Contents
When buying a washing machine, we pay attention to the type of load, the class of washing, the capacity and material of the drum. But do not forget about such an important element as the engine. The main parameter that should worry you is the engine power of the washing machine.
Why and why you need to know this characteristic when buying SMA, we will tell in this article.
Types of motors in washing machines
Throughout the history of the development of washing machines, engineers have settled on three types of engines that are still in use today:
- asynchronous;
- collector;
- brushless.
Asynchronous motors
The motor for an asynchronous type washing machine can have both a two-phase and a three-phase design. In modern models that came off the assembly line after 2000, they abandoned the use of two-phase motors.
The power of an asynchronous type motor in automatic machines usually ranges from 180 to 360 watts, and the number of revolutions per minute during spinning is about 2800. During washing, the speed of such a motor reaches 300.
As a result, the spin parameters in machines with asynchronous electric motors rarely exceed 400-600 rpm (very rarely reach 1000).
Collector motors
This type of motors has replaced asynchronous ones. Their operation can be provided with both alternating and direct current. Their dimensions are more modest, and in addition, smooth regulation of revolutions using a command block is provided.
There is also a significant drawback – there are brushes in such motors. Over time, they wear out and need to be replaced.
Power ranges from 380 to 800 watts.
Important! The power consumption of the motor during washing and spinning can vary significantly. This indicator cannot be found out from the user manual – the manufacturer writes about it on the part itself.
Brushless motors
This is the latest type of engine that has been used in the SMA design only since 2005. The LG brand was the pioneer.
The main feature that distinguishes the engine from all others is its direct connection to the drum. Such machines are characterized as direct drive CMs and do not have a drive belt. The engine itself is compact, its design is as simple as possible, and its efficiency is high.
The power is not inferior to the details described above, and the number of revolutions of the drum per minute during the spin cycle can be 1600 or even 2000.
Power and power consumption
The level of energy consumption of the entire machine directly depends on how much power the electric motor for the washing machine has. It is this parameter that affects how many kilowatts per hour your washing machine “winds”. When choosing a washing machine, this, and not the power of the engine, worries the buyer.
In general, energy consumption is influenced by many factors:
- Engine power.
- Heater power. On average, a heating element can consume from 1,7 to 2,9 kilowatts. At high temperatures, power increases.
- Drain pump power. It fluctuates in the range of 24-40 watts. This indicator is quite enough to pump out the waste water from the tank.
- The total power of sensors, control and display unit. Within 5-10 watts.
The general indicator for the entire SM is calculated for only one mode – “Cotton”, with heating up to 60 degrees and with a full drum load.
According to the indicators obtained, the machine is assigned an energy efficiency class. Classes are designated in Latin letters from G to A, where G is the lowest class, A is the most efficient.
Important! The number of revolutions of the drum during the “Spin” mode directly depends on the power of the motor.
So, the higher the power of the engine, the more revolutions the drum is able to make during the spin cycle. These indicators are also calculated by manufacturers, which is reflected in the spin classes.
So, a washing machine spinning at a speed of 1600 rpm is class A. But even 800 revolutions will be enough for a full spin of the laundry. And if you are going to wash delicate fabrics often, then the number of revolutions should not particularly worry you at all – the less, the better: things will be intact.
Conclusions about engine power
How to find out how many revolutions a washing machine motor has? How to determine motor power? How, on the basis of this, not to make a mistake in choosing a technique?
It’s simple: washing machines made after 2000 are delivered to stores already with collector or brushless motors. Their power may differ, but this is not the most important indicator for the consumer, since the more pressing issue is the optimal energy efficiency class.
Therefore, if you do not want to understand the technical nuances of motors, just choose a class A or A + machine.
A useful video will tell you even more about the CM engine:
