Laundry Machine Heating Control for Steam and Tub Temperature Balance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional laundry machines with steam generators face limitations in achieving desired temperature levels due to insufficient capacity, leading to unsatisfactory washing performance and energy inefficiency when relying solely on steam, especially with low-temperature wash water.
Innovation Solution
A controlling method that uses both a steam heater and a tub heater in conjunction with a water supply valve to maintain a predetermined water level and temperature in the tub, allowing for effective energy management and improved washing performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If a steam generator with insufficient capacity is used to raise temperature, then energy consumption is reduced, but the desired temperature level cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The heating function is segmented into two independent heating elements: a steam generator for energy-efficient heating and a tub heater for supplemental temperature boosting. This allows the system to use the energy-efficient steam generator as the primary heating source while having the capability to activate the tub heater when additional heating power is needed to reach the desired temperature level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the heating parameter by switching between two different heating mechanisms (steam generation vs. direct water heating) based on the temperature requirements. The controller monitors the temperature and dynamically adjusts which heating source is active, changing the heating parameter from steam-only to a combination of steam and direct heating when needed.
2Use of energy by stationary object
If steam alone is used for heating, then energy efficiency is improved, but washing performance deteriorates due to insufficient temperature maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary heating using the energy-efficient steam generator to raise the temperature, then uses the tub heater as a backup or supplemental source to ensure the temperature is maintained at the desired level throughout the washing cycle. This preliminary action with steam followed by maintenance heating ensures both energy efficiency and reliable temperature maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary that manages the interaction between the steam generator and tub heater. It monitors temperature conditions and determines when to switch between or combine the two heating sources, ensuring that the energy-efficient steam generator is used primarily while the tub heater provides supplemental support when needed to maintain washing performance.
3Reliability
If a tub heater is added to the steam generator system, then temperature control reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tub heater is merged with the existing steam generator system, sharing common components such as the controller, temperature sensors, and water supply system. This integration allows the two heating sources to work together as a unified system, improving temperature control reliability while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity through shared infrastructure.
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 enhances energy efficiency and washing performance by utilizing both steam and heated water to achieve and maintain desired conditions, overcoming limitations of steam-only systems and ensuring consistent temperature and water levels.
Implementation Method 1
steam generator to supply steam to laundry
Implementation Method 2
Converting a small amount of water into steam
Implementation Method 3
tub heater to heat wash water in the tub
Implementation Method 4
steam has a high temperature and thus, is advantageous to further raise a temperature of or around laundry
Data Source
AI summary
A controlling method of a laundry machine is disclosed. The controlling method includes supplying wash water into a tub up to a predetermined water level, and controlling On/Off of a steam heater and a tub heater until a temperature inside the tub or a drum reaches a predetermined temperature at the predetermined water level. By using both the tub heater and steam heater in conjunction with a controlling of a water supply valve in order to acquire the predetermined water level and predetermined tub temperature, the controlling method is advantageous to improve energy efficiency of the laundry machine.