electric water heater

Abstract

This utility model discloses an electric water heater, including a water tank, a phase change tank, a water supply pipe, and a circulation pipe. The phase change tank includes a heat exchanger; the heat exchanger and the water tank are connected in parallel. The circulation pipe connects the water tank and the heat exchanger. One side of the water supply pipe can be connected to a water source. A switching device is installed on the circulation pipe, which has a first state and a second state. When the switching device is in the first state, the circulation pipe is open, and water in the water tank can circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger. When the switching device is in the second state, water in the water tank cannot circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger, and water in the water supply pipe can flow into the heat exchanger and the water tank, or flow into the heat exchanger, or flow into the water tank. The electric water heater provided in this application, through a reasonable and ingenious water circuit design, can ensure efficient energy storage and achieve large-flow water output or single-tank water output.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of water heater technology, and in particular to an electric water heater. Background Technology

[0002] Traditional storage-type electric water heaters use water as the heat storage medium, and due to the limitation of water's specific heat capacity, the amount of hot water supplied is limited. Increasing the water volume requires a larger tank, taking up more indoor space. Furthermore, as hot water is released, the water temperature inside the tank gradually decreases, resulting in insufficient hot water temperature and volume to meet user needs. Overall, traditional storage-type electric water heaters, constrained by their size, have limited heat storage capacity and suffer from insufficient hot water supply.

[0003] To improve the heat storage capacity of electric water heaters and increase the hot water supply, phase change water heaters have emerged in the existing technology. These phase change water heaters rely on the physical state transformation of phase change materials to achieve heat storage and release. Before water is used, the phase change material absorbs heat from the heat source for heat storage. While phase change water heaters have heat storage capabilities, they also need to supply hot water to users. Therefore, how to rationally and cleverly design the water circuit is a problem that those skilled in the art need to address.

[0004] It should be noted that the above introduction to the technical background is only for the purpose of providing a clear and complete explanation of the technical solutions of this application and facilitating understanding by those skilled in the art. It should not be assumed that these technical solutions are known to those skilled in the art simply because they have been described in the background section of this application. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of the shortcomings of the existing technology, this utility model provides an electric water heater that, through a reasonable and ingenious water circuit design, can not only ensure efficient energy storage, but also achieve large flow of water or single tank water output.

[0006] The specific technical solution of this utility model embodiment is as follows:

[0007] An electric water heater includes: a water tank and a phase change tank, the phase change tank having a phase change material for heat storage and release, and the phase change tank further including a heat exchanger connected in parallel with the water tank; the electric water heater also includes a water supply pipe and a circulation pipe, the circulation pipe connecting the water tank and the heat exchanger, one side of the water supply pipe being connected to a water source, and the other side of the water supply pipe being connected to the heat exchanger and / or the circulation pipe and / or the water tank; a switching device is provided on the circulation pipe, the switching device having a first state and a second state; when the switching device is in the first state, the circulation pipe is open, and water in the water tank can circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger; when the switching device is in the second state, water in the water tank cannot circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger, and water in the water supply pipe can flow into the heat exchanger and the water tank, or flow into the heat exchanger, or flow into the water tank.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the water supply pipeline is connected to the circulation pipeline; the circulation pipeline includes a first circulation pipeline and a second circulation pipeline, the first circulation pipeline has a first inlet end and a first outlet end, the first inlet end is located in the water tank, the first outlet end is located in the phase change tank, the second circulation pipeline has a second inlet end and a second outlet end, the second inlet end is located in the phase change tank, and the second outlet end is located in the water tank; the switching device is disposed on the first circulation pipeline or the second circulation pipeline.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the first water inlet is located at the upper part of the water tank, the first water outlet is located at the upper part of the phase change tank, the second water inlet is located at the lower part of the phase change tank, the second water outlet is located at the lower part of the water tank, and the other side of the water supply pipeline has a first connecting port and a second connecting port, which are respectively used to connect to the second circulation pipeline. One side of the water supply pipeline has a third connecting port, which is used to connect to a water source. The switch device is located between the first connecting port and the second connecting port.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the water supply pipeline further includes a flow regulating device, which is disposed between the first connecting port, the second connecting port and the third connecting port, and is used to regulate the flow rate between the first connecting port and the third connecting port and / or the flow rate between the second connecting port and the third connecting port.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the switching device has at least a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is used to connect to the other side of the water supply pipeline. The second port and the third port are connected to the second circulation pipeline. The second port is located downstream of the third port. When the switching device is in the first state, the second port and the third port are connected. When the switching device is in the second state, the first port is connected to the second port and / or the first port is connected to the third port.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, the switching device has at least a first port, a second port, and a third port, and the electric water heater further includes a water outlet pipe. The first port is used to connect to the water outlet pipe, and the second port and the third port are connected to the first circulation pipe. The second port is located downstream of the third port. When the switching device is in the first state, the second port and the third port are connected. When the switching device is in the second state, the first port is connected to the second port and / or the first port is connected to the third port.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, when the switching device is in the second state, the water in the water tank cannot circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger. The water supplied by the water source can be diverted to the water tank and the heat exchanger through the first and second connecting ports of the water supply pipeline. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipeline, which is connected to the first circulation pipeline. The water flowing out from the water tank and the heat exchanger can flow out through the first circulation pipeline and the water outlet pipeline.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the first water inlet is located at the upper part of the water tank, the first water outlet is located at the upper part of the phase change tank, the second water inlet is located at the lower part of the phase change tank, and the second water outlet is located at the lower part of the water tank. The water supply pipe is connected to the second circulation pipe. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe. One side of the water outlet pipe has a fourth connection port and a fifth connection port, which are respectively connected to the first circulation pipe. The other side of the water outlet pipe has a sixth connection port, which is used to connect to a water terminal. The switch device is located between the fourth connection port and the fifth connection port.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, when the switching device is in the second state, the water in the water tank cannot circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger. The water supplied by the water source can be diverted to the water tank and the heat exchanger after passing through the water supply pipeline and the second circulation pipeline, and then flow out through the first circulation pipeline and the outlet pipeline.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the water outlet pipe further includes a flow regulating device, which is disposed between the fourth connecting port, the fifth connecting port and the sixth connecting port, and is used to regulate the flow rate between the fourth connecting port and the sixth connecting port and / or the flow rate between the fifth connecting port and the sixth connecting port.

[0017] In a preferred embodiment, the circulation pipeline is further provided with a pump.

[0018] In a preferred embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a heating element for heating the water in the water tank. The electric water heater has a heat storage mode. In the heat storage mode, the switching device is in the first state, and the pump and the heating element start working simultaneously first, and then the pump or the heating element works independently.

[0019] In a preferred embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a heating element for heating the water in the tank. The electric water heater has a heat storage mode. In the heat storage mode, the switching device is in the first state, the heating element starts working first, the pump starts working later, and the heating element continues to work or stops working.

[0020] In a preferred embodiment, a heating element is provided in the water tank, and the electric water heater has a heat storage mode. In the heat storage mode, the switching device is in the first state, the pump starts working first, the heating element starts working later, and the pump continues to work or stops working.

[0021] In a preferred embodiment, the electric water heater further includes a heating element for heating the water in the tank.

[0022] In a preferred embodiment, the first water inlet is located at the upper part of the water tank, the first water outlet is located at the upper part of the phase change tank, the second water inlet is located at the lower part of the phase change tank, the second water outlet is located at the lower part of the water tank, and the heating component includes a heating rod, with at least one heating rod located at the upper middle or bottom of the water tank.

[0023] In a preferred embodiment, the phase change tank is located above the water tank.

[0024] In a preferred embodiment, a pump is provided on the circulation pipeline, and the circulation pipeline includes a first circulation pipeline and a second circulation pipeline. The first circulation pipeline has a first inlet end and a first outlet end, with the first inlet end located at the phase change tank and the first outlet end located at the water tank. The second circulation pipeline has a second inlet end and a second outlet end, with the second inlet end located at the water tank and the second outlet end located at the phase change tank. The switching device is provided on either the first circulation pipeline or the second circulation pipeline.

[0025] In a preferred embodiment, the other side of the water supply pipeline has a first connection port and a second connection port, which are respectively used to connect to the first circulation pipeline. One side of the water supply pipeline has a third connection port, which is used to connect to a water source. The switch device is located between the first connection port and the second connection port.

[0026] In a preferred embodiment, the first water inlet is located at the lower part of the water tank.

[0027] In a preferred embodiment, the water supply pipeline further includes a flow regulating device, which is disposed between the first connecting port, the second connecting port and the third connecting port, and is used to regulate the flow rate between the first connecting port and the third connecting port and / or the flow rate between the second connecting port and the third connecting port.

[0028] In a preferred embodiment, the switching device has at least a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is used to connect to the other side of the water supply pipeline. The second port and the third port are connected to the first circulation pipeline. The second port is located downstream of the third port. When the switching device is in the first state, the second port and the third port are connected. When the switching device is in the second state, the first port is connected to the second port and / or the first port is connected to the third port.

[0029] In a preferred embodiment, the switching device has at least a first port, a second port, and a third port, and the electric water heater further includes a water outlet pipe. The first port is used to connect to the water outlet pipe, and the second port and the third port are connected to the second circulation pipe. The second port is located downstream of the third port. When the switching device is in the first state, the second port and the third port are connected. When the switching device is in the second state, the first port is connected to the second port and / or the first port is connected to the third port.

[0030] In a preferred embodiment, when the switching device is in the second state, the water in the water tank cannot circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger. The water supplied by the water source can be diverted to the water tank and / or the heat exchanger through the first and second connecting ports of the water supply pipeline. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipeline, which is connected to the first circulation pipeline. The water flowing out from the water tank and the heat exchanger can flow out through the first circulation pipeline and the water outlet pipeline.

[0031] In a preferred embodiment, the phase change tank is located below the water tank.

[0032] The technical solution of this utility model has the following significant beneficial effects:

[0033] In this embodiment, a circulation pipe equipped with a switching device connects the water tank to the heat exchanger. During the heat storage phase, the switching device is in a first state, allowing the circulation pipe to be open. Heated water in the water tank flows into the heat exchanger through the circulation pipe and then returns to the water tank, achieving circulation. During this circulation process, heat exchange occurs between the heat exchanger (containing hot water from the water tank) and the phase change material in the phase change tank, improving the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchanger and the phase change material, as well as the uniformity of heating the phase change material. This enhances the heat exchange efficiency during the heat storage phase, shortens the heat storage time, reduces user waiting time, and improves the user experience. During the water usage phase, the switching device is in a second state, preventing water from circulating between the water tank and the heat exchanger. Water from the water supply pipe can flow into the heat exchanger and the water tank, or into the heat exchanger, or into the water tank.

[0034] Overall, by switching the state of the switching device, the water heater can quickly switch between heat storage and user water use. The water circuit design is ingenious, and the pipe structure is simple. Furthermore, during the water use phase, depending on the user's actual needs, the water tank and the phase change tank equipped with a heat exchanger can be connected in parallel for water output, or the water tank can output water alone, or the phase change tank equipped with a heat exchanger can output water alone, thus meeting the user's water use needs in different scenarios.

[0035] Especially for cases where the other side of the water supply pipeline is connected to the circulation pipeline, the circulation pipeline is multifunctionally reused through the ingenious cooperation between the switch device and the circulation pipeline. During the heat storage stage, the circulation pipeline is used to connect the water tank and the heat exchanger. Under different water usage conditions, the circulation pipeline can cooperate with the water supply pipeline to supply water to the water tank and / or the heat exchanger.

[0036] Specific embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in detail with reference to the following description and accompanying drawings, indicating how the principles of the present invention can be adopted. It should be understood that the embodiments of the present invention are not limited in scope. Within the spirit and scope of the appended claims, embodiments of the present invention include many changes, modifications, and equivalents. Features described and / or shown for one embodiment may be used in the same or similar manner in one or more other embodiments, combined with features in other embodiments, or substituted for features in other embodiments. Attached Figure Description

[0037] The accompanying drawings described herein are for illustrative purposes only and are not intended to limit the scope of this invention in any way. Furthermore, the shapes and proportions of the components in the drawings are merely illustrative to aid in understanding the invention and do not specifically limit the shapes and proportions of the components. Those skilled in the art, under the guidance of this invention, can select various possible shapes and proportions to implement this invention according to specific circumstances.

[0038] Figure 1 This is one of the structural schematic diagrams of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0039] Figure 2 This is a second schematic diagram of the structure of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0040] Figure 3 This is the third structural schematic diagram of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0041] Figure 4 for Figure 3 A schematic diagram of water flow in the heat storage mode of an electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0042] Figure 5 for Figure 3 One of the schematic diagrams of water flow in the water usage mode of an electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0043] Figure 6 for Figure 3 A second schematic diagram of water flow in the water usage mode of an electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0044] Figure 7 for Figure 3 The third schematic diagram of water flow in the water usage mode of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0045] Figure 8 This is the fourth structural schematic diagram of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0046] Figure 9 This is the fifth schematic diagram of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0047] Figure 10 This is the sixth schematic diagram of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0048] Figure 11 This is the seventh structural schematic diagram of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0049] Figure 12 This is the eighth schematic diagram of the structure of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0050] Figure 13 This is the ninth schematic diagram of the structure of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0051] Figure 14 This is the tenth structural schematic diagram of the electric water heater provided in the embodiments of this application.

[0052] Reference numerals in the figures of this application:

[0053] 1. Phase change cylinder;

[0054] 2. Water tank;

[0055] 3. Heating rod;

[0056] 41. First circulation pipeline;

[0057] 411. First water inlet end;

[0058] 412. First water outlet;

[0059] 42. Second circulation pipeline;

[0060] 421. Second water inlet;

[0061] 422. Second water outlet;

[0062] 5. Heat exchanger;

[0063] 6. Pump;

[0064] 71. First connecting part;

[0065] 72. Second connecting part;

[0066] 81. Water supply pipelines;

[0067] 811, First connecting port;

[0068] 812. Second connecting port;

[0069] 813. Third connecting port;

[0070] 82. Water outlet pipe;

[0071] 824. Fourth connecting port;

[0072] 825. Fifth connecting port;

[0073] 826. The sixth connecting port;

[0074] 92. Switching device;

[0075] 921, First Port;

[0076] 922, Second Port;

[0077] 923, Third Port;

[0078] 93. Flow regulating device;

[0079] X, horizontal direction;

[0080] Y, the height direction. Detailed Implementation

[0081] The technical solution of this utility model will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. It should be understood that these embodiments are only used to illustrate this utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of this utility model. After reading this utility model, any modifications of this utility model in various equivalent forms by those skilled in the art will fall within the scope defined by the appended claims.

[0082] It should be noted that when an element is referred to as being "set on" another element, it can be directly on the other element or there may be an intervening element. When an element is referred to as being "connected to" another element, it can be directly connected to the other element or there may be an intervening element. The terms "vertical," "horizontal," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," and similar expressions used herein are for illustrative purposes only and do not represent the only possible implementation.

[0083] Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this application belongs. The terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the application. The term "and / or" as used herein includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

[0084] This utility model provides an electric water heater that, through a reasonable and ingenious water circuit design, can ensure efficient energy storage and also achieve large flow rate water output or single tank water output.

[0085] Please refer to the following for comprehensive information. Figures 1 to 14This application specification provides an electric water heater, which may include: a water tank 2 and a phase change tank 1. The phase change tank 1 has a phase change material for heat storage and release. The phase change tank 1 also includes a heat exchanger 5 connected to the water tank 2, and the heat exchanger 5 and the water tank 2 are connected in parallel. The electric water heater also includes a water supply pipe 81 and a circulation pipe. The circulation pipe is used to connect the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. One side of the water supply pipe 81 can be connected to a water source, and the other side of the water supply pipe 81 can be connected to the heat exchanger 5 and / or the circulation pipe and / or the water tank 2. Tank 2 is connected; a switch device 92 is provided on the circulation pipeline, the switch device 92 has a first state and a second state. When the switch device 92 is in the first state, the circulation pipeline is open, and the water in the water tank 2 can circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. When the switch device 92 is in the second state, the water in the water tank 2 cannot circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5, and the water in the water supply pipeline 81 can flow into the heat exchanger 5 and the water tank 2, or flow into the heat exchanger 5, or flow into the water tank 2.

[0086] In this embodiment, the electric water heater may include a phase change tank 1, a water tank 2, a water supply pipe 81, and a circulation pipe, etc.

[0087] The phase change chamber 1 contains a phase change material for heat storage and release. The phase change material's physical state can change, thereby switching between its heat storage and heat release states. The specific material of the phase change material can be inorganic water and salt with added nucleating agents, or it can be in other forms; this application does not impose specific limitations here. In the embodiments of this application, taking a phase change material capable of switching between solid and liquid states as an example, when the phase change material changes from solid to liquid, it is in a heat storage state, absorbing and storing external heat; when the phase change material changes from liquid to solid, it is in a heat release state, releasing the stored heat to the outside.

[0088] The phase change material tank 1 is internally equipped with a heat exchanger 5. Cold water flowing through the heat exchanger 5 can absorb heat from the phase change material, achieving preheating; hot water flowing through the heat exchanger 5 can release heat to the phase change material, achieving heat storage in the phase change material. Specifically, the heat exchanger 5 can be in the form of a heat exchange tube, which can extend entirely along the height direction Y and reciprocate in the left-right direction. Alternatively, the heat exchanger 5 can also take other forms; in this embodiment and accompanying drawings, the heat exchanger 5 is mainly illustrated using a heat exchange tube as an example.

[0089] The water tank 2 has a water storage cavity inside. Generally, the volume of the water tank 2 is at least 10 liters. When the volume of the water tank 2 is 10 liters or more, it can reliably provide the heat required for heat storage to the phase change material in the phase change tank 1, ensuring that the phase change material can store heat efficiently. In addition, when the volume of the water tank 2 is large, water can be supplied to the water terminal at a relatively stable water temperature using the water tank 2. Of course, the use of a small-capacity water tank is not excluded in this application. In some special cases (such as scenarios with limited installation space), the volume of the water tank 2 may be less than 10L.

[0090] In some embodiments, the water tank 2 and the phase change tank 1 can be arranged vertically. For example, the water tank 2 can be located above or below the phase change tank 1. The phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2 can be installed horizontally, with their axes extending along the horizontal direction X. In this case, the axes of the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2 can be arranged vertically. Of course, in the embodiments of this application, it is not excluded that the water tank 2 and the phase change tank 1 can be installed vertically. In this case, the axes of the water tank 2 and the phase change tank 1 extend along the vertical direction Y. In this case, the axes of the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2 can be arranged horizontally.

[0091] The electric water heater also includes a heating element, which can be used to heat the water in the water tank 2. The heating element can be an electric heating element, such as a heating rod 3. Of course, the heating element can also take other forms; in this embodiment, the heating rod 3 is mainly used as an example. The heating rod can be installed inside the water tank 2, or it can be located outside the water tank 2, such as on the outer surface of the water tank 2, or it can be installed in the circulation pipe, etc. In the embodiments and accompanying drawings of this application, the heating element is mainly illustrated as a heating rod 3 installed in the water tank 2. When the heating element is installed in the water tank 2, it can not only heat the water in the water tank 2, but also heat the water in the circulation pipe, providing heat to the water in the circulation pipe for use in the phase change material.

[0092] The phase change tank 1 may or may not have a heating element. In the case where the phase change material in the phase change tank 1 does not have a heating element, it can absorb heat from the water heated by the heating rod 3 in the water tank 2 when heat storage is required. In this embodiment, the example is provided where the water tank 2 has a heating element and the phase change tank 1 does not.

[0093] The electric water heater also includes a circulation pipe, one function of which is to connect the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. When the heat exchanger 5 needs to exchange heat with the phase change material using the heated water in the water tank 2, i.e., when heat storage of the phase change material is required, the electric water heater can enter the heat storage mode. During the heat storage stage, the heated hot water in the water tank 2 can be flowed into the heat exchanger 5 through the circulation pipe. As the hot water flows through the heat exchanger 5, it releases heat to the phase change material in contact with the heat exchanger 5, thus achieving heat storage of the phase change material.

[0094] The electric water heater may also include a water supply pipe 81, one side of which can be connected to a water source, and the other side of which can be connected to any one of the heat exchanger 5, the circulation pipe, and the water tank 2. In this embodiment, the parallel connection of the heat exchanger 5 and the water tank 2 mainly refers to the existence of a parallel pipe structure in the water circuit connection. Using this parallel pipe structure, the heat exchanger 5 and the water tank 2 can be connected to the water supply pipe 81 respectively to receive water supplied from an external water source and can output water separately.

[0095] This electric water heater has a water usage mode. When the water usage mode is activated, during the water usage phase, water supplied from an external water source can be supplied to the heat exchanger 5 and / or the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 81. For example, as the water flows through the heat exchanger 5, it can absorb heat from the phase change material in contact with the heat exchanger 5, thereby raising the water temperature and achieving the effect of heating the incoming water; or, the water supplied to the water tank 2 can be heated by the heating rod 3 in the water tank 2, thereby outputting water at the user's set temperature to the water terminal; or, it can be supplied to both the heat exchanger 5 and the water tank 2 simultaneously, and both simultaneously output water at the user's set temperature to the user terminal.

[0096] A switching device 92 is installed on the circulation pipeline, which is mainly used to control the on / off state of the circulation pipeline. Specifically, the state of the switching device 92 can include a first state and a second state. When the switching device 92 is in the first state, it indicates that the water flow in the circulation pipeline where the switching device 92 is located is in a flowable state. At this time, the circulation pipeline is conductive, and the water in the water tank 2 can circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. For example, in the heat storage stage, when the water in the water tank 2 is heated to hot water, some of the hot water can flow to the heat exchanger 5 through the circulation pipeline, and the water in the heat exchanger 5 can then return to the water tank 2 through the circulation pipeline, thus achieving circulation.

[0097] When the switching device 92 is in the second state, a complete water flow circulation cannot be formed between the circulation pipeline, the water tank 2, and the heat exchanger 5, and the water in the water tank 2 cannot circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. For example, during the water usage phase, the water in the water supply pipeline 81 can flow into the heat exchanger 5 and / or the water tank 2, and this water can then be supplied to the water-using terminal through the water outlet pipeline 82.

[0098] During the aforementioned water usage phase, when the other side of the water supply pipe 81 is connected to the circulation pipe, this portion of the circulation pipe can also be used as a connecting pipe between the water supply pipe 81 and the water tank 2 or the heat exchanger 5. In specific use, the water in the water supply pipe 81 can flow out through the outlet pipe 82 after passing through a portion of the circulation pipe, the heat exchanger 5, and / or the water tank 2. When it is necessary to supply water using the phase change tank 1 or the water tank 2 separately, the supplied water can flow along a predetermined path to prevent short circuits in the circulation pipe and problems such as cross-contamination.

[0099] In this embodiment, the specific form of the switching device 92 can include various types. For example, it can include a switching valve that controls the on / off state of the circulation pipeline it is located in, a switching valve set between the circulation pipeline and the water supply pipeline 81, or other forms that can realize water circuit on / off control. By setting the switching device 92 on the circulation pipeline to switch the connection relationship of the water circuit, it is possible to ensure that the water in the circulation pipeline circulates during the heat storage stage, achieving efficient heat storage. During the water use stage, the water supplied by the external water source can switch to work in the corresponding part of the circulation pipeline according to different water use needs, supplying water to any one or a combination of the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2, thereby better meeting different water use needs and improving the performance of the electric water heater.

[0100] In this embodiment, a heating rod 3 is installed in the water tank 2. When the heating rod 3 is activated, the hot water heated by the heating rod 3 in the water tank 2 is sent to the heat exchanger 5 of the phase change tank 1 through a circulation pipe. At the same time, the cold water in the heat exchanger 5 returns to the water tank 2 through the circulation pipe, thus the water flows between the heat exchanger 5 of the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2. During the above circulation process, the heat generated by the energized heating rod 3 in the water tank 2 can not only raise the water temperature in the water tank 2, but also raise the water temperature in the heat exchanger 5. The heat of the water in the heat exchanger 5 can be transferred through the shell of the heat exchanger 5 to the phase change material in contact with it, so that the phase change material in the phase change tank 1 absorbs heat and stores energy.

[0101] The method of directly feeding the heated water from the water tank 2 into the heat exchanger 5 to store heat in the phase change material has significant advantages over existing implementation methods:

[0102] For example, compared to directly setting the heating element in the phase change tank 1, it can improve heat exchange efficiency and avoid premature failure of materials near the heating rod 3.

[0103] For heat exchanger 5, it includes: a form with a separate water box, a form with a separate heat exchange tube, and a form with a combination of water box and heat exchange tube.

[0104] For heat exchanger 5 as a separate heat exchange tube, compared to setting a heating element in a heat exchanger (e.g., a water box) inside the phase change tank 1, since the volume of the water box is limited, usually within 3L, during the heat storage stage, the heating element with a large heating power is in a state of frequent start-stop when heating the limited volume of water. The duration of each start-up of the heating element is limited, so the heat generated by a single heating is small, which leads to an increase in the heat storage time and poor heat exchange efficiency.

[0105] For example, compared to electric water heaters that have a water box in the phase change tank 1 connected to the water tank 2 via a circulation pipe, this application directly eliminates the water box structure, effectively reducing manufacturing costs and complexity. The number of water boxes is easily limited by installation space and cost, making it impossible to distribute them evenly within the phase change material. In this application, heat exchanger 5 is used directly for heat exchange with the phase change material. Since heat exchanger 5 can be evenly distributed within the phase change material of the phase change tank 1, it further improves the heat exchange efficiency and heating uniformity between the heat exchanger and the phase change material. Furthermore, compared to the method of setting a water box in the phase change tank 1, the inner surface of the water box is prone to scaling during use, thus affecting the heat exchange effect. In this application, heat exchanger 5 is directly used as a carrier for circulating hot water to store heat in the phase change material. Because the hot water has a certain flow velocity when flowing in heat exchanger 5, it can effectively flush the pipe wall, thus effectively slowing down the scaling rate on the pipe wall of heat exchanger 5, thereby ensuring better heat exchange performance.

[0106] Furthermore, by setting a switching device 92 in the circulation pipeline, and combining the different working states of the switching device 92, water circuits with different flow paths can be formed inside the electric water heater, thereby meeting the connection requirements of different water circuits during the heat storage stage and the water use stage. For example, during the heat storage stage, the phase change material in the phase change tank 1 can be stored by establishing a connected circulation pipeline; during the water use stage, the heat exchanger 5 and / or the water tank 2 can be connected as needed to achieve separate water supply for the phase change tank 1 equipped with the heat exchanger 5, or separate water supply for the water tank 2 equipped with the heating rod 3, or parallel water supply for the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2, etc.

[0107] In summary, in this embodiment, a circulation pipeline equipped with a switching device 92 connects the water tank 2 to the heat exchanger 5. During the heat storage phase, the switching device is in a first state, and the circulation pipeline is open. The heated water in the water tank 2 can flow into the heat exchanger 5 through the circulation pipeline and then return to the water tank 2, thus achieving circulation. During the above circulation process, the heat exchanger 5, which carries the hot water from the water tank 2, exchanges heat with the phase change material in the phase change tank 1, which can improve the heat exchange efficiency between the heat exchanger 5 and the phase change material and the uniformity of heating the phase change material; it can improve the heat exchange efficiency during the heat storage phase, shorten the heat storage time, shorten the user's waiting time, and improve the user experience. During the water usage phase, the switching device 92 is in a second state, and the water in the water tank 2 cannot circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. The water in the water supply pipeline 81 can flow into the heat exchanger 5 and the water tank 2, or it can flow into the heat exchanger 8, or it can flow into the water tank 2.

[0108] Overall, by switching the state of the switch device 92, a rapid switch between the water heater's own heat storage and the user's water usage can be achieved. The water circuit design is ingenious, and the pipe structure is simple. Furthermore, during the water usage phase, depending on the user's actual needs, water tank 2 and the phase change tank equipped with heat exchanger 5 can be connected in parallel to output water, or water tank 2 can output water alone, or phase change tank 1 equipped with heat exchanger 5 can output water alone, which can meet the user's water usage needs in different scenarios.

[0109] Specifically, for the case where the other side of the water supply pipe 81 is connected to the circulation pipe, the circulation pipe is multifunctionally reused through the clever cooperation between the switch device 92 and the circulation pipe. During the heat storage stage, the circulation pipe is used to connect the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. Under different water usage conditions, the circulation pipe can cooperate with the water supply pipe 81 to supply water to the water tank 2 and / or the heat exchanger 5. In some embodiments of this application, the phase change tank 1 can be located above the water tank 2. In this embodiment, when the phase change tank 1 is located above the water tank 2, no additional power source is required during the start-up process of the heating rod 3, which can better realize the natural circulation of water flow, simplify the system, reduce energy consumption, effectively control the overall cost, and avoid noise interference to users.

[0110] In order to allow the heated hot water in water tank 2 to flow into phase change tank 1 by natural convection, a circulation pipe can be installed between the heat exchanger 5 of phase change tank 1 and water tank 2. The water supply pipe 81 can be connected to the circulation pipe.

[0111] Specifically, the circulation pipe may include: a first circulation pipe 41 and a second circulation pipe 42. The first circulation pipe 41 has a first water inlet 411 and a first water outlet 412. The first water inlet 411 is located in the water tank 2, and the first water outlet 412 is located in the phase change tank 1. The second circulation pipe 42 has a second water inlet 421 and a second water outlet 422. The second water inlet 421 is located in the phase change tank 1, and the second water outlet 422 is located in the water tank 2. The switching device 92 is disposed on the first circulation pipe 41 or the second circulation pipe 42.

[0112] The water tank 2 can be connected to the heat exchanger 5 of the phase change tank 1 through the first circulation pipe 41 and the second circulation pipe 42. When the heating rod 3 is working, the hot water in the water tank 2 heated by the heating rod 3 expands due to heat. The less dense hot water flows upward and enters the heat exchanger 5 through the first circulation pipe 41. The less dense water in the heat exchanger 5 returns to the water tank 2 through the second circulation pipe 42. In this way, the water flow circulates between the heat exchanger 5 of the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2.

[0113] During the aforementioned circulation process, the heat generated by energizing the heating rod 3 can raise the water temperature in the water tank 2 and simultaneously raise the water temperature in the heat exchanger 5. The heat from the water in the heat exchanger 5 can be transferred through its shell to the phase change material in contact with it, allowing the phase change material to absorb heat and store energy. To ensure that, during the heat storage phase, the hot water flowing from the water tank 2 into the phase change tank 1 and back into the heat exchanger 5 smoothly from top to bottom along the circulation pipe without additional driving force, at least a portion of the heat exchanger 5 is arranged from top to bottom along the water flow direction (Y) of the phase change tank 1. If the water flowing from the water tank 2 into the phase change tank 1 flows entirely from bottom to top along the height direction (Y), due to the combined effects of internal pipe resistance in the heat exchanger 5, gravity, and a drop in water temperature, the hot water in the water tank 2 will stop flowing upwards after a certain distance, making it difficult to return to the water tank 2 without external driving force.

[0114] Of course, in other embodiments of this application, it is not excluded that a driving device, such as a pump 6, is provided in the circulation pipeline to provide driving force for the water flow in the circulation water circuit.

[0115] In one embodiment, the number of heating rods 3 is one, and the heating rod 3 is disposed in the middle, upper or lower part of the water tank 2. Alternatively, the heating rod 3 includes a first heating rod and a second heating rod, with the first heating rod disposed in the lower part of the water tank 2 and the second heating rod disposed in the middle or upper part of the water tank 2.

[0116] In one specific embodiment, the number of heating rods 3 can be one. When the number of heating rods 3 is one, the heating rod 3 is located in the middle or upper part of the water tank 2.

[0117] When the heating rod 3 is located in the middle or upper part of the water tank 2, after the heating rod 3 is activated, it can efficiently concentrate the heat from the energized heating rod 3 to heat the water in the upper part of the water tank 2 (i.e., the water near and above the heating rod 3), allowing this part of the water to quickly reach a higher temperature. Thus, during the heat storage stage, after the water temperature in the upper part of the heating rod 3 is rapidly increased, as the water temperature rises and the density decreases, the hot water can enter the heat exchanger 5 of the phase change tank 1 through the first circulation pipe 41 via natural convection. After exchanging heat with the phase change material in the phase change tank 1, it returns to the water tank 2 through the second circulation pipe 42, thus forming a cycle. Furthermore, when the heating rod 3 preferentially heats the water in the upper part of the water tank 2, a large temperature difference is formed between the upper part of the water tank 2 and the phase change tank 1. This facilitates efficient heat exchange from the upper part of the water tank 2 to the phase change material in the lower part of the phase change tank 1, thereby significantly improving heat exchange efficiency and shortening the heat exchange time.

[0118] In particular, the longitudinal section of the water tank 2 is circular, while the longitudinal section of the phase change tank 1 can be saddle-shaped or inverted U-shaped. The heat exchanger 5 and the inner surface of the lower outer wall of the phase change tank 1 have a predetermined distance. Specifically, when the lower part of the phase change tank 1 is designed to contact the upper part of the water tank 2, the shape of the lower part of the phase change tank 1 is irregular. At the lower part of the phase change tank 1, it is difficult for the heat exchanger 5 to be fully distributed. The lower end of the heat exchanger 5 is at a predetermined distance from the bottom wall of the water tank 2. Therefore, the heat transfer of the phase change material at the lower part of the phase change tank 1 is poor, and even a heat transfer dead zone may occur.

[0119] When the heating rod 3 is placed in the middle or upper part of the water tank 2, the heat generated by the heating rod 3 after it is turned on can reach the lower part of the phase change tank 1 quickly and efficiently with a shorter heat transfer path, so as to fully store the heat of the phase change material in the lower part of the phase change tank 1, thereby making the heat storage of the phase change material in the entire phase change tank 1 uniform, which is beneficial to improving the hot water output of the electric water heater.

[0120] In addition, during the water usage phase, when the heating rod 3 is positioned high (located in the middle or upper part of the water tank 2), the heating rod 3 can be used to concentrate the heating of the water above the middle of the water tank 2, which is beneficial to improve the heat replenishment effect and thus increase the hot water output of the electric water heater.

[0121] Overall, by placing the heating rod 3 in the middle or upper part of the water tank 2 at a relatively high position, efficient heat transfer can be achieved during the heat storage stage, ensuring that the phase change material in the lower part of the phase change tank 1 stores heat evenly and sufficiently, which is beneficial to increasing the hot water output of the electric water heater. When using a small amount of water, the heating rod 3 at this higher position can be used to heat the water in the upper part of the water tank 2 in a concentrated manner, so as to achieve rapid hot water output. Alternatively, in the later stages of using a large amount of water, the heating rod 3 at this higher position can be used to heat the water in the upper part of the water tank 2 in a concentrated manner, further increasing the hot water output of the electric water heater.

[0122] In one specific embodiment, only one heating rod 3 can be provided in the upper middle part of the water tank 2. Providing only one heating rod 3 can further reduce the number of parts and reduce costs compared to providing two heating rods 3. In addition, it can also reduce the number of openings on the water tank 2 and improve the pressure bearing performance of the water tank 2.

[0123] In another embodiment, the number of heating rods 3 can be two. The heating rods 3 may include a first heating rod and a second heating rod, with the first heating rod disposed at the lower part of the water tank 2 and the second heating rod disposed at the middle or upper part of the water tank 2.

[0124] In this embodiment, the main difference from the above embodiment is that the number of heating rods 3 can include two. In addition to one heating rod 3 (the second heating rod) located in the middle or upper part of the water tank 2, another heating rod 3 (the first heating rod) is located in the lower part of the water tank 2. During the heat storage stage, only the second heating rod can be activated. When the heating power of the second heating rod is the same as or similar to the heating power of the first heating rod 3, the technical effect of using only one heating rod 3 can be achieved.

[0125] For the embodiment with two electric heating rods 3, different operating modes can be provided to the user based on the activation conditions of the electric heating rods 3. Operating mode one involves activating only the second heating rod during the heat storage phase, as described above. Operating mode two involves activating both the first and second heating rods during the heat storage phase and during the process of raising the water temperature in the water tank 2. This helps to uniformly raise the water temperature in the water tank 2 to the predetermined temperature, thereby shortening the user's waiting time for water. For example, when the user's most urgent need is to shorten the waiting time between two water usage intervals, operating mode two can be used without considering energy consumption. The heating power of the first and second heating rods can be the same or different; this application does not specify specific numerical values.

[0126] In other embodiments, the number of heating rods 3 can be one, two, or more. At least one heating rod 3 is located at the bottom of the water tank 2. When a heating rod 3 is located at the bottom of the water tank 2, the temperature of the water in the entire tank can be raised to a higher temperature before circulation or dispensing. Especially in scenarios where the water tank 2 itself has a small volume, having a heating rod 3 at the bottom of the water tank 2 ensures that sufficient heat is provided to the phase change material during heat storage, and that a sufficient amount of hot water is provided to the user during water use.

[0127] In one embodiment, the first water inlet 411 is located at the upper part of the water tank 2, the first water outlet 412 is located at the upper part of the phase change tank 1, the second water inlet 421 is located at the lower part of the phase change tank 1, and the second water outlet 422 is located at the lower part of the water tank 2.

[0128] When the first inlet end 411 of the first circulation pipe 41 is located at the upper part of the water tank 2, the water that is preferentially heated at the upper part of the water tank 2 can enter the heat exchanger 5 at a faster speed and with a shorter path, thereby achieving heat storage of the phase change material. This allows the phase change material in the phase change tank 1 to complete the heat storage process as soon as possible and shorten the heat storage time. In addition, since the lower temperature water flowing out of the heat exchanger 5 flows into the lower part of the water tank 2 through the second outlet end 422, this setting can prevent the lower temperature water from disturbing the decreasing water temperature of the water tank 2 from top to bottom in the early stage of heat storage. It also helps to ensure that the higher temperature water can stably pass through the first circulation pipe 41 into the heat exchanger 5 at the upper part, thereby achieving heat storage of the phase change material in the phase change tank 1.

[0129] The first water outlet 412 is located at the upper part of the phase change tank 1, and the second water inlet 421 is located at the lower part of the phase change tank 1. This facilitates the hot water flowing into the heat exchanger 5 through the first circulation pipe 41 to flow smoothly inside the heat exchanger 5 under the action of gravity. In other words, even without an external drive, the water flowing out of the water tank 2 can reliably flow through the heat exchanger 5 to achieve circulation.

[0130] Of course, in the embodiments of this application, it is not excluded that the positions of the first water inlet 411, the first water outlet 412, the second water inlet 421 and the second water outlet 422 may be changed according to actual design requirements in other embodiments.

[0131] In some embodiments, the other side of the water supply pipe 81 can be connected to the circulation pipe. When the water supply pipe 81 is connected to the circulation pipe, it is possible to avoid separately setting an opening for connecting the water supply pipe 81 on the water tank 2 or in the heat exchanger 5, which helps to ensure the overall reliability of the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5, reduce manufacturing difficulty and cost, and improve the integration of the pipeline.

[0132] The other side of the water supply pipe 81 can be connected to the first circulation pipe 41 or directly or indirectly to the second circulation pipe 42, thereby achieving connectivity. Connectivity at other locations in this embodiment can also be understood as direct or indirect connection.

[0133] like Figure 1 As shown, in one embodiment, the other side of the water supply pipeline 81 has a first connection port 811 and a second connection port 812, which are respectively used to connect to the second circulation pipeline 42. One side of the water supply pipeline 81 has a third connection port 813, which is used to connect to a water source. The switch device 92 is located between the first connection port 811 and the second connection port 812.

[0134] Taking the connection of the other side of the water supply pipe 81 to the second circulation pipe 42 as an example, the other side of the water supply pipe 81 may have a first connecting port 811 and a second connecting port 812. The first connecting port 811 and the second connecting port 812 are respectively used to connect to the second circulation pipe 42, and the switching device 92 is located between the first connecting port 811 and the second connecting port 812. The switching device 92 can be in the form of a switching valve or a switching valve. Of course, in other embodiments, the switching device 92 can also be integrated into the first connection portion 71 between the other end of the water supply pipe 81 and the second circulation pipe 42.

[0135] When the switch device 92 is in the first state, the first connection port 811 and the second connection port 812 are connected, and the circulation pipeline can be connected. During the heat storage stage, the hot water heated by the heating rod 3 in the water tank 2 can flow through the first circulation pipeline 41, through the heat exchanger 5, and then return to the water tank 2 through the second circulation pipeline 42, thereby forming a circulating flow path to store heat for the phase change material in the phase change tank 1.

[0136] When the switching device 92 is in the second state, the water in the water tank 2 cannot circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. Water supplied from the water source can be diverted to the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 through the first connecting port 811 and the second connecting port 812 of the water supply pipe 81. Furthermore, the electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe 82, which is connected to the first circulation pipe 41, allowing water flowing out from the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 to flow out through the first circulation pipe 41 and the water outlet pipe 82.

[0137] More specifically, during the water usage phase, water supplied from an external water source flows into the water supply pipe 81 through the third connection port 813. Part of the water flows into the water tank 2 through the first connection port 811 and part of the second circulation pipe 42, and then flows out through the outlet pipe 82 through part of the first circulation pipe 41. Part of the water flows into the heat exchanger 5 through the second connection port 812 and part of the second circulation pipe 42, and then flows out through the outlet pipe 82 through part of the first circulation pipe 41.

[0138] The water outlet pipe 82 can be specifically connected to the first circulation pipe 41. The connection between the water outlet pipe 82 and the first circulation pipe 41 can form a second connection part 72. The second connection part 72 can be a three-way structure, but it can also be in other forms. This application does not make a unique limitation here.

[0139] Furthermore, the water supply pipeline 81 also has a flow regulating device 93, which is disposed between the first connecting port 811, the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813. The flow regulating device 93 is used to regulate the flow rate between the first connecting port 811 and the third connecting port 813 and / or the flow rate between the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813.

[0140] In this embodiment, a flow regulating device 93 can also be installed on the water supply pipeline 81. The specific form of the flow regulating device 93 can be a flow regulating valve or other forms. Specifically, this application does not make a unique limitation. The flow regulating device 93 can regulate the flow between the first connecting port 811 and the third connecting port 813 and / or the flow between the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813, thereby distributing the water supplied from the external water source between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 to adapt to different operating conditions in the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2, so that the output water temperature and hot water volume better meet the user's needs.

[0141] In specific adjustments, the flow regulating device 93 can individually adjust the flow rates of the first connecting port 811 and the third connecting port 813, i.e., control the flow rate of cold water flowing into the water tank 2; it can also individually adjust the flow rates of the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813, i.e., control the flow rate of cold water flowing into the heat exchanger 5; or it can simultaneously adjust the flow rates of the first connecting port 811 and the third connecting port 813, and the flow rates of the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813, i.e., control the flow rates of cold water flowing into the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. It should be noted that, for the above-mentioned individual adjustments, given a fixed flow rate of cold water supplied from the external water source, adjusting one of the parallel-connected water tank 2 and heat exchanger 5 is equivalent to adaptively adjusting the other.

[0142] like Figure 2 As shown, in one embodiment, the first water inlet 411 is located at the upper part of the water tank 2, the first water outlet 412 is located at the upper part of the phase change tank 1, the second water inlet 421 is located at the lower part of the phase change tank 1, and the second water outlet 422 is located at the lower part of the water tank 2. The water supply pipe 81 is connected to the second circulation pipe 42. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe 82. One side of the water outlet pipe 82 has a fourth connecting port 824 and a fifth connecting port 825, which are respectively connected to the first circulation pipe 41. The other side of the water outlet pipe 82 has a sixth connecting port 826, which is used to connect to a water terminal. The switch device 92 is located between the fourth connecting port 824 and the fifth connecting port 825.

[0143] One side of the water supply pipe 81 is used to connect to an external water source, and the other side of the water supply pipe 81 can be connected to the second circulation pipe 42. The other side of the water supply pipe 81 can be connected to the second circulation pipe 42 directly or indirectly. For example, the other side of the water supply pipe 81 can be connected to the second circulation pipe 42 through a first connecting part 71. The first connecting part 71 can be in the form of a tee connector, or it can be in other forms. This application does not make a unique limitation.

[0144] In this embodiment, one side of the water outlet pipe 82 has a fourth connection port 824 and a fifth connection port 825, which are respectively connected to the first circulation pipe 41. The other side of the water outlet pipe 82 has a sixth connection port 826, which is used to connect to the water terminal.

[0145] The switching device 92 can be located between the fourth connecting port 824 and the fifth connecting port 825. The switching device 92 can be in the form of a switching valve or a switching valve. Alternatively, in other embodiments, the switching device 92 can be integrated into the second connection portion 72 between the outlet pipe 82 and the second circulation pipe 42.

[0146] When the switch device 92 is in the first state, the fourth connection port 824 and the fifth connection port 825 are connected, and the circulation pipeline can be opened. During the heat storage stage, the hot water heated by the heating rod 3 in the water tank 2 can flow through the first circulation pipeline 41, through the heat exchanger 5, and then return to the water tank 2 through the second circulation pipeline 42, thereby forming a circulating flow path to store heat for the phase change material in the phase change tank 1.

[0147] When the switching device 92 is in the second state, the water in the water tank 2 cannot circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. The water supplied by the water source can be diverted to the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 through the water supply pipe 81; the water flowing out from the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 can flow out through the first circulation pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 82.

[0148] More specifically, during the water usage phase, water supplied from an external water source flows into the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 through the water supply pipe 81. Water in the upper part of the water tank 2 can flow out through part of the first circulation pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 82 to the water terminal; water flowing into the heat exchanger 5 can flow out through part of the first circulation pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 82 to the water terminal.

[0149] Furthermore, the water outlet pipe 82 may also have a flow regulating device 93, which is disposed between the fourth connecting port 824, the fifth connecting port 825 and the sixth connecting port 826. The flow regulating device 93 is used to regulate the flow rate between the fourth connecting port 824 and the sixth connecting port 826 and / or the flow rate between the fifth connecting port 825 and the sixth connecting port 826.

[0150] In this embodiment, a flow regulating device 93 can also be installed on the water outlet pipe 82. The specific form of the flow regulating device 93 can be a flow regulating valve or other forms. Specifically, this application does not make a unique limitation. The flow regulating device 93 can regulate the flow rate between the fourth connecting port 824 and the sixth connecting port 826 and / or the flow rate between the fifth connecting port 825 and the sixth connecting port 826, thereby distributing the heated water output from the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 to the outside to adapt to different operating conditions in the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2, so that the output water temperature and hot water volume better meet the user's needs.

[0151] In specific adjustments, the flow regulating device 93 can individually adjust the flow rates of the fourth connecting port 824 and the sixth connecting port 826, i.e., control the flow rate of hot water flowing out of the water tank 2; it can also individually adjust the flow rates of the fifth connecting port 825 and the sixth connecting port 826, i.e., control the flow rate of hot water flowing out of the heat exchanger 5; or it can simultaneously adjust the flow rates of the fourth connecting port 824 and the sixth connecting port 826, and the fifth connecting port 825 and the sixth connecting port 826, i.e., control the flow rate of hot water flowing out of the water tank 2 and the flow rate of hot water flowing into the heat exchanger 5. It should be noted that, for the above-mentioned individual adjustments, given a fixed flow rate of cold water supplied from the external water source, for the parallel-connected water tank 2 and heat exchanger 5, adjusting one is equivalent to adaptively adjusting the other.

[0152] Please refer to the following: Figures 3 to 7 In one embodiment, the switching device 92 has at least a first port 921, a second port 922, and a third port 923. The first port 921 is used to connect to the other side of the water supply pipe 81. The second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected to the second circulation pipe 42. The second port 922 is located downstream of the third port 923. When the switching device 92 is in the first state, the second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected. When the switching device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 is connected to the second port 922 and / or the first port 921 is connected to the third port 923.

[0153] In this embodiment, the switching device 92 can be a multi-way valve, for example, a switching valve.

[0154] like Figure 3 As shown, the switch device 92 can be installed at the location where the water supply pipe 81 is connected to the circulation pipe. Specifically, the switch device 92 can include multiple ports, wherein the first port 921 can be used as a water inlet port, and the second port 922 and the third port 923 can be connected to the circulation pipe.

[0155] like Figure 4 As shown, during the heat storage stage, when the switching device 92 is in the first state, the second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected. The heated water in the water tank 2 returns to the water tank 2 through the first circulation pipe 41, the heat exchanger 5, and the second circulation pipe 42.

[0156] like Figure 5 As shown, in the first water usage condition, when the switch device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 and the second port 922 are connected. Water supplied from an external water source enters the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 81 and part of the second circulation pipe 42. Subsequently, water in the water tank 2 can flow out of the water tank 2 through part of the first circulation pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 82. In the first water usage condition, water is supplied only by the water tank 2, which can meet the needs of frequent water use in low-flow scenarios without activating the phase change tank 1, thereby extending the service life of the phase change material in the phase change tank 1.

[0157] like Figure 6 As shown, in the second water usage condition, when the switching device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 and the second port 922 are connected. Water supplied from an external water source enters the heat exchanger 5 through the water supply pipe 81, part of the second circulation pipe 42, and then flows out of the water tank 2 through part of the first circulation pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 82. In the second water usage condition, only the phase change tank 1 is used for water supply.

[0158] like Figure 7 As shown, in the third water usage stage, when the switch device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 is connected to the second port 922 and the third port 923.

[0159] During this water usage phase, the externally supplied water flows into heat exchanger 5 and water tank 2 respectively. These two systems are connected in parallel, which increases the outflow rate and provides the maximum hot water supply to the user, thus meeting the user's large water consumption needs. The water supplied from the external source flows through water supply pipe 81 and is then diverted by switch device 92, flowing into water tank 2 and heat exchanger 5 respectively through a portion of the second circulation pipe 42. Water flowing out of water tank 2 and heat exchanger 5 can each flow out through a portion of the first circulation pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 82.

[0160] In the third water usage scenario, the simultaneous supply of water by water tank 2 and phase change tank 1 helps to increase the hot water volume of the electric water heater and meet the user's demand for large water usage.

[0161] Overall, because the electric water heater can switch between different combinations of tanks for water supply using different connection relationships of the switch device 92, it can meet the different water needs of users while ensuring its own reliability and extending its service life.

[0162] like Figure 8 As shown, in one embodiment, the switching device 92 has at least a first port 921, a second port 922, and a third port 923. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe 82. The first port 921 is used to connect to the water outlet pipe 82. The second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected to the first circulation pipe 41. The second port 922 is located downstream of the third port 923. When the switching device 92 is in the first state, the second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected. When the switching device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 is connected to the second port 922 and / or the first port 921 is connected to the third port 923.

[0163] In this embodiment, the switching device 92 can be a multi-way valve, for example, a switching valve.

[0164] The switch device 92 can be installed at the location where the water supply pipe 81 is connected to the circulation pipe. Specifically, the switch device 92 can include multiple ports, wherein the first port 921 can be used as a water outlet port, and the second port 922 and the third port 923 can be connected in the circulation pipe.

[0165] by Figure 8In the example where the switching device 92 is installed in the first circulation pipeline 41, during the heat storage stage, when the switching device 92 is in the first state, the second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected, and the heated water in the water tank 2 returns to the water tank 2 through the first circulation pipeline 41, the heat exchanger 5, and the second circulation pipeline 42.

[0166] In the first water usage condition, when the switch device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 and the third port 923 are connected. Water supplied from the external water source flows out from the outlet pipe 82 after passing through the water supply pipe 81, part of the second circulation pipe 42, the water tank 2, and part of the first circulation pipe 41.

[0167] In the first water usage scenario, water is supplied using only water tank 2, which can meet the needs of frequent water use in low-flow scenarios without activating phase change tank 1, thereby extending the service life of the phase change material in phase change tank 1.

[0168] In the second water usage condition, when the switch device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 and the second port 922 are connected. Water supplied from the external water source flows out from the outlet pipe 82 after passing through the water supply pipe 81, part of the second circulation pipe 42, the heat exchanger 5, and part of the first circulation pipe 41.

[0169] In the third water usage condition, when the switch device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 is connected to the second port 922 and the third port 923.

[0170] During this water usage phase, the externally supplied water flows into heat exchanger 5 and water tank 2 respectively. The two are connected in parallel, which can provide the user with the maximum hot water supply, thereby meeting the user's large water consumption needs. The water supplied from the external water source is diverted through water supply pipe 81 and flows into water tank 2 and heat exchanger 5 respectively through a portion of the second circulation pipe 42; the water flowing out from water tank 2 and heat exchanger 5 can flow out through a portion of the first circulation pipe 41 and the outlet pipe 82 respectively.

[0171] In the third water usage scenario, the simultaneous supply of water by water tank 2 and phase change tank 1 helps to increase the hot water volume of the electric water heater and meet the user's demand for large water usage.

[0172] Overall, because the electric water heater can switch between different combinations of tanks for water supply using different connection relationships of the switch device 92, it can meet the different water needs of users while ensuring its own reliability and extending its service life.

[0173] like Figure 9 and Figure 10As shown, the switching device 92 can be a switching valve, and it can be located in the first circulation pipeline 41 or the second circulation pipeline 42. Wherein, Figure 9 For example, the switching device 92 can be located in the first circulation pipe 41. During the heat storage stage, the switching device 92 is in the first state, thereby connecting the circulation pipe and forming a circulating water path inside. The specific flow path of the water can be referred to the detailed description of the above embodiment, which will not be repeated here. During the water use stage, under one operating condition, the switching device 92 can be in the second state, and the water flowing in from the water supply pipe 81 can only flow into the water tank 2, and the water tank 2 is used to supply water to the outside separately; under another operating condition, the switching device 92 can be in the first state, and the water flowing in from the water supply pipe 81 can flow into the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5, and the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 are connected in parallel to discharge water.

[0174] by Figure 10 For example, the switching device 92 can be located in the second circulation pipeline 42. The state and corresponding function of the switching device 92 in the heat storage stage and the water use stage can be referred to the description of the above embodiments, and will not be repeated here.

[0175] like Figure 11 As shown, in some embodiments, the circulation pipeline is also equipped with a pump 6.

[0176] In this embodiment, a drive device (e.g., pump 6) can be installed in the circulation pipeline to provide driving force for the water flow in the circulation pipeline. In addition, the pump 6 can be used to control the flow rate of the water in the circulation pipeline, thereby adjusting the heat storage rate; the pump 6 can also be used to overcome water flow resistance during the water outlet stage.

[0177] In one embodiment, the electric water heater has a heat storage mode and a water use mode. In the heat storage mode, the switch device 92 is in the first state, the pump 6 rotates in the first direction, the circulation pipeline is open, and the water in the water tank 2 can circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5.

[0178] This water usage mode can include multiple water usage conditions. For example, in the first water usage condition, the switch device 92 is in the second state, the pump 6 is not started, the water in the water tank 2 cannot circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5, and the water flowing in from the water supply pipe 81 can flow into the water tank 2 only through the circulation pipe, so that the water tank 2 is supplied with water alone; in the second water usage condition, the switch device 92 is in the first state, the pump 6 is started and rotated in the second direction, and the water flowing in from the water supply pipe 81 can flow into the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 respectively through the circulation pipe, so that the water tank 2 and the phase change tank 1 are supplied with water simultaneously.

[0179] It should be noted that, in addition to one pump 6 capable of forward and reverse rotation, two pumps 6 can also be installed, with the two pumps 6 driving in opposite directions. Furthermore, the number of switching devices 92 can be increased according to actual needs. For example, if water supply is required solely using the phase change tank 1, a switching device 92 can be installed downstream of the connection between the outlet pipe 82 and the first circulation pipe 41 on the first circulation pipe 41. Overall, the specific arrangement of the circulation pipes, the connection relationships, the arrangement of the pumps 6, and the arrangement of the switching devices 92 can be modified according to actual needs. This application cannot exhaustively list all embodiments; only a few typical embodiments are illustrated.

[0180] In this embodiment, the circulation pipeline includes a first circulation pipeline 41 and a second circulation pipeline 42. The specific arrangement of the inlet and outlet of the first circulation pipeline 41 and the second circulation pipeline 42 can be referred to the specific description of the above embodiment. The first inlet 411 is located at the upper part of the water tank 2, the first outlet 412 is located at the lower part of the phase change tank 1, the second inlet 421 is located at the upper part of the phase change tank 1, and the second outlet 422 is located at the lower part of the water tank 2. The technical effects produced by the above arrangement will not be elaborated here.

[0181] Taking the pump 6 installed in the first circulation pipe 41 as an example, the pump 6 can be located upstream of the switching device 92. The electric water heater can include multiple water use modes. For example, in one water use mode, the water tank 2 and the phase change tank 1 are connected in parallel to supply water, the pump 6 is in the start state, and the water flowing into the water supply pipe 81 can be diverted through the second circulation pipe 42, flowing into the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 respectively, and then output through a portion of the second circulation pipe 42 and the outlet pipe 82 respectively.

[0182] In another water supply mode, water can be supplied using only water tank 2. When water is supplied using only water tank 2, the switch device 92 is in the second state, the pump 6 is not started, the water in water tank 2 cannot circulate between water tank 2 and heat exchanger 5, and the water in water supply pipeline 81 can flow into water tank 2 after passing through part of the second circulation pipeline 42, and then flow out through part of the first circulation pipeline 41 and the outlet pipeline 82.

[0183] When the water heater is in heat storage mode, the switch device 92 is in the first state, and the pump 6 can be started when needed. The water in the water tank 2 can circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 at a predetermined flow rate.

[0184] In this embodiment, the electric water heater can be equipped with a controller, which can be in the form of an electronic control board or a central controller. The pump 6 and the heating element (e.g., heating rod 3) located in the water tank 2 can be electrically connected to the controller. The controller can further optimize and improve the heat storage mode by controlling the working state of the pump 6 and the heating rod 3.

[0185] In one embodiment, a heating rod 3 is provided in the water tank 2, and the electric water heater has a heat storage mode. In the heat storage mode, the switch device 92 is in the first state, the heating rod 3 is started first, the pump 6 is started and then the heating rod 3 continues to work or stops working.

[0186] For example, after the heating rod 3 has been running for a predetermined period of time, the temperature in the water tank 2 reaches a preset temperature, and the pump 6 starts again. At this time, the pump 6 and the heating rod 3 can work simultaneously, or the heating rod 3 can stop heating after the pump 6 starts working.

[0187] And / or, in one embodiment, a heating rod 3 is provided in the water tank 2, and the electric water heater has a heat storage mode. In the heat storage mode, the switching device 92 is in the first state, the pump 6 and the heating rod 3 are started simultaneously, and then the pump 6 or the heating rod 3 works independently.

[0188] For example, after the pump 6 and the heating rod 3 have been started and operated for a predetermined period of time, the pump 6 or the heating rod 3 may operate independently.

[0189] And / or, in one embodiment, a heating rod 3 is provided in the water tank 2, the electric water heater has a heat storage mode, in which the switching device 92 is in the first state, the pump 6 starts working first, the heating rod 3 starts working later, and the pump 6 continues to work or stops working.

[0190] For example, the heating rod 3 may start after the pump 6 has been running for a predetermined period of time, and the heating rod 3 may work simultaneously with the pump 6; or the pump 6 may stop working after the heating rod 3 has started working.

[0191] The following example illustrates the combination of the working states of the pump 6 and the heating rod 3 using a specific application scenario.

[0192] When the electric water heater is in heat storage mode, the switch device 92 is in the first state, and the circulation pipeline itself is in a conductive state.

[0193] If the water temperature in water tank 2 is still relatively low, heating rod 3 can be used to raise the water temperature in water tank 2, and pump 6 will not work temporarily. When the water temperature in water tank 2 reaches the predetermined temperature, due to thermal expansion and contraction, the water in water tank 2 can flow into heat exchanger 5 through natural convection for circulation.

[0194] When the water in the water tank 2 can enter the heat exchanger 5 through natural convection, the temperature of the phase change material is generally low in the initial stage of heat storage, and the temperature drop of the water flowing through the heat exchanger 5 is large. At this time, the water pump 6 can be started and the heating rod 3 can be kept working. The water pump 6 drives the circulation to achieve forced convection, ensuring that the phase change material in the phase change tank 1 can reliably and efficiently obtain heat storage.

[0195] In the later stage of heat storage, when the temperature of the phase change material is already high and the temperature drop of the water flowing through the heat exchanger 5 is small, the heating rod 3 can be turned off, and the water pump 6 can be kept running for a period of time before being stopped.

[0196] Alternatively, in another scenario, if the water temperature in tank 2 is relatively high, pump 6 can be started directly to drive circulation and achieve forced convection. After the water temperature in tank 2 drops to a certain level, heating rod 3 can then be started for heating. In this case, pump 6 and heating rod 3 can work simultaneously. Of course, pump 6 can also be temporarily stopped or cease operation after heating rod 3 is started.

[0197] Overall, the working states of the heating rod 3 and the pump 6 can be combined and arranged after comprehensive judgment based on the water temperature in the water tank 2 and the flow rate of the fluid in the circulation pipeline. This application does not make a unique limitation here.

[0198] Please refer to the following: Figures 12 to 14 In other embodiments of this application, the relative position between the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2 can be in other forms. For example, the phase change tank 1 can be located below the water tank 2.

[0199] In the embodiment where the phase change tank 1 is located below the water tank 2, a pump 6 is installed on the circulation pipeline. The circulation pipeline includes a first circulation pipeline 41 and a second circulation pipeline 42. The first circulation pipeline 41 has a first inlet end 411 and a first outlet end 412, with the first inlet end 411 located at the phase change tank 1 and the first outlet end 412 located at the water tank 2. The second circulation pipeline 42 has a second inlet end 421 and a second outlet end 422, with the second inlet end 421 located at the water tank 2 and the second outlet end 422 located at the phase change tank 1. The switching device 92 is installed on either the first circulation pipeline 41 or the second circulation pipeline 42.

[0200] In addition, the electric water heater may also include a water outlet pipe 82, one end of which is connected to the circulation pipe or one end of which is connected to the circulation pipe through the switch device 92, and / or the water outlet pipe 82 passes through the water tank 2.

[0201] like Figure 12 As shown, in one embodiment, the switching device 92 has at least a first port 921, a second port 922, and a third port 923. The first port 921 is used to connect to the other side of the water supply pipe 81. The second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected to the first circulation pipe 41. The second port 922 is located downstream of the third port 923. When the switching device 92 is in the first state, the second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected. When the switching device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 is connected to the second port 922 and / or the first port 921 is connected to the third port 923.

[0202] In this embodiment, the switching device 92 can be a multi-way valve, such as a switching valve. The switching device 92 can be located at the connection point between the water supply pipe 81 and the circulation pipe, i.e., at the first connection portion 71, or the switching device 92 can be located within the circulation pipe. Specifically, the switching device 92 can include multiple ports, wherein the first port 921 can be used as a water inlet port, and the second port 922 and the third port 923 can be connected to the first circulation pipe 41.

[0203] by Figure 12 Taking the switch device 92 installed in the first circulation pipeline 41 as an example, during the heat storage stage, when the switch device 92 is in the first state, the second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected, the pump 6 is started, and the heated water in the water tank 2 returns to the water tank 2 through the second circulation pipeline 42, the heat exchanger 5, and the first circulation pipeline 41.

[0204] In one water usage scenario, when the switch 92 is in the second state, with the first port 921 and the second port 922 connected, water supplied from an external source flows into the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 81 and part of the first circulation pipe 41. Water in the water tank 2 can then be discharged through part of the second circulation pipe 42 and the outlet pipe 82. At this time, only the water tank 2 is used for water supply. Alternatively, in another water usage scenario, when the first port 921 is connected to the second port 922 and the third port 923, water supplied from an external source is diverted at the switch 92 through the water supply pipe 81, flowing into the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 through part of the first circulation pipe 41. Subsequently, water is discharged through part of the second circulation pipe 42 and the outlet pipe 82. In this scenario, the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 in the phase change tank 1 supply water in parallel, providing the maximum hot water supply to the user, thus meeting the user's large water consumption needs.

[0205] Alternatively, in another water usage scenario, the first port 921 is connected to the third port 923, and water supplied from an external water source enters the heat exchanger 5 through a portion of the first circulation pipe 41. Subsequently, water in the heat exchanger 5 can flow out through a portion of the second circulation pipe 42 and the outlet pipe 82.

[0206] like Figure 13 As shown, in another embodiment, the switching device 92 has at least a first port 921, a second port 922, and a third port 923. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe 82. The first port 921 is used to connect to the water outlet pipe 82. The second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected to the second circulation pipe 42. The second port 922 is located downstream of the third port 923. When the switching device 92 is in the first state, the second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected. When the switching device 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 is connected to the second port 922 and / or the first port 921 is connected to the third port 923.

[0207] In this embodiment, the main difference from the above embodiments lies in the location of the switching device 92. The switching device 92 can be a multi-way valve, such as a switching valve. The switching device 92 can be located at the connection point between the outlet pipe 82 and the circulation pipe, i.e., at the second connection portion 72, or it can be located within the circulation pipe. Specifically, the switching device 92 can include multiple ports, wherein the first port 921 can be used as an outlet port, and the second port 922 and the third port 923 can be connected to the second circulation pipe 42.

[0208] by Figure 13Taking the example of the switch device 92 being installed in the second circulation pipeline 42, its connection relationship during use is explained.

[0209] During the heat storage stage, when the switch device 92 is in the first state, the second port 922 and the third port 923 are connected, the pump 6 is started, and the heated water in the water tank 2 returns to the water tank 2 through the second circulation pipeline 42, the heat exchanger 5, and the first circulation pipeline 41.

[0210] In one water usage scenario, when the switch 92 is in the second state, the first port 921 and the third port 923 are connected. Water supplied from an external source flows into the water tank 2 through the water supply pipe 81 and part of the first circulation pipe 41. Subsequently, water in the water tank 2 can be output through part of the second circulation pipe 42 and the outlet pipe 82. At this time, only the water tank 2 is used for water supply. Alternatively, in another water usage scenario, when the first port 921 is connected to both the second port 922 and the third port 923, water supplied from an external source is diverted at the switch 92 through the water supply pipe 81, flowing into the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 through part of the first circulation pipe 41. Subsequently, it is output through part of the second circulation pipe 42 and the outlet pipe 82. At this time, the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 in the phase change tank 1 supply water in parallel, providing the maximum hot water supply to the user, thereby meeting the user's large water consumption needs.

[0211] Alternatively, in another water usage scenario, the first port 921 is connected to the second port 922, and water supplied from an external water source enters the heat exchanger 5 through a portion of the first circulation pipe 41. Subsequently, water in the heat exchanger 5 can flow out through a portion of the second circulation pipe 42 and the outlet pipe 82.

[0212] like Figure 14 As shown, in one embodiment, the other side of the water supply pipeline 81 has a first connection port 811 and a second connection port 812, which are respectively used to connect to the first circulation pipeline 41. One side of the water supply pipeline 81 has a third connection port 813, which is used to connect to a water source. The switch device 92 is located between the first connection port 811 and the second connection port 812.

[0213] Taking the connection of the other side of the water supply pipe 81 to the first circulation pipe 41 as an example, the other side of the water supply pipe 81 may have a first connecting port 811 and a second connecting port 812. The first connecting port 811 and the second connecting port 812 are respectively used to connect to the first circulation pipe 41, and the switching device 92 is located between the first connecting port 811 and the second connecting port 812. The switching device 92 can be in the form of a switching valve or a switching valve. Of course, in other embodiments, the switching device 92 can also be integrated into the first connection portion 71 between the other end of the water supply pipe 81 and the first circulation pipe 41.

[0214] When the switch device 92 is in the first state, the first connection port 811 and the second connection port 812 are connected, and the circulation pipeline can be connected. During the heat storage stage, the hot water heated by the heating rod 3 in the water tank 2 can flow through the second circulation pipeline 42, pass through the heat exchanger 5, and return to the water tank 2 through the first circulation pipeline 41, thereby forming a circulating flow path to store heat for the phase change material in the phase change tank 1.

[0215] When the switching device 92 is in the second state, the water in the water tank 2 cannot circulate between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. Water supplied from the water source can be diverted to the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 through the first connecting port 811 and the second connecting port 812 of the water supply pipe 81. Furthermore, the electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe 82, which is connected to the second circulation pipe 42, allowing water flowing out from the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 to flow out through the second circulation pipe 42 and the water outlet pipe 82.

[0216] More specifically, during the water usage phase, water supplied from an external water source flows into the water supply pipeline 81 through the third connection port 813. Part of the water flows into the heat exchanger 5 through the first connection port 811 and part of the first circulation pipeline 41, and then flows out through the outlet pipeline 82 through part of the second circulation pipeline 42. Part of the water flows into the water tank 2 through the second connection port 812 and part of the first circulation pipeline 41, and then flows out through the outlet pipeline 82 through part of the second circulation pipeline 42.

[0217] The water outlet pipe 82 can be specifically connected to the second circulation pipe 42. The connection between the water outlet pipe 82 and the second circulation pipe 42 can form a first connection part 71. The first connection part 71 can be a three-way structure, but it can also be in other forms. This application does not make a unique limitation here.

[0218] Furthermore, the water supply pipeline 81 also has a flow regulating device 93, which is disposed between the first connecting port 811, the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813. The flow regulating device 93 is used to regulate the flow rate between the first connecting port 811 and the third connecting port 813 and / or the flow rate between the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813.

[0219] In this embodiment, a flow regulating device 93 can also be installed on the water supply pipeline 81. The specific form of the flow regulating device 93 can be a flow regulating valve or other forms. Specifically, this application does not make a unique limitation. The flow regulating device 93 can regulate the flow between the first connecting port 811 and the third connecting port 813 and / or the flow between the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813, thereby distributing the water supplied from the external water source between the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5 to adapt to different operating conditions in the phase change tank 1 and the water tank 2, so that the output water temperature and hot water volume better meet the user's needs.

[0220] In specific adjustments, the flow regulating device 93 can individually adjust the flow rates of the first connecting port 811 and the third connecting port 813, i.e., control the flow rate of cold water flowing into the heat exchanger 5; it can also individually adjust the flow rates of the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813, i.e., control the flow rate of cold water flowing into the water tank 2; or it can simultaneously adjust the flow rates of the first connecting port 811 and the third connecting port 813, and the flow rates of the second connecting port 812 and the third connecting port 813, i.e., control the flow rates of cold water flowing into the water tank 2 and the heat exchanger 5. It should be noted that, for the above-mentioned individual adjustments, given a fixed flow rate of cold water supplied from the external water source, for the parallel-connected water tank 2 and heat exchanger 5, adjusting one is equivalent to adaptively adjusting the other.

[0221] In one specific embodiment, the first water inlet 411 is located at the lower part of the water tank 2.

[0222] In this embodiment, the first water outlet 412 is located at the lower part of the water tank 2. Since the first water outlet 412 is located at the lower part of the water tank 2, based on the characteristic that the water temperature in the water tank 2 gradually decreases from top to bottom, it can prevent the introduction of lower-temperature water from the outside into the water tank 2 from significantly disturbing the temperature field of the water tank 2, thereby helping to maintain a higher water temperature in the upper part of the water tank 2.

[0223] It should be noted that in the description of this application, the terms "first," "second," etc., are used only for descriptive purposes and to distinguish similar objects; there is no order between them, nor should they be construed as indicating or implying relative importance. Furthermore, in the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "multiple" means two or more.

[0224] The various embodiments described in this specification are presented in a progressive manner. The same or similar parts between the embodiments can be referred to each other. Each embodiment focuses on the differences from other embodiments.

[0225] The above are merely a few embodiments of this utility model. Although the embodiments disclosed in this utility model are as described above, the content is only for the purpose of facilitating understanding of this utility model and is not intended to limit this utility model. Any person skilled in the art to which this utility model pertains may make any modifications and changes in the form and details of the embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope disclosed in this utility model. However, the patent protection scope of this utility model shall still be determined by the scope defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. An electric water heater, characterized in that, The electric water heater includes a water tank and a phase change tank. The phase change tank has a phase change material for heat storage and heat release. The phase change tank also includes a heat exchanger connected in parallel with the water tank. The electric water heater also includes a water supply pipe and a circulation pipe. The circulation pipe is used to connect the water tank and the heat exchanger. One side of the water supply pipe can be connected to a water source, and the other side of the water supply pipe can be connected to the heat exchanger and / or the circulation pipe and / or the water tank. A switching device is installed on the circulation pipeline. The switching device has a first state and a second state. When the switching device is in the first state, the circulation pipeline is open, and the water in the water tank can circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger. When the switching device is in the second state, the water in the water tank cannot circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger. The water in the water supply pipeline can flow into the heat exchanger and the water tank, or flow into the heat exchanger, or flow into the water tank.

2. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The water supply pipeline is connected to the circulation pipeline; The circulation pipeline includes a first circulation pipeline and a second circulation pipeline. The first circulation pipeline has a first water inlet and a first water outlet. The first water inlet is located in the water tank and the first water outlet is located in the phase change tank. The second circulation pipeline has a second water inlet and a second water outlet. The second water inlet is located in the phase change tank and the second water outlet is located in the water tank. The switching device is installed on the first circulation pipeline or the second circulation pipeline.

3. The electric water heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first water inlet is located at the upper part of the water tank, the first water outlet is located at the upper part of the phase change tank, the second water inlet is located at the lower part of the phase change tank, and the second water outlet is located at the lower part of the water tank. The water supply pipeline has a first connection port and a second connection port on one side, which are respectively used to connect to the second circulation pipeline. The water supply pipeline also has a third connection port on one side, which is used to connect to a water source. The switching device is located between the first connection port and the second connection port.

4. The electric water heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, The water supply pipeline also has a flow regulating device, which is disposed between the first connecting port, the second connecting port and the third connecting port. The flow regulating device is used to regulate the flow rate between the first connecting port and the third connecting port and / or the flow rate between the second connecting port and the third connecting port.

5. The electric water heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The switching device has at least a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is used to connect to the other side of the water supply pipeline. The second port and the third port are connected to the second circulation pipeline. The second port is located downstream of the third port. When the switching device is in the first state, the second port and the third port are connected. When the switching device is in the second state, the first port is connected to the second port and / or the first port is connected to the third port.

6. The electric water heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The switching device has at least a first port, a second port, and a third port. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe. The first port is used to connect to the water outlet pipe. The second port and the third port are connected to the first circulation pipe. The second port is located downstream of the third port. When the switching device is in the first state, the second port and the third port are connected. When the switching device is in the second state, the first port is connected to the second port and / or the first port is connected to the third port.

7. The electric water heater as described in claim 3, characterized in that, When the switching device is in the second state, the water in the water tank cannot circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger. Water supplied from the water source can be diverted through the first and second connecting ports of the water supply pipeline to the water tank and the heat exchanger. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe, which is connected to the first circulation pipe, so that water flowing out from the water tank and the heat exchanger can flow out through the first circulation pipe and the water outlet pipe.

8. The electric water heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The first water inlet is located at the upper part of the water tank, the first water outlet is located at the upper part of the phase change tank, the second water inlet is located at the lower part of the phase change tank, and the second water outlet is located at the lower part of the water tank. The water supply pipeline is connected to the second circulation pipeline; The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe, one side of which has a fourth connecting port and a fifth connecting port, the fourth connecting port and the fifth connecting port being respectively connected to the first circulation pipe. The other side of the water outlet pipe has a sixth connection port, which is used to connect to a water terminal. The switching device is located between the fourth connection port and the fifth connection port.

9. The electric water heater as described in claim 8, characterized in that, When the switching device is in the second state, the water in the water tank cannot circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger. The water supplied by the water source can be diverted to the water tank and the heat exchanger after passing through the water supply pipeline and the second circulation pipeline, and then flow out through the first circulation pipeline and the outlet pipeline.

10. The electric water heater as described in claim 8, characterized in that, The water outlet pipeline also has a flow regulating device, which is disposed between the fourth connecting port, the fifth connecting port and the sixth connecting port. The flow regulating device is used to regulate the flow rate between the fourth connecting port and the sixth connecting port and / or the flow rate between the fifth connecting port and the sixth connecting port.

11. The electric water heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The circulation pipeline is also equipped with a pump.

12. The electric water heater as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a heating element for heating the water in the tank. The electric water heater has a heat storage mode, in which the switching device is in the first state. The pump and the heating element start working simultaneously first, and then the pump or the heating element works independently.

13. The electric water heater as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a heating element for heating the water in the tank. The electric water heater has a heat storage mode, in which the switching device is in the first state. The heating element starts working first, the pump starts working later, and the heating element continues to work or stops working.

14. The electric water heater as described in claim 11, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a heating element for heating the water in the tank. The electric water heater has a heat storage mode, in which the switching device is in the first state. The pump starts working first, the heating component starts working later, and the pump continues to work or stops working.

15. The electric water heater as described in claim 2, characterized in that, The electric water heater also includes a heating element for heating the water in the tank.

16. The electric water heater as described in claim 15, characterized in that, The first water inlet is located at the upper part of the water tank, the first water outlet is located at the upper part of the phase change tank, the second water inlet is located at the lower part of the phase change tank, the second water outlet is located at the lower part of the water tank, and the heating component includes a heating rod, with at least one heating rod located at the upper middle part or bottom of the water tank.

17. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The phase change tank is located above the water tank.

18. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, A pump is installed on the circulation pipeline. The circulation pipeline includes a first circulation pipeline and a second circulation pipeline. The first circulation pipeline has a first water inlet and a first water outlet. The first water inlet is located at the phase change tank and the first water outlet is located at the water tank. The second circulation pipeline has a second water inlet and a second water outlet. The second water inlet is located at the water tank and the second water outlet is located at the phase change tank. The switching device is installed on the first circulation pipeline or the second circulation pipeline.

19. The electric water heater as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The water supply pipeline has a first connection port and a second connection port on one side, which are respectively used to connect to the first circulation pipeline. The water supply pipeline also has a third connection port on one side, which is used to connect to a water source. The switching device is located between the first connection port and the second connection port.

20. The electric water heater as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The first water inlet is located at the lower part of the water tank.

21. The electric water heater as described in claim 19, characterized in that, The water supply pipeline also has a flow regulating device, which is disposed between the first connecting port, the second connecting port and the third connecting port. The flow regulating device is used to regulate the flow rate between the first connecting port and the third connecting port and / or the flow rate between the second connecting port and the third connecting port.

22. The electric water heater as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The switching device has at least a first port, a second port, and a third port. The first port is used to connect to the other side of the water supply pipeline. The second port and the third port are connected to the first circulation pipeline. The second port is located downstream of the third port. When the switching device is in the first state, the second port and the third port are connected. When the switching device is in the second state, the first port is connected to the second port and / or the first port is connected to the third port.

23. The electric water heater as described in claim 18, characterized in that, The switching device has at least a first port, a second port, and a third port. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe. The first port is used to connect to the water outlet pipe. The second port and the third port are connected to the second circulation pipe. The second port is located downstream of the third port. When the switching device is in the first state, the second port and the third port are connected. When the switching device is in the second state, the first port is connected to the second port and / or the first port is connected to the third port.

24. The electric water heater as described in claim 19, characterized in that, When the switching device is in the second state, the water in the water tank cannot circulate between the water tank and the heat exchanger. Water supplied from the water source can be diverted through the first and second connecting ports of the water supply pipeline to the water tank and / or the heat exchanger. The electric water heater also includes a water outlet pipe, which is connected to the first circulation pipe, so that water flowing out from the water tank and the heat exchanger can flow out through the first circulation pipe and the water outlet pipe.

25. The electric water heater as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The phase change tank is located below the water tank.

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