater is collected in real time by a temperature probe installed on the outlet water pipe, and the collected outlet water temperature data is recorded and stored in chronological order.

[0068] Optionally, an outlet water temperature fluctuation curve can be generated based on the collected real-time outlet water temperature data, with time as the x-axis and outlet water temperature as the y-axis. The outlet water temperature fluctuation curve can reflect the trend, fluctuation amplitude, and fluctuation frequency of the outlet water temperature throughout the entire test process. Researchers can observe the curve to determine whether there are drastic fluctuations in the outlet water temperature when switching between segmented loads, thereby evaluating the constant temperature control performance of the gas water heater and optimizing the control logic accordingly.

[0069] Optionally, the collected real-time outlet water temperature data can be analyzed to calculate the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature during the entire test process, i.e., the difference between the highest and lowest outlet water temperatures, or the maximum deviation of the outlet water temperature from the target outlet water temperature. The calculated maximum fluctuation value is output as a quantitative indicator for easy comparison with a preset threshold.

[0070] Optionally, an acceptable range of outlet water temperature fluctuations can be preset, and the system can determine whether the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature is within the preset range. If the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature is within the preset range, it indicates that the gas water heater can maintain a stable outlet water temperature when the water flow fluctuates, demonstrating good thermostatic performance, and a qualified mark will be output. If the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature is not within the preset range, it indicates that the outlet water temperature fluctuation is too large, posing a poor user experience or a risk of scalding, and a unqualified mark will be output.

[0071] This embodiment provides a testing device for a gas water heater, such as... Figure 2 As shown, it includes: The water flow regulation module is used to control the gas water heater to operate at the target outlet water temperature and to collect the outlet water temperature of the gas water heater in real time. The boundary determination module is used to gradually adjust the inlet water flow of the gas water heater back and forth. During the process of switching from the first segment to the second segment and from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow in the load segment, the module determines the first jump water flow from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow from the second segment to the first segment. The first control module is used to control the inlet water flow of the gas water heater to be at the first jump water flow. After the outlet water temperature stabilizes, the inlet water flow is controlled to switch from the first jump water flow to the second jump water flow to ensure that the load segment switches from the second segment to the first segment. The second control module is used to control the inlet water flow rate to switch from the second jump water flow rate to the first jump water flow rate after the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater is at the second jump water flow rate and the outlet water temperature is stable, so as to ensure that the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment; The temperature acquisition module is used to output test results based on the acquired outlet water temperature of the gas water heater, which characterize whether the outlet water temperature fluctuation of the gas water heater is qualified.

[0072] This invention also provides a controller for a gas water heater, which has the above-described device.

[0073] Please see Figure 3 , Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a gas water heater controller provided in an optional embodiment of the present invention, as shown below. Figure 3 As shown, the controller of the gas water heater includes one or more processors 10, a memory 20, and interfaces for connecting the various components, including high-speed interfaces and low-speed interfaces. The various components communicate with each other via different buses and can be mounted on a common motherboard or otherwise installed as needed. The processor can process instructions executed within the controller of the gas water heater, including instructions stored in or on the memory to display graphical information of a GUI on an external input / output device (such as a display device coupled to the interface). In some alternative embodiments, multiple processors and / or multiple buses can be used with multiple memories and multiple memory modules, if desired. Similarly, multiple controllers of gas water heaters can be connected, each device providing some of the necessary operations (e.g., as a server array, a set of blade servers, or a multiprocessor system). Figure 3 Take a processor 10 as an example.

[0074] Processor 10 may be a central processing unit, a network processor, or a combination thereof. Processor 10 may further include a hardware chip. The hardware chip may be an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC), a programmable logic device (PLD), or a combination thereof. The programmable logic device may be a complex programmable logic device (CAMP), a field-programmable gate array (FPGA), a general-purpose array logic (GDA), or any combination thereof.

[0075] The memory 20 stores instructions executable by at least one processor 10 to cause the at least one processor 10 to perform the method shown in the above embodiments.

[0076] The memory 20 may include a program storage area and a data storage area. The program storage area may store the operating system and applications required for at least one function; the data storage area may store data created based on the use of the gas water heater's controller. Furthermore, the memory 20 may include high-speed random access memory and may also include non-transient memory, such as at least one disk storage device, flash memory device, or other non-transient solid-state storage device. In some alternative embodiments, the memory 20 may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor 10, which can be connected to the gas water heater's controller via a network. Examples of such networks include, but are not limited to, the Internet, corporate intranets, local area networks, mobile communication networks, and combinations thereof.

[0077] The memory 20 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory; the memory may also include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; the memory 20 may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0078] The controller of the gas water heater also includes a communication interface 30 for communicating with other devices or communication networks.

[0079] This invention also provides a gas water heater with the aforementioned controller. The gas water heater includes an inlet pipe and an outlet pipe, each equipped with a temperature probe electrically connected to the main controller to collect the inlet and outlet water temperatures. A water proportioning valve is installed on the inlet pipe to detect the current water flow and control its changes. The gas water heater also includes a display connected to the controller to show the current status of the water heater and to allow for control of the gas water heater through interactive operation with the display. The controller has a Bluetooth connection module interface for connecting to a Bluetooth module to transmit raw test data to a computer for test data analysis.

[0080] In the specific implementation of the above embodiments, the technical features can be combined in any non-contradictory way. For the sake of brevity, not all possible combinations of the above technical features are described. However, as long as the combination of these technical features is not contradictory, it should be considered to be within the scope of this specification.

[0081] The specific embodiments described above are merely illustrative of several implementations of the present invention, and while the descriptions are detailed, they should not be construed as limiting the scope of the present invention. It should be noted that those skilled in the art can make various modifications and improvements without departing from the concept of the present invention, and these modifications and improvements all fall within the scope of protection of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of protection of this patent should be determined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A test method for a gas water heater, characterized in that, The method includes: Control the gas water heater to operate at the target outlet water temperature, and collect the outlet water temperature of the gas water heater in real time; The inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater is gradually adjusted back and forth. During the process of switching from the first segment to the second segment and from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow rate in the load segment, the first jump water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment are determined. The inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater is controlled at the first jump water flow rate. After the outlet water temperature stabilizes, the inlet water flow rate is controlled to switch from the first jump water flow rate to the second jump water flow rate to ensure that the load segment switches from the second segment to the first segment. After the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater reaches the second jump water flow rate and the outlet water temperature stabilizes, the inlet water flow rate is controlled to switch from the second jump water flow rate to the first jump water flow rate to ensure that the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment; Based on the collected outlet water temperature of the gas water heater, a test result is output to characterize whether the outlet water temperature fluctuation of the gas water heater is qualified.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The gradual adjustment of the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater includes: Starting from the minimum starting water flow of the gas water heater, the inlet water flow is gradually increased based on the preset water flow adjustment amount until the maximum water flow is reached; Starting from the maximum water flow rate of the gas water heater, the inlet water flow rate is gradually reduced based on the preset water flow adjustment amount until the minimum start-up water flow rate is reached.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The stepwise increase or decrease of the inlet water flow rate based on a preset water flow regulation amount includes: The motor steps of the water proportional valve are adjusted based on a preset number of steps, wherein the preset water flow adjustment amount corresponds to the preset number of steps.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The method further includes: The motor steps are adjusted based on the preset step size of the water proportioning valve; Collect the inlet water flow rate corresponding to the number of steps of each motor; The correspondence between the number of motor steps and the corresponding water inflow rate is determined.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, When switching from the first segment to the second segment and from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow rate in the load segment, determining the first jump water flow rate for switching from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow rate for switching from the second segment to the first segment includes: Based on the current water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment, determine the first jump water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment; Based on the current water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment, determine the second jump water flow rate when switching from the second segment to the first segment.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The minimum output heat load of the first segment is less than the minimum output heat load of the second segment; the first switching water flow rate is greater than the current water flow rate when switching from the first segment to the second segment; The second jump water flow rate is less than the current water flow rate when the second segment switches to the first segment.

7. The method according to claim 6, characterized in that, The process of switching from the first segment to the second segment and from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow rate during load segmentation, determining the first jump water flow rate from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow rate from the second segment to the first segment, includes: When the segmented load switches from the first segment to the second segment based on the change in water flow, the maximum output heat load of the first segment is determined based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the current water flow. When the segmented load switches from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow, the minimum output heat load of the second segment is determined based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the current water flow. Based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the maximum output heat load of the first segment, determine the first jump water flow rate for switching from the first segment to the second segment; Based on the current inlet water temperature, the current outlet water temperature, and the minimum output heat load of the second segment, determine the second jump water flow rate for switching from the second segment to the first segment.

8. The method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The first jump water flow rate is determined according to the following formula: The first jump water flow rate = (maximum output heat load of the first segment + preset compensation value) / (current temperature difference * specific heat capacity of water); The second jump water flow rate is determined according to the following formula: The second jump water flow rate = (minimum output heat load of the second segment - preset compensation value) / (current temperature difference * specific heat capacity of water).

9. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The output, which characterizes whether the outlet water temperature fluctuation of the gas water heater is within acceptable limits, includes the following test results: Get the real-time water temperature; A water temperature fluctuation curve is generated based on the real-time water temperature; and / or, a water temperature fluctuation curve is generated. Based on the real-time outlet water temperature, calculate the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature and output the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature; and / or, Determine whether the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature is within the preset fluctuation range. If the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature is within the preset fluctuation range, output a qualified indicator; if the maximum fluctuation value of the outlet water temperature is not within the preset fluctuation range, output a unqualified indicator.

10. A testing device for a gas water heater, characterized in that, The device includes: The water flow regulation module is used to control the gas water heater to operate at the target outlet water temperature and to collect the outlet water temperature of the gas water heater in real time. The boundary determination module is used to gradually adjust the inlet water flow of the gas water heater back and forth. During the process of switching from the first segment to the second segment and from the second segment to the first segment based on the change in water flow in the load segment, the module determines the first jump water flow from the first segment to the second segment and the second jump water flow from the second segment to the first segment. The first control module is used to control the inlet water flow of the gas water heater to be at the first jump water flow. After the outlet water temperature stabilizes, the inlet water flow is controlled to switch from the first jump water flow to the second jump water flow to ensure that the load segment switches from the second segment to the first segment. The second control module is used to control the inlet water flow rate to switch from the second jump water flow rate to the first jump water flow rate after the inlet water flow rate of the gas water heater is at the second jump water flow rate and the outlet water temperature is stable, so as to ensure that the load segment switches from the first segment to the second segment; The temperature acquisition module is used to output test results based on the acquired outlet water temperature of the gas water heater, which characterize whether the outlet water temperature fluctuation of the gas water heater is qualified.

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