Dishwasher Auto Hot Start for Initial Fill Heating Decisions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Dishwashing appliances often face inefficiencies due to initial water not being hot enough at the start of a cycle, leading to either discarding and re-filling or heating the water, with existing methods not optimizing energy and water consumption effectively.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves characterizing the dishwashing appliance by measuring initial and subsequent water temperatures, calculating a heat rise rate, and determining the energy demand to heat the water to a reference temperature, thereby deciding whether to heat or replace the initial fill based on this calculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If the initial fill of water is heated to the reference temperature, then the water temperature is sufficient for effective washing, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization of the dishwashing appliance to determine its heat rise rate before operation. This advance knowledge allows the control system to calculate the exact energy demand for heating the initial water fill and compare it with external heating options, enabling optimal energy usage decisions from the start of each cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the heating strategy based on real-time calculations. The control system compares the calculated energy demand for internal heating with predetermined energy demand values for external heating, and selects the most efficient option. This dynamic decision-making process optimizes energy consumption while ensuring adequate water temperature.
2Temperature
If the initial fill of water is discarded and re-filled, then the water temperature can be sufficient for effective washing, but the water consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the initial water fill by heating it internally using the appliance's heating element. This approach maintains the water volume while achieving the required temperature for effective washing, thereby preventing water consumption increase that would result from discarding and re-filling.
3Use of energy by moving object
If the appliance waits for hot water from the plumbing system, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the cycle time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary characterization to measure the heat rise rate during installation or initial use. This advance preparation enables the appliance to quickly heat the initial water fill during subsequent cycles without waiting for hot water from the plumbing system, thereby reducing cycle time while managing energy consumption efficiently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system skips the waiting period for hot water from the plumbing system by immediately heating the initial water fill using the appliance's own heating element. This rushing through of the heating process using the appliance's integrated heater reduces cycle time, and the control system manages the energy demand to optimize overall 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 approach optimizes energy and water consumption by determining whether to heat or replace the initial water fill, reducing cycle time and water usage by using the Auto Hot Start feature when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
heating the initial fill of water to the reference temperature in the sump based on the calculated energy demand
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a dishwashing appliance includes filling the sump of the dishwashing appliance with an initial fill of water of a current operational cycle and measuring a temperature of the initial fill of water. The method also includes comparing the temperature of the initial fill of water to a reference temperature and calculating an energy demand for the dishwashing appliance to heat the initial fill of water to the reference temperature based on a heat rise rate. Based on the calculated energy demand, for example based on a comparison of the calculated energy demand with a predetermined energy demand for an external heating unit, the dishwashing appliance decides whether to heat the initial fill. The heat rise rate may be calculated during a characterization of the dishwashing appliance prior to the current operational cycle.