Method of eliminating temperature drop caused by repeatedly turning on and off water heater

Abstract

A method of eliminating a temperature drop caused by repeatedly turning on and off a water heater is provided. A water flow detector is installed in a cold water pipe of the water heater, and a pressure pump is arranged between the water flow detector and a heat exchanger. A connecting pipe is disposed between the pressure pump and the water flow detector. The connecting pipe connects the cold water pipe and a hot water pipe. The hot water pipe and the connecting pipe are connected with a tee pipe. A flow guide is disposed inside the tee pipe. The diameter of the flow guide is tapered from one end to a neck portion, and then increasing. One side of the flow guide is provided with a side wall opening, and the side wall opening is located at the neck portion corresponding to the connecting pipe. When the water heater is turned off, the hot water pipe and the tee pipe are connected to the cold water pipe through the side wall opening by the connecting pipe to form a water circuit. The continuous turning-on of the pressure pump can guide the hot water in the heat exchanger back to the cold water pipe through the tee pipe and the side wall opening. The present invention can force the water in the heat exchanger to flow, so that the water in the pipes can be evenly heated, the water temperature can be evenly increased, and the sandwich effect can be reduced. When the water heater is turned on, the hot water pipe and tee pipe are fluidly connected to the connecting pipe and cold water pipe through the side wall opening, so that the cold water flows through the connecting pipe to the hot water pipe for mixing, and continues to supply hot water normally.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a method and a water heater that can eliminate temperature differences caused by repeated switching of water in a water heater, and more particularly to a method and a water heater that can eliminate temperature differences in a water heater. Prior Technology

[0002] Current instant water heaters typically control their on / off operation based on water flow. When a consumer turns on the hot water in the bathroom, the water heater detects the flow, ignites, and adjusts the gas supply to reach the consumer's set temperature. There's a time difference between the start of operation and reaching the set temperature; during this time, the hot water continues to flow. Therefore, the consumer perceives the water gradually getting hotter. Conversely, when the consumer turns off the water, the water heater detects the cessation of hot water flow in the pipes and shuts off the gas within this time difference. While the hot water in the pipes is no longer flowing, the tank continues to exchange heat with the hot water, causing the temperature to rise continuously. Therefore, when the water heater is turned off and then on again midway through use, the consumer will perceive the hot water temperature as initially high, then low, and finally equilibrating to the target temperature. This phenomenon is known in the industry as the "sandwich effect."

[0003] To overcome the aforementioned problems, the industry commonly uses a connecting pipe between the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe connected to the water tank. This pipe directs cold water to the hot water end, neutralizing the hot water and preventing it from becoming too hot when the water is turned off due to stagnant flow. This connecting pipe is typically installed between the water flow detector or booster pump and the water tank. While this method can reduce the high temperature of the hot water, it also simultaneously increases the initial low temperature phenomenon when the water is turned on. Summary of the Invention

[0004] The technical problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a method and a water heater that can eliminate the temperature drop caused by repeated switching of water on and off in a water heater, thereby reducing the sandwich effect and eliminating the temperature drop caused by repeated switching of water on and off in a water heater.

[0005] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides a method for eliminating temperature drops caused by repeated switching on and off of water in a water heater, comprising the steps of: providing a water heater, the water heater including a fan, a burner, a heat exchanger, a cold water pipe and a hot water pipe, the burner being disposed between the fan and the heat exchanger, the heat exchanger being connected between the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe, a water flow detector being installed on the cold water pipe, a booster pump being installed between the water flow detector and the heat exchanger, a connecting pipe being installed between the booster pump and the water flow detector, the connecting pipe connecting the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe, the hot water pipe being connected to the connecting pipe by a T-joint, the T-joint having a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the first interface and the third interface being connected to the hot water pipe, the second interface being connected to the connecting pipe, and a flow guide being installed inside the T-joint, the diameter of the flow guide extending from the first interface to the third interface. The flow gradually narrows towards a neck and then increases again. A sidewall opening is provided on one side of the flow guide, located at the neck, corresponding to the second interface and the connecting pipe. When the water heater is turned off, the water flow detector detects that the hot water is not flowing, the gas is turned off, and the burner stops heating. The hot water pipe and the tee pipe are connected to the cold water pipe via the sidewall opening and the connecting pipe to form a water loop. When the booster pump is continuously running, it guides the hot water in the heat exchanger back to the cold water pipe via the tee pipe and the sidewall opening until the booster pump stops operating after a predetermined delay, and the water heater enters standby mode. When the water heater is turned on, the water flow detector detects water flow, the gas is turned on, the burner starts heating, and the hot water pipe and the tee pipe are connected to the connecting pipe and the cold water pipe via the sidewall opening, allowing cold water to flow through the connecting pipe to the hot water pipe for mixing and continuous normal supply of hot water.

[0006] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention also provides a water heater, comprising: a fan; a burner; a heat exchanger, the burner being disposed between the fan and the heat exchanger; a cold water pipe; a hot water pipe, the heat exchanger being connected between the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe; a water flow detector, the water flow detector being disposed on the cold water pipe; a booster pump, the booster pump being disposed between the water flow detector and the heat exchanger; and a connecting pipe, the connecting pipe being disposed between the booster pump and the water flow detector, the connecting pipe connecting the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe; wherein the hot water pipe and the connecting pipe are connected by a T-joint, the T-joint having a first interface, a second interface and a third interface, the first interface and the third interface being connected to the hot water pipe, and the second interface being connected to... A flow guide is installed inside the connecting pipe and the tee pipe. The diameter of the flow guide gradually decreases from the first interface to the third interface, then increases again at a neck. A side wall opening is provided on one side of the flow guide, located at the neck, and corresponds to the second interface and the connecting pipe. When the water heater is turned off, the hot water pipe and the tee pipe are connected to the cold water pipe through the side wall opening and the connecting pipe to form a water loop. The continuously running booster pump can guide the hot water in the heat exchanger back to the cold water pipe through the tee pipe and the side wall opening. When the water heater is turned on, the hot water pipe and the tee pipe are connected to the connecting pipe and the cold water pipe through the side wall opening, allowing cold water to flow through the connecting pipe to the hot water pipe for mixing and continuous normal supply of hot water.

[0007] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The method and water heater provided by this invention can eliminate the temperature drop caused by repeated switching of water in a water heater. A water flow detector is installed in the cold water pipe of the water heater. A booster pump is installed between the water flow detector and the heat exchanger. A connecting pipe is installed between the booster pump and the water flow detector. The connecting pipe connects the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe. The hot water pipe and the connecting pipe are connected by a T-shaped pipe. The T-shaped pipe has a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface and the third interface are connected to the hot water pipe. The second interface is connected to the connecting pipe. A flow guide is installed inside the T-shaped pipe. The diameter of the flow guide gradually decreases from the first interface to the third interface, then increases again at a neck. A side wall opening is provided on one side of the flow guide. The side wall opening is located at the neck and corresponds to the second interface and the connecting pipe. When the water heater is turned off, the hot water pipe and the T-connector are connected to the cold water pipe through the side wall opening to form a water loop. The booster pump continues to operate, guiding the hot water in the heat exchanger back to the cold water pipe through the T-connector and the side wall opening. This invention can force the booster pump to operate using a program, forcing the water in the heat exchanger to flow, thus heating the water in the pipes evenly and raising the water temperature uniformly, reducing the sandwich effect. When the water heater is turned on, the hot water pipe and the T-connector are connected to the cold water pipe through the side wall opening, allowing cold water to flow through the connecting pipe to the hot water pipe for mixing, and continuously supplying hot water normally.

[0008] To further understand the features and technical content of the present invention, please refer to the following detailed description and drawings of the present invention. However, the drawings provided are for reference and illustration only and are not intended to limit the present invention. Simple Explanation of the Diagram

[0009] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0010] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of the three-way pipe in the water-boiling state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0011] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram of the water shut-off state of the three-way pipe in an embodiment of the present invention.

[0012] Figure 4 is a flowchart of the water-off state of the method for eliminating temperature drop when the water heater is repeatedly turned on and off according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0013] Figure 5 is a schematic diagram of the water heater in the water-off state according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0014] Figure 6 is a flowchart of the method for eliminating temperature drops when the water heater is repeatedly switched on and off according to an embodiment of the present invention, under the condition of the water being turned on.

[0015] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram of the hot water state of the water heater according to an embodiment of the present invention. Implementation

[0016] The following specific embodiments illustrate the relevant implementation methods disclosed in this invention. Those skilled in the art can understand the advantages and effects of this invention from the content disclosed in this specification. This invention can be implemented or applied through other different specific embodiments, and various details in this specification can also be modified and changed based on different viewpoints and applications without departing from the concept of this invention. Furthermore, the accompanying drawings of this invention are for simple illustrative purposes only and are not depictions of actual dimensions, as stated in advance. The following embodiments will further describe the relevant technical content of this invention in detail, but the disclosed content is not intended to limit the scope of protection of this invention. In addition, the term "or" used herein should, as appropriate, include any combination of any one or more of the associated listed items.

[0017] [Example]

[0018] Please refer to Figure 1. This embodiment of the invention provides a water heater 1, which includes a fan 11, a burner 12, and a heat exchanger 13. The fan 11, burner 12, and heat exchanger 13 (water tank) can be arranged sequentially from bottom to top. The burner 12 is located between the fan 11 and the heat exchanger 13. The positions of the fan 11, burner 12, and heat exchanger 13 are not limited and can be appropriately varied. The burner 12 can be used to heat the heat exchanger 13, allowing cold water to enter the heat exchanger 13 for heat exchange before hot water is discharged for use. The water heater 1 also includes a cold water pipe 14 and a hot water pipe 15. The heat exchanger 13 is connected between the cold water pipe 14 and the hot water pipe 15. The cold water pipe 14 can be connected to a suitable water source to input cold water to be heated, allowing the cold water to be transported to the heat exchanger 13 for heat exchange, and then hot water is output from the hot water pipe 15 for use. The structure of the water heater 1 described above is existing technology, so it will not be described in detail.

[0019] In this embodiment, a water flow detector 16 is installed on the cold water pipe 14 (cold water side) of the water heater 1, which can be used to detect the flow of hot water and adjust the heating power. A booster pump 17 is installed between the water flow detector 16 and the heat exchanger 13. A connecting pipe 18 is installed between the booster pump 17 and the water flow detector 16. The connecting pipe 18 connects the cold water pipe 14 and the hot water pipe 15, that is, both ends of the connecting pipe 18 are connected to the cold water pipe 14 and the hot water pipe 15 respectively. The booster pump 17 is located between the connecting pipe 18 and the heat exchanger 13, placing the booster pump 17 in a preferred position.

[0020] Please refer to Figures 1 to 3. The hot water pipe 15 and the connecting pipe 18 are connected by a T-joint 19. The T-joint 19 has a first interface 191, a second interface 192, and a third interface 193, which are interconnected. The first interface 191 and the third interface 193 are connected to the hot water pipe 15, and the second interface 192 is connected to the connecting pipe 18. Preferably, the first interface 191 and the third interface 193 can be located on a straight line, and the second interface 192 can be connected between the first interface 191 and the third interface 193 near the first interface 191, which can provide a better flow guiding effect.

[0021] A flow guide 194 is installed inside the tee pipe 19, located between the first interface 191, the second interface 192, and the third interface 193. The interior of the flow guide 194 is connected to the first interface 191, the second interface 192, and the third interface 193. The flow guide 194 is roughly trumpet-shaped (conical). The diameter of the flow guide 194 gradually narrows from the first interface 191 towards the third interface 193, reaching a neck 195 before increasing again, so that the flow guide 194 forms its smallest diameter at the neck 195. A sidewall opening 196 is provided on one side of the flow guide 194. The sidewall opening 196 can be located on the side of the flow guide 194 away from the second interface 192, providing a better flow guiding effect. The side wall opening 196 is located at the neck 195. The side wall opening 196 corresponds to the second interface 192 and the connecting pipe 18, that is, the side wall opening 196, the second interface 192, and the connecting pipe 18 can be located at the same horizontal level and correspond to each other. The side wall opening 196 can connect to the first interface 191, the second interface 192, and the third interface 193.

[0022] In this embodiment, the flow guide 194 is assembled inside the three-way pipe 19. An abutment end 197 is provided inside the three-way pipe 19 near the third interface 193, allowing one end of the flow guide 194 to be positioned against it. A sealing element 198 is provided at the other end of the flow guide 194 near the first interface 191 of the three-way pipe 19. The sealing element 198 is located between the three-way pipe 19 and the flow guide 194, and can be used to increase the sealing performance and fixation effect between the three-way pipe 19 and the flow guide 194.

[0023] When the water is turned off, the water flow detector 16 detects that the water is not flowing, and the water heater 1 stops heating. The residual heat of the heat exchanger 13 continues to exchange heat with the hot water in the pipe. Because the water in the pipe is not flowing, the heat exchanger 13 continues to exchange heat with the hot water in the pipe, causing the hot water in the pipe to continuously rise in temperature. At this time, if the program control booster pump 17 is forced to run, the water in the heat exchanger 13 can be forced to flow, so that the water in the pipe is heated evenly and the water temperature rises evenly, thus reducing the sandwich effect.

[0024] The flow guide 194 is shaped like a trumpet, with its inner diameter gradually narrowing towards the neck 195 before gradually widening again. Under a constant source pressure, the water flow velocity through the flow guide 194 gradually increases. According to Bernoulli's law, the pressure on the side wall decreases with a faster flow rate. At this point, the side wall opening 196 at the smallest inner diameter of the neck 195 corresponds to the connecting pipe 18, and the water flow velocity increases. The connecting pipe 18 can then draw cold water from the cold water pipe 14 (cold water side) to the hot water pipe 15 (hot water side) to neutralize the hot water temperature. When the water is turned off, the water flow stops, and the hot water pipe 15 can connect to the cold water pipe 14 via the side wall opening 196 of the flow guide 194 and the connecting pipe 18 to form a loop.

[0025] In this embodiment, a water flow detector 16 is installed on the cold water pipe 14 (cold water side) of the water heater 1, which can be used to detect the flow of hot water and adjust the heating power. A booster pump 17 is installed between the water flow detector 16 and the heat exchanger 13 (water tank). A connecting pipe 18 is installed between the booster pump 17 and the water flow detector 16. The connecting pipe 18 connects the cold water pipe 14 and the hot water pipe 15, that is, both ends of the connecting pipe 18 are connected to the cold water pipe 14 and the hot water pipe 15 respectively. The booster pump 17 is located between the connecting pipe 18 and the heat exchanger 13.

[0026] Please refer to Figures 4 to 7. The present invention also provides a method for eliminating temperature drops caused by repeated switching of water supply in a water heater, comprising the following steps:

[0027] First, a water heater 1 is provided, which is as disclosed in the embodiments shown in Figures 1 to 3 above, and therefore will not be described again.

[0028] When the water heater 1 is turned off (as shown in Figures 3, 4 and 5), the water flow detector 16 detects that the hot water is not flowing, the gas is turned off, and the burner 12 stops heating. Then, the hot water pipe 15 and the three-way pipe 19 are connected to the cold water pipe 14 through the side wall opening 196 of the flow guide 194 via the connecting pipe 18 to form a water circuit. When the booster pump 17 is continuously turned on, it will guide the hot water in the heat exchanger 13 back to the cold water pipe 14 (cold water side) through the three-way pipe 19 and the side wall opening 196 of the flow guide 194. The booster pump 17 will stop operating after a predetermined delay. This predetermined time is the actual confirmed value. Then the water heater 1 enters the standby program.

[0029] When the water heater 1 turns on the water (as shown in Figures 2, 6 and 7), the water flow detector 16 detects the water flow, the gas is turned on, the burner 12 starts heating, and the hot water pipe 15 and the three-way pipe 19 are connected to the connecting pipe 18 and the cold water pipe 14 through the side wall opening 196 of the flow guide 194. The hot water flow causes a low pressure on the side wall of the flow guide 194, which allows the cold water to flow through the connecting pipe 18 to the hot water pipe 15 for mixing, and to continuously supply hot water normally.

[0030] [Beneficial Effects of the Examples]

[0031] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: The method and water heater provided by this invention can eliminate the temperature drop caused by repeated switching of water in a water heater. A water flow detector is installed in the cold water pipe of the water heater. A booster pump is installed between the water flow detector and the heat exchanger. A connecting pipe is installed between the booster pump and the water flow detector. The connecting pipe connects the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe. The hot water pipe and the connecting pipe are connected by a T-shaped pipe. The T-shaped pipe has a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface and the third interface are connected to the hot water pipe. The second interface is connected to the connecting pipe. A flow guide is installed inside the T-shaped pipe. The diameter of the flow guide gradually decreases from the first interface to the third interface, then increases again at a neck. A side wall opening is provided on one side of the flow guide. The side wall opening is located at the neck and corresponds to the second interface and the connecting pipe. When the water heater is turned off, the hot water pipe and the T-connector are connected to the cold water pipe through the side wall opening to form a water loop. The booster pump continues to operate, guiding the hot water in the heat exchanger back to the cold water pipe through the T-connector and the side wall opening. This invention can force the booster pump to operate using a program, forcing the water in the heat exchanger to flow, thus heating the water in the pipes evenly and raising the water temperature uniformly, reducing the sandwich effect. When the water heater is turned on, the hot water pipe and the T-connector are connected to the cold water pipe through the side wall opening, allowing cold water to flow through the connecting pipe to the hot water pipe for mixing, and continuously supplying hot water normally.

[0032] The above-disclosed content is only a preferred and feasible embodiment of the present invention, and is not intended to limit the scope of the patent application of the present invention. Therefore, all equivalent technical changes made using the contents of the present invention specification and drawings are included in the scope of the patent application of the present invention.

[0033] 1: Water heater 11: Fan 12: Burner 13: Heat exchanger 14: Cold water pipe 15: Hot water pipe 16: Water Flow Detector 17: Booster Pump 18: Connecting pipe 19: T-joint 191: First Interface 192: Second Interface 193: Third Interface 194: Flow deflector 195: Neck 196: Side wall opening 197: Affixing End 198: Sealing element

Claims

1. A method for eliminating temperature drops caused by repeated switching on and off of water in a water heater, comprising the following steps: A water heater is provided, comprising a fan, a burner, a heat exchanger, a cold water pipe, and a hot water pipe. The burner is located between the fan and the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is connected between the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe. A water flow detector is installed on the cold water pipe. A booster pump is installed between the water flow detector and the heat exchanger. A connecting pipe is installed between the booster pump and the water flow detector. The connecting pipe connects the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe. The hot water pipe and the connecting pipe are connected by a T-joint. The T-joint has a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface and the third interface are connected to the hot water pipe. The second interface is connected to the connecting pipe. A flow guide is installed inside the T-joint. The diameter of the flow guide gradually decreases from the first interface towards the third interface to a neck and then increases again. A sidewall opening is provided on one side of the flow guide. The sidewall opening is located at the neck and corresponds to the second interface and the connecting pipe. When the water heater is turned off, the water flow detector detects that the hot water is not flowing, the gas is turned off, and the burner stops heating. The hot water pipe and the T-connector are connected to the cold water pipe through the side wall opening and the connecting pipe to form a water circuit. When the booster pump is continuously running, it will guide the hot water in the heat exchanger back to the cold water pipe through the T-connector and the side wall opening until the booster pump stops operating after a predetermined delay, and the water heater enters the standby program. When the water heater is turned on, the water flow detector detects that the water is flowing, the gas is turned on, the burner starts heating, and the hot water pipe and the T-connector are connected to the connecting pipe and the cold water pipe through the side wall opening, so that the cold water flows to the hot water pipe through the connecting pipe for mixing and to continuously supply hot water normally.

2. The method for eliminating temperature drops caused by repeated switching of water supply in a water heater, as described in claim 1, wherein the booster pump is located between the connecting pipe and the heat exchanger.

3. The method for eliminating temperature drops caused by repeated switching of water in a water heater, as described in claim 1, wherein the first interface and the third interface are located on a straight line, and the second interface is connected between the first interface and the third interface near the first interface.

4. The method for eliminating temperature drops caused by repeated switching of water in a water heater, as described in claim 1, wherein the sidewall opening is located on the side of the flow guide away from the second interface.

5. The method for eliminating temperature drops caused by repeated switching of water in a water heater as described in claim 1, wherein the flow guide is assembled inside the three-way pipe, and the interior of the three-way pipe near the third interface is provided with an abutment end for one end of the flow guide to be positioned against it, and the other end of the flow guide is provided with a sealing element near the first interface of the three-way pipe, the sealing element being disposed between the three-way pipe and the flow guide.

6. A water heater, comprising: One fan; One burner; A heat exchanger, wherein the burner is disposed between the fan and the heat exchanger; a cold water pipe; a hot water pipe, wherein the heat exchanger is connected between the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe; a water flow detector, wherein the water flow detector is disposed on the cold water pipe; a booster pump, wherein the booster pump is disposed between the water flow detector and the heat exchanger; and a connecting pipe, wherein the connecting pipe is disposed between the booster pump and the water flow detector, and the connecting pipe connects the cold water pipe and the hot water pipe; The hot water pipe and the connecting pipe are connected by a T-shaped pipe. The T-shaped pipe has a first interface, a second interface, and a third interface. The first interface and the third interface are connected to the hot water pipe, and the second interface is connected to the connecting pipe. A flow guide is installed inside the T-shaped pipe. The diameter of the flow guide gradually decreases from the first interface to the third interface, then increases again at a neck. A side wall opening is provided on one side of the flow guide. The side wall opening is located at the neck and corresponds to the second interface and the connecting pipe. When the water heater is turned off, the hot water pipe and the T-connector are connected to the cold water pipe through the side wall opening and the connecting pipe to form a water circuit; the booster pump is continuously running to guide the hot water in the heat exchanger back to the cold water pipe through the T-connector and the side wall opening; when the water heater is turned on, the hot water pipe and the T-connector are connected to the cold water pipe through the side wall opening, so that the cold water flows to the hot water pipe through the connecting pipe for mixing and to continuously supply hot water normally.

7. The water heater as claimed in claim 6, wherein the booster pump is located between the connecting pipe and the heat exchanger.

8. The water heater as claimed in claim 6, wherein the first interface and the third interface are located in a straight line, and the second interface is connected between the first interface and the third interface near the first interface.

9. The water heater as claimed in claim 6, wherein the sidewall opening is located on the side of the flow guide away from the second interface.

10. The water heater as claimed in claim 6, wherein the flow guide is assembled inside the tee pipe, the interior of the tee pipe near the third interface is provided with an abutment end, which allows one end of the flow guide to be abutted and positioned, and the other end of the flow guide is provided with a sealing element near the first interface of the tee pipe, the sealing element being disposed between the tee pipe and the flow guide.

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