Energy Efficient Washing Machine's Market Debut Nears

A new concept in energy efficient washing machine technology is now close to making its market debut.  Created by UK firm Xeros, the washing machine reduces water consumption down to 10 per cent of the norm, according to its makers.  It does this by using polymer beads which act as a natural stain magnet, and which can be used again and again.

These beads form part of the materials introduced at the start of a Xeros washing machine cycle, along with just one cup of water and a small quantity of detergent.  During the cycle, stains are dissolved by the water, which is in turn absorbed by the beads.  It is not necessary to clean these beads after use, and their projected lifespan is approximately 100 cycles – six months use or so for a typical family.

Xeros Washing Machine

The Xeros washing machine is low on energy consumption and low on emissions.  According to Xeros the company, its environmental credentials including the following features:

• Associated water consumption is 90 per cent less than standard washing machines – a saving that equates to 1.2 billion tonnes of water per annum, in the US.
• Carbon footprint is reduced by as much as 40 per cent, on account of the reduced amount of electricity and detergent required to operate it.
• This 40 per cent carbon footprint reduction is the same as if five million cars stopped using US highways.

Energy Efficient Technology

The energy efficient technology behind the Xeros washing machine (Xeros being a Greek term for the word ‘dry’) was created by scientists working at the UK’s Leeds University - Xeros Ltd being an off-shoot firm established purely to bring it to market.

“We will not make the machines ourselves so are inviting interest from machine manufacturers who would want to partner with us to bring the Xeros system to the market”, the Chief Executive Officer of Xeros Ltd, Bill Westwater, stated in comments made to gadget-focused publication Gizmag.

The plan is to bring the Xeros washing machine to the market late in 2010.  “After we are established in this commercial sector we will certainly be examining how we can compact the technology so that it can fit into consumer homes”, Westwater added.

Xeros Washing Machine image provided by Xeros Ltd