Pressure washer
A pressure washer is provided in which the low-pressure water supplied to the unit is routed through thermally conductive channels in the housing to absorb heat generated by the motor and electronics before being pressurized for cleaning. The channels are arranged in a serpentine configuration around the motor, with optional cavities in the end caps to increase heat transfer surface area and improve cooling efficiency. Heat from the motor is transferred to the housing and into the water, while heat from the electronics is conducted to the second end cap and into the same water flow. The heated water is then delivered to the pump, where it is pressurized for discharge through the outlet. This design enables efficient cooling of the motor and electronics using the pressurized water, eliminating the need for a separate cooling system.
1 . A method of cooling a motor in a pressure washer, the method comprising:
enclosing the motor within a cavity formed in a main motor housing and sealed by first and second end caps;
flowing water through a series of flow channels formed at an outer portion of the main motor housing, the flow channels directing the water back and forth in alternating directions in a serpentine configuration;
transferring heat from the motor to the main motor housing;
transferring heat from the main motor housing to the water as it flows through the channels;
pressurizing and discharging the water flowing through the series of flow channels through an outlet, thereby simultaneously removing heat from the pressure washer generated by the motor and providing pressurized water; and
transferring heat from one or more electronic components to the water via the second end cap.
2 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising redirecting the water between adjacent flow channels using return channels formed in one or more end caps.
3 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the channels are formed between parallel walls.
4 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the water flows into a return channel between the flow channels to redirect the flow of water in an opposite direction.
5 . The method of claim 1 further comprising flowing water in opposite directions in immediately adjacent flow channels.
6 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising thermally coupling the one or more electronic components to the second end cap using a heat-conductive plate.
7 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising thermally coupling at least one electronic component to the second end cap using a heat conduit extending between the electronic component and a mounting pad on the second end cap.
8 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the water flowing through the series of flow channels comprises a single continuous flow of water that both removes heat from the motor and is subsequently pressurized for discharge through the outlet.
9 . The method of claim 8 , further comprising receiving the water at a first pressure, routing the water through the series of flow channels to absorb heat, and thereafter delivering the same water to a pump for pressurization.
10 . The method of claim 9 , wherein the water is routed directly from the series of flow channels to the pump without diversion into a separate cooling loop.
11 . The method of claim 1 , further comprising introducing water into the flow channels at a first pressure and subsequently pressurizing the same water to a higher pressure prior to discharge through the outlet.
12 . The method of claim 11 , wherein the water is cooled prior to pressurization by absorbing heat from the motor through the main motor housing.
13 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the series of flow channels is configured such that all water supplied to the outlet passes through the flow channels prior to pressurization.
14 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the water that removes heat from the motor is the same water that is discharged from the outlet for cleaning.
15 . The method of claim 1 , wherein the water sequentially performs a cooling function and a cleaning function within a single integrated fluid circuit.
16 . The method of claim 1 , wherein heat removed from the motor is carried by the same water that is subsequently pressurized and expelled for cleaning operations.