Water heater control methods and water heater systems

Abstract

This invention relates to the field of water heater technology, and discloses a control method and system for a water heater. The hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of a thermostatic shower. The thermostatic shower includes a mixing valve, which is used to adjust the proportion of hot water entering the shower and exiting the outlet. The method includes: acquiring the hot water proportion of a target shower in real time; updating the hot water proportion statistics based on the hot water proportions corresponding to each target shower; and adjusting the outlet water temperature of the water heater based on a comparison between a preset proportion range and the hot water proportion statistics, so that the hot water proportion statistics fall within the preset proportion range. This invention improves the stability of the outlet water temperature in scenarios with multiple showers simultaneously, while controlling the hot water proportion statistics within a preset proportion range, reducing water heater energy consumption, reserving a margin for adjusting the hot water proportion for the mixing valve, and improving the user experience in scenarios with multiple showers simultaneously.

Description

Technical Field

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

[0002] With the continuous improvement of home intelligence, multi-point water use throughout the house is becoming increasingly common, leading to a sustained increase in water demand from multiple terminals such as bathrooms, kitchens, and balconies. Currently, in multi-point water use scenarios, water heaters are typically set to a fixed operating temperature, and users manually adjust the water temperature at each terminal (such as faucets and showerheads). However, this control method is prone to inconsistent water temperatures when multiple showers are operating simultaneously and each user's terminal has a different target water temperature, failing to meet the water temperature requirements of concurrent use. Therefore, how to accurately control the water temperature of water heaters to meet the water temperature needs in multi-point concurrent use scenarios is a current focus. Summary of the Invention

[0003] In view of this, the present invention provides a control method and system for a water heater to achieve precise control of the water outlet temperature and meet the water temperature requirements in multi-point concurrent water use scenarios.

[0004] In a first aspect, the present invention provides a control method for a water heater, wherein the hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of at least one thermostatic shower; the water heater is communicatively connected to each thermostatic shower; each thermostatic shower is equipped with a mixing valve, the mixing valve being used to adjust the ratio of hot water entering through the hot water inlet to hot water exiting through the outlet, the method comprising: Real-time acquisition of the hot water ratio of the target showerhead during showering; The hot water ratio statistics are updated based on the hot water ratio corresponding to each target shower; the hot water ratio statistics are used to reflect the central tendency of the hot water ratio of each target shower. Based on the comparison between the preset ratio range and the hot water ratio statistics, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is adjusted so that the hot water ratio statistics fall within the preset ratio range. The preset ratio range is used to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater while allowing each mixing valve to have an adjustment margin to increase the hot water ratio.

[0005] The water heater control method provided in this invention collects the hot water ratio of each target shower in real time and calculates the hot water ratio statistics to reflect the overall water demand in a multi-shower concurrent water use scenario. Furthermore, it adjusts the water heater outlet temperature within a preset ratio range to ensure the hot water ratio statistics fall within that range. Compared to related technologies where the water heater uses a fixed outlet temperature and the shower terminal manually adjusts the mixing valve, leading to fluctuating water temperatures during concurrent use, this invention enhances the stability of the outlet temperature of the target shower in a multi-shower simultaneous use scenario, minimizing manual mixing valve adjustments. Moreover, by controlling the hot water ratio statistics within the preset ratio range, it avoids excessive cold water mixing in the target shower, thus preventing energy waste, while also providing a certain adjustment margin for the mixing valve to increase the hot water ratio, meeting users' subsequent needs for higher water temperatures and improving the water experience in a multi-shower concurrent use scenario.

[0006] In one optional implementation, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is adjusted based on a comparison between a preset ratio range and a statistical value of the hot water ratio, including: Determine the deviation between the statistical value of the hot water ratio and the preset ratio range; whereby the deviation is used to reflect the degree to which the statistical value of the hot water ratio deviates from the preset ratio range; The temperature adjustment range is determined based on the deviation; where the deviation and the temperature adjustment range are positively correlated. Based on the temperature adjustment range and comparison results, the outlet water temperature is adjusted.

[0007] The water heater control method provided in this invention characterizes the overall water usage deviation when multiple showers use water concurrently by quantifying the deviation of the hot water ratio statistical value relative to a preset ratio range. Based on the positive correlation between the deviation and the temperature adjustment range, the method adaptively matches the temperature adjustment level, thereby achieving fine adjustment of the water heater outlet temperature.

[0008] In one optional implementation, if the comparison result indicates that the hot water ratio statistical value is less than the lower limit of a preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the lower limit and the hot water ratio statistical value; based on the temperature adjustment range and the comparison result, the outlet water temperature is adjusted, including: Based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is reduced to obtain the adjusted temperature.

[0009] The water heater control method provided in this embodiment of the invention indicates that when the hot water ratio statistical value is lower than the lower limit of the preset ratio range, it means that the current water outlet temperature of the water heater is too high. The user only needs a small amount of hot water to meet the water temperature requirements. At this time, reducing the water outlet temperature of the water heater helps to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater while meeting the user's water temperature requirements.

[0010] In one optional implementation, the adjusted temperature is obtained by reducing the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range, including: Based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is reduced to obtain the reduced temperature; Obtain the preset water temperature corresponding to each target shower and determine the maximum value among the preset water temperatures; If the temperature after reduction is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the temperature after reduction is determined as the adjusted temperature; or, if the temperature after reduction is less than the maximum value, the maximum value is determined as the adjusted temperature.

[0011] The water heater control method provided in this invention addresses the issue that when the reduced temperature is lower than the maximum value, if the reduced temperature is used as the water outlet temperature, then for the target shower corresponding to the maximum value, even if the mixing valve is completely closed to cold water and only hot water is supplied, the temperature at the shower outlet cannot reach the preset water temperature, thus failing to meet the water temperature requirement. Therefore, by using the maximum preset water temperature among the target showers as a limiting protection mechanism, the method ensures that the water outlet temperature of each target shower meets the user's water temperature requirements and avoids excessive cooling.

[0012] In one optional implementation, if the comparison result indicates that the hot water ratio statistical value is greater than the upper limit of a preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the hot water ratio statistical value and the upper limit; based on the temperature adjustment range and the comparison result, the outlet water temperature is adjusted, including: Based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is increased to obtain the adjusted temperature.

[0013] The water heater control method provided in this embodiment of the invention indicates that when the hot water ratio statistical value is greater than the upper limit of the preset ratio range, it means that the current outlet water temperature of the water heater cannot meet the water temperature requirements when the mixing valve is within the preset ratio range. In this case, it is necessary to increase the outlet water temperature of the water heater. After increasing the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range, the proportion of hot water required by the mixing valve decreases simultaneously, causing the hot water ratio statistical value to fall back to the preset ratio range, thus reserving a margin for hot water adjustment.

[0014] In one optional implementation, based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is increased to obtain the adjusted temperature, including: Based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is increased to obtain the increased temperature; Obtain the preset maximum operating temperature of the water heater; If the increased temperature is less than or equal to the preset maximum operating temperature, the increased temperature shall be determined as the adjusted temperature; or, if the increased temperature is greater than the preset maximum operating temperature, the preset maximum operating temperature shall be determined as the adjusted temperature.

[0015] The water heater control method provided in this embodiment of the invention takes into account that the heat resistance of water heater pipes, seals, heat exchange components, etc. has an upper limit. Excessive water temperature will accelerate pipe aging and leakage, and may also cause scalding risks due to user misoperation. Therefore, the water heater outlet temperature is constrained by setting a maximum working temperature, which avoids increasing the water heater outlet temperature indefinitely and maximizes the satisfaction of the user's water temperature adjustment needs without exceeding the preset maximum working temperature.

[0016] In one optional implementation, the outlet water temperature is adjusted based on the temperature adjustment range and comparison results, including: If the temperature adjustment range is greater than the preset temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature will be adjusted based on the comparison results. Maintain the outlet water temperature when the temperature adjustment range is less than or equal to the preset temperature adjustment range.

[0017] The water heater control method provided in this embodiment of the invention indicates that if the temperature adjustment range is less than or equal to the preset temperature adjustment range, it means that the hot water ratio statistical value deviates only slightly from the preset ratio range. If the outlet water temperature of the water heater is frequently adjusted to address the slight deviation, it will cause the heating modules such as the burner in the water heater to start and stop repeatedly, and the heating power to fluctuate continuously, which will affect the lifespan of the equipment. Therefore, by setting a preset temperature adjustment range, the equipment wear is reduced, and both the lifespan of the equipment and the water temperature regulation are taken into account.

[0018] In one alternative implementation, the hot water ratio is characterized by the valve opening of the mixing valve of the corresponding target shower, and the hot water ratio statistic is characterized by the average or median of the valve opening of each target shower.

[0019] The water heater control method provided in this invention addresses the issue that the opening degree of a single shower valve only represents the water demand of that individual shower and cannot reflect the overall hot water ratio of all showers in the water heater. Instead, the average valve opening degree of the target showers represents the average opening demand of each target shower, and the median can filter out extreme cases where individual showers are fully open for hot or cold water, avoiding data interference from single-point extreme demands on the water heater's temperature regulation. Therefore, by using the valve opening degree of the mixing valve of the target shower to represent the hot water ratio, and by using the average or median valve opening degree of each target shower to represent the statistical value of the hot water ratio, the reliability of the water heater's temperature regulation is improved.

[0020] In one optional implementation, the upper limit of the preset ratio range is no higher than 80%, and the lower limit of the preset ratio range is no lower than 50%.

[0021] The water heater control method provided in this invention limits the upper limit to within 80%, which retains at least 20% of the cold water adjustment space, ensuring that users have sufficient margin to adjust the water temperature. Limiting the lower limit to within 50% avoids ineffective energy consumption caused by continuous high-temperature heating of the water heater and reduces the risk of pipe aging and leakage.

[0022] In one alternative implementation, the method further includes: When the water heater is turned on, it controls the water heater based on the maximum value of the preset water temperature corresponding to each target shower.

[0023] The water heater control method provided in this invention matches the maximum value of the preset water temperature of the target shower in the initial operation phase of the water heater, that is, meets the maximum water temperature requirement of each target shower, and greatly shortens the waiting time for multiple showers to use water simultaneously after the water heater is turned on.

[0024] In a second aspect, the present invention provides a control device for a water heater, wherein the hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of at least one thermostatic shower; the water heater is communicatively connected to each thermostatic shower; each thermostatic shower is equipped with a mixing valve, the mixing valve being used to adjust the ratio of hot water entering through the hot water inlet to hot water exiting through the outlet, the device comprising: The data acquisition module is used to obtain the hot water ratio of the target shower in real time. The update module is used to update the hot water ratio statistics based on the hot water ratio corresponding to each target shower; the hot water ratio statistics are used to reflect the central tendency of the hot water ratio of each target shower. The adjustment module is used to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater based on the comparison results of the preset ratio range and the hot water ratio statistics, so that the hot water ratio statistics fall within the preset ratio range; wherein, the preset ratio range is used to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater while reserving an adjustment margin for each mixing valve to increase the hot water ratio.

[0025] Thirdly, the present invention provides a water heater system, comprising: The system includes a water heater and at least one thermostatic shower connected in communication with the water heater; the hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic shower; the water heater is used to perform the method described in any of the above embodiments; or, the system includes a water heater, a cloud server connected in communication with the water heater, and at least one thermostatic shower connected in communication with the cloud server; the hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic shower; the cloud server is used to perform the method described in any of the above embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0026] 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.

[0027] Figure 1 This is a flowchart illustrating a water heater control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 2 This is a flowchart illustrating another water heater control method according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 3 This is an overall control logic diagram of a water heater system during operation according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a structural block diagram of a water heater system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 5 This is a specific structural block diagram of a water heater system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 6 This is a structural block diagram of another water heater system according to an embodiment of the present invention; Figure 7 This is a structural block diagram of a control device for a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0028] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0029] According to an embodiment of the present invention, a control method for a water heater is provided. It should be noted that the steps shown in the flowchart in the accompanying drawings can be executed in a computer system such as a set of computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, although a logical order is shown in the flowchart, in some cases, the steps shown or described may be executed in a different order than that shown here.

[0030] This embodiment provides a control method for a water heater, wherein the hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of at least one thermostatic shower; the water heater is communicatively connected to each of the thermostatic showers; each thermostatic shower is equipped with a mixing valve, which is used to adjust the ratio of hot water entering through the hot water inlet to hot water exiting through the outlet.

[0031] Specifically, the water heater, as the heat source device in a water heater system, is used to heat cold water and uniformly output hot water to each shower. For example, the water heater can be a gas water heater, an electric water heater, etc.

[0032] A thermostatic shower unit, as an independent water terminal, integrates both hot and cold water inlets, a mixing valve, and a water outlet. Examples of thermostatic shower units include handheld shower sets and overhead shower sets.

[0033] The hot water inlet of a thermostatic shower connects to the hot water outlet of the water heater via a dedicated pipe between the shower and the water heater. It's understood that a thermostatic shower also includes a cold water inlet and outlet. The cold water inlet is used to receive cold water, for example, a cold water inlet connected to a municipal water supply pipe. The outlet is where the hot and cold water flows out after being mixed inside the mixing valve, such as the shower head outlet or faucet spout. The mixing valve, as an internal regulating component of the shower, can change the ratio of hot to cold water flow to alter the outlet water temperature. For example, the mixing valve can be a shower control knob; turning it left increases the flow of hot water from the inlet, and turning it right increases the flow of cold water from the inlet.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, applied to the water heater in the above-described system. For example... Figure 1 As shown, the process includes the following steps: S101, real-time acquisition of the hot water ratio of the target showerhead during showering.

[0035] Specifically, the target shower is a thermostatic shower in the system that is currently discharging water and has a water demand.

[0036] The hot water ratio is the proportion of hot water supplied by the water heater to the total water flow from the outlet of a target shower. A higher hot water ratio indicates a higher water temperature from the target shower.

[0037] For example, the hot water ratio can be characterized by the valve opening degree of the mixing valve. In this case, a potentiometer can be installed inside the mixing valve to collect the voltage signal corresponding to the rotation of the valve core, and then the valve opening degree of the mixing valve can be calculated based on the preset mapping relationship between the voltage signal and the valve opening degree.

[0038] For example, the hot water ratio can be characterized by the ratio between the flow rate of water entering the hot water inlet of the target shower and the flow rate of water exiting the outlet. In this case, by installing flow sensors at both the hot water inlet and outlet of the shower, the hot water flow rate at the inlet and the total flow rate at the outlet are collected in real time, thereby determining the hot water ratio.

[0039] S102, Update the hot water ratio statistics based on the hot water ratio corresponding to each target shower.

[0040] Among them, the hot water ratio statistics are used to reflect the central tendency of the hot water ratio of each target shower.

[0041] Specifically, the hot water ratio statistics are obtained by statistical calculation based on the hot water ratio collected in real time for each target shower. They reflect the overall concentration trend of the hot water ratio of multiple target showers and reflect the overall water temperature demand of all target showers in use.

[0042] It should be noted that the specific implementation method for updating the hot water ratio statistics based on the hot water ratio corresponding to each target shower will be described in subsequent embodiments, and will not be elaborated here.

[0043] S103, based on the comparison results between the preset ratio range and the hot water ratio statistical value, adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater so that the hot water ratio statistical value falls within the preset ratio range.

[0044] The preset ratio range is used to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater while allowing each mixing valve to have an adjustment margin to increase the hot water ratio.

[0045] Specifically, the preset ratio range serves as a reasonable range for the hot water ratio, balancing energy saving by the water heater with the adjustment margin of the mixing valve. While reducing the water heater's energy consumption, it retains an adjustment margin for increasing the hot water ratio, meaning users can continue to adjust the mixing valve to increase the proportion of hot water and raise the target shower outlet water temperature. For example, the upper limit of the preset ratio range is no higher than 80%, and the lower limit is no lower than 50%. By limiting the upper limit to 80%, at least 20% of the cold water adjustment space is retained, ensuring users have sufficient leeway to increase the water temperature. Limiting the lower limit to 50% avoids ineffective energy consumption caused by continuous high-temperature heating of the water heater and reduces the risk of pipe aging and leakage.

[0046] The comparison results between the preset ratio range and the hot water ratio statistical value include the hot water ratio statistical value falling within the preset ratio range, the hot water ratio statistical value being greater than the upper limit of the preset ratio range, and the hot water ratio statistical value being less than the lower limit of the preset ratio range.

[0047] In one possible implementation, the water outlet temperature of the water heater is increased when the hot water ratio statistical value is greater than the upper limit of the preset ratio range.

[0048] This is because if the hot water ratio statistical value is greater than the upper limit of the preset ratio range, it means that the water temperature adjusted by the mixing valve of the target shower within the preset ratio range does not meet the user's needs. At this time, it is necessary to increase the water temperature of the water heater so that the water temperature adjusted by the mixing valve of the target shower within the preset ratio range meets the user's needs, while retaining the mixing valve's margin for upward adjustment of the hot water ratio.

[0049] In one possible implementation, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is reduced when the hot water ratio statistical value is less than the lower limit of a preset ratio range.

[0050] This is because if the hot water ratio statistics are lower than the lower limit of the preset ratio range, it indicates that the current water temperature from the water heater is too high. Users only need to turn on a small amount of hot water to reach the desired water temperature. An excessively high water temperature will result in ineffective energy consumption. In this case, lowering the water heater's outlet temperature can increase the hot water ratio statistics to bring it within the preset ratio range. This reduces the water heater's heating energy consumption without affecting the user's water temperature, thus achieving energy-saving operation.

[0051] In this embodiment of the invention, the hot water ratio of each target showerhead in a shower is collected in real time, and a statistical value of the hot water ratio is calculated to reflect the overall water demand in a scenario of multiple showers using water simultaneously. Furthermore, the water heater outlet temperature is adjusted in conjunction with a preset ratio range so that the statistical value of the hot water ratio falls within the preset ratio range. Compared with related technologies where the water heater uses a fixed outlet temperature and the shower terminal manually adjusts the mixing valve, resulting in fluctuating water temperatures during concurrent use, this invention can enhance the stability of the outlet temperature of the target showerhead in a scenario of multiple showers using water simultaneously, minimize the need for manual adjustment of the mixing valve, and control the statistical value of the hot water ratio within the preset ratio range. This avoids the target showerhead from mixing too much cold water, which would waste the heat energy of the water heater, while also leaving a certain adjustment margin for the mixing valve to increase the hot water ratio, so as to meet the user's subsequent need to increase the water temperature and improve the water experience in a scenario of multiple showers using water simultaneously.

[0052] In some embodiments, based on the foregoing embodiments, the hot water ratio is characterized by the valve opening degree of the mixing valve of the corresponding target shower.

[0053] Specifically, valve opening degree is used to quantify the extent to which the mixing valve core is opened towards the hot water side. The larger the valve opening degree, the larger the hot water passage area, and the greater the proportion of hot water in the outlet of the mixing valve.

[0054] In one possible implementation, the hot water proportion statistic is represented by the average, or median, valve opening of each target shower.

[0055] A single shower valve opening only represents the water demand of that individual shower and cannot reflect the overall hot water ratio of all showers in the water heater. However, the average valve opening of the target showers represents the average opening demand of all target showers, and the median can filter out extreme cases where individual showers are fully open for hot or cold water, avoiding data interference caused by extreme demand at a single point on the water heater's temperature regulation. Therefore, by using the mixing valve opening of the target showers to represent the hot water ratio, and by using the average or median valve opening of all target showers to represent the statistical value of the hot water ratio, the reliability of the water heater's temperature regulation is improved.

[0056] In another possible implementation, the hot water ratio statistics are determined as follows: First, obtain the water flow rate per unit time at the outlet of each target shower.

[0057] Specifically, the flow rate of the water outlet refers to the total volume of water flowing out of the shower outlet per unit time, which is used to characterize the actual water load of the shower.

[0058] For example, a flow meter is installed at the outlet of the target shower to obtain the water flow rate per unit time at the outlet of the target shower.

[0059] Then, the weight of each target shower is determined according to the water flow rate per unit time at the outlet of each target shower.

[0060] For example, the water flow rate per unit time at the outlet is positively correlated with the weight.

[0061] Finally, based on the weight of each target shower and the valve opening of the mixing valve of each target shower, the statistical value of the hot water ratio is determined.

[0062] For example, based on the weight of each target shower, the valve opening of the mixing valve of each target shower is weighted and summed to obtain the statistical value of the hot water ratio.

[0063] Considering that high-flow showers consume significantly more hot water than low-flow showers, they have a greater impact on the water temperature stability of the water heater system. Therefore, in this invention, the weight of each target shower is allocated according to the water flow rate at the outlet. This allows showers with higher hot water consumption to have a greater weight in the global statistical analysis, enabling the hot water ratio statistics obtained based on the weights to more accurately reflect the overall hot and cold water load of the entire system. Furthermore, the outlet water temperature adjusted accordingly can precisely match the system's main water demand.

[0064] In other embodiments, based on any of the foregoing embodiments, the hot water ratio is characterized by the ratio between the flow rate of water entering through the hot water inlet of the corresponding target shower and the flow rate of water exiting through the outlet.

[0065] Similarly, the hot water ratio statistics can be represented by the average of the above ratios for each target shower, or by the median, or by the weighted summation method described above.

[0066] Of course, the proportion of hot water can also be characterized by the physical rotation angle of the valve core of the mixing valve and the pressure difference between the hot and cold water inlets. This embodiment of the invention does not specifically limit this.

[0067] This embodiment provides a control method for a water heater, which can be used for the aforementioned water heaters, such as gas water heaters. Figure 2 This is a flowchart of a water heater control method according to an embodiment of the present invention, such as... Figure 2 As shown, the process includes the following steps: S201, real-time acquisition of the hot water ratio of the target showerhead during showering; please refer to [link / reference] for details. Figure 1 Step S101 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described again here.

[0068] S202, update the hot water ratio statistics based on the hot water ratio corresponding to each target shower; the hot water ratio statistics are used to reflect the central tendency of the hot water ratio of each target shower; for details, please refer to Figure 1 Step S102 of the illustrated embodiment will not be described again here.

[0069] S203, based on the comparison results between the preset ratio range and the hot water ratio statistics, adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater so that the hot water ratio statistics fall within the preset ratio range; wherein, the preset ratio range is used to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater while reserving an adjustment margin for each mixing valve to increase the hot water ratio.

[0070] Specifically, S203 above includes: S2031, determine the deviation between the statistical value of the hot water ratio and the preset ratio range.

[0071] The deviation is used to reflect the degree to which the statistical value of the hot water ratio deviates from the preset ratio range.

[0072] Specifically, the deviation, as the offset of the hot water ratio statistical value relative to the preset ratio range, reflects how far the hot water ratio statistical value deviates from the preset ratio range, providing a basis for subsequent adjustment of the water heater's outlet water temperature. A larger deviation indicates a more severe deviation of the hot water ratio statistical value from the preset ratio range.

[0073] For example, when the hot water ratio statistical value is greater than the upper limit of the preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the hot water ratio statistical value and the upper limit.

[0074] For example, when the statistical value of the hot water ratio is less than the lower limit of the preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the lower limit and the statistical value of the hot water ratio.

[0075] S2032, based on the deviation, determines the temperature adjustment range.

[0076] The deviation is positively correlated with the temperature adjustment range. For example, the larger the deviation, the larger the temperature adjustment range, and the smaller the deviation, the smaller the temperature adjustment range, so as to achieve adaptive adjustment of the water outlet temperature of the water heater.

[0077] In one possible implementation, the deviation is linearly mapped according to a preset ratio to obtain the temperature adjustment range.

[0078] For example, the temperature adjustment range can be determined using the following formula:

[0079] in, This refers to the temperature adjustment range; For deviation; The temperature conversion ratio (i.e., the preset ratio) can be determined empirically. Here, K is a constant greater than 0; for example, the value range of K is [0.1, 0.5].

[0080] In another possible implementation, multiple deviation intervals are divided, each corresponding to a preset ratio. Based on the preset ratio within the deviation interval, the deviation is linearly mapped to obtain the temperature adjustment range.

[0081] S2033 adjusts the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range and comparison results.

[0082] In one possible implementation, if the comparison result indicates that the hot water ratio statistical value is less than the lower limit of a preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the lower limit and the hot water ratio statistical value. In this case, based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is reduced to obtain the adjusted temperature.

[0083] When the hot water ratio is lower than the lower limit of the preset ratio range, it indicates that the current water temperature of the water heater is too high. Users only need a small amount of hot water to meet their water temperature requirements. In this case, reducing the water temperature of the water heater can help reduce the energy consumption of the water heater while meeting the user's water temperature requirements.

[0084] Optionally, the adjusted temperature can be obtained by reducing the outlet water temperature in the following way: First, based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is reduced to obtain the reduced temperature.

[0085] For example, the reduced temperature is obtained by subtracting the temperature adjustment range from the outlet water temperature.

[0086] Then, obtain the preset water temperature corresponding to each target shower and determine the maximum value among the preset water temperatures.

[0087] Specifically, the preset water temperature of the target shower is the user's desired shower outlet water temperature. In this embodiment of the invention, the preset water temperatures of different target showers can be different or the same. For example, the preset water temperature of shower a is 40 degrees Celsius, the preset water temperature of shower b is 38 degrees Celsius, and the preset water temperature of shower c is 38 degrees Celsius.

[0088] Finally, if the temperature after reduction is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the temperature after reduction is determined as the adjusted temperature; or, if the temperature after reduction is less than the maximum value, the maximum value is determined as the adjusted temperature.

[0089] When the reduced temperature is lower than the maximum temperature, if the reduced temperature is used as the water outlet temperature of the water heater, then for the target shower corresponding to the maximum temperature, even if the mixing valve is completely closed to cold water and only hot water is supplied, the water outlet temperature of the shower cannot reach the preset water temperature, thus failing to meet the water temperature requirement. Therefore, by using the maximum preset water temperature of each target shower as a limiting protection, it is ensured that the water outlet temperature of each target shower can meet the user's water temperature requirement for that target shower, avoiding excessive cooling.

[0090] In another possible implementation, if the comparison result indicates that the hot water ratio statistical value is greater than the upper limit of the preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the hot water ratio statistical value and the upper limit. In this case, based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is increased to obtain the adjusted temperature.

[0091] If the hot water ratio is greater than the upper limit of the preset ratio range, it indicates that the current water temperature of the water heater cannot meet the water temperature requirements when the mixing valve is within the preset ratio range. In this case, it is necessary to increase the water temperature of the water heater. After increasing the water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range, the proportion of hot water required by the mixing valve will decrease accordingly, causing the hot water ratio to fall back to the preset ratio range, so as to reserve a margin for hot water adjustment.

[0092] Optionally, the adjusted temperature can be obtained by increasing the outlet water temperature in the following ways: First, based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is increased to obtain the increased temperature.

[0093] For example, the temperature adjustment range is added to the outlet water temperature to obtain the increased temperature.

[0094] Then, obtain the water heater's preset maximum operating temperature.

[0095] Specifically, the preset maximum operating temperature can be the upper limit of the safe operating temperature of the water heater, which is determined by the water heater's hardware pressure resistance, pipe heat resistance, and anti-scalding standards.

[0096] Finally, if the increased temperature is less than or equal to the preset maximum operating temperature, the increased temperature is determined as the adjusted temperature; or, if the increased temperature is greater than the preset maximum operating temperature, the preset maximum operating temperature is determined as the adjusted temperature.

[0097] Considering that the heat resistance of water heater pipes, seals, and heat exchange components has an upper limit, excessively high water temperature will accelerate pipe aging and leakage, and may also pose a risk of scalding due to user misoperation. Therefore, the water heater outlet temperature is constrained by setting a maximum operating temperature, which avoids increasing the water heater outlet temperature indefinitely and maximizes the satisfaction of users' water temperature adjustment needs without exceeding the preset maximum operating temperature.

[0098] In another possible implementation, in S2033 above, the outlet water temperature is adjusted in the following way: If the temperature adjustment range is greater than the preset temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature will be adjusted based on the comparison results.

[0099] Alternatively, if the temperature adjustment range is less than or equal to the preset temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature can be maintained.

[0100] Specifically, the preset temperature adjustment range serves as a preset safety adjustment boundary for whether to perform temperature adjustment operations, and is used to filter out oscillations caused by small deviations.

[0101] For example, when the hot water ratio is represented by the valve opening of the mixing valve of the corresponding target shower, the upper limit of the preset temperature adjustment range is the temperature adjustment range obtained by converting the deviation of 8% based on the above-mentioned temperature conversion ratio coefficient. The lower limit of the preset temperature adjustment range is the temperature adjustment range obtained by converting the deviation of 3% based on the above-mentioned temperature conversion ratio coefficient.

[0102] In this way, if the temperature adjustment range is less than or equal to the preset temperature adjustment range, it indicates that the hot water ratio statistical value deviates only slightly from the preset ratio range. If the outlet water temperature of the water heater is frequently adjusted to address the slight deviation, it will cause the heating modules of the water heater, such as the burner, to repeatedly start and stop, and the heating power to fluctuate continuously, which will affect the lifespan of the equipment. Therefore, by setting a preset temperature adjustment range, equipment wear can be reduced, and both equipment lifespan and water temperature regulation can be balanced.

[0103] In the embodiments of the invention, the deviation of the statistical value of hot water ratio from the preset ratio range is used to characterize the overall water usage deviation when multiple showers use water simultaneously. Based on the positive correlation between the deviation and the temperature adjustment range, the temperature adjustment level is adaptively matched, thereby realizing the fine adjustment of the water outlet temperature of the water heater.

[0104] In some embodiments, based on any of the foregoing embodiments, the method provided by the present invention further includes the following: When the water heater is turned on, it controls the water heater based on the maximum value of the preset water temperature corresponding to each target shower.

[0105] Specifically, in scenarios such as the water heater being powered on for the first time or restarting after being stopped, the water heater is controlled based on the maximum value of the preset water temperature of the target shower in the shower. This allows the water heater to meet the water temperature requirements of the target shower in the shower from the initial stage of starting up, shortening the waiting time for the water to reach a constant temperature.

[0106] Understandably, if multiple showers are in the shower when the water heater is turned on, the water heater will control the water temperature based on the maximum preset water temperature of each shower. Conversely, if only one shower is in the shower, the maximum preset water temperature for that shower will be used, and the water heater will control the water temperature based on that shower's preset water temperature. If no shower is in the shower when the water heater is turned on, the water heater will not initiate heating.

[0107] For example, the maximum value of the preset water temperature corresponding to each target shower can be determined as the outlet water temperature of the water heater, or the initial compensation temperature difference can be added on the maximum value to obtain the initial outlet water temperature of the water heater.

[0108] In this embodiment of the invention, the maximum value of the preset water temperature of the target shower is matched during the initial operation phase of the water heater, that is, the maximum water temperature requirement of each target shower is met, which greatly shortens the waiting time for multiple showers to use water simultaneously after the water heater is turned on.

[0109] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the overall control logic of the water heater system during operation. (Example:) Figure 3As shown, after the water heater is turned on, it detects the usage of each shower in the system. When a target shower is present, it compares the preset water temperature of each target shower with the maximum preset water temperature and controls the water heater's outlet temperature based on this maximum. When no target shower is present, the water heater does not initiate heating and continues to detect the usage of each shower. During subsequent operation, the water heater continuously acquires the hot water ratio of each target shower, updates the hot water ratio statistics based on the respective hot water ratios of each target shower, and adjusts the water heater's outlet temperature accordingly. This allows for precise regulation of the water heater in scenarios with multiple showers using the system simultaneously.

[0110] This embodiment also provides a water heater system, such as Figure 4 As shown, the system includes a water heater 1 and at least one thermostatic shower 2 that is communicatively connected to the water heater 1; the hot water outlet of the water heater 1 is connected to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic shower 2; the water heater 1 is used to perform the above-described method.

[0111] For example, water heater 1 and thermostatic shower 2 can be connected via wired or wireless data transmission links to realize data exchange between the water heater and the thermostatic shower, such as the water heater obtaining the hot water ratio of the target shower.

[0112] Figure 5 This is a structural block diagram of a water heater system. For example... Figure 5 As shown, the system includes a water heater 1 and at least one thermostatic shower 2. Each thermostatic shower 2 has a cold water inlet 21, a hot water inlet 22, a water outlet 23, and a mixing valve 24. The mixing valve 24 is used to adjust the ratio of hot water entering through the hot water inlet 22 to hot water exiting through the water outlet 23. The hot water inlet 22 of each shower is connected to the hot water outlet of the water heater through a pipe corresponding to the shower.

[0113] The water heater 1 includes a memory 11 and a processor 12, which are interconnected. The memory 11 stores computer instructions, and the processor 12 executes the control method of the water heater by executing the computer instructions.

[0114] The water heater system provided in this invention collects the hot water ratio of each target shower in real time and calculates the hot water ratio statistics to reflect the overall water demand in scenarios with multiple showers using water simultaneously. Furthermore, it adjusts the water heater outlet temperature in conjunction with a preset ratio range. Compared to related technologies that use a fixed outlet temperature and require manual adjustment of the mixing valve at the shower terminal, resulting in fluctuating water temperatures during concurrent use, this invention enhances the stability of the outlet temperature in scenarios with multiple showers using water simultaneously, minimizes the need for manual adjustment of the mixing valve, and controls the hot water ratio statistics within a preset ratio range. This reduces the energy consumption of the water heater while providing a margin for adjusting the hot water ratio upwards to meet the user's subsequent need to increase the water temperature, thus improving the water experience in scenarios with multiple showers using water simultaneously.

[0115] Processor 12 can process instructions executed within the water heater, including instructions stored in or on memory to display graphical information of a GUI on an external input / output device (such as a display device coupled to an interface). In some alternative implementations, multiple processors and / or multiple buses can be used with multiple memories and multiple memory modules, if desired.

[0116] Processor 12 may be a central processing unit, a network processor, or a combination thereof. Processor 12 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 (GPA), or any combination thereof.

[0117] The memory 11 stores instructions executable by at least one processor 12 to cause at least one processor 12 to perform the method shown in the above embodiments.

[0118] The memory 11 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 water heater, etc. Furthermore, the memory 11 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 11 may optionally include memory remotely located relative to the processor 12, and these remote memories can be connected to the water heater 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.

[0119] The memory 11 may include volatile memory, such as random access memory; the memory 11 may also include non-volatile memory, such as flash memory, hard disk or solid-state drive; the memory 11 may also include a combination of the above types of memory.

[0120] This embodiment also provides a water heater system, such as Figure 6 As shown, the system includes a water heater 1, a cloud server 3 that is communicatively connected to the water heater 1, and at least one thermostatic shower 2 that is communicatively connected to the cloud server 3; the hot water outlet of the water heater 1 is connected to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic shower 2; the cloud server 3 is used to execute the above method.

[0121] Specifically, cloud server 3, as a remote computing service platform deployed in the cloud, has the ability to perform data processing and data storage. It can connect to water heaters and thermostatic showers, generate temperature control commands based on the control methods of the water heaters mentioned above, and send them to water heater 1, thereby realizing the adjustment of the water temperature output from the water heater.

[0122] The water heater system provided in this invention collects the hot water ratio of each target shower in real time and calculates the hot water ratio statistics to reflect the overall water demand in scenarios with multiple showers using water simultaneously. Furthermore, it adjusts the water heater's outlet temperature within a preset ratio range to ensure the hot water ratio statistics fall within that range. Compared to related technologies where the water heater uses a fixed outlet temperature and the shower terminal manually adjusts the mixing valve, leading to fluctuating water temperatures during concurrent use, this invention enhances the stability of the outlet temperature of the target shower in scenarios with multiple showers using water simultaneously, minimizing the need for manual adjustment of the mixing valve. Moreover, by controlling the hot water ratio statistics within the preset ratio range, it avoids excessive cold water mixing in the target shower, thus preventing the waste of water heater energy. Simultaneously, it provides a certain adjustment margin for the mixing valve to increase the hot water ratio, meeting the user's subsequent need to increase the water temperature and improving the water experience in scenarios with multiple showers using water simultaneously.

[0123] This embodiment also provides a control device for a water heater, which is used to implement the above embodiments and preferred embodiments; details already described will not be repeated. As used below, the term "module" can refer to a combination of software and / or hardware that implements a predetermined function. Although the device described in the following embodiments is preferably implemented in software, hardware implementation, or a combination of software and hardware, is also possible and contemplated.

[0124] The hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of at least one thermostatic shower unit; the water heater is communicatively connected to each thermostatic shower unit; each thermostatic shower unit is equipped with a mixing valve, which is used to adjust the ratio of hot water entering through the hot water inlet to hot water exiting through the outlet, such as... Figure 7 As shown, the device includes: The data acquisition module 701 is used to acquire the hot water ratio of the target shower in real time. The update module 702 is used to update the hot water ratio statistics based on the hot water ratio corresponding to each target shower; wherein, the hot water ratio statistics are used to reflect the central tendency of the hot water ratio of each target shower. The adjustment module 703 is used to adjust the outlet water temperature of the water heater based on the comparison results of the preset ratio range and the hot water ratio statistical value, so that the hot water ratio statistical value falls within the preset ratio range; wherein, the preset ratio range is used to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater while reserving an adjustment margin for each mixing valve to increase the hot water ratio.

[0125] The water heater control device provided in this invention collects the hot water ratio of each target shower in real time and calculates the hot water ratio statistics to reflect the overall water demand in a multi-shower concurrent water use scenario. Furthermore, it adjusts the water heater outlet temperature within a preset ratio range to ensure the hot water ratio statistics fall within that range. Compared to related technologies where water heaters use a fixed outlet temperature and shower terminals require manual adjustment of the mixing valve, leading to fluctuating water temperatures during concurrent use, this invention enhances the stability of the outlet temperature of the target shower in a multi-shower simultaneous use scenario, minimizing manual mixing valve adjustments. Moreover, by controlling the hot water ratio statistics within the preset ratio range, it avoids excessive cold water mixing in the target shower, preventing waste of water heater energy, while also providing a certain adjustment margin for increasing the hot water ratio to meet users' subsequent needs for higher water temperatures, thus improving the water experience in a multi-shower concurrent use scenario.

[0126] In one possible implementation, the adjustment module 703 is specifically used to determine the deviation between the hot water ratio statistical value and the preset ratio range; wherein the deviation is used to reflect the degree to which the hot water ratio statistical value deviates from the preset ratio range; The temperature adjustment range is determined based on the deviation; where the deviation and the temperature adjustment range are positively correlated. Based on the temperature adjustment range and comparison results, the outlet water temperature is adjusted.

[0127] In one possible implementation, if the comparison result indicates that the hot water ratio statistical value is less than the lower limit of the preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the lower limit and the hot water ratio statistical value; the adjustment module 703 is specifically used to reduce the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range to obtain the adjusted temperature.

[0128] In one possible implementation, the adjustment module 703 is specifically used to reduce the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range, so as to obtain the reduced temperature. Obtain the preset water temperature corresponding to each target shower and determine the maximum value among the preset water temperatures; If the temperature after reduction is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the temperature after reduction is determined as the adjusted temperature; or, if the temperature after reduction is less than the maximum value, the maximum value is determined as the adjusted temperature.

[0129] In one possible implementation, when the comparison result indicates that the hot water ratio statistical value is greater than the upper limit of the preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the hot water ratio statistical value and the upper limit; the adjustment module 703 is specifically used to increase the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range to obtain the adjusted temperature.

[0130] In one possible implementation, the adjustment module 703 is specifically used to increase the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range, so as to obtain the increased temperature. Obtain the preset maximum operating temperature of the water heater; If the increased temperature is less than or equal to the preset maximum operating temperature, the increased temperature shall be determined as the adjusted temperature; or, if the increased temperature is greater than the preset maximum operating temperature, the preset maximum operating temperature shall be determined as the adjusted temperature.

[0131] In one possible implementation, the adjustment module 703 is specifically used to adjust the outlet water temperature based on the comparison result when the temperature adjustment range is greater than the preset temperature adjustment range. Maintain the outlet water temperature when the temperature adjustment range is less than or equal to the preset temperature adjustment range.

[0132] In one possible implementation, the hot water ratio is characterized by the valve opening of the mixing valve of the corresponding target shower, and the hot water ratio statistic is characterized by the average or median of the valve opening of each target shower.

[0133] In one possible implementation, the upper limit of the preset ratio range is no higher than 80%, and the lower limit of the preset ratio range is no lower than 70%.

[0134] In one possible implementation, the adjustment module 703 is also used to control the water heater based on the maximum value of the preset water temperature corresponding to each target shower when the water heater is turned on.

[0135] Further functional descriptions of the above modules and units are the same as those in the corresponding embodiments described above, and will not be repeated here.

[0136] In this embodiment, the control device for the water heater is presented in the form of a functional unit. Here, a unit refers to an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) circuit, a processor and memory that execute one or more software or fixed programs, and / or other devices that can provide the above functions.

[0137] This invention also provides a computer-readable storage medium. The methods described above according to embodiments of the invention can be implemented in hardware or firmware, or implemented as computer code that can be recorded on a storage medium, or implemented as computer code downloaded via a network and originally stored on a remote storage medium or a non-transitory machine-readable storage medium and then stored on a local storage medium. Thus, the methods described herein can be processed by software stored on a storage medium using a general-purpose computer, a dedicated processor, or programmable or dedicated hardware. The storage medium can be a magnetic disk, optical disk, read-only memory, random access memory, flash memory, hard disk, or solid-state drive, etc.; further, the storage medium can also include combinations of the above types of memory. It is understood that computers, processors, microprocessor controllers, or programmable hardware include storage components capable of storing or receiving software or computer code, which, when accessed and executed by the computer, processor, or hardware, implements the methods shown in the above embodiments.

[0138] A portion of this invention can be applied as a computer program product, such as computer program instructions, which, when executed by a computer, can invoke or provide the methods and / or technical solutions according to the invention through the operation of the computer. Those skilled in the art will understand that the forms in which computer program instructions exist in a computer-readable medium include, but are not limited to, source files, executable files, installation package files, etc. Correspondingly, the ways in which computer program instructions are executed by a computer include, but are not limited to: the computer directly executing the instructions, or the computer compiling the instructions and then executing the corresponding compiled program, or the computer reading and executing the instructions, or the computer reading and installing the instructions and then executing the corresponding installed program. Here, the computer-readable medium can be any available computer-readable storage medium or communication medium accessible to a computer.

[0139] Although embodiments of the invention have been described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and variations without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention, and such modifications and variations all fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A method for controlling a water heater, characterized in that, The hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of at least one thermostatic shower; the water heater is communicatively connected to each of the thermostatic showers; each thermostatic shower is equipped with a mixing valve, which is used to adjust the ratio of hot water entering through the hot water inlet to hot water exiting through the outlet, and the method includes: Real-time acquisition of the hot water ratio of the target showerhead during showering; Based on the hot water ratio corresponding to each of the target showers, the hot water ratio statistics are updated; wherein, the hot water ratio statistics are used to reflect the central tendency of the hot water ratio of each of the target showers; Based on the comparison results between the preset ratio range and the hot water ratio statistics, the outlet water temperature of the water heater is adjusted so that the hot water ratio statistics fall within the preset ratio range; wherein, the preset ratio range is used to reduce the energy consumption of the water heater while reserving an adjustment margin for each mixing valve to increase the hot water ratio.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that, The adjustment of the water outlet temperature of the water heater based on the comparison results of a preset ratio range and a statistical value of the hot water ratio includes: Determine the deviation between the statistical value of the hot water ratio and the preset ratio range; wherein the deviation is used to reflect the degree to which the statistical value of the hot water ratio deviates from the preset ratio range; Based on the deviation, the temperature adjustment range is determined; wherein, the deviation and the temperature adjustment range are positively correlated. Based on the temperature adjustment range and the comparison results, the outlet water temperature is adjusted.

3. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the comparison result indicates that the hot water ratio statistical value is less than the lower limit of the preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the lower limit and the hot water ratio statistical value; The adjustment of the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range and the comparison result includes: Based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is reduced to obtain the adjusted temperature.

4. The method according to claim 3, characterized in that, The step of reducing the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range to obtain the adjusted temperature includes: Based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is reduced to obtain the reduced temperature; Obtain the preset water temperature corresponding to each of the target showers, and determine the maximum value among the preset water temperatures; If the reduced temperature is greater than or equal to the maximum value, the reduced temperature is determined as the adjusted temperature; or, if the reduced temperature is less than the maximum value, the maximum value is determined as the adjusted temperature.

5. The method according to claim 2, characterized in that, If the comparison result indicates that the hot water ratio statistical value is greater than the upper limit of the preset ratio range, the deviation is the difference between the hot water ratio statistical value and the upper limit; The adjustment of the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range and the comparison result includes: Based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is increased to obtain the adjusted temperature.

6. The method according to claim 5, characterized in that, The step of increasing the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range to obtain the adjusted temperature includes: Based on the temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is increased to obtain the increased temperature; Obtain the preset maximum operating temperature of the water heater; If the increased temperature is less than or equal to the preset maximum operating temperature, the increased temperature is determined as the adjusted temperature; or, if the increased temperature is greater than the preset maximum operating temperature, the preset maximum operating temperature is determined as the adjusted temperature.

7. The method according to any one of claims 2-6, characterized in that, The adjustment of the outlet water temperature based on the temperature adjustment range and the comparison result includes: If the temperature adjustment range is greater than the preset temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is adjusted based on the comparison result. When the temperature adjustment range is less than or equal to the preset temperature adjustment range, the outlet water temperature is maintained.

8. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The hot water ratio is characterized by the valve opening degree of the mixing valve of the corresponding target shower, and the hot water ratio statistical value is characterized by the average or median of the valve opening degree of each target shower.

9. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The upper limit of the preset ratio range is no higher than 80%, and the lower limit of the preset ratio range is no lower than 50%.

10. The method according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The method further includes: When the water heater is turned on, it controls the water heater based on the maximum value of the preset water temperature corresponding to each target shower.

11. A water heater system, characterized in that, The system includes a water heater and at least one thermostatic shower connected in communication with the water heater; the hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic shower; the water heater is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8; or, the system includes a water heater, a cloud server connected in communication with the water heater, and at least one thermostatic shower connected in communication with the cloud server; the hot water outlet of the water heater is connected to the hot water inlet of the thermostatic shower; the cloud server is used to perform the method as described in any one of claims 1-8.

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