Dishwasher Steam Drying Control for Lower-Energy Moisture Evaporation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dishwashers are inefficient in their drying cycles, consuming a large amount of energy as they rely on heated air to evaporate water from dishes, which is not only energy-intensive but also less effective.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a steam generator to generate steam during the drying cycle, which alternates with water spraying in the washing compartment, allowing for efficient evaporation of moisture without the need for an auxiliary heater.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a heater is used to heat air for drying dishes, then the drying function is achieved, but energy consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water from liquid to vapor through steam generation. The steam generator produces steam that directly contacts the dishes, causing rapid evaporation of residual water through phase transition, thereby achieving efficient drying without requiring large amounts of heated air
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional thermal convection drying system (heater + air circulation) with a steam-based direct evaporation system. The steam generator and spray mechanism substitute for the heater, using phase change and direct contact evaporation instead of indirect thermal convection, thus reducing energy consumption while maintaining drying effectiveness
2Productivity
If steam is supplied continuously for more than 15 minutes, then drying efficiency is improved, but washing cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by alternating between steam supply periods and water spray periods during the washing cycle. The steam is supplied intermittently (e.g., 3-5 times with each duration exceeding 3 minutes) rather than continuously, allowing the dishes to be progressively heated and prepared for drying while controlling the total cycle time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by supplying steam during the washing cycle to pre-heat the dishes and washing compartment before the drying cycle begins. This preliminary heating reduces the time and energy required during the subsequent drying phase, as the dishes are already warm and moisture evaporation is accelerated
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 significantly reduces energy consumption and enhances drying efficiency by using steam to heat the compartment to a temperature between 63° C and 67° C, effectively evaporating water without the need for a heater, thus improving overall washing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator that generates steam to dry dishes more efficiently during a drying cycle
Implementation Method 2
heating air inside the washing compartment and exhausting the heated air of the washing compartment
Implementation Method 3
The heated air typically dries dishes that remain wet after the washing and rinsing cycles by evaporating water remaining on the dishes
Data Source
AI summary
Dishwashers and methods of control for operation of dishwashers are disclosed. The operation of the dishwasher can include a drying cycle which uses a steam generator to supply steam to heat a washing compartment. The steam can evaporate moisture on the dishes in the washing compartment. When a condition of the dishwasher is met, such as a temperature or operation time meeting a preset value, an exhaust fan may exhaust air from inside the washing compartment. The operation of the dishwasher can improve power consumption and dry dishes more efficiently.