Heat Pump Heat Exchanger Steam Sterilization in Clothes Care
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Solution Overview
Problem
The heat exchanger in clothes-treating apparatuses, especially those using steam for moisture removal, faces contamination and hygiene issues due to high temperature and humidity, leading to bacterial and mold accumulation, requiring frequent cleaning and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus for automatically steam-cleansing the heat exchanger using a steam generator to supply steam directly to the heat exchanger, integrated with the clothes-treating process, allowing for simultaneous steam treatment of clothes and heat exchanger sterilization without additional devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If steam is supplied to the accommodating space to treat clothes, then moisture is supplied to remove unpleasant odor, wrinkles and humidity, but the heat exchanger becomes polluted by contaminants, bacteria, mold, and accumulated water
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary steam generation and storage before the cleaning cycle, then directs this pre-generated steam to the heat exchanger. This preliminary preparation of cleaning steam resolves the contradiction by ensuring cleaning capability is ready without requiring separate steam generation during the treatment phase
Solution Approach 2:
The steam generator serves multiple functions: it generates steam for clothes treatment (removing odor, wrinkles, humidity) and also generates steam for heat exchanger cleaning. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by using the same steam source for both beneficial treatment and harmful contamination prevention
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the heat exchanger is cleaned manually, then contamination can be removed, but additional maintenance time and effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchanger cleanses itself through automated steam injection and drainage systems. The system automatically generates steam, directs it to the heat exchanger, facilitates condensation, and drains water without manual intervention. This self-service mechanism resolves the contradiction by eliminating maintenance time and effort while maintaining cleanliness
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning process is integrated into the operational cycles, using steam generated during normal operation for subsequent cleaning. The system continuously cycles between treatment and cleaning modes, ensuring the heat exchanger remains clean without stopping operation. This continuous action resolves the contradiction by maintaining cleanliness without dedicated maintenance time
3Quantity of substance
If water is left in the heat exchanger, then condensation from damp air is collected, but germs and bacteria breed resulting in unpleasant odor
Solution Approach 1:
The system periodically drains the heat exchanger and periodically supplies steam for cleaning. This periodic action prevents continuous water accumulation that would lead to bacterial growth, while still allowing condensation collection during operational phases. The rhythm of filling and draining resolves the contradiction between water collection and contamination prevention
Solution Approach 2:
Steam acts as a high-temperature oxidizing agent that kills bacteria and mold spores in the heat exchanger. The high temperature steam performs accelerated oxidation of organic contaminants and sterilization, resolving the contradiction by eliminating harmful factors while maintaining necessary water collection functionality
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 approach simplifies and conveniences the cleaning and sterilization of the heat exchanger, reducing the need for additional maintenance and ensuring continuous operation by utilizing steam generated for clothes treatment to sanitize the heat exchanger, thereby maintaining hygiene and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (25) generating steam to supply steam to the accommodating space or the heat exchanger (23) of the heat pump
Implementation Method 2
a heat exchanger (23) disposed in the circulation duct (26), which dehumidifies the air inside the accommodating space by the evaporation and condensation of refrigerant
Implementation Method 3
a heat exchanger (23) disposed in the circulation duct (26), which dehumidifies the air inside the accommodating space by the evaporation and condensation of refrigerant
Implementation Method 4
supplying steam generated by the steam generator to the accommodating space or the heat exchanger (23) of the heat pump... steam cleansing a heat exchanger (23) included in the heat pump
Data Source
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AI summary
A clothes-treating apparatus and a controlling method thereof are disclosed. According to a controlling method of a clothes-treating apparatus, a clothes-treating apparatus is capable of steam-cleansing a heat exchanger (23) of a heat pump provided therein automatically. An additional device may not be provided in the clothes treating apparatus to cleanse and sterilize a heat exchanger of a heat pump provided in a mechanism compartment to supply dry or heated air to clothes.