Recirculation Pump Steam Integration for Low-Loss Washing Machines
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines and washer-dryers face challenges in reducing steam temperature losses and energy consumption, particularly during the steam cycle, which affects the efficiency of the washing and drying processes.
Innovation Solution
The integration of a steam generator within the recirculation circuit, including a heater, allows for optimized steam flow and reduced water heating requirements by using the recirculation pump and pipe to convey steam, minimizing temperature losses and energy usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a separate steam generating system is used, then steam generation capability is achieved, but device complexity and energy consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam generator with the recirculation pump into a single integrated unit. The heater element is positioned within the recirculation pump housing, allowing the same component to perform both water recirculation and steam generation functions. This merging eliminates the need for separate steam generation equipment, reducing device complexity while maintaining steam generation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation pump is designed to serve dual purposes: circulating water throughout the washing machine and generating steam for ironing or freshening functions. The heater element within the pump housing enables the pump to function as both a fluid circulation device and a steam generator, allowing one component to perform multiple functions that would traditionally require separate systems.
2Temperature
If traditional heating methods are used to generate steam, then steam is produced, but steam temperature losses increase and energy efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation pump continuously circulates water through the heater element, maintaining a constant supply of heated water that converts to steam. This continuous circulation ensures that the heater operates efficiently at optimal temperature, preventing energy losses associated with intermittent heating and ensuring consistent steam temperature generation without waste.
Solution Approach 2:
The recirculation water acts as an intermediary medium that transfers thermal energy from the heater element to the steam generation process. Water is heated by the pump's internal heater, then circulated through the washing machine where it generates steam through phase change, efficiently transferring thermal energy with minimal temperature loss throughout the system.
3Quantity of substance
If water is heated in large quantities for steam generation, then sufficient steam is produced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recirculation pump heats only the portion of water needed for steam generation rather than heating all water in the washing machine. The heater element within the pump processes a controlled, smaller volume of recirculating water, producing sufficient steam for ironing or freshening functions while consuming significantly less energy than heating the entire water load.
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 configuration reduces steam temperature losses and optimizes steam flow, resulting in lower energy consumption and improved efficiency in washing and drying processes, with minimal changes required to standard machine designs.
Implementation Method 1
a steam generator (13) for generating steam, which is conveyed into the tub (2) through the recirculation circuit (8, 18)
Implementation Method 2
a recirculation pump (18) and a recirculation pipe (8), the recirculation circuit being connected to the tub (2) and adapted to convey inside the tub recirculation water taken from the tub (2)
Implementation Method 3
a steam generator (13) for generating steam
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3
AI summary
A washing machine including a tub (2), a drum (3) rotatably supported inside the tub (2), a recirculation circuit including a recirculation pipe (8) and a recirculation pump (18), the recirculation circuit being connected to the tub (2) and adapted to convey inside the tub (2) recirculation water taken from the tub (2), wherein the recirculation circuit comprises a steam generator (13) for generating steam, which is conveyed into the tub (2) through the recirculation circuit.