Dishwasher Water Manifold Control for Peak-Demand Cold Washing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers rely on hot water from high energy consumption sources, contributing significantly to energy consumption, especially during periods of high electricity demand.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a controller that selectively directs cold water from a water supply manifold to the wash chamber during high electricity demand periods, isolating the hot water supply to reduce energy consumption from external hot water systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the dishwasher uses hot water from the building's hot water system, then the washing effectiveness is improved, but the energy consumption from the hot water heater increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches between hot water and cold water modes based on real-time electricity demand signals. The controller receives signals indicating peak demand periods and automatically adjusts the water supply manifold to use cold water during these periods, while using hot water during normal periods, thus adapting the system behavior to changing external conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the supply water based on electricity demand conditions. By switching the water temperature from hot to cold during peak demand periods, the system reduces the energy burden on the hot water heater while maintaining washing effectiveness through adjusted wash cycle parameters
2Productivity
If the dishwasher operates during high electricity demand periods, then the productivity is maintained, but the energy consumption contribution to the grid increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system converts the harmful effect of operating during peak demand periods by using cold water instead of hot water. This transforms what would be a high-energy-consuming operation into a low-energy operation, allowing the dishwasher to maintain productivity while actually reducing the overall energy burden on the grid during critical periods
3Use of energy by moving object
If the dishwasher uses cold water instead of hot water, then the energy consumption from the hot water system is reduced, but the washing effectiveness may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for the lower temperature of cold water by adjusting other wash cycle parameters. The controller modifies wash cycle duration, water flow rates, and spray patterns to ensure that washing effectiveness is maintained even when using cold water during peak demand periods
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher and associated control method are provided wherein a water supply manifold supplies a wash chamber with wash liquid. The supply manifold includes a hot water inlet from an external hot water source and a separate cold water inlet, and is configured to be selectively actuated between the hot water inlet or cold water inlet. A controller is in communication with the supply manifold and is configured to act on a signal that is indicative of an actual or pre-defined high electricity demand period on a power supply to the hot water source. The controller is configured to generate an output control signal to the supply manifold to cause the manifold to direct substantially only cold water from the outlet to the wash chamber during the high electricity demand period.