Dishwasher Drying Airflow Control for Uniform Low-Power Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashers consume a large amount of water and electricity during the drying cycle, making it inefficient and costly.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher system that uses an air-heating dry method with a variable speed circulation fan to control air flow and humidity, allowing for uniform drying and reduced power consumption by adjusting the rotational speed of the fan and utilizing an exhaust fan to discharge air outside.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heater is used to dry wet dishes in the drying cycle, then drying function is achieved, but water and electricity consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and utilizes the heater that is already present in the washing machine for heating air during the drying cycle, rather than relying solely on a separate drying heater. This extracted heater component is used to warm the circulating air, reducing the need for additional high-power drying heating elements and thereby reducing overall electricity consumption while maintaining effective drying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The heater originally designed for heating wash water is given a dual function: it now also heats the air in the drying cycle. This multi-functionality allows the same component to serve both washing and drying purposes, eliminating the need for separate heating systems and reducing total energy consumption.
2Manufacturing precision
If a circulation fan operates at high speed to dry dishes uniformly, then drying uniformity improves, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The circulation fan operates at variable speeds rather than a fixed high speed. The control unit adjusts the fan speed dynamically based on the drying phase and requirements: higher speeds during initial drying stages for uniform coverage, and lower speeds during later stages to maintain air circulation while reducing power consumption. This dynamic operation achieves drying uniformity without excessive energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The circulation fan operates in periodic cycles with alternating high and low speeds. During periods when uniform drying is critical, the fan runs at high speed; during periods when moisture levels are already reduced, the fan speed is lowered. This periodic variation maintains drying effectiveness while significantly reducing average power consumption compared to continuous high-speed operation.
3Productivity
If air circulation is increased to improve drying efficiency, then drying speed increases, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the circulating air by using the heater to warm the air before it reaches the dishes. This temperature parameter change increases the drying efficiency and speed because warm air has higher moisture-capturing capacity and promotes faster evaporation, while the energy cost is lower than simply increasing air circulation speed through higher fan power consumption.
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 method reduces water consumption, increases drying efficiency, and allows for selective control of drying areas, resulting in lower energy usage and improved drying performance.
Implementation Method 1
driving a circulation fan disposed in a circulation duct that communicates with at least two portions of a tub
Implementation Method 2
driving the heating unit to heat the air flowing through the circulation duct
Implementation Method 3
driving an exhaust fan to discharge the air in the tub to the outside
Implementation Method 4
controlling a rotational speed to change the rotational speed of the circulation fan
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a dishwasher includes: driving a circulation fan disposed in a circulation duct that communicates with at least two portions of a tub; controlling a rotational speed to change the rotational speed of the circulation fan; and driving an exhaust fan to discharge the air in the tub to the outside.