AquaSmart™ Washer (USA) WL26CW1 CA: 96215 Compiled by Product Evaluation, Auckland Issue 2 February 2007
Contents THE IDEA .......................................................................................................................6 THE AIM ...............................................................................................................................6 AQUASMART’S DUAL MODE SYSTEM.............................................................................7 WASH ACTION .....................................................................................................................
USER INTERFACE/DISPLAY ........................................................................................24 CONSTRUCTION ..........................................................................................................25 CONSTRUCTION ..........................................................................................................26 MECHANICAL COMPONENTS .......................................................................................27 OUTER TUB ................................
23 RPM STIR.......................................................................................................................35 VARIABLE PROFILES............................................................................................................35 LOAD COMPOSITION SENSING ............................................................................................36 BLOOMING .........................................................................................................................
SPIN SPEED ........................................................................................................................48 FABRIC SOFTENER ..............................................................................................................48 SOAK ..................................................................................................................................48 DELAY START ...................................................................................................
The Idea Years ago when life was simple, there were two types of washers, traditional central post top-loaders and frontloaders. One washed by immersing clothes in a large volume of water and one washed by tumbling them through a small volume of water. We used to waste endless time arguing which mode was best, because the very thing that made each washer type good, is also what made it bad – that is of course Water. The main benefit of a front-loader has been its water efficiency.
High Efficiency Washers High Efficiency washers use less water than traditional washers do. They also use less energy, as there is less hot water to heat! High Efficiency washers therefore provide long-term cost savings to the consumer, as well as providing significant environmental benefits. There are two types of HE washers – front-loading and top-loading. Although each works via a different mechanical method, they both provide increased water and energy efficiency.
Wash Action The AquaSmart™ wash action differs to traditional top loader washing machines. profile agitator is what makes this wash action so unique. The low Low profile agitator The agitator gently rolls the clothes over each other in a reverse-toroidal (circular) motion. Items at the bottom are slowly pushed up through the centre, and gently roll over, move to the edge of the basket and work back towards the middle again. This process can be compared to a flower blooming.
Special Features of AquaSmart™ ¾ Dual Modes: AquaSmart™ gives you the ability to select either a High Efficiency wash that minimises water and energy usage, or Conventional mode, which is a more traditional immersion-type wash. ¾ Water Rating: The AquaSmart™ washer’s High Efficiency wash system delivers exceptional water savings – 5.96 Water Factor, making it North America’s most water efficient top loading washer (CEE SEHA Efficiency Tier 2 – effective Jan 1st 2007).
Frequently Asked Questions 1 What are the Wash Temperatures? Cold Incoming from faucet 2 Cold+ 68°F (20°C) Warm/Cold 91°F (33°C) Warm 102°F (39°C) Warm/Hot 115°F (46°C) Hot 140°F (60°C) What detergent should I use? Even though AquaSmart™ is a Top-Loading machine, the High Efficiency wash action means that a low foaming, High Efficiency (HE) detergent is required to avoid problems with over-sudsing. We recommend a liquid high efficiency detergent for optimum results.
7 What if my incoming cold water is very cold? If the incoming cold water temperature is very low you will not get a very effective wash. If Cold+ is selected in the Wash Options menu, AquaSmart™ solves this problem, controlling the cold water temperature by adding a small amount of hot water to the wash in order to raise the temperature to 68°F (20°C). This is the minimum temperature that will activate the detergent, resulting in better soil removal. Many Lifestyle cycles (e.g.
AquaSmart™ Under Analysis Default Cycle Settings Default Setting Wash Time Wash Action Wash Mode Eco Active Wash Temp Rinse Type Spin Speed Spin Time Regular 12-15 mins Regular High Efficiency Warm Aqua rinse (shower) Fast (1000rpm) 6 mins Sheets 15 mins Sheets Conventional Warm Spray/Deep Fast (1000rpm) 6 mins Whites 12-15 mins Regular Conventional Warm/Hot Spray/Deep Fast (1000rpm) 6 mins Colors 12-15 mins Regular Conventional Cold Spray/Deep Fast (1000rpm) 6 mins H
Machine Specifications Capacity (DOE) Depth (mm) Width 3.1 cu ft 25 ¾ “ 25 ¾ “ Height to console* 40 1/5” – 41” Height with lid open* 37 ½” - 38 ½ “ * The exact height of your Aquasmart is dependent on how far the feet are inserted into the base of the machine. • • • Electrical Supply Inlet Water Pressure Standpipe Height 110 – 120V, 60Hz Sinusoidal Max. 1MPa (150 psi) Min. 20kPa (3 psi) 33½ ” to 78” (850-1200mm) Capacity AquaSmart™ has a huge 3.7 cu ft capacity (IEC).
Laundry Theory Removing soil from clothes relies on three forms of energy in varying degrees: 1. Mechanical Energy provided by the washing machine or hand 2. Chemical Energy provided by the detergent 3. Thermal Energy in the form of hot water The contribution of these three factors will determine the wash performance of any machine Achieving acceptable wash performance is not just about getting the clothes clean.
Super-Efficient Home Appliance Initiative (SEHA) The Consortium of Energy Efficiency (CEE) is a non-profit organisation made up of utilities, environmental and public interest groups and government agencies. CEE is dedicated to helping private and public interests form partnerships to accelerate the development and availability of technologies that save water and energy, maintain customer satisfaction and enhance environmental quality.
DOE Energy Guide Label According to the U.S. Government Department of Energy (DOE) test: AquaSmart™ achieves a 2.0 MEF Energy Rating, using as little as 211 kWh of energy per year (based on 365 cycles/year).
User Information The Eco Guide Lid Label has been designed and included on the underside of the lid as a basic user guide for consumers. The Eco Guide is an effort to try and educate the user about the importance of using AquaSmart™ correctly; use of HE (High Efficiency) detergent only, correct use of the detergent and fabric softener dispensers, as well of the selection of the Fabric Softener and Bleach options to ensure both products are dispensed correctly.
The AquaSmart™ Advantage – Key Claims Water Savings AquaSmart™ qualifies for a 5.96 Water Factor – making AquaSmart™ more water efficient than many front load washers as well as the most water efficient top loading washer available. Time Completes a Regular cycle in both High Efficiency and Conventional modes in approximately 55 minutes. Energy AquaSmart™ is an energy leader, qualifying for 2.05 MEF energy rating, just 211kWh/year.
The Rinse There are five main rinses that have been developed for the AquaSmart™ washer. Aqua Rinse Spray and Deep Rinse Fabric Softener Rinse Double Deep Rinse Allergy Rinse The default rinse varies for each cycle, and the rinse may vary if the user selects certain options. All High Efficiency cycles default to an Aqua Rinse, while if Conventional is selected, a Spray and Deep Rinse is used. Bulky cycles use a Double Deep type rinse, as does Handwash.
Adaptive Rinse The Aqua Rinse is a series of time-controlled sprays. These sprays are timed to give the correct water volume at 320kPA (standard) water pressure, but households frequently have lower water pressure. AquaSmart™ measures water pressure by timing the flow rate during fill and uses this information to extend the spray time if the flow rate is low to ensure that the correct amount of water is always used.
The Motor AquaSmart™ has a brushless DC motor, with 48 permanently magnetised ferrite poles. The stator has 36 electrically commutated poles and is controlled by 3 hall positioning sensors. The hall sensors provide the signal to electrically control the stator magnetic poles, via the current limiting switching electronics. The resulting magnetic field causes the rotor to rotate. The AquaSmart™ motor controller controls the switching sequence of electrical current to the stator.
Electronics The AquaSmart™ electronics are made up of two primary parts – the motor controller and the display module. Both contain thousands of lines of electronic code, programmed following years of testing and development, and designed to deal effectively with any situation. Motor Controller The AquaSmart™ Motor Controller is very similar to SmartDrive. Primarily it controls the electronic switching hardware to regulate the phase currents in the DC motor.
User Interface/Display The new soft touch display is a sleek, minimalist design, with a dot matrix LCD display screen acting as the information hub of the washer. AquaSmart™ has the most wash cycles and options of any Fisher & Paykel washer yet. It features a multi-layer menu structure. The new dot matrix screen allows us to present information in a simple, clear way, as the user needs it.
When you first turn AquaSmart™ on, the main wash cycles are displayed. Highlight the chosen wash cycle using the SCROLL keys and press SELECT. The wash cycle options will then be displayed for the chosen cycle. Wash options can be easily modified by using the scroll keys to select the appropriate option, and pressing the SELECT key. The wash option setting can then be modified using the scroll keys.
Construction At first glance the Aquasmart looks similar to the GWL15 and IWL16 but in fact most parts have been re-designed or modified in the Aquasmart. The suspension, outer basket, inner basket, neck ring, agitator, top-deck, display, fascia, electronics, pump, valves, and many more small parts have been redesigned.
Mechanical Components Outer Tub The outer tub is made of polypropylene, which is inherently resistant to chemical attack. The outer tub is moulded over a machined aluminium extrusion to form one of the main structural elements of AquaSmart™. It also features chutes to assist in the dispensing of detergent and fabric softener and moulded vanes in the bottom, which help to break up detergent, minimising detergent residue.
Wrapper The wrapper (cabinet) is made of galvanised pre-painted steel to ensure a long, durable life. Low Profile Agitator AquaSmart™ has a low-profile agitator that moves back and forth to “jiggle” the clothes gradually from the centre of the basket to the outside of the basket in a reverse-toroidal motion. The load gently rolls over, with each item being pushed up from the centre and turning over to disappear down the side in turn. We call this “blooming”, as it forms a flower like shape.
Neck Ring The polypropylene neck ring was re-designed for AquaSmart™ and serves a number of functions. It is shaped to create a desirable spray pattern for recirculated water. It also contains receptacles for the dispensing system, separating detergent and fabric softener, and directing them down the wall of the outer tub. The neck ring also provides stability to the shape of the outer tub. Nozzle Above. Section of neck-ring, showing receptacles for the dispensing system.
Detergent Type Even though AquaSmart™ is a top-loading washer, it is a High Efficiency machine and requires a low foaming High Efficiency (HE) detergent due to the low water volumes. These detergents are available in both liquid and powder forms. For the best results we would recommend using liquid HE detergent. Dosage Use the instructions on the detergent packet as a guide to the correct amount to use.
Type Fabric Softener Yes, you can use liquid fabric softener in AquaSmart™. However Fisher & Paykel do not recommend the use of in-wash liquid fabric softeners as they can produce a waxy build up known as scrud inside the machine, damaging your appliance. Instead we advise using dryer softener sheets, which are added to your clothes in the dryer. However, for those people who prefer using liquid fabric softeners, AquaSmart™ does have a fabric softener dispenser.
Bleach Type We recommend the use of a detergent with built in bleach. If you do wish to use liquid bleach please follow the following instructions carefully. AquaSmart uses only a small volume of water to wash a load of laundry, and because of this concentrated wash liquor AquaSmart needs only approximately half the recommended dose of liquid bleach. This gives the same result as a full dose of bleach. To use liquid bleach select the WHITES cycle and select the BLEACH icon in the wash options menu.
Hygiene Background Micro-organisms such as bacteria, fungi, parasites, and viruses are a major cause of human disease. Bacteria are by far the most significant of these, accounting for approximately 90% of human infections. The human body has a large number and variety of bacteria present both on the skin and in the digestive tract. These mostly perform tasks that are useful, or even essential, to human survival and are expected to be present.
AquaSmart™ Functionality Dual Mode In High Efficiency mode, AquaSmart™ fills with just enough cool water to lift the clothes off the low profile agitator (see automatic water level, below). As the agitator rotates, the clothes gently roll over each other. This mode uses minimal water, similar to many front loaders, with the benefit of water savings and higher detergent concentrations, maximising soil removal.
Eco Active Wash AquaSmart™ begins each cycle with an Eco Active wash, designed to activate detergent and use hot water more efficiently. Just enough warm water is added to the machine so the clothes are saturated. This creates a highly concentrated detergent solution that is circulated through the clothes – the sudsy water is diverted up a special portal and is sprayed back over the clothes in a waterfall effect.
Load Composition Sensing Different load types behave very differently when washed in AquaSmart™ due to varying mixes of fabric types and weights. Two main load types commonly used were identified – heavy/mixed loads and cotton/light loads. Heavy mixed loads require more vigorous profiles in order to bloom and continue to turnover adequately.
Automatic Lint Removal System AquaSmart™ has a self-cleaning lint removal system that works by continuous water circulation, resulting in the separation of lint from the wash liquor. As a result of the agitator action, lint and wash liquor are sucked underneath the low profile agitator into the cavity between the inner basket and outer tub. The extruded holes of the inner basket are shaped to allow the wash liquor to flow back into the basket, but prevent the lint from following.
SPIN 1000 Rpm The AquaSmart™ washer has an inherently balanced direct-drive DC motor that allows us to achieve higher spin speeds than with a conventional belt-driven AC motor. Pre-Spin Before commencing spin AquaSmart™ will rotate the basket at 45rpm to check that there is not a severe out-of-balance load. This helps to prevent cabinet denting - if a large out-of-balance mass is detected then spin will not be attempted.
Safety Features Auto Drain Unsupervised clothes washers filled with water can present a drowning hazard to children and animals. AquaSmart™ has been programmed to recognise when this hazard occurs, and to react by draining water to a safe level. If AquaSmart™ is paused at any time during the cycle, Auto Drain will be activated after 3 minutes. Lid Lock AquaSmart™ has a lid lock that is engaged for nearly the whole cycle to prevent the customer from potential hazards of moving parts.
AquaSmart™ Cycles AquaSmart™ has a large range of cycles – Regular, Sheets, Sheets, Whites, Colours, Heavy Duty, Easy Iron, Delicate Bulky (Synthetic Comforter, Feather Comforter, Sleeping Bag, Jacket, Blanket, Throw), Rinse & Spin, and Spin Only, as well as 19 pre-programmed Lifestyle cycles. Regular High Efficiency Mode ON – for normally soiled everyday cotton loads eg.
Whites High Efficiency Mode ON – unavailable Conventional Mode (High Efficiency OFF) – ideal for white garments and incorporates a bleach option.
Heavy Duty High Efficiency Mode – high temperature wash to keep white garments looking white. Conventional Mode (High Efficiency OFF) – ideal for white garments where more water is important.
Easy Iron High Efficiency Mode ON – Unavailable Conventional Mode (High Efficiency OFF) – the recommended cycle to minimize wrinkling.
Rinse & Spin High Efficiency Mode ON - This cycle allows you to select a water efficient rinse and spin only. Conventional Mode (High Efficiency OFF) – This cycle allows you to select a rinse and spin only, using more water in the rinse for those situations that require it.
Lifestyle Cycles AquaSmart™ has 19 pre-programmed Lifestyle cycles, designed to expertly deal with tricky washing situations. Special Care A range of cycles designed to take care of items requiring special care.
Family Especially designed cycle to combat some common household washing situations.
Clean Up All “High Efficiency” machines have much less water flushing through them so it’s important to regularly clean the machines to ensure no unhygienic build-ups occur. We have equipt the Aquasmart with a “Clean-up” cycle that can be accessed through the Lifestyles –Sports-Clean up. It ensures the inner and outer baskets are kept clean and should be used without clothes and with detergent.
Spin Speed AquaSmart™ has three spin speeds - Slow (330rpm), Medium (670rpm) and Fast (1000rpm). It is also possible to select No Spin. The spin speed may automatically decrease if an out-ofbalance load is detected. Fabric Softener When fabric softener is used, Fabric Softener must be turned ON. AquaSmart™ will then complete a Fabric Softener rinse, which correctly dispenses fabric softener onto the clothes.
How to Keep AQUASMART™ Clean It is important to keep your AquaSmart™ clean. The lid and fabric softener compartments are all designed to be easily removed and cleaned. Lid To remove the lid, open it fully, and, holding one side, gently pull the other side upward to remove from hinge. The other side can then be lifted and the lid removed fully, allowing easy cleaning of the hinge area. To replace the lid, hold the lid vertically and align both hinges before pushing down firmly. Top Deck Above.
Problem Solving AquaSmart™ is capable of diagnosing its own problems and will beep and display a message telling the customer what is wrong. If it is a problem that the customer is capable of solving it will give a musical series of beeps every 5 seconds. FAULTS A CUSTOMER MAY BE ABLE TO FIX: “My load is out of balance”: Wash load is out-of-balance. Ensure the machine is stationary and level, then manually re-distribute the load.
If the AquaSmart™ has a fault that requires service it will continuously beep once every second. Before you call for service… 1. Turn your machine off at the wall, 2. Wait for 60 seconds and turn it back on. 3. Check the machine is level. 4. Remove load and retry. 5. Put through a Rinse and Spin cycle. 6. If the fault re-occurs turn it off at the wall. If the machine will still not work then call Fisher and Paykel and/or an Authorised Service Agent to arrange service.
Small puddle of water coming from under machine: The detergent dispenser may be blocked Fabric softener dispenser may not be fitted correctly Machine may have been overloaded, causing splash from clothes as machine filled. Try reducing load size or select Bulky cycle for large, bulky items. Wash cycle time is longer than usual If water pressure is low, cycle times will increase due to longer fill times. Ensure inlet hose filters are not blocked. Recovery mode may have been initiated.
Wash Problem Solving Listed below are possible causes and solutions to some common wash problems. Creasing: Was the washer or dryer overloaded? Selecting the Easy Iron cycle will minimise creasing. Try not to leave wet clothes in washing machine or laundry basket. Linting: Was the washer overloaded? Wash lint-givers (e.g. towels, flannel sheets) separately from lint collectors (e.g. synthetics).
