Uniform Garment Care Cycle with Steam Cooling and Heat Pump Drying
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laundry treating apparatuses for frequently worn clothing, such as uniforms, face challenges in effectively removing odors and wrinkles while minimizing washing and drying time, and optimizing energy consumption based on environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
A laundry treating apparatus with a treating chamber, a moving hanger for vibration, a blower unit for air circulation, a steam unit for steam supply, and a heat pump unit for heat generation, controlled through a method involving preheating, cooling, steam, standby, and drying operations, with differential operating speeds and times based on inlet temperature to optimize efficiency and energy use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a laundry treating apparatus performs comprehensive steam and drying operations to effectively remove odors and wrinkles from frequently worn clothing, then the treatment effectiveness is improved, but the washing and drying time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus performs a preheating operation before the main steam operation to prepare the steam unit in advance. This preliminary action ensures that when the steam operation begins, the steam unit is already at optimal temperature, reducing the total treatment time while maintaining effective odor and wrinkle removal
Solution Approach 2:
The drying operation is divided into multiple periodic phases with alternating blower and heat pump unit operations. The controller manages sequential heating and cooling periods, allowing efficient moisture removal while preventing overheating, thus reducing total drying time without compromising treatment effectiveness
2Productivity
If the laundry treating apparatus operates all units at high power to minimize treatment time, then the productivity is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller dynamically adjusts the operating power of different units based on the treatment phase and real-time conditions. During preheating, the steam unit operates at moderate power; during steam operation, it increases to high power; during drying, the heat pump unit power is modulated based on chamber temperature feedback. This dynamic adjustment maintains high productivity while optimizing energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus changes operational parameters such as power level, operating speed, and temperature setpoints at different stages of the treatment cycle. The blower unit operates at different speeds during cooling versus drying phases, and the heat pump unit adjusts its compression ratio based on ambient temperature, achieving efficient energy use without sacrificing treatment speed
3Speed
If the heat pump unit operates continuously at high capacity to accelerate drying, then the drying speed is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors the treating chamber temperature and humidity levels during drying operation. Based on this feedback, it dynamically adjusts the heat pump unit's operating capacity. When the chamber reaches optimal drying conditions, the heat pump power is reduced or shut off, preventing unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining high drying speed through targeted high-capacity operation during critical phases
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
The solution enables efficient removal of odors and wrinkles from frequently worn clothing, minimizes washing and drying time, and optimizes energy consumption by controlling the heat pump unit based on environmental conditions, ensuring effective drying and reduced energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a heat pump unit disposed in the cycle chamber and generating heat through a refrigeration cycle using a refrigerant
Implementation Method 2
a steam unit disposed in the cycle chamber and supplying steam to the treating chamber
Implementation Method 3
a blower unit disposed in the cycle chamber and circulating air of the treating chamber
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method of controlling a laundry treating apparatus, if a user selects a uniform course, including performing a preheating operation of a heater to generate steam, performing a first cooling operation to operate a blower unit and a moving hanger after the preheating operation has been terminated, performing a steam operation to operate the blower unit and a steam unit and to circulate steam to a treating chamber after the first cooling operation has been terminated, performing a standby operation to operate the blower unit after the steam operation has been terminated, performing a second cooling operation to operate the blower unit after the standby operation has been terminated, and performing a drying operation to operate the blower unit and a heat pump unit and to provide heat to the treating chamber to dry the treating chamber after the second cooling operation has been terminated.