Electric water heater with multiple heat exchange modes

Abstract

The utility model discloses a multi-heat-exchange-mode electric water heater which comprises a heat storage area, a backflow area and a heat exchange area, a heat storage module is arranged in the heat storage area, the backflow area is communicated with the heat storage area, and a heating module capable of being controlled to be opened and closed is arranged in the backflow area. The heat exchange area is communicated with the heat storage area and the backflow area, and a heat exchange module is arranged in the heat exchange area. The water heater further comprises a water inlet pipe and a water outlet pipe, the water inlet pipe extends into the heat exchange area, communicates with the heat exchange module and conveys water to be used into the heat exchange module, and the water outlet pipe extends into the heat exchange area, communicates with the heat exchange module and outputs the water to be used in the heat exchange module. The heat exchange medium can circulate in any two of the heat storage area, the backflow area and the heat exchange area or circulate in the three areas at the same time. According to the multi-heat-exchange-mode electric water heater, the water using time is prolonged, and water can be used while heat is stored.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to the technical field of electric water heaters, in particular to a multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater. Background Art

[0002] Electric water heaters mainly convert electrical energy into the internal energy of water. Under the premise of ensuring the safety of electricity use, electric water heaters have many advantages: high safety, simple and convenient water pipe laying, precise temperature adjustment, low maintenance cost, environmentally friendly and no exhaust gas generation, no environmental dependence on installation, etc. Based on these advantages, in recent years, despite the emergence of a variety of water heater options on the market, electric water heaters still maintain a large market share. Moreover, as people's pursuit of quality of life continues to improve, the requirements for the performance and functions of water heaters are also constantly upgrading, especially for constant water temperature and water use time.

[0003] In the prior art, electric water heaters are mainly divided into water storage type and instant type. Instant water heaters are accepted by people for their advantages such as small size, no need to store water for a long time, less waste water, etc. However, because instant water heaters directly heat water instantly through electrical energy, they require high power and correspondingly high energy consumption. To solve this problem, phase change electric water heaters were proposed.

[0004] Phase change electric water heaters use phase change materials (such as the phase change of solid substances) to store and release heat. When the heat exchange medium in contact with the phase change material reaches a certain temperature, the phase change material will absorb the extra heat in the heat exchange medium and change to another state, thereby storing the excess heat in it and realizing the heat storage process. When hot water is needed, the phase change material releases the stored heat to the water it contacts, keeping the water at a certain temperature. Based on this, the advantage of phase change electric water heaters is that they can save energy to a certain extent and improve the efficiency of the water heater.

[0005] The phase change electric water heaters in the prior art mostly have only one heat exchange mode, that is, the heat exchange medium circulates between the heat storage area and the heat exchange area equipped with the phase change heat storage module to heat the standby water to the required temperature in the heat exchange area. This phase change electric water heater has few heat exchange modes, low adaptability, short water use time, and narrow standby water temperature adjustment range, which cannot meet people's increasing expectations for phase change electric water heaters. Utility Model Content

[0006] In order to overcome at least one of the defects of the above-mentioned prior art, the utility model provides a multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater. By adding a reflux area equipped with a heating module, cooperating with a heat storage area and a heat exchange area, the heat exchange medium can circulate between any two areas of the heat storage area, the heat exchange area and the reflux area, or circulate between the three areas at the same time, thereby realizing more heat exchange mode cycles, extending the water use time, and realizing heat storage while using water.

[0007] The technical solution adopted by the utility model to solve the problem is:

[0008] A multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater, comprising

[0009] A heat storage area, wherein the heat storage area is equipped with a heat storage module;

[0010] A reflow zone, the reflow zone is connected to the heat storage zone, and a heating module that can be controlled to open and close is arranged in the reflow zone;

[0011] A heat exchange zone, wherein the heat exchange zone is connected to the heat storage zone and the reflow zone, and a heat exchange module is disposed in the heat exchange zone;

[0012] A water inlet pipe, the water inlet pipe extends into the heat exchange area and communicates with the heat exchange module to transport standby water into the heat exchange module;

[0013] A water outlet pipe, the water outlet pipe extends into the heat exchange area and is connected to the heat exchange module to output the water to be used in the heat exchange module;

[0014] A heat exchange medium is filled in the heat storage area, the recirculation area and the heat exchange area; the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the heat storage module when circulating in the heat storage area; the heat exchange medium heats the heat exchange module when circulating in the heat exchange area; the heat exchange medium circulates in the recirculation area, and when the heat exchange medium enters the recirculation area and the temperature of the heat exchange medium is lower than a set heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module heats the heat exchange medium.

[0015] Further:

[0016] The heat exchange medium circulates between the reflux zone and the heat exchange zone to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module in the heat exchange zone;

[0017] The heat exchange medium circulates between the reflow area and the heat storage area to heat the heat storage module, and the heat storage module stores heat;

[0018] The heat exchange medium circulates between the heat storage area and the heat exchange area, the heat storage module releases heat, and the heat exchange medium heats the water to be used in the heat exchange module;

[0019] The heat exchange medium in the reflux area circulates between the heat storage area and the heat exchange area at the same time, heating the heat storage module and the water to be used in the heat exchange module.

[0020] Furthermore, the multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater further includes a first liquid pump, a second liquid pump, a circulation pipe 1, a circulation pipe 2 and a three-way valve 1;

[0021] The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the first liquid pump are respectively connected to the reflux area and the heat storage area;

[0022] The liquid outlet of the second liquid pump is connected to the reflux zone; the liquid inlet of the second liquid pump is connected to the three-way valve 1, the remaining two ports on the three-way valve 1 are respectively connected to the heat storage zone and the circulation pipe 1, the other end of the circulation pipe 1 is connected to the heat exchange zone, and the circulation pipe 1 is also provided with a valve 1 for controlling the on and off of the circulation pipe 1;

[0023] The two ends of the second circulation pipe are respectively connected to the recirculation zone and the heat exchange zone, and the second circulation pipe is also provided with a valve 2 for controlling the on-off of the second circulation pipe.

[0024] Furthermore: at least two heat storage areas are provided, and the heat storage areas are provided in parallel.

[0025] Furthermore, the multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater also includes a controller and a plurality of temperature sensors. The heat storage area, the reflow area and the heat exchange area are respectively provided with temperature sensors, and each of the temperature sensors is signal-conducted with the controller.

[0026] Furthermore: the heat exchange module is completely immersed in the heat exchange medium, and the water to be used has at least one anti-gravity flow path in the heat exchange module.

[0027] Furthermore: the heating module and the heat storage module are completely immersed in the heat exchange medium.

[0028] Furthermore: the heat storage module includes a heat-conducting shell and a phase change material arranged in the heat-conducting shell.

[0029] Furthermore, the multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater also includes a water tank shell, in which a heat exchange barrel, a reflux barrel and a heat storage barrel are arranged, and the heat exchange barrel, the reflux barrel and the heat storage barrel respectively form the heat exchange area, the reflux area and the heat storage area;

[0030] The heat exchange module, the heating module and the heat storage module are respectively arranged in the heat exchange barrel, the reflux barrel and the heat storage barrel.

[0031] Furthermore: the heat exchange barrel is provided with at least a partial perspective area, and the perspective area faces the heat exchange module;

[0032] The heat exchange module comprises a heat exchange shell, the heat exchange shell is equipped with at least a part of a transparent shell, and the transparent shell faces the perspective area;

[0033] The heat exchange medium includes but is not limited to tap water, purified water and heat transfer oil.

[0034] In summary, the multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater provided by the utility model has the following technical effects:

[0035] 1. By adding a recirculation zone and setting a heating module in the recirculation zone that can heat the heat exchange medium in the recirculation zone, and coordinating the heat storage zone and the heat exchange zone, the heat exchange medium can circulate between any two or three zones among the heat storage zone, the heat exchange zone and the recirculation zone, realizing more heat exchange mode cycles, extending the water use time, and realizing heat storage while using water.

[0036] 2. By adding a recirculation zone and setting a heating module in the recirculation zone that can heat the heat exchange medium in the recirculation zone, and cooperating with the heat storage zone and the heat exchange zone, the heat exchange medium can circulate between any two or three of the heat storage zone, the heat exchange zone and the recirculation zone, so that the electric water heater has a heat storage working mode, a heat exchange working mode, a heating working mode and a working mode in which heat storage and heat exchange are performed simultaneously, thereby realizing the selection of multiple working modes of the electric water heater and extending the water use time.

[0037] 3. By adding a reflow zone and setting a heating module in the reflow zone that can heat the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone, and coordinating the heat storage zone and the heat exchange zone, the heat exchange medium can circulate between any two or three zones among the heat storage zone, the heat exchange zone and the reflow zone, so that the electric water heater has a heat exchange working mode. In the heat exchange working mode, the opening and closing of the heating module in the reflow zone is controlled according to the relationship between the temperature of the heat exchange medium and the set heat exchange temperature threshold. If the temperature of the heat exchange medium is higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module will not start working temporarily, and the heat exchange medium obtains heat from the heat storage module and circulates to the heat exchange zone to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving heat utilization.

[0038] 4. A two-liquid pump is used to realize the switching and control of the four working modes of the electric water heater, with simple piping, low manufacturing cost and low failure rate during use.

[0039] 5. There are at least two heat storage areas, which can realize heat storage in each heat storage area in turn, improve the heat storage efficiency, and complete the heat storage and enter the water use work in a very short time before water use, shorten the heat storage time for emergency water use, so that the electric water heater can quickly enter the water use work. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0040] Figure 1 This is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of a multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to the technical solution of the utility model.

[0041] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of heat exchange medium circulation in a multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater in heating working mode.

[0042] Figure 3This is a schematic diagram of heat exchange medium circulation in a multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater in heat storage working mode.

[0043] Figure 4 It is a schematic diagram of heat exchange medium circulation in a heat exchange working mode of a multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater.

[0044] Figure 5 The schematic diagram of heat exchange medium circulation is shown in FIG. 1 when heat storage and heat exchange working modes of a multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater are performed simultaneously.

[0045] The meanings of the reference numerals are as follows:

[0046] 1. Heat storage area; 2. Reflux area; 3. Heat exchange area; 4. Heat storage module; 5. Heating module; 6. Heat exchange module; 7. First liquid pump; 8. Second liquid pump; 9. Circulation pipe one; 21. Circulation pipe two; 11. Valve one; 12. Three-way valve one; 13. Valve two; 14. Outlet pipe; 15. Inlet pipe; 16. Circulation pipe three; 17. Three-way valve three; 18. Circulation pipe four; 19. Three-way valve two; 10. Heat storage barrel; 20. Reflux barrel; 30. Heat exchange barrel; 31. See-through area; 32. Heat exchange shell; 33. Transparent shell. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0047] For better understanding and implementation, the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention.

[0048] In the description of the present invention, it should be noted that the terms "upper", "lower", "front", "back", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inside" and "outside" etc. indicate directions or positional relationships based on the directions or positional relationships shown in the accompanying drawings, and are only for the convenience of describing the present invention and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific direction, be constructed and operated in a specific direction, and therefore cannot be understood as a limitation on the present invention.

[0049] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as those commonly understood by those skilled in the art of the present invention. The terms used herein in the specification of the present invention are only for the purpose of describing specific embodiments and are not intended to limit the present invention.

[0050] See also Figure 1 The utility model discloses an embodiment structure of a multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater.

[0051] A multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater comprises a heat storage area 1, a reflow area 2, a heat exchange area 3 and a heat exchange medium, wherein the heat storage area 1, the reflow area 2 and the heat exchange area 3 are filled with the heat exchange medium.

[0052] The heat storage area 1 is equipped with a heat storage module 4. The reflow area 2 is connected to the heat storage area 1, and a controllable heating module 5 is configured in the reflow area 2. The heat exchange area 3 is connected to both the heat storage area 1 and the reflow area 2, and a heat exchange module 6 is configured in the heat exchange area 3.

[0053] A multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater also includes a water inlet pipe 15 and a water outlet pipe 14. The water inlet pipe 15 extends into the heat exchange area 3 and is connected to the heat exchange module 6 to transport the standby water to the heat exchange module 6. The water outlet pipe 14 extends into the heat exchange area 3 and is connected to the heat exchange module 6 to output the standby water in the heat exchange module 6.

[0054] The heat exchange medium is filled in the heat storage area 1, the reflow area 2 and the heat exchange area 3, and can circulate between any two or three of the heat storage area 1, the reflow area 2 and the heat exchange area 3. When the heat exchange medium circulates in the heat storage area 1, it exchanges heat with the heat storage module 4. When the heat exchange medium circulates in the heat exchange area 3, it heats the heat exchange module 6. When the heat exchange medium circulates in the reflow area 2, and when the heat exchange medium enters the reflow area 2 and the temperature of the heat exchange medium is lower than the set heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module 5 heats the heat exchange medium.

[0055] When the heat exchange medium circulates in the heat storage area 1, it exchanges heat with the heat storage module 4. The heat storage module can absorb the heat in the heat exchange medium, that is, the heat storage module stores the heat transported by the heat exchange medium, or the heat storage module releases heat to increase the temperature of the heat exchange medium. At this time, the heat stored in the heat storage module is utilized.

[0056] When the heat exchange medium circulates in the heat exchange area 3, it heats the heat exchange module 6. Generally, it occurs when hot water is used. The heat exchange medium with a higher temperature enters the heat exchange area, contacts the heat exchange module, and exchanges heat with the heat exchange module, thereby heating the standby water in the heat exchange module. The temperature of the standby water in the heat exchange module increases, and hot water of the required temperature is obtained.

[0057] When the heat exchange medium circulates into the reflow zone 2, when the heat exchange medium circulates from the heat exchange zone, the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the heat exchange module. More precisely, at this time, the heat exchange medium heats the heat exchange module. When the heat exchange medium enters the reflow zone, if the temperature of the heat exchange medium is not lower than the set heat exchange temperature threshold, it means that the temperature of the heat exchange medium is relatively high at this time, and the heat in the heat exchange medium can heat the heat exchange module, so the heating module in the reflow zone does not start the heating work temporarily. The heat exchange medium continues to circulate. When the heat exchange medium enters the reflow zone 2, if the temperature of the heat exchange medium is lower than the set heat exchange temperature threshold, it means that the temperature of the heat exchange medium is relatively low at this time and cannot meet the requirement of heating the heat exchange module to the required temperature. At this time, the heating module 5 should start the processing work to heat the heat exchange medium so that the heat exchange medium is heated.

[0058] The so-called "heat exchange temperature threshold" refers to the set minimum heat exchange temperature of the heat exchange medium. If the heat exchange medium is higher than this temperature, it can normally heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module and obtain the required temperature; if the heat exchange medium is lower than this temperature, the heat exchange medium heats the water to be used in the heat exchange module and it is difficult to obtain the required water temperature.

[0059] In the technical solution of the utility model, by adding a recirculation zone 2, and arranging a heating module 5 in the recirculation zone 2 for heating the heat exchange medium in the recirculation zone 2, and cooperating with the heat storage zone 1 and the heat exchange zone 3, the heat exchange medium can circulate between any two or three zones among the heat storage zone, the heat exchange zone and the recirculation zone, thereby realizing more heat exchange working modes and multiple heat exchange cycles, shortening the time required to produce hot water, extending the water use time, achieving instant heating and use, and also achieving heat storage while using water, thereby shortening the waiting time for the next water use.

[0060] In the technical solution of the utility model, by adding a reflow zone, and setting a heating module in the reflow zone that can heat the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone, and coordinating the heat storage zone and the heat exchange zone, the heat exchange medium can circulate between any two or three zones among the heat storage zone, the heat exchange zone and the reflow zone, so that the electric water heater has a heat exchange working mode. In the heat exchange working mode, the opening and closing of the heating module in the reflow zone is controlled according to the relationship between the temperature of the heat exchange medium and the set heat exchange temperature threshold. If the temperature of the heat exchange medium is higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module will not start working temporarily, and the heat exchange medium obtains heat from the heat storage module and circulates to the heat exchange zone to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving heat utilization.

[0061] In addition, in the technical solution of the present invention, a heat exchange module is arranged in the heat exchange area, and the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are connected to the heat exchange module. When hot water is needed, the heat exchange medium heats the heat exchange module, thereby realizing an instant water use mode. The heat exchange module can simultaneously input cold water and output hot water, so that there is no need to store a large amount of water in the heat exchange module, and even no need to store hot water, so that a large amount of hot water is avoided in the heat exchange module after water use, thereby realizing live water washing, avoiding a large amount of hot water surplus, and avoiding heat waste.

[0062] In the technical solution of the utility model, the heat exchange medium can circulate between any two or three zones among the heat storage zone, the heat exchange zone and the reflow zone.

[0063] The heat exchange medium circulates between the reflux zone 2 and the heat exchange zone 3 to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module 6 in the heat exchange zone 3. This is the heating working mode. Figure 2As shown, the heat exchange medium with a higher temperature in the reflow zone flows into the heat exchange zone in the direction of the solid arrow to heat the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange zone, and then the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange zone circulates back to the reflow zone in the direction of the dotted arrow. At this time, if the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone is higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module does not start the heating operation, and the heat exchange medium directly circulates between the reflow zone and the heat exchange zone to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module in the heat exchange zone to obtain the required hot water. At this time, if the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone is not higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module starts the heating operation to directly heat the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone, and the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone increases. At the same time, the heat exchange medium circulates between the reflow zone and the heat exchange zone to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module in the heat exchange zone to obtain the required hot water.

[0064] The heat exchange medium circulates between the recirculation area 2 and the heat storage area 1, heats the heat storage module 4, and the heat storage module 4 stores heat, and the heat storage working mode is also used. Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange medium flows into the heat storage area in the direction of the solid arrow, and exchanges heat with the heat storage module in the heat storage area. The heat storage module absorbs the heat in the heat exchange medium and stores it, and the heat exchange medium circulates to the reflow area in the direction of the dotted arrow. At this time, if the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the reflow area is higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module does not start the heating work, and the heat exchange medium directly circulates between the reflow area and the heat storage area to heat the heat storage module in the heat storage area to achieve heat storage. At this time, if the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the reflow area is not higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module starts the heating work, directly heats the heat exchange medium in the reflow area, and the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the reflow area increases. At the same time, the heat exchange medium circulates between the reflow area and the heat storage area to heat the heat storage module in the heat storage area to achieve heat storage. Generally, when the heat storage module in the heat storage area is heated, the heating module in the reflow area must be heated to achieve rapid heating of the heat exchange medium, improve heat storage efficiency, and shorten heat storage time. Of course, at certain times or after certain working modes, when the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the recirculation zone is higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, when the heat storage working mode is just entered, the heating module in the recirculation zone may not start the heating work temporarily.

[0065] The heat exchange medium circulates between the heat storage area 1 and the heat exchange area 3, the heat storage module 4 releases heat, and the heat exchange medium heats the water to be used in the heat exchange module 6. This is the heat exchange working mode. Figure 4As shown, the heat exchange medium in the heat storage area flows into the heat exchange area in the direction of the solid arrow to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module in the heat exchange area, and the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange area first circulates back to the reflow area in the direction of the dotted arrow, and then flows to the heat storage area through the reflow area to absorb the heat in the heat exchange module, and the heat exchange medium is heated. The heated heat exchange medium in the heat storage area is circulated again to the heat exchange area to exchange heat with the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange area to obtain the required hot water. In this heat exchange working mode, the heat exchange medium first flows into the reflow area. If the temperature of the heat exchange medium entering the reflow area is higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module does not start the heating work, and the heat exchange medium directly flows to the heat storage area through the reflow area to exchange heat with the heat storage module in the heat storage area. The heat exchange medium is heated in the heat storage area, and the heated heat exchange medium in the heat storage area is circulated again to the heat exchange area to exchange heat with the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange area to obtain the required hot water. At this time, if the temperature of the heat exchange medium flowing into the reflow zone is not higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module starts the heating work, directly heats the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone, the heat exchange medium heats up in the reflow zone, and then flows into the heat storage module, and absorbs the stored heat again in the heat storage module in the heat storage zone. The heat exchange medium heated up again in the heat storage zone circulates into the heat exchange zone, heats the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange zone, and obtains the required hot water. Of course, when the temperature of the heat exchange medium flowing into the reflow zone is not higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module starts the heating work, directly heats the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone, the heat exchange medium heats up in the reflow zone, and then flows into the heat storage module. At this time, if the temperature of the heat exchange module in the heat exchange zone is low, lower than the temperature of the heat exchange medium, the temperature part of the heat exchange medium entering the heat storage zone will be absorbed by the heat storage module and stored, and then the heat exchange medium enters the heat exchange zone again to heat the heat exchange module to obtain the required hot water.

[0066] The heat exchange medium in the reflux area 2 circulates between the heat storage area 1 and the heat exchange area 3 at the same time, heating the heat storage module 4 and the standby water in the search heat exchange module 6, which is the heat storage working mode and the heat exchange working mode at the same time. Figure 5 As shown, the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone with a temperature higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold temperature flows to the heat exchange zone and the heat storage zone in the direction of the solid arrows, respectively, and heats the heat exchange module and the heat storage module respectively, so that the required hot water is obtained in the heat exchange zone, and heat storage is realized in the heat storage zone. Then the heat exchange medium in the heat exchange zone and the heat storage zone circulates back to the reflow zone in the direction of the dotted arrows. Generally, at this time, the heating module in the reflow zone needs to start the heating work to heat the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone, so that the heat exchange medium is heated, which is more conducive to the heat exchange medium heating the heat exchange module and the heat storage module during the circulation process. At the beginning of the cycle, because the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone is relatively low, lower than the set heat exchange temperature threshold temperature, in order to reduce energy waste, the heat exchange medium can be temporarily not circulated at this time, and the heat exchange medium in the reflow zone will be heated up and higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold temperature before it will circulate.

[0067] In the above technical scheme, the electric water heater adds a recirculation zone, and a heating module is set in the recirculation zone for heating the heat exchange medium in the recirculation zone. At the same time, the heat storage zone and the heat exchange zone are coordinated, and the heat exchange medium can circulate between any two or three of the heat storage zone, the heat exchange zone and the recirculation zone. This enables the electric water heater to have a heat storage working mode, a heat exchange working mode, a heating working mode and a working mode in which heat storage and heat exchange are performed simultaneously, thereby realizing the selection of multiple working modes of the electric water heater and extending the water use time.

[0068] In the above technical scheme, in the heat exchange working mode, the electric water heater controls the opening and closing of the heating module in the reflux zone according to the relationship between the temperature of the heat exchange medium and the set heat exchange temperature threshold. If the temperature of the heat exchange medium is higher than the heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module will not start working temporarily. The heat exchange medium obtains heat from the heat storage module and circulates to the heat exchange zone to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module, thereby reducing energy consumption and improving heat utilization.

[0069] In the above scheme, the heat exchange medium includes but is not limited to tap water, purified water and heat transfer oil. The heat exchange medium is sealed in the heat exchanger, the reflux area and the heat storage area and can circulate between the three areas without mixing with the standby water in the heat exchange module. Generally, the heat exchange medium will not decrease during use, or will decrease very little.

[0070] In the technical solution of the utility model, Figure 1 As shown, the multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater also includes a first liquid pump 7, a second liquid pump 8, a circulation pipe 1 9, a circulation pipe 2 21 and a three-way valve 12.

[0071] The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the first liquid pump 7 are respectively connected to the reflux area 2 and the heat storage area 1. The first liquid pump 7 is started to control the heat exchange medium in the reflux area to flow into the heat storage area. Figure 3 , Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, in the heat storage working mode, the heat exchange working mode and the heat storage and heat exchange working mode, the first liquid pump 7 participates in the work to provide power for the heat exchange medium in the reflux area to enter the heat storage area.

[0072] The liquid outlet of the second liquid pump 8 is connected to the reflux area 2, and the liquid inlet of the second liquid pump 8 is connected to a three-way valve 12. The remaining two ports on the three-way valve 12 are respectively connected to the heat storage area 1 and the circulation pipe 9. The other end of the circulation pipe 9 is connected to the heat exchange area 3, and the circulation pipe 9 is also provided with a valve 11 for controlling the on and off of the circulation pipe 9.

[0073] The two ends of the second circulation pipe 21 are respectively connected to the recirculation area 2 and the heat exchange area 3, and the second circulation pipe 21 is also provided with a second valve 13 for controlling the on-off of the second circulation pipe 21.

[0074] like Figure 2 , Figure 3 and Figure 5 As shown, the second liquid pump 8 is started in the heating working mode, the heat storage working mode and the simultaneous heat storage and heat exchange working mode to provide power for the flow of the heat exchange medium, mainly driving the heat exchange medium to flow into the reflux area.

[0075] In the technical solution of the utility model, the switching and control of four working modes are realized by two liquid pump assembly valves, the pipeline is simple, the manufacturing cost is low, and the failure rate during use is low.

[0076] In the technical solution of the utility model, Figure 1 As shown, at least two heat storage areas 1 are provided, and each heat storage area 1 is provided in parallel. The liquid outlet of the first liquid pump 7 is connected to the two heat storage areas through the circulation pipe four 18 and the three-way valve two 19, and the mouth of the three-way valve one 12 connected to the heat storage area is connected to the two heat storage areas through the circulation pipe three 16 and the three-way valve three 17, so that the two heat storage areas are provided in parallel. In this scheme, two or more heat storage areas are provided in parallel, and by controlling the valve, any one or any number of heat storage areas can be selected to participate in the work. When storing heat, each heat storage area can be stored in turn. When the first heat storage area participating in heat storage completes the heat storage work, or the heat storage amount is sufficient, the heat exchange working mode can be started, that is, the time required for heat storage before water use is shortened, and in the case of emergency water use, the water use work can be quickly entered. Or after the stored heat and the heated hot water are all used up, any heat storage area can be quickly stored, and then the next water use work can be carried out immediately. In addition, multiple heat exchange zones are set up in parallel. When the stored heat is large and the required hot water temperature is low, any one or several heat storage zones can be selected to participate in the heat exchange work, thereby reducing heat consumption and improving heat utilization.

[0077] In the technical solution of the utility model, the multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater also includes a controller and a plurality of temperature sensors. The heat storage area 1, the reflow area 2 and the heat exchange area 3 are respectively provided with temperature sensors, and each temperature sensor is connected to the controller signal. The temperature sensors obtain the temperature in the heat storage area 1, the reflow area 2 and the heat exchange area 3 respectively, and then reasonably control and start the working mode according to the set heat exchange temperature threshold, such as starting the heating working mode or starting the heat exchange working mode, or starting the working mode of heat exchange and heat storage at the same time when using water.

[0078] In the water use mode, if the temperature of the heat exchange medium in the heat storage area is very low and the required water temperature is higher, the heating working mode is started at this time, that is, the heating module in the reflux area directly heats the heat exchange medium in the reflux area, and the heated heat exchange medium is directly circulated to the heat exchange area to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module in the heat exchange area. At this time, the heat exchange medium is controlled not to enter the heat storage area to avoid the heat storage module in the heat storage area absorbing the heat in the heat exchange medium and making the heat exchange area unable to obtain the required hot water.

[0079] In the heat storage mode, any or any heat storage area can be controlled to participate in the work according to the temperature in the heat storage area. When the temperature in one or a certain heat storage area rises to a certain value, the next heat storage area can be started synchronously to participate in the work to improve heat utilization.

[0080] In the heat exchange mode, the heating module in the recirculation area can be controlled to start heating according to the temperature in the recirculation area and the heat storage area to ensure that the required hot water is obtained in the heat exchange module, while also ensuring maximum utilization of heat and reducing energy consumption.

[0081] In the technical solution of the utility model, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency, the heat exchange module 6 is completely immersed in the heat exchange medium. The water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are both connected to the heat exchange module, and the standby water has at least one section of anti-gravity flow path in the heat exchange module 6, which increases the flow resistance of the standby water in the heat exchange module 6, reduces the flow speed of the standby water in the heat exchange module 6, and improves the heat absorption capacity and absorption amount of the standby water in the heat exchange module to the heat exchange medium.

[0082] In the technical solution of the utility model, the heat exchange module includes a heat exchange shell with an inner interlayer, and the water inlet pipe and the water outlet pipe are connected to the inner interlayer. The heat exchange shell has good thermal conductivity and corrosion resistance. The heat exchange shell can be a tubular body or a plate-like body with an inner interlayer. The heat exchange shell as a whole can be spiral, bent, coiled, stacked, arranged side by side, etc. When designing the structure of the heat exchange shell, its surface area is increased as much as possible, and the surface area of ​​the heat exchange shell in contact with the heat exchange medium is increased, and the water to be used in the inner interlayer is as close to the inner surface of the heat exchange shell as possible, so as to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchange module and the heat exchange medium.

[0083] In the technical solution of the present utility model, in order to improve the heat exchange efficiency, the heating module 5 and the heat storage module 4 are completely immersed in the heat exchange medium, so that the large heating module and the heat storage module are fully in contact with the heat exchange medium.

[0084] In the technical solution of the utility model, the heat storage module 4 includes a heat-conducting shell and a phase change material arranged in the heat-conducting shell. The phase change material includes but is not limited to organic phase change materials, such as alcohols, fatty alcohols, fatty acids, aromatic hydrocarbons and polymer materials, inorganic phase change materials, such as crystalline hydrated salts, molten salts, metals or alloys, composite phase change materials, etc. The use of the heat-conducting shell is to utilize its good heat conduction ability so that the heat exchange medium can quickly and efficiently exchange heat with the phase change material in the heat-conducting shell.

[0085] The heat-conducting shell can be a tubular body or a plate-like body with an inner interlayer. The heat-conducting shell as a whole can be spiral, bent, coiled, stacked, arranged side by side, etc. When designing the structure of the heat-conducting shell, its surface area is increased as much as possible, the surface area of ​​the heat-conducting shell in contact with the heat exchange medium is increased, and the phase change material is made as close to the inner surface of the heat-conducting shell as possible, so as to improve the heat exchange efficiency between the heat storage module and the heat exchange medium.

[0086] In the technical solution of the utility model, the heating module mainly includes a heating structure and a wire connected to the heating structure. The wire passes through the reflow zone and is connected to a power source or a power line. The heating structure can be a heating tube, a heating wire, a heating plate, a heating sheet, etc. that generates heat and heats when powered on. The heating structure can be in a spiral, stacked, folded or coiled shape, etc. In order to improve the heating efficiency, the heating structure is generally arranged near the bottom of the reflow zone so that the heating structure can be completely immersed in the heat exchange medium.

[0087] In the technical solution of the utility model, the multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater also includes a water tank shell, in which a heat exchange barrel 30, a reflux barrel 20 and a heat storage barrel 10 are arranged. The heat exchange barrel 30, the reflux barrel 20 and the heat storage barrel 10 respectively form a heat exchange area 3, a reflux area 2 and a heat storage area 1.

[0088] The heat exchange module 6 , the heating module 5 and the heat storage module 4 are respectively arranged in the heat exchange barrel 30 , the reflux barrel 20 and the heat storage barrel 10 .

[0089] One heat storage barrel is provided, and a plurality of heat storage areas are installed in the heat storage barrel in parallel. A plurality of heat storage barrels can also be provided, and a plurality of heat storage areas can be respectively provided in each heat storage barrel. The water tank shell or the heat exchange barrel 30, the reflux barrel 20, and the barrel body of the heat storage barrel 10 have a heat preservation function.

[0090] In the technical solution of the utility model, the heat exchange barrel 30 is equipped with at least a partial perspective area 31, and the perspective area 31 faces the heat exchange module 6. The heat exchange shell 32 is equipped with at least a partial transparent shell 33, and the transparent shell 33 faces the perspective area 31. Through the arrangement of the perspective area 31 and the transparent shell 33, the water flow in the heat exchange shell 32 can be observed from the outside of the heat exchange barrel, and the flow of water can be directly observed, realizing the visualization of water use and the visualization of live water washing.

[0091] The technical means disclosed in the solution of the utility model are not limited to the technical means disclosed in the above-mentioned implementation mode, but also include technical solutions composed of any combination of the above technical features. It should be pointed out that for ordinary technicians in this technical field, several improvements and modifications can be made without departing from the principle of the utility model, and these improvements and modifications are also regarded as the protection scope of the utility model.

Claims

1. A multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater, characterized in that: include A heat storage area, wherein the heat storage area is equipped with a heat storage module; A reflow zone, the reflow zone is connected to the heat storage zone, and a heating module that can be controlled to open and close is arranged in the reflow zone; A heat exchange zone, wherein the heat exchange zone is in communication with the heat storage zone and the reflow zone, and a heat exchange module is disposed in the heat exchange zone; A water inlet pipe, the water inlet pipe extends into the heat exchange area and communicates with the heat exchange module to transport standby water into the heat exchange module; A water outlet pipe, the water outlet pipe extends into the heat exchange area and is connected to the heat exchange module to output the water to be used in the heat exchange module; A heat exchange medium is filled in the heat storage area, the recirculation area and the heat exchange area; the heat exchange medium exchanges heat with the heat storage module when circulating in the heat storage area; the heat exchange medium heats the heat exchange module when circulating in the heat exchange area; the heat exchange medium circulates in the recirculation area, and when the heat exchange medium enters the recirculation area and the temperature of the heat exchange medium is lower than a set heat exchange temperature threshold, the heating module heats the heat exchange medium.

2. The multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange medium circulates between the reflux zone and the heat exchange zone to heat the water to be used in the heat exchange module in the heat exchange zone; The heat exchange medium circulates between the reflow area and the heat storage area to heat the heat storage module, and the heat storage module stores heat; The heat exchange medium circulates between the heat storage area and the heat exchange area, the heat storage module releases heat, and the heat exchange medium heats the water to be used in the heat exchange module; The heat exchange medium in the reflux area circulates between the heat storage area and the heat exchange area at the same time, heating the heat storage module and the water to be used in the heat exchange module.

3. The multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a first liquid pump, a second liquid pump, a circulation pipe 1, a circulation pipe 2 and a three-way valve 1; The liquid inlet and the liquid outlet of the first liquid pump are respectively connected to the reflux area and the heat storage area; The liquid outlet of the second liquid pump is connected to the reflux zone; the liquid inlet of the second liquid pump is connected to the three-way valve 1, the remaining two ports on the three-way valve 1 are respectively connected to the heat storage zone and the circulation pipe 1, the other end of the circulation pipe 1 is connected to the heat exchange zone, and the circulation pipe 1 is also provided with a valve 1 for controlling the on and off of the circulation pipe 1; The two ends of the second circulation pipe are respectively connected to the recirculation zone and the heat exchange zone, and the second circulation pipe is also provided with a valve 2 for controlling the on-off of the second circulation pipe.

4. The multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: At least two heat storage areas are provided, and the heat storage areas are provided in parallel.

5. The multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a controller and several temperature sensors. The heat storage area, the reflow area and the heat exchange area are respectively provided with temperature sensors, and each of the temperature sensors is connected to the controller by signal.

6. The multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heat exchange module is completely immersed in the heat exchange medium, and the water to be used has at least one anti-gravity flow path in the heat exchange module.

7. The multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heating module and the heat storage module are completely immersed in the heat exchange medium.

8. The multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: The heat storage module includes a heat-conducting shell and a phase change material arranged in the heat-conducting shell.

9. The multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that: It also includes a water tank shell, in which a heat exchange barrel, a reflux barrel and a heat storage barrel are arranged, and the heat exchange barrel, the reflux barrel and the heat storage barrel respectively form the heat exchange area, the reflux area and the heat storage area; The heat exchange module, the heating module and the heat storage module are respectively arranged in the heat exchange barrel, the reflux barrel and the heat storage barrel.

10. The multi-heat exchange mode electric water heater according to claim 9, characterized in that: The heat exchange barrel is provided with at least a partial perspective area, and the perspective area faces the heat exchange module; The heat exchange module comprises a heat exchange shell, the heat exchange shell is equipped with at least a part of a transparent shell, and the transparent shell faces the perspective area; The heat exchange medium includes but is not limited to tap water, purified water and heat transfer oil.

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