Electric water heater control method and electric water heater

Abstract

This invention provides a control method and a water heater for an electric water heater. Upon receiving a heating request for the first time, the method monitors a first signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, and a second signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just been turned on. A first duration is calculated based on the time difference between the received first and second signals. The inlet flow rate is calculated based on the water volume difference between the water levels at the time the electrical circuit on the first and second anti-corrosion components is turned on and the first duration. A second duration is calculated based on the water volume difference between the minimum water level required for safe operation of the second heating element and the water level at the time the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is turned on and the inlet flow rate. Upon receiving the second signal, heating is initiated after a delay of the second duration. By utilizing the existing anti-corrosion component within the water heater's inner tank as a water level detection element, no additional flow sensor or water level sensor is required, reducing the number of openings in the inner tank and lowering the risk of leakage and production costs.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] A dual-tank electric water heater refers to an electric water heater with two inner tanks connected by a connecting pipe. Each inner tank is equipped with a heating element, supporting either heating one tank or heating both tanks simultaneously.

[0003] Some electric water heaters are installed by non-professionals (such as users installing them themselves). After installation, after turning on the power to check if the functions are normal, they may not turn it off in time or may turn it on directly for use. When turning it on for the first time, there may be no water in the tank or the water level may not have reached the safe level. If heating is started at this time, the heating element may dry-burn, posing a safety hazard. To prevent dry-burning during initial use, existing solutions usually install a flow sensor or water level sensor in the tank to check the water level and only start heating when the water level is above the heating element.

[0004] However, the existing solution requires setting up corresponding installation holes to install flow sensors or water level sensors, resulting in too many openings in the inner tank, increasing the risk of water leakage and increasing production costs. Summary of the Invention

[0005] The first technical problem solved by this invention is to provide a control method for an electric water heater, which effectively solves the problems of increased leakage risk and increased cost caused by adding sensors to prevent dry burning, resulting in more openings in the inner tank, and reduces leakage risk and cost.

[0006] The second technical problem solved by this invention is to provide an electric water heater that effectively solves the problem of increased costs and more openings in the inner tank caused by adding sensors to prevent dry burning, thereby reducing the risk of leakage and costs.

[0007] The first technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution: A method for controlling an electric water heater, the electric water heater comprising a first inner tank and a second inner tank, the first inner tank being provided with a water inlet pipe, the second inner tank being provided with a water outlet pipe, the first inner tank and the second inner tank being connected by a connecting pipe, the first inner tank being provided with a first anti-corrosion component and a first heating element, and the second inner tank being provided with a second anti-corrosion component and a second heating element, the method comprising: Upon receiving a heating request for the first time, the system monitors a first signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, and a second signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just been turned on; the electrical circuit is a circuit formed between the inner liner, the water inside the inner liner, and the anti-corrosion component connected to the inner liner. If the first signal and the second signal are received, a first duration is obtained based on the time difference between the receipt of the first signal and the second signal; Obtain the first water volume, and obtain the inflow rate based on the first water volume and the first duration; wherein, the first water volume is the water volume difference between the water level when the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is just turned on and the water level when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on. Obtain a second water volume, and obtain a second duration based on the second water volume and the inlet flow rate; wherein, the second water volume is the water volume difference between the minimum water level required for the safe operation of the second heating tube and the water level when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on; Upon receiving the second signal, heating is initiated after a second delay.

[0008] The electric water heater control method provided by the present invention, upon receiving a heating request for the first time, monitors a first signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, and a second signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just been turned on. If both the first and second signals are received, a first duration is obtained based on the time difference between the first and second signals, a first water volume is obtained, and an inlet flow rate is obtained based on the first water volume and the first duration. The first water volume is the water volume difference between the water level when the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is just turned on and the water level when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on. A second water volume is obtained, and a second duration is obtained based on the second water volume and the inlet flow rate. The second water volume is the water volume difference between the minimum water level required for the safe operation of the second heating element and the water level when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on. Upon receiving the second signal, heating is started after a second duration. By using the existing anti-corrosion components in the inner tank of the electric water heater as water level detection elements, the system determines whether the water level has reached the predetermined position by monitoring the electrical circuit conduction signal on the anti-corrosion components, calculates the water flow rate, and then calculates the time it takes for the water level to reach the safe level. Heating is only started after the time has elapsed, which can effectively prevent dry burning. There is no need to install additional flow sensors or water level sensors, which reduces the number of openings in the inner tank, lowers the risk of leakage, and reduces production costs.

[0009] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of delaying the start of heating for the second duration immediately upon receiving the second signal includes: Upon receiving the second signal, delay the second duration to control the first and second heating elements to start heating; or, Upon receiving the second signal, delay the second duration to control the second heating element to start heating.

[0010] In some embodiments of the present invention, the step of delaying the second duration to control the second heating tube to start heating upon receiving the second signal further includes: Upon receiving the second signal, the first heating element is controlled to start heating.

[0011] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electric water heater control method further includes: The installation method of the electric water heater is determined, including vertical installation and horizontal installation; Obtaining the first water volume includes: Find the first water volume corresponding to the current installation method from the installation method and water volume comparison table; The process of obtaining the second water volume includes: Find the second water volume corresponding to the current installation method from the installation method and water volume comparison table.

[0012] In some embodiments of the present invention, determining the installation method of the electric water heater includes: Retrieve the installation method information stored in the installation method field in memory. The installation method information is information manually entered by the installer after installation. The installation method information includes vertical installation and horizontal installation.

[0013] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electric water heater further includes a position sensor; determining the installation method of the electric water heater includes: The system receives azimuth information collected by the azimuth sensor and determines the installation method of the electric water heater based on the azimuth information.

[0014] In some embodiments of the present invention, both the first anti-corrosion component and the second anti-corrosion component are electronic anodes, and the electric water heater further includes a power supply and a current sampling circuit. The monitoring of a first signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, and a second signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, includes: Control the power supply to supply power to the first anti-corrosion component and the second anti-corrosion component; The current signal of the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is acquired by the current sampling circuit, and the current signal when the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is just turned on is used as the first signal. The current signal of the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is acquired by a current sampling circuit, and the current signal when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on is used as the second signal.

[0015] In some embodiments of the present invention, controlling the power supply to supply power to the first anti-corrosion component and the second anti-corrosion component further includes: If the first signal is not received within a first preset time period, the power supply is controlled to stop supplying power to the first and second anti-corrosion components, and the power supply stop time is accumulated. After the power supply is stopped for a preset interval, the process returns to controlling the power supply to supply power to the first and second anti-corrosion components.

[0016] In some embodiments of the present invention, after obtaining the first duration based on the time difference between the received first signal and the second signal, the method further includes: If the first duration is less than the preset time difference, then the second preset duration will be used as the second duration.

[0017] The second technical problem mentioned above is solved by the following technical solution: An electric water heater includes a first inner tank, a second inner tank, and a control module. The first inner tank is provided with a water inlet pipe, and the second inner tank is provided with a water outlet pipe. The first inner tank and the second inner tank are connected by a connecting pipe. The first inner tank is provided with a first anti-corrosion component and a first heating element, and the second inner tank is provided with a second anti-corrosion component and a second heating element. The control module is electrically connected to the first anti-corrosion component, the first heating element, the second anti-corrosion component, and the second heating element, respectively. The control module is used to execute the electric water heater control method as described in any of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention. Attached Figure Description

[0018] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0019] Figure 1 This invention provides a schematic diagram of a vertically installed electric water heater. Figure 2 This invention provides a schematic diagram of a horizontally installed electric water heater. Figure 3 A working principle diagram of an anti-corrosion component provided by the present invention; Figure 4 A schematic diagram illustrating the working principle of another corrosion-resistant component provided by this invention; Figure 5 A flowchart of an electric water heater control method provided by the present invention; Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of an electric water heater control device provided by the present invention; Figure 7This is a schematic diagram of an electronic device provided by the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0020] 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.

[0021] In the description of this application, it should be understood that 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 indicated technical features. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more. Furthermore, the terms "comprising" and "having," and any variations thereof, are intended to cover non-exclusive inclusion; for example, a process, method, system, product, or apparatus that includes a series of steps or units is not necessarily limited to those steps or units explicitly listed, but may include other steps or units not explicitly listed or inherent to such processes, methods, products, or apparatus.

[0022] The technical solution of the present invention will be illustrated below through specific embodiments.

[0023] like Figure 1 , 2 As shown, the electric water heater includes a first inner tank 110, a second inner tank 120, and a control module ( Figure 1 , 2(Not shown in the image) Both the first inner tank 110 and the second inner tank 120 are enamel-lined metal tanks, and the inner tanks are grounded. A water inlet pipe 111 is provided at the bottom of the first inner tank 110 for connecting to tap water, and a water outlet pipe 121 is provided at the top or side wall of the second inner tank 120 for supplying hot water to the user. The first inner tank 110 and the second inner tank 120 are connected by a connecting pipe 130. For example, the water inlet of the connecting pipe 130 is located at the top of the first inner tank 110, and the water outlet of the connecting pipe 130 is located at the bottom of the second inner tank 120. When the first inner tank 110 is full, water flows to the second inner tank 120 through the connecting pipe 130. The first inner tank 110 is provided with a first anti-corrosion component 112 and a first heating tube 113. The first anti-corrosion component 112 and the first heating tube 113 are located inside the lower part of the first inner tank 110. When the anti-corrosion electrical circuit of the first anti-corrosion component 112 is just turned on, the water level 1 is lower than the minimum water level 2 required for the safe operation of the first heating tube 113 (which can be the water level corresponding to when the heating tube is just submerged in water). The second inner tank 120 is provided with a second anti-corrosion component 122 and a second heating tube 123. The second anti-corrosion component 122 and the second heating tube 123 are located inside the lower part of the second inner tank 110. When the anti-corrosion electrical circuit of the second anti-corrosion component 122 is just turned on, the water level 3 is lower than the minimum water level 4 required for the safe operation of the second heating tube 123 (which can be the water level corresponding to when the heating tube is just submerged in water).

[0024] For ease of understanding, the following examples illustrate water levels 1 and 3. The first anti-corrosion component 112 and the second anti-corrosion component 122 are insulated and installed on the inner tank. Both components have exposed ends located inside the inner tank for contact with water. Therefore, for vertical installations, water levels 1 and 3 are the water levels when the anti-corrosion components are completely submerged; for horizontal installations, water levels 1 and 3 are the water levels when the ends of the anti-corrosion components are in contact with water. It should be noted that water levels 1 and 3 depend on the structure and installation method of the anti-corrosion components. For the same model of electric water heater, once the structure and installation method of the anti-corrosion components are determined, water levels 1 and 3 are fixed. It is understood that the structure of the anti-corrosion components is existing technology and will not be elaborated upon here.

[0025] It is understandable that when the water level does not reach the conduction level of the anti-corrosion component (water level 1, water level 3), the anti-corrosion circuit between the anti-corrosion component and the inner tank is in an open circuit state; when the water level rises to the conduction level of the anti-corrosion component, water acts as a conductive medium, and the anti-corrosion circuit formed between the anti-corrosion component, water, and inner tank is connected, at which time an electrical signal will appear on the anti-corrosion circuit.

[0026] Figure 3 A working principle diagram of an anti-corrosion component provided by the present invention, as follows: Figure 3As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second anti-corrosion components can be sacrificial anodes. The control module 140 includes a controller 141 and a current sampling circuit 142. The current sampling circuit 142 is connected in the anti-corrosion circuit and is connected to the controller 141. When the water level does not reach the conduction level of the sacrificial anode (water level 1, water level 3), the anti-corrosion circuit is disconnected, and the current in the circuit is zero. When the water level rises to the conduction level of the sacrificial anode (water level 1, water level 3), due to the higher activity of the sacrificial anode, the sacrificial anode will preferentially undergo an oxidation reaction, releasing magnesium ions and electrons. The electrons are transferred to the inner liner through the circuit. The sacrificial anode replaces the protected inner liner in undergoing an oxidation reaction, replacing the protected inner liner in being corroded and consumed, thus achieving the purpose of anti-corrosion of the inner liner. Therefore, when the water level rises to the conduction level of the sacrificial anode (water level 1, water level 3), the anti-corrosion circuit where the sacrificial anode is located is turned on, and the current sampling circuit 142 collects the current signal in the circuit and sends it back to the controller 141. Optionally, when the current in the circuit changes from zero to positive, the controller 141 can identify the "just turned on" signal of the corrosion protection circuit by detecting the current transition edge. Optionally, the controller 141 can also use the detection current being greater than a preset current value as the "just turned on" signal of the corrosion protection circuit.

[0027] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the working principle of another anti-corrosion component provided by the present invention, as follows: Figure 4 As shown, in some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second anti-corrosion components can be electronic anodes. The control module 140 includes a controller 141, a current sampling circuit 142, and a power supply 143. The current sampling circuit 142 and the power supply 143 are connected in the anti-corrosion circuit and are both connected to the controller 141. The power supply 143 is used to provide low-voltage DC power to the electronic anode. When the water level does not contact the electronic anode, the anti-corrosion circuit is disconnected, and the current in the circuit is zero. When the water level rises and contacts the electronic anode, the electronic anode emits electrons to the protected inner liner through the circuit under the voltage output by the power supply 143, thereby achieving the purpose of anti-corrosion of the inner liner.

[0028] It is understood that in the above embodiments, the electric water heater shows some structures associated with this solution. Those skilled in the art should understand that the electric water heater may also include other structures, such as heating element power supply circuit, heating element control switch, temperature sensor, etc., which are not limited here.

[0029] After installing the electric water heater, if the user turns it on to check if the functions are normal, but does not turn it off in time or turns it on directly for use, there may be no water in the inner tank or the water level may not have reached the safe level. If the heating element is turned on at this time, it may dry-burn, which may cause safety hazards.

[0030] Figure 5This is a flowchart of an electric water heater control method provided by the present invention. This embodiment is applied to the electric water heater provided in the aforementioned embodiments and can be used to solve the problems of increased costs and numerous openings in the inner tank due to the addition of sensors to prevent dry burning. This method can be executed by the electric water heater control device provided by the present invention. This device can be implemented by software and / or hardware and is usually configured in electronic devices, such as the controller described in the aforementioned embodiments. Figure 5 As shown, the electric water heater control method includes the following steps: S101. Upon receiving a heating request for the first time, monitor the first signal that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, and monitor the second signal that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just been turned on.

[0031] For example, after installing the electric water heater, the user plugs it in and then presses the power button. At this point, the water heater receives its first heating request. Optionally, the user can also select the mode, temperature, etc., via the control panel and then press the power button again, at which point the water heater receives its first heating request.

[0032] The user opens the inlet valve of the tap water pipe and the water valve at the point of use, injecting water into the first inner tank through the inlet pipe. At this time, the controller monitors the first signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, and the second signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just been turned on.

[0033] In some embodiments of the present invention, the first and second anti-corrosion components can be sacrificial anodes. When the water level rises to the conduction level 1 of the first anti-corrosion component, the circuit containing the first anti-corrosion component is instantly turned on. The current sampling circuit will detect a current transition edge from zero to non-zero. This transition edge is defined as the first signal that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just turned on, or as the first signal that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just turned on when the detected current is greater than a preset current value. As the water level rises, when the first inner tank is full, water flows to the second inner tank through the connecting pipe. When the water level in the second inner tank rises to the conduction level 3 of the second anti-corrosion component, the circuit containing the second anti-corrosion component is instantly turned on. The current sampling circuit will detect a current transition edge from zero to non-zero. This transition edge is defined as the second signal that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just turned on, or as the second signal that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just turned on when the detected current is greater than a preset current value.

[0034] In some embodiments of the present invention, both the first and second anti-corrosion components are electronic anodes. The electric water heater also includes a power supply and a current sampling circuit. Upon receiving a heating request for the first time, the power supply is controlled to supply power to the first and second anti-corrosion components. When the water level rises to the point where it just touches the first anti-corrosion component, the circuit containing the first anti-corrosion component is instantly turned on. The current sampling circuit detects a current transition edge that jumps from zero to non-zero. This transition edge is defined as the first signal that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just turned on, or it can be used as the first signal that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just turned on when the detected current is greater than a preset current value. As the water level rises, when the first inner tank is full, water flows to the second inner tank through the connecting pipe. When the water level in the second inner tank rises to the point where it just touches the second anti-corrosion component, the circuit containing the second anti-corrosion component is instantly turned on. The current sampling circuit detects a current transition edge that jumps from zero to non-zero. This transition edge is defined as the second signal that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just turned on, or it can be used as the second signal that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just turned on when the detected current is greater than a preset current value.

[0035] S102. If the first signal and the second signal are received, the first duration is obtained based on the time difference between the first signal and the second signal.

[0036] As mentioned earlier, during the process of water being injected into the first inner tank from the inlet pipe, due to the effect of the connecting pipe, once the first inner tank is full, water flows to the second inner tank through the connecting pipe. Therefore, the circuit connection of the second anti-corrosion component lags behind that of the first anti-corrosion component. The controller records the time t1 when the first signal is received and the time t2 when the second signal is received, and calculates the first duration Δt = t2 - t1.

[0037] S103. Obtain the first water volume, and obtain the inflow rate based on the first water volume and the first time duration.

[0038] In this embodiment of the invention, the first water volume V1 is a constant pre-stored in the controller. It is equal to the water volume difference between the water level 1 when the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is just turned on and the water level 3 when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on. This value depends on the shape of the inner tank and the installation position of the anti-corrosion component. For the same model of electric water heater, once the installation method is determined, this value is fixed. Inlet water flow rate Q = V1 / Δt.

[0039] Since electric water heaters can be installed vertically or horizontally, the water volume corresponding to the same water level differs between these two installation methods. Therefore, it is necessary to pre-establish a table mapping installation method to water volume and store it in the controller's memory. Upon initial power-on, the installation method of the electric water heater can be determined first, and then the corresponding water volume can be found in the table.

[0040] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the installer completes the installation of the electric water heater, they input the current installation method (vertical or horizontal) via the control panel or remote control. The controller stores this information in the installation method field in its memory. Upon initial power-on, the controller can directly read this field to obtain the installation method information stored in the installation method field in memory.

[0041] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electric water heater further includes a position sensor (e.g., a gyroscope), which receives position information collected by the position sensor upon initial power-on and determines the installation method of the electric water heater based on the position information. For example, by calculating the angle of the device relative to the direction of gravity, it can be automatically determined whether the installation is vertical or horizontal.

[0042] S104. Obtain the second water volume, and obtain the second duration based on the second water volume and the inflow rate.

[0043] In this embodiment of the invention, the second water volume V2 is also a pre-stored constant, which is equal to the water volume difference between the minimum water level 4 required for the safe operation of the second heating element and the water level 3 when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on. The minimum water level required for the safe operation of the second heating element refers to the minimum water level height that can completely submerge the heating element and prevent dry burning. The second duration T = V2 / Q.

[0044] For example, as mentioned above, when turning on the water heater for the first time, you can first determine the installation method of the electric water heater, and then look up the second water volume corresponding to the current installation method from the installation method and water volume comparison table.

[0045] S105. Upon receiving the second signal, start heating after a second delay.

[0046] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the user only needs heating of one inner tank (e.g., in energy-saving mode), the timer can start at t2 when the second signal is received, and after a second delay T, the second heating element can be started to heat the tank without starting the first heating element. At this time, the water level in the second inner tank has reached or exceeded the safe water level of the second heating element, thereby effectively preventing dry burning.

[0047] In some embodiments of the present invention, in order to rapidly increase the temperature, timing can be started at time t2 immediately after receiving the second signal, and after a second delay T, the first heating element and the second heating element can be started simultaneously. Alternatively, the first heating element can be started immediately at time t2 immediately after receiving the second signal (because the water level in the first inner tank has already submerged the first heating element at this time), and then the second heating element can be started after a second delay T.

[0048] In some embodiments of the present invention, after the power supply is turned on to supply power to the first and second anti-corrosion components, if the first signal is not detected (i.e., the circuit of the first anti-corrosion component is not conductive) after a first preset time (e.g., 30 seconds), possible reasons include: the inlet valve is not open, there is no water in the water source, or the first anti-corrosion component is damaged. At this time, the controller turns on the power supply to stop supplying power and begins to accumulate the time the power supply is turned off. When the time the power supply is turned off reaches a preset interval (e.g., 3 minutes), the process returns to the steps of turning on the power supply to supply power to the first and second anti-corrosion components and monitoring the first and second signals, and tries again. This avoids energy waste caused by continuous power supply in a waterless state, and periodically retryes to wait for water to come in.

[0049] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the user has already opened the water inlet valve before the controller receives the heating request, the water level in the first inner tank detected by the controller at the time of the first signal is not the actual water level 1, but is higher than water level 1. This causes the time difference between the first signal and the second signal calculated by the controller to be less than the preset time difference. The Q value calculated by continuing to use Q = V1 / Δt will be significantly larger, which in turn causes the second duration T = V2 / Q to be smaller. The controller may start the heating element prematurely before the water level in the second inner tank reaches the minimum water level required for the safe operation of the second heating element, which may cause a dry burning hazard. Therefore, this embodiment sets a preset time difference Δtmin (e.g., 10 seconds). After calculating the first duration Δt, the controller first determines whether Δt is less than Δtmin. If so, the controller does not execute steps S103 and S104, but directly uses the second preset duration (safe duration, e.g., 60 seconds) as the second duration. The second preset duration is a conservative estimate. For example, the second preset duration is the quotient of the second water volume and the minimum inlet water flow rate. In this way, even in the event of user misoperation, the heating element can be effectively prevented from starting prematurely, thus ensuring safety.

[0050] In some embodiments of the present invention, if the controller has received the first signal but has not received the second signal within a subsequent second preset time period (e.g., 60 seconds), possible causes include: blockage of the connecting pipe, damage to the second anti-corrosion component, or poor wiring contact. In this case, the controller may issue an alarm (e.g., via a display screen or buzzer) and stop the heating element startup process, waiting for troubleshooting.

[0051] It should be noted that the sequence number of each step in the above embodiments does not imply the order of execution. The execution order of each process should be determined by its function and internal logic, and should not constitute any limitation on the implementation process of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0052] Figure 6This is a schematic diagram of a control device for an electric water heater provided by the present invention. This device is used to execute the electric water heater control method provided in any of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention, such as... Figure 6 As shown, the electric water heater control device may include the following modules: The signal monitoring module 201 is used to monitor a first signal that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, and a second signal that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, when a heating request is received for the first time; the electrical circuit is a circuit formed between the inner liner, the water in the inner liner, and the anti-corrosion component connected to the inner liner. The first duration calculation module 202 is used to obtain a first duration based on the time difference between receiving the first signal and the second signal when receiving the first signal and the second signal; The inlet flow rate calculation module 203 is used to obtain the first water volume and obtain the inlet flow rate based on the first water volume and the first time duration; wherein, the first water volume is the water volume difference between the water level when the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is just turned on and the water level when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on. The second duration calculation module 204 is used to obtain the second water volume and obtain the second duration based on the second water volume and the inlet flow rate; wherein, the second water volume is the water volume difference between the minimum water level required for the safe operation of the second heating tube and the water level when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on. The heating control module 205 is used to delay the start of heating for the second duration immediately upon receiving the second signal.

[0053] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating control module 205 includes: The first heating control submodule is configured to, upon receiving the second signal, delay the second duration to control the first heating element and the second heating element to start heating; or, The second heating control submodule is used to delay the second duration to control the second heating tube to start heating as soon as the second signal is received.

[0054] In some embodiments of the present invention, the heating control module 205 further includes: The third heating control submodule is used to control the first heating tube to start heating when the second signal is received.

[0055] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electric water heater control device further includes: The installation method determination module is used to determine the installation method of the electric water heater, which includes vertical installation and horizontal installation. The influent flow calculation module 203 includes: The first lookup table submodule is used to look up the first water volume corresponding to the current installation method from the installation method and water volume comparison table. The second duration calculation module 204 includes: The second lookup table submodule is used to find the second water volume corresponding to the current installation method from the installation method and water volume comparison table.

[0056] In some embodiments of the present invention, the installation method determination module includes: The field reading submodule is used to obtain the installation method information stored in the installation method field in memory. The installation method information is information manually entered by the installer after installation. The installation method information includes vertical installation and horizontal installation.

[0057] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electric water heater further includes a position sensor; the installation method determination module includes: The installation method determination submodule is used to receive the orientation information collected by the orientation sensor and determine the installation method of the electric water heater based on the orientation information.

[0058] In some embodiments of the present invention, both the first anti-corrosion component and the second anti-corrosion component are electronic anodes, the electric water heater further includes a power supply and a current sampling circuit, and the signal monitoring module 201 includes: An electronic module is provided to control the power supply to supply power to the first and second anti-corrosion components. The first signal monitoring submodule is used to collect the current signal of the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component through the current sampling circuit, and the current signal when the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is just turned on is used as the first signal. The second signal monitoring submodule is used to collect the current signal of the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component through the current sampling circuit, and the current signal when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on is used as the second signal.

[0059] In some embodiments of the present invention, the power supply module further includes: The power supply interruption accumulation unit is used to control the power supply to stop supplying power to the first anti-corrosion component and the second anti-corrosion component when the first signal is not received for a first preset time, and to start accumulating the power supply interruption time. The return execution unit is used to return to the execution step of controlling the power supply to supply power to the first anti-corrosion component and the second anti-corrosion component after the power supply stop time reaches a preset interval.

[0060] In some embodiments of the present invention, the electric water heater control device further includes: The second market determination module is used to determine the second duration by taking a second preset duration as the second duration if the first duration is less than a preset time difference after obtaining a first duration based on the time difference between the first signal and the second signal.

[0061] The present invention provides an electric water heater control device, which can be used to implement the steps in the aforementioned method embodiments.

[0062] It should be noted that the module division in the various electric water heater control devices provided in the above embodiments is illustrative and only represents one logical functional division. In actual implementation, other division methods may also be used. Furthermore, the functional modules in the various embodiments of this invention can be integrated into a single processor, exist as separate physical entities, or be integrated into a single module. The integrated modules described above can be implemented in hardware or as software functional modules.

[0063] If the integrated module is implemented as a software functional module and sold or used as an independent product, it can be stored in a computer-readable storage medium. Based on this understanding, all or part of the technical solution of the embodiments of the present invention can be embodied in the form of a computer program product, which is stored in a computer storage medium and includes several instructions to cause an electronic device or processor to execute all or part of the steps of the methods in the various embodiments of the present invention. The aforementioned computer storage medium includes various media capable of storing program code, such as USB flash drives, portable hard drives, read-only memory (ROM), random access memory (RAM), magnetic disks, or optical disks.

[0064] Furthermore, the electric water heater control device and the electric water heater control method provided in the above embodiments belong to the same concept, and their specific implementation process can be found in the method embodiments, which will not be repeated here.

[0065] Figure 7 A schematic diagram of an electronic device provided by the present invention, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the electronic device in this embodiment of the invention includes: a processor, a memory, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the steps in the above-described electric water heater control method embodiment. Alternatively, when the processor executes the computer program, it implements the functions of each module in the above-described electric water heater control device embodiment.

[0066] For example, a computer program can be divided into one or more modules, one or more of which are stored in memory and executed by a processor to complete this application. The one or more modules can be a series of computer program instruction segments capable of performing a specific function, which can be used to describe the execution process of the computer program in an electronic device.

[0067] Electronic devices can be computing devices such as desktop computers and cloud servers. Electronic devices may include, but are not limited to, processors and memory. Those skilled in the art will understand that... Figure 7 This is merely one example of an electronic device and does not constitute a limitation on the electronic device. It may include more or fewer components than shown, or combine certain components, or different components. For example, an electronic device may also include input / output devices, network access devices, buses, etc.

[0068] The processor can be a Central Processing Unit (CPU), or other general-purpose processors, digital signal processors (DSPs), application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), field-programmable gate arrays (FPGAs), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. A general-purpose processor can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor.

[0069] Memory can be an internal storage unit of an electronic device, such as a hard drive or RAM. Memory can also be an external storage device, such as a plug-in hard drive, SmartMedia Card (SMC), Secure Digital (SD) card, Flash Card, etc. Furthermore, memory can include both internal and external storage units. Memory is used to store computer programs and other programs and data required by the electronic device. Memory can also be used to temporarily store data that has been output or will be output.

[0070] This invention also discloses an electronic device, including a memory, a processor, and a computer program stored in the memory and executable on the processor. When the processor executes the computer program, it implements the electric water heater control method as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0071] This invention also discloses a computer-readable storage medium storing a computer program that, when executed by a processor, implements the electric water heater control method as described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0072] This invention also discloses a computer program product that, when run on a computer, causes the computer to execute the electric water heater control methods described in the foregoing embodiments.

[0073] 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.

[0074] 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 method for controlling an electric water heater, the electric water heater comprising a first inner tank and a second inner tank, the first inner tank being provided with a water inlet pipe, the second inner tank being provided with a water outlet pipe, the first inner tank and the second inner tank being connected by a connecting pipe, the first inner tank being provided with a first anti-corrosion component and a first heating element, and the second inner tank being provided with a second anti-corrosion component and a second heating element, characterized in that... The method includes: Upon receiving a heating request for the first time, the system monitors a first signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, and a second signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just been turned on; the electrical circuit is a circuit formed between the inner liner, the anti-corrosion component connected to the inner liner, and the water inside the inner liner. If the first signal and the second signal are received, a first duration is obtained based on the time difference between the receipt of the first signal and the second signal; Obtain the first water volume, and obtain the inflow rate based on the first water volume and the first duration; wherein, the first water volume is the water volume difference between the water level when the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is just turned on and the water level when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on. Obtain a second water volume, and obtain a second duration based on the second water volume and the inlet flow rate; wherein, the second water volume is the water volume difference between the minimum water level required for the safe operation of the second heating tube and the water level when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on; Upon receiving the second signal, heating is initiated after a second delay.

2. The electric water heater control method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The step of delaying the start of heating for the second duration upon receiving the second signal includes: Upon receiving the second signal, delay the second duration to control the first and second heating elements to start heating; or, Upon receiving the second signal, delay the second duration to control the second heating element to start heating.

3. The electric water heater control method according to claim 2, characterized in that, The method of delaying the second duration to start heating of the second heating tube upon receiving the second signal further includes: Upon receiving the second signal, the first heating element is controlled to start heating.

4. The electric water heater control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Also includes: The installation method of the electric water heater is determined, including vertical installation and horizontal installation; The process of obtaining the first water volume includes: Find the first water volume corresponding to the current installation method from the installation method and water volume comparison table; The process of obtaining the second water volume includes: Find the second water volume corresponding to the current installation method from the installation method and water volume comparison table.

5. The electric water heater control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, Determining the installation method of the electric water heater includes: Retrieve the installation method information stored in the installation method field in memory. The installation method information is information manually entered by the installer after installation. The installation method information includes vertical installation and horizontal installation.

6. The electric water heater control method according to claim 4, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a position sensor; determining the installation method of the electric water heater includes: The system receives azimuth information collected by the azimuth sensor and determines the installation method of the electric water heater based on the azimuth information.

7. The electric water heater control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, Both the first and second anti-corrosion components are electronic anodes. The electric water heater also includes a power supply and a current sampling circuit. The monitoring of the first signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, and the monitoring of the second signal indicating that the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component has just been turned on, includes: Control the power supply to supply power to the first anti-corrosion component and the second anti-corrosion component; The current signal of the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is acquired by the current sampling circuit, and the current signal when the electrical circuit on the first anti-corrosion component is just turned on is used as the first signal. The current signal of the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is acquired by a current sampling circuit, and the current signal when the electrical circuit on the second anti-corrosion component is just turned on is used as the second signal.

8. The electric water heater control method according to claim 7, characterized in that, The method of controlling the power supply to supply power to the first anti-corrosion component and the second anti-corrosion component further includes: If the first signal is not received within a first preset time period, the power supply is controlled to stop supplying power to the first and second anti-corrosion components, and the power supply stop time is accumulated. After the power supply is stopped for a preset interval, the process returns to controlling the power supply to supply power to the first and second anti-corrosion components.

9. The electric water heater control method according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that, After obtaining the first duration based on the time difference between receiving the first signal and the second signal, the method further includes: If the first duration is less than the preset time difference, then the second preset duration will be used as the second duration.

10. An electric water heater, characterized in that, The device includes a first inner tank, a second inner tank, and a control module. The first inner tank is provided with a water inlet pipe, and the second inner tank is provided with a water outlet pipe. The first inner tank and the second inner tank are connected by a connecting pipe. The first inner tank is provided with a first anti-corrosion component and a first heating element, and the second inner tank is provided with a second anti-corrosion component and a second heating element. The control module is electrically connected to the first anti-corrosion component, the first heating element, the second anti-corrosion component, and the second heating element, respectively. The control module is used to execute the electric water heater control method as described in any one of claims 1-9.

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