Washer-Dryer Power Control Under Shared Current Limits
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing controllers for washing machines and dryers often operate at suboptimal currents to prevent exceeding current limits, leading to inefficiencies and potential accidents, as they are designed to anticipate simultaneous operation and reduce current consumption, resulting in permanent current loss and reduced performance when used separately.
Innovation Solution
A controller with a microcontroller (micom) that communicates with the other appliance to adjust the current supply based on operation states, ensuring optimal performance within the current limit by setting optimal current values and a communication system to dynamically adjust power distribution between the washing machine and dryer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the washing machine and dryer are designed to operate at their optimal performance currents independently, then each appliance achieves optimal efficiency, but the total current consumption exceeds the current limit when both operate simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control functions of the washing machine and dryer into a unified system where a single power supply controller manages both appliances. This integration enables centralized monitoring of total current consumption and coordinated control to keep the combined current within the limit while maximizing individual appliance performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the operation of appliances based on real-time current consumption monitoring. When total current approaches the limit, the controller dynamically modifies operating parameters or sequences operation to maintain optimal efficiency without exceeding the current limit.
2Reliability
If the current consumption is reduced in advance to prepare for simultaneous operation, then the current limit is not exceeded, but permanent current loss occurs and neither appliance can perform at optimal efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the controller continuously monitors the actual current consumption of both appliances and adjusts operation accordingly. This real-time feedback enables the system to maintain optimal efficiency during single operation and prevent current limit violation during simultaneous operation without permanent current reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters dynamically based on the operating state. When only one appliance operates, it uses optimal performance current. When both operate simultaneously, the controller adjusts parameters to distribute current appropriately, eliminating the need for permanent current reduction.
3Productivity
If a single power supply controller manages both appliances, then optimal current distribution is achieved within the current limit, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal power supply controller that performs multiple functions: monitoring current consumption, determining operation states of both appliances, calculating optimal current distribution, and controlling power delivery. This multi-functional approach achieves efficient current management without proportionally increasing system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a controller effectively controlling the power for a washing machine and a drier, and a method of doing the same. More particularly, it relates to a controller for a washing machine or a dryer, and a method for supplying the power so that a washing machine and a drier as a one body may perform an optimal efficiency in a range of a current limit, when supplied the power by the same power source. A controller for a washing machine comprising a micom; and communication means for communicating with a controller of a dryer. A controller for a dryer comprising a micom; and communication means for communicating with the controller of the washing machine.