Dual-Inlet Dishwasher Control for Hot-Water Energy Tradeoffs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern dishwashers face inefficiencies in energy and water usage, particularly due to the high costs associated with drawing hot water from external supplies, especially when auxiliary heating is required, which can exceed the savings from reduced electrical heating costs.
Innovation Solution
A dishwasher with a program control device that allows for two operating modes: one using hot water from an external supply, potentially assisted by thermal solar energy, and another using only cold water, optimizing water usage based on the external supply's heating capabilities, with separate hoses for hot and cold water connections to adapt to varying energy sources.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If hot water is drawn from external hot water supply, then energy costs for internal heating are reduced, but operating costs of external hot water supply increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dishwasher dynamically adapts its water intake strategy by providing two distinct operating modes that can be selected based on external hot water supply conditions. The control device enables switching between hot water mode and cold water mode, allowing the system to optimize energy costs by adapting to varying external supply conditions rather than continuously drawing hot water.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the water temperature parameter by offering two discrete operating modes: one utilizing hot water from external supply and another using exclusively cold water. This parameter change allows the system to respond to external supply conditions and avoid situations where drawing hot water becomes more costly than using cold water with internal heating.
2Use of energy by moving object
If thermal solar installation is used for hot water supply, then electrical energy consumption is reduced, but additional costs for operating external hot water supply increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operation based on the availability and cost-effectiveness of thermal solar hot water supply. By providing selectable operating modes, the dishwasher can switch between utilizing solar-heated water and using cold water with internal heating, thereby optimizing the balance between electrical energy savings and external supply operating costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device incorporates feedback regarding external hot water supply conditions, enabling the system to make informed decisions about water intake strategy. This feedback mechanism allows the dishwasher to recognize when drawing hot water from the external supply (including solar installation) becomes more costly than alternative approaches.
3Adaptability or versatility
If two water connections are provided, then adaptability to external supply conditions is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The water inlet device is segmented into two independent subsystems: a hot water inlet device and a cold water inlet device. Each subsystem has its own valve and hose, allowing independent control. This segmentation enables the control device to select which subsystem to activate based on external supply conditions, providing adaptability while maintaining relatively simple individual components.
Solution Approach 2:
The dual water connection system provides multi-functionality by enabling the dishwasher to operate in two different modes: hot water mode for conditions where external hot water supply is cost-effective, and cold water mode for conditions where it is more economical. This universal approach allows the single device to handle varying external supply conditions effectively.
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 reduces the internal heating requirements of the dishwasher, leading to lower energy costs and improved efficiency by selectively using hot or cold water based on the external supply's conditions, thereby minimizing energy consumption and maintaining effective cleaning and drying results.
Implementation Method 1
particularly fed at least partially from a thermal solar installation
Implementation Method 2
the hot water needed by the dishwasher can be drawn from a hot water supply line, the water of which is heated by a domestic heating system
Data Source
AI summary
A dishwasher includes a hot water inlet device for intake of hot water from an external hot water supply and a cold water inlet device for intake of cold water from an external cold water supply. A program control device controls a wash cycle of a selected dishwashing program for cleaning wash items. The program control device is constructed to operate in at least one of first and second operating modes, wherein the first operating mode includes activation of one wash program which, in at least one partial wash cycle of a wash cycle, draws hot water from the external hot water supply, and wherein the second operating mode includes activation of another wash program which, in at least one partial wash cycle of a wash cycle, exclusively draws cold water from the external cold water supply.