Dishwashing appliances with hot start features and related methods

Abstract

A dishwashing appliance may be fluidly coupled to a water heater appliance for receiving wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance from the water heater appliance. A method of operating the dishwashing appliance includes directing wash fluid into the dishwashing appliance. Additionally, the method includes initiating, with a controller, a cycle of the dishwashing appliance. Moreover, the method includes operating, with the controller, the dishwashing appliance based on utility load condition.

Description

FIELD

[0001] The present subject matter relates generally to washing appliances, such as dishwashing appliances and, more particularly, to a dishwashing appliance with features for efficiently providing a hot start and related methods.BACKGROUND

[0002] Dishwashing appliances generally include a tub that defines a wash chamber. Rack assemblies can be mounted within the wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing where, e.g., detergent, water, and heat, can be applied to remove food or other materials from dishes and other articles being washed. Various cycles may be included as part of the overall cleaning process. For example, a typical, user-selected cleaning option may include a wash cycle and rinse cycle (referred to collectively as a wet cycle), as well as a drying cycle. In addition, spray-arm assemblies within the wash chamber may be used to apply or direct fluid towards the articles disposed within the rack assemblies in order to clean such articles, e.g., during the wet cycle.

[0003] Some dishwashing appliances provide hot water at the start of the wet cycle. However, water received from the plumbing system may not be sufficiently hot when the dishwashing appliance is first started, for example, due to residual cold water in the supply line between a water heater and the dishwashing appliance. In such instances, the dishwashing appliance may discard an initial fill of water when the initial fill of water is not hot enough. Due to variations in usage conditions of the dishwashing appliance, e.g., length of the supply line between the water heater and the dishwashing appliance, amount of time since the appliance or a nearby appliance or fixture connected to the same line was last used, local climate and seasonal temperature variations, etc., it may be more efficient in some instances to heat the initial fill in the dishwashing appliance rather than discarding it and re-filling the dishwashing appliance, whereas in other instances discarding and re-filling may be more efficient.

[0004] Accordingly, improved methods for a dishwashing appliance which provide improved energy and water consumption would be welcomed.BRIEF DESCRIPTION

[0005] Aspects and advantages of the technology will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be obvious from the description, or may be learned through practice of the technology.

[0006] In one embodiment, a method of operating a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance is fluidly coupled to a water heater appliance for receiving wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance from the water heater appliance. The method includes directing wash fluid into the dishwashing appliance. Additionally, the method includes initiating, with a controller, a cycle of the dishwashing appliance. Furthermore, the method includes receiving, with the controller, an input indicative of an occurrence of a utility load condition. Moreover, the method includes operating, with the controller, the dishwashing appliance based on the initiated cycle occurring during the occurrence of the utility load condition.

[0007] In another embodiment, a method of operating a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance is fluidly coupled to a water heater appliance for receiving wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance from the water heater appliance. The method includes directing wash fluid into the dishwashing appliance. Additionally, the method includes initiating, with a controller, a cycle of the dishwashing appliance. Furthermore, the method includes operating, with the controller, the dishwashing appliance according to a sequence of dishwashing appliance operations selected based on a type of utility load condition occurring during occurrence of the initiated cycle and based on a measured wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance.

[0008] In another embodiment, a method of operating a dishwashing appliance is provided. The dishwashing appliance is fluidly coupled to a water heater appliance for receiving wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance from the water heater appliance. The method includes directing wash fluid into the dishwashing appliance. Additionally, the method includes initiating, with a controller, a cycle of the dishwashing appliance. Furthermore, the method includes operating, with the controller, a heating element of the dishwashing appliance to turn off the heating element, thereby preventing wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance from being heated by the heating element, based on at least one of a measured wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance or a number of times that the dishwashing appliance has been drained of the wash fluid and filled with new wash fluid from the water heater appliance.

[0009] These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010] A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

[0011] FIG. 1 illustrates a front view of one embodiment of a dishwashing appliance as may incorporate one or more embodiments of the present subject matter.

[0012] FIG. 2 illustrates a cross-sectional side view of the dishwashing appliance shown in FIG. 1, particularly illustrating various internal components of the dishwashing appliance.

[0013] FIG. 3 provides a flowchart illustrating an exemplary method of operating a dishwashing appliance according to one or more embodiments of the present subject matter.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. The word “exemplary” is used herein to mean “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” In addition, references to “an embodiment” or “one embodiment” does not necessarily refer to the same embodiment, although it may. Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “an embodiment” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Moreover, each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations may be made in the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment may be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

[0015] As used herein, the terms “first,”“second,” and “third” may be used interchangeably to distinguish one component from another and are not intended to signify location or importance of the individual components. The terms “includes” and “including” are intended to be inclusive in a manner similar to the term “comprising.” Similarly, the term “or” is generally intended to be inclusive (i.e., “A or B” is intended to mean “A or B or both”). The term “at least one of” in the context of, e.g., “at least one of A, B, and C” refers to only A, only B, only C, or any combination of A, B, and C. In addition, here and throughout the specification and claims, range limitations may be combined and / or interchanged. Such ranges are identified and include all the sub-ranges contained therein unless context or language indicates otherwise. For example, all ranges disclosed herein are inclusive of the endpoints, and the endpoints are independently combinable with each other. The singular forms “a,”“an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise.

[0016] Approximating language, as used herein throughout the specification and claims, may be applied to modify any quantitative representation that could permissibly vary without resulting in a change in the basic function to which it is related. Accordingly, a value modified by a term or terms, such as “generally,”“about,”“approximately,” and “substantially,” are not to be limited to the precise value specified. In at least some instances, the approximating language may correspond to the precision of an instrument for measuring the value, or the precision of the methods or machines for constructing or manufacturing the components and / or systems. For example, the approximating language may refer to being within a ten percent margin, i.e., including values within ten percent greater or less than the stated value. In this regard, for example, when used in the context of an angle or direction, such terms include within ten degrees greater or less than the stated angle or direction, e.g., “generally vertical” includes forming an angle of up to ten degrees in any direction, e.g., clockwise or counterclockwise, with the vertical direction V.

[0017] Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate one embodiment of a domestic dishwasher 100 that may be configured in accordance with aspects of the present disclosure. As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the dishwasher 100 may include a cabinet 102 having a tub 104 therein defining a wash chamber 106. The tub 104 may generally include a front opening (not shown) and a door 108 hinged at its bottom 110 for movement between a normally closed vertical position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2), wherein the wash chamber 106 is sealed shut for washing operation, and a horizontal open position for loading and unloading of articles from the dishwasher. As shown in FIG. 1, a latch 123 may be used to lock and unlock the door 108 for access to the wash chamber 106.

[0018] As is understood, the tub 104 may generally have a rectangular cross-section defined by various wall panels or walls. For example, as shown in FIG. 2, the tub 104 may include a top wall 160 and a bottom wall 162 spaced apart from one another along a vertical direction V of the dishwasher 100. Additionally, the tub 104 may include a plurality of sidewalls 164 (e.g., four sidewalls) extending between the top and bottom walls 160, 162. It should be appreciated that the tub 104 may generally be formed from any suitable material. However, in several embodiments, the tub 104 may be formed from a ferritic material, such as stainless steel, or a polymeric material.

[0019] As particularly shown in FIG. 2, upper and lower guide rails 124, 126 may be mounted on opposing side walls of the plurality of sidewalls 164 of the tub 104 and may be configured to accommodate roller-equipped rack assemblies, such as an upper rack assembly 130 and a lower rack assembly 132. Each of the rack assemblies 130, 132 may be fabricated into lattice structures including a plurality of elongated members 134 (for clarity of illustration, not all elongated members making up rack assemblies 130 and 132 are shown in FIG. 2). Additionally, each rack assembly 130, 132 may be adapted for movement along a transverse direction T between an extended loading position (not shown) in which the rack is substantially positioned outside the wash chamber 106, and a retracted position (shown in FIGS. 1 and 2) in which the rack is located inside the wash chamber 106. This may be facilitated by rollers 135 and 139, for example, mounted onto rack assemblies 130 and 132, respectively. As is generally understood, a silverware basket (not shown) may be removably attached to lower rack assembly 132 for placement of silverware, utensils, and the like, that are otherwise too small to be accommodated by the rack assemblies 130, 132.

[0020] Additionally, the dishwasher 100 may also include a lower spray-arm assembly 144 that is configured to be rotatably mounted within a lower region 146 of the wash chamber 106 directly above the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104 so as to rotate in relatively close proximity to the lower rack assembly 132. As shown in FIG. 2, a mid-level spray-arm assembly 148 may be located above the lower spray-arm assembly 144 within the wash chamber 106, such as by being located in close proximity to the upper rack assembly 130. Moreover, an upper spray assembly 150 may be located above the upper rack assembly 130.

[0021] As is generally understood, the lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150 may generally form part of a fluid circulation system 152 for circulating fluid (e.g., water and dishwasher fluid which may also include water, detergent, and / or other additives, and may be referred to as wash fluid) within the tub 104. As shown in FIG. 2, the fluid circulation system 152 may also include a recirculation pump 154 located in a machinery compartment 140 below the bottom wall 162 of the tub 104, as is generally recognized in the art, and one or more fluid conduits for circulating the fluid delivered from the recirculation pump 154 to and / or throughout the wash chamber 106. The tub 104 may include a sump 142 positioned at a bottom of the wash chamber 106 for receiving fluid from the wash chamber 106. The recirculation pump 154 receives fluid from sump 142 to provide a flow to fluid circulation system 152, which may include a switching valve or diverter (not shown) to select flow to one or more of the lower and mid-level spray-arm assemblies 144, 148 and the upper spray assembly 150.

[0022] When assembled, recirculation pump 154 may be in fluid communication with an external water supply line (not shown). The external water supply line may fluidly couple / connect recirculation pump 154 to an external water supply, such as a water heater appliance. A wash fluid inlet valve 153 can be positioned between the external water supply line and sump 142 (e.g., to selectively allow water to flow from the external water supply line to sump 142). During use, wash fluid inlet valve 153 may be selectively operated / controlled to open to allow the flow of water into dishwasher 100 and may be selectively operated / controlled to close and thereby cease the flow of water into dishwasher 100.

[0023] Moreover, each spray-arm assembly 144, 148 may include an arrangement of discharge ports or orifices for directing washing fluid onto dishes or other articles located in rack assemblies 130 and 132, which may provide a rotational force by virtue of washing fluid flowing through the discharge ports. The resultant rotation of the lower spray-arm assembly 144 provides coverage of dishes and other dishwasher contents with a washing spray.

[0024] A drain pump 156 may also be provided in the machinery compartment 140 and in fluid communication with the sump 142. The drain pump 156 may be in fluid communication with an external drain (not shown) to discharge fluid, e.g., used wash liquid, from the sump 142.

[0025] The dishwasher 100 may be further equipped with a controller 137 configured to regulate operation of the dishwasher 100. The controller 137 may generally include one or more memory devices and one or more microprocessors, such as one or more general or special purpose microprocessors operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor.

[0026] The controller 137 may be positioned in a variety of locations throughout dishwasher 100. In the illustrated embodiment, the controller 137 is located within a control panel area 121 of the door 108, as shown in FIG. 1. In such an embodiment, input / output (“I / O”) signals may be routed between the control system and various operational components of the dishwasher 100 along wiring harnesses that may be routed through the bottom of the door 108. Typically, the controller 137 includes a user interface / controls 136 through which a user may select various operational features and modes and monitor progress of the dishwasher 100. In one embodiment, the user interface 136 may represent a general purpose I / O (“GPIO”) device or functional block. Additionally, the user interface 136 may include input components, such as one or more of a variety of electrical, mechanical or electro-mechanical input devices including rotary dials, push buttons, and touch pads. The user interface 136 may also include a display component, such as a digital or analog display device designed to provide operational feedback to a user. As is generally understood, the user interface 136 may be in communication with the controller 137 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses. It should be noted that controllers 137 as disclosed herein are capable of and may be operable to perform any methods as disclosed herein.

[0027] The dishwasher 100 may also include a temperature sensor 166 in operative communication with the controller 137. For example, in some embodiments, the temperature sensor 166 may be located in the sump 142 and may be configured to generate data indicative of a temperature of a fluid, e.g., wash fluid, within the sump 142. For example, the “temperature sensor” may include any suitable type of temperature measuring system or device positioned at any suitable location for generating data indicative of the desired temperature. Thus, for example, temperature sensor 166 may be any suitable type of temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, a thermocouple, a resistance temperature detector, a semiconductor-based integrated circuit temperature sensor, etc. In addition, temperature sensor 166 may be positioned at any suitable location and may output a signal, such as a voltage, to the controller 137 that is proportional to and / or indicative of the temperature. As such, controller 137 may measure the temperature of liquid within sump 142 from data received from temperature sensor 166. Although exemplary positioning of the temperature sensor 166 is described herein and depicted in FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that dishwasher 100 may include any other suitable number, type, and position of temperature, humidity, and / or other sensors as well as or instead of the exemplary temperature sensor 166 according to alternative embodiments.

[0028] It should be appreciated that the present subject matter is not limited to any particular style, model, or configuration of dishwashing appliance. The exemplary embodiment depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2 is simply provided for illustrative purposes only. For example, different locations may be provided for the user interface 136, different configurations may be provided for the rack assemblies 130, 132, and other differences may be applied as well.

[0029] Referring to FIG. 1, a schematic diagram of an external communication system 170 will be described according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. In general, external communication system 170 is configured for permitting interaction, data transfer, and other communications between dishwasher 100 and one or more external devices. For example, this communication may be used to provide and receive operating parameters, user instructions or notifications, performance characteristics, user preferences, or any other suitable information for improved performance of dishwasher 100. In addition, it should be appreciated that external communication system 170 may be used to transfer data or other information to improve performance of one or more external devices or appliances and / or improve user interaction with such devices.

[0030] For example, external communication system 170 permits controller 137 of dishwasher 100 to communicate with a separate device external to dishwasher 100, referred to generally herein as an external device 172. As described in more detail below, these communications may be facilitated using a wired or wireless connection, such as via a network 174. In general, external device 172 may be any suitable device separate from dishwasher 100 that is configured to provide and / or receive communications, information, data, or commands from a user. In this regard, external device 172 may be, for example, a personal phone, a smartphone, a tablet, a laptop or personal computer, a wearable device, a smart home system, or another mobile or remote device.

[0031] In addition, a remote server 176 may be in communication with dishwasher 100 and / or external device 172 through network 174. In this regard, for example, remote server 176 may be a cloud-based server, and is thus located at a distant location, such as in a separate state, country, etc. According to an exemplary embodiment, external device 172 may communicate with a remote server 176 over network 174, such as the Internet, to transmit / receive data or information, provide user inputs, receive user notifications or instructions, interact with or control dishwasher 100, etc. In addition, external device 172 and remote server 176 may communicate with dishwasher 100 to communicate similar information.

[0032] In general, communication between dishwasher 100, external device 172, remote server 176, and / or other user devices or appliances may be carried using any type of wired or wireless connection and using any suitable type of communication network, non-limiting examples of which are provided below. For example, external device 172 may be in direct or indirect communication with dishwasher 100 through any suitable wired or wireless communication connections or interfaces, such as network 174. For example, network 174 may include one or more of a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), a personal area network (PAN), the Internet, a cellular network, any other suitable short-or long-range wireless networks, etc. In addition, communications may be transmitted using any suitable communications devices or protocols, such as via Wi-Fi®, Bluetooth®, Zigbee®, wireless radio, laser, infrared, Ethernet type devices and interfaces, etc. In addition, such communication may use a variety of communication protocols (e.g., TCP / IP, HTTP, SMTP, FTP), encodings or formats (e.g., HTML, XML), and / or protection schemes (e.g., VPN, secure HTTP, SSL).

[0033] External communication system 170 is described herein according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter. However, it should be appreciated that the exemplary functions and configurations of external communication system 170 provided herein are used only as examples to facilitate description of aspects of the present subject matter. System configurations may vary, other communication devices may be used to communicate directly or indirectly with one or more associated appliances, other communication protocols and steps may be implemented, etc. These variations and modifications are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

[0034] An embodiment of the present disclosure also includes a method of operating a dishwashing appliance, such as the example method 200 illustrated in FIG. 3. Such a method may be part of an overall wash and dry operation of dishwasher 100 and / or may be a standalone cycle such as a standalone rinse cycle.

[0035] Turning now to FIG. 3, an example method 200 of operating a dishwashing appliance, for example the dishwasher 100 depicted in FIGS. 1 and 2, is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 3, the method 200 may include, for example, (202) receiving an input to initiate a wet cycle of a dishwashing appliance. Specifically, in some embodiments, controller 137 of dishwasher 100 may receive an input, such as a user input via the user interface 136, to initiate or begin the wet cycle, such as a wash cycle and / or a rinse cycle, of dishwasher 100.

[0036] The method 200 may also include (204) initiating the wet cycle of the dishwashing appliance. Specifically, in some embodiments, after receiving the input at (202) to initiate the wet cycle of dishwasher 100, controller 137 may initiate the wet cycle of dishwasher 100. In this respect, for example, controller 137 may control / operate wash fluid inlet valve 153 to open wash fluid inlet valve 153 and, thus, permit a flow of water / wash fluid to be directed into dishwasher 100, such as from an external water supply, e.g., water heater appliance, to be utilized by dishwasher 100 for cleaning the articles within dishwasher 100. The terms “water” and “wash fluid” are generally used interchangeably herein, unless specifically indicated otherwise, such that either term may include water as well as additives, particulate matter, solutes, etc., and neither term is limited to pure or clean water.

[0037] Additionally, the method 200 may include (206) receiving an input indicative of an occurrence of a utility load condition. The utility load condition may be a utility off-peak load time or a utility peak load time. The utility peak load time may be a time or time range in which the consumer demand for energy / electricity provided by a utility is the highest range of demand values, e.g., 75th percentile or greater of demand values, within a selected time period, such as a 24-hour time period. Likewise, the utility off-peak load time may be a time or time range in which the consumer demand for energy / electricity provided by the utility is not the highest demand within the selected time period. In some embodiments, controller 137 of dishwasher 100 may receive an input, such as a user input via user interface 136 and / or an input from the utility via external communication system 170, of the occurrence of a utility off-peak load time or an occurrence of a utility peak load time. The input of the occurrence of the utility off-peak load time or the occurrence of the utility peak load time may be an input that the selected wet cycle of dishwasher 100 is occurring during either the utility off-peak load time or during the utility peak load time. Such input may be utilized to operate dishwasher 100 accordingly. As such, when the received input indicates that the selected wet cycle is occurring during the utility off-peak load time, the method 200 proceeds to (208). Alternatively, when the received input indicates that the selected wet cycle is occurring during the utility peak load time, the method 200 proceeds to (212).

[0038] Furthermore, the method 200 may include (208) determining a power level at which to operate a heating element of the dishwashing appliance. The heating element may be, for example, a main heating element of the dishwashing appliance. Specifically, in some embodiments, when controller 137 receives the input at (206) indicating that the selected wet cycle is occurring during the utility off-peak load time, controller 137 may determine the power level at which the heating element of dishwasher 100 should be operated to heat water / wash fluid within dishwasher 100, such as within sump 142. Thereafter, the method 200 may include (210) operating the heating element at the determined power level to heat the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance. As such, controller 137 may operate the heating element of dishwasher 100 at the power level determined at (208) for all the wet cycle or a portion of the wet cycle to heat the water / wash fluid within dishwasher 100.

[0039] Moreover, the method 200 may include (212) receiving sensor data indicative of a wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance. Specifically, in some embodiments, when controller 137 receives the input at (206) indicating that the selected wet cycle is occurring during the utility peak load time, controller 137 may receive data from temperature sensor 166 indicative of the wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within dishwasher 100, such as within sump 142. Thereafter, the method 200 may include (214) measuring the wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance based on the received sensor data. As such, controller 137 may measure the wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within dishwasher 100 based on the data received from temperature sensor 166 at (212). In this respect, in some embodiments, controller 137 may correlate the data received from temperature sensor 166 to temperature values stored within the memory device(s) of controller 137.

[0040] Additionally, the method 200 may include (216) comparing the measured wash fluid temperature to a wash fluid temperature threshold. Specifically, in some embodiments, controller 137 may compare the wash fluid temperature measured at (214) to a wash fluid temperature threshold. The wash fluid temperature threshold may be a predetermined wash fluid temperature threshold value. When the measured wash fluid temperature is equal to or exceeds the wash fluid threshold, controller 137 may determine that the wash fluid temperature within dishwasher 100 is adequate for the selected wet cycle of dishwasher 100. As such, the method 200 may proceed to (218) in which the selected / initiated wet cycle may proceed according to a predetermined program / algorithm to completion. Alternatively, when the measured wash fluid temperature falls below the wash fluid threshold, controller 137 may determine that the wash fluid temperature within dishwasher 100 is not adequate for the selected wet cycle of dishwasher 100 and, thus, should be increased. As such, the method 200 may proceed to (220).

[0041] Furthermore, the method 200 may include (220) waiting a predetermined length of time and counting a number of times that the predetermined length of time has occurred. Specifically, in some embodiments, after determining that the wash fluid temperature is not adequate for the selected / initiated wet cycle of dishwasher 100 and, thus, should be increased, controller 137 may delay / wait a predetermined length of time. Additionally, controller 137 may add the delay / wait to a count of the number of times that controller 137 has previously waited the predetermined length of time. The delay / wait may occur multiple times as the wash fluid temperature may be repeatedly measured and, thus, (214) may be returned to, after drain and fill operations in which old wash fluid is drained from dishwasher 100 and new wash fluid is permitted to enter dishwasher 100 from an external water supply, e.g., water heater appliance. The new wash fluid may be warmer than the old wash fluid and, thus, the temperature of the new wash fluid may be measured at (214) to determine whether the temperature is adequate for the selected / initiated wet cycle. Before the old wash fluid is drained and the new wash fluid is permitted to enter dishwasher 100, controller 137 delays / waits the predetermined length of time.

[0042] Additionally, the method 200 may include (222) comparing the counted number of times that the predetermined length of time has occurred to a count threshold. Specifically, in some embodiments, controller 137 may compare the number of times that the predetermined length of time has occurred as counted at (220) to the count threshold. Thereafter, when the counted number of times equals the count threshold, the method 200 proceeds to (224) to pause the wet cycle operation until utility off-peak hours in which the heating element of dishwasher 100 may be operated / activated to heat the wash fluid within dishwasher 100. Alternatively, when the counted number of times falls below the count threshold, the method 200 proceeds to (226) in which dishwasher 100 is drained and filled.

[0043] Moreover, the method 200 may include (224) pausing operation of the dishwashing appliance until the occurrence of a utility off-peak load time. Specifically, in some embodiments, when the number of times that the predetermined length of time has passed exceeds the count threshold as described above, controller 137 may pause the operation of dishwasher 100 until the occurrence of the utility off-peak load time.

[0044] Additionally, the method 200 may include (226) operating a pump and a valve of the dishwashing appliance after the predetermined length of time has passed to drain the wash fluid from the dishwashing appliance and to fill the dishwashing appliance with new wash fluid. Specifically, in some embodiments, in response to the wash fluid temperature measured at (214) falling below the wash fluid temperature threshold, the counted number of times that the predetermined length of time has occurred falling below the count threshold, and after the predetermined length of time has passed, controller 137 may operate drain pump 156 to drain the “old” wash fluid from dishwasher 100. Likewise, controller 137 may operate wash fluid inlet valve 153 to open wash fluid inlet valve 153 and, thus, permit new water to flow into and fill dishwasher 100. The new water may be heated water from a water heater appliance.

[0045] Furthermore, in some optional embodiments, the method 200 may include receiving a user input indicative of a cycle override. The user input of the cycle override may be received by controller 137, such as via user interface 136. The cycle override may be a hot start cycle override, in which the user elects to bypass the steps of method 200 associated with draining and refilling dishwasher 100, e.g., as illustrated in FIG. 3 at (206) and (212) through (226). Thereafter, in some optional embodiments, the method 200 may include determining a power level at which to operate the heating element of the dishwashing appliance in response to the received user input indicative of the cycle override. In this respect, controller 137 may determine the power level similar to (208) of method 200. Thereafter, in some optional embodiments, the method 200 may include operating the heating element at the determined power level to heat the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance. As such, controller 137 may operate the heating element of dishwasher 100 at the determined power level to heat the wash fluid within dishwasher 100 similar to (210) of method 200.

[0046] This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims.

Claims

1. A method of operating a dishwashing appliance, the dishwashing appliance fluidly coupled to a water heater appliance for receiving wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance from the water heater appliance, the method comprising:directing wash fluid into the dishwashing appliance;initiating, with a controller, a cycle of the dishwashing appliance;receiving, with the controller, an input indicative of an occurrence of a utility load condition; andoperating, with the controller, the dishwashing appliance based on the initiated cycle occurring during the occurrence of the utility load condition.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the utility load condition comprises a utility off-peak load time.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein operating the dishwashing appliance comprises:determining, with the controller, a power level at which to operate a heating element of the dishwashing appliance based on the initiated cycle of the dishwashing appliance occurring during an occurrence of the utility off-peak load time; andoperating, with the controller, the heating element at the determined power level to heat the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance.

4. The method of claim 1, wherein the utility load condition comprises a utility peak load time.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein operating the dishwashing appliance comprises:receiving, with the controller, sensor data indicative of a wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance based on the initiated cycle of the dishwashing appliance occurring during an occurrence of the utility peak load time;measuring, with the controller, the wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance based on the received sensor data; andoperating, with the controller, the dishwashing appliance based on the measured wash fluid temperature.

6. The method of claim 5, wherein operating the dishwashing appliance comprises:operating, with the controller, a pump of the dishwashing appliance after a predetermined length of time has passed to drain the wash fluid from the dishwashing appliance in response to the measured wash fluid temperature falling below a wash fluid temperature threshold; andoperating, with the controller, a valve of the dishwashing appliance after the predetermined length of time has passed to fill the dishwashing appliance with new wash fluid from the water heater appliance in response to the measured wash fluid temperature falling below the wash fluid temperature threshold.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein operating the dishwashing appliance further comprises:iteratively operating, with the controller, the pump and the valve until the measured wash fluid temperature equals or exceeds the wash fluid temperature threshold or until a number of times that the predetermined length of time has passed exceeds a predetermined number of times.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein operating the dishwashing appliance further comprises:pausing, with the controller, operation of the dishwashing appliance in response to a number of times that the predetermined length of time has passed exceeds a predetermined number of times, until an occurrence of a utility off-peak load time.

9. The method of claim 1, further comprising:receiving, with the controller, a user input indicative of a cycle override;determining, with the controller, a power level at which to operate a heating element of the dishwashing appliance in response to the received user input indicative of the cycle override; andoperating, with the controller, the heating element at the determined power level to heat the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance.

10. A method of operating a dishwashing appliance, the dishwashing appliance fluidly coupled to a water heater appliance for receiving wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance from the water heater appliance, the method comprising:directing wash fluid into the dishwashing appliance;initiating, with a controller, a cycle of the dishwashing appliance; andoperating, with the controller, the dishwashing appliance according to a sequence of dishwashing appliance operations selected based on a type of utility load condition occurring during occurrence of the initiated cycle and based on a measured wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein the type of utility load condition comprises a utility off-peak load time.

12. The method of claim 11, wherein operating the dishwashing appliance comprises:determining, with the controller, a power level at which to operate a heating element of the dishwashing appliance based on the initiated cycle of the dishwashing appliance occurring during an occurrence of the utility off-peak load time; andoperating, with the controller, the heating element at the determined power level to heat the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance.

13. The method of claim 10, wherein the type of utility load condition comprises a utility peak load time.

14. The method of claim 10, wherein operating the dishwashing appliance comprises:operating, with the controller, a pump of the dishwashing appliance after a predetermined length of time has passed to drain the wash fluid from the dishwashing appliance in response to the measured wash fluid temperature falling below a wash fluid temperature threshold; andoperating, with the controller, a valve of the dishwashing appliance after the predetermined length of time has passed to fill the dishwashing appliance with new wash fluid from the water heater appliance in response to the measured wash fluid temperature falling below the wash fluid temperature threshold.

15. The method of claim 14, wherein operating the dishwashing appliance further comprises:iteratively operating, with the controller, the pump and the valve until the measured wash fluid temperature equals or exceeds the wash fluid temperature threshold or until a number of times that the predetermined length of time has passed exceeds a predetermined number of times.

16. The method of claim 14, wherein operating the dishwashing appliance further comprises:pausing, with the controller, operation of the dishwashing appliance in response to a number of times that the predetermined length of time has passed exceeds a predetermined number of times, until an occurrence of a utility off-peak load time.

17. The method of claim 10, further comprising:receiving, with the controller, a user input indicative of a cycle override;determining, with the controller, a power level at which to operate a heating element of the dishwashing appliance in response to the received user input indicative of the cycle override; andoperating, with the controller, the heating element at the determined power level to heat the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance.

18. A method of operating a dishwashing appliance, the dishwashing appliance fluidly coupled to a water heater appliance for receiving wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance from the water heater appliance, the method comprising:directing wash fluid into the dishwashing appliance;initiating, with a controller, a cycle of the dishwashing appliance; andoperating, with the controller, a heating element of the dishwashing appliance to turn off the heating element, thereby preventing wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance from being heated by the heating element, based on at least one of a measured wash fluid temperature of the wash fluid within the dishwashing appliance or a number of times that the dishwashing appliance has been drained of the wash fluid and filled with new wash fluid from the water heater appliance.

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