Westinghouse Sensor Wash machines use direct drive technology from CSIRO.
CSIRO has a strong track record in developing electric drives for the following industries:
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automotive
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oil exploration and mining
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whitegoods and appliances
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heating, ventilation and air conditioning.
Traditionally washing machines have used an induction motor and a gearbox. Reliant on a motor/gearbox combination these machines have been noisy, less durable and had simple wash programs.
During a five-year partnership with Westinghouse's parent company Electrolux, CSIRO developed:
What we did
Direct-drive means the motor is attached to the bowl and the washing and spin action are controlled electronically - there's no gearbox. No gearbox translates to less noise, fewer parts and improved reliability.
The absence of a gearbox also means the speed of the motor is controlled electronically so there is more flexibility in tailoring the wash cycles. A sensor determines the size of the load, selects the most efficient cycle and continuously monitors the wash to maintain consistent action.
This means the entire package is extremely water efficient and carries a AAAA rating.
CSIRO also developed a new approach to braking which has been patented (provisional).
Braking is important as safety standards require that, on lifting the lid in a spin cycle, the machine must stop in a certain amount of time. Improvements mean that the braking function is achieved with fewer parts.
Scientifically, the design process resulted in the development of a low cost position sensor, a novel method for imprinting pole patterns on magnetic sheet, some general scientific publications and a patent.
Scientists involved
Dr Stephen Collocott led this project. He has specifc expertise in applied magnetics and electric drives
Learn more about Dr Stephen Collocott: energy efficiency expert.
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