KR102107693B1 - Method and apparatus of supplying hot water and water purifier having the same - Google Patents

Abstract

A hot water supply method, a hot water supply device, and a water purifier comprising the same are disclosed. The hot water supply device, a heater unit for heating the incoming water; A flow control unit for controlling the flow rate of water flowing through the heater unit; A flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of water flowing through the heater unit; An inlet temperature sensor provided at the front end of the heater unit to measure the temperature of the water flowing into the heater unit; A current sensing unit sensing a current flowing in the heater unit; And at the time of first hot water extraction, the heater unit is driven and a target flow rate value is calculated using the current value measured by the current sensing unit and the obtained temperature value measured by the acquisition temperature sensor, and measured by the flow sensor. It may include a control unit for controlling the flow rate control unit so that the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value, and obtaining a flow control value at a time when the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value and setting it as an initial control value. The controller may update the initial control value based on at least one of the obtained inlet temperature value, the flow rate value, and the calculated power value of the heater unit in a standby state in which no hot water is extracted after the initial hot water extraction.

Description

Hot water supply method, hot water supply device and water purifier including the same {METHOD AND APPARATUS OF SUPPLYING HOT WATER AND WATER PURIFIER HAVING THE SAME}

The present application relates to a hot water supply method, a hot water supply device and a water purifier including the same.

In the case of a direct hot water supply device that provides hot water using an instantaneous hot water heater, it is important to set the temperature of the extracted hot water to a target temperature, and various control methods exist for this.

According to one conventional control method, when hot water is extracted, the heater is operated by obtaining water at a predetermined flow rate as a heater, and flowing into the heater based on the water temperature value measured by the temperature sensor provided at the water outlet side of the heater. The temperature of the hot water can be controlled by adjusting the flow rate of the water.

However, since the flow control valve used to adjust the flow rate of the water flowing into the heater is configured to adjust the flow rate step by step, the variation in the flow rate is large, and accordingly, the flow rate of the water is controlled by a target flow rate value to match the temperature of the desired hot water Have a hard time.

In addition, due to such a deviation, the flow rate of the water flowing into the heater exceeds or falls below the target flow rate value, and accordingly, the temperature change of the hot water discharged becomes large, and there is a limit that it is difficult to set the target temperature.

On the other hand, a method for calculating the electric power of the heater required to set the temperature of the hot water to the target temperature based on the obtained temperature value measured by the temperature sensor provided on the heater's intake side and operating the heater accordingly has also been proposed.

However, even in this case, the flow rate of the water flowing into the heater varies depending on the conditions of the environment in which the hot water supply device is installed, for example, the water pressure and flow rate of the installation environment, thereby controlling the temperature of the hot water discharged to the target temperature. There are difficulties.

In this regard, Patent Document 1 described in the following prior art documents discloses a hot water supply device and a water purifier using the same.

Korean Patent Publication No. 10-2014-0057420 (Publication date: 2014.05.13.)

In the technical field, the temperature of the hot water is set to the target temperature while minimizing the temperature change of the hot water discharged by minimizing the flow rate of the water flowing into the heater and the power control of the heater in the direct hot water supply device that provides hot water using the instantaneous hot water heater. A method for controlling is required.

In order to solve the above problems, an embodiment of the present invention provides a hot water supply method.

In the hot water supply method according to an embodiment of the present invention, when extracting the first hot water by the hot water supply device, the current value flowing through the heater part provided in the hot water supply device is sensed, and the power of the heater part is detected from the detected current value. Calculating a; Measuring an inlet temperature of water flowing into the heater unit; Calculating a target flow rate value using the calculated power value and the obtained temperature value; Measuring a flow rate of water flowing through the heater portion; Stepwise adjusting the flow rate of the water until the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value; And setting a flow control value at a time point at which the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value as an initial control value for controlling the flow rate of the hot water supply device. In the state, measuring the inlet temperature and flow rate of the water flowing into the heater unit; Sensing a current value flowing through the heater unit and calculating power of the heater unit from the sensed current value; When at least one of the inlet temperature value, the flow rate value, and the calculated heater part power measured in the standby state differs from the measured inlet temperature value, flow rate value, and power of the heater part by a predetermined value or more. , Recalculating the target flow rate value; Stepwise adjusting the flow rate of the water flowing through the heater portion until the flow rate of the water flowing through the heater portion matches the recalculated target flow rate value; And updating a flow control value at a time point when the flow rate of water flowing through the heater portion matches the recalculated target flow rate value to the initial control value.

In addition, another embodiment of the present invention provides a hot water supply device.

A hot water supply device according to another embodiment of the present invention, a heater unit for heating the incoming water; A flow control unit for controlling the flow rate of water flowing through the heater unit; A flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of water flowing through the heater unit; An inlet temperature sensor provided at the front end of the heater unit to measure the temperature of the water flowing into the heater unit; A current sensing unit sensing a current flowing in the heater unit; And at the time of first hot water extraction, the heater unit is driven and a target flow rate value is calculated using the current value measured by the current sensing unit and the obtained temperature value measured by the acquisition temperature sensor, and measured by the flow sensor. It may include a control unit for controlling the flow rate control unit so that the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value, and obtaining a flow control value at a time when the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value and setting it as an initial control value. The controller may update the initial control value based on at least one of the obtained inlet temperature value, the flow rate value, and the calculated power value of the heater unit in a standby state in which no hot water is extracted after the initial hot water extraction.

In addition, not all the features of the present invention are listed in the solution means of the above-mentioned subject. Various features of the present invention and the advantages and effects thereof may be understood in more detail with reference to specific embodiments below.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, at the time of first hot water extraction after the installation of the hot water supply device, taking into account both the temperature of the water flowing into the heater, the power of the heater and the installation environment conditions, the temperature of the water extracted from the heater to the target temperature The target flow rate value for fitting is calculated, and the flow rate control value for matching the water flow rate to the calculated target flow rate value is stored, and the flow rate can be controlled with the pre-stored flow rate control value during hot water extraction. Through this, it is possible to control the temperature of the hot water to a target temperature while minimizing the temperature change of the hot water discharged by minimizing the control of the flow rate of the water flowing into the heater and the power of the heater during the extraction of the hot water.

In addition, during the installation and use of the hot water supply device, if a change occurs in the target flow value to set the temperature of the water to the target temperature, such as when hot water is extracted after a long time has passed since the initial hot water extraction time point, the target flow value is reset. By controlling the flow rate by using the flow control value corresponding to the calculated and recalculated target flow rate value, appropriate temperature control is possible according to the changing surrounding environment.

In particular, when the target flow value is recalculated and the flow control value needs to be updated, it is possible to find an appropriate flow control value and update it to the initial position of the valve without the user's awareness in the standby state, not during hot water extraction. It is also possible to update the flow control value with an accurate value.

1 is a block diagram of a hot water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
2 is a flowchart of a hot water supply method according to another embodiment of the present invention.
3 is a flowchart of a method for supplying hot water according to another embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, preferred embodiments will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings so that those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains can easily implement the present invention. However, in the detailed description of a preferred embodiment of the present invention, when it is determined that a detailed description of related known functions or configurations may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, the detailed description will be omitted. In addition, the same reference numerals are used throughout the drawings for parts having similar functions and functions.

In addition, in the entire specification, when a part is said to be 'connected' with another part, it is not only 'directly connected', but also 'indirectly connected' with another element in between. Includes. In addition, "including" a component means that other components may be further included instead of excluding other components, unless otherwise stated.

1 is a block diagram of a hot water supply device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1, the hot water supply device 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a heater unit 110, a flow rate control unit 120, an extraction unit 130, a current sensing unit 140, and an operation unit 150 , It may be configured to include a storage unit 160, the control unit 170, valves (V1, V2), temperature sensors (TS1, TS2) and flow sensor (FS).

The heater 110 is for heating the water flowing in under the control of the control unit 170, for example, may be implemented as a heating element.

According to an example, the heater unit 110 may be a heating element that is turned on under the control of the control unit 170 and driven with the maximum amount of heat, or turned off.

According to another example, the heater unit 110 may be a heating element whose heating capacity is adjustable in a range of 0% to 100% of the maximum heating capacity under the control of the control unit 170.

The inlet valve V1 is provided at the front end of the heater unit 110 to control the flow of water flowing into the heater unit 110.

In addition, the inlet temperature sensor TS1 is provided at the front end of the heater unit 110 to measure the temperature of the water flowing into the heater unit 110 and output the measured inlet temperature value to the control unit 170.

The flow rate control unit 120 is for controlling the flow rate of water flowing through the heater unit 110 under the control of the control unit 170, for example, may be installed at the rear end of the heater unit 110.

According to an example, the flow control unit 120 may be implemented with a valve (not shown) and a motor (not shown) (for example, a stepping motor) that controls the opening and closing degree of the valve. In this case, the flow rate of water can be adjusted according to the degree of opening and closing of the valve.

According to another example, the flow control unit 120 may be implemented as a flow control pump (not shown). In this case, the flow rate of water can be adjusted by gradually changing the voltage value applied to the pump.

On the other hand, a rear end of the heater unit 110, for example, between the flow control unit 120 and the extraction unit 130, a flow sensor FS, a water discharge temperature sensor TS2 and a water discharge valve V2 are provided, respectively. You can.

The flow rate sensor FS may measure the flow rate of water flowing through the heater unit 110 and output the measured flow rate value to the control unit 170.

The water temperature sensor TS2 may measure the temperature of the hot water discharged from the heater unit 110 and output the measured water temperature value to the control unit 170.

The water outlet valve V2 may control the flow of water extracted through the extraction unit 130.

In FIG. 1, the flow rate control unit 120, the flow rate sensor FS, the water discharge temperature sensor TS2, and the water discharge valve V2 are installed in the order of the rear end of the heater unit 110, but the installation order is necessarily limited to this. The installation order may be changed as necessary, or two or more components may be merged and implemented as one component.

The extraction unit 130 is for extracting hot water heated by the heater unit 110 to the outside.

In addition, a drain 135 for draining hot water heated by the heater 110 separately from the extraction unit 130 is provided, and after performing the hot water extraction operation of the hot water supply device 100, the heater unit in the standby state Water flowing through the 110 may be drained through the drain 135.

The current sensing unit 140 detects the current flowing through the heater unit 110 and outputs a current value to the control unit 170 when the heater unit 110 is turned on and operated under the control of the control unit 170. You can.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, by detecting the current flowing through the heater unit 110 through the current sensing unit 140, the current that can be varied according to the installation environment of the hot water supply device 100 or the deviation of the heating element The value is measured and the electric power of the heater unit 110 can be more accurately calculated based on this.

The operation unit 150 is for receiving a user input for controlling the operation of the hot water supply device 100, and may be implemented as, for example, a mechanical button or a touch button.

According to an example, the user may extract hot water by selecting a hot water extraction button provided on the operation unit 150.

In addition, the user may input a desired hot water temperature through the operation unit 150.

The storage 160 is for storing various data necessary for controlling the operation of the hot water supply device 100, and may be implemented as, for example, a non-volatile storage device.

According to an example, the storage unit 160 includes a flow control value obtained at the time of first hot water extraction of the hot water supply device 100, and an inlet temperature sensor TS1, a flow sensor FS, and a current sensing unit 140. Each obtained temperature value, flow rate value, and current value (or power calculated therefrom) measured by each may be stored.

The control unit 170 is for controlling the overall operation of the hot water supply device 100, for example, a central processing unit (CPU), a graphics processing unit (GPU), a microprocessor, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC) , Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA).

According to an embodiment, when the hot water extraction button is input through the operation unit 150 of the hot water supply device 100 when the first hot water is extracted, the control unit 170 controls the heater 110 to be turned ON for a predetermined time to be driven. The target flow rate value may be calculated by using the current value received from the current sensing unit 140 of the heater unit 110 and the obtained temperature value received from the temperature sensor TS1.

Here, the control unit 170, first, calculates the electric power of the heater unit 110 from the current value received from the current sensing unit 140, using the calculated power value and the obtained temperature value in Equation 1 below Accordingly, the target flow value can be calculated. Here, a is an energy conversion constant for calories, and since 1KWh = 861Kcal, a may be 860.

[Equation 1]

Target flow value [LPM] = (heater efficiency * a * (power value [kW] / (target temperature-water temperature [℃]))) / 60 [s]

In addition, the control unit 170 may control the flow rate of water by controlling the flow rate control unit 120 so that the flow rate value received from the flow rate sensor FS matches the above-described target flow rate value. In addition, the control unit 170 may obtain a flow control value at a time when the flow rate value matches the target flow rate value, and set the initial control value of the flow rate control unit 120, that is, the initial position of the valve.

According to an example, when the above-described flow control unit 120 is implemented as a motor or a stepping motor, the control unit 170 controls the motor step by step to adjust the flow rate and the flow rate value measured by the flow rate sensor FS is determined. The output value (that is, the position value) of the motor at a time point coinciding with the calculated target flow rate value or the PPS (Pulses per second) value of the stepping motor may be stored as a flow control value.

According to another example, when the above-described flow control unit 120 is implemented as a flow control pump, the control unit 170 changes the voltage value of the pump step by step to adjust the flow rate and the flow rate value measured by the flow sensor FS The voltage value applied to the pump at a time coinciding with the previously calculated target flow rate value may be stored as a flow rate control value.

When the operation of the control unit 170 is described as a specific example, when the obtained temperature value is 20 ° C, the target temperature is 95 ° C, the heater efficiency is 95%, and the calculated power value is 1.4kW, the above equation 1 According to the calculation, the target flow value is 0.25LPM.

That is, when the heater 110 is operated while controlling the flow rate of water passing through the heater 110 to be 0.25 LPM, hot water at a target temperature of 95 ° C can be extracted.

However, the water pressure may be different depending on the installation environment of the hot water supply device 100, and accordingly, the flow rate varies, so that the flow rate of the water passing through the actual heater unit 110 is the target flow rate according to the installation environment. The flow control value of the controller 120, that is, the output value of the motor or the voltage value of the pump may be changed.

Therefore, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the target flow rate is calculated in consideration of the installation environment at the time of the first installation of the hot water supply device 100, so that the flow rate of the water passing through the heater 110 becomes the target flow rate value The flow control value of the flow control unit 120 can be found and set as an initial control value of the flow control unit 120.

On the other hand, when the initial control value of the flow rate control unit 120 is set at the time of first hot water extraction as described above, the control unit 170 uses the set initial control value when the hot water extraction operation is performed. It is possible to start hot water extraction in a controlled state. Accordingly, unnecessary temperature changes that may be caused in the process of adjusting the flow rate of water flowing into the heater to the target flow rate value can be minimized, and power control of the heater can also be minimized.

In addition, the control unit 170 may check whether or not the initial control value of the flow control unit 120 is changed in a standby state in which hot water is not extracted, and if necessary, update or reset the initial control value.

For example, when hot water is extracted after a long time has elapsed since the first hot water extraction time of the hot water supply device 100, a change in the acquisition temperature, installation environment (for example, water pressure, flow rate), heater power, etc. may occur. . In this case, when a change in the intake temperature, installation environment, heater power, etc. occurs, it is difficult to obtain a desired target temperature value by controlling the flow rate controller 120 according to a preset initial control value.

Therefore, the control unit 170, the inlet temperature value measured at the set time of at least one of the preset inlet temperature value, flow rate value and heater power measured in the standby state (for example, immediately after hot water extraction, etc.), If there is a difference between the flow value and the heater power and a predetermined value or more, the target flow value is recalculated, and the flow control unit 120 is controlled so that the flow value received from the flow sensor FS matches the recalculated target flow value. It is possible to update the flow rate control value of the flow rate control unit 120 so that the flow rate value matches the recalculated target flow rate value to the initial control value of the flow rate control unit 120. The updated initial control value may be used to control the flow rate control unit 120 during the next hot water extraction by the hot water supply device 100.

As described above, in the process of updating the initial control value of the flow control unit 120, the water flowing through the heater 110 is discharged through the drain 135, thereby finding an appropriate flow control value without the user's awareness to find the initial valve position. Can be renewed.

2 is a flowchart of a method for supplying hot water according to another embodiment of the present invention, and specifically shows an operation method at the time of first hot water extraction after installation of the hot water supply device.

Referring to FIG. 2, first, a hot water extraction button provided in the hot water supply device is input (S205), and when it corresponds to the first hot water extraction (S210), an inlet valve provided at a front end and a rear end of the heater part of the hot water supply device, respectively And controlling the outlet valve to ON so that water flows through the heater unit (S215).

Thereafter, the flow rate of the water flowing through the heater unit is measured through the flow sensor (S220), and if the measured flow rate value is equal to or greater than a preset first flow rate value (S225), the heater unit may be controlled to be ON for a predetermined time to be driven (S230). ). Here, the first flow rate value may be a minimum flow rate value for normally driving the heater unit, and may be set differently according to the heating capacity of the heater unit.

As described above, in the state in which the heater unit is first driven, the current flowing through the heater unit can be sensed and the electric power of the heater unit can be calculated from the current value (S235). In addition, it is possible to measure the temperature of the water flowing into the heater unit, that is, the water temperature (S240).

Thereafter, the target flow rate value may be calculated according to Equation 1 described above using the calculated power value and the measured inlet temperature value (S245).

Thereafter, the flow rate of the water flowing through the heater is measured (S250), and the flow rate can be adjusted step by step through the flow rate control unit until the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value (S255).

In this process, after setting the flow rate control value such that the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value as the initial position of the valve, i.e., the initial control value (S265), the inlet valve and the outlet valve can be controlled to OFF ( S270).

On the other hand, if it does not correspond to the first hot water extraction, hot water extraction may be performed by starting hot water extraction in a state in which the flow rate controller is controlled using a preset initial control value (S275).

3 is a flowchart of a method for supplying hot water according to another embodiment of the present invention, and specifically shows a process of updating a preset initial control value. The initial control value update process illustrated in FIG. 3 may be performed in a standby state in which the hot water supply device does not extract hot water. For example, the following process may be performed immediately after hot water extraction is performed or at any time when hot water extraction is not performed while discharging water flowing through the heater unit to the drain.

Referring to Figure 3, in the standby state of the hot water supply device, the temperature of the water to be supplied to the heater unit, that is, measuring the temperature and the flow rate of the water (S305), detects the current flowing in the heater unit and calculates the heater power from the current value It can be (S310).

Thereafter, when at least one of the inlet temperature value, the flow rate value, and the heater power differs from the obtained inlet temperature value, the flow rate value, and the heater power and a preset value measured at a preset time of the preset initial control value (S315), the target flow rate The value can be recalculated (S320).

Thereafter, if necessary, the inlet valve and the outlet valve provided at the front end and the rear end of the heater portion of the hot water supply device may be controlled to ON to allow water to flow through the heater portion, and the outlet valve drains water flowing through the heater portion. It is possible to switch the flow path to be discharged to (S325).

According to an example, when the initial control value update process illustrated in FIG. 3 is performed immediately after hot water extraction, steps S305 and S310 may be performed at the time of hot water extraction, and after switching to the standby state after hot water extraction, steps after S315 are performed. It can be implemented to perform.

According to another example, when the initial control value update process illustrated in FIG. 3 is performed at any time when hot water extraction is not performed, the order of step S325 may be changed to be performed before step S305.

Thereafter, the flow rate of the water flowing through the heater unit is measured (S230), and the flow rate can be adjusted stepwise until the measured flow rate value matches the recalculated target flow rate value (S335) (S340).

Thereafter, a flow control value such that the measured flow value matches the recalculated target flow value is set as the initial position of the valve, that is, the initial control value (S345), and the inlet valve and the outlet valve can be controlled to OFF ( S250). The updated initial control value may be used as an initial control value for flow control when extracting the next hot water by the hot water supply device.

The present invention is not limited by the above-described embodiments and the accompanying drawings. For those skilled in the art to which the present invention pertains, it will be apparent that components according to the present invention can be substituted, modified and changed without departing from the technical spirit of the present invention.

100: hot water supply
110: heater unit
120: flow control
130: extraction unit
135: drain
140: current sensing unit
150: control panel
160: storage unit
170: control unit
V1, V2: Valve
TS1, TS2: temperature sensor
FS: flow sensor

Claims (10)

A heater unit that heats the incoming water;
A flow control unit for controlling the flow rate of water flowing through the heater unit;
A flow sensor for measuring the flow rate of water flowing through the heater unit;
An inlet temperature sensor provided at the front end of the heater unit to measure the temperature of the water flowing into the heater unit;
A current sensing unit sensing a current flowing in the heater unit; And
At the time of first hot water extraction, the heater unit is driven, and a target flow rate value is calculated using the current value measured by the current sensing unit and the obtained temperature value measured by the intake temperature sensor, and measured by the flow sensor. A control unit that controls the flow rate control unit so that the flow rate value matches the target flow rate value, and obtains a flow rate control value at a time when the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value and sets it as an initial control value; And
It includes a storage unit for storing the obtained temperature value, the measured flow rate value and the flow rate control value,
The controller is a hot water supply device for updating the initial control value based on at least one of an obtained temperature value, a flow rate value, and a calculated power value of the heater unit in a standby state in which no hot water is extracted after the initial hot water extraction.
According to claim 1,
The control unit may include at least one of an intake temperature value, a flow rate value, and a calculated heater unit power value measured in the standby state, and an intake temperature value, a flow rate value, and a calculated heater unit power value measured at the time of setting the initial control value. When there is a difference over a preset value, the target flow rate value is recalculated, and the initial control is performed by obtaining a flow control value of the flow control unit to make the flow rate value measured by the flow rate sensor match the recalculated target flow rate value. A hot water supply that updates with value.
According to claim 2,
In the process of updating the initial control value in the standby state, the control unit controls the water flowing through the heater to be discharged through a drain.
According to claim 1,
The control unit calculates the power of the heater unit from the current value, the following equation
Target flow value [LPM] = (heater efficiency * a * (power value [kW] / (target temperature-water temperature [℃]))) / 60 [s]
According to calculate the target flow rate value, the a is a hot water supply device that is an energy conversion constant for calories.
According to claim 1,
The flow control unit, a hot water supply device including a valve and a motor for adjusting the degree of opening and closing of the valve.
The method of claim 5,
The control unit controls the motor stepwise to adjust the flow rate of the water, and the hot water supply device for obtaining the output value of the motor at the time when the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value.
According to claim 1,
The flow control unit is a hot water supply device including a pump for flow control.
The method of claim 7,
The control unit controls the flow rate of the water by gradually changing the voltage value of the flow control pump, and the flow rate control value is a voltage value applied to the pump when the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value. Hot water supply device to acquire.
A water purifier comprising the hot water supply device according to claim 1.
When extracting the first hot water by the hot water supply device, detecting a current value flowing in the heater unit provided in the hot water supply device, and calculating the power of the heater unit from the detected current value;
Measuring an inlet temperature of water flowing into the heater unit;
Calculating a target flow rate value using the calculated power value and the obtained temperature value;
Measuring a flow rate of water flowing through the heater portion;
Stepwise adjusting the flow rate of the water until the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value; And
And storing a flow control value at a time point when the measured flow rate value matches the target flow rate value and setting it as an initial control value for controlling the flow rate of the hot water supply device.
In the standby state without hot water extraction after the first hot water extraction,
Measuring an inlet temperature and a flow rate of water flowing into the heater unit;
Sensing a current value flowing through the heater unit and calculating power of the heater unit from the sensed current value;
When at least one of the inlet temperature value, the flow rate value, and the calculated heater part power measured in the standby state differs from the measured inlet temperature value, flow rate value, and power of the heater part by a predetermined value or more. , Recalculating the target flow rate value;
Stepwise adjusting the flow rate of the water flowing through the heater portion until the flow rate of the water flowing through the heater portion matches the recalculated target flow rate value; And
And updating the flow control value at the time when the flow rate of the water flowing through the heater coincides with the recalculated target flow rate value to the initial control value.

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