Washing Machine Steam and Water Heating Overlap for Lower Energy Use
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Solution Overview
Problem
Washing machines face inefficiencies in energy consumption and thermal efficiency due to the high thermal energy required to heat wash water, which increases power consumption and costs, and existing solutions like high-efficiency heat generators add to the machine's price.
Innovation Solution
A method and structure for a washing machine that involves heating wash water and supplying steam into the washing tub, with the time frames for heating and steam supply overlapping or coinciding, to reduce energy consumption and thermal energy waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the temperature of wash water is increased to improve washing efficiency, then washing efficiency is improved, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the steam generation function and wash water heating function into a single integrated system. The steam generator heats water to produce steam, and the same heat source simultaneously heats the wash water in the tub, merging two heating operations into one coordinated process that reduces total energy consumption while maintaining washing efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system generates steam in advance during the wash cycle, and this pre-generated steam is then used to heat the wash water. By performing the steam generation action beforehand and utilizing it for heating purposes, the system avoids the need for separate heating operations, thereby reducing overall power consumption while achieving effective washing
2Loss of energy
If a heat generator with high thermal efficiency is introduced to improve thermal efficiency, then thermal efficiency is improved, but the price of the washing machine increases
Solution Approach 1:
The steam generator is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates steam for the wash cycle and simultaneously serves as a heat source for warming the wash water. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for additional dedicated heating devices, thereby improving thermal efficiency without increasing manufacturing complexity or machine price
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses its own steam generation process to provide the heat needed for wash water heating. The steam generator essentially heats itself and the wash water using the same energy input, creating a self-sufficient thermal system that improves efficiency without requiring external high-cost heating equipment
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 reduces energy consumption, shortens the time to heat wash water to a target temperature, and enhances thermal efficiency without the need for additional devices or increased costs, improving the cost-effectiveness and performance of the washing machine.
Implementation Method 1
heating wash water contained in a washing tub
Implementation Method 2
generates steam by heating wash water
Implementation Method 3
generates steam by heating wash water
Data Source
AI summary
A method of controlling a washing machine and a washing machine, in which the energy efficiency of a washing machine can be optimized without incurring additional costs are provided. The method includes heating wash water contained in a washing tub; and supplying steam into the washing tub, wherein a time frame during which the heating the wash water is performed at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the supplying steam is performed. The washing machine includes a cabinet; a washing tub disposed in the cabinet; a wash water heating unit; and a steam supply unit, wherein a time frame during which the wash water heating unit heats the wash water in the washing tub at least partially overlaps with a time frame during which the steam supply unit supplies steam into the washing tub.