Integrated washing-drying machine and method for controlling the same
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Solution Overview
Problem
Integrated washing-drying machines face challenges in cleaning the condenser due to insufficient condensate water, leading to lint accumulation and reduced heat exchange efficiency, which increases air flow resistance and energy consumption.
Innovation Solution
The integrated washing-drying machine uses a cleaner that sprays either condensate water or washing water to the condenser for cleaning, with a controller managing the water supply to ensure sufficient cleaning, even when condensate water is insufficient, and reuses the cleaning water for washing or discharging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If condensate water is used to clean the condenser, then lint removal effectiveness is improved, but water availability deteriorates when condensate water is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The water supply system is designed to serve multiple functions: it can supply condensate water for condenser cleaning when available, and automatically switch to washing water from the washing drum when condensate water is insufficient. This multi-functionality ensures reliable lint removal regardless of condensate water availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that monitors condensate water levels and automatically selects the appropriate water source (condensate water or washing water) for condenser cleaning. This mediation ensures continuous cleaning operation without manual intervention.
2Loss of energy
If lint accumulates on the condenser surface, then heat exchange efficiency deteriorates, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs condenser cleaning at predetermined intervals automatically, preventing lint accumulation before it significantly degrades heat exchange efficiency. This preliminary maintenance action avoids the energy penalty that would result from severe lint buildup.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller monitors cleaning cycle completion and automatically initiates subsequent cleaning cycles at predetermined intervals. This feedback mechanism ensures continuous maintenance of heat exchange efficiency without requiring manual intervention or energy-intensive emergency cleaning operations.
3Reliability
If washing water is diverted to clean the condenser, then cleaning effectiveness is improved, but washing water availability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses washing water for condenser cleaning only when condensate water is insufficient, not as a routine operation. This partial action approach ensures washing water is primarily available for its main function while providing backup cleaning capability when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system recycles washing water that drains from the condenser cleaning process back into the washing drum for reuse in the washing cycle. This recovery mechanism minimizes the net loss of washing water while maintaining effective cleaning capability.
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 effectively cleans the condenser, reduces lint accumulation, improves heat exchange efficiency, and minimizes energy consumption by utilizing available water resources efficiently.
Implementation Method 1
high-temperature air discharged from a drying drum may be cooled and condensed while exchanging heat with an evaporator
Implementation Method 2
a cleaner configured to spray cleaning water to the condenser to thereby clean the condenser, the cleaning water including at least one of condensate water condensed from the evaporator or washing water to be supplied to the washing drum
Implementation Method 3
high-temperature air discharged from a drying drum may be cooled and condensed while exchanging heat with an evaporator, and the hot air may be produced while air to be supplied to the drying drum exchanges heat with a condenser
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an integrated washing-drying machine and a method of controlling the same, the integrated washing-drying machine including a housing, a drying drum disposed at an upper side in the housing and configured to accommodate and dry laundry, a washing drum disposed at a lower side in the housing and configured to accommodate and wash laundry, a heat pump having an evaporator, a compressor, and a condenser and produce hot air for drying laundry and supply the hot air to the drying drum, and a cleaning means configured to clean the condenser by spraying cleaning water to the condenser. In this case, the cleaning means uses, as the cleaning water, at least any one of condensate water produced in the evaporator and washing water to be supplied to the washing drum. With this configuration, when the amount of condensate water is insufficient, the washing water is additionally supplied to clean the condenser cleanly.