Optimal Washing Time Control Algorithm for the Drum Washing Machine Using an Inertia Estimator

Generally, operating efficiency of drum washing machine is mostly affected by the washing time. The washing time is determined by the quantity and the type of the laundry. Although the type of the laundry is easily inputted by the user, however the quantity of the laundry can net be easily. Therefore, this paper suggests that the washing time is adjusted by the inertia estimator which can estimate the quantity of the laundry. The proposed algorithm is implemented on the PMSM drive using the low cost position sensor for practical washing machine application. And the experiment is performed by the motor of drum washing machine for the practical load condition.