Control method and apparatus for energy storage and heat exchange-based electric water heater

Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of household appliances, and discloses a control method and apparatus for an energy storage and heat exchange-based electric water heater. The method comprises: preliminarily heating a liquid in a water tank to a first preset temperature value by using an energy storage electric heater, and maintaining the temperature; using the heated liquid in the water tank to exchange heat with water in a heat exchanger to obtain water at the first preset temperature value; acquiring a water flow signal value of an energy storage and heat exchange-based electric water heater; determining whether the water flow signal value satisfies a first preset trigger requirement; if the water flow signal value satisfies the first preset trigger requirement, outputting the water at the first preset temperature value in the heat exchanger to a thermostatic valve; controlling a flow-through electric heater and the thermostatic valve to be in an activated operating state at the same time, and using the thermostatic valve to mix the water at the first preset temperature value with cold water inputted from a water inlet to obtain mixed water; and heating the mixed water outputted by the thermostatic valve to a second preset temperature value by using the flow-through electric heater. The present application can reduce the time required for a user to use water after turning on a faucet.

Description

Control methods and devices for energy storage heat exchange electric water heaters Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of household appliance technology, and in particular to a control method and device for energy storage heat exchange electric water heaters. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, to reduce energy consumption during the heating process of the energy storage electric heater, a flow-through electric heater is introduced into the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater to reheat the water output from the thermostatic valve. However, during the heating process, in order to avoid the thermostatic function from repeatedly adjusting the thermostatic valve based on different real-time readings due to the continuous increase in water temperature caused by the flow-through electric heater, a certain delay is made after the flow-through electric heater starts heating before the thermostatic function is activated. However, this approach increases the time from boiling water to using the water, that is, it increases the user's waiting time. Summary of the Invention

[0003] This application provides a control method and device for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater, which can reduce the time from boiling water to using water, that is, shorten the user's waiting time.

[0004] In a first aspect, this application provides a control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater. The energy storage heat exchange electric water heater includes a water tank, an energy storage electric heater, a heat exchanger, a flow-through electric heater, and a thermostatic valve. The energy storage electric heater and the heat exchanger are located inside the water tank, while the flow-through electric heater and the thermostatic valve are located outside the water tank. The thermostatic valve is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, the flow-through electric heater, and the inlet of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater. The method includes:

[0005] The liquid in the water tank is initially heated to the first preset temperature value using an energy storage electric heater and then kept at that temperature.

[0006] The heated liquid in the water tank is used to exchange heat with the water in the heat exchanger to obtain water at the first preset temperature value;

[0007] Acquire the water flow signal value of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater;

[0008] Determine whether the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement;

[0009] If the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement, the water at the first preset temperature value in the heat exchanger will be output to the thermostatic valve.

[0010] The flow-through electric heater and the thermostatic valve are simultaneously in the start-up state. The thermostatic valve is used to mix water at the first preset temperature value with cold water input from the inlet to obtain mixed water.

[0011] The mixed water output from the thermostatic valve is heated to a second preset temperature value using a flow-through electric heater, wherein the second preset temperature value is greater than the first preset temperature value.

[0012] Secondly, this application provides a control device for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater, the control device comprising: an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater and a controller, wherein the controller is used to perform the steps of any of the methods described above;

[0013] The energy storage heat exchange electric water heater includes a water tank, a heat exchanger, an energy storage electric heater, a flow-through electric heater, a thermostatic valve, a water flow sensor, a first temperature sensor, and a second temperature sensor.

[0014] The energy storage electric heater is installed inside the water tank;

[0015] The heat exchanger and the first temperature sensor are located in the water tank;

[0016] The second temperature sensor is located between the thermostatic valve and the overflow electric heater;

[0017] The thermostatic valve is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, the flow-through electric heater, and the inlet of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater;

[0018] The flow-through electric heater is connected to the outlet of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater;

[0019] The inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0020] The beneficial effects of this application are as follows: Unlike the prior art, this application controls the flow-through electric heater and the thermostatic valve to be in the starting working state simultaneously. Therefore, the thermostatic valve can mix the cold water with the hot water output from the heat exchanger before it flows through the flow-through electric heater for heating. That is, the flow-through electric heater can directly heat the mixed water output from the thermostatic valve without heating the cold water from the thermostatic valve. Therefore, the water temperature output by the flow-through electric heater after heating the mixed water can reach the second preset temperature value relatively quickly, that is, the water temperature required by the user. Therefore, it helps to reduce the time from boiling water to using water, that is, to shorten the waiting time for users to use water. Attached Figure Description

[0021] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of this application, the accompanying drawings used in the description of the embodiments will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are only some embodiments of this application. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort. Wherein:

[0022] Figure 1 is a structural schematic diagram of an embodiment of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater provided in this application;

[0023] Figure 2 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of the control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater provided in this application.

[0024] Figure 3 is a schematic flowchart of another embodiment of the control method for the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater provided in this application.

[0025] Reference numerals: 10 for energy storage heat exchange electric water heater, 11 for inlet, 12 for outlet, 100 for water tank, 200 for heat exchanger, 300 for energy storage electric heater, 400 for flow-through electric heater, 500 for thermostatic valve, 700 for outer shell, 800 for insulation layer, 900 for water flow sensor, 101 for first temperature sensor, and 102 for second temperature sensor. Detailed Implementation

[0026] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of this application clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of this application.

[0027] The following disclosure provides numerous different embodiments or examples for implementing various structures of the invention. To simplify the disclosure, specific examples of components and arrangements are described below. These are merely examples and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Furthermore, reference numerals and / or letters may be repeated in different examples. Such repetition is for simplification and clarity and does not in itself indicate a relationship between the various embodiments and / or arrangements discussed.

[0028] Currently, to reduce energy consumption during the heating process of the energy storage electric heater, a flow-through electric heater is introduced into the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater to reheat the water output from the thermostatic valve. However, during the heating process, in order to avoid the thermostatic function being affected by the continuous increase in water temperature by the flow-through electric heater, causing the thermostatic valve to repeatedly adjust the temperature based on different real-time readings, the thermostatic function is activated after a certain delay after the flow-through electric heater starts heating. However, this practice increases the time from boiling water to using the water, that is, it increases the user's waiting time.

[0029] Therefore, in order to solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this application provides a control method and device for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater, which can reduce the time from boiling water to using water. For details, please refer to the following embodiments.

[0030] As shown in Figure 1, the control device for the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater provided in this application includes an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater 10 and a controller. The controller is used to execute the steps of the following method embodiment. The energy storage heat exchange electric water heater 10 includes a water tank 100, a heat exchanger 200, an energy storage electric heater 300, a flow-through electric heater 400, a thermostatic valve 500, a water flow sensor 900, a first temperature sensor 101, and a second temperature sensor 102.

[0031] The water tank 100 is used to store energy storage material, which is preferably water in this embodiment. Energy storage and release are achieved by utilizing the rise and fall of water temperature. In other embodiments, the energy storage material in the water tank 100 can also be oil or other substances. In some embodiments, an insulation layer 800 can also be provided outside the water tank 100 to keep the energy of the water stored in the water tank 100 warm and slow down the natural loss of energy.

[0032] An energy storage electric heater 300 is installed inside the water tank 100 to heat the water inside the water tank 100 in order to store energy.

[0033] A heat exchanger 200 and a first temperature sensor 101 are disposed in a water tank 100. The inlet of the heat exchanger 200 is connected to the inlet 11 of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater 10. The outer wall of the heat exchanger 200 can be completely immersed in the water in the water tank 100 for sufficient heat exchange. The interior of the heat exchanger 200 is for bathing water. Heat exchange is achieved between the inner and outer walls of the heat exchanger 200 and the water in the water tank 100, thereby raising the temperature of the bathing water. The first temperature sensor 101 is disposed inside the water tank 100 or on the outer wall of the water tank 100 and is used to read the temperature of the water inside the water tank 100.

[0034] The second temperature sensor 102 is located between the thermostatic valve 500 and the flow-through electric heater 400, that is, at the end of the thermostatic valve 500 and the front end of the flow-through electric heater 400, and is used to read the outlet water temperature after the temperature is constant.

[0035] The thermostatic valve 500 is located outside the water tank 100 and is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 200 and the inlet 11 of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater 10. It is used to mix the hot water output from the heat exchanger 200 with the cold water from the inlet 11 branch to achieve the required water temperature.

[0036] The flow-through electric heater 400 is connected to the outlet 12 of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater and the end of the thermostatic valve 500. It is used to reheat the mixed water output from the thermostatic valve 500 after it has been kept at a constant temperature, so as to reach the temperature of bath water.

[0037] In some implementations, a water flow sensor may be installed at the inlet 11 or outlet 12 of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater to read the water flow rate entering the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0038] Specifically, in this embodiment, water flows into the inlet 11 of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater and is divided into two branches. The first branch enters the thermostatic valve 500, and the second branch enters the heat exchanger 200 for heat exchange. After heat exchange, the water temperature becomes hot and also enters the thermostatic valve 500. The hot and cold water entering the thermostatic valve 500 are mixed and then flow out. After being reheated by the flow electric heater, it flows out from the outlet 12 of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0039] In the embodiments provided in this application, the heat exchanger 200 is preferably a stainless steel heat exchange pipeline that can be immersed in the liquid in the water tank 100. In other embodiments, the heat exchanger 200 may also be a plate structure or the like, which is currently known or will be implemented in the future.

[0040] In some embodiments, the energy storage electric heater 300 can be placed at the bottom of the water tank 100 to further improve heating efficiency and the heat of the liquid in the water tank 100, as well as to ensure the uniformity of the liquid temperature.

[0041] In some embodiments, an outer shell 700 may be provided on the outside of the water tank 100, and an insulation layer 800 may be provided between the outer shell 700 and the water tank 100 to keep the liquid in the water tank 100 warm.

[0042] The insulation layer 800 can be made of foaming material, EPS (polystyrene foam), rubber and plastic cotton, vacuum insulation board, fiberglass cotton, etc.

[0043] Based on the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater 10 mentioned in the above embodiments, this application also provides a control method for the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater 10. Referring to FIG2, the method includes the following steps:

[0044] Step 110: Use an energy storage electric heater to initially heat the liquid in the water tank to the first preset temperature value and keep it warm.

[0045] Step 120: Use the heated liquid in the water tank to exchange heat with the water in the heat exchanger to obtain water at the first preset temperature value.

[0046] The first preset temperature value can be any value between 20℃ and 33℃, such as 20℃, 25℃, 28℃, etc.

[0047] Step 130: Obtain the water flow signal value of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0048] Step 140: Determine whether the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement.

[0049] Step 150: If the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement, the water at the first preset temperature value in the heat exchanger will be output to the thermostatic valve.

[0050] Step 160: Control the flow-through electric heater and the thermostatic valve to be in the start-up working state at the same time. Use the thermostatic valve to mix the water at the first preset temperature value with the cold water input from the inlet to obtain mixed water.

[0051] Step 170: Use a flow-through electric heater to heat the mixed water output from the thermostatic valve to a second preset temperature value, wherein the second preset temperature value is greater than the first preset temperature value.

[0052] The second preset temperature value is greater than the first preset temperature value. For example, the second preset temperature value can be any value between 35℃ and 48℃, such as 38℃, 40℃, 45℃, etc.

[0053] The existing practice involves activating the flow-through electric heater first, then extending the time before activating the thermostatic valve. During this extended period, the flow-through electric heater receives cold water. Since the flow-through electric heater typically has a fixed temperature range, the water heated by it is below the second preset temperature. Once the thermostatic valve is activated, the flow-through electric heater heats the mixed water to reach the second preset temperature. Therefore, the flow-through electric heater mixes the water below the second preset temperature with the water at the second preset temperature, resulting in water that doesn't meet the user's temperature requirements. This increases the time from boiling water to using the water.

[0054] Therefore, this embodiment controls the flow-through electric heater and the thermostatic valve to be in the starting working state simultaneously, so that the thermostatic valve can mix the cold water with the hot water output from the heat exchanger before flowing through the flow-through electric heater for heating. That is, the flow-through electric heater can directly heat the mixed water output from the thermostatic valve without heating the cold water from the thermostatic valve. Therefore, the water temperature output by the flow-through electric heater after heating the mixed water can reach the second preset temperature value relatively quickly, that is, the water temperature required by the user. Thus, it helps to reduce the time from boiling water to using water, shorten the user's waiting time for water and the constant temperature time.

[0055] Furthermore, this embodiment employs a segmented heating method. First, the water temperature in the electric heater is heated to a lower preset value, such as a first preset temperature value, using the energy storage electric heater in the water tank. When the user needs water, the electric heater can immediately output hot water to the thermostatic valve, and then the flow-through electric heater is used for reheating. In this way, the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater can start outputting hot water in the initial heating stage, without waiting for the water temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater to fully reach the preset value. This allows the electrical energy consumed during the heating process to be converted into hot water for actual use more quickly, reducing energy waste caused by the water temperature not reaching the preset value. At the same time, users can obtain the required hot water in a shorter time, improving the user experience.

[0056] Referring to a second embodiment of a control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater provided in this application, the method includes the following steps:

[0057] Step 210: Use an energy storage electric heater to initially heat the liquid in the water tank to the first preset temperature value and keep it warm.

[0058] Step 220: Use the heated liquid in the water tank to exchange heat with the water in the heat exchanger to obtain water at the first preset temperature value.

[0059] Step 230: Obtain the water flow signal value of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0060] Step 240: Determine whether the water flow signal value is greater than the preset water flow value.

[0061] The value of the water flow signal is greater than the preset water flow value, which indicates whether the user is taking a shower. The preset water flow value can be in the range of 0.5L / min to 2.5L / min.

[0062] Step 250: If the water flow signal value is greater than the preset water flow value, it is determined that the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement, and the overcurrent electric heater is controlled to start working.

[0063] Referring to the third embodiment of the control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater provided in this application, the method includes the following steps:

[0064] Step 310: Use an energy storage electric heater to initially heat the liquid in the water tank to the first preset temperature value and keep it warm.

[0065] Step 320: Use the heated liquid in the water tank to exchange heat with the water in the heat exchanger to obtain water at the first preset temperature value.

[0066] Step 330: Obtain the water flow signal value of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0067] Step 340: Determine whether the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement.

[0068] Step 350: If the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement, the water at the first preset temperature value in the heat exchanger will be output to the thermostatic valve.

[0069] Step 360: Obtain the outlet water temperature of the thermostatic valve.

[0070] Since the thermostatic valve is not open at this time, the outlet water temperature of the thermostatic valve is the temperature of the cold water.

[0071] Step 370: Determine whether the outlet water temperature meets the second preset triggering requirement.

[0072] In some implementations, determining whether the outlet water temperature meets the second preset triggering requirement includes:

[0073] Step 371: Obtain the preset temperature rise value of the flow-through electric heater.

[0074] The preset temperature rise value is the theoretical temperature rise value.

[0075] Step 372: Determine the temperature difference between the second preset temperature value and the preset temperature rise value.

[0076] Step 373: Determine whether the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature difference.

[0077] Step 374: If the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature difference, then the outlet water temperature is determined to meet the second preset triggering requirement.

[0078] Step 380: If the outlet water temperature meets the second preset triggering requirement, control the overflow electric heater and the thermostatic valve to be in the start-up working state at the same time, and use the thermostatic valve to mix the water at the first preset temperature value with the cold water input from the inlet to obtain mixed water.

[0079] Step 390: Use a flow-through electric heater to heat the mixed water output from the thermostatic valve to a second preset temperature value, wherein the second preset temperature value is greater than the first preset temperature value.

[0080] Referring to the fourth embodiment of the control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater provided in this application, the method includes the following steps:

[0081] Step 410: Use the energy storage electric heater to initially heat the liquid in the water tank to the first preset temperature value and keep it at that temperature;

[0082] Step 420: Use the heated liquid in the water tank to exchange heat with the water in the heat exchanger to obtain water at the first preset temperature value;

[0083] Step 430: Obtain the water flow signal value of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater;

[0084] Step 440: Determine whether the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement.

[0085] Step 450: If the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement, then control the overflow electric heater to start working.

[0086] Step 460: If the water flow signal value does not meet the first preset triggering requirement, then obtain the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0087] Step 470: Determine whether the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset trigger requirement.

[0088] Step 480: If the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset triggering requirement, then control the energy storage electric heater to start working.

[0089] Step 470 includes the following steps:

[0090] Step 471: Determine the target set temperature for the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0091] Step 472: Determine whether the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater is less than or equal to the target set temperature.

[0092] Step 473: If the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater is less than or equal to the target set temperature, then it is determined that the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset triggering requirement.

[0093] In some implementations, step 471 involves determining the target set temperature of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater, including:

[0094] Step 4711: Obtain the initial set temperature and hysteresis temperature of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0095] Among them, the initial set temperature T 1S The temperature is generally set to 55℃-85℃, and the hysteresis temperature T0 is generally set to 5℃-10℃.

[0096] Step 4712: Based on the difference between the initial set temperature and the hysteresis temperature, obtain the target set temperature of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0097] That is, the target set temperature = the initial set temperature T 1S - The difference in hysteresis temperature, T0.

[0098] Referring to the fifth embodiment of the control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater provided in this application, the method includes the following steps:

[0099] Step 510: Use the energy storage electric heater to initially heat the liquid in the water tank to the first preset temperature value and keep it at that temperature;

[0100] Step 520: Use the heated liquid in the water tank to exchange heat with the water in the heat exchanger to obtain water at the first preset temperature value;

[0101] Step 530: Obtain the water flow signal value of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater;

[0102] Step 540: Determine whether the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement.

[0103] Step 550: If the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement, then control the overflow electric heater to start working.

[0104] Step 560: If the water flow signal value does not meet the first preset triggering requirement, then obtain the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

[0105] Step 570: Determine whether the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset trigger requirement.

[0106] Step 580: If the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset triggering requirement, then control the energy storage electric heater to start working.

[0107] Step 590: If the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater does not meet the third preset triggering requirement, then control the energy storage electric heater to be in an off-state.

[0108] Based on the above embodiments and referring to Figure 3, the control method for the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater provided in this application mainly includes the following steps:

[0109] Step 10: Determine whether the water flow signal value is greater than the preset water flow value Q1.

[0110] If yes, proceed to step 11; otherwise, proceed to step 21.

[0111] Step 11: Determine whether the outlet water temperature of the thermostatic valve is greater than or equal to |Tsc-2|-Twc.

[0112] That is, to determine whether the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature difference.

[0113] Where |Tsc-2| is the range of the second preset temperature value, i.e., the preset temperature of the outlet, Twc is the preset temperature rise value of the flow-through electric heater, and |Tsc-2|-Twc is the temperature difference.

[0114] If yes, proceed to step 12; otherwise, proceed to step 13.

[0115] Step 12: Control the overflow electric heater to start working state, and at the same time control the thermostatic valve to start working state.

[0116] Step 13: The thermostatic valve does not start.

[0117] Step 21: Determine whether temperature sensor T1 is less than or equal to T 1S - Hysteresis temperature T0.

[0118] Among them, T 1S For the initial set temperature, T 1S - Hysteresis temperature T0 is the target set temperature. That is, determine whether the temperature sensor T1 is less than or equal to the target set temperature. If yes, proceed to step 22; otherwise, proceed to step 23.

[0119] Step 22: Start the energy storage electric heater.

[0120] Step 23: The energy storage electric heater does not start.

[0121] After the thermostatic valve is started in step 13 and the energy storage electric heater is started in step 22, the process returns to step 10.

[0122] For steps 10-23, that is, when the user uses water, the water flow sensor reads a water flow signal value > Q1, which means that the user is in a bathing state. At this time, the overflow electric heater and the thermostatic valve are opened at the same time, and the overflow electric heater starts to heat the mixed water output by the thermostatic valve.

[0123] Since temperature sensor T3 is located between the end of the thermostatic valve and the flow-through electric heater to read the outlet water temperature after the thermostatic valve has reached a constant temperature, the "temperature of the water heater outlet" = "temperature at the location of temperature sensor T3" + "temperature rise value generated by the flow-through electric heater".

[0124] The temperature rise generated by the overcurrent electric heater can be calculated in advance, specifically using the following formula 1: P*t*η=C*M*T WC , Formula 1.

[0125] Where P*t represents the electrical energy generated; C*M*T WC η represents the change in temperature energy caused by the temperature rise generated by electrical energy; η represents the electrical energy conversion efficiency, typically 92%–99%; P represents the power of the flow-through electric heater, usually 3000W–5500W; t represents unit time, which can be understood as 1 minute; C represents the specific heat capacity of water, 4.2 x 10⁻⁶. 3J / (kg·℃); M represents the mass of water flowing through the flow-through electric heater per unit time, which is equivalent to the water flow rate and can be read by the water flow sensor at the inlet; T WC This represents the temperature rise that a flow-through electric heater can produce.

[0126] By installing a thermostatic valve between the flow-through electric heater and the heat exchanger, the hot water output from the heat exchanger is mixed with the cold water input from the inlet and kept at a constant temperature before flowing through the flow-through electric heater. This improves the stability of the water temperature input to the flow-through electric heater, enabling the flow-through electric heater to output a stable water temperature for user use.

[0127] When the user is not using water, i.e., the water flow sensor reads a water flow signal value ≤ Q1, if the water tank temperature does not reach the target set temperature (i.e., the value read by the water tank temperature sensor T1 is < the set temperature T), 1S When the hysteresis temperature T0 is reached, the energy storage electric heater is activated to heat the liquid in the water tank for energy storage.

[0128] The device embodiments described above are merely illustrative. The units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate, and the components shown as units may or may not be physical units; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules can be selected to achieve the purpose of this embodiment according to actual needs.

[0129] It should be understood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular exemplary embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting. Unless the context clearly indicates otherwise, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “” used herein may also mean including the plural forms. The terms “comprising,” “including,” “containing,” and “having” are inclusive and therefore indicate the presence of the stated features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but do not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0130] The above are merely specific embodiments of the present invention, enabling those skilled in the art to understand or implement the invention. Various modifications to these embodiments will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art, and the general principles defined herein may be implemented in other embodiments without departing from the spirit or scope of the invention. Therefore, the present invention is not to be limited to the embodiments shown herein, but is to be accorded the widest scope consistent with the principles and novel features claimed herein.

Claims

1. A control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater, wherein, An energy storage heat exchange electric water heater includes a water tank, an energy storage electric heater, a heat exchanger, a flow-through electric heater, and a thermostatic valve. The energy storage electric heater and the heat exchanger are located inside the water tank, while the flow-through electric heater and the thermostatic valve are located outside the water tank. The thermostatic valve is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, the flow-through electric heater, and the inlet of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater. The method includes: The energy storage electric heater is used to initially heat the liquid in the water tank to a first preset temperature value and then maintain the temperature. The heated liquid in the water tank is used to exchange heat with the water in the heat exchanger to obtain water at a first preset temperature value; Obtain the water flow signal value of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater; Determine whether the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement; If the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement, then the water at the first preset temperature value in the heat exchanger will be output to the thermostatic valve. The flow-through electric heater and the thermostatic valve are simultaneously activated. The thermostatic valve is used to mix the water at the first preset temperature value with the cold water input through the inlet to obtain mixed water. The mixed water output from the thermostatic valve is heated to a second preset temperature value using the flow-through electric heater, wherein the second preset temperature value is greater than the first preset temperature value.

2. The control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein, The determination of whether the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement includes: Determine whether the water flow signal value is greater than the preset water flow value; If the water flow signal value is greater than the preset water flow value, then the water flow signal value is determined to meet the first preset triggering requirement.

3. The control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein, Before controlling the overcurrent electric heater and the thermostatic valve to be in the start-up working state simultaneously, the method further includes: Obtain the outlet water temperature of the thermostatic valve; Determine whether the outlet water temperature meets the second preset triggering requirement; If the outlet water temperature meets the second preset triggering requirement, then the flow-through electric heater and the thermostatic valve are simultaneously put into operation.

4. The control method for the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater according to claim 3, wherein, The determination of whether the outlet water temperature meets the second preset triggering requirement includes: Obtain the preset temperature rise value of the overcurrent electric heater; Determine the temperature difference between the second preset temperature value and the preset temperature rise value; Determine whether the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature difference value; If the outlet water temperature is greater than or equal to the temperature difference, then the outlet water temperature is determined to meet the second preset triggering requirement.

5. The control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater according to claim 1, wherein, The step of determining whether the water flow signal value meets the first preset triggering requirement also includes: If the water flow signal value does not meet the first preset triggering requirement, then the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater is obtained. Determine whether the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset triggering requirement; If the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset triggering requirement, then the energy storage electric heater is controlled to be in the start-up working state.

6. The control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater according to claim 5, wherein, The determination of whether the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset triggering requirement includes: Determine the target set temperature of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater; Determine whether the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater is less than or equal to the target set temperature; If the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater is less than or equal to the target set temperature, then it is determined that the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset triggering requirement.

7. The control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater according to claim 6, wherein, Determining the target set temperature of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater includes: Obtain the initial set temperature and hysteresis temperature of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater; The target set temperature of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater is obtained based on the difference between the initial set temperature and the hysteresis temperature.

8. The control method for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater according to claim 5, wherein, The determination of whether the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater meets the third preset triggering requirement also includes: If the water tank temperature in the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater does not meet the third preset triggering requirement, the energy storage electric heater is controlled to be in an off-state.

9. A control device for an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater, wherein, The control device includes: an energy storage heat exchange electric water heater and a controller, wherein the controller is used to perform the steps of the method as described in any one of claims 1-8; The energy storage heat exchange electric water heater includes a water tank, a heat exchanger, an energy storage electric heater, a flow-through electric heater, a thermostatic valve, a water flow sensor, a first temperature sensor, and a second temperature sensor. The energy storage electric heater is installed inside the water tank; The heat exchanger and the first temperature sensor are located in the water tank; The second temperature sensor is located between the thermostatic valve and the overflow electric heater; The thermostatic valve is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, the flow-through electric heater, and the inlet of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater. The flow-through electric heater is connected to the outlet of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater; The inlet of the heat exchanger is connected to the inlet of the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater.

10. The control device for the energy storage heat exchange electric water heater according to claim 9, wherein, The heat exchanger is a stainless steel heat exchange pipeline or a plate heat exchange structure.

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