A dishwasher comprising a heat pump
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
In dishwashers, the regeneration of the ion exchanger resin in water softening systems requires additional water, increasing water consumption and space, as the salt container must be sized accordingly to accommodate this need.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher design that incorporates a heat pump system and a water collection receptacle to condense ambient air vapor, which is then mixed with mains water to regenerate the resin, reducing the frequency and amount of additional water needed for regeneration, and includes a control unit to manage the delivery of water for regeneration, eliminating the need for a larger salt container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional water is taken into the machine for the regeneration process of the ion exchanger, then the resin can be regenerated effectively, but water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention recovers condensed water vapor from the air that would otherwise be discarded, and utilizes it for the regeneration process of the ion exchanger resin, thereby reducing the need for additional fresh water intake
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates its own water supply for regeneration by condensing atmospheric moisture, making the water supply self-sufficient without relying entirely on external water sources
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the salt container is sized to accommodate the required salt water solution for regeneration, then the resin can be regenerated at certain intervals, but the salt container occupies much space in the machine
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the water supply for regeneration by condensing variable amounts of atmospheric moisture based on the actual regeneration needs, allowing the salt container to be smaller while maintaining adequate salt solution volume
Solution Approach 2:
The system preliminarily condenses and stores water vapor in the water collection receptacle before regeneration is needed, making the salt solution preparation more efficient and reducing the required salt container size
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design decreases water consumption and energy usage by extending the life of the resin between regenerations and reducing the size of the salt container required, enhancing energy efficiency and water management within the dishwasher.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump which is disposed under the washing tub and which has a first heat exchanger for drawing heat from the environment to heat the water to be used in the washing step
Implementation Method 2
a second heat exchanger for transferring the heat received from the first heat exchanger to the washing water
Implementation Method 3
a compressor which is in fluid connection with the first heat exchanger and the second heat exchanger and which provides the refrigerant cycle
Implementation Method 4
When the air taken into the machine contacts the surface of the first heat exchanger, the water vapor in the ambient air condenses and changes to liquid phase due to the temperature difference between the ambient air and the first heat exchanger
Implementation Method 5
The humid air condensing on the fins of the first heat exchanger trickles down as water droplets with the effect of the gravity and said droplets accumulate in the lower water collection chamber under the first heat exchanger
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The present invention relates to a dishwasher (1) comprising a body (2); a washing tub (3) which is disposed in the body (2) and wherein the washing process is performed with the taken from the mains line; a heat pump (7) which is disposed under the washing tub (3) and which has a first heat exchanger (4) for drawing heat from the environment to heat the water to be used in the washing step, a second heat exchanger (5) for transferring the heat received from the first heat exchanger (4) to the washing water, and a compressor (6) which is in fluid connection with the first heat exchanger (4) and the second heat exchanger (5) and which provides the refrigerant cycle; a water collection receptacle (8) which is disposed under the first heat exchanger (4) and wherein the water droplets formed with the condensation of water vapor on the surface of the first heat exchanger (4) are collected; and a water softening unit (11) which enables the water taken from the mains line to be softened to be used in the washing process and which has an ion exchanger (9) having resin therein and a salt container (10) for regenerating the resin at certain intervals.