Drying machine and method of operation thereof

Abstract

This invention discloses a dryer for a 5G environment connected for the Internet of Things (IoT) and a method of operating the same. One embodiment of the dryer may include: a drum; a fan connected to the outlet of the drum; a heat exchanger configured in a flow path of working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan; a compressor whose inlet is connected to the flow path connected to the outlet of the fan and whose outlet is connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger; and a steam generator whose outlet is connected to the inlet of the compressor.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a dryer and its operating method, and more specifically, to a dryer and its operating method having a structure that improves heat transfer efficiency and performance. Background Technology

[0002] The content described in this section is only for providing background information on the embodiments and does not constitute prior art.

[0003] Dryers are used to dry laundry and other items that require drying. Depending on the method of obtaining heat to heat the items being dried, dryers can be classified as gas-powered, electric heater-powered, or heat pump-powered.

[0004] Gas-based dryers utilize the heat generated from burning combustible gases to heat and dry objects. The disadvantage of gas-based dryers is that they are large and complex in structure due to the need to receive the gas from an external source.

[0005] The electric heater method is a way of drying objects by using heat obtained from an electric heater. The advantages of electric heater dryers are that they can reduce the size of the dryer and have a simpler structure.

[0006] However, since electric heater dryers use electricity, which is an expensive energy source, they are disadvantageous in terms of cost and energy efficiency.

[0007] A heat pump dryer is a type of dryer that uses a compressor to move heat from a low-temperature thermal reservoir to a high-temperature thermal reservoir, and then uses the acquired heat to heat and dry the object.

[0008] Heat pumps can use a compressor to obtain heat, and electricity can be used to run the compressor.

[0009] However, unlike electric heaters that convert electricity into heat, heat pumps collect heat from a low-temperature heat storage system and transfer it to a high-temperature heat storage system to obtain heat. Therefore, they have the advantage of lower power consumption compared to electric heaters.

[0010] The demand for dryers using electric heaters, which have the advantage of low power consumption, continues to increase, and related research and development are gradually unfolding.

[0011] On the other hand, initial heat is required in dryers for rapid drying operations. A method needs to be developed to reduce power consumption during the initial heating phase of such dryers. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The problem that the invention aims to solve

[0013] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dryer having a structure that can reduce power consumption during initial heating and a method for operating the same.

[0014] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dryer and a method of operating the dryer, the dryer having a structure that uses a generator and a compressor together for initial heating, so as to reduce power consumption during initial heating.

[0015] One problem to be solved by the present invention is to provide a dryer and its operation method having a structure that improves heat transfer efficiency by using a steam trap or a preheater.

[0016] Technical solutions to the problem

[0017] To achieve the aforementioned objectives, a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a drum; a fan connected to the outlet of the drum; a heat exchanger disposed in a flow path of a working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan; a compressor having its inlet connected to the flow path connected to the outlet of the fan and its outlet connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger; and a steam generator having its outlet connected to the inlet of the compressor.

[0018] The dryer of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a housing section, which internally houses a heat exchanger.

[0019] The flow path connected to the fan outlet can be connected to the housing, the flow path connected to the drum inlet can be connected to the housing, and the flow path connected to the compressor inlet can be connected to the housing.

[0020] The dryer in one embodiment of the present invention may further include a preheater, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of a heat exchanger.

[0021] The preheater can be located outside the housing.

[0022] The flow path connecting the fan and the housing can pass through the preheater.

[0023] The dryer in one embodiment of the present invention may further include a steam trap, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the preheater.

[0024] The dryer of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a storage section, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of a steam trap, for storing water that has passed through the steam trap.

[0025] The dryer of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a control valve, which is disposed in the flow path connecting the compressor and the steam generator.

[0026] The dryer of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a control unit, which is electrically connected to a fan, a compressor, a steam generator and a control valve.

[0027] The steam generator is connected to a water supply device and can have a heating device to heat the water flowing in from the water supply device.

[0028] The heating device can be an electric heater.

[0029] A dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: a drum; a fan connected to the outlet of the drum; a heat exchanger disposed in a flow path of working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan; a compressor having its inlet connected to the flow path connected to the outlet of the fan and its outlet connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger; a steam generator having its outlet connected to the inlet of the compressor; a preheater having its inlet connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger; a control valve disposed in a flow path connecting the compressor and the steam generator; and a control unit electrically connected to the fan, the compressor, the steam generator, and the control valve.

[0030] The dryer of one embodiment of the present invention may further include a housing section, wherein the housing section houses a heat exchanger inside, and a preheater is disposed outside the housing section.

[0031] The dryer of one embodiment of the present invention may further include: a steam trap, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of a preheater; and a storage unit, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the steam trap, for storing water that has passed through the steam trap.

[0032] A method for operating a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention may include: operating a fan; operating a compressor; heating water flowing into a steam generator; opening a control valve; closing the control valve after a set time; and interrupting the operation of the steam generator.

[0033] The steam generator is connected to a water supply device and may have a heating device for heating the water flowing in from the water supply device, which may be an electric heater.

[0034] Effects of the Invention

[0035] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by using a steam generator and a compressor together for initial heating, the power consumption of the dryer can be reduced compared to the case where only an electric heater is used for initial heating.

[0036] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing a steam trap connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger, only condensate is discharged from the heat exchanger, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency in the heat exchanger.

[0037] According to embodiments of the present invention, since a preheater can be used to recover a portion of the heat contained in the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger, the heat transfer efficiency and coefficient of performance of the dryer can be improved.

[0038] According to an embodiment of the present invention, by providing a steam trap connected to the preheater outlet, only condensate is discharged to the storage section, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency in the heat exchanger and preheater. Attached Figure Description

[0039] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the external appearance of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0041] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a dryer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a dryer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0043] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a dryer according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0044] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a dryer according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0045] *Explanation of reference numerals in attached figures*

[0046] 10: User Interface

[0047] 100: Roller

[0048] 200: Fan

[0049] 300: Heat exchanger

[0050] 400: Compressor

[0051] 500: Steam generator

[0052] 510: Heating device

[0053] 600: Accommodation Department

[0054] 700: Preheater

[0055] 800: Steam trap

[0056] 900: Storage Department

[0057] 1000: Control valve

[0058] 1100: Control Department

[0059] 1200: Water supply device Detailed Implementation

[0060] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, in order to clarify the main points of the present invention, descriptions of well-known functions or structures will be omitted.

[0061] Figure 1 This is a diagram showing the external appearance of a dryer according to one embodiment. For example, the dryer of this embodiment can be used to dry laundry that has not yet dried after washing. Of course, it can also be used to dry clothes that are wet without being washed.

[0062] The object to be dried can be contained in a tumbler 100 installed in the dryer. (See reference...) Figure 1 For example, the roller 100 has a cylindrical shape and can be configured to rotate as needed.

[0063] A user interface 10 may be provided in the dryer. The user interface 10 is electrically connected to the control unit 1100 described below, and the user can control the operation of the dryer through the user interface 10.

[0064] For example, the user interface 10 may include a display, capacitive touch buttons, physical buttons, knobs, a speaker for the dryer to emit voice commands, a microphone for the user to input commands via voice, etc.

[0065] Therefore, users can receive the necessary operating information from the dryer via text or voice. Additionally, users can operate the dryer by voice input or by manually operating buttons and knobs.

[0066] The dryer also includes a communication unit (transceiver) connected to the control unit 1100, through which the control unit 1100 can communicate with servers, user terminals and other external devices.

[0067] The communication unit may be configured to include at least one of a mobile communication module and a wireless network module. Furthermore, the communication unit may also include a short-range communication module.

[0068] The mobile communication module transmits and receives radio signals with at least one of the base station, external terminal, and server in a mobile communication network constructed according to the technical standards or communication methods used for mobile communication (e.g., Global System for Mobile communication, Code Division Multiple Access, CDMA2000, Enhanced Voice-Data Optimized or Enhanced Voice-Data Only, Wideband CDMA, High Speed ​​Downlink Packet Access, High Speed ​​Uplink Packet Access, Long Term Evolution (LTE), Long Term Evolution-Advanced (LTE-A), 5G mobile communication, etc.).

[0069] A wireless network module is a module used for wireless network connectivity and can be installed in a dryer. The wireless network module is configured to send and receive wireless signals within a communication network based on wireless network technology.

[0070] The dryer can transmit and receive data with servers and various communicable terminals via 5G networks. In particular, the dryer can communicate with servers and terminals via 5G networks using at least one of the following services: Enhanced Mobile Broadband (eMBB), Ultra-reliable and low-latency communications (URLLC), and Massive Machine-type communications (mMTC).

[0071] eMBB is an enhanced mobile broadband service that provides multimedia content, wireless data access, and more. Furthermore, eMBB can provide even more enhanced mobile services, such as hotspots and broadband coverage to accommodate explosive growth in mobile traffic. Hotspots can accommodate large volumes of traffic in areas with low user mobility and high density. Broadband coverage ensures a wide and stable wireless environment and user mobility.

[0072] Compared to existing LTE, URLLC (Ultra-reliable and low latency communications) services define more stringent requirements in terms of data transmission reliability and latency, which correspond to 5G services used in industrial settings such as production process automation, telemedicine, remote surgery, transportation, and security.

[0073] mMTC (Massive Machine-type communications) is a latency-insensitive service that requires relatively small amounts of data transmission. Compared to regular mobile phones, a greater number of terminals, such as sensors, can simultaneously connect to a wireless access network via mMTC. In this case, the communication modules of the terminals must be inexpensive, and power efficiency and energy-saving technologies must be improved to enable operation for many years without battery replacement or recharging.

[0074] In order to apply heat to the object to be dried contained in the drum 100, the dryer of the embodiment can be configured as a thermodynamic cycle.

[0075] The working fluid used to achieve the thermal cycle of the dryer can be a mixture of air and water in a gaseous state, i.e., steam. In this case, the ratio of air to steam in the working fluid can change during the process of various components of the circulating dryer.

[0076] Figure 2 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a dryer according to one embodiment.

[0077] The dryer may be equipped with a flow path for the flow of working fluid. This flow path may connect to various components of the dryer, such as piping, hoses, flow paths, or combinations thereof.

[0078] In a dryer, the flow path of the working fluid can include a circulating flow path and a non-circulating flow path.

[0079] The circulation path is a flow path that connects the roller 100, fan 200, and heat exchanger 300 to each other, allowing the working fluid to circulate along the circulation path. The fan 200 can blow the working fluid to make it flow along the circulation path.

[0080] The non-circulating flow path can branch off from the circulating flow path upstream of the heat exchanger 300 and connect to the compressor 400, thus connecting the compressor 400 and the heat exchanger 300. The working fluid flowing in the non-circulating flow path flows into the compressor 400 and is compressed, and can then be discharged to the outside through the heat exchanger 300.

[0081] A portion of the working fluid in the circulating flow path may flow into a non-circulating flow path branching off from the circulating flow path. The working fluid flowing into the non-circulating flow path is heated by the pressure applied by the compressor 400.

[0082] The heated working fluid discharged from the compressor 400 in the non-circulating flow path can flow into the heat exchanger 300 and exchange heat with the relatively low-temperature working fluid in the circulating flow path. It can then be discharged from the heat exchanger 300 and flow into the storage section 900.

[0083] As previously described, the working fluid in the circulating flow path is heated by the heat exchanger 300, flows into the drum 100 and heats the object to be dried contained in the drum 100, thereby drying the object to be dried.

[0084] In order to carry out drying operations quickly and effectively, the objects to be dried need to be heated rapidly at the beginning of the drying process after the dryer is started.

[0085] This initial heating is used to heat the working fluid in the circulating flow path. For initial heating, an electric heater can typically be installed in the circulating flow path connected to the inlet of the drum 100.

[0086] An electric heater heats the working fluid flowing in the circulation path. The heated working fluid flows into the drum 100, and the object to be dried in the drum 100 can be heated by the working fluid, thereby causing the water contained therein to evaporate and vaporize.

[0087] Compared to a heat pump that uses a compressor 400 to heat the working fluid, an electric heater that uses electricity to heat the working fluid may be at a disadvantage in terms of coefficient of performance (COP).

[0088] That is, the electric heater method has a lower coefficient of performance (COP) compared to the heat pump method. The COP is defined as follows.

[0089]

[0090] The input power includes electrical power, power from the compressor 400, etc.

[0091] The coefficient of performance (COP) of an electric heater is close to 1. In an ideal electric heater, all the input work, i.e., electrical work, is converted into heat, hence the COP is 1. However, the COP of a real electric heater may be less than 1.

[0092] However, the coefficient of performance (COP) of compressor 400 is greater than 1. This is because compressor 400 used for heat pump heating differs from electric heaters that convert all electricity into heat; it generates heat by moving heat from a low-temperature thermal reservoir to a high-temperature thermal reservoir.

[0093] Therefore, when generating the same amount of heat, the compressor 400 can use less electricity compared to the electric heater. That is, compared to using only the electric heater during the initial heating phase, the power consumption in the dryer can be reduced by using the compressor 400 or both the compressor 400 and the electric heater.

[0094] The following is for reference Figure 2 The following figures illustrate in detail the structure of a dryer according to an embodiment that can reduce power consumption.

[0095] Reference Figure 2 The dryer in this embodiment may include a drum 100, a fan 200, a heat exchanger 300, a compressor 400, and a steam generator 500. The structure and function of the drum 100 are as described above.

[0096] The fan 200 can be configured to connect to the outlet of the drum 100. The fan 200 and the drum 100 can be connected to each other via a circulation path for the working fluid. The fan 200 can blow the working fluid flowing in from the drum 100, causing the working fluid to circulate in the circulation path.

[0097] The heat exchanger 300 can be configured in the flow path of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan 200. That is, the heat exchanger 300 can be configured in the circulation path of the working fluid connecting the fan 200 and the drum 100.

[0098] In addition, the non-circulating flow path of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the compressor 400 can pass through the heat exchanger 300.

[0099] Due to this structure, heat exchange can occur between the working fluid in the relatively low-temperature circulating flow path and the working fluid in the relatively high-temperature non-circulating flow path compressed by the compressor 400 in the heat exchanger 300.

[0100] On the other hand, during the initial heating period, the working fluid in the non-circulating flow path is further heated by the steam generator 500 described later, which may result in more active heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300.

[0101] The working fluid in the circulating flow path, which is heated by the heat exchanger 300, flows back into the drum 100, which can heat and dry the object to be dried in the drum 100.

[0102] The dryer in the embodiment may also include a housing 600 that internally houses the heat exchanger 300. For example, the housing 600 may be a flow path and may form part of the circulating flow path.

[0103] The housing 600 has a large cross-sectional area, thereby increasing the contact area between the working fluid in the circulating flow path and the surface of the heat exchanger 300, which in turn improves the heat transfer efficiency between the working fluid in the circulating flow path and the working fluid in the non-circulating flow path.

[0104] However, the cross-sectional area of ​​the housing 600 should be selected taking into account the overall size of the dryer, the size of the space where the housing 600 is set, and the size of the heat exchanger 300.

[0105] like Figure 2 As shown, the flow path connected to the outlet of the fan 200 can be connected to the receiving section 600, the flow path connected to the inlet of the roller 100 can be connected to the receiving section 600, the flow path connected to the inlet of the compressor 400 can be connected to the receiving section 600, and the flow path connected to the inlet of the storage section 900 can be connected to the receiving section 600.

[0106] That is, both the circulating and non-circulating flow paths of the working fluid can be connected to the housing 600. For example, the heat exchanger 300 has an open type that allows the working fluids in the circulating and non-circulating flow paths to mix with each other, and a closed type that separates the working fluids from each other. For example, the heat exchanger 300 in the embodiment can be a closed type.

[0107] When using the closed heat exchanger 300, the non-circulating flow path of the working fluid is directly connected to the heat exchanger 300 disposed in the containment 600. The working fluid of the non-circulating flow path does not mix with the working fluid of the circulating flow path in the containment 600 and can be separated from each other.

[0108] The inlet of the compressor 400 can be connected to a flow path connected to the outlet of the fan 200, and the outlet can be connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger 300.

[0109] The compressor 400 is connected to a non-circulating flow path of the working fluid, and a portion of the working fluid flowing in the circulating flow path can flow into the compressor 400. Due to the pressurization in the compressor 400, the temperature of the working fluid flowing into the non-circulating flow path increases, and it can flow into the heat exchanger 300.

[0110] There are various types of compressors 400, such as reciprocating type, rotary type, screw type, scroll type, centrifugal type, and axial type. Considering size and specific characteristics, a compressor 400 can be appropriately selected.

[0111] Steam generator 500 may be configured such that its outlet is connected to the inlet of compressor 400. Steam is generated in steam generator 500, and the steam discharged from steam generator 500 may flow into a non-circulating flow path connected to the inlet of compressor 400.

[0112] By providing a steam generator 500, the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 can include high-temperature steam flowing in from the steam generator 500. Therefore, compared to the case without a steam generator 500, the working fluid flowing into the compressor 400 can be in a relatively further heated state.

[0113] Additionally, the working fluid that has received steam from the steam generator 500 can flow into the compressor 400, where its temperature can be further increased. The working fluid discharged from the compressor 400 flows into the heat exchanger 300, thereby heating the working fluid in the circulating flow path.

[0114] Therefore, in the dryer of this embodiment, the steam generator 500 and the compressor 400 can perform initial heating.

[0115] For example, the steam generator 500 can generate steam using an electric heater. Therefore, during the initial heating phase, the dryer of this embodiment can use both the electric heater and the compressor 400 simultaneously.

[0116] The compressor 400 has a higher coefficient of performance (COP) compared to electrical work. This is self-evident to those skilled in the art to which this embodiment pertains. That is, the compressor 400 does less work than an electric heater to produce the same amount of heat.

[0117] Therefore, during the initial heating phase, less electricity can be used to obtain the desired amount of heat when both the generator 500 and the compressor 400 are used, compared to using only an electric heater.

[0118] In this embodiment, by using both the steam generator 500 and the compressor 400 for initial heating, the power consumption of the dryer can be reduced compared to the case where only an electric heater is used for initial heating.

[0119] The steam generator 500 can be connected to the water supply device 1200. The water supply device 1200 can supply condensate, i.e., liquid water, to the steam generator 500.

[0120] The steam generator 500 may include a heating device 510 for heating water flowing in from the water supply device 1200. For example, the heating device 510 may be an electric heater.

[0121] The condensate flowing into the steam generator 500 is heated and evaporated by the heating device 510 into steam, which can then flow into the compressor 400 through the non-circulating flow path connected to the compressor 400.

[0122] The dryer in this embodiment may further include a control valve 1000. The control valve 1000 may be disposed in a flow path connecting the compressor 400 and the steam generator 500. The control valve 1000 may control the flow of steam generated in the steam generator 500 into a non-circulating flow path.

[0123] Steam generator 500 is used for initial heating, and its operation can be interrupted once the initial heating is complete. Therefore, control valve 1000 is opened during the initial heating period, allowing steam to flow from steam generator 500 into the non-circulating flow path.

[0124] After sufficient initial heating, control valve 1000 is closed, the steam flowing from steam generator 500 into the non-circulating flow path is blocked, the operation of steam generator 500 is interrupted, and the initial heating can be terminated.

[0125] The object to be dried in the drum 100 is continuously heated, thereby causing the water contained in the object to evaporate continuously. The working fluids in the circulating and non-circulating flow paths contain sufficient steam, and the initial heating can be stopped when heat exchange is smoothly achieved in the heat exchanger 300.

[0126] *Considering the specific design of the dryer, for example, if an initial heating time is set, the initial heating can be stopped after the set time has elapsed.

[0127] As another embodiment, if the humidity of the working fluid is measured by a humidity sensor located at an appropriate position in the circulating flow path, non-circulating flow path, or various components of the working fluid, and the humidity falls within a set range, the initial heating can be terminated.

[0128] The dryer in the embodiment may also include a storage unit 900 and a control unit 1100.

[0129] The storage unit 900 is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300 and can store water that has passed through the heat exchanger 300. Due to the heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300, at least a portion of the vapor contained in the working fluid flowing into the storage unit 900 is condensed, becoming liquid water, i.e., condensate. Therefore, the storage unit 900 can store condensate flowing in from the heat exchanger 300.

[0130] The control unit 1100 can be electrically connected to the fan 200, the compressor 400, the steam generator 500, and the control valve 1000. Additionally, the control unit 1100 can be electrically connected to other components of the dryer that require electrical control.

[0131] The control unit 1100 can control the various components of the dryer, and therefore can control the overall operation of the dryer in this embodiment. For example, the control unit 1100 can control the operation of the fan 200, the compressor 400, the heating device 510 of the steam generator 500, and the opening and closing of the control valve 1000.

[0132] As mentioned above, the control unit 1100 is connected to the user interface 10 and the communication unit, thereby enabling it to receive user commands, send necessary notifications to the user, or communicate with external devices such as servers.

[0133] Figure 3 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a dryer according to another embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 3 As shown, the dryer may include a steam trap 800.

[0134] A steam trap 800 can be configured in the non-circulating flow path, with its inlet connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300. The working fluid flowing into the steam trap 800 may include condensate and steam. This is because at least a portion of the steam contained in the working fluid is condensed during its passage through the heat exchanger 300.

[0135] Condensate in the working fluid flowing into the steam trap 800 flows into the storage section 900 through the steam trap 800, while steam cannot pass through the steam trap 800. The steam that does not pass through the steam trap 800 remains in the heat exchanger 300 and can be used to heat the working fluid in the circulating flow path.

[0136] In this embodiment, by providing a steam trap 800 connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300, only condensate is discharged from the heat exchanger 300, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency in the heat exchanger 300.

[0137] Figure 4 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a dryer according to yet another embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 4As shown, the dryer may also include a preheater 700, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger 300.

[0138] The preheater 700 can be configured in a non-circulating flow path connecting the heat exchanger 300 and the storage section 900. Alternatively, a flow path, i.e. a circulating flow path, connecting the fan 200 and the housing section 600 can pass through the preheater 700.

[0139] The high-temperature working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 and the low-temperature working fluid passing through the fan 200 can exchange heat with each other in the preheater 700. Therefore, the working fluid passing through the fan 200 is heated in the preheater 700 and then flows into the containment 600, where it can be further heated by the heat exchanger 300.

[0140] Because the dryer includes a preheater 700, a portion of the heat from the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300 can be used to heat the working fluid flowing through the preheater 700 in the circulation path. This improves the heat transfer efficiency and coefficient of performance of the dryer.

[0141] At this time, the preheater 700 can be closed to prevent the working fluid flowing in the non-circulating flow path and the working fluid flowing in the circulating flow path from mixing with each other.

[0142] The preheater 700 can be disposed outside the housing 600. Due to this structure, the heat exchanger 300 and the preheater 700 can be separated by the housing 600.

[0143] Thus, the preheater 700 heats the working fluid in the relatively low-temperature circulation path, and the heat exchanger 300 can heat the working fluid in the relatively high-temperature circulation path that has passed through the preheater 700.

[0144] By using a preheater 700 and a heat exchanger 300 to heat the working fluid in the circulating flow path sequentially at relatively low and relatively high temperatures, the heat transfer efficiency of the dryer can be improved, thereby increasing the heat transfer efficiency and coefficient of performance of the dryer.

[0145] The non-circulating working fluid discharged from the preheater 700 exchanges heat with the circulating working fluid in the preheater 700, thus further reducing the dryness (quality) of the water-containing fluid compared to the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300.

[0146] Therefore, compared to the case without preheater 700, the proportion of condensate in the working fluid flowing into storage section 900 can be increased when preheater 700 is present.

[0147] An increase in the proportion of condensate in the working fluid flowing into the storage section 900 means an increase in the amount of heat transferred from the non-circulating working fluid to the circulating working fluid, thus improving the heat transfer efficiency and coefficient of performance of the dryer.

[0148] In this embodiment, a preheater 700 can be used to recover a portion of the heat from the working fluid discharged from the heat exchanger 300, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency and coefficient of performance of the dryer.

[0149] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating the structure of a dryer according to yet another embodiment. (See diagram for example.) Figure 5 As shown, the dryer may also include a steam trap 800, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the preheater 700.

[0150] At this time, the storage unit 900 is configured such that its inlet is connected to the outlet of the steam trap 800, and can store the water that has passed through the steam trap 800.

[0151] The steam trap 800 can be configured in a non-circulating flow path connecting the preheater 700 and the storage section 900. The working fluid flowing into the steam trap 800 can include condensate and steam. This is because at least a portion of the steam contained in the working fluid is condensed during its passage through the heat exchanger 300 and the preheater 700.

[0152] Condensate in the working fluid flowing into the steam trap 800 flows into the storage section 900 through the steam trap 800, while steam cannot pass through the steam trap 800. The steam that does not pass through the steam trap 800 remains in the heat exchanger 300 and the preheater 700, and can be used to heat the working fluid in the circulating flow path.

[0153] In this embodiment, by providing a steam trap 800 connected to the outlet of the preheater 700, only condensate is discharged to the storage section 900, thereby improving the heat transfer efficiency in the heat exchanger 300 and the preheater 700.

[0154] Figure 6 This is a flowchart illustrating a method for operating a dryer according to an embodiment. The method for operating a dryer according to this embodiment can be used with the aforementioned dryer. For example, the dryer can be operated via the aforementioned control unit 1100.

[0155] The dryer operation method described in this embodiment relates to the initial heating of the dryer. The start and end of the initial heating of the dryer will be explained in detail below.

[0156] If the object to be dried is contained in the drum 100, the control unit 1100 can operate the fan 200 (S110).

[0157] As fan 200 operates, the working fluid can flow in the circulation path of the dryer. In step S110, the working fluid in the circulation path is in an unheated state.

[0158] The control unit 1100 can operate the compressor 400 (S120). As the compressor 400 operates, the working fluid can flow into the compressor 400 through a non-circulating flow path branching from the circulating flow path and be compressed.

[0159] For example, in the non-circulating flow path, a branch of the flow path can allow a portion of the working fluid in the flow path to flow into the compressor 400. The working fluid in the non-circulating flow path experiences a temperature increase during compression by the compressor 400 and can then flow into the heat exchanger 300.

[0160] To perform the drying operation quickly and effectively, the object to be dried needs to be heated rapidly at the beginning of the drying process. If the compressor 400 is running, the working fluid in the non-circulating flow path is heated, and the working fluid in the circulating flow path can be heated through heat exchange in the heat exchanger 300.

[0161] However, in order to heat the object to be dried more quickly to accelerate the evaporation of water contained in the object, a steam generator 500 can be used in the embodiment to further heat the working fluid in the non-circulating flow path.

[0162] The control unit 1100 can heat the water flowing into the steam generator 500 (S130). For example, the control unit 1100 can apply electricity to the electric heater, i.e., the heating device 510, provided in the steam generator 500 to heat the water in the steam generator 500.

[0163] The water in the steam generator 500 is heated, and at least a portion of it evaporates into steam. The steam generated in the steam generator 500 can flow into a non-circulating flow path.

[0164] The control unit 1100 can open the control valve 1000 (S140). If the control valve 1000 is open, steam in the steam generator 500 can flow into the non-circulating flow path upstream of the compressor 400 through the flow path configured with the control valve 1000.

[0165] In the non-circulating flow path, the working fluid flowing in from the circulating flow path mixes with the steam flowing in from the steam generator 500, so that the working fluid can be heated while the flow rate increases.

[0166] The working fluid flows into the compressor 400, where its temperature can rise as it is compressed. The non-circulating working fluid flowing out of the compressor 400 exchanges heat with the circulating working fluid in the heat exchanger 300 and preheater 700, thereby heating the circulating working fluid.

[0167] The heated circulating fluid flows into the drum 100, heating the object to be dried contained in the drum 100, thereby causing the water contained in the object to evaporate.

[0168] After a set time has elapsed, the control unit 1100 can close the control valve 1000 (S150). By closing the control valve 1000, the initial heating of the working fluid in the circulation path of the steam generator 500 can be terminated.

[0169] As mentioned above, the drying object is continuously heated by the drum 100, thereby causing the moisture contained in the drying object to evaporate continuously. When the working fluids in the circulating and non-circulating flow paths contain sufficient steam and heat exchange is smoothly achieved in the heat exchanger 300, the initial heating can be terminated.

[0170] Considering the specific design of the dryer, for example, setting an initial heating time, the initial heating can be stopped after the set time has elapsed.

[0171] As another embodiment, if the humidity of the working fluid is measured by a humidity sensor located at an appropriate position in the circulating flow path, non-circulating flow path, or various components of the working fluid, and the humidity falls within a set range, the initial heating can be terminated.

[0172] The control unit 1100 can interrupt the operation of the steam generator 500 (S160). If the control valve 1000 is closed and the initial heating process of the dryer ends, the control unit 1100 interrupts the application of power to the heating device 510 provided in the steam generator 500, thereby interrupting the operation of the steam generator 500.

[0173] The specific embodiments of the present invention have been described and illustrated above. However, the present invention is not limited to the described embodiments. Obviously, those skilled in the art can make various modifications and changes without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Therefore, such modifications or variations should not be understood solely from the technical concept or perspective of the present invention, and the modified embodiments should be considered to fall within the scope of the claims of the present invention.

[0174] Industrial applicability

[0175] According to the dryer and its operation method of the present invention, compared with the case of initial heating using only an electric heater, the power consumption of the dryer can be reduced by using a steam generator and a compressor together for initial heating. In this respect, it surpasses the limitations of the prior art. In addition to being used in related technologies, the device applying related technologies also has sufficient commercial or marketing potential and has reached the level of being clearly implemented in reality. Therefore, the present invention is an invention with industrial applicability.

Claims

1. A dryer, wherein, include: roller; A fan is connected to the outlet of the roller; A heat exchanger is configured in the flow path of the working fluid connected to the outlet of the fan; The compressor has its inlet connected to a flow path connected to the outlet of the fan, and its outlet connected to the inlet of the heat exchanger. A steam generator, the outlet of which is connected to the inlet of the compressor, has a heating device for heating water flowing in from the water supply device; as well as A control valve is disposed in a flow path connecting the compressor and the steam generator; The dryer uses the steam generator and the compressor together for initial heating. Once the initial heating of the working fluid is complete, the control valve is closed.

2. The dryer according to claim 1, wherein, It also includes a housing that internally houses the heat exchanger. A flow path connected to the outlet of the fan is connected to the receiving portion, a flow path connected to the inlet of the roller is connected to the receiving portion, and a flow path connected to the inlet of the compressor is connected to the receiving portion.

3. The dryer according to claim 2, wherein, It also includes a preheater, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the heat exchanger.

4. The dryer according to claim 3, wherein, The preheater is located outside the housing.

5. The dryer according to claim 4, wherein, The flow path connecting the fan and the housing passes through the preheater.

6. The dryer according to claim 3, wherein, It also includes a steam trap, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the preheater.

7. The dryer according to claim 6, wherein, It also includes a storage unit, the inlet of which is connected to the outlet of the steam trap, to store the water that has passed through the steam trap.

8. A method for operating a dryer, used in the dryer of claim 1, the method comprising: The steps for operating the fan; The steps for operating the compressor; The step of heating the water flowing into the steam generator; The step of opening the control valve; The step of closing the control valve after a set time; as well as The step of interrupting the operation of the steam generator.

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