EP2920354B1 - Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer and heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function - Google Patents
Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer and heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP2920354B1 EP2920354B1 EP13789796.3A EP13789796A EP2920354B1 EP 2920354 B1 EP2920354 B1 EP 2920354B1 EP 13789796 A EP13789796 A EP 13789796A EP 2920354 B1 EP2920354 B1 EP 2920354B1
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- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- laundry
- fan unit
- heat pump
- input variable
- process air
- Prior art date
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- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 99
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 title claims description 56
- 238000005406 washing Methods 0.000 title claims description 24
- 230000008569 process Effects 0.000 claims description 72
- 238000001816 cooling Methods 0.000 claims description 63
- 239000003507 refrigerant Substances 0.000 claims description 57
- 230000006870 function Effects 0.000 claims description 14
- 239000012530 fluid Substances 0.000 claims description 8
- 230000001419 dependent effect Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 238000012544 monitoring process Methods 0.000 claims description 7
- 230000004044 response Effects 0.000 claims description 7
- 239000007788 liquid Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000004048 modification Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000012986 modification Methods 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000008859 change Effects 0.000 claims description 3
- 230000001153 anti-wrinkle effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000012993 chemical processing Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 238000005108 dry cleaning Methods 0.000 claims description 2
- 230000002123 temporal effect Effects 0.000 claims description 2
- 239000003570 air Substances 0.000 description 66
- 238000010977 unit operation Methods 0.000 description 9
- 230000004913 activation Effects 0.000 description 6
- 238000010586 diagram Methods 0.000 description 5
- 239000012080 ambient air Substances 0.000 description 3
- 238000010981 drying operation Methods 0.000 description 3
- XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N Iron Chemical compound [Fe] XEEYBQQBJWHFJM-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 2
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 2
- 230000000737 periodic effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 230000000630 rising effect Effects 0.000 description 2
- 239000012209 synthetic fiber Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920002994 synthetic fiber Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004753 textile Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000005303 weighing Methods 0.000 description 2
- 210000002268 wool Anatomy 0.000 description 2
- 229920000742 Cotton Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 230000006399 behavior Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000007664 blowing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000007423 decrease Effects 0.000 description 1
- 238000001704 evaporation Methods 0.000 description 1
- 229910052742 iron Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 238000013021 overheating Methods 0.000 description 1
- 238000012545 processing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 230000033764 rhythmic process Effects 0.000 description 1
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Substances O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
Images
Classifications
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- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/32—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/34—Control of operations performed in domestic laundry dryers characterised by the purpose or target of the control
- D06F58/36—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry
- D06F58/38—Control of operational steps, e.g. for optimisation or improvement of operational steps depending on the condition of the laundry of drying, e.g. to achieve the target humidity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2101/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
- D06F2101/04—Quantity, e.g. weight
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2101/02—Characteristics of laundry or load
- D06F2101/06—Type or material
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2101/14—Time settings
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2101/00—User input for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2101/16—Target humidity for the drying process, e.g. very-dry cycles
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/24—Spin speed; Drum movements
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/28—Air properties
- D06F2103/36—Flow or velocity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/44—Current or voltage
- D06F2103/46—Current or voltage of the motor driving the drum
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/50—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to heat pumps, e.g. pressure or flow rate
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2103/00—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2103/54—Parameters monitored or detected for the control of domestic laundry washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers related to blowers or fans
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/16—Air properties
- D06F2105/24—Flow or velocity
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F2105/00—Systems or parameters controlled or affected by the control systems of washing machines, washer-dryers or laundry dryers
- D06F2105/52—Changing sequence of operational steps; Carrying out additional operational steps; Modifying operational steps, e.g. by extending duration of steps
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F25/00—Washing machines with receptacles, e.g. perforated, having a rotary movement, e.g. oscillatory movement, the receptacle serving both for washing and for centrifugally separating water from the laundry and having further drying means, e.g. using hot air
-
- D—TEXTILES; PAPER
- D06—TREATMENT OF TEXTILES OR THE LIKE; LAUNDERING; FLEXIBLE MATERIALS NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR
- D06F—LAUNDERING, DRYING, IRONING, PRESSING OR FOLDING TEXTILE ARTICLES
- D06F58/00—Domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/20—General details of domestic laundry dryers
- D06F58/206—Heat pump arrangements
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer or washing machine having a cooling fan unit for cooling a compressor of the dryer and the invention relates to a heat pump laundry dryer or a heat pump washing machine having drying function.
- EP 2 212 463 B1 discloses a household appliance for drying laundry.
- a heat pump unit and means for cooling a component thereof are arranged in a housing of the appliance.
- the means for cooling comprises a blower or fan which is adapted to convey cooling air from the outside of the appliance to the component.
- a temperature sensor is disposed in the housing for generating a signal dependent from a temperature within the housing, wherein the temperature sensor may be arranged adjacent to a heat exchanger for condensing a refrigerant.
- a control unit of the appliance is programmed to operated the blower in response to the signal.
- a motor for driving the blower may have a fixed speed, wherein the control unit is adapted to operate the motor intermittently in response to the temperature signal.
- a variable-speed motor is provided, wherein the control unit is adapted to operate the motor at varying speeds depending on the temperature signal.
- EP 1 884 586 A2 discloses a laundry dryer comprising a process air circuit and a heat pump circuit with a condenser, a throttle, and an evaporator.
- the process air circuit is adapted to guide process air through a drum, cool and thereby dry process air at the evaporator, and to re-heat process air at the condenser.
- An additional heat exchanger is arranged in the heat pump circuit between the condenser and the throttle and serves for removing heat energy from the heat pump circuit.
- a fan is arranged for cooling the additional heat exchanger, the fan being optionally controlled in dependency of a temperature of the process air and/or a temperature in the heat pump circuit.
- DE 44 09 607 A1 is related to a drying machine as well as a set of drying processes in a drying machine comprising a closed process air circuit, wherein process air is guided in the process air circle through the drying chamber, and a heat pump system with a closed refrigerant circuit, wherein a refrigerant is guided through an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser.
- the process air leaving the drying chamber is dehumidified in a heat exchanger which comprises the evaporator and is then re-heated in a heater that incorporates the condenser.
- a means for cooling the refrigerant is arranged at least at one of the components of the refrigerant circuit and may be controlled in dependency of a refrigerant temperature.
- EP 198 53 234 A1 presents a laundry dryer having a heat pump system and a closed process air circuit wherein a process air blower conveys process air through a laundry drum, a refrigerant evaporator, and a refrigerant condenser.
- a heat balancing means is arranged in the refrigerant circuit of the heat pump system between the refrigerant evaporator and the compressor.
- An additional fan is adapted to create a stream of ambient air moving across the surface of the heat balancing means. In that way, additional heat energy can be introduced into the heat pump system as long as the refrigerant is relatively cool whereas heat energy is removed when the refrigerant becomes relatively hot during the course of a drying process.
- the additional fan is preferably operated continuously throughout the whole drying process as well as during an optional cool-down phase at the end of the drying program.
- EP 2 058 427 A1 teaches a household appliance for drying articles, the appliance comprising a drying chamber, a closed process-air circuit with a first blower, a heat pump unit, a condensate collector, a control unit, and an additional cooling means with a second blower for cooling at least one component of the heat pump unit.
- Process air is conveyed by the first blower along the articles to be dried inside the drying chamber.
- the heat pump unit is adapted for extracting humidity from the process air, and the resulting condensate is collected within the condensate collector.
- the second blower air from the outside of the appliance is fed to the additional cooling means serving for removal of excess heat generated by the heat pump unit.
- the second blower is operated by the control unit in response to a signal created by a temperature sensor which is preferably disposed at the heat pump unit. It is an object of the invention to provide a heat pump laundry dryer or washing machine having drying function and a method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer or washing machine which provides an improved drying performance.
- a method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer or a heat pump washing machine having drying function wherein the laundry dryer or washing machine comprises:
- the compressor may have a fixed rotational speed or may be a variable speed compressor.
- the cooling fan unit comprises for example at least one fan and a motor for driving the at least one fan.
- the cooling fan unit is adapted to cool the compressor during a drying operation, i.e. to remove excess heat from the heat pump system, to provide that the energy-efficient steady state or targeted operation state of the heat pump system is maintained during a drying operation (after a warm-up period at the beginning of a drying cycle).
- a drying program or drying cycle comprises a plurality of sub-sequences, i.e. cycle steps or program steps, wherein the duration or end of a cycle step is determined in dependency of one or more input variables.
- a cycle step may be terminated when a predetermined threshold value of an input variable is reached, e.g. a predetermined time is elapsed or a predetermined temperature of the heat pump system is reached.
- the operation parameter settings of the fan unit i.e. the cooling power of the fan unit, is adjusted to requirements of each specific drying cycle step, such that the heat pump system operates at all times at best possible conditions. I.e. it is provided that as soon as the heat pump system operates in a steady or balanced state, this operation state is maintained, whereby the drying performance of the treatment apparatus is improved, in particular with respect to energy-efficiency.
- an operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit may comprise one or more of the following operation parameters, in particular an arbitrary combination thereof: a fan rotation speed, i.e. a fan flow rate, an On/Off activation power duty ratio, e.g. controlled by driving a cooling fan motor through a PWM (pulse-width modulation) signal to control the fan speed, a threshold temperature above which the cooling fan unit is switched On and below which the fan unit is switched Off, and additionally or alternatively an On/Off time profile (e.g. duty ratio of operational ON/OFF periods), e.g. driving the fan not continuously but through a certain activation rhythm (e.g. 20 sec. ON, 5 sec. OFF).
- a fan rotation speed i.e. a fan flow rate
- an On/Off activation power duty ratio e.g. controlled by driving a cooling fan motor through a PWM (pulse-width modulation) signal to control the fan speed
- a program cycle may be one of the following: a drying cycle, a laundry refreshment cycle, a laundry dry cleaning cycle, a laundry chemical processing cycle, a washing cycle, and an anti-wrinkle cycle.
- the program cycle or each of the plurality of program cycles has a first sub-sequence and at least a second sub-sequence, wherein the first sub-sequence has a first operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit and the second sub-sequence has a second operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit, and wherein the first and second operation parameter sets are different from each other.
- the method provides a plurality of operation parameter sets, wherein each operation parameter set is different from the other.
- the plurality of operation parameter sets is provided, i.e. selected and applied, by the control unit which controls the operation of the fan unit.
- a working parameter of heat pump system may be for example a temperature of the refrigerant, in particular the refrigerant temperature at one of the heat exchangers, at the compressor outlet or at the condenser outlet.
- a counter for determining a time parameter of a running program cycle may be implemented in the control unit.
- the counter may be adapted to count time or determine elapsed time from the start of a program cycle, or from the start of a sub-sequence or from the time point of one of the other input parameters reaching or exceeding a predefined value, e.g. a predetermined refrigerant temperature, laundry humidity or process air temperature.
- a drying progress status may include the temperature of process air for example at drum exit or a humidity value of the laundry to be dried for example detected by a humidity sensor of the treatment apparatus.
- a user selected variable i.e. a user selection, may be for example a selected cycle, a selected cycle option or drying program type (e.g. fast-drying or night operation (silent and slow mode)), a residual laundry humidity, final humidity or drying level (e.g. extra-dry or iron-aid, i.e. higher residual laundry humidity), a laundry amount (e.g. input by user, detected by a weight sensor of the treatment apparatus (e.g. laundry dryer)), or estimated by an appropriate algorithm, a laundry type (e.g. cotton, wool etc.), and/or an energy-saving option or a drying process time-saving option (e.g. eco-mode, rapid).
- a selected cycle e.g. fast-drying or night operation (silent and slow mode)
- a residual laundry humidity, final humidity or drying level e.g. extra-dry or iron-aid, i.e. higher residual laundry humidity
- a laundry amount e.g. input by user, detected by a weight sensor of the treatment
- a working parameter of the laundry compartment or laundry drum may be a power consumption of a drum motor for driving the drum and/or a rotation speed of the drum motor.
- a plurality of laundry parameters may be derived from the power consumption of the drum motor.
- the laundry amount or load and its humidity or loss of humidity may be concluded/estimated from the detected power consumption of the drum motor.
- the power consumption for rotating the laundry drum is higher than for a less weighing laundry load.
- the drum motor has a lower power consumption when agitating the (less weighing) laundry.
- a working parameter of the process air fan may be a fan rotation speed, a fan motor power consumption and/or a fan flow rate.
- a working parameter of an electric driving motor for example a drum motor driving a laundry drum, a process air fan motor for driving process air through the process air circuit, may be the motor power supply and/or power consumption of the motor as described above, or the current, the voltage, the phase supplied to such motor, or a parameter calculated therefrom, such as the motor torque.
- a working parameter of the compressor may be its power consumption, the compressor speed and/or a compressor motor status (e.g. On/Off).
- An environment parameter of the treatment apparatus may be the detected ambient temperature and additionally or alternatively the humidity of ambient air outside the treatment apparatus.
- An operation parameter set of the fan unit may be modified or changed in dependency of any one of the above described input variables or in dependency of an arbitrary combination of two or more of the input variables. I.e. an operation parameter set may be modified in dependency of each input variable independently from the other input variable(s).
- the end of a sub-sequence is determined in response to the detected or monitored input variable exceeding, reaching or undershooting a predefined threshold, a predefined amount of change of the detected or monitored input variable, a predefined temporal gradient of the detected or monitored input variable, or an arbitrary combination thereof.
- the specific cycle or program step end condition is determined and controlled by the control unit, such that the selected drying program may be closely adapted to requirements of a presently running program or cycle.
- modifying or changing an operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit comprises changing from a first predetermined fan unit profile to a second predetermined fan unit profile, wherein the first fan unit profile is different from the second fan unit profile.
- a first fan unit profile is executed in a (first) cycle step or sub-sequence of a running drying program cycle.
- the cycle step is terminated as described above, e.g. because a predetermined threshold value is reached, i.e. a following (second) cycle step is started with a second fan unit profile different to the first.
- an executed fan unit control profile may be a time behavior or time pattern, i.e. a profile over time, which is applied during the sub-sequence of the drying program until the monitored input variable reaches a predetermined sub-sequence end condition which terminates the sub-sequence.
- the predetermined fan unit (time) profile includes one or more of the following: a predetermined fan unit speed or conveyance capacity profile (e.g. an individual speed profile over time), a predetermined fan unit On/Off-time profile (e.g. a predetermined activation profile over time like 20 sec. On / 5 sec. Off - either periodic or non-periodic), and a predetermined fan unit On/Off duty cycle ratio, i.e. the ratio between On-time and Off-time of the fan unit.
- an operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit provides an operation profile for switching the fan On and Off over time, i.e. a fan unit On/Off profile.
- detected input variables may be a working parameter of the treatment apparatus (e.g. drum motor speed, power consumption of the apparatus), a machine alarm or a (humidity) status of the laundry dried in the apparatus. If for example the power consumption of the treatment apparatus (i.e. the detected input variable) increases during a drying cycle above a predetermined threshold value the executed sub-sequence is terminated.
- an operation profile for the fan unit is selected (i.e. applied) by the control unit which increases the cooling power or conveying capacity of the fan unit. For example by providing an operation profile having longer operating phases between non-operating phases of the fan unit, i.e. by increasing a duty cycle ratio of the fan unit.
- At least one of the working parameters and the status parameters may be detected by an associated sensor dedicated to the working parameter or status parameter to be detected, wherein the sensor signal is processed by a sensor unit.
- a sensor may be: a weight sensor for detecting a laundry amount or load, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the treatment apparatus, in particular a starting temperature of the heat pump, a humidity sensor for detecting a laundry humidity in the laundry compartment.
- the sensor unit may be implemented or partially implemented in or by the control unit of the treatment apparatus.
- control unit is adapted to derive at least one of the above mentioned working parameters and status parameters by monitoring a sensor signal (or signals) and/or a component status over time.
- a sensor signal or signals
- the laundry load or loss of humidity may be derived from the power consumption of the drum motor.
- Another example is deriving a laundry type by monitoring the progress of process air temperature and/or laundry humidity over time - possibly with knowledge of a laundry amount.
- wool absorbs more liquid than synthetic fibers. I.e. when heating process air to remove moisture from a load of woolen articles more water has to be vaporized - in comparison to a load of synthetic fibers - such that the temperature of the process air does not rise as fast.
- a look-up table is implemented in the control unit, wherein the look-up table provides for each program cycle and for each sub-sequence of the program cycle (i) a corresponding operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit, or (ii) a reference to a corresponding operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit.
- a reference may be a location in a memory (of the control unit) where a corresponding operation parameter set is stored. Some of the operation parameter sets may be identical or the reference may point to the same memory location.
- the method further comprises: changing an operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit in dependency of the detected end of a program sub-sequence, i.e. in dependency of at least one detected or monitored first input variable, as described above and additionally modifying or changing such a determined operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit in dependency of a second input variable, wherein the type of the second input variable is different of the type of the first input variable.
- the humidity level and the drum motor speed of the laundry load are the detected first and second input variables.
- a predefined humidity level (end condition) is reached during a sub-sequence, the sub-sequence is terminated and a predefined operation parameter set, e.g.
- ON/Off temperature set is selected and applied to the fan unit for the following sub-sequence. Subsequently, i.e. during the executed sub-sequence or cycle step, the selected fan unit operation parameter set (ON/Off temperature set) is modified in dependency of the second input variable, e.g. the drum motor speed.
- the drum motor speed (input variable), e.g. motor speed ⁇ 2000 rpm, is related to a specific On/Off temperature set (fan unit operation parameter set), defining at which temperature the fan unit is switched-on and switched-Off (e.g. 58°C / 56°C).
- the operation parameter settings of the fan unit may be individually adapted to the specific state or condition of a presently executed drying cycle (step).
- the temperature may be detected at any place in the treatment apparatus, e.g. at the heat pump system or laundry drum.
- control unit receives and processes the at least one input variable and is adapted to modify the operating parameter set of the cooling fan unit in response to the receiving and processing of the input variable.
- the operating parameter set is changed only in response of a change in the input variable status or level. For example when the input variable changes from one predefined level range to another predefined level range (e.g. using thresholds for the variables).
- the second input variable is at least one of the following input variables, which have been described in part above: a user selectable input variable, a machine alarm status parameter (e.g. overheat alarm, electric failure alarm etc.), a working parameter of the laundry drum, a working parameter of a process air fan, a working parameter of an electric driving motor, a working parameter of the compressor, a drying progress status parameter or a status parameter of the laundry to be dried, an environment parameter of the treatment apparatus environment, and a working parameter of the heat pump system.
- a working parameter of heat pump system is for example a temperature of the refrigerant, in particular the refrigerant temperature at one of the heat exchangers, at the compressor outlet or at the condenser outlet.
- the operation parameter set of the cooling unit may be changed in dependency of the second input variable being in a first predefined range or being above or below a first predefined threshold, wherein for a predefined second range of the first input variable the operation parameter set of the cooling unit may be changed in dependency of the second input variable being in a second predefined range or being above or below a second predefined threshold.
- Table 1 A general example comprising first and second threshold values (Thresholds 1 and 2) is depicted in the following Table 1: Table 1: General example Input Range fan unit operation parameter set activated Input ⁇ Threshold 1 fan unit operation parameter set 1 Threshold 1 ⁇ Input ⁇ Threshold 2 fan unit operation parameter set 2 Input > Threshold 2 fan unit operation parameter set 3
- Table 2 Specific example Drum motor speed (connected to fan unit) fan unit On/Off temperature Speed ⁇ 2000 rpm 58°C / 56°C 2000 rpm ⁇ speed ⁇ 2800 rpm 54°C / 53°C Speed > 2800 rpm 51°C / 50°C
- the first input variable is the drum motor speed
- the second input variable is a temperature of a heat pump system temperature or refrigerant temperature.
- the applied fan unit On/Off temperature (in column 2) is selected in dependency of the drum motor speed (in column 1) - i.e. the higher the drum motor speed the lower the On/Off switching temperature to respond in time to a faster temperature rise of the compressor at higher drum motor speeds.
- a look-up table e.g. like shown in the example of Table 2, is implemented in the control unit and the operation parameter set to be selected is retrieved from the look-up table in dependency of the respective value or value range of the input variable.
- a further look-up table may be implemented in the control unit and the second input variable to be selected is retrieved from the further look-up table in dependency of the first input variable, wherein the first and second input variables govern the operation of the fan unit as described above and below.
- the first input variable may be the drum motor speed as shown above, the process air blower speed or the drum rotation speed, wherein the second input variable is a threshold temperature or temperature range of a heat pump system temperature or refrigerant temperature.
- the selection of the operation parameter set or the modification of the operation parameter set during a sub-sequence or cycle step may be made in dependency of a function in which the first input variable and the second input variable are used as function variables.
- the drum motor speed is the first input variable and a temperature of e.g. the heat pump system is the second input variable, wherein the operation parameter set (switch-On / switch-Off temperature set) is set in dependency of the first input variable.
- equations [1] and [2] provide a continuous adjustment of the fan unit switch-On / switch-Off temperature.
- Table 3 Continuous adjustment of fan unit switch-On/-Off temperature in dependency of detected drum motor speed drum motor [rpm] fan unit switch-On temp. [°C] fan unit switch-Off temp. [°C] 2000 60 58 2100 59 57 2200 58 56 .... .... .... 2700 53 51 2800 52 50 2900 51 49 3000 50 48
- a heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function wherein the laundry dryer or washing machine comprises:
- any of the above described features and elements of the method of operating a treatment apparatus may be combined in any arbitrary combination and may be implemented in a heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function as described above.
- Fig. 1 depicts in a schematic representation a laundry treatment apparatus 2 which in this embodiment is a heat pump tumble dryer.
- the tumble dryer comprises a heat pump system 4, including in a closed refrigerant loop 6 in this order of refrigerant flow B: a first heat exchanger 10 acting as evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant and cooling process air, a compressor 14, a second heat exchanger 12 acting as condenser for cooling the refrigerant and heating the process air, and an expansion device 16 from where the refrigerant is returned to the first heat exchanger 10.
- the heat pump system 4 forms a refrigerant loop 6 through which the refrigerant is circulated by the compressor 14 as indicated by arrow B. If the refrigerant in the heat pump system 4 is operated in the transcritical or totally supercritical state, the first and second heat exchanger 10, 12 can act as gas heater and gas cooler, respectively.
- the expansion device 16 is a controllable valve that operates under the control of a control unit 30 ( Fig. 2 ) to adapt the flow resistance for the refrigerant in dependency of operating states of the heat pump system 4.
- the expansion device 16 may be a fixed, non-controllable device like a capillary tube.
- the process air flow within the treatment apparatus 2 is guided through a compartment 18 of the treatment apparatus 2, i.e. through a compartment 18 for receiving articles to be treated, e.g. a drum 18.
- the articles to be treated are textiles, laundry 19, clothes, shoes or the like. In the embodiments here these are preferably textiles, laundry or clothes.
- the process air flow is indicated by arrows A in Fig. 1 and is driven by a process air blower 8 or fan.
- the process air channel 20 guides the process air flow A outside the drum 18 and includes different sections, including the section forming the battery channel 20a in which the first and second heat exchangers 10, 12 are arranged.
- the process air exiting the second heat exchanger 12 flows into a rear channel 20b in which the process air blower 8 is arranged.
- the air conveyed by blower 8 is guided upward in a rising channel 20c to the backside of the drum 18.
- the air exiting the drum 18 through the drum outlet (which is the loading opening of the drum) is filtered by a fluff filter 22 arranged close to the drum outlet in or at the channel 20.
- the first heat exchanger 10 transfers heat from process air A to the refrigerant. By cooling the process air to lower temperatures, humidity from the process air condenses at the first heat exchanger 10, is collected there and drained to a condensate collector 26.
- the process air which is cooled and dehumidified after passing the first heat exchanger 10 passes subsequently through the second heat exchanger 12 where heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the process air.
- the process air is sucked from exchanger 12 by the blower 8 and is driven into the drum 18 where it heats up the laundry 19 and receives the humidity therefrom.
- the process air exits the drum 18 and is guided in front channel 20d back to the first heat exchanger 10.
- the main components of the heat pump system 4 are arranged in a base section 5 or basement of the dryer 2.
- a cooling fan unit 24 or blower unit is arranged close to the compressor 14 for blowing cooling air C towards the compressor to remove heat from the compressor 14, i.e. from the heat pump system 4, during a drying operation.
- the cooling air flow C which is an ambient air flow in the embodiments, is actively driven by the cooling fan unit 24 and is taking heat from (the surface of) the compressor 14.
- the fan unit 24 comprises a blower or fan 36 which is driven by a fan motor 34 controlled by the control unit 30 of the dryer 2.
- the electrical power consumed by the compressor 14 which is not transformed to work power by compressing the refrigerant is removed from the heat pump system 4, i.e. heat power of the compressor is balanced in the - under ideal consideration - closed loops of refrigerant and process air.
- heat power of the compressor is balanced in the - under ideal consideration - closed loops of refrigerant and process air.
- the heat deposited by the compressor 14 in the refrigerant loop 6 is balanced by the cooling fan unit 24 to prevent overheating.
- the heat pump system 4 runs through a warm-up phase before reaching the steady state (i.e. normal or balanced mode after the warm-up period).
- the conditions for optimizing cooling requirement over time changes.
- the present invention provides a solution for optimizing cooling over time.
- Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of components of the dryer of Fig. 1 illustrating the control of the dryer components.
- the control unit 30 is adapted to control the operation of the components of the dryer 2, like a drum motor 32, the compressor 14, the valve 16 (optionally) and the fan motor, according to the selected program. Via an input panel 38 a user may select a drying program or cycle, e.g. fast, economy, iron-aid. Optionally further inputs may be made, e.g. residue humidity, laundry amount or laundry type.
- the control unit 30 is adapted to control the fan unit 24 such that after a warm-up period a steady state of the heat pump system is maintained by operating the fan unit 24 for example as described below.
- operation parameter settings of the fan unit 24 may be modified or changed by the control unit 30 as schematically shown in Fig. 3a .
- Operation parameter of the fan unit 24 may be a switch-On/-Off temperature set, a cooling fan rotation speed, an On/Off activation duty ratio, an On/Off time profile (e.g. 10 sec. On, 5 sec. Off).
- Fig. 3a shows an example for modifying an operation parameter set of the fan unit 24:
- an input variable x is detected or monitored by the control unit 30 at the beginning or before starting a drying program or cycle, e.g. the weight of laundry loaded in the drum 18.
- the control unit 30 is adapted to control the fan unit 24 to execute a predetermined fan unit control profile - e.g. a profile having a predefined On/Off activation profile and/or a predefined fan rotation speed profile.
- a look-up table is implemented in the control unit 30 which relates an input value or a range of input values to a specific fan unit control profile.
- the predetermined control profile may be executed during the (remainder) of the drying program cycle or during a predetermined cycle step (cf. Fig. 4 ).
- the input variable x is detected once (at a start of a drying program) and determines the operation parameter set for the remainder of the drying cycle (or a step thereof).
- the input variable x is detected repeatedly, e.g. permanently in real-time, and the control unit 30 is adapted to calculate an operation parameter set f(x) in dependency of the detected input variable x repeatedly throughout a drying cycle.
- the operation of the fan unit 24 may be closely adapted to specific requirements of a presently executed drying program or cycle.
- Fig. 3b shows another example for modifying an operation parameter set of the fan unit 24:
- the control unit 30 is adapted to determine or calculate a corresponding operation parameter set f (x, y) in dependency of both input variables x, y.
- the control unit 30 may retrieve the operation parameter set f (x, y) from a look-up table (e.g. Table 2 or 3) or may calculate a corresponding operation parameter set from a predetermined function (e.g. equations [1] and [2]).
- a look-up table is preferred when relating a plurality of input values (or ranges thereof) to one specific operation parameter set as shown in Table 2. Calculating an operation parameter set is preferred when at least one input value is detected in real-time.
- Fig. 3c shows a further example for modifying an operation parameter set of the fan unit 24: In dependency of a first input variable x a second input variable g(x) to be detected is selected. For example a look-up table is implemented in the control unit which defines which second input variable is to be selected in dependency of the first input variable. In a next step the operation parameter set f(x, g(x)) is determined by the control unit 30 in dependency of the first and second input variable. For example by means of a further look-up table implemented in the control unit 30 or by providing a function or equation for calculating an operation parameter set for each detected first and second input value as described above.
- Fig. 4 shows an exemplary flow chart of how a user selection modifies fan unit parameter settings.
- Different fan unit operation parameter sets 1..6 are selected for each drying cycle 1..4, each drying cycle plus option 1..2 (e.g. economy, night) and each drying cycle plus final humidity 1..2 (e.g. iron aid).
- a user selects drying cycle or program number 4 and selects additionally final humidity number 2, e.g. a high final humidity (iron-aid).
- the control unit 30 is adapted to select cooling fan parameter set 6 and correspondingly controls the fan unit 24.
- Fig. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating how fan unit operation parameter settings may be modified as described above in the example of Table 2.
- the look-up table as shown in Table 2 is implemented in the control unit 30 to determine operation parameter settings in dependency of two input variables.
- the first input variable is the drum motor speed and the second input variable is the temperature at the condenser exit detected by the temperature sensor 28.
- a related fan unit On/Off temperature is selected by the control unit 30.
- This parameter set defines the temperatures at which the fan unit 24 is switched-On and switched-Off, respectively, while the temperature of the refrigerant at the condenser exit is detected or monitored repeatedly, e.g. every second.
- the operation parameter may be adapted continuously to the requirements of the presently executed drying cycle.
- Fig. 6 depicts a diagram illustrating the modification of fan unit parameter settings over time in dependency of the drum motor speed as shown in the example of Table 2 and Fig. 5 , respectively.
- Fig. 7 shows a flow chart illustrating how fan parameter settings are modified during a drying cycle or program.
- the drying cycle comprises a plurality of sub-sequences, program steps or cycle steps, i.e. each cycle step is part of the corresponding drying cycle or program.
- the duration or end of a cycle step or sub-sequence is determined by an end condition of an input variable which is detected during the cycle step. Every cycle step may be dependent on different parameters or input variables of each control system, for example drum movement speed or sequence and condensate pump activation mode (On/Off).
- Each cycle step may be terminated when certain predetermined control conditions or cycle end conditions are verified, for example: time is elapsed, laundry humidity degree is reached, and/or condenser exit temperature is reached.
- the duration or length of a cycle step is determined.
- control conditions concerning e.g. laundry humidity or temperature thresholds
- the duration of cycle steps may vary in dependency of the type of laundry and laundry load.
- the operation of the fan unit i.e. the cooling power, can be closely adapted to the specific requirements of laundry to be dried.
- a first operation parameter set 1 is selected and applied by the control unit to the cooling fan unit.
- the control unit for example a predetermined On/Off profile as described above is applied to the fan unit 24.
- the selected operation parameter set 1 may be dependent on the condenser exit temperature, e.g. the operation parameter set 1 comprises a threshold temperature or an On/Off temperature set as described above, which defines when the fan unit is switched On and Off.
- the end or terminating condition for the first cycle step 1 is the condenser exit temperature of the refrigerant reaching a predetermined threshold temperature at the condenser exit, e.g. 45°C.
- a second cycle step 2 is started, wherein a second operation parameter set 2 is selected and applied to the fan unit 24.
- the second parameter set 2 is for example dependent on an input variable different to the input variable(s) of the first cycle step 1, e.g. the second input variable is the time elapsed since cycle step 2 is started which is detected by a counter implemented by the control unit.
- the end condition for the second cycle step 2 is in this example an elapsed time of 30 minutes since cycle step 2 started. When this end condition is verified by the control unit the second cycle step 2 is terminated and a third cycle step 3 is started.
- a third parameter set 3 is selected and applied to the fan unit 24 with starting the third cycle step 3.
- the third parameter set 3 may be dependent on any of the above described input variables, wherein in this example the end condition of the third cycle step is determined by reaching a predetermined threshold value of laundry humidity, e.g. 12%. I.e. when this end condition is verified, e.g. by means of a humidity sensor of the treatment apparatus 2, the third cycle step 3 is terminated and a final fourth cycle step 4 is started.
- a fourth operation parameter set 4 is selected by the control unit 30 for the fourth cycle step 4.
- Any of the above described input variables and operation parameter settings may be used for the fourth cycle step 4.
- a predetermined On/Off time profile an On/Off temperature set defining when the fan unit 24 is switched On and Off, a threshold value for the power consumption of the compressor 14 or a humidity of the laundry or process air.
- the end condition for terminating cycle step 4 is reaching a laundry humidity of 0 %, i.e. dry laundry.
- the terminating condition for the last cycle step could be reaching a final humidity of 10 %.
- the end condition of the fourth cycle step terminates the drying program or drying cycle.
Description
- The invention relates to a method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer or washing machine having a cooling fan unit for cooling a compressor of the dryer and the invention relates to a heat pump laundry dryer or a heat pump washing machine having drying function.
-
EP 2 212 463 B1 -
EP 1 884 586 A2 -
DE 44 09 607 A1 is related to a drying machine as well as a set of drying processes in a drying machine comprising a closed process air circuit, wherein process air is guided in the process air circle through the drying chamber, and a heat pump system with a closed refrigerant circuit, wherein a refrigerant is guided through an evaporator, a compressor and a condenser. The process air leaving the drying chamber is dehumidified in a heat exchanger which comprises the evaporator and is then re-heated in a heater that incorporates the condenser. A means for cooling the refrigerant is arranged at least at one of the components of the refrigerant circuit and may be controlled in dependency of a refrigerant temperature. -
EP 198 53 234 A1 -
EP 2 058 427 A1 - It is an object of the invention to provide a heat pump laundry dryer or washing machine having drying function and a method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer or washing machine which provides an improved drying performance.
- The invention is defined in
claims - According to
claim 1, it is provided a method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer or a heat pump washing machine having drying function, wherein the laundry dryer or washing machine comprises: - a control unit (30) controlling the operation of the laundry dryer or washing machine,
- a laundry drum (18) for treating laundry using process air,
- a process air circuit for circulating the process air,
- a heat pump system (4) having a refrigerant loop, in which the refrigerant fluid is circulated through a first and a second heat exchanger (10, 12),
- a compressor (14) for circulating the refrigerant fluid through the refrigerant loop, and
- a cooling fan unit (24) for cooling the compressor (14),
wherein the method comprises: detecting or monitoring one or a plurality of input variables during a running program cycle; - the method further comprises:
- determining the end of a program sub-sequence by detecting or monitoring the one or the plurality of input variables, and
- modifying or changing an operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit upon determining the end of the program sub-sequence,
- wherein the one or the plurality of input variables is at least one of the following input variables:
- a) a user selectable input variable, being one or more of:
- a laundry type,
- a drying program type,
- a residual laundry humidity,
- an energy-saving option,
- a drying process time-saving option,
- the laundry amount,
- a final laundry humidity, and
- a drying level;
- b) a working parameter of the laundry drum (18), being one or more of:
- a power supply of a drum motor,
- a power consumption of a drum motor,
- a rotation speed of a drum motor,
- a voltage, current, or phase supplied to a drum motor,
- a motor torque of a drum motor, and
- a laundry parameter derived from the power consumption of a drum motor;
- c) a working parameter of a process air fan (8), being one or more of:
- a process air fan rotation speed,
- a process air fan motor power supply,
- a power consumption,
- a process air fan flow rate, and
- a voltage, current, or phase supplied to a process air fan motor;
- d) a working parameter of the heat pump system (4),
- e) a working parameter of an electric driving motor (32), being one or more of:
- a motor power supply,
- a motor power consumption, and
- a voltage, current, or phase supplied to the motor;
- f) a working parameter of the compressor (14), being one or more of:
- the compressor power consumption,
- the compressor speed, and
- the compressor motor status;
- g) a working parameter of a liquid pump or condensate pump;
- h) a humidity value of the laundry to be dried;
- i) a status of a liquid or condensate level;
- j) an environment parameter of the treatment apparatus environment; and
- k) a machine alarm status parameter.
- a) a user selectable input variable, being one or more of:
- For example the compressor may have a fixed rotational speed or may be a variable speed compressor.
- The cooling fan unit comprises for example at least one fan and a motor for driving the at least one fan. The cooling fan unit is adapted to cool the compressor during a drying operation, i.e. to remove excess heat from the heat pump system, to provide that the energy-efficient steady state or targeted operation state of the heat pump system is maintained during a drying operation (after a warm-up period at the beginning of a drying cycle).
- According to the invention, a drying program or drying cycle comprises a plurality of sub-sequences, i.e. cycle steps or program steps, wherein the duration or end of a cycle step is determined in dependency of one or more input variables. For example a cycle step may be terminated when a predetermined threshold value of an input variable is reached, e.g. a predetermined time is elapsed or a predetermined temperature of the heat pump system is reached. Thus the operation parameter settings of the fan unit, i.e. the cooling power of the fan unit, is adjusted to requirements of each specific drying cycle step, such that the heat pump system operates at all times at best possible conditions. I.e. it is provided that as soon as the heat pump system operates in a steady or balanced state, this operation state is maintained, whereby the drying performance of the treatment apparatus is improved, in particular with respect to energy-efficiency.
- For example an operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit may comprise one or more of the following operation parameters, in particular an arbitrary combination thereof: a fan rotation speed, i.e. a fan flow rate, an On/Off activation power duty ratio, e.g. controlled by driving a cooling fan motor through a PWM (pulse-width modulation) signal to control the fan speed, a threshold temperature above which the cooling fan unit is switched On and below which the fan unit is switched Off, and additionally or alternatively an On/Off time profile (e.g. duty ratio of operational ON/OFF periods), e.g. driving the fan not continuously but through a certain activation rhythm (e.g. 20 sec. ON, 5 sec. OFF).
- A program cycle may be one of the following: a drying cycle, a laundry refreshment cycle, a laundry dry cleaning cycle, a laundry chemical processing cycle, a washing cycle, and an anti-wrinkle cycle. Preferably the program cycle or each of the plurality of program cycles has a first sub-sequence and at least a second sub-sequence, wherein the first sub-sequence has a first operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit and the second sub-sequence has a second operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit, and wherein the first and second operation parameter sets are different from each other. In other words the method provides a plurality of operation parameter sets, wherein each operation parameter set is different from the other. The plurality of operation parameter sets is provided, i.e. selected and applied, by the control unit which controls the operation of the fan unit.
- A working parameter of heat pump system may be for example a temperature of the refrigerant, in particular the refrigerant temperature at one of the heat exchangers, at the compressor outlet or at the condenser outlet.
- For example a counter for determining a time parameter of a running program cycle may be implemented in the control unit. The counter may be adapted to count time or determine elapsed time from the start of a program cycle, or from the start of a sub-sequence or from the time point of one of the other input parameters reaching or exceeding a predefined value, e.g. a predetermined refrigerant temperature, laundry humidity or process air temperature.
- A drying progress status may include the temperature of process air for example at drum exit or a humidity value of the laundry to be dried for example detected by a humidity sensor of the treatment apparatus.
- A user selected variable, i.e. a user selection, may be for example a selected cycle, a selected cycle option or drying program type (e.g. fast-drying or night operation (silent and slow mode)), a residual laundry humidity, final humidity or drying level (e.g. extra-dry or iron-aid, i.e. higher residual laundry humidity), a laundry amount (e.g. input by user, detected by a weight sensor of the treatment apparatus (e.g. laundry dryer)), or estimated by an appropriate algorithm, a laundry type (e.g. cotton, wool etc.), and/or an energy-saving option or a drying process time-saving option (e.g. eco-mode, rapid).
- A working parameter of the laundry compartment or laundry drum may be a power consumption of a drum motor for driving the drum and/or a rotation speed of the drum motor. In particular a plurality of laundry parameters may be derived from the power consumption of the drum motor. For example the laundry amount or load and its humidity or loss of humidity may be concluded/estimated from the detected power consumption of the drum motor. E.g. when driving or rotating the drum with a large (i.e. high weight) laundry load, the power consumption for rotating the laundry drum is higher than for a less weighing laundry load. Further, when the humidity level of the laundry decreases during a drying process, the drum motor has a lower power consumption when agitating the (less weighing) laundry.
- A working parameter of the process air fan may be a fan rotation speed, a fan motor power consumption and/or a fan flow rate.
- A working parameter of an electric driving motor, for example a drum motor driving a laundry drum, a process air fan motor for driving process air through the process air circuit, may be the motor power supply and/or power consumption of the motor as described above, or the current, the voltage, the phase supplied to such motor, or a parameter calculated therefrom, such as the motor torque.
- A working parameter of the compressor may be its power consumption, the compressor speed and/or a compressor motor status (e.g. On/Off).
- An environment parameter of the treatment apparatus may be the detected ambient temperature and additionally or alternatively the humidity of ambient air outside the treatment apparatus.
- An operation parameter set of the fan unit may be modified or changed in dependency of any one of the above described input variables or in dependency of an arbitrary combination of two or more of the input variables. I.e. an operation parameter set may be modified in dependency of each input variable independently from the other input variable(s).
- Preferably the end of a sub-sequence is determined in response to the detected or monitored input variable exceeding, reaching or undershooting a predefined threshold, a predefined amount of change of the detected or monitored input variable, a predefined temporal gradient of the detected or monitored input variable, or an arbitrary combination thereof. The specific cycle or program step end condition is determined and controlled by the control unit, such that the selected drying program may be closely adapted to requirements of a presently running program or cycle.
- According to an embodiment modifying or changing an operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit comprises changing from a first predetermined fan unit profile to a second predetermined fan unit profile, wherein the first fan unit profile is different from the second fan unit profile. E.g. a first fan unit profile is executed in a (first) cycle step or sub-sequence of a running drying program cycle. The cycle step is terminated as described above, e.g. because a predetermined threshold value is reached, i.e. a following (second) cycle step is started with a second fan unit profile different to the first.
- For example an executed fan unit control profile may be a time behavior or time pattern, i.e. a profile over time, which is applied during the sub-sequence of the drying program until the monitored input variable reaches a predetermined sub-sequence end condition which terminates the sub-sequence. Preferably the predetermined fan unit (time) profile includes one or more of the following: a predetermined fan unit speed or conveyance capacity profile (e.g. an individual speed profile over time), a predetermined fan unit On/Off-time profile (e.g. a predetermined activation profile over time like 20 sec. On / 5 sec. Off - either periodic or non-periodic), and a predetermined fan unit On/Off duty cycle ratio, i.e. the ratio between On-time and Off-time of the fan unit.
- Preferably an operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit provides an operation profile for switching the fan On and Off over time, i.e. a fan unit On/Off profile. As described above, detected input variables may be a working parameter of the treatment apparatus (e.g. drum motor speed, power consumption of the apparatus), a machine alarm or a (humidity) status of the laundry dried in the apparatus. If for example the power consumption of the treatment apparatus (i.e. the detected input variable) increases during a drying cycle above a predetermined threshold value the executed sub-sequence is terminated. In the following sub-sequence or cycle step an operation profile for the fan unit is selected (i.e. applied) by the control unit which increases the cooling power or conveying capacity of the fan unit. For example by providing an operation profile having longer operating phases between non-operating phases of the fan unit, i.e. by increasing a duty cycle ratio of the fan unit.
- At least one of the working parameters and the status parameters may be detected by an associated sensor dedicated to the working parameter or status parameter to be detected, wherein the sensor signal is processed by a sensor unit. Examples for a sensor may be: a weight sensor for detecting a laundry amount or load, a temperature sensor for detecting a temperature of the treatment apparatus, in particular a starting temperature of the heat pump, a humidity sensor for detecting a laundry humidity in the laundry compartment. The sensor unit may be implemented or partially implemented in or by the control unit of the treatment apparatus.
- According to an embodiment the control unit is adapted to derive at least one of the above mentioned working parameters and status parameters by monitoring a sensor signal (or signals) and/or a component status over time. For example as described above the laundry load or loss of humidity may be derived from the power consumption of the drum motor. Another example is deriving a laundry type by monitoring the progress of process air temperature and/or laundry humidity over time - possibly with knowledge of a laundry amount. For example wool absorbs more liquid than synthetic fibers. I.e. when heating process air to remove moisture from a load of woolen articles more water has to be vaporized - in comparison to a load of synthetic fibers - such that the temperature of the process air does not rise as fast.
- Preferably a look-up table is implemented in the control unit, wherein the look-up table provides for each program cycle and for each sub-sequence of the program cycle (i) a corresponding operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit, or (ii) a reference to a corresponding operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit. A reference may be a location in a memory (of the control unit) where a corresponding operation parameter set is stored. Some of the operation parameter sets may be identical or the reference may point to the same memory location.
- The method further comprises: changing an operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit in dependency of the detected end of a program sub-sequence, i.e. in dependency of at least one detected or monitored first input variable, as described above and additionally modifying or changing such a determined operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit in dependency of a second input variable, wherein the type of the second input variable is different of the type of the first input variable. For example the humidity level and the drum motor speed of the laundry load are the detected first and second input variables. E.g. when a predefined humidity level (end condition) is reached during a sub-sequence, the sub-sequence is terminated and a predefined operation parameter set, e.g. ON/Off temperature set, is selected and applied to the fan unit for the following sub-sequence. Subsequently, i.e. during the executed sub-sequence or cycle step, the selected fan unit operation parameter set (ON/Off temperature set) is modified in dependency of the second input variable, e.g. the drum motor speed.
- For example (a range of) the drum motor speed (input variable), e.g. motor speed < 2000 rpm, is related to a specific On/Off temperature set (fan unit operation parameter set), defining at which temperature the fan unit is switched-on and switched-Off (e.g. 58°C / 56°C). The higher the drum motor speed the lower the On/Off temperature set, i.e. other ranges of drum motor speed are related to other On/Off temperature sets for the fan unit. Thus the operation parameter settings of the fan unit may be individually adapted to the specific state or condition of a presently executed drying cycle (step). For example the temperature may be detected at any place in the treatment apparatus, e.g. at the heat pump system or laundry drum.
- Preferably the control unit receives and processes the at least one input variable and is adapted to modify the operating parameter set of the cooling fan unit in response to the receiving and processing of the input variable. In case of repeatedly receiving one or more of the input variables, preferably the operating parameter set is changed only in response of a change in the input variable status or level. For example when the input variable changes from one predefined level range to another predefined level range (e.g. using thresholds for the variables).
- Preferably the second input variable is at least one of the following input variables, which have been described in part above: a user selectable input variable, a machine alarm status parameter (e.g. overheat alarm, electric failure alarm etc.), a working parameter of the laundry drum, a working parameter of a process air fan, a working parameter of an electric driving motor, a working parameter of the compressor, a drying progress status parameter or a status parameter of the laundry to be dried, an environment parameter of the treatment apparatus environment, and a working parameter of the heat pump system. A working parameter of heat pump system is for example a temperature of the refrigerant, in particular the refrigerant temperature at one of the heat exchangers, at the compressor outlet or at the condenser outlet.
- After terminating a sub-sequence or cycle step and starting a following cycle step as described above in dependency of a first input variable, it is preferred that for a predefined first range of the first input variable the operation parameter set of the cooling unit may be changed in dependency of the second input variable being in a first predefined range or being above or below a first predefined threshold, wherein for a predefined second range of the first input variable the operation parameter set of the cooling unit may be changed in dependency of the second input variable being in a second predefined range or being above or below a second predefined threshold. A general example comprising first and second threshold values (
Thresholds 1 and 2) is depicted in the following Table 1:Table 1: General example Input Range fan unit operation parameter set activated Input < Threshold 1fan unit operation parameter set 1 Threshold 1 < Input <Threshold 2fan unit operation parameter set 2 Input > Threshold 2fan unit operation parameter set 3 - A specific example or application of the general example is shown in Table 2:
Table 2: Specific example Drum motor speed (connected to fan unit) fan unit On/Off temperature Speed < 2000 rpm 58°C / 56° C 2000 rpm < speed < 2800 rpm 54°C / 53°C Speed > 2800 rpm 51°C / 50°C - As shown in Table 2 the first input variable is the drum motor speed, wherein the second input variable is a temperature of a heat pump system temperature or refrigerant temperature. The applied fan unit On/Off temperature (in column 2) is selected in dependency of the drum motor speed (in column 1) - i.e. the higher the drum motor speed the lower the On/Off switching temperature to respond in time to a faster temperature rise of the compressor at higher drum motor speeds.
- Preferably a look-up table, e.g. like shown in the example of Table 2, is implemented in the control unit and the operation parameter set to be selected is retrieved from the look-up table in dependency of the respective value or value range of the input variable.
- According to an embodiment a further look-up table may be implemented in the control unit and the second input variable to be selected is retrieved from the further look-up table in dependency of the first input variable, wherein the first and second input variables govern the operation of the fan unit as described above and below. For example the first input variable may be the drum motor speed as shown above, the process air blower speed or the drum rotation speed, wherein the second input variable is a threshold temperature or temperature range of a heat pump system temperature or refrigerant temperature.
- According to an embodiment the selection of the operation parameter set or the modification of the operation parameter set during a sub-sequence or cycle step may be made in dependency of a function in which the first input variable and the second input variable are used as function variables.
-
- I.e. corresponding to the example shown in Table 2 the drum motor speed is the first input variable and a temperature of e.g. the heat pump system is the second input variable, wherein the operation parameter set (switch-On / switch-Off temperature set) is set in dependency of the first input variable. In contrast to the example shown in Table 2, equations [1] and [2] provide a continuous adjustment of the fan unit switch-On / switch-Off temperature.
Table 3: Continuous adjustment of fan unit switch-On/-Off temperature in dependency of detected drum motor speed drum motor [rpm] fan unit switch-On temp. [°C] fan unit switch-Off temp. [°C] 2000 60 58 2100 59 57 2200 58 56 .... .... .... 2700 53 51 2800 52 50 2900 51 49 3000 50 48 - According to claim 14 it is provided a heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function, wherein the laundry dryer or washing machine comprises:
- a control unit controlling the operation of the laundry dryer or washing machine,
- a laundry drum for treating laundry using process air,
- a process air circuit for circulating the process air,
- a heat pump system having a refrigerant loop, in which the refrigerant fluid is circulated through a first and a second heat exchanger,
- a compressor for circulating the refrigerant fluid through the refrigerant loop, and
- a cooling fan unit for cooling the compressor, and
- a sensor unit;
- wherein at least one of the working parameters and the status parameters is detected by an associated sensor dedicated to the working parameter or status parameter to be detected,
- wherein the sensor unit is adapted to process the sensor signal, and
- wherein the control unit is adapted to control the operation of the laundry dryer or of the washing machine according to the method described above.
- Any of the above described features and elements of the method of operating a treatment apparatus may be combined in any arbitrary combination and may be implemented in a heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function as described above.
- Reference is made in detail to preferred embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying figures, which show:
- Fig. 1
- a schematic view of a laundry treatment apparatus having a heat pump system,
- Fig. 2
- a schematic block diagram of components of the apparatus of
Fig. 1 , - Fig. 3a-c
- schematic block diagrams of different relations between input variables and fan unit operation parameter settings,
- Fig. 4
- a flow chart of how a user selection may modify fan unit parameter settings,
- Fig. 5
- a flow chart showing an example of modifying fan unit parameter settings as given in Table 2,
- Fig. 6
- a diagram showing the modification of fan unit parameter settings in dependency of drum motor speed over time as depicted in
Fig. 5 , and - Fig. 7
- a flow chart of how fan unit parameter settings may be modified during a drying cycle,
-
Fig. 1 depicts in a schematic representation alaundry treatment apparatus 2 which in this embodiment is a heat pump tumble dryer. The tumble dryer comprises aheat pump system 4, including in a closedrefrigerant loop 6 in this order of refrigerant flow B: afirst heat exchanger 10 acting as evaporator for evaporating the refrigerant and cooling process air, acompressor 14, asecond heat exchanger 12 acting as condenser for cooling the refrigerant and heating the process air, and anexpansion device 16 from where the refrigerant is returned to thefirst heat exchanger 10. Together with the refrigerant pipes connecting the components of theheat pump system 4 in series, theheat pump system 4 forms arefrigerant loop 6 through which the refrigerant is circulated by thecompressor 14 as indicated by arrow B. If the refrigerant in theheat pump system 4 is operated in the transcritical or totally supercritical state, the first andsecond heat exchanger - The
expansion device 16 is a controllable valve that operates under the control of a control unit 30 (Fig. 2 ) to adapt the flow resistance for the refrigerant in dependency of operating states of theheat pump system 4. In an embodiment theexpansion device 16 may be a fixed, non-controllable device like a capillary tube. - The process air flow within the
treatment apparatus 2 is guided through acompartment 18 of thetreatment apparatus 2, i.e. through acompartment 18 for receiving articles to be treated, e.g. adrum 18. The articles to be treated are textiles,laundry 19, clothes, shoes or the like. In the embodiments here these are preferably textiles, laundry or clothes. The process air flow is indicated by arrows A inFig. 1 and is driven by aprocess air blower 8 or fan. Theprocess air channel 20 guides the process air flow A outside thedrum 18 and includes different sections, including the section forming thebattery channel 20a in which the first andsecond heat exchangers second heat exchanger 12 flows into arear channel 20b in which theprocess air blower 8 is arranged. The air conveyed byblower 8 is guided upward in a risingchannel 20c to the backside of thedrum 18. The air exiting thedrum 18 through the drum outlet (which is the loading opening of the drum) is filtered by afluff filter 22 arranged close to the drum outlet in or at thechannel 20. - When the
heat pump system 4 is operating, thefirst heat exchanger 10 transfers heat from process air A to the refrigerant. By cooling the process air to lower temperatures, humidity from the process air condenses at thefirst heat exchanger 10, is collected there and drained to acondensate collector 26. The process air which is cooled and dehumidified after passing thefirst heat exchanger 10 passes subsequently through thesecond heat exchanger 12 where heat is transferred from the refrigerant to the process air. The process air is sucked fromexchanger 12 by theblower 8 and is driven into thedrum 18 where it heats up thelaundry 19 and receives the humidity therefrom. The process air exits thedrum 18 and is guided infront channel 20d back to thefirst heat exchanger 10. The main components of theheat pump system 4 are arranged in abase section 5 or basement of thedryer 2. - A cooling
fan unit 24 or blower unit is arranged close to thecompressor 14 for blowing cooling air C towards the compressor to remove heat from thecompressor 14, i.e. from theheat pump system 4, during a drying operation. The cooling air flow C, which is an ambient air flow in the embodiments, is actively driven by the coolingfan unit 24 and is taking heat from (the surface of) thecompressor 14. Thefan unit 24 comprises a blower orfan 36 which is driven by afan motor 34 controlled by thecontrol unit 30 of thedryer 2. By transferring heat from thecompressor 14, during a steady state of operation of theheat pump system 4, thermodynamic balance is achieved between the closed loops of the process air loop andrefrigerant loop 6. Thereby the electrical power consumed by thecompressor 14 which is not transformed to work power by compressing the refrigerant is removed from theheat pump system 4, i.e. heat power of the compressor is balanced in the - under ideal consideration - closed loops of refrigerant and process air. This means, in the steady state of theheat pump system 4 in which maximum or nearly maximum operation condition or efficiency is achieved after the warm-up period, the heat deposited by thecompressor 14 in therefrigerant loop 6 is balanced by the coolingfan unit 24 to prevent overheating. After starting thedryer 2 from a cold or ambient state theheat pump system 4 runs through a warm-up phase before reaching the steady state (i.e. normal or balanced mode after the warm-up period). As the heat pump system operation status changes (depending mainly on the refrigerant temperature) in the warm-up phase, the conditions for optimizing cooling requirement over time changes. The present invention provides a solution for optimizing cooling over time. -
Fig. 2 shows a schematic block diagram of components of the dryer ofFig. 1 illustrating the control of the dryer components. Thecontrol unit 30 is adapted to control the operation of the components of thedryer 2, like adrum motor 32, thecompressor 14, the valve 16 (optionally) and the fan motor, according to the selected program. Via an input panel 38 a user may select a drying program or cycle, e.g. fast, economy, iron-aid. Optionally further inputs may be made, e.g. residue humidity, laundry amount or laundry type. Further, thecontrol unit 30 is adapted to control thefan unit 24 such that after a warm-up period a steady state of the heat pump system is maintained by operating thefan unit 24 for example as described below. - Depending on one or more input variables, which may be for example a user selection (e.g. a selected cycle), a working parameter of the drum motor (e.g. power consumption, motor speed), or a temperature (e.g. detected via
temperature sensor 28 at condenser outlet), operation parameter settings of thefan unit 24 may be modified or changed by thecontrol unit 30 as schematically shown inFig. 3a . Operation parameter of thefan unit 24 may be a switch-On/-Off temperature set, a cooling fan rotation speed, an On/Off activation duty ratio, an On/Off time profile (e.g. 10 sec. On, 5 sec. Off). -
Fig. 3a shows an example for modifying an operation parameter set of the fan unit 24: In a first step an input variable x is detected or monitored by thecontrol unit 30 at the beginning or before starting a drying program or cycle, e.g. the weight of laundry loaded in thedrum 18. For example by means of a weight sensor or by a user input via input panel 38 (e.g. low/middle/high load). For each input variable (or range of input variables), i.e. the laundry weight, thecontrol unit 30 is adapted to control thefan unit 24 to execute a predetermined fan unit control profile - e.g. a profile having a predefined On/Off activation profile and/or a predefined fan rotation speed profile. For example a look-up table is implemented in thecontrol unit 30 which relates an input value or a range of input values to a specific fan unit control profile. - The predetermined control profile may be executed during the (remainder) of the drying program cycle or during a predetermined cycle step (cf.
Fig. 4 ). I.e. the input variable x is detected once (at a start of a drying program) and determines the operation parameter set for the remainder of the drying cycle (or a step thereof). Alternatively the input variable x is detected repeatedly, e.g. permanently in real-time, and thecontrol unit 30 is adapted to calculate an operation parameter set f(x) in dependency of the detected input variable x repeatedly throughout a drying cycle. I.e. the operation of thefan unit 24 may be closely adapted to specific requirements of a presently executed drying program or cycle. -
Fig. 3b shows another example for modifying an operation parameter set of the fan unit 24: In dependency of a detected or monitored first input variable x and second input variable y thecontrol unit 30 is adapted to determine or calculate a corresponding operation parameter set f (x, y) in dependency of both input variables x, y. Thecontrol unit 30 may retrieve the operation parameter set f (x, y) from a look-up table (e.g. Table 2 or 3) or may calculate a corresponding operation parameter set from a predetermined function (e.g. equations [1] and [2]). A look-up table is preferred when relating a plurality of input values (or ranges thereof) to one specific operation parameter set as shown in Table 2. Calculating an operation parameter set is preferred when at least one input value is detected in real-time. -
Fig. 3c shows a further example for modifying an operation parameter set of the fan unit 24: In dependency of a first input variable x a second input variable g(x) to be detected is selected. For example a look-up table is implemented in the control unit which defines which second input variable is to be selected in dependency of the first input variable. In a next step the operation parameter set f(x, g(x)) is determined by thecontrol unit 30 in dependency of the first and second input variable. For example by means of a further look-up table implemented in thecontrol unit 30 or by providing a function or equation for calculating an operation parameter set for each detected first and second input value as described above. -
Fig. 4 shows an exemplary flow chart of how a user selection modifies fan unit parameter settings. Different fan unit operation parameter sets 1..6 are selected for each dryingcycle 1..4, each drying cycle plusoption 1..2 (e.g. economy, night) and each drying cycle plusfinal humidity 1..2 (e.g. iron aid). For example a user selects drying cycle orprogram number 4 and selects additionallyfinal humidity number 2, e.g. a high final humidity (iron-aid). Then thecontrol unit 30 is adapted to select cooling fan parameter set 6 and correspondingly controls thefan unit 24. -
Fig. 5 shows a flow chart illustrating how fan unit operation parameter settings may be modified as described above in the example of Table 2. I.e. the look-up table as shown in Table 2 is implemented in thecontrol unit 30 to determine operation parameter settings in dependency of two input variables. The first input variable is the drum motor speed and the second input variable is the temperature at the condenser exit detected by thetemperature sensor 28. In dependency of the value of the drum motor speed, i.e. of a working parameter of thedrum motor 32, a related fan unit On/Off temperature is selected by thecontrol unit 30. This parameter set defines the temperatures at which thefan unit 24 is switched-On and switched-Off, respectively, while the temperature of the refrigerant at the condenser exit is detected or monitored repeatedly, e.g. every second. Thus the operation parameter may be adapted continuously to the requirements of the presently executed drying cycle. -
Fig. 6 depicts a diagram illustrating the modification of fan unit parameter settings over time in dependency of the drum motor speed as shown in the example of Table 2 andFig. 5 , respectively. -
Fig. 7 shows a flow chart illustrating how fan parameter settings are modified during a drying cycle or program. The drying cycle comprises a plurality of sub-sequences, program steps or cycle steps, i.e. each cycle step is part of the corresponding drying cycle or program. The duration or end of a cycle step or sub-sequence is determined by an end condition of an input variable which is detected during the cycle step. Every cycle step may be dependent on different parameters or input variables of each control system, for example drum movement speed or sequence and condensate pump activation mode (On/Off). Each cycle step may be terminated when certain predetermined control conditions or cycle end conditions are verified, for example: time is elapsed, laundry humidity degree is reached, and/or condenser exit temperature is reached. In other words by verifying the predetermined control or end conditions the duration or length of a cycle step is determined. I.e. for control conditions concerning e.g. laundry humidity or temperature thresholds the duration of cycle steps may vary in dependency of the type of laundry and laundry load. Thus the operation of the fan unit, i.e. the cooling power, can be closely adapted to the specific requirements of laundry to be dried. - As shown in the exemplary drying cycle of
Fig. 7 , with selection of the drying program (i.e. user selected input variable) a first operation parameter set 1 is selected and applied by the control unit to the cooling fan unit. During the first cycle step for example a predetermined On/Off profile as described above is applied to thefan unit 24. Alternatively or additionally the selected operation parameter set 1 may be dependent on the condenser exit temperature, e.g. the operation parameter set 1 comprises a threshold temperature or an On/Off temperature set as described above, which defines when the fan unit is switched On and Off. - The end or terminating condition for the
first cycle step 1 is the condenser exit temperature of the refrigerant reaching a predetermined threshold temperature at the condenser exit, e.g. 45°C. When this condition is verified thefirst cycle step 1 is terminated and asecond cycle step 2 is started, wherein a second operation parameter set 2 is selected and applied to thefan unit 24. The second parameter set 2 is for example dependent on an input variable different to the input variable(s) of thefirst cycle step 1, e.g. the second input variable is the time elapsed sincecycle step 2 is started which is detected by a counter implemented by the control unit. The end condition for thesecond cycle step 2 is in this example an elapsed time of 30 minutes sincecycle step 2 started. When this end condition is verified by the control unit thesecond cycle step 2 is terminated and athird cycle step 3 is started. - Similarly as described above with respect to the first and second cycle steps, a third parameter set 3 is selected and applied to the
fan unit 24 with starting thethird cycle step 3. The third parameter set 3 may be dependent on any of the above described input variables, wherein in this example the end condition of the third cycle step is determined by reaching a predetermined threshold value of laundry humidity, e.g. 12%. I.e. when this end condition is verified, e.g. by means of a humidity sensor of thetreatment apparatus 2, thethird cycle step 3 is terminated and a finalfourth cycle step 4 is started. - A fourth operation parameter set 4 is selected by the
control unit 30 for thefourth cycle step 4. Any of the above described input variables and operation parameter settings may be used for thefourth cycle step 4. For example a predetermined On/Off time profile, an On/Off temperature set defining when thefan unit 24 is switched On and Off, a threshold value for the power consumption of thecompressor 14 or a humidity of the laundry or process air. In this example the end condition for terminatingcycle step 4 is reaching a laundry humidity of 0 %, i.e. dry laundry. When for example a drying program is selected and executed with the option 'iron-aid', i.e. a higher final laundry humidity, the terminating condition for the last cycle step could be reaching a final humidity of 10 %. The end condition of the fourth cycle step terminates the drying program or drying cycle. -
- 2
- heat pump tumble dryer
- 4
- heat pump system
- 5
- base section
- 6
- refrigerant loop
- 8
- blower
- 10
- first heat exchanger (evaporator)
- 12
- second heat exchanger (condenser)
- 14
- compressor
- 16
- expansion device
- 18
- drum (laundry compartment)
- 19
- laundry
- 20
- process air channel
- 20a
- battery channel
- 20b
- rear channel
- 20c
- rising channel
- 20d
- front channel
- 22
- fluff filter
- 24
- cooling fan unit
- 26
- condensate collector
- 28
- temperature sensor
- 30
- control unit
- 32
- drum motor
- 34
- fan motor
- 36
- fan
- 38
- input panel
- A
- process air flow
- B
- refrigerant flow
- C
- cooling air flow
Claims (14)
- Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer or a heat pump washing machine having drying function, wherein the laundry dryer or washing machine comprises:a control unit (30) controlling the operation of the laundry dryer or washing machine,a laundry drum (18) for treating laundry using process air,a process air circuit for circulating the process air,a heat pump system (4) having a refrigerant loop, in which the refrigerant fluid is circulated through a first and a second heat exchanger (10, 12),a compressor (14) for circulating the refrigerant fluid through the refrigerant loop, anda cooling fan unit (24) for cooling the compressor (14),
wherein the method comprises: detecting or monitoring one or a plurality of input variables during a running program cycle;the method further comprises:determining the end of a program sub-sequence by detecting or monitoring the one or the plurality of input variables, andmodifying or changing an operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit upon determining the end of the program sub-sequence,wherein the one or the plurality of input variables is at least one of the following input variables:a) a user selectable input variable, being one or more of:a laundry type,a drying program type,a residual laundry humidity,an energy-saving option,a drying process time-saving option,the laundry amount,a final laundry humidity, anda drying level;b) a working parameter of the laundry drum (18), being one or more of:a power supply of a drum motor,a power consumption of a drum motor,a rotation speed of a drum motor,a voltage, current, or phase supplied to a drum motor,a motor torque of a drum motor, anda laundry parameter derived from the power consumption of a drum motor;c) a working parameter of a process air fan (8), being one or more of:a process air fan rotation speed,a process air fan motor power supply,a power consumption,a process air fan flow rate, anda voltage, current, or phase supplied to a process air fan motor;d) a working parameter of the heat pump system (4),e) a working parameter of an electric driving motor (32), being one or more of:a motor power supply,a motor power consumption, anda voltage, current, or phase supplied to the motor;f) a working parameter of the compressor (14), being one or more of:the compressor power consumption,the compressor speed, andthe compressor motor status;g) a working parameter of a liquid pump or condensate pump;h) a humidity value of the laundry to be dried;i) a status of a liquid or condensate level;j) an environment parameter of the treatment apparatus environment; andk) a machine alarm status parameter. - Method according to claim 1, wherein the or each of the plurality of program cycles each has a first sub-sequence and at least a second sub-sequence, wherein the first sub-sequence has a first operating set for operating the cooling fan unit (24) and the second sub-sequence has a second operating set for operating the cooling fan unit, and wherein the first and second operating sets are different from each other.
- Method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the end of a sub-sequence is determined in response to the detected or monitored input variable
exceeding, reaching or undershooting a predefined threshold,
exceeding, reaching or undershooting a predefined amount of change of the detected or monitored input variable,
exceeding, reaching or undershooting a predefined temporal gradient of the detected or monitored input variable, or
a combination thereof. - Method according to claim 1, 2, or 3, wherein a program cycle is one of a drying cycle, a laundry refreshment cycle, a laundry dry cleaning cycle, a laundry chemical processing cycle, a washing cycle, and an anti-wrinkle cycle.
- Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein modifying or changing an operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit comprises changing from a first predetermined fan unit profile to a second predetermined fan unit profile, wherein the first fan unit profile is different from the second fan unit profile and each fan unit profile includes one or more of:a predetermined fan unit speed or conveyance capacity profile,a predetermined fan unit On/Off-time profile, anda predetermined fan unit On/Off duty cycle ratio.
- Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein at least one of the working parameters and the status parameters is detected by an associated sensor dedicated to the working parameter or status parameter to be detected, wherein the sensor signal is processed by a sensor unit (30).
- Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the control unit (30) is adapted to derive at least one of the working parameters and the status parameters by monitoring a sensor signal or a component status over time.
- Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein a look-up table is implemented in the control unit (30), wherein the look-up table provides for each program cycle and for each sub-sequence of the program cycle- a corresponding operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit (24), or- a reference to a corresponding operation parameter set for operating the cooling fan unit.
- Method according to any of the previous claims, wherein the method further comprises:changing an operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit (24) in dependency of the detected end of a program sub-sequence dependent on at least one first input variable according to any of the previous claims, andadditionally modifying or changing such determined operation parameter set of the cooling fan unit (24) in dependency of a second input variable,wherein the type of the second input variable is different from the type of the first input variable.
- Method according to claim 9, wherein the second input variable is at least one of the following input variables:a user selectable input variable,a machine alarm status parameter,a working parameter of the laundry drum (18),a working parameter of a process air fan (8),a working parameter of an electric driving motor (32),a working parameter of the compressor (14),a drying progress status parameter or a status parameter of the laundry to be dried,an environment parameter of the treatment apparatus environment, anda working parameter of the heat pump system (4).
- Method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein for a predefined first range of the first input variable the operation parameter set of the cooling unit (24) is changed in dependency of the second input variable being in a first predefined range or being above or below a first predefined threshold, and
wherein for a predefined second range of the first input variable the operation parameter set of the cooling unit (24) is changed in dependency of the second input variable being in a second predefined range or being above or below a second predefined threshold - Method according to claim 9, 10 or 11, wherein the first input variable is the drum motor speed, the process air blower speed or the drum rotation speed, and
wherein the second variable is a threshold temperature or temperature range of a heat pump system temperature or refrigerant temperature. - Method according to any of claims 9 to 12, wherein the selection of the operation parameter set or the modification of the operation parameter set is made in dependency of a function in which the second input variable is used as function variable.
- Heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function, wherein the laundry dryer or washing machine comprises:a control unit (30) controlling the operation of the laundry dryer or washing machine,a laundry drum (18) for treating laundry using process air,a process air circuit for circulating the process air,a heat pump system (4) having a refrigerant loop (6), in which the refrigerant fluid is circulated through a first and a second heat exchanger (10, 12),a compressor (14) for circulating the refrigerant fluid through the refrigerant loop (6), anda cooling fan unit (24) for cooling the compressor (14), anda sensor unit;wherein at least one of the working parameters and the status parameters is detected by an associated sensor dedicated to the working parameter or status parameter to be detected,wherein the sensor unit is adapted to process the sensor signal, andwherein the control unit (30) is adapted to control the operation of the laundry dryer or of the washing machine according to any of the previous claims 1-13.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP13789796.3A EP2920354B1 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2013-11-12 | Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer and heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function |
Applications Claiming Priority (3)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP12192939.2A EP2733253A1 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2012-11-16 | Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer and heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function |
EP13789796.3A EP2920354B1 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2013-11-12 | Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer and heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function |
PCT/EP2013/073643 WO2014076093A1 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2013-11-12 | Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer and heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function |
Publications (2)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
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EP2920354A1 EP2920354A1 (en) | 2015-09-23 |
EP2920354B1 true EP2920354B1 (en) | 2020-06-10 |
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ID=47278109
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
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EP12192939.2A Withdrawn EP2733253A1 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2012-11-16 | Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer and heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function |
EP13789796.3A Active EP2920354B1 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2013-11-12 | Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer and heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function |
Family Applications Before (1)
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EP12192939.2A Withdrawn EP2733253A1 (en) | 2012-11-16 | 2012-11-16 | Method of operating a heat pump laundry dryer and heat pump laundry dryer or heat pump washing machine having drying function |
Country Status (4)
Country | Link |
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EP (2) | EP2733253A1 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104919109B (en) |
AU (1) | AU2013346941B2 (en) |
WO (1) | WO2014076093A1 (en) |
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EP3019655B1 (en) * | 2013-07-09 | 2019-06-26 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Heat pump laundry drying appliance with enhanced operation flexibility |
CN105483995A (en) * | 2014-09-18 | 2016-04-13 | 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 | Drying method of dyer and dryer using same |
CN105483994A (en) * | 2014-09-18 | 2016-04-13 | 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 | Dryer and drying method thereof |
CN105483999A (en) * | 2014-09-18 | 2016-04-13 | 博西华电器(江苏)有限公司 | Dryer and drying method thereof |
CN104894824B (en) * | 2015-06-26 | 2017-05-10 | 王招杰 | Water-absorbing type warm air clothes drying machine and clothes drying method |
EP3239390B1 (en) * | 2016-04-26 | 2019-11-06 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Method for operating a laundry drying apparatus and laundry drying apparatus |
CN106245295B (en) * | 2016-08-31 | 2020-12-08 | 无锡小天鹅电器有限公司 | Control method of clothes dryer |
EP3425107B1 (en) * | 2017-07-07 | 2020-06-17 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Method for controlling a heat pump laundry drying machine |
EP3652373B1 (en) * | 2017-07-14 | 2022-03-02 | Electrolux Appliances Aktiebolag | Method to control operation of a laundry dryer |
CN110359226B (en) * | 2018-04-11 | 2021-12-03 | 佛山海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Control method for laundry treatment apparatus and laundry treatment apparatus |
CN110965298B (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2022-07-08 | 合肥美的洗衣机有限公司 | Control method of clothes treatment equipment |
CN110965297B (en) * | 2018-09-27 | 2022-07-08 | 合肥美的洗衣机有限公司 | Control method of clothes treatment equipment |
CN111235847A (en) * | 2018-11-29 | 2020-06-05 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Control method of clothes drying equipment and clothes drying equipment |
CN111335000A (en) * | 2018-12-18 | 2020-06-26 | 青岛海尔滚筒洗衣机有限公司 | Clothes drying device and control method thereof |
CN114182510A (en) * | 2021-12-31 | 2022-03-15 | 广东美的白色家电技术创新中心有限公司 | Clothes dryer control method and device, clothes dryer and storage medium |
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DE4409607C2 (en) * | 1993-04-21 | 2002-03-14 | Miele & Cie | Condensation clothes dryer with a heat pump |
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EP2460927B1 (en) * | 2010-12-02 | 2014-02-26 | Electrolux Home Products Corporation N.V. | Method of operating a heat pump dryer and heat pump dryer |
US9285166B2 (en) * | 2011-10-04 | 2016-03-15 | Arcelik Anonim Sirketi | Heat pump laundry dryer |
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2012
- 2012-11-16 EP EP12192939.2A patent/EP2733253A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
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- 2013-11-12 WO PCT/EP2013/073643 patent/WO2014076093A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-11-12 AU AU2013346941A patent/AU2013346941B2/en active Active
- 2013-11-12 EP EP13789796.3A patent/EP2920354B1/en active Active
- 2013-11-12 CN CN201380070535.XA patent/CN104919109B/en active Active
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CN104919109B (en) | 2017-07-28 |
AU2013346941B2 (en) | 2018-02-01 |
CN104919109A (en) | 2015-09-16 |
WO2014076093A1 (en) | 2014-05-22 |
EP2733253A1 (en) | 2014-05-21 |
EP2920354A1 (en) | 2015-09-23 |
AU2013346941A1 (en) | 2015-06-04 |
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