Digital lye tank (DigiLaugBeh)

Digital design of a lightweight component - Numerical design of a lye tank (Laugenbehälter), regarding service life and ecological aspects.

In the public research project DigiLaugBeh, we conduct intensive research on the best materials to build a lye tank, as detergent container, for washing machines. Our goal is not only to identify the right materials, but also to optimize the manufacturing process and identify possibilities for sustainable recycling at the end of the product's life cycle. These efforts are of paramount importance to extend the washing machine's lifespan, enhance their energy efficiency, and reduce their carbon footprint.

A significant focus is placed on the selection of materials. Historically, lightweight components of this nature have predominantly used injection-molded parts made of short-fiber-reinforced plastic. In this project, we investigate the use of long-fiber-reinforced plastics.

Initially, samples of various material compositions are created by our project partners. Millimeter-sized pieces of the samples are CT-scanned.

The individual fibers are precisely segmented in the CT-scans using Math2Market's software GeoDict. The software provides information on fiber length, fiber orientation, etc., from which statistical Digital Twins with exactly identical properties are generated. On the Digital Twins, mechanical properties, such as stiffness, are calculated digitally and later validated through laboratory testing. In an engineering design loop or parameter study using GeoDict, material parameters are varied and their effects on mechanical properties are digitally analyzed.

The insights gained directly contribute to the design of the detergent container and later, the manufacturing process. In parallel, our project partners assess the sustainability of the materials used and develop concepts for effective recycling at the end of the product's life cycle. In the coming years, these findings are expected to be integrated into industrial production.

The DigiLaugBeh project represents a significant step towards incresingly environmentally-friendly house appliances and significantly improves the energy efficiency of washing machines. The results are apparent to consumers in the form of energy efficiency classes from A to G, which significantly influence purchasing decisions.

The combination of technical precision and environmental awareness makes this project a crucial initiative for a more sustainable future.

Project members

Anne Blumer M.Sc.,
Dr.-Ing. Olga Lykhachova,
Dr. Dennis Mosbach,
Maximilian Luczak, M.Sc.
Dr.-Ing. Oliver Rimmel (consultant)

Latest developments

Project meeting in Renningen

On July 11, 2024, the project partners of the publicly funded DigiLaugBeh project met in Renningen. The current results and progress of the project and future project goals were discussed. In addition, the new schedule was agreed following acceptance of the extension of the project.

Project meeting at Math2Market in Kaiserslautern

On January 16, 2024, the project partners of the publicly funded project DigiLaugBeh met at Math2Market in Kaiserslautern.

Project meeting at the University of Stuttgart

All project partners updated each other on the developments in the project and defined the next steps in the project.

Project meeting in Aachen

All project partners updated each other on the developments in the project and defined the next steps in the project.

Project meeting at the Fraunhofer ITWM in Kaiserslautern

All project partners updated each other on the developments in the project and defined the next steps in the project.

Kick-off meeting for the DigiLaugBeh project

The publicly funded project on the numerical design of a lye tank with regard to service life, taking into account ecological aspects, was approved.

DigiLaugBeh project start

The DigiLaugBeh project is taking off and aims to promote the development of durable components that simultaneously improve energy efficiency and resource conservation.

Funding

We thank the Federal Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) for the ongoing funding under the funding code 03LB3044C