An inverter motor in a washing machine - what is it?

Content:

What is an inverter motor in washing machines
The main advantages of inverter motors
Pros and cons
Conclusion

Almost silent operation of the appliance, 1600 rpm during spinning, 20% more energy efficiency - do such washing machines really exist? Or is it just another marketing ploy? Let's take a look at the features of the new generation washing machines - with an inverter motor. After all, manufacturers of household appliances tirelessly replenish the assortment of stores with interesting novelties - you should be aware so as not to miss a really worthwhile appliance and make the right choice.

What is an inverter motor in washing machines

The motor of washing machines familiar to all of us is driven by the current, which is supplied to the rotor through special brushes. A magnetic field arises in the rotor winding, which starts the rotation. The intensity of the engine operation in this case depends on the voltage that the electrical network provides. And the rotating element of the drum is the anchor. Rubbing parts - brushes, periodically wear out and must be replaced. And while working, we hear creaking, rubbing and buzzing.

The inverter motor in the washing machine is designed somewhat differently and works on a different principle. It has no brushes or other rubbing elements that transmit current. But there is an AC-to-DC and DC-to-AC converter with a given frequency. As a result, regardless of the voltage, the engine will operate at a consistently high speed, immediately pick up the required speed and respond sensitively to operating commands. In such an engine, the converter itself or the stater acts as a rotating element, which drives the drum of the washing machine. The noise level is an order of magnitude lower than during operation of a conventional engine. In addition, there are no parts to be replaced.

This type of motor was introduced to the household appliance markets by the developers of the LG concern 12 years ago, in 2005. Today, a washing machine with a direct drive and an inverter type of motor is considered an almost ideal model of this brand.

The main advantages of inverter motors

In addition to quieter operation of the device and the absence of consumables, the inverter motor is positioned as a device with a number of advantages. Let's take a closer look at them.

Energy efficiency. It is stated that the use of an inverter motor saves 20% more electricity. This is due to the higher efficiency of the motor, because there are no rubbing brushes in it. In addition, the engine almost immediately picks up the required speed, and when not fully loaded, it controls the intensity of rotation of the drum and does not "accelerate" if this is not necessary.
High power and high-quality spin at high speeds. Thanks to the design of the motor, not only high performance is achieved, but also the maximum power of the device.In modern washing machines, spinning reaches 1600–2000 revolutions - the laundry comes out of the machine almost dry. An excellent option for apartments without balconies and during the cold season. By the way, add, due to the high power of the device, such washing machines have a large drum capacity. On average, a regular model is designed for 7-10 kg of laundry.
Precise intelligent control. All commands executed by the appliance correspond exactly to the washing cycle. Thus, a rational use of water is achieved and the full potential of the device is used.
Durability. Due to the absence of rubbing parts and instant access to the required speed, the inverter motor is able to last much longer than its predecessors. Note that washing machines are designed for 5–8 years of operation, and the manufacturer's warranty for washing machines with an inverter motor is from 10 years.

In general, washing machines with an inverter motor type are more advanced and technologically advanced household helpers with rich and justified functionality and excellent performance characteristics.

Pros and cons

If you still continue to wonder whether it is worth overpaying for the presence of an inverter motor, let's try to weed out the real facts from advertising and understand whether such a motor is worth its money.

Remember that washing machines of this type should have a lower noise level during operation. But it is important to understand that a washing machine with a direct drive can be considered a truly silent device, because the inverter still emits certain sounds during operation (about 50 dB), and at high spin speeds it makes noise in the same way as more outdated fellow engines (about 70 dB).

If we reason logically and take into account that the maximum electricity consumption is reached at the time of heating the water in the washing machine's tank, then a natural question arises - what kind of inverter energy efficiency of 20% are we talking about? Indeed, this figure is somewhat exaggerated, and the savings are obtained due to the high efficiency of the motor and intelligent control - provided that you do not constantly load the drum "to the eyeballs".

High spinning rpm is a good thing, but not always. With such an intense impact on the fabric, things will wear out faster and become unusable. Of course, this is a great reason to constantly update your wardrobe, but if you are not a shopaholic, then such a prospect may not please you.

Precise intelligent control and quick access to the set RPM is a very beautiful phrase. But in reality, it is important for all of us to get high-quality washed things out of the machine, and how accurately the drum will rotate at the same time - we do not even think.

The lack of consumables is also an important plus. One side. On the other hand, in washing machines, these parts - brushes - work quietly for about 10 years at any intensity. And changing the brushes is not a very expensive pleasure. The only excuse for the inverter in this situation is that it works stably and will not leave you without clean laundry at the most unexpected moment.

Considering the rather high price of washing machines with an inverter motor, it is worth thinking carefully before buying an appliance solely because of this type of motor. After all, in fact, you do not receive the promised benefits or they do not affect the efficiency of the washing machine itself. On the other hand, almost all washing machines with an inverter motor are new generation machines, which means they have useful functions that really justify their price.

Conclusion

Buying a washing machine solely because of an inverter is up to you. But based on the foregoing, one can come to the conclusion that one should pay attention to the entire functionality of the device and to its technical capabilities. Only in combination with these parameters, the inverter type of the motor justifies itself and deserves that you install such a washing machine in your home.

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