Washing Machine Top Module Integrating Heat Exchangers for Easy Upgrading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing washing machines with heat pumps face inefficiencies in energy consumption and require improved designs for easier installation and upgrade, particularly in the integration and operation of heat exchangers within the washing machine's cabinet.
Innovation Solution
A top module for a washing machine that includes at least one of the two heat exchangers of a washing heat pump, with a first tank to cool and solidify a fluid and a second tank to hold process water, both immersed in refrigerant circuits, allowing for efficient heating and cooling of water, and optionally connected to the water mains for regeneration and recirculation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If heat pump components are distributed throughout the cabinet, then the washing machine can maintain flexibility in design and installation, but the complexity of integration and upgrading increases
Solution Approach 1:
The washing machine is divided into modular components: a cabinet and a separate top module. The top module contains the heat pump components (compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device) as self-contained units that can be independently installed, removed, or upgraded without affecting the cabinet structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The heat pump system is extracted from the cabinet and placed in a separate top module. This extraction allows the heat exchangers to be positioned optimally for thermal efficiency while maintaining ease of installation and upgrading by separating the complex heat pump components from the main washing chamber.
2Loss of energy
If heat exchangers are integrated into the cabinet structure, then installation is simplified, but energy efficiency of the heat pump system decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The heat exchangers (condenser and evaporator) are segmented into a separate top module rather than being integrated into the cabinet. This segmentation allows for optimized thermal pathways and reduced heat loss while maintaining installation simplicity through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The top module acts as an intermediary between the water supply and the heat pump system. It provides dedicated pathways for water circulation through the heat exchangers, improving thermal efficiency while keeping the installation process simple through standardized connections.
3Volume of moving object
If the top module contains both heat exchangers and fluid tanks, then space utilization improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The top module merges multiple functions into a single compact unit: it houses the compressor, condenser, evaporator, expansion device, fluid tanks, and water circulation system. This consolidation improves space utilization by vertical stacking while managing complexity through functional grouping.
Solution Approach 2:
The top module employs a nested arrangement where smaller components are positioned within or around larger structures. For example, the heat exchangers are positioned to utilize the walls and structures of the fluid tanks, and the expansion device is integrated into the refrigerant lines, maximizing space efficiency.
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
Enhances the efficiency of the washing heat pump by utilizing latent heat and improving energy usage, while allowing for easy installation and upgrade of existing models by centralizing key components within a self-contained top module.
Implementation Method 1
a first heat exchanger and a second heat exchanger forming a circuit comprising a refrigerant, the first heat exchanger being adapted to heat said refrigerant and to cool/solidify said fluid
Implementation Method 2
the first heat exchanger being adapted to heat said refrigerant and to cool/solidify said fluid
Implementation Method 3
the second heat exchanger being adapted to cool said refrigerant and to heat process water to be used in the chamber
Implementation Method 4
Enhances the efficiency of the washing heat pump by utilizing latent heat and improving energy usage
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A washing machine (1) comprising a cabinet (25) and a self- contained and self-supporting top (20) adapted to match and close from above said cabinet (25), the top (20) being formed as a ready-to-mount part ready to be mounted to the cabinet (25), the washing machine (1) housing: - a chamber (10) for receiving goods to be washed, - a heat pump (15) comprising a circuit (100) comprising a refrigerant, a first heat exchanger (30, 101), and a second heat exchanger (40, 102), the first heat exchanger (30, 101) being adapted to heat said refrigerant and to cool/solidify a fluid adapted to cool down/solidify, the second heat exchanger (40, 102) being adapted to cool said refrigerant and to heat process water to be used in the chamber (10), characterized in that the top (20) comprises at least one of: -- a first tank (30) adapted to hold an amount of said fluid adapted to cool down/solidify and housing a first portion (101) of said refrigerant circuit (100) immersed therein, embodying said first heat exchanger and -- a second tank (40) adapted to hold an amount of process water to be used in the chamber (10) and housing a second portion (102) of said refrigerant circuit (100) immersed therein, embodying said second heat exchanger.