Dishwasher Heat Pump with Integrated Condenser to Shorten Heating Time
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers face inefficiencies in heating water, leading to prolonged heating times and energy loss, with complex configurations and additional heat exchange apparatuses required for waste heat recovery, which complicates the heating process and reduces operating efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a heat pump integrated into the tub, featuring a condenser on the inner bottom surface to directly heat washing water, a controller to manage the heat pump operations, and optional configurations for simultaneous heating of the tub and sump, eliminating the need for additional heat exchangers and enhancing drying efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If washing water is heated using an electric heater, then the washing water can be heated, but a relatively large amount of power is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent recovers waste heat from discharged washing water and reused water, converting it into useful heating energy. The heat exchange apparatus extracts thermal energy from waste water streams and transfers it to incoming cold water, thereby reducing the energy burden on the electric heater and overall power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures and recovers thermal energy that would otherwise be discarded with the discharged washing water. The heat exchange apparatus intercepts heat from the waste water stream and redirects it to preheat incoming water, transforming a waste resource into a useful energy source.
2Loss of energy
If a waste heat recovery device is added to recover heat from discharged washing water, then energy loss is reduced, but the number of parts and size are increased and configuration and control are complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange apparatus is integrated into the existing water circulation system of the dishwasher. The heat exchanger is positioned to utilize the existing waste water flow paths, merging the heat recovery function with the existing drainage and water supply systems, thereby minimizing additional components and simplifying control.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat exchange apparatus serves multiple functions: it recovers waste heat, preheats incoming water, and can potentially serve as a thermal buffer. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated heat recovery components, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
3Loss of energy
If washing water is heated after the washing process using discharged water, then waste heat is recovered, but the washing water cannot be preheated before the washing process and heating time is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchange apparatus is configured to preheat incoming cold water before it enters the washing tub by exchanging heat with warmer waste water streams. This preliminary heating action reduces the temperature differential that the electric heater must bridge, thereby reducing overall heating time and energy consumption.
4Temperature
If the cleaning tank is made withdrawable to accommodate a condenser underneath, then the condenser can heat washing water, but a clearance is generated that reduces heat exchange efficiency and operating efficiency of the heat pump
Solution Approach 1:
The condenser is integrated directly into the bottom structure of the cleaning tank, merging the heating function with the tank structure itself. This integration eliminates clearance gaps between the condenser and washing water, ensuring maximum thermal contact and heat exchange efficiency.
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 solution shortens the heating time of washing water, reduces energy loss, and simplifies the heating process by integrating the heat pump directly into the tub, thereby improving overall dishwashing efficiency and reducing the complexity of the heating system.
Implementation Method 1
a condenser provided on an inner bottom surface of the tub to exchange heat with washing water inside the tub
Implementation Method 2
a condenser provided on an inner bottom surface of the tub to exchange heat with washing water inside the tub
Implementation Method 3
a heat pump having a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion apparatus, and a condenser
Implementation Method 4
an evaporator, an expansion apparatus, and a condenser provided on an inner bottom surface of the tub to exchange heat with washing water inside the tub
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a dishwasher having a heat pump, including a dishwasher body provided with a tub configured with a washing space therein and a sump provided at a bottom of the tub to temporarily accommodate washing water; a heat pump having a compressor, an evaporator, an expansion apparatus, and a condenser provided on an inner bottom surface of the tub to exchange heat with washing water inside the tub; and a controller that controls the heat pump to be driven to increase the temperature of the washing water inside the tub. As a result, the heating time of washing water may be shortened.