Steam Fabric Sanitization With Preheating to Cut Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sanitizing fabric items with steam requires high energy due to the need for elevated temperatures, which is inefficient and energy-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A method for sanitizing fabric loads in a fabric treatment appliance involves initial heating followed by steam sanitization at a predetermined temperature of about 70°C for a specified time, with optional tumbling and use of a sanitizing agent, to reduce energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If fabric items are sanitized with steam at high temperature, then sanitization effectiveness is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric load is pre-heated to a first temperature above ambient temperature before steam sanitization. This preliminary heating action reduces the temperature differential needed during steam sanitization, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining sanitization effectiveness at the subsequent higher sanitization temperature
Solution Approach 2:
The method employs a two-stage temperature approach: first heating the fabric to a moderate temperature (25°C to 60°C), then raising it to a sanitization temperature (above 60°C). This parameter change strategy optimizes energy efficiency by avoiding direct heating from ambient to high temperature, reducing overall energy consumption while achieving effective sanitization
2Reliability
If fabric load is heated to high temperature for sanitization, then microbial inactivation is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fabric load undergoes preliminary heating to a first temperature above ambient temperature before the steam sanitization phase. This preliminary action reduces the energy required to reach the sanitization temperature, as the fabric already possesses thermal energy from the initial heating stage
Solution Approach 2:
The heating process is continuous and sequential: the fabric is heated to a first temperature, then immediately subjected to steam sanitization that raises the temperature to the sanitization level. This continuous heating approach maintains thermal energy accumulation, reducing energy losses and improving overall energy efficiency compared to intermittent heating cycles
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 allows for effective sanitization of fabric loads with reduced energy usage by leveraging pre-heated loads and efficient steam application, maintaining the sanitization temperature for a sufficient duration to ensure microbial inactivation.
Implementation Method 1
sanitizing the fabric load by heating the fabric load with steam
Implementation Method 2
The steam can also be employed for imparting heat to the fabric load to sanitize the fabric items
Implementation Method 3
fabric treatment appliances, such as a washing machine, a clothes dryer, and a fabric refreshing or revitalizing machine, utilize steam generators
Data Source
AI summary
A fabric treatment appliance, such as a washing machine, comprises at least one of a tub and drum configured to hold a fabric load. A method of operating the fabric treatment appliance comprises heating the fabric load and, after heating the fabric load, sanitizing the fabric load by heating the fabric load with steam.